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ERK Activation (erk + activation)
Selected AbstractsSyk-dependent ERK activation regulates IL-2 and IL-10 production by DC stimulated with zymosanEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Abstract Zymosan is a particulate yeast preparation that elicits high levels of IL-2 and IL-10 from dendritic cells (DC) and engages multiple innate receptors, including the Syk-coupled receptor dectin-1 and the MyD88-coupled receptor TLR2. Here, we show that induction of IL-2 and IL-10 by zymosan requires activation of ERK MAP kinase in murine DC. Surprisingly, ERK activation in response to zymosan is completely blocked in Syk-deficient DC and unaffected by MyD88 deficiency. Conversely, ERK activation in response to the TLR2 agonist Pam3Cys is completely MyD88 dependent and unaffected by Syk deficiency. The inability of TLR2 ligands in zymosan to couple to ERK may explain the Syk dependence of the IL-2 and IL-10 response in DC and emphasises the importance of Syk-coupled pattern recognition receptors such as dectin-1 in the detection of yeasts. Furthermore, the lack of receptor compensation observed here suggests that responses induced by complex innate stimuli cannot always be predicted by the signalling pathways downstream of individual receptors. [source] CD46-mediated costimulation induces a Th1-biased response and enhances early TCR/CD3 signaling in human CD4+ T,lymphocytesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 9 2004Alejandra Sánchez Abstract The role of membrane cofactor protein (MCP, CD46) on human T,cell activation has been analyzed. Coligation of CD3 and CD46 in the presence of PMA or CD28 costimuli enhanced IL-2, IFN-,, or IL-10 secretion by CD4+ T,lymphocytes. The effect of CD46 on IL-10 secretion did not require additional costimuli like anti-CD28 antibodies or phorbol esters. CD46 also enhanced IL-2 or IFN-, secretion by CD4+ blasts. In contrast, IL-5 secretion was inhibited upon CD46-CD3 coligation, in all the cells analyzed. These effects were independent of IL-12 and suggest that CD46 costimulation promotes a Th1-biased response in human CD4+ T,lymphocytes. CD46 enhanced TCR/CD3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3, and ZAP-70, as well as the activation of the ERK, JNK, and p38, but did not modify intracellular calcium. The effect of specific inhibitors shows that enhanced ERK activation contributes to augmented IFN-, and lower IL-5 secretion and, consequently, to the Th1 bias. Cross-linking CD46 alone induced weak tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3, and ZAP-70. However, CD46 cross-linking by itself did not induce cell proliferation or lymphokine secretion, and pretreatment of CD4+ T,lymphocytes with anti-CD46 antibodies did not significantly alter TCR/CD3 activation. [source] Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation is required for consolidation and reconsolidation of memory at an early stage of ontogenesisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 10 2009Solčne Languille Abstract The ability to form long-term memories exists very early during ontogeny; however, the properties of early memory processes, brain structures involved and underlying cellular mechanisms are poorly defined. Here, we examine the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK signaling cascade, which is crucial for adult memory, in the consolidation and reconsolidation of an early memory using a conditioned taste aversion paradigm in 3-day-old rat pups. We show that intraperitoneal injection of SL327, the upstream mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, impairs both consolidation and reconsolidation of early memory, leaving short-term memory after acquisition and after reactivation intact. The amnesic effect of SL327 diminishes with increasing delays after acquisition and reactivation. Biochemical analyses revealed ERK hyperphosphorylation in the amygdala but not the hippocampus following acquisition, suggesting functional activation of the amygdala as early as post-natal day 3, although there was no clear evidence for amygdalar ERK activation after reactivation. These results indicate that, despite an immature brain, the basic properties of memory and at least some of the molecular mechanisms and brain structures implicated in aversion memory share a number of similarities with the adult and emerge very early during ontogeny. [source] Mechanism of insulin-like growth factor I-mediated proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells: role of AktEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Haviryaji S. G. Kalluri Abstract Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of adult neural progenitor cells; however, the underlying mechanism is not clear. We analysed the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways in the IGF-I-mediated proliferation of rat neural progenitor cells. Stimulation of neural progenitor cells with IGF-I enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt but not ERK. Cell proliferation assay demonstrated that 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor) but not 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis(2-aminophenylthio)-butadiene (U0126) (ERK inhibitor) inhibited the IGF-I-induced survival of cells, whereas fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) enhanced the IGF-I-mediated survival of cells. Consistent with the cell proliferation assay, 5,bromo-2-deoxy-uridine incorporation studies established a negative role for IGF-I in proliferation. However, FGF-2 (ERK activator) in the presence of IGF-I (Akt activator) increased the proliferation of cells. Accordingly, stimulation of the ERK pathway by FGF-2 induced the expression of cyclin D1, which is essential for the entry of cells into cell cycle, and IGF-I in the presence of FGF-2 up-regulated the expression of cyclin D1. IGF-I in the absence or presence of FGF-2 increased the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase, thus supporting its role in the survival of neural progenitor cells. To further confirm the role of ERK activation in the proliferation, we cultured cells in FGF-2 + IGF-I-containing medium in the presence and absence of U0126 (ERK inhibitor), and showed the inhibition of nestin expression in U0126-treated cells. The decrease in the cyclin D1 content in conjunction with the inhibition of nestin expression by ERK inhibitor confirms the role of ERK in the proliferation of cells. [source] Role of intracellular Ca2+ and calmodulin/MAP kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase signalling pathway in the mitogenic and antimitogenic effect of nitric oxide in glia- and neurone-derived cell linesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 7 2006Antonella Meini Abstract To elucidate the mechanism of cell growth regulation by nitric oxide (NO) and the role played in it by Ca2+, we studied the relationship among intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), mitogen-activated protein kinases [extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)] and proliferation in cell lines exposed to different levels of NO. Data showed that NO released by low [(z)-1-[2-aminiethyl]-N-[2-ammonioethyl]amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2diolate (DETA/NO) concentrations (10 µm) determined a gradual, moderate elevation in [Ca2+]i (46.8 ± 7.2% over controls) which paralleled activation of ERK and potentiation of cell division. Functionally blocking Ca2+ or inhibiting calmodulin or MAP kinase kinase activities prevented ERK activation and antagonized the mitogenic effect of NO. Experimental conditions favouring Ca2+ entry into cells led to increased [Ca2+]i (189.5 ± 4.8%), ERK activation and cell division. NO potentiated the Ca2+ elevation (358 ± 16.8%) and ERK activation leading to expression of p21Cip1 and inhibition of cell proliferation. Furthermore, functionally blocking Ca2+ down-regulated ERK activation and reversed the antiproliferative effect of NO. Both the mitogenic and antimitogenic responses induced by NO were mimicked by a cGMP analogue whereas they were completely antagonized by selective cGMP inhibitors. These results demonstrate for the first time that regulation of cell proliferation by low NO levels is cGMP dependent and occurs via the Ca2+/calmodulin/MAP kinase kinase/ERK pathway. In this effect the amplitude of Ca2+ signalling determines the specificity of the proliferative response to NO possibly by modulating the strength of ERK activation. In contrast to the low level, the high levels (50,300 µm) of DETA/NO negatively regulated cell proliferation via a Ca2+ -independent mechanism. [source] ERK activation by mechanical strain is regulated by the small G proteins rac-1 and rhoAEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Julien Laboureau Abstract: Physical forces play an important role in regulating cell functions. We applied mechanical strain to human fibroblasts by magnetic attraction of superparamagnetic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-coated beads. We confirmed that the MAP kinases Erk and p38 are activated by mechanical strain, and went further by demonstrating the activation of Elk-1 by mechanical strain, mainly through a MEK-Erk pathway. Transfection of a dominant negative form of the G protein rac-1 (rac T17N), and inhibition of PI3K, an effector of rac-1, efficiently prevented Elk-1 activation by mechanical forces. Transfection with C3 transferase, known to inhibit rhoA, and inhibition of rock (a downstream effector of rhoA), gave similar results. However, contrary to the active form of rhoA (rho G14V), transfection of the active form of rac-1 (rac G12V) induced Elk activation and mimicked the effects of mechanical strain. These results point out that the two small G proteins rhoA and rac-1 participate in cell sensitivity to mechanical strain and lead to the modulation of the Erk pathway. [source] Human airway trypsin-like protease induces amphiregulin release through a mechanism involving protease-activated receptor-2-mediated ERK activation and TNF ,-converting enzyme activity in airway epithelial cellsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 24 2005Manabu Chokki Human airway trypsin-like protease (HAT), a serine protease found in the sputum of patients with chronic airway diseases, is an agonist of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). Previous results have shown that HAT enhances the release of amphiregulin (AR); further, it causes MUC5AC gene expression through the AR-epidermal growth factor receptor pathway in the airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292. In this study, the mechanisms by which HAT-induced AR release can occur were investigated. HAT-induced AR gene expression was mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, as pretreatment of cells with ERK pathway inhibitor eliminated the effect of HAT on AR mRNA. Both HAT and PAR-2 agonist peptide (PAR-2 AP) induced ERK phosphorylation; further, desensitization of PAR-2 with a brief exposure of cells to PAR-2 AP resulted in inhibition of HAT-induced ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that HAT activates ERK through PAR-2. Moreover, PAR-2 AP induced AR gene expression subsequent to protein production in the cellular fraction through the ERK pathway indicating that PAR-2-mediated activation of ERK is essential for HAT-induced AR production. However, in contrast to HAT, PAR-2 AP could not cause AR release into extracellular space; it appears that activation of PAR-2 is not sufficient for HAT-induced AR release. Finally, HAT-induced AR release was eliminated by blockade of tumour necrosis factor ,-converting enzyme (TACE) by the TAPI-1 and RNA interference, suggesting that TACE activity is necessary for HAT-induced AR release. These observations show that HAT induces AR production through the PAR-2 mediated ERK pathway, and then causes AR release by a TACE-dependent mechanism. [source] Chimeric receptor analyses of the interactions of the ectodomains of ErbB-1 with epidermal growth factor and of those of ErbB-4 with neuregulinFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 9 2002Jae-Hoon Kim A series of chimeric receptors was generated between the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, ErbB-1, and its homologue, ErbB-4, to investigate the roles of the extracellular domains (I,IV) in the ligand specificities. As compared with ErbB-1 and the chimeras with both domains I and III of ErbB-1, the chimeras with only one of these domains exhibited reduced binding of 125I-labeled EGF. Particularly, the contribution of domain III was appreciably larger than that of domain I of ErbB-1 in 125I-labeled EGF binding. Nevertheless, the chimeras with domain III of ErbB-1 and domain I of ErbB-4 were prevented from binding to 125I-labeled EGF competitively by the ErbB-4 ligand, neuregulin (NRG). On the other hand, NRG did not compete with 125I-labeled EGF for binding to the chimeras with the ErbB-1 domain I and the ErbB-4 domain III. Therefore, NRG binding to ErbB-4 depends much more on domain I than on domain III. With respect to autophosphorylation and subsequent ERK activation, EGF activated the chimeras with either domain I or III of ErbB-1. In contrast, NRG activated the chimeras with the ErbB-4 domain I and the ErbB-1 domain III, but not those with the ErbB-1 domain,I and the ErbB-4 domain III. Therefore, the relative contributions between domains I and III of ErbB-4 in the NRG signaling are different from those of ErbB-1 in the EGF signaling. [source] Coupling of endothelin receptors to the ERK/MAP kinase pathway,FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 20 2001Roles of palmitoylation Endothelins are potent mitogens that stimulate extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK/MAP kinases) through their cognate G-protein-coupled receptors, ETA and ETB. To address the role of post-translational ET receptor modifications such as acylation on ERK activation and to identify relevant downstream effectors coupling the ET receptor to the ERK signaling cascades we have constructed a panel of palmitoylation-deficient ET receptor mutants with differential G, protein binding capacity. Endothelin-1 stimulation of wild-type ETA or ETB induced a fivefold to sixfold increase in ERK in COS-7 and CHO cells whereas full-length nonpalmitoylated ETA and ETB mutants failed to stimulate ERK. A truncated ETB lacking the C-terminal tail domain including putative phosphorylation and arrestin binding site(s) but retaining the critical palmitoylation site(s) was still able to fully stimulate ERK activation. Using mutated ET receptors with selective G-protein-coupling we found that endothelin-induced stimulation of G,q, but not of G,i or G,s, is essential for endothelin-mediated ERK activation. Inhibition of protein kinases A and C or epidermal growth factor receptor kinase failed to prevent ETA - and ETB -mediated ERK activation whereas blockage of phospholipase C-, completely abrogated endothelin-promoted ERK activation through ETA and ETB in recombinant COS-7 and native C6 cells. Complex formation of Ca2+ or inhibition of Src family tyrosine kinases prevented ET-1-induced ERK-2 activation in C6-cells. Our results indicate that endothelin-promoted ERK/MAPK activation criticially depends on palmitoylation but not on phosphorylation of ET receptors, and that the G,q/phospholipase C-,/Ca2+/Src signaling cascade is necessary for efficient coupling of ET receptors to the ERK/MAPK pathway. [source] Activation of dorsal horn microglia contributes to diabetes-induced tactile allodynia via extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase signalingGLIA, Issue 4 2008Makoto Tsuda Abstract Painful neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, one hallmark of which is tactile allodynia (pain hypersensitivity to innocuous stimulation). The underlying mechanisms of tactile allodynia are, however, poorly understood. Emerging evidence indicates that, following nerve injury, activated microglia in the spinal cord play a crucial role in tactile allodynia. However, it remains unknown whether spinal microglia are activated under diabetic conditions and whether they contribute to diabetes-induced tactile allodynia. In the present study, using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats that displayed tactile allodynia, we found several morphological changes of activated microglia in the dorsal horn. These included increases in Iba1 and OX-42 labeling (markers of microglia), hypertrophic morphology, the thickness and the retraction of processes, and in the number of activated microglia cells. Furthermore, in the dorsal horn of STZ diabetic rats, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and an upstream kinase, Src-family kinase (SFK), both of which are implicated in microglial functions, were activated exclusively in microglia. Moreover, inhibition of ERK phosphorylation in the dorsal horn by intrathecal administration of U0126, an inhibitor of ERK activation, produced a striking alleviation of existing, long-term tactile allodynia of diabetic rats. We also found that a single administration of U0126 reduced the expression of allodynia. Together, these results suggest that activated dorsal horn microglia may be a crucial component of diabetes-induced tactile allodynia, mediated, in part, by the ERK signaling pathway. Thus, inhibiting microglia activation in the dorsal horn may represent a therapeutic strategy for treating diabetic tactile allodynia. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Prostaglandin E2 promotes cell proliferation via protein kinase C/extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway-dependent induction of c-Myc expression in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cellsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 11 2009Le Yu Abstract Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and elevation of its derivative prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are implicated in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The expression of c-Myc, an oncogenic transcription factor, is also upregulated in this malignant disease. This study sought to elucidate whether a functional connection exists between COX-2/PGE2 and c-Myc in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Results showed that PGE2 substantially increased the proliferation of cultured esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. In this regard, PGE2 substantially increased the mRNA and protein expression of c-Myc and its association with the binding partner Max. Knockdown of c-Myc by RNA interference also significantly attenuated PGE2 -induced cell proliferation. Further, mechanistic study revealed that PGE2 increased the protein stability and nuclear accumulation of c-Myc via phosphorylation on serine 62 in an extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent manner. To this end, ERK activation by PGE2 was completely abolished by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. Moreover, the effect of PGE2 on c-Myc expression was mimicked by EP2 receptor agonist. In addition, knockdown of EP2 receptor by EP2 siRNA attenuated PGE2 -induced c-Myc expression. Collectively, our findings suggest that PGE2 upregulates c-Myc via the EP2/PKC/ERK pathway. This study sheds new light on the carcinogenic mechanism of PGE2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. © 2009 UICC [source] Direct and indirect manipulation of the MEK-ERK pathway regulates the formation of a pericellular HA-dependent matrix by chick articular surface cells without modifying CD44 expresssionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2004Edward R. Bastow Introduction Recent evidence suggests that hyaluronan (HA) facilitates the mechano-dependent joint cavity-forming process through the elaboration and retention of a HA-rich pericellular matrix in the developing joint interzone (IZ). The presumptive joint IZ phenotype shows a capacity to bind and synthesize HA and also exhibits elevated activated ERK, prior to synovial joint cavity formation (Lamb et al. 2001; Edwards et al. 1994; Dowthwaite et al. 1998). We have found that immobilization, which induces embryonic joint fusion with loss of the joint IZ phenotype, also reduces ERK activity levels in the IZ. As the signalling events regulating the synthesis and binding of HA have yet to be determined, we hypothesize that ERK activation plays a pivotal role in determining the presumptive joint IZ phenotype through HA synthetic and binding capacity. Materials and methods Chick articular surface (AS) cells were harvested from proximal tibiotarsal joints of embryos by collagenase digestion. Pericellular coat formation was assessed using the erythrocyte exclusion assay and cell-coat area ratios determined. ERK activity was modulated by transient transfection of GFP constructs of constitutively active (CA-) or dominant negative (DN-) forms of MEK, the direct upstream regulator of ERK or by treatment with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 (50 µm). ERK activation was monitored by immunochemistry. CD44 expression and ERK activation in PD98059-treated cells were monitored by immunoblotting and medium HA concentrations by ELISA. Results AS cells form large pericellular coats that are lost following hyaluronidase treatment and thus dependent upon HA for their construction. Treatment with PD98059 significantly reduced pericellular coat formation after 6 h. In parallel, we confirmed that PD98059 diminished active ERK expression without modifying overall levels of ERK, suggesting that the elaboration of large HA-pericellular coats is dependent upon MEK's activation of ERK. Western blot analysis of PD98059-treated cells showed that loss of pericellular coats was not, however, associated with any decreased levels of the cell surface HA receptor CD44. Although treatment with PD98059 did not change medium HA concentration after short times of exposure, at times (up to 6 h) during which coat loss was evident, prolonged treatment over 24 h significantly decreased medium HA concentration. Consistent with a role for ERK in pericellular coat formation, transfection with DN-MEK diminished, while CA-MEK increased, both active ERK expression and coat formation efficiency. We also found that, commensurate with this modification in coat forming efficiency, cells expressing DN-MEK exhibited a significant reduction in labelling of free HA on the cell surface. Discussion These studies extend our recent work to indicate that: (i) direct modulation of ERK activation by transfection with its endogenous upstream regulator modifies cell surface-associated HA (ii) PD98059-induced blockade of ERK activation restricts medium HA release and (iii) ERK-mediated changes in pericellular coat elaboration are independent of changes in cellular CD44 expression. These findings suggest an intimate relationship between ERK activation and the formation/retention of HA-rich pericellular matrices in vitro and highlight the role for ERK activation in regulating joint line-related differentiation. [source] TCDD causes suppression of growth and differentiation of MCF10A, human mammary epithelial cells by interfering with their insulin receptor signaling through c-Src kinase and ERK activationJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Sujin Park Abstract One of the proposed mechanisms of carcinogenic action of TCDD (=dioxin) on breast cells is that it causes significant inhibition of proper differentiation of mammary duct epithelial cells and thereby increases the number of terminal end buds, which are susceptible to other carcinogens (Fenton et al., Toxicol Sci 2002;67:63,74; Brown et al., Carcinogenesis 1998; 19:1623,1629; Lamartiniere, J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2002;7:67,76). To address this topic, we selected MCF10A, a line of immortalized normal human breast epithelial cells as an in vitro model. An initial effort was made to optimize the cultural condition of MCF10A cells to promote the cell differentiation effect of insulin. Under this condition, TCDD clearly antagonized the action of insulin only in the presence of cholera toxin that is known to promote the differentiation of normal human breast epithelial cells. To test the hypothesis that TCDD-induced c-Src kinase activation is casually related to this compound's antagonistic action against insulin, we treated MCF10A cells with two c-Src blocking agents, an anti-Src antisense oligonucleotides blocker and a known specific inhibitor of c-Src kinase, PP-2 and studied the effect of insulin and TCDD on cell proliferation. The results showed that, in cells treated with either of these two c-Src blocking agents, the antagonistic effect of TCDD disappeared. It was also found that agents which specifically block the activation of ERK could also abrogate the action of TCDD to suppress insulin signaling. Together, these results indicate that the mechanism of the antagonistic action of TCDD on insulin signaling is mainly mediated through c-Src signaling through activation of ERK. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 18:322,331, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20040 [source] Expression of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 3 (ASIC3) in Nucleus Pulposus Cells of the Intervertebral Disc Is Regulated by p75NTR and ERK Signaling,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 12 2007Yoshiyasu Uchiyama Abstract Although a recent study has shown that skeletal tissues express ASICs, their function is unknown. We show that intervertebral disc cells express ASIC3; moreover, expression is uniquely regulated and needed for survival in a low pH and hypoeromsotic medium. These findings suggest that ASIC3 may adapt disc cells to their hydrodynamically stressed microenvironment. Introduction: The nucleus pulposus is an avascular, hydrated tissue that permits the intervertebral disc to resist compressive loads to the spine. Because the tissue is hyperosmotic and avascular, the pH of the nucleus pulposus is low. To determine the mechanisms by which the disc cells accommodate to the low pH and hypertonicity, the expression and regulation of the acid sensing ion channel (ASIC)3 was examined. Materials and Methods: Expression of ASICs in cells of the intervertebral disc was analyzed. To study its regulation, we cloned the 2.8-kb rat ASIC3 promoter and performed luciferase reporter assays. The effect of pharmacological inhibition of ASICs on disc cell survival was studied by measuring MTT and caspase-3 activities. Results: ASIC3 was expressed in discal tissues and cultured disc cells in vitro. Because studies of neuronal cells have shown that ASIC3 expression and promoter activity is induced by nerve growth factor (NGF), we examined the effect of NGF on nucleus pulposus cells. Surprisingly, ASIC3 promoter activity did not increase after NGF treatment. The absence of induction was linked to nonexpression of tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA), a high-affinity NGF receptor, although a modest expression of p75NTR was seen. When treated with p75NTR antibody or transfected with dominant negative-p75NTR plasmid, there was significant suppression of ASIC3 basal promoter activity. To further explore the downstream mechanism of control of ASIC3 basal promoter activity, we blocked p75NTR and measured phospho extracellular matrix regulated kinase (pERK) levels. We found that DN-p75NTR suppressed NGF mediated transient ERK activation. Moreover, inhibition of ERK activity by dominant negative-mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (DN-MEK) resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of ASIC3 basal promoter activity, whereas overexpression of constitutively active MEK1 caused an increase in ASIC3 promoter activity. Finally, to gain insight in the functional importance of ASIC3, we suppressed ASIC activity in nucleus pulposus cells. Noteworthy, under both hyperosmotic and acidic conditions, ASIC3 served to promote cell survival and lower the activity of the pro-apoptosis protein, caspase-3. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that NGF serves to maintain the basal expression of ASIC3 through p75NTR and ERK signaling in discal cells. We suggest that ASIC3 is needed for adaptation of the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells to the acidic and hyperosmotic microenvironment of the intervertebral disc. [source] Mechanisms of inhibition of dehydroepiandrosterone upon corticosterone release from rat zona fasciculata-reticularis cells,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2008Ling-Ling Chang Abstract We have demonstrated that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) acts directly on rat zona fasciculata-reticularis (ZFR) cells to diminish corticosterone secretion by an inhibition of post-cAMP pathway, and decreases functions of steroidogenic enzymes after P450scc as well as steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression. However, the mechanisms by which DHEA engages with environmental messenger signals which translate into interfering StAR protein expression are still unclear. This study explored the effects of DHEA on the phosphorylation/activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). ERK activation resulted in enhancing phosphorylation of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and increased StAR protein expression. ZFR cells were incubated in the presence or absence of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), forskolin (FSK), 25-OH-cholesterol, U0126, and H89 at 37°C. The concentration of corticosterone released into the media was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The cells were used to extract protein for Western blot analysis of ERKs or StAR protein expression or immunoprecipitation of SF-1 analysis. The results suggested that (1) ERK pathway of rat ZFR cells might be PKA dependent, (2) ERK activity was required for SF-1 phosphorylation to upregulate steroidogenesis in rat ZFR cells, and (3) DHEA did not affect ERK phosphorylation, however, it attenuated forskolin-stimulated SF-1 phosphorylation to affect StAR protein expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 359,368, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Two modes of ERK activation by TNF in keratinocytes: Different cellular outcomes and bi-directional modulation by vitamin D,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2008Ester Ziv Abstract Inflammation, elicited in the skin following tissue damage or pathogen invasion, may become chronic with deleterious consequences. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key mediator of cutaneous inflammation and the keratinocyte an important protagonist of skin immunity. Calcitriol, the hormonally active vitamin D metabolite, and its analogs attenuate epidermal inflammation and inhibit the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes associated with the inflammatory disorder, psoriasis. Since activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) promotes keratinocyte proliferation and mediates epidermal inflammation, we studied the effect of calcitriol on ERK activation in HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to the ubiquitous inflammatory cytokine TNF. By using the EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AG1487 and the Src family inhibitor, PP-1, we established that TNF activated ERK in an EGFR and Src dependent and an EGFR and Src independent modes. EGFR dependent activation resulted in the upregulation of the transcription factor, c-Fos, while the EGFR independent activation mode was of a shorter duration, did not affect c-Fos expression but induced IL-8 mRNA expression. Pretreatment with calcitriol, enhanced TNF-induced EGFR-Src dependent ERK activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGFR, but abolished the EGFR-Src independent ERK activation. These effects were mirrored by enhancement of c-Fos and inhibition of IL-8 induction by TNF. Treatment with calcitriol increased the rate of the de-phosphorylation of activated ERK, accounting for the inhibition of EGFR-Src independent ERK activation by TNF. It is possible that effects on the ERK cascade contribute to the effects of calcitriol and its synthetic analogs on cutaneous inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 606,619, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Regulation of Sprouty2 stability by mammalian Seven-in-Absentia homolog 2,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2007Robert J. Nadeau Abstract Mammalian Sprouty (Spry) gene expression is rapidly induced upon activation of the FGF receptor signaling pathway in multiple cell types including cells of mesenchymal and epithelial origin. Spry2 inhibits FGF-dependent ERK activation and thus Spry acts as a feedback inhibitor of FGF-mediated proliferation. In addition, Spry2 interacts with the ring-finger-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase, c-Cbl, in a manner that is dependent upon phosphorylation of Tyr55 of Spry2. This interaction results in the poly-ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Spry2 by the proteasome. Here, we describe the identification of another E3 ubiquitin ligase, human Seven-in-Absentia homolog-2 (SIAH2), as a Spry2 interacting protein. We show by yeast two-hybrid analysis that the N-terminal domain of Spry2 and the ring finger domain of SIAH2 mediated this interaction. Co-expression of SIAH2 resulted in proteasomal degradation of Spry1, 2, and to a lesser extent Spry4. The related E3 ubiquitin-ligase, SIAH1, had little effect on Spry2 protein stability when co-expressed. Unlike c-Cbl-mediated degradation of Spry2, SIAH2-mediated degradation was independent of phosphorylation of Spry2 on Tyr55. Spry2 was also phosphorylated on Tyr227, and phosphorylation of this residue was also dispensable for SIAH2-mediated degradation of Spry2. Finally, co-expression of SIAH2 with Spry2 resulted in a rescue of FGF2-mediated ERK phosphorylation. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby Spry2 stability is regulated in a manner that is independent of tyrosine phosphorylation, and provides an addition level of control of Spry2 protein levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 151,160, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Possible role of duration of PKC-induced ERK activation in the effects of agonists and phorbol esters on DNA synthesis in panc-1 cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2006Gábor Z. Rácz Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) have been implicated in the effects of regulatory peptides on proliferation. We studied how ERK was activated by PKC following regulatory peptide or phorbol ester stimulation and we also investigated the effect of ERK activation on proliferation in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells transfected with CCK1 receptors were treated with cholecystokinin (CCK), neurotensin (NT), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). DNA synthesis was studied by measuring tritiated thymidine incorporation. PKC isoforms were selectively inhibited with Gö6983 and 200 nM Ro-32-0432, their translocation was detected by confocal microscopy and by subcellular fractionation followed by immunoblotting. ERK cascade activation was detected with phosphoERK immunoblotting and inhibited with 20 µM PD98059. PMA and CCK inhibited, NT stimulated DNA synthesis. These effects were inhibited by Ro-32-0432 but not by Gö6983 suggesting the involvement of PKC, in proliferation control. Confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation demonstrated that PMA, CCK, and NT caused cytosol to membrane translocation of PKC, and ERK activation that was inhibited by Ro-32-0432 but not by Gö6983. ERK activation was prolonged following PMA and CCK, but transient after NT treatment. PMA, CCK, and NT all activated cyclinD1, while p21CIP1 expression was increased by only PMA and CCK, but not by NT; each of these effects is inhibited by PD98059. In conclusion, our results provide evidence for PKC,-mediated differential ERK activation and growth regulation in Panc-1C cells. Identification of the mechanisms by which these key signaling pathways are modulated could provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic interventions to treat pancreatic cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ndrg4 enhances NGF-induced ERK activation uncoupled with Elk-1 activationJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2006Shigeki Hongo Abstract Ndrg4 is expressed predominantly in the early postnatal rat brain and may be related to neural cell differentiation. PC12 cell lines stably expressing increased levels of Ndrg4 protein display enhanced NGF-induced phosphorylation of MEK and ERK. In contrast, the Ndrg4-C2-overexpressed PC12 cell lines showed attenuated NGF-promoted phosphorylation of Elk-1, which is a nuclear target of ERK. A reporter assay also indicated that Ndrg4-C2 suppresses Elk-1-mediated transcriptional activation and SRE reporter expression. The suppressive effect of Ndrg4-C2 on NGF-induced activation of Elk-1 was abolished by colchicine but not by cytochalasin D, suggesting that microtubules are involved in the reduced activation of Elk-1 by Ndrg4. Ndrg4 may play a role in supporting the activation of ERK and its target proteins needed for neuronal differentiation and in reducing the activation of Elk-1 implicated in cell growth. J. Cell. Biochem. 98: 185,193, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] TNF-, induction of lipolysis is mediated through activation of the extracellular signal related kinase pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes,,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2003Sandra C. Souza Abstract Tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,) increases adipocyte lipolysis after 6,12 h of incubation. TNF-, has been demonstrated to activate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases including extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) and N-terminal-c-Jun-kinase (JNK) in different cell types. To determine if the MAP kinases have a role in TNF-,-induced lipolysis, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with the cytokine (10 ng/ml), in the presence or absence of PD98059 or U0126 (100 µM), specific inhibitors of ERK activity. We demonstrated that U0126 or PD98059 blocked TNF-,-induced ERK activity and decreased TNF-,-induced lipolysis by 65 or 76% respectively. The peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor , (PPAR,) agonists, rosiglitazone (ros), and 15-deoxy-,- 12,14 - prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) have been demonstrated to block TNF-,-induced lipolysis. Pretreatment of adipocytes with these agents almost totally blocked TNF-,-induced ERK activation and reduced lipolysis by greater than 90%. TNF-, also stimulated JNK activity, which was not affected by PD98059 or PPAR, agonist treatment. The expression of perilipin, previously proposed to contribute to the mechanism of lipolysis, is diminished in response to TNF-, treatment. Pretreatment of adipocytes with PD98059 or ros significantly blocked the TNF-,-induced reduction of perilipin A protein level as determined by Western analysis. These data suggest that activation of the ERK pathway is an early event in the mechanism of TNF-,-induced lipolysis. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Protein kinase D2 potentiates MEK/ERK/RSK signaling, c-Fos accumulation and DNA synthesis induced by bombesin in Swiss 3T3 cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007James Sinnett-Smith Protein kinase D (PKD) plays an important role in mediating cellular DNA synthesis in response to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists but the function of other isoforms of the PKD family has been much less explored. Here, we examined whether PKD2 overexpression in Swiss 3T3 cells facilitates DNA synthesis and the activation of the extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway in response to the mitogenic GPCR agonist bombesin. We show that PKD2 overexpression markedly potentiated the ability of this agonist to induce DNA synthesis. Addition of bombesin to Swiss 3T3 cells overexpressing PKD2 also induced a striking increase in the duration of MEK/ERK/RSK activation as compared with cultures of control cells. In contrast, neither DNA synthesis nor the duration of ERK activation in response to epidermal growth factor, which acts via protein kinase C/PKD2-independent pathways, was increased. Furthermore, bombesin promoted a striking accumulation of c-Fos protein in cells overexpressing PKD2. Our study demonstrates that PKD2, like PKD, facilitates mitogenesis and supports the hypothesis that an increase in the duration of the ERK signaling leading to accumulation of immediate gene products is one of the mechanisms by which isoforms of the PKD family enhance re-initiation of DNA synthesis by Gq-coupled receptor activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 781,790, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Helicobacter pylori and mitogen-activated protein kinases regulate the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis in gastric epithelial cellsJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 7pt2 2008Song-Ze Ding Abstract Background and Aims:,Helicobacter pylori infection activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the relationship between H. pylori infection and MAPK signaling in controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis is not clear, nor has the role of MAPK on the gastric epithelial cell cycle and proliferation been established. Therefore, we investigated the effects of H. pylori infection and MAPK inhibition on these processes. Methods:, Gastric epithelial cell lines (AGS and MKN45) were infected with H. pylori and/or treated with MAPK inhibitors. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Cell cycle proteins and proliferation were monitored by western blot and cell count, respectively. Results:, Infection with H. pylori resulted in dose-dependent MAPK activation, cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. The effect of H. pylori and MAPK at various cell cycle checkpoints was noted: MEK1/2 and p38 inhibition increased H. pylori -induced cell cycle G1 arrest, while JNK inhibition reduced G1 arrest. MEK1/2 inhibition increased p21, p27 and cyclin E and JNK inhibition additionally increased cyclin D1 expression. Both inhibitors decreased cell proliferation. All inhibitors enhanced apoptosis after H. pylori infection. We also detected MAPK cross-talk in AGS cells: p38 and JNK inhibitors increased ERK activation. The p38 inhibitor increased JNK and the MEK1/2 inhibitor decreased JNK activation only during H. pylori infection. Conclusions:, These results suggest H. pylori and MAPK differentially regulate the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells. The imbalance between H. pylori infection and MAPK activation likely contributes to the H. pylori -induced pathogenesis. [source] Dopamine D1 and D3 receptors oppositely regulate NMDA- and cocaine-induced MAPK signaling via NMDA receptor phosphorylationJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007Hongyuan Jiao Abstract Development of drug addiction involves complex molecular changes in the CNS. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a key role in mediating neuronal activation induced by dopamine, glutamate, and drugs of abuse. We previously showed that dopamine D1 and D3 receptors play different roles in regulating cocaine-induced MAPK activation. Although there are functional and physical interactions between dopamine and glutamate receptors, little is known regarding the involvement of D1 and D3 receptors in modulating glutamate-induced MAPK activation and underlying mechanisms. In this study, we show that D1 and D3 receptors play opposite roles in regulating N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) -induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the caudate putamen (CPu). D3 receptors also inhibit NMDA-induced activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 kinase in the CPu. NMDA-induced activation of the NMDA-receptor R1 subunit (NR1), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), and cocaine-induced CREB activation in the CPu are also oppositely regulated by dopamine D1 and D3 receptors. Finally, the blockade of NMDA-receptor reduces cocaine-induced ERK activation, and inhibits phosphorylation of NR1, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and CREB, while inhibiting ERK activation attenuates cocaine-induced CREB phosphorylation in the CPu. These results suggest that dopamine D1 and D3 receptors oppositely regulate NMDA- and cocaine-induced MAPK signaling via phosphorylation of NR1. [source] Activation of the galanin receptor 2 (GalR2) protects the hippocampus from neuronal damageJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2007Caroline R. Elliott-Hunt Abstract Expression of the neuropeptide galanin is up-regulated in many brain regions following nerve injury and in the basal forebrain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. We have previously demonstrated that galanin modulates hippocampal neuronal survival, although it was unclear which receptor subtype(s) mediates this effect. Here we report that the protective role played by galanin in hippocampal cultures is abolished in animals carrying a loss-of-function mutation in the second galanin receptor subtype (GalR2-MUT). Exogenous galanin stimulates the phosphorylation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in wild-type (WT) cultures by 435 ± 5% and 278 ± 2%, respectively. The glutamate-induced activation of Akt was abolished in cultures from galanin knockout animals, and was markedly attenuated in GalR2-MUT animals, compared with WT controls. In contrast, similar levels of glutamate-induced ERK activation were observed in both loss-of-function mutants, but were further increased in galanin over-expressing animals. Using specific inhibitors of either ERK or Akt confirms that a GalR2-dependent modulation in the activation of the Akt and ERK signalling pathways contributes to the protective effects of galanin. These findings imply that the rise in endogenous galanin observed either after brain injury or in various disease states is an adaptive response that reduces apoptosis by the activation of GalR2, and hence Akt and ERK. [source] Ras/ERK signalling in cannabinoid tolerance: from behaviour to cellular aspectsJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2005Tiziana Rubino Abstract We investigated the role of the Ras/extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in the development of tolerance to ,9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced reduction in spontaneous locomotor activity by a genetic (Ras-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Ras-GRF1) knock-out mice) and pharmacological approach. Pre-treatment of wild-type mice with SL327 (50 mg/kg i.p.), a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), the upstream kinase of ERK, fully prevented the development of tolerance to THC-induced hypolocomotion. We investigated the impact of the inhibition of ERK activation on the biological processes involved in cannabinoid tolerance (receptor down-regulation and desensitization), by autoradiographic cannabinoid CB1 receptor and cannabinoid-stimulated [35S]GTP,S binding studies in subchronically treated mice (THC, 10 mg/kg s.c., twice a day for 5 days). In the caudate putamen and cerebellum of Ras-GRF1 knock-out mice and SL327 pre-treated wild-type mice, CB1 receptor down-regulation and desensitization did not occur, suggesting that ERK activation might account for CB1 receptor plasticity involved in the development of tolerance to THC hypolocomotor effect. In contrast, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex showed CB1 receptor adaptations regardless of the genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the ERK pathway, suggesting regional variability in the cellular events underlying the altered CB1 receptor function. These findings suggest that at least in the caudate putamen and cerebellum, the Ras/ERK pathway is essential for triggering the alteration in CB1 receptor function responsible for tolerance to THC-induced hypomotility. [source] Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases potentiates hemin toxicity in astrocyte culturesJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2001Raymond F. Regan Hemin is present in intracranial hematomas in high micromolar concentrations and is a potent, lipophilic oxidant. Growing evidence suggests that heme-mediated injury may contribute to the pathogenesis of CNS hemorrhage. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are activated by oxidants in some cell types, and may alter cellular vulnerability to oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of hemin on ERK activation was investigated in cultured murine cortical astrocytes, and the consequence of this activation on cell viability was quantified. Hemin was rapidly taken up by astrocytes, and generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) within 30 min. Increased immunoreactivity of dually phosphorylated ERK1/2 was observed in hemin-treated cultures at 30,120 min, without change in total ERK. Surprisingly, ERK activation was not attenuated by concomitant treatment with antioxidants (U74500A or 1,10-phenanthroline) at concentrations that blocked ROS generation. Cell death commenced after 2 h of hemin exposure and was reduced by antioxidants and by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Cytotoxicity was also attenuated by MEK inhibition with PD98059 or U0126 at concentrations that were sufficient to prevent ERK activation. Whereas the effect of Z-VAD-FMK on cell survival was transient, the effect of MEK inhibitors was long-lasting. MEK inhibitors had no effect on cellular hemin uptake or subsequent ROS generation. The present results suggest that hemin activates ERK in astrocytes via a mechanism that is independent of ROS generation. This activation sensitizes astrocytes to hemin-mediated oxidative injury. [source] Endogenous and Exogenous Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Support Survival of Chick Retinal Neurons by Control of Neuronal Neuronal bcl-xL and bcl-2 Expression Through a Fibroblast Berowth Factor Receptor 1- and Erk-Dependent PathwayJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2000Laurent Désiré Abstract : Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 is a survival factor for various cell types, including retinal neurons. However, little is understood about the molecular bases of the neuroprotective role of FGF2 in the retina. In this report, FGF2 survival activity was studied in chick retinal neurons subjected to apoptosis by serum deprivation. Exogenous FGF2 supported neuronal survival after serum deprivation and increased neuronal bcl-xL and bcl-2 expression, through binding to its receptor R1 (FGF-R1), and subsequent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. Endogenous FGF2 was transiently overexpressed after serum deprivation. Its down-regulation by antisense oligonucleotides and blockade of its signaling pathway (binding to FGF-R1, tyrosine phosphorylation, and ERK inhibition) decreased bcl-xL and bcl-2 levels and and enhanced apoptosis, suggesting that endogenous FGF2 supported neuronal survival through a pathway similar to that of exogenous FGF2. This pathway may serve to up-regulate, or maintain, bcl-xL and bcl-2 levels that normally decrease during the onset of apoptosis. Indeed, long-term ERK activation and high bcl-xL levels are necessary for the survival activity of both exogenous and endogenous FGF2. Because FGF2 is upregulated following retinal injury in vivo, we suggest that an injury-stimulated autocrine/paracrine FGF2 loop may serve to maintain high levels of survival proteins, such as Bcl-xL, through ERK activation in retinal neurons. [source] Protein phosphatase 2A,negative regulation of the protective signaling pathway of Ca2+/CaM-dependent ERK activation in cerebral ischemiaJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 12 2008Jie Zhao Abstract Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) undergoes rapid inactivation following the intense activation evoked by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. However, the precise mechanism of this inactivation has not been elucidated. To investigate how phosphatases regulate the ERK cascade following ischemia, the PP2A inhibitors cantharidin and okadaic acid were administrated to the CA1 subregion of the rat hippocampus. The resulting sustained ERK activity implies that PP2A is a major phosphatase contributing to the rapid inactivation, but not activation, of ERK following cerebral ischemia. The increase in PP2A activity induced by ceramide has a weak effect on the activation of Raf via dephosphorylation of Ser259 in response to ischemia. In contrast, ketamine (Keta) and cyclosporine A (CsA), two chemicals that block calcium signal in ischemia, decrease ERK activity by blocking Raf dephosphorylation of Ser259. We also observed that activation of an upstream protein, Ras-GRF, leads to calcium/calmodulin-dependent activation of the ERK signaling cascade in response to ischemic stimuli. In addition, the activity of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and estrogen receptor , (ER,), target proteins of ERK and protective elements against ischemic lesion, parallels the activity of ERK. These data indicate that PP2A plays a significant role in blocking the protective effect induced by the ERK kinase pathway and that fast inactivation of ERK is the result of cross talk between calcium/calmodulin-dependent, positively regulated signal cascades and a ceramide-dependent negative signaling pathway. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Integrins mediate ,-amyloid-induced cell-cycle activation and neuronal deathJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Giuseppina Frasca Abstract Early intracellular events responsible for cell-cycle induction by ,-amyloid (A,) in neurons have not been identified yet. Extracellular signal,regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) have been identified in this pathway, and inhibition of ERK activity prevents cell-cycle activation and reduces neuronal death induced by A,. To identify upstream events responsible for ERK activation, attention has been focused on integrins. Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells, differentiated by long-term exposure to 10 ,M retinoic acid with a neutralizing anti-,1-integrin antibody significantly reduced A,-induced neuronal death. However, cell-cycle analysis showed that treatment with anti-,1-integrin per se produced changes in the distribution of cell populations, thus hampering any effect on A,-induced cell-cycle activation. 4-Amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7(t-butyl)pyrazol(3,4- D)pyramide, an inhibitor of src protein kinases that colocalizes with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and is involved in integrin signaling, was effective in reducing activation of the cell cycle and preventing induction of neuronal death by A, while inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Similar results were obtained when FAK expression was down-regulated by siRNA silencing. The present study identifies a sequence of early events in the toxic effect of A, in neuronal cultures that involves interaction with integrins, activation of FAK/src, enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and induction of the cell cycle, all leading to neuronal death. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] pH is an intracellular effector controlling differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors in culture via activation of the ERK1/2 pathwayJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 7 2006Frédéric Bernard Abstract We reported previously that onset of oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation is accompanied by an increase in intracellular pH (pHi). We show that OPC differentiation is dependent primarily on a permissive pHi value. The highest differentiation levels were observed for pHi values around 7.15 and inhibition of differentiation was observed at slightly more acidic or alkaline values. Clamping the pHi of OPCs at 7.15 caused a transient activation of ERK1/2 that was not observed at more acidic or alkaline values. Furthermore, inhibition of ERK activation with the UO126 compound totally prevented OPC differentiation in response to pHi shift. These results indicate that pHi, acting through the ERK1/2 pathway, is a key determinant for oligodendrocyte differentiation. We also show that this pHi pathway is involved in the process of retinoic acid-induced OPC differentiation. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||