Adenovirus E1A-induced apoptosis elicits a steep decrease in the topoisomerase II alpha level during the latent phase.

The human KB derivative cell line MA1, established by introduction of the adenovirus E1A 12S cDNA linked to the hormone-inducible promoter, elicits apoptosis upon treatment with dexamethasone. The cell lines partially refractory to apoptosis were established by introducing the expression plasmid for the adenovirus E1B 19k protein to MA1 cells. After induction of E1A in MA1 cells by dexamethasone, the level of p53 increased to about 10-fold within 24 h, and morphological changes characteristics of apoptosis began to be observed within 48 h. Most of cells were killed at 72 h releasing apoptotic bodies. The level of topoisomerase II alpha began to decrease steeply within 36 h, preceding the onset of DNA degradation while its mRNA level unchanged throughout the apoptotic process. E1B 19k protected the decrease in topoisomerase II alpha as well as DNA fragmentation depending on its expression levels. Topoisomerase II alpha is induced specifically at G2/M, and computer search revealed the presence of cyclin B type destruction box in topoisomerase II alpha. These results strongly suggest that E1A or E1A stabilized p53 induces apoptosis by targeting topoisomerase II alpha to the ubiquitination pathway and E1B 19k alleviates its action.