丝裂原活化蛋白激酶ERKs和JNKs在脑缺血损伤中的差异激活及其调控机制

目的　探讨丝裂原活化蛋白激酶家族 (MAPK)两成员ERK1/2和JNK1/2在全脑缺血损伤中的激活及其可能的分子机制。 方法　 采用四动脉结扎模型诱导SD大鼠前脑缺血 ,免疫印迹的方法观察ERK1/2和JNK1/2蛋白激酶特异性Thr和Tyr双位点磷酸化的变化及NMDA受体选择性拮抗剂对其双磷酸化的影响。结果　 缺血诱导海马脑区MAPK家族蛋白激酶两成员显著去磷酸化 ,严重缺血 (30min)ERK1/2而不是JNK1/2活性反弹 ;缺血再灌注ERK1/2活性在 15min首先升至最高而JNK1/2 1h后才逐渐升至峰值 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,2 4h再灌注能诱导两者的再次激活 ,且氯胺酮能显著抑制缺血诱导的ERK1/2而不是JNK1/2的激活。 结论　 前脑缺血明显诱导ERK1/2和JNK1/2的差异激活 ,提示两者可能分享不同的分子机制 ,其中ERK1/2的激活明显与NMDA受体功能上调有关。     

硫化氢与MAPK/Nrf2信号通路关系的研究进展

生理浓度的硫化氢(H_2S)可抑制JNK、P 38和ERK1/2磷酸化,促使Nrf2的活化,发挥减轻氧化应激反应、炎症和抗凋亡等作用。MAPK信号通路生理作用复杂,体外实验发现H_2S通过抑制P 38、ERK和JNK磷酸化,从而抑制胶原诱导的血小板聚集,其与肿瘤细胞的增殖和凋亡密切相关,目前以成为攻克肿瘤的一个重要靶点。另外,MAPK信号通路信号分子间交叉交互作用及H_2S与ERK3/4和ERK5信号转导途径之间关系还有待进一步研究。该综述介绍了H_2S与MAPK(ERKs、ERK5、JNK和p38 MAPK)信号转导途径及Nrf2的生理功能及关系。     

基于p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶通路的胰高血糖素样肽-1对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的影响及机制

目的基于p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)通路探讨胰高血糖素样肽-1(GLP-1)对大鼠脑缺血再灌注(I/R)损伤的影响及机制。方法将雄性SD大鼠分为假手术组、模型组、GLP-1组和p38MAPK抑制剂组,每组12只。模型组、GLP-1组和p38MAPK抑制剂组通过大脑中动脉栓塞及再灌注建立脑I/R损伤模型,GLP-1组给予利拉鲁肽(70μg/kg)、p38MAPK抑制剂组给予p38MAPK抑制剂SB202190(10μmol/L、5μl)干预。比较四组大鼠的脑梗死体积、水迷宫行为参数及梗死脑组织细胞凋亡率、氧化应激指标、炎症细胞因子、p38MAPK通路分子的差异。结果与模型组比较,GLP-1组和p38MAPK抑制剂组大鼠的脑梗死体积明显降低,逃避潜伏期明显缩短、穿越平台次数明显增多,梗死脑组织中的细胞凋亡率及丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、p-p38水平显著减少,SOD、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPx)水平明显增加(均P<0.05),p-ERK1/2、p-JNK的表达水平无明显变化。与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠的逃避潜伏期明显延长、穿越平台次数明显减少,梗死脑组织的细胞凋亡率及MDA、ROS、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、p-p38水平明显增高,SOD、GPx水平明显减少(均P<0.05),p-ERK1/2、p-JNK的表达水平无明显变化。结论GLP-1能够通过抑制p38介导的氧化应激及炎症反应减轻大鼠脑I/R损伤。     

红藻氨酸致痫后大鼠海马ERK、P38 MAPK和JNK的活性变化

目的研究红藻氨酸(KA)诱导大鼠癫痫发作后海马组织细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)、p38MAPK和c-jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)的活性(磷酸化状态)的变化情况。方法立体定向大鼠侧脑室内注射KA引起大鼠癫痫发作,采用Western-blot方法观察KA致痫后大鼠海马中活性ERK、p38MAPK和JNK的变化。结果KA诱导大鼠癫痫发作后,海马组织ERK、p38MAPK和JNK的磷酸化水平开始增高,分别于30min、1h和30min后达高峰,呈对照组的4.76倍、2.16倍和3.95倍,两组比较差异具有显著性(P<0.01),之后逐渐下降。结论KA致痫大鼠癫痫发作后,海马组织MAPKs的活性产生变化,其信号通路可能参与癫痫发作后海马组织的病理生理反应过程。     

抑制低密度脂蛋白受体相关蛋白2表达对Alzheimer's病细胞模型丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号通路影响的机制研究

目的探讨低密度脂蛋白受体相关蛋白2(LRP2)在β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)诱导的Alzheimer’s病(AD)细胞模型中的表达情况,及调控LRP2表达后对神经元存活影响及其对丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPKs)信号通路的影响。方法采用20μmol Aβ1-42处理的神经母细胞瘤(SH-SY5Y)细胞作为AD细胞模型。采用Western blotting法检测LRP2蛋白表达情况。Scrambled siRNA和LRP2 siRNA(si LRP2)分别转染SH-SY5Y细胞48 h,随后予以Aβ1-42处理24 h,采用噻唑蓝比色法检测细胞活力,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡情况,Western blotting法检测ERK、p38及JNK的磷酸化水平。结果si LRP2+Aβ组细胞活力显著低于SC+Aβ组(P<0.05)。与处理前比较,Aβ1-42处理后LRP2蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。与空白对照组比较,siRNA-1组、siRNA-2组LRP2 mRNA及蛋白表达水平均显著降低(P<0.05~0.01)。SC+Aβ组细胞凋亡率显著低于si LRP2+Aβ组(P<0.01)。SC+Aβ组及si LRP2+Aβ组(p-ERK1/2)/ERK与SC组及si LRP2组比较,差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。与SC+Aβ组相比,si LRP2+Aβ组(p-ERK1/2)/ERK亦无统计学差异(P>0.05)。SC+Aβ组及si LRP2+Aβ组p-p38/p38显著高于SC组及si LRP2组(均P<0.01)。与SC+Aβ组相比,si LRP2+Aβ组p-p38/p38无统计学差异(P>0.05)。SC+Aβ组及si LRP2+Aβ组p-JNK/JNK显著高于SC组及si LRP2组(均P<0.01)。与SC+Aβ组比较,si LRP2+Aβ组p-JNK/JNK显著增高(P<0.01)。未经JNK抑制剂处理的SC组、si LRP2组细胞的Cleaved Caspase-3相对表达与经JNK抑制剂处理的细胞差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论抑制LRP2后促进Aβ诱导的细胞凋亡,并且这种效应与ERK、p38磷酸化无明显相关,与JNK磷酸化相关,但JNK抑制剂不能逆转LRP2抑制导致的凋亡增加,提示JNK信号通路可能不直接发挥作用。     

JNK及p38MAPK在小檗碱抑制人外周血单核细胞COX-2表达中的作用

目的 研究中药小檗碱是否通过JNK,p38MAPK信号转导途径抑制人外周血单核细胞COX-2 mRNA及蛋白表达.方法 取人外周静脉血分离及培养单核细胞,分为5组,分别为对照组;LPS组;LPS联合小檗碱25 μmol/L组;LPS联合小檗碱50μmol/L组;LPS联合小檗碱100 μmol/L组.分别在培养后30min,6 h,12 h,24 h提取细胞,行RT-PCR法测定COX-2mRNA水平.行Westernblot法测定JNK,p-JNK,p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK,及COX-2蛋白水平.同时加入选择性JNK,p38MAPK抑制剂,分别测定COX-2 mRNA及蛋白水平.结果 与对照组相比,LPS组COX-2 mRNA及蛋白表达明显增强(P<0.01).与LPS组相比,小檗碱组COX-2 mRNA及蛋白表达明显抑制(P<0.05),且随着浓度增加,抑制作用更明显,在给药后12 h,小檗碱对COX-2抑制作用最强.但是与LPS组相比,低、中浓度小檗碱组(25 μmol/L及50 μmol/L)JNK活性水平无明显统计学差异(P>0.05),高浓度小檗碱组(100 μmol/L)JNK活性水平有明显统计学差异(P<0.05).但是与LPS组相比.小檗碱组p38MAPK活性水平无明显统计学差异(P>0.05).加入JNK,p38MAPK抑制剂之后,COX-2mRNA及蛋白水平降低明显(P<0.05).结论 高浓度小檗碱可能通过JNK信号转导途径抑制人外周血单核细胞COX-2 mRNA及蛋白表达.p38MAPK与人外周血COX-2表达有关,而小檗碱对p38MAPK活性蛋白表达无明显抑制作用.     

精氨酸加压素对星形胶质细胞水孔蛋白-4表达的调节及脑水肿形成影响的研究

目的研究精氨酸加压素(AVP)对星形胶质细胞水孔蛋白-4(AQP4)表达的调节,以及p38 MAPK信号通路在AQP4表达过程的作用,明确AVP及AQP4在脑水肿发生过程中的作用。方法大鼠大脑皮质分离星形胶质细胞,星形胶质细胞经分别用AVP、V1a受体(V1aR)拮抗剂和SB 203580进行处理,采用免疫组织化学技术及RT-PCR对AQP4 mRNA进行检测,Western blot检测p38 MAPK信号通路在AVP诱导AQP4表达中的活化程度。结果500nmol/L的AVP处理6h后,AQP4 mRNA表达开始升高(P<0.01),到12h达高峰(P<0.01),24h后仍维持在较高的水平(P<0.05)。加入p38 MAPK抑制剂SB 203580干预后,AQP4 mRNA表达水平与对照组比较差异不显著(P>0.05);AVP处理15min后p38 MAPK磷酸化水平开始增加,30min达高峰,持续到60min开始下降。V1aR拮抗剂处理后p38 MAPK磷酸化水平整个时间段均未出现明显变化。结论AVP通过激活V1aR引起p38MAPK信号通路活化从而诱导AQP4 mRNA高表达,从基因水平对AQP4进行调节,可能在脑水肿发生中,尤其是在星形胶质细胞水肿形成中起重要作用。V1aR拮抗剂及p38 MAPK抑制剂能抑制AQP4 mRNA的表达,避免星形胶质细胞肿胀。     

MAPK信号通路与阿尔茨海默病中tau蛋白磷酸化的关系

阿尔茨海默病(AD)是一类神经退行性疾病,tau蛋白过度磷酸化形成的神经原纤维缠结为其主要病理特征之一,是AD发病的重要因素.促分裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)是一类脯氨酸依赖的蛋白激酶,在AD病人体内参与诱导tau蛋白的过度磷酸化.MAPK的三条途径ERK、JNK、p38都参与诱导tau蛋白过度磷酸化,且与Aβ、氧化应激、炎性因子及蛋白磷酸酯酶等因素相关,由此阐述MAPK在AD进程中的重要作用,并提示MAPK可成为AD治疗中的新靶点.     

氧化应激对大鼠髓核细胞凋亡的影响*

细胞凋亡在椎间盘退变过程中发挥重要作用,而导致细胞凋亡的因素很多,氧化应激是导致细胞凋亡的一个重要因素。 目的：从细胞内信号转导水平验证过氧化氢对大鼠髓核细胞氧化应激损伤的影响。 设计、时间及地点：单一样本观察,试验于2008-03/10在山东省创伤骨科研究所完成。 材料：p38MAPK特异性阻断剂(SB203580)、JNK特异性阻断剂(SP600125)购自碧云天生物技术有限公司;大鼠椎间盘来自2只新生24 h SD大鼠。 方法：原代培养大鼠髓核细胞,将生长良好的髓核细胞制成细胞悬液,随即分为4组：H202组：用0,50,100,200,400,800 μmol/L H2O2刺激;对照组：不加刺激的细胞;SB203580+H2O2组：给予特异性p38MAPK阻断剂SB203580预孵育细胞,再给予H2O2刺激;SP600125+H2O2组：给予特异性JNK阻断剂SP600125预孵育细胞,再给予H2O2刺激。上述处理后检测相关指标。 主要观察指标：以免疫组织化学检测P-p38和P-JNK的表达情况及表达位置;Western印迹法检测SAPK/JNK、p38MAPK及其磷酸化组分的表达。 结果：H2O2能够激活髓核细胞内p38和JNK的活性;SB203580能够有效地抑制p38MAPK的活性,而SP600125则能够有效的抑制JNK的活性;免疫荧光显示P-p38MAPK和P-JNK在细胞质和细胞核均有表达中,而对照组未发现。 结论：大鼠髓核细胞受氧化应激后可通过p38MAPK和JNK通路导致细胞凋亡。     

ERK/P38MAPK信号转导通路在人脐动脉血管平滑肌细胞表型转化中的作用

目的探讨血小板源生长因子-BB（PDGF-BB）及米诺环素是否可通过调节ERK／P38MAPK信号通路,从而影响人脐动脉血管平滑肌细胞（HASMC）的表型转化。方法建立HASMC体外培养模型,分为无血清的DMEM、PDGF-BB（20ng／ml）、PDGF-BB（20ng／ml）＋PD98059（30μmol／L）＋SB203580（20μmol／L）、PDGF-BB（20ng／ml）＋米诺环素（15μmol／L）、PDGF-BB（20ng／ml）＋米诺环素（30μmol／L）五组,Western Blot法检测ERK1／2、P-ERK1／2、P38、P—P38蛋白表达。结果体外培养的HASMC在PDGF-BB（20ng／ml）＋米诺环素（15μmol／L）培养液孵育24h后,P-P38蛋白表达较PDGF-BB组明显下降（P〈0．01）;在PDGF-BB（20ng／ml）＋米诺环素（30μmol／L）组,P—ERK1／2和P—P38蛋白表达均较PDGF-BB组明显下降（P〈0．01）,表明米诺环素显著抑制ERK/P38MAPK信号通路。结论（1）PDGF-BB诱导HASMC的去分化与ERK／P38MAPK信号通路有关,如抑制ERK／P38MAPK信号通路的活性,则HASMC保持分化表型;（2）米诺环素对PDGF-BB诱导HASMC去分化的抑制作用是通过抑制ERK／P38MAPK信号通路的活性,下调PDGF-BB诱导的ERK1／2和P38磷酸化水平而实现的,与其对HASMC的细胞毒性无关。     

Electroacupuncture exerts neuroprotective effects on ischemia/reperfusion injury in JNK knockout mice:the underlying mechanism

Simple regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) pathways is not enough to trigger cell apoptosis.However,activation of the stress activated pathway(JNK/p38 MAPK) together with inhibition of the growth factor activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) pathway can promote cell apoptosis.We hypothesized that inhibition of the JNK or p38 pro-apoptotic pathway and activating the ERK pathway could be the mechanism of anti-apoptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.To investigate the mechanism of the protective effect of electroacupuncture on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in JNK knockout mice,mouse models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by Longa's method.Electroacupuncture was conducted at acupoints Chize(LU5),Hegu(LI4),Sanyinjiao(SP6) and Zusanli(ST36) 1.5 hours after ischemia/reperfusion injury for 20 minutes,once a day.The neurological function was evaluated using neurological deficit scores.The expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK) and phospho-p38(p-p38) in JNK knockout mice was detected using double-labeling immunofluorescence and western blot assay.The m RNA expression of ERK and p38 was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Electroacupuncture improved neurological function,increased the immunoreactivity and relative expression of p-ERK and reduced that of p-p38 in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus on the injured side.Electroacupuncture increased m RNA expression of ERK,but decreased that of p38 in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus on the injured side.In conclusion,electroacupuncture upregulated the protective ERK pathway and inhibited the pro-apoptotic p38 pathway,thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect and improving the neurological function in JNK knockout mice.     

Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition in traumatic brain injury: in vitro and in vivo effects.

The authors provide the first in vitro and in vivo evidence that perturbations in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal-transduction pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. In primary rat cortical cultures, mechanical trauma induced a rapid and selective phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase, whereas there was no detectable change in the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Treatment with PD98059, which inhibits MAPK/ERK 1/2, the upstream activator of ERK, significantly increased cell survival in vitro. The p38 kinase and JNK inhibitor SB203580 had no protective effect. Similar results were obtained in vivo using a controlled cortical impact model of traumatic injury in mouse brain. Rapid and selective upregulation occurred in ERK and p38 pathways with no detectable changes in JNK. Confocal immunohistochemistry showed that phospho-ERK colocalized with the neuronal nuclei marker but not the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. Inhibition of the ERK pathway with PD98059 resulted in a significant reduction of cortical lesion volumes 7 days after trauma. The p38 kinase and JNK inhibitor SB203580 had no detectable beneficial effect. These data indicate that critical perturbations in MAPK pathways mediate cerebral damage after acute injury, and further suggest that ERK is a novel therapeutic target in traumatic brain injury.     

Interactions between SIRT1 and MAPK/ERK regulate neuronal apoptosis induced by traumatic brain injury in vitro and in vivo

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious insult that frequently leads to neurological dysfunction or death. Silent information regulator family protein 1 (SIRT1), as the founding member of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylases, has recently been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effect in several models of neurodegenerative diseases. The present study attempts to determine whether SIRT1 has a neuroprotective effect in the model of TBI, and further to investigate the possible regulatory mechanism of neuron death. Thus, we employ transection model in vitro and weight-drop model in vivo to mimic the insults of TBI. The study shows that the expressions of SIRT1, phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and cleaved Caspase-3 are induced after trauma injury in vitro or in vivo. Furthermore, inhibiting SIRT1 by pharmacological inhibitor salermide or SIRT1 siRNA significantly promotes apoptotic neuron death and reduces ERK1/2 activation induced by mechanical injury in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation with PD98059 or U0126 (two mitogen activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors) in vitro and in vivo significantly attenuates the SIRT1 and cleaved Caspase-3 expression to protect neuron against TBI-induced apoptosis. These results reveal that SIRT1 plays a neuroprotective effect against neuronal apoptosis induced by TBI. The interactions between SIRT1 and MAPK/ERK pathway regulate neuronal apoptosis induced by mechanical trauma injury in vitro and in vivo.     

Signaling pathways for early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Few studies have examined the signaling pathways that contribute to early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Using a rat SAH model, the authors explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mitogen-activation protein kinase (MAPK) in early brain injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 172) weighing 300 to 350 g were used for the experimental SAH model, which was induced by puncturing the bifurcation of the left anterior cerebral and middle cerebral arteries. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), brain edema, intracranial pressure, and mortality were evaluated at 24 hours after SAH. The phosphorylation of VEGF and different MAPK subgroups (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK) were examined in both the cortex and the major cerebral arteries. Experimental SAH increased intracranial pressure, BBB permeability, and brain edema and produced high mortality. SAH induced phosphorylation of VEGF and MAPKs in the cerebral arteries and, to a lesser degree, in the cortex. PP1, an Src-family kinase inhibitor, reduced BBB permeability, brain edema, and mortality and decreased the phosphorylation of VEGF and MAPKs. The authors conclude that VEGF contributes to early brain injury after SAH by enhancing the activation of the MAPK pathways, and that the inhibition of these pathways might offer new treatment strategies for SAH.     

Clozapine and the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway: implications for antipsychotic actions.

BACKGROUND: Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways respond to dopaminergic and serotonergic agents and mediate short- and long-term effects of intracellular signaling in neurons. Here we show that the antipsychotic agent, clozapine, selectively activates the MEK/ERK MAPK pathway, and inhibition of this pathway reverses clozapine's actions in the conditioned avoidance response (CAR) paradigm, a rodent behavioral assay of antipsychotic activity. METHODS: Phosphorylation patterns of MAPK pathway enzymes were determined by quantitative immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry of rat prefrontal cortex. Kinase inhibitors were used to assess the role of MAPK signaling pathways in mediating clozapine-induced suppression of CAR. RESULTS: Clozapine administration selectively increased phosphorylation of MEK1/2 but had no effect on p38 or JNK phosphorylation. Pretreatment with the 5-HT2A agonist (+/-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride blocked the clozapine-induced increase in MEK1/2 phosphorylation. Immunohistochemistry revealed that clozapine treatment elevated the number of cells in the prefrontal cortex positive for phosphoERK, the downstream substrate of MEK1/2. Prior administration of MEK1/2 inhibitors U0126 or Sl327, or ERK inhibitor 5-iodotubercidin, reversed suppression of CAR induced by clozapine, whereas administration of vehicle, JNK or p38 inhibitors (L-JNK-1 and SB203580, respectively) had no effect. Inhibition of kinases upstream to MEK1/2 (PI-3K, PKC, and CaMKII) by administration of LY294002, bisindolylmaleimide, or KN-62, respectively, also reversed clozapine-induced suppression of CAR. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the hypothesis that the MEK/ERK signal transduction cascade participates in clozapine's antipsychotic actions.     

The impact of erythropoietin on short-term changes in phosphorylation of brain protein kinases in a rat model of traumatic brain injury

We found that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) reduced significantly the development of brain edema in a rat model of diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) (impact-acceleration model). In this study, we investigated the molecular and intracellular changes potentially involved in these immediate effects. Brain tissue nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, phosphorylation level of two protein kinases (extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/-2 and Akt), and brain water content were measured 1 (H1) and 2 h (H2) after insult. Posttraumatic administration of rhEPO (5,000 IU/kg body weight, intravenously, 30 mins after injury) reduced TBI-induced upregulation of ERK phosphorylation, although it increased Akt phosphorylation at H1. These early molecular changes were associated with a reduction in brain NO synthesis at H1 and with an attenuation of brain edema at H2. Intraventricular administration of the ERK-1/-2 inhibitor, U0126, or the Akt inhibitor, {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY294002","term_id":"1257998346","term_text":"LY294002"}}LY294002, before injury showed that ERK was required for brain edema formation, and that rhEPO-induced reduction of edema could involve the ERK pathway. These results were obtained in the absence of any evidence of blood–brain barrier damage on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images. The findings of our study indicate that the anti edematous effect of rhEPO could be mediated through an early inhibition of ERK phosphorylation after diffuse TBI.     

Neurotoxicity of cadmium on immature hippocampus and a neuroprotective role for p38 MAPK

The developing brain is very sensitive to damage by toxic agents, many of which only manifest in adulthood. Cadmium [Cd(II)] is an environmental pollutant which is widely used in industry and is a constituent of tobacco smoke. Exposure to Cd(II) has been linked to detrimental effects on mammalian cells including neural cells. We have investigated the action of Cd(II) on immature hippocampus by assessing cell viability and modulation of AKT/PKB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). Hippocampal slices from immature rats (postnatal day 14; PN14) were incubated with Cd(II) (5-200 microM) for 3h and the effects on protein phosphorylation were analyzed by western blotting. Phosphorylation of p38(MAPK) was enhanced by Cd(II) at all doses tested. Cd(II) also stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the phosphorylation of JNK and AKT was not altered by the metal. Moreover, Cd(II) reduced cell viability, as measured by MTT reduction. Inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 aggravated the acute Cd(II)-induced impairment of cell viability, whereas inhibition of MEK by PD98059 did not alter the effects of Cd(II). The present data suggest that in immature hippocampal cells p38 MAPK may be a part of signaling pathway that counteracts acute Cd(II) neurotoxicity. In conclusion, our results showed that Cd(II) impairs cell viability and disturbs MAPKs pathways in an important developmental stage for synaptic organization.     

MEKK1 controls neurite regrowth after experimental injury by balancing ERK1/2 and JNK2 signaling

After injury, peripheral neuronal cells initiate complex signaling cascades to promote survival and regeneration. In the present study, we have identified the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) isoforms which are necessary for nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite regrowth after injury of differentiated PC12 cells. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and the usually pro-apoptotic c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) are crucial for neurite regrowth, while p38 plays no role in this context. Surprisingly, the MEK1 inhibitors PD 98059 and U 0126 blocked both ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation, indicating a novel form of balancing MAPK cascade cross-talk. Results from RNAi experiments excluded direct ERK/JNK interactions. We identified the upstream kinase MEKK1 as an activator of both the ERK1/2 and JNK2 pathways, whereby the ERK1/2 kinase MEK1 and the JNK kinase MKK7 bind to MEKK1 in a competing fashion. Our findings suggest an important role of JNK2 and MAPK pathway cross-talk in neurite regeneration.