Calpain-mediated regulation of the distinct signaling pathways and cell migration in human neutrophils

We studied the mechanisms underlying calpain inhibition-mediated human neutrophil migration. MAPKs, including ERK, p38, and JNK, MEK1/2, MAPK kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), PI-3K/Akt, c-Raf, and p21-activated kinase (PAK; an effector molecule of Rac) were rapidly (within 30 s) activated in neutrophils upon exposure to calpain inhibitors (PD150606 and N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-Nle-CHO) but not PD145305 (inactive analog of PD150606). Following activation of these pathways, neutrophils displayed active migration (chemotaxis), which was sustained for more than 45 min. The studies with pharmacological inhibitors suggest that calpain inhibition-mediated neutrophil migration is mediated by activation of MEK/ERK, p38, JNK, PI-3K/Akt, and Rac. NSC23766 (Rac inhibitor) and pertussis toxin (PTX) suppressed calpain inhibitor-induced phosphorylation of distinct signaling molecules (PAK, c-Raf, MEK1/2, ERK, MKK3/6, p38, JNK, and Akt) as well as cell migration, suggesting that the PTX-sensitive G protein and Rac axis may be a possible key target of calpain inhibitors. Differentiated neutrophil-like HL-60 cells but not undifferentiated cells displayed cell migration and activation of MAPKs and PI-3K/Akt on calpain inhibition. These findings suggest that constitutively active calpain negatively regulates activation of the distinct signaling pathways and cell migration in resting neutrophils, and this regulatory system develops during differentiation into mature neutrophils.     

Effects of aripiprazole on MK-801-induced prepulse inhibition deficits and mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway

Based on NMDA hypofunction hypothesis for negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, MK-801-induced animal models of schizophrenia may help us understand the different effects between typical and atypical antipsychotics. On the other hand, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways may participate in antipsychotic actions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aripiprazole on MK-801-induced prepulse inhibition (PPI) disruption and MAPK phosphorylation in mice. To clarify the effects of aripiprazole on MK-801-induced PPI disruption, we measured PPI of 51 ddY male mice after aripiprazole was administered 15 min prior to the injection of MK-801, and measured activation of cytosol and nuclear MAPK phosphorylation by western blotting. Aripiprazole (4.0 mg/kg) significantly reversed the MK-801 (0.15 mg/kg)-induced PPI deficits. Pretreatment of aripiprazole (40 mg/kg) had a tendency to suppress MK-801 (1.0 mg/kg)-induced pMEK/MEK (Ser218/222) activation. In addition, aripiprazole treatment showed a significant decrease of pERK/ERK. Our data suggested that aripiprazole may reverse MK-801-induced PPI deficits through regulation of MAPK phosphorylation in the same way as the atypical antipsychotic drug, clozapine.     

Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase-NO* by lipoarabinomannan of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is mediated by MEK1-ERK, MKK7-JNK, and NF-kappaB signaling pathways

Nitric oxide (NO*) expression by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is an important host defense mechanism against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mononuclear phagocytes. The objective of this investigation was to examine the role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathways in the regulation of iNOS and NO* by a mycobacterial cell wall lipoglycan known as mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM). Specific pharmacologic inhibition of the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or NF-kappaB pathway revealed that both these signaling cascades were required in gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-ManLAM-induced iNOS protein and NO2- expression in mouse macrophages. Transient cotransfection of dominant-negative protein mutants of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway revealed that the MAP kinase kinase 7 (MKK7)-JNK cascade also mediated IFN-gamma-ManLAM induction of iNOS promoter activity whereas MKK4 did not. Overexpression of null mutant IkappaBalpha, a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation, confirmed that the IkappaBalpha kinase (IKK)-NF-kappaB signaling pathway enhanced IFN-gamma-ManLAM-induced iNOS promoter activity. By contrast, activated p38mapk inhibited iNOS induction. These results indicate that combined IFN-gamma and ManLAM stimulation induced iNOS and NO. expression and that MEK1-ERK, MKK7-JNK, IKK-NF-kappaB, and p38mapk signaling pathways play important regulatory roles.     

The action of nitric oxide to enhance cell survival in chick cardiomyocytes is mediated through a cGMP and ERK1/2 pathway while p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathways do not alter cell death

The objective of this study was to determine whether the dual action of nitric oxide (NO) on cardiomyocyte cell viability is mediated through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-induced cell death and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)-mediated cell survival pathways, and whether either of these is mediated through a cGMP-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway. Cell viability of embryonic chick cardiomyocytes was assessed by the MTT assay, which is based on the ability of viable cells to reduce 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) produced a significant (P < 0.01) concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability or increase in cell death. Sodium nitroprusside induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK1/2) inhibitor PD 98059 significantly increased cell death. In contrast, SB202190, a relatively selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK, did not affect SNP-induced cell death. The cardioprotective effect of NO was prbably mediated in part via cGMP because 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, a selective inhibitor of NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase, produced a significant enhancement of SNP-induced cell death. In contrast, the PKG inhibitor KT5823 did not affect cell viability. In summary, these data suggest that NO, via stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase, activates MEK1/2 whose product, ERK1/2, protects against cell death. In contrast, SNP-induced p38 MAPK activation does not modulate NO-induced cardiomyocyte cell death. Not all cGMP targets affect NO-induced cell death, since the PKG pathway does not enhance or suppress NO-induced cardiomyocyte cell death. Enhancement of the ERK1/2 responses to NO may permit the beneficial effects of NO to predominate.     

Synergistic interactions of dopamine D1 and glutamate NMDA receptors in rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex: Involvement of ERK1/2 signaling

Interactions between dopamine and glutamate receptors are essential for the prefrontal cortical (PFC) and hippocampal cognitive functions. In order to understand the molecular basis of dopamine/glutamate interactions in rat PFC and hippocampus, we investigated (a) the effect of in vitro dopamine D1 receptor stimulation on glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits' phosphorylation and (b) the signal transduction pathway underlying these interactions, by examining the involvement of D1–extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and D1/protein kinase A (PKA)/dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 (DARPP-32) signaling pathways. Furthermore, we compared the D1/NMDA/AMPA receptor interactions seen in PFC and hippocampus with those appearing in striatum, in which the D1 receptors' density is the highest within the mammalian brain. Our results showed that stimulation of D1 receptor by the specific agonist SKF38393 (10 μM) in PFC and hippocampal slices significantly increased the phosphorylation state of NR1ser897 and NR2Bser1303 subunits of NMDA receptor and of the GLUR1 (ser831 and ser845) subunit of AMPA receptor, as well as of ERK1/2, but not of DARPP-32. Interestingly, co-stimulation of D1 and NMDA receptors with an ineffective dose of SKF38393 (2 μM) and NMDA (5 μM) respectively, elevated further the phosphorylation level of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits, as well as of ERK1/2, but not of DARPP-32. The D1- and D1/NMDA-induced phosphorylations were totally inhibited by SL327 (specific ERK1/2 inhibitor). Conversely, in striatal slices our data confirm that the D1-mediated phosphorylation of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits relies on D1/PKA/DARPP-32 signaling. In conclusion, in PFC and hippocampus: (a) a strong synergistic interaction of D1 and NMDA receptors exists, which results in a significant ERK1/2 pathway activation, (b) the D1 and the D1/NMDA receptor-induced phosphorylation of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits seems to rely on ERK1/2 signaling and could to some extent underlie the enhancement of NMDA and AMPA receptor currents mediated by D1 receptor activation.     

Mechanism of p38 MAP kinase activation in vivo

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is activated in vitro by three different protein kinases: MKK3, MKK4, and MKK6. To examine the relative roles of these protein kinases in the mechanism of p38 MAP kinase activation in vivo, we examined the effect of disruption of the murine Mkk3, Mkk4, and Mkk6 genes on the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. We show that MKK3 and MKK6are essential for tumor necrosis factor-stimulated p38 MAPK activation. In contrast, ultraviolet radiation-stimulated p38 MAPK activation was mediated by MKK3, MKK4, and MKK6. Loss of p38 MAPK activation in the mutant cells was associated with defects in growth arrest and increased tumorigenesis. These data indicate that p38 MAPK is regulated by the coordinated and selective actions of three different protein kinases in response to cytokines and exposure to environmental stress.     

p38 MAPK is a critical regulator of the constitutive and the beta4 integrin-regulated expression of IL-6 in human normal thymic epithelial cells

Cytokines and adhesion receptors are key mediators in the dialog occurring between thymic epithelial cells (TEC) and thymocytes and regulating T cell maturation and epithelial embryonic differentiation. Among cytokines, IL-6 can be critical in the thymus, fostering proliferation, differentiation and/or survival of both TEC and thymocytes. We have previously reported in human normal TEC that clustering of the laminin receptor alpha6beta4 integrin induced by thymocyte contact or monoclonal antibody-mediated cross-linking regulates IL-6 gene expression via activation of NF-kappaB and NF-IL6 transactivators. Here we show that alpha6beta4 integrin activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and that p38 is essential for IL-6 gene expression. In fact, beta4 cross-linking activated p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) MAPK, Rac1, p21-activated protein kinase 1 (PAK1) and MAPK kinases (MKK) 3/MKK6. However, pharmacological blockade of p38 or ERK demonstrated that p38 inhibition abrogated both basal and beta4 integrin-induced production of IL-6 preventing NF-kappaB and NF-IL6 activation, whereas ERK inhibition reduced IL-6 production, hampering only NF-kappaB activation. Overall, our results indicate that p38 MAPK and alpha6beta4 integrin, expressed by TEC throughout their life, are critical regulators of the intrathymic availability of a cytokine controlling fate and functions of cells governing development and maintenance of thymic architecture and immune responses.     

Immunolocalization of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in Hassall's corpuscles of the human thymus

In the present study, we investigated the immunohistochemical localization of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in the human thymus. Three members of MAPK, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the p38 kinase, showed differential expression patterns in the thymus medulla. The phosphorylated form of ERK (p-ERK) was abundantly present in the outer layer of Hassall's corpuscles, and the phosphorylated form of p38 kinase (p-p38 kinase) was present in the entire Hassall's corpuscles. The phosphorylated form of JNK (p-JNK) was expressed in medullary thymocytes. We also examined localization of MAPK kinases (MAPKK or MEK) which specifically activate MAPK. MEK1, an activator of ERK, was found in the outer layer of Hassall's corpuscles where p-ERK was expressed. MEK3, an activator of p38 kinase, was also expressed in the outer layer. MEK4 and MEK7, which are activators of JNK, were present in the entire Hassall's corpuscles. Thus, differential expression of MAPK in the thymus supports the concept that the MAPK signaling pathway controls the specificity of functional thymic responses to extracellular stimuli. Furthermore, the abundant expression of various elements of the pathway in Hassall's corpuscles suggests that the pathway is involved in thymic medullary epithelial maturation.     

A mechanism in Epstein-Barr virus oncogenesis: inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta 1-mediated induction of MAPK/p21 by LMP1

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected, gastric epithelial cell line GT38 is resistant to TGF-beta 1-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis, although TGF-beta 1 partially induces EBV reactivation in the cells. These findings indicate that abnormalities exist in these cells in the TGF-beta 1-mediated signaling pathway, influencing growth inhibition and apoptosis. In order to characterize the steps with abnormalities, we analyzed the TGF-beta 1/MAPK/p21 pathway in the cells. TGF-beta 1 activated MAPK (ERK 1/2) and p21 in the TGF-beta 1-susceptible cell line HSC-39 but not in GT38 cells. GT38 cells had higher constitutive levels of ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and p21 expression than did HSC-39 cells. U0126, a specific inhibitor of MEK, suppressed TGF-beta 1-mediated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and p21 induction in HSC-39 cells and constitutive ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in GT38 cells. EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) induced constitutive ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and NF-kappa B activation in LMP1-transfected HSC-39 cells, which then became resistant to TGF-beta 1-mediated growth inhibition, TGF-beta 1-mediated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and p21 induction, and proliferated in low-serum medium. These results are consistent with the conclusion that the TGF-beta 1/MAPK/p21 pathway is required for TGF-beta 1-mediated growth inhibition, and that the resistance to TGF in GT38 cells is derived from constitutive MAPK phosphorylation induced by LMP1.     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase is autonomous from the dominant extrasynaptic NMDA receptor extracellular signal-regulated kinase shutoff pathway

NMDA receptors bidirectionally modulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) through the coupling of synaptic NMDA receptors to an ERK activation pathway that is opposed by a dominant ERK shutoff pathway thought to be coupled to extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. In the present study, synaptic NMDA receptor activation of ERK in rat cortical cultures was partially inhibited by the highly selective NR2B antagonist Ro25-6981 (Ro) and the less selective NR2A antagonist NVP-AAM077 (NVP). When Ro and NVP were added together, inhibition appeared additive and equal to that observed with the NMDA open-channel blocker MK-801. Consistent with a selective coupling of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors to the dominant ERK shutoff pathway, pre-block of synaptic NMDA receptors with MK-801 did not alter the inhibitory effect of bath-applied NMDA on ERK activity. Lastly, in contrast to a complete block of synaptic NMDA receptor activation of ERK by extrasynaptic NMDA receptors, activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors had no effect upon ERK activation by brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These results suggest that the synaptic NMDA receptor ERK activation pathway is coupled to both NR2A and NR2B containing receptors, and that the extrasynaptic NMDA receptor ERK inhibitory pathway is not a non-selective global ERK shutoff.     

Growth factor-dependent activation of the MAPK pathway in human pancreatic cancer: MEK/ERK and p38 MAP kinase interaction in uPA synthesis

Increased expression of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (c-met) and urokinase type plasminogen (uPA) correlated with the development and metastasis of cancers. To investigate the role of HGF/c-met signaling on metastasis in cancer cells stimulated with HGF, we examined the effects of a specific MEK1 inhibitor (PD98059) and a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor (SB203580) on HGF-induced uPA expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines, L3.6PL and IMIM-PC2. Pretreatment of PD98059 decreased HGF-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular receptor kinase (ERK), uPA secretion and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, SB203580 pretreatment increased HGF-stimulated ERK phosphorylation, uPA secretion and expression of MMPs. SB203580 also reversed the inhibition of HGF-mediated ERK activation and uPA secretion in the PD98059-pretreated cells. These results suggest that ERK activation by HGF might play important roles in the metastasis of pancreatic cancer and the p38 MAPK pathway also involved in the HGF-mediated uPA secretion and metastasis by regulation of ERK pathway. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Advanced glycation end products induce actin rearrangement and subsequent hyperpermeability of endothelial cells

This study aimed to determine the effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on endothelial cytoskeleton morphology and permeability, and to detect the underlying signaling mechanisms involved in these responses. Cultured endothelial cells (ECs) were exposed to AGE-modified human serum albumin (AGE-HSA), and EC cytoskeletal changes were evaluated by observing fluorescence of F-actin following ligation with labeled antibodies. Endothelial permeability was detected by measuring the flux of TRITC-albumin across the EC monolayers. To explore the signaling pathways behind AGE-induced EC alteration, ECs were treated with either soluble anti-AGE receptor (RAGE) IgG, or the MAPK inhibitors PD98059 and SB203580 before AGE-HSA administration. To further elucidate possible involvement of the ERK and p38 pathways in AGE-induced EC changes, adenovirus-carried recombinant constitutive dominant-negative forms of upstream ERK and p38 kinases, namely MEK1(A) and MKK6b(A), were pre-infected into ECs 24 h prior to AGE-HSA exposure. AGE-HSA induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, as well as EC hyperpermeability, in a dose and time-dependent manner. The effects were attenuated in cells pretreated with anti-RAGE IgG, PD98059 or SB203580, respectively. EC pre-infection with MEK1(A) and MKK6b(A) also alleviated the effect of AGEs. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated administration of activated forms of either MEK1 or MKK6b alone induced rearrangement of F-actin and hyperpermeability. The results indicate that ERK and p38 MAPK play important roles in the mediation of AGE-induced EC barrier dysfunction associated with morphological changes of the F-actin.     

Reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus from latency requires MEK/ERK, JNK and p38 multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways

Lytic replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) promotes the progression of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a dominant malignancy in patients with AIDS. While 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced KSHV reactivation from latency is mediated by the protein kinase C delta and MEK/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, we have recently shown that the MEK/ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK pathways modulate KSHV lytic replication during productive primary infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells [Pan, H., Xie, J., Ye, F., Gao, S.J., 2006. Modulation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection and replication by MEK/ERK, JNK, and p38 multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways during primary infection. J. Virol. 80 (11), 5371-5382]. Here, we report that, besides the MEK/ERK pathway, the JNK and p38 MAPK pathways also mediate TPA-induced KSHV reactivation from latency. The MEK/ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK pathways were constitutively activated in latent KSHV-infected BCBL-1 cells. TPA treatment enhanced the levels of activated ERK and p38 but not those of activated JNK. Inhibitors of all three MAPK pathways reduced TPA-induced production of KSHV infectious virions in BCBL-1 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibitors blocked KSHV lytic replication at the early stage(s) of reactivation, and reduced the expression of viral lytic genes including RTA, a key immediate-early transactivator of viral lytic replication. Activation of MAPK pathways was necessary and sufficient for activating the promoter of RTA. Furthermore, we showed that the activation of RTA promoter by MAPK pathways was mediated by their downstream target AP-1. Together, these findings suggest that MAPK pathways might have general roles in regulating the life cycle of KSHV by mediating both viral infection and switch from viral latency to lytic replication.     

Role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase cascade in macrophage killing of Candida albicans.

The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans and its derived molecules stimulate a wide range of macrophage secretory functions and may adapt to escape being killed by this phagocyte. In this study, phagocytosis of C. albicans and of the nonpathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was shown to be associated with phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in the absence of significant activation of either p38MAPK or stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase. However, although 80% of endocytosed C. albicans survived after 1 h, 80% of S. cerevisiae cells were killed. Considerable quantitative differences were observed between the two species in the sequential phosphorylation of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK), extracellularly regulated kinase-1, and 90-kDa-ribosomal S6 kinases. A lower level of activation of the pathway by C. albicans was associated with a species-specific overexpression of the MEK phosphatase MAPK phosphatase (MKP)-1. Killing of both C. albicans and S. cerevisiae could be reduced using PD98059, which mimics MKP-1 and inhibits MEK phosphorylation, suggesting that specific MKP-1 activation by C. albicans could contribute to its ability to escape the yeast lytic potential of macrophages.     

The effect of ganglioside GQ1b on the NMDA receptor signaling pathway in H19-7 cells and rat hippocampus

Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids, are related to various synaptic functions in the rat brain. Previously, we investigated the behavioral effects of the ganglioside GQ1b on learning and memory using the Y-maze and Morris water maze test. GQ1b-treated rats showed highly increased memory performance on the Y-maze and the Morris water maze test. In this study, we determined the role of GQ1b on the activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling pathway in H19-7 rat hippocampal cells and the hippocampus of rats. After 12 h of treatment with GQ1b, the expression levels of NMDA receptor subunit 2A and 2B were increased in H19-7 cells and the hippocampus of rats. In addition, treatment of GQ1b increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B that may enhance NMDA receptor synaptic activation and enhancement of NMDA receptors. Also, following GQ1b treatment, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and protein kinase A, a cAMP activated protein kinase (PKA) increased in H19-7 cells and the hippocampus of rats. These increases resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). These results suggest that GQ1b might facilitate the activation of the NMDA receptor signaling pathway in the hippocampus of rats, an effect which is dependent on ERK1/2, PKA and CREB phosphorylation. Also, these data support our previous result that GQ1b improves the learning and memory of rats.     

Regulation of TNF mediated antiapoptotic signaling in human neutrophils: role of delta-PKC and ERK1/2

TNF is implicated in the suppression of neutrophil apoptosis during sepsis. Multiple signaling pathways are involved in TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling; a role for the MAP kinases (MAPK), ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK has been suggested. Antiapoptotic signaling is mediated principally through TNF receptor-1 (TNFR-1), and the PKC isotype-delta (delta-PKC) is a critical regulator of TNFR-1 signaling. delta-PKC associates with TNFR-1 in response to TNF and is required for NFkappaB activation and inhibition of caspase 3. The role of delta-PKC in TNF-mediated activation of MAPK is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the MAPK, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK are involved in TNF antiapoptotic signaling and whether delta-PKC is a key regulator of MAPK activation by TNF. In human neutrophils, TNF activated both p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 principally via TNFR-1. The MEK1/2 inhibitors PD098059 and U0126, but not the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, decreased TNF antiapoptotic signaling as measured by caspase 3 activity. A specific delta-PKC antagonist, V1.1delta-PKC-Tat peptide, inhibited TNF-mediated ERK1/2 activation, but not p38 MAPK. ERK1/2 inhibition did not alter recruitment of delta-PKC to TNFR-1, indicating delta-PKC is acting upstream of ERK1/2. In HL-60 cells differentiated to a neutrophilic phenotype, delta-PKC depletion by delta-PKC siRNA resulted in inhibition of TNF mediated ERK1/2 activation but not p38 MAPK. Thus, ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK, is an essential component of TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling. In human neutrophils, delta-PKC is a positive regulator of ERK1/2 activation via TNFR-1 but has no role in p38 MAPK activation.     

The effect of MK-801 on mTOR/p70S6K and translation-related proteins in rat frontal cortex

In experimental animals, including rats, MK-801 produces characteristic behavioural changes that model schizophrenia. It has been hypothesized that these changes accompany long-term synaptic changes, which require protein neosynthesis. We observed the effect of MK-801 on the “mammalian target of rapamycin” (mTOR)/70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) pathway that regulates protein synthesis in the rat frontal cortex. A single injection of MK-801 (0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg) induced an acute increase in the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser-473) eIF4E-binding protein (4E-BP1) (Thr-37/46) and p70S6K (Thr-389). In contrast, after repeated treatment with MK-801 (1 mg/kg for 5 or 10 days), the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser-473), mTOR (Ser-2481), 4E-BP1 (Thr-37/46), p70S6K (Thr-389), and S6 (Ser-240/244) increased. Thus, proteins in the mTOR/p70S6K pathway are modulated in chronic MK-801 animal models. These findings may suggest that repeated MK-801 treatment activates the signal transduction pathways involved in the initiation of protein synthesis in the rat frontal cortex.