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 MAP kinase mediates stress-induced leukotriene synthesis in a human B-lymphocyte cell line.

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO), which catalyzes the first two steps in leukotriene biosynthesis, is a target for pharmacological treatment of inflammatory disorders. Previous studies have shown that B-lymphocytes express 5-LO. Here we demonstrate that several stimuli of cell stress such as osmotic shock (sorbitol, NaCl), oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, diamide), chemical stress sodium arsenite, and inflammatory cytokines enhanced cellular 5-LO activity in a B cell line (BL41-E95-A), when added simultaneously with ionophore plus arachidonate. It is interesting that sorbitol alone was sufficient for 5-LO product formation in the presence of exogenous arachidonic acid. These stimuli also activated p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and downstream MAP kinase-activated protein kinases in BL41-E95-A cells, which could phosphorylate 5-LO or heat shock protein 27 in vitro. The p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 abolished stress-induced leukotriene synthesis in B cells, without inhibition of 5-LO catalytic activity in cell-free systems. Our results indicate that p38 MAP kinase activation by cell stress is required for efficient leukotriene synthesis in B-lymphocytes.     

Induction of terminal differentiation by constitutive activation of p38 MAP kinase in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells

MyoD inhibits cell proliferation and promotes muscle differentiation. A paradoxical feature of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a tumor arising from muscle precursors, is the block of the differentiation program and the deregulated proliferation despite MyoD expression. A deficiency in RMS of a factor required for MyoD activity has been implicated by previous studies. We report here that p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) activation, which is essential for muscle differentiation, is deficient in RMS cells. Enforced induction of p38 MAPK by an activated MAPK kinase 6 (MKK6EE) restored MyoD function and enhanced MEF2 activity in RMS deficient for p38 MAPK activation, leading to growth arrest and terminal differentiation. Stress and cytokines could activate the p38 MAPK in RMS cells, however, these stimuli did not promote differentiation, possibly because they activated p38 MAPK only transiently and they also activated JNK, which could antagonize differentiation. Thus, the selective and sustained p38 MAPK activation, which is distinct from the stress-activated response, is required for differentiation and can be disrupted in human tumors.     

Hydrodynamic shear and tethering through E-selectin signals phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and adhesion of human neutrophils

Recently, we reported that tethering and rolling of neutrophils in shear flow over a substrate of E-selectin signals activation of -integrins and firm adhesion via an intracellular signaling pathway involving phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. In the current study the objective was to examine the molecular mechanisms and shear dependence underlying activation and adhesion of -integrin during shear-induced collisions between human neutrophils and murine B cells (300.19) transfected to express either E-selectin or L-selectin. Three separate parameters of cell activation were assessed over the time course of application of a defined shear field to heterotypic cell suspensions in a cone–plate viscometer. These were the two-body collision doublet lifetime and capture efficiency, surface upregulation of CD11b/CD18, and tyrosine phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. The data indicate that neutrophil adhesion to E-selectin expressing 300.19 cells occurs with a fourfold higher efficiency of firm adhesion than do collisions with L-selectin or parent control cells. Visual analysis of aggregation in a transparent cone–plate rheoscope revealed that the lifetime and efficiency of doublet formation increased four-fold as the applied shear stress increased. Neutrophil tethering via E-selectin was associated with rapid activation as indicated by upregulation of surface CD11b/CD18 and phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase within seconds of application of shear. Activation greatly exceeded that observed for neutrophils sheared alone or with B cells expressing L-selectin. A distinct dependence of activation on the magnitude of the shear rate suggests a coupling between the fluid mechanical effects of shear and signaling of neutrophil adhesion. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC2002: 8717-d, 8719Tt     

Role of p38 MAP kinase in the development of acute lung injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by an intense pulmonary inflammatory response, in which neutrophils play a central role. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is involved in the regulation of stress-induced cellular functions and appears to be important in modulating neutrophil activation, particularly in response to endotoxin. Although p38 has potent effects on neutrophil functions under in vitro conditions, there is relatively little information concerning the role of p38 in affecting neutrophil-driven inflammatory responses in vivo. To examine this issue, we treated mice with the p38 inhibitor SB203580 and then examined parameters of neutrophil activation and acute lung injury after hemorrhage or endotoxemia. Although p38 was activated in lung neutrophils after hemorrhage or endotoxemia, inhibition of p38 did not decrease neutrophil accumulation in the lungs or the development of lung edema under these conditions. Similarly, the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of NF-kappaB in lung neutrophils induced by hemorrhage or endotoxemia was not diminished by p38 inhibition. These results indicate that p38 does not have a central role in the development of ALI after either hemorrhage or endotoxemia.     

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha potentiates CR3-induced respiratory burst by activating p38 MAP kinase in human neutrophils

CR3 and Fc gamma Rs are the main receptors involved in the phagocytic process leading to engulfment and killing of microbes by production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and degranulation. Various inflammatory mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are known to prime neutrophils leading to increased bactericidal responses, but the underlying mechanism of priming has only been partially elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate how TNF-alpha primes neutrophils for subsequent stimuli via either CR3 or Fc gamma R. The receptors were specifically activated with pansorbins (protein-A-positive Staphylococcus aureus) coated with anti-CR3, anti-Fc gamma RIIa, or anti-Fc gamma RIIIb monoclonal antibody. Activation of neutrophils with these particles resulted in ROI production as measured by chemiluminescence. Anti-CR3 pansorbins induced the most prominent ROI production in neutrophils. TNF-alpha potentiated the CR3-mediated respiratory burst but had little effect on that mediated by Fc gamma Rs. The priming effect of TNF-alpha on CR3-mediated ROI production is associated with an increased activation of p38 MAPK as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of p72(syk). Pretreatment of neutrophils with the inhibitors for p38 MAPK and p72(syk) markedly suppressed the respiratory burst induced by CR3. Furthermore, TNF-alpha induced about a three-fold increase in the expression of CR3 in neutrophils, an effect which is blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor. Taken together, these results showed that TNF-alpha potentiates the CR3-mediated respiratory burst in neutrophils not only by triggering a p38 MAPK-dependent up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 but also by modulating the signalling pathways.     

Bax gene disruption alters the epidermal response to ultraviolet irradiation and in vivo induced skin carcinogenesis

Bcl-2 family member proteins are differentially expressed in skin and in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). To elucidate the contribution of bcl-2 and bax proteins to epidermal differentiation and skin carcinogenesis, we investigated keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation and tumourigenesis in bcl-2(-/-) and bax(-/-) mice. The rate and pattern of proliferation and spontaneous cell death in the bcl-2(-/-) and bax(-/-) mice were not different from control mice. The epidermis of bcl-2(-/-) and bax(-/-) expressed sightly higher levels of cytokeratin 1 and loricrin compared to control littermates. The apoptotic response to ultraviolet-induced genotoxic stress was assessed by quantitating TUNEL positive cells. Bax(-/-) keratinocytes showed a significant resistance to UV-induced cell death compared to control mice. The life-span of bcl-2(-/-) mice precluded an assessment of bcl-2 gene disruption on in vivo tumourigenesis. A significant increase in tumour incidence was observed in bax(-/-) mice compared to control mice in two-step chemical carcinogenesis studies. These findings suggest that bcl-2 and bax gene products may be important determinants of normal keratinocyte differentiation and response to genotoxic stress in vivo, and indicate that bax may provide a tumour suppressor effect during skin carcinogenesis.     

Regulation by intracellular glutathione of TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAP kinase activation and RANTES production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase regulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced RANTES production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, and that sensitivity to TNF-alpha is inversely correlated with cellular reduction and oxidation (redox) state. However, a regulatory role of intracellular glutathione (GSH) in TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAP kinase activation and p38 MAP kinase-mediated RANTES production has not been determined. In the present study, therefore, we extended our previous studies and focused on redox regulation on p38 MAP kinase activation. METHODS: Human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells were exposed to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), and then TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAP kinase activation and p38 MAP kinase-mediated RANTES production were determined. RESULTS: The results showed that 1) NAC attenuated TNF-alpha-induced p38MAP kinase activation and RANTES production 2) SB 203580 as the specific inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase activity attenuated TNF-alpha-induced RANTES production 3) BSO facilitated TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAP kinase activation and RANTES production 4) SB 203580 attenuated BSO-mediated facilitation of TNF-alpha-induced RANTES production. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAP kinase activation and p38 MAP kinase-mediated RANTES production by human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells are inversely regulated by intracellular GSH levels.     

Effects of a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor on bone ingrowth and tissue differentiation in rabbit chambers

The effects of an oral p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor and polyethylene particles separately and together on tissue differentiation in the bone harvest chamber (BHC) in rabbits over a 3-week treatment period were investigated. The harvested tissue was analyzed histomorphometrically for markers of bone formation (percentage of bone area), osteoblasts (alkaline phosphatase staining), and osteoclasts (CD51, the alpha chain of the vitronectin receptor). Polyethylene particles decreased the percentage of bone ingrowth and staining for alkaline phosphatase. The p38 MAPK inhibitor alone decreased alkaline phosphatase staining. When the oral p38 MAPK inhibitor was given and the chamber contained polyethylene particles, there was a suppression of bone ingrowth and alkaline phosphatase staining. In contrast to oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and local Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) administration, the oral p38 MAPK inhibitor alone did not suppress bone formation when given during the initial phase of tissue differentiation. Particle-induced inflammation and the foreign body reaction were not curtailed when the p38 MAPK inhibitor was given simultaneously with particles. Additional experiments are needed to establish the efficacy of p38 MAPK inhibitor administration on mitigating an established inflammatory and foreign body reaction that parallels the clinical situation more closely.     

丝裂原活化蛋白激酶p38的激活在四逆汤预处理诱导大鼠心肌延迟预适应中的作用

目的：探讨四逆汤能否诱导心肌延迟预适应及其机制。 方法： SD大鼠分为正常对照组、假手术组、缺血再灌注(I/R）组、延迟缺血预处理组、四逆汤预处理组。延迟缺血预处理组采用经典大鼠冠脉结扎，缺血5 min，再灌5 min，反复循环3次，24 h后缺血1 h，再灌1 h。四逆汤预处理组给予四逆汤灌胃(5 mL·kg-1·d-1)连续3 d，末次灌药24 h后缺血1 h，再灌1 h。以心肌梗死面积、心肌酶为评价指标，测定心肌中NO2-/NO3-的含量并通过免疫组化检测大鼠心肌p38 MAPK及PKC的表达。 结果： 延迟缺血预处理组及四逆汤预处理组心肌梗死面积、血清CK、LDH的值明显少于I/R组，NO2-/NO3-含量显著高于I/R组，p38 MAPK和PKC发生转位且蛋白表达明显高于I/R组。 结论： 四逆汤能诱导心肌延迟预适应，其机制与p38 MAPK的激活可能有关。     

Augmentation of sodium butyrate-induced apoptosis by p38 MAP kinase inhibition in rat liver epithelial cells

Sodium butyrate (NaBu) has an inhibitory effect on histone deacetylases (HDACs). The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAP, kinase are known to be modulated during NaBu-induced apoptosis. In the present study, we showed that low concentrations of NaBu could induce apoptosis synergistically with the inhibition of p38 MAP kinase as proven by using specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor and dominant negative p38 transfection in a ras-transformed rat liver epithelial cell line (WB-ras). There were no changes in HDAC1, suggesting that NaBu might be able to kill transformed cells bypassing the HDAC inhibitory effect. We further demonstrated that inhibition of p38 MAP kinase potentiated apoptotic cascades, including cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, caspase-3, and decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio even at a lower concentration of NaBu. Thus, p38 MAP kinase played inhibitory roles in NaBu-induced apoptosis, and simultaneous modulation of MAP kinases in NaBu treatment could increase the efficiency of the chemotherapeutic effect of NaBu.     

Roles of p38 and c-jun in the differentiation, proliferation and immortalization of normal human endometrial cells

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that p38 and c-jun operateas mediators of cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore,by studying the roles of c-jun and p38 in the proliferationand differentiation of normal human endometrial cells, we canbetter understand the mechanism of these processes in endometrialcells. METHODS: Separation of glandular and stromal componentswas based on a modification of the work of Satyaswaroop et al.To confirm the purification of the endometrial cells and theexpression of the transfected SV40 large T antigen, immunocytochemicalanalysis and western blot analysis were performed. RESULTS:There were polygonal shapes in the stromal cells in the earlypassage 1–2, while the aged endometrial stromal cellswere spindle shaped. To investigate passage-dependent molecularevents in endometrial cells, the c-jun and pp38 levels wereexamined. Both c-jun and pp38 were significantly reduced withcellular aging and passages. To understand the role of c-jun,endometrial stromal cells were treated with SP600125 which isa specific inhibitor of c-jun. SP600125 induced morphologicalchanges of young endometrial stromal cells with polygonal shape;the young cells appeared as aged endometrial cells with spindleshape. In addition, an immortalized endometrial cell line wasestablished and shown to express activated c-jun, similiar tonormal endometrial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggestthat the modulation of p38 and c-jun may play an important rolein the differentiation and proliferation of human endometrialcells.     

In situ demonstration of Epstein-Barr viral genomes in viral-associated B cell lymphoproliferations.

Thirteen cases of benign and malignant Epstein-Barr viral (EBV)-associated B cell lymphoproliferations were examined by in situ hybridization studies performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. EBV nucleic acids were identified in a minority of lymphoid cells in five of six cases of benign infectious mononucleosis studied in tonsil or lymph node specimens. No evidence of EBV was found in two splenectomy specimens from patients with infectious mononucleosis. EBV nucleic acids were identified in one case of fatal, infectious, mononucleosislike immunoblastic proliferation, and were especially concentrated in areas where there were sheets of immunoblasts associated with necrosis. EBV nucleic acids were identified in all four cases of EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferations, including three cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in which a majority of the neoplastic cells contained EBV nucleic acids.     

Activation of p38 MAP kinase in T cells facilitates the immune response to the influenza virus

Activation of p38 MAP kinase in T cells leads to increased interferon-gamma production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and the selective cell death of CD8+ T cells. To address the role of p38 MAP kinase activation in T cells during an in vivo immune response, we examined the response against the influenza virus in transgenic mice expressing a constitutively activated MKK6 (MKK6(Glu)), an upstream activator of p38 MAP kinase. Activated CD4+ T cells accumulate in the lung and mediastinal lymph node of both wild-type and MKK6(Glu) transgenic mice upon intranasal inoculation with the influenza virus. MKK6(Glu) CD8+ T cells, however, disappear rapidly from the mediastinal lymph node but accumulate in the lung tissue. We demonstrate that interleukin-6, a cytokine produced by lung epithelial cells, partially protects CD8+ T cells from the cell death induced by p38 MAP kinase activation. During the influenza infection in MKK6(Glu) transgenic mice, reduced virus titers were also observed despite a normal B-cell antibody response. These results indicate that the activation of p38 MAP kinase in T cells affects the in vivo antiviral immune response.     

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.