Autophagy of metallothioneins prevents TNF-induced oxidative stress and toxicity in hepatoma cells.

Lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) induced by oxidative stress has recently emerged as a prominent mechanism behind TNF cytotoxicity. This pathway relies on diffusion of hydrogen peroxide into lysosomes containing redox-active iron, accumulated by breakdown of iron-containing proteins and subcellular organelles. Upon oxidative lysosomal damage, LMP allows relocation to the cytoplasm of low mass iron and acidic hydrolases that contribute to DNA and mitochondrial damage, resulting in death by apoptosis or necrosis.

Local thermal injury induces general endothelial cell contraction through p38 MAP kinase activation.

Endothelial cells (ECs) of thin-walled blood vessels form a barrier between blood and tissue. As a response to inflammation, the EC junctions widen and gaps form, resulting in compromised barrier functions. Although the mechanisms behind the establishment of these changes are still incompletely understood, one known reason is actomyosin-dependent actin rearrangement.

Autophagy of iron-binding proteins may contribute to the oxidative stress resistance of ARPE-19 cells.

The objective of this study was to elucidate possible reasons for the remarkable resistance of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to oxidative stress. Much oxidative damage is due to hydrogen peroxide meeting redox-active iron in the acidic and reducing lysosomal environment, resulting in the production of toxic hydroxyl radicals that may oxidize intralysosomal content, leading to lipofuscin (LF) formation or, if more extensive, to permeabilization of lysosomal membranes. Formation of LF is a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and known to jeopardize normal autophagic rejuvenation of vital cellular biomolecules.

Protective induction of Hsp70 in heat-stressed primary myoblasts: Involvement of MAPKs.

The involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1,2), stress kinase p38 and c-Jun NH2 -terminal kinases 1 and 2 (JNK1,2) on Hsp70-upregulation following mild heat shock, and resulting cell protection, was studied on rabbit primary myoblasts. Cells subjected to heat stress (42°C; 60 min) showed a significantly enhanced amount of heat-shock-induced protein 70 (Hsp70), correlating with sustained phosphorylation of MAP kinases ERK1,2, inhibition of p38 and JNK1,2 activation. Induced Hsp70 did not autocrinally suppress activation of transcription factor c-Jun, suggesting involvement of the latter in the protection of myoblasts following heat shock.

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy.

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding.