ERK/MAPK信号转导途径在急性髓系白血病发病机制中的作用

目的:研究急性髓系白血病细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)/丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(M APK)的表达水平及其意义。方法:以急性髓系白血病细胞株HL-60细胞,31例初治急性髓系白血病(AM L)、14例AM L完全缓解(CR)和15例正常供髓者骨髓细胞为研究对象,应用流式细胞术检测磷酸化ERK 1/2信号分子的表达。结果:HL-60细胞,初治AM L、AM L-CR及正常骨髓细胞均表达磷酸化ERK 1/2,但表达水平不同。HL-60、初治AM L细胞与AM L-CR、正常细胞相比,磷酸化ERK 1/2表达水平均显著增高(P<0.05),高表达磷酸化ERK 1/2的初治AM L比例为80.6%(25/31)。结论:ERK/M APK信号途径的构成性激活在急性髓系白血病的发病中起重要作用。     

Role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase kinase in adenosine A2B receptor-mediated interleukin-8 production in human mast cells

The endogenous nucleoside adenosine is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of asthma by stimulating mast cells. We previously showed that the human mast cell line HMC-1 expresses A2A and A2B receptors, and that both receptors activate adenylate cyclase via Gs-protein but that only A2B receptors are also coupled to phospholipase C via Gq proteins. Stimulation of A2B but not A2A receptors induced production of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from HMC-1 cells. The mechanism by which adenosine promotes IL-8 synthesis has not been defined. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are involved in this process. Stimulation of HMC-1 with the stable adenosine analog NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) activated p21(ras) and both p42 and p44 isoforms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). NECA (10 microM) induced a 1.9 +/- 0. 06-fold increase in ERK activity, whereas 10 microM of the selective A2A agonist CGS 21680 (4-((N-ethyl-5'-carbamoyladenos-2-yl)-aminoethyl)-phenylpropionic acid) had no effect. NECA, in parallel with the activation of ERK, also stimulated the p46 isoform of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (MEK) and p38 MAPK. Furthermore, the selective MAPK/ERK kinase 1 inhibitor PD 98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), and p38 MAPK inhibitors SB 202190 (4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole) and SB 203580 (4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H- imidaz ole) blocked A2B receptor-mediated production of IL-8. These results indicate that extracellular adenosine can regulate ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK signaling cascades and that activation of ERK and p38 MAPK pathways are essential steps in adenosine A2B receptor-dependent stimulation of IL-8 production in HMC-1.     

Effect of training on activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in rat soleus muscle

1. The effect of a chronic programme of either low- or moderate-to-high-intensity treadmill running on the activation of the extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways was determined in rat muscle. 2. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: (i) sedentary (NT; n = 8); (ii) low-intensity training (8 m/min; LIT; n = 16); and (iii) moderate-to-high-intensity training (28 m/min; HIT; n = 16). The training regimens were planned so that animals covered the same distance and had similar glycogen utilization for both LIT and HIT exercise sessions. 3. A single bout of LIT or HIT following 8 weeks of training led to a twofold increase in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (P = 0.048) and a two- to threefold increase in p38 MAPK (P = 0.005). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation in muscle sampled 48 h after the last exercise bout was similar to sedentary values, while p38 MAPK phosphorylation was 70-80% lower than sedentary. One bout of LIT or HIT increased total ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK expression, with the magnitude of this increase being independent of prior exercise intensity or duration. Extracellular signal- regulated kinase 1/2 expression was increased three- to fourfold in muscle sampled 48 h after the last exercise bout irrespective of the prior training programme (P = 0.027), but p38 MAPK expression was approximately 90% lower than sedentary values. 4. In conclusion, exercise-training of different intensities/ durations results in selective postexercise activation of intracellular signalling pathways, which may be one mechanism regulating specific adaptations induced by diverse training programmes.     

Sequence-dependent potentiation of paclitaxel-mediated apoptosis in human leukemia cells by inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Effects of inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK/MAPK) cascade have been examined in relation to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in human monocytic leukemia cells (U937). Cells treated with paclitaxel (250 nm; 6 h) followed by PD98059 [corrected] exhibited a significant increase in mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., cytochrome c release), caspase activation, poly ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage, and apoptosis, whereas pretreatment of cells with PD98059 reduced lethality. Similar results were obtained with other MEK/MAPK inhibitors (e.g., U0126 and PD184352). Subsequent exposure of paclitaxel-treated cells to PD98059 did not enhance dephosphorylation/activation of p34(cdc2) but diminished expression of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. The caspase inhibitor ZVAD-fmk opposed potentiation of paclitaxel-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) and apoptosis by PD98059, but not cytochrome c release. Paclitaxel treatment induced sustained phosphorylation/activation of MAPK, an effect prevented by subsequent, but not prior, exposure to PD98059. Paclitaxel treatment also induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation, but this effect was enhanced only slightly by subsequent PD98059 administration. Although paclitaxel alone failed to induce p38 MAPK activation, subsequent (but not prior) exposure to PD98059 induced a dramatic increase in p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Moreover, coadministration of the p38 MAPK inhibitors SB203580 and SB202190 abrogated the increase in paclitaxel-mediated apoptosis induced by PD98059. Finally, subsequent PD98059 exposure increased, whereas prior exposure decreased inhibition of clonogenicity by paclitaxel. Together, these findings suggest that subsequent exposure of paclitaxel-treated U937 cells to MEK/MAPK inhibitors induces perturbations in signaling pathways, particularly the p42/44 MAPK and p38 MAPK cascades, that lower the threshold for mitochondrial injury and induction of cell death.     

Selective inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases by zinc accounts for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent oxidative neuronal cell death

Oxidative stress induced by glutathione depletion in the mouse HT22 neuroblastoma cell line and embryonic rat immature cortical neurons causes a delayed, sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, which is required for cell death. This sustained activation of ERK1/2 is mediated primarily by a selective inhibition of distinct ERK1/2-directed phosphatases either by enhanced degradation (i.e., for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1) or as shown here by reductions in enzymatic activity (i.e., for protein phosphatase type 2A). The inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphatases in HT22 cells and immature neurons subjected to glutathione depletion results from oxidative stress because phosphatase activity is restored in cells treated with the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole. This leads to reduced ERK1/2 activation and neuroprotection. Furthermore, an increase in free intracellular zinc that accompanies glutathione-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells and immature neurons contributes to selective inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphatase activity and cell death. Finally, ERK1/2 also functions to maintain elevated levels of zinc. Thus, the elevation of intracellular zinc within neurons subjected to oxidative stress can trigger a robust positive feedback loop operating through activated ERK1/2 that rapidly sets into motion a zinc-dependent pathway of cell death.     

Akt-dependent phosphorylation of serine 1179 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 cooperatively mediate activation of the endothelial nitric-oxide synthase by hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide mediates vasodilation, but the mechanisms responsible for this process remain undefined. We examined the effect of H(2)O(2) on nitric oxide (NO*) production and the signaling events involved. NO* release from bovine aortic endothelial cells was detected with an NO*-specific microelectrode. The addition of H(2)O(2) caused a potent dose-dependent increase in NO* production. This was partially Ca(2+)-dependent because BAPTA/AM reduced NO* production at low (<50 microM) but not high (>100 microM) concentrations of H(2)O(2). Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase inhibition [with wortmannin or 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-1(4H)-benzopyran-4-one hydrochloride], infection with a dominant-negative mutant of Akt, or mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (MEK/ERK1/2) inhibition (with PD98059 or U0126) partially attenuated, whereas inhibition of both PI 3-kinase and MEK1/2 abolished H(2)O(2)-dependent NO* production. ERK1/2 seemed necessary for NO* production early (<5 min) after H(2)O(2) addition, whereas PI 3-kinase/Akt was more important at later time points. Phosphorylation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) at serine 1179 was observed >10 min after the addition of H(2)O(2), and this was prevented by wortmannin but not by PD98059. c-Src family tyrosine kinase(s) was found to be upstream of H(2)O(2)-dependent Akt and eNOS serine 1179 phosphorylation and subsequent NO* production. In summary, H(2)O(2) causes endothelial NO* release mediated by cooperative effects between PI 3-kinase/Akt-dependent eNOS serine 1179 phosphorylation and activation of MEK/ERK1/2. This may represent an acute cellular adaptation to an increase in oxidant stress.     

Genistein-induced apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells involves calpain-caspase and apoptosis signaling kinase 1-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation cascades

The molecular mechanisms of genistein-induced apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were investigated. Genistein showed 50% cell growth inhibition at IC50=27.5+/-0.8 micromol/l in 24 h incubation under 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay conditions. Genistein is known to express both cell growth activity at nanomolar concentrations and anti-cell growth activity at micromolar concentrations. It was found that genistein at 100 micromol/l concentration effectively induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in 24 h. Genistein-induced apoptosis involved activation of calpain, caspase 7 and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase. Dantrolene, an inhibitor of Ca release from the endoplasmic reticulum, inhibited genistein-induced activation of calpain and caspase 7, in addition to effectively negating genistein-induced apoptosis. MCF-7 cells treated with genistein also showed increased phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, whereas no effect was observed for extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2. Phosphorylation of apoptosis signaling kinase 1, an upstream regulator of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, was also increased by genistein treatment. Genistein-induced phosphorylation of apoptosis signaling kinase 1 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was diminished by the presence of dantrolene. These results suggest that genistein-induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells is mediated through calpain-caspase 7 and apoptosis signaling kinase 1-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation cascades that involve Ca release from the endoplasmic reticulum.     

2'-Nitroflavone induces apoptosis and modulates mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in human leukaemia cells

The cytotoxic activity of 2'-nitroflavone was evaluated in different haematological cancer cell lines and its mechanism of action was further studied in HL-60 cells. 2'-Nitroflavone arrested the cell cycle at the G(2)/M phase and induced an apoptotic response characterized by an increase in the sub-G1 fraction of cells, a typical DNA ladder fragmentation, chromatin condensation and the detection of cells stained with Annexin V. Apoptosis was dependent on the activation of at least caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3. The involvement of the death receptor pathway was indicated by the upregulation of both the tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptor (DR5). We also showed that 2'-nitroflavone increased the expression levels of Bax and induced the release of cytochrome C to cytosol, suggesting the participation of the mitochondria-dependent pathway. When mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways were studied, it was found that p38 and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways were activated by 2'-nitroflavone in HL-60 cells, whereas the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 decreased significantly. In addition, whereas both pharmacological inhibition of JNK and downregulation of JNK expression by RNA interference reduced the nitroflavone growth-inhibitory activity and the apoptotic effect, contrasting results were obtained when the ERK1/2 pathway was inhibited, and no effect was observed in the presence of a specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These findings show for the first time the antitumour action of 2'-nitroflavone in haematological cancer cell lines and suggest that both JNK and ERK1/2 cascades are involved in the apoptotic response induced by 2'-nitroflavone in HL-60 cells.     

Betulinic acid attenuates liver fibrosis by inducing autophagy via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

Journal of Natural Medicines - The present study was designed to investigate the effects of betulinic acid on human hepatic stellate cells in vitro and C57BL/6 mice in vivo, as well as the...     

Inhibition of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells

In this study, we show that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is expressed and activated in multiple myeloma cells. The inhibition of AMPK induced growth arrest and reduction of cell viability in the cell viability assay using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt 4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate (WST-1 assay). Induction of apoptosis was determined by annexin-V and propidium iodide staining. The prevention of apoptosis using the pancaspase inhibitor ZVAD-fmk and caspase-3 cleavage upon incubation with the AMPK inhibitor (AMPKI) is shown. Furthermore, incubation of myeloma cells with AMPKI resulted in the downregulation of pAMPK, Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL. Coincubation of AMPKI and melphalan led to a strong additional increase of apoptosis in myeloma cells. We conclude that AMPKI has a strong antimyeloma activity in vitro and represents a new targeted strategy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.     

Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase enhances apoptosis induced by arsenic trioxide in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has recently been used to treat acute promyelocytic leukaemia and has activity in vitro against several solid tumour cell lines where the induction of differentiation and apoptosis are the prime effects. The mechanism of As2O3-induced cell death has yet to be clarified, especially in solid cancers. In the present study, the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was examined as a cellular model for As2O3 treatment. The involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was investigated in As2O3-induced cell death. 3. It was found that As2O3 activates the prosurvival mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/ERK pathway in MCF-7 cells, which, conversely, may compromise the efficacy of As2O3. Hence, a combination treatment of As2O3 and MEK inhibitors was investigated to determine whether this treatment could lead to enhanced growth inhibition and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. 4. Inhibition of MEK/ERK with the pharmacological inhibitors U0126 (10 micromol/L) or PD98059 (20 micromol/L) together with As2O3 (2 and 5 micromol/L) resulted in a significant enhancement of growth inhibition in breast cancer MCF-7 cells as determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay and [Methyl-3H]-thymidine incorporation. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that combined treatment with As2O3 and the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 could augment breast cancer MCF-7 cell apoptosis approximately twofold compared with the effects of the two drugs alone, as determined by Hoechst 33258 or annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. 5. In addition, As2O3 activated p38 in a dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on JNK1/2. Treatment with a p38 inhibitor did not prevent As2O3-induced apoptosis. 6. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that enhanced apoptosis is detected in breast cancer MCF-7 cells in the presence of As2O3 and an MEK inhibitor, which may be a new promising adjuvant to current breast cancer treatments.     

Combined effect of protein kinase B inhibitor or extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor against farnesyltransferase inhibition-induced apoptosis in SiHa cells

The present study investigated the combined effect of Akt or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition in the presence of farnesyltransferase inhibitor against human cervix and uterus tumor cell line SiHa cells. Farnesyltransferase inhibitor may induce apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated process and inhibition of the MEK, ERK, and Akt activity. Inhibitors of Akt and ERK at low concentrations seem to prevent the farnesyltransferase inhibitor-induced apoptosis in cervical SiHa cells by suppressing the mitochondrial membrane permeability change that leads to cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation. These effects may be associated with inhibition of the reactive oxygen species formation and glutathione depletion. In contrast, at higher concentrations more than 1 muM, the Akt inhibitor and ERK inhibitor seem to exhibit an additive toxic effect against farnesyltransferase inhibitor-induced apoptosis by increasing mitochondrial membrane permeability change and oxidative stress, which may not involve inhibition of MEK, ERK, and Akt activity.     

The noble gas argon modifies extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling in neurons and glial cells

Recently, the noble gas argon has been identified as a potent neuroprotective agent, but little is known about its cellular effects. In this in vitro study, we investigated argon's influence on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, a ubiquitous enzyme with numerous functions in cell proliferation and survival. Primary neuronal and astroglial cell cultures and the microglial cell line BV-2 were exposed to 50 vol.% argon. Further possible effects were studied following stimulation of microglia with 50 ng/ml LPS. ERK 1/2 activation was assessed by phosphorylation state-specific western blotting, cytokine levels by real-time PCR and western blotting. Total phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity was examined with p-nitrophenylphosphate. After 30 min exposure, argon significantly activated ERK 1/2 signaling in microglia. Enhanced phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 was also found in astrocytes and neurons following argon exposure, but it lacked statistical significance. In microglia, argon did not substantially interfere with LPS-induced ERK1/2 activation and inflammatory cytokine induction. Addition of the MEK-Inhibitor U0126 abolished the induced ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Cellular phosphatase activity and the inactivation of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 were not altered by argon. In conclusion, argon enhanced ERK 1/2 activity in microglia via the upstream kinase MEK, probably through a direct mode of activation. ERK 1/2 signaling in astrocytes and neurons in vitro was also influenced, although not with statistical significance. Whether ERK 1/2 activation by argon affects cellular functions like differentiation and survival in the brain in vivo will have to be determined in future experiments.     

Promiscuous coupling and involvement of protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in the adenosine A1 receptor signalling in mammalian spermatozoa

Mammalian spermatozoa require a maturational event after ejaculation that allows them to acquire the capacity for fertilisation. This process occurs spontaneously during the transit through the female reproductive tract where spermatozoa are in contact with micromolar concentrations of adenosine that might act as a capacitative effector. This study shows that the adenosine A1 receptor agonist, 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine, can induce capacitation, i.e., the ability to undergo the acrosome reaction and to become fertile. This receptor, already known to be bound to Galpha(i2), is also bound to G(q/11). These G proteins are functional in the signalling pathway elicited by the A1 receptor and correlate with the multiple intracellular events that follow its activation. The use of protein kinase C isoform inhibitors and MEK inhibitors, resulting in the abolition of the biological response to the selective agonist, indicates the involvement of protein kinase C and MEK in its signalling. In agonist-treated spermatozoa an extracellular calcium influx, involvement of alpha and gamma PKC isoforms and transient phosphorylation of ERK1/2 have been observed. Our results, besides showing that adenosine A1 receptor prompts mammalian spermatozoa to undergo the acrosome reaction hence supporting a role for adenosine as agent for fertilisation, show that 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine triggers signalling mechanisms that involve both Galpha(i2) and G(q/11), extracellular calcium influx, modulation of classical Ca2+-dependent PCK isoforms and up-regulation of the ERK1/2 phosphorylation.     

The relaxin family peptide receptor 3 activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 through a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism

Human gene 3 relaxin (H3 relaxin) is a member of the relaxin/insulin family of peptides. Neuropeptides mediate behavioral responses to stress and regulates appetite; however, the cell signaling mechanisms that control these events remain to be identified. The relaxin family peptide receptor 3 (RXFP3, formerly GPCR135 or SALPR) was characterized as the receptor for H3 relaxin, functionally coupled to the inhibition of cAMP. We have identified that RXFP3 stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 (CHO-RXFP3) and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 (HEK-RXFP3) cells activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 when stimulated with H3 relaxin and an H3 relaxin B-chain (dimer) peptide. Using inhibitors of cellular signaling proteins, we subsequently determined the mechanism of ERK1/2 activation by RXFP3. ERK1/2 phosphorylation requires the activation of G(i/o) proteins and seems to require receptor internalization and/or compartmentalization into lipid-rich environments. ERK1/2 activation also predominantly occurred via the activation of a protein kinase C-dependent pathway, although activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Src tyrosine kinase were also involved to a lesser extent. The mechanisms underlying ERK1/2 phosphorylation were similar in both CHO-RXFP3 and HEK-RXFP3 cells, although some differences were evident. Phospholipase Cbeta and the transactivation of endogenous epidermal growth factor receptors both played a role in RXFP3-mediated ERK1/2 activation in HEK293 cells; however, they were not involved in RXFP3-mediated ERK1/2 activation in the CHO-K1 cell background. The pathways identified in CHO- and HEK-transfected cells were also used in the murine SN56 neuronal cell line, suggesting that these pathways are also important for RXFP3-mediated signaling in the brain.     

Iron-induced interleukin-6 gene expression: possible mediation through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways

Increased iron store in the body may increase the risk of many diseases such as cancer and inflammation. However, the precise pathogenic mechanism of iron has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the early biological responses of cells to iron treatment were investigated in AP-1 luciferase reporter stably transfected mouse epidermal JB6 cells and primary rat hepatocytes. It was shown that water-soluble iron compounds, such as FeSO4 and Fe2(SO4)3, were more active in inducing AP-1 in JB6 cells than water-insoluble iron compounds, such as Fe2O3 and FeS. Iron stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38 MAPK but not c-jun NH2 terminal kinases (JNKs), both in JB6 cells and in primary rat hepatocytes, as determined by the phosphorylation assay. Interestingly, the increase in AP-1 luciferase activity by iron was inhibited by the pretreatment of the cells with PD98059, a specific MEK1 inhibitor, and SB202190, a p38 kinase inhibitor. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, were increased in JB6 cells by iron in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in IL-6 and its mRNA by iron was also eliminated by the pretreatment of the cells with PD98059 and SB202190. Since the IL-6 promoter contains an AP-1 binding site, our studies indicate that the iron-induced IL-6 gene expression may be mediated through ERKs and p38 MAPK pathways, possibly one of the important mechanisms for the pathogenesis of iron overload.     

Astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol stimulate the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase in multiple cell types

Two Chinese herb-derived small molecule telomerase activators, astragaloside IV (AG-IV) and cycloastragenol (CAG), have recently been shown to improve the proliferative response of CD8+ T lymphocytes from HIV-infected patients by upregulating telomerase activity. Here, we examined the signaling mechanism of AG-IV and CAG. Telomerase activity in human embryonic kidney HEK293 fibroblasts was increased upon treatment with increasing concentrations of AG-IV or CAG. Both compounds induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HEK293 cells and HEK-neo keratinocytes. AG-IV and CAG also stimulated ERK phosphorylation in other cell lines of lung, brain, mammary, endothelial, and hematopoietic origins. Use of selective inhibitors and dominant negative mutants revealed the involvement of c-Src, MEK (ERK kinase), and epidermal growth factor receptor in CAG-induced ERK phosphorylation. Our data indicate that AG-IV and CAG may exert their cellular effects through the activation of the Src/MEK/ERK pathway.     

Signaling pathway from the human adenosine A(3) receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells to the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2

Adenosine activates four different receptors, the A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and the A(3) receptors, all of which are G protein-coupled. We have previously shown that stimulation of the human adenosine A(3) receptor can induce phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Here we show that the adenosine receptor agonist 5' N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) induces phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human adenosine A(3) receptor (CHO A(3) cells) with the same potency. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin abolished the effect, which also could be blunted by overexpressing the betagamma-sequestering peptide beta-adrenergic receptor kinase-ct, implicating the involvement of betagamma subunits released from G(i/o) proteins. Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) by adenosine A(3) receptors is inferred from a dose-dependent Ser-phosphorylation of the protein kinase B (Akt). Furthermore the ERK1/2 phosphorylation was sensitive to the PI3K inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 (2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-1(4H)-benzopyran-4-one hydrochloride) and the MEK inhibitor PD98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), whereas chelation of Ca(2+) with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (acetoxymethyl ester) and long-term treatment with phorboldibutyrate did not decrease the adenosine A(3) receptor-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Thus, Ca(2+) mobilization and conventional and novel protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are not involved in this pathway. The atypical PKCzeta was not activated by NECA and thus not involved in the A(3) receptor-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. NECA stimulation of CHO A(3) cells activated the small G protein Ras and the dominant negative mutant RasS17N prevented the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In conclusion, the adenosine A(3) receptor recruits a pathway that involves betagamma release from G(i/o), PI3K, Ras, and MEK to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activation, whereas signaling is independent of Ca(2+), PKC, and c-Src.     

Porphyromonas gingivalis, Periodontal pathogen, lipopolysaccharide induces angiogenesisvia extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation in human vascular endothelial cells

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major periodontal pathogen. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) secreted from P. gingivalis is implicated in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Aberrant angiogenesis is often associated with lesion formation in chronic periodontitis. In this study, we report that P. gingivalis LPS activates angiogenic cascade, migration, invasion and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, P. gingivalis LPS potently stimulated in vivo neovascularization in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and the mouse Matrigel plug assay. P. gingivalis LPS had no effect on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its receptor, Flk-1, implying that P. gingivalis LPS-induced angiogenesis may result from its direct action on endothelial cells. P. gingivalis LPS evoked activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK1/2 in HUVECs, which is closely linked to angiogenesis. Taken together, these results strongly suggest P. gingivalis LPS plays an important role in the pathological angiogenesis for periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis.