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Sustained Activation (sustained + activation)
Selected AbstractsSustained activation of ERK1/2 by NGF induces microRNA-221 and 222 in PC12 cellsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 12 2009Kazuya Terasawa MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation and/or inducing degradation of target mRNAs, and they play important roles in a wide variety of biological functions including cell differentiation, tumorigenesis, apoptosis and metabolism. However, there is a paucity of information concerning the regulatory mechanism of miRNA expression. Here we report identification of growth factor-regulated miRNAs using the PC12 cell line, an established model of neuronal growth and differentiation. We found that expression of miR-221 and miR-222 expression were induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation in PC12 cells, and that this induction was dependent on sustained activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Using a target prediction program, we also identified a pro-apototic factor, the BH3-only protein Bim, as a potential target of miR-221/222. Overexpression of miR-221 or miR-222 suppressed the activity of a luciferase reporter activity fused to the 3, UTR of Bim mRNA. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-221/222 decreased endogenous Bim mRNA expression. These results reveal that the ERK signal regulates miR-221/222 expression, and that these miRNAs might contribute to NGF-dependent cell survival in PC12 cells. [source] Sustained activation of M-Ras induced by nerve growth factor is essential for neuronal differentiation of PC12 cellsGENES TO CELLS, Issue 9 2006Peng Sun Neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) requires sustained activation of ERK/MAP kinase pathway (Raf,MEK,ERK cascade). Although classical Ras (H-Ras, K-Ras, and N-Ras) activated by NGF signaling induces activation of ERK pathway, the activation is transient and not sufficient for PC12 cell differentiation. Instead, it has been widely accepted that NGF signaling-mediated Rap1 activation causes sustained activation of ERK pathway. There has been no direct evidence, however, that Rap1 participates in neuronal differentiation. Here we show that NGF signaling induces sustained activation of M-Ras and subsequent sustained activation of ERK pathway and the transcription factor CREB leading to PC12 cell differentiation. Exogenously expressed constitutively active mutant of M-Ras caused neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and activating phosphorylation of ERK, whereas activated Rap1 did not. Knockdown of endogenous M-Ras by small interfering RNAs as well as the expression of a dominant,negative mutant of M-Ras interfered with NGF-induced neuritogenesis. Since MEK inhibitors prevented M-Ras-induced neurite outgrowth, ERK pathway participates in this differentiation pathway. Furthermore, M-Ras brought about ERK pathway-mediated activating phosphorylation of CREB and the CREB-mediated transcription. In addition, a dominant,negative mutant of CREB inhibited M-Ras-induced neuritogenesis. Taken together, NGF-induced PC12 cell differentiation requires M-Ras,ERK pathway-mediated activation of CREB. M-Ras was predominantly expressed in the hippocampus and cerebellum of mouse brain and in the gray matter of the spinal cord. All these properties of M-Ras were apparently indistinguishable from those of H-Ras. However, NGF stimulation caused transient activation of classical Ras proteins but sustained activation of M-Ras as well as sustained activating phosphorylation of ERK and CREB. Therefore, M-Ras is essential for neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells by inducing sustained activation of ERK pathway. [source] Phospholipase,C, negatively regulates Rac/Cdc42 activation in antigen-stimulated mast cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Mirvat El-Sibai M.D. Abstract The Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42 play a central role in the regulation of secretory and cytoskeletal responses in antigen-stimulated mast cells. In this study, we examine the kinetics and mechanism of Rac and Cdc42 activation in the rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. The activation kinetics of both Rac and Cdc42 show a biphasic profile, consisting of an early transient peak at 1,min and a late sustained activation phase at 20,40,min. The inhibition of phospholipase,C (PLC), causes a twofold increase in Rac and Cdc42 activation that coincides with a dramatic production of atypical filopodia-like structures. Inhibition of protein kinase,C using bisindolylmaleimide mimics the effect of PLC, inhibition on Rac activation, but not on Cdc42 activation. In contrast, depletion of intracellular calcium leads to a complete inhibition of the early activation peak of both Rac and Cdc42, without significant effects on the late sustained activation. These data suggest that PLC, is involved in a negative feedback loop that leads to the inhibition of Rac and Cdc42. They also suggest that the presence of intracellular calcium is a prerequisite for both Rac and Cdc42 activation. [source] Sustained activation of ERK1/2 by NGF induces microRNA-221 and 222 in PC12 cellsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 12 2009Kazuya Terasawa MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation and/or inducing degradation of target mRNAs, and they play important roles in a wide variety of biological functions including cell differentiation, tumorigenesis, apoptosis and metabolism. However, there is a paucity of information concerning the regulatory mechanism of miRNA expression. Here we report identification of growth factor-regulated miRNAs using the PC12 cell line, an established model of neuronal growth and differentiation. We found that expression of miR-221 and miR-222 expression were induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation in PC12 cells, and that this induction was dependent on sustained activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Using a target prediction program, we also identified a pro-apototic factor, the BH3-only protein Bim, as a potential target of miR-221/222. Overexpression of miR-221 or miR-222 suppressed the activity of a luciferase reporter activity fused to the 3, UTR of Bim mRNA. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-221/222 decreased endogenous Bim mRNA expression. These results reveal that the ERK signal regulates miR-221/222 expression, and that these miRNAs might contribute to NGF-dependent cell survival in PC12 cells. [source] Sustained activation of M-Ras induced by nerve growth factor is essential for neuronal differentiation of PC12 cellsGENES TO CELLS, Issue 9 2006Peng Sun Neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) requires sustained activation of ERK/MAP kinase pathway (Raf,MEK,ERK cascade). Although classical Ras (H-Ras, K-Ras, and N-Ras) activated by NGF signaling induces activation of ERK pathway, the activation is transient and not sufficient for PC12 cell differentiation. Instead, it has been widely accepted that NGF signaling-mediated Rap1 activation causes sustained activation of ERK pathway. There has been no direct evidence, however, that Rap1 participates in neuronal differentiation. Here we show that NGF signaling induces sustained activation of M-Ras and subsequent sustained activation of ERK pathway and the transcription factor CREB leading to PC12 cell differentiation. Exogenously expressed constitutively active mutant of M-Ras caused neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and activating phosphorylation of ERK, whereas activated Rap1 did not. Knockdown of endogenous M-Ras by small interfering RNAs as well as the expression of a dominant,negative mutant of M-Ras interfered with NGF-induced neuritogenesis. Since MEK inhibitors prevented M-Ras-induced neurite outgrowth, ERK pathway participates in this differentiation pathway. Furthermore, M-Ras brought about ERK pathway-mediated activating phosphorylation of CREB and the CREB-mediated transcription. In addition, a dominant,negative mutant of CREB inhibited M-Ras-induced neuritogenesis. Taken together, NGF-induced PC12 cell differentiation requires M-Ras,ERK pathway-mediated activation of CREB. M-Ras was predominantly expressed in the hippocampus and cerebellum of mouse brain and in the gray matter of the spinal cord. All these properties of M-Ras were apparently indistinguishable from those of H-Ras. However, NGF stimulation caused transient activation of classical Ras proteins but sustained activation of M-Ras as well as sustained activating phosphorylation of ERK and CREB. Therefore, M-Ras is essential for neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells by inducing sustained activation of ERK pathway. [source] Autoregulation of the HAC1 gene is required for sustained activation of the yeast unfolded protein responseGENES TO CELLS, Issue 2 2004Naoki Ogawa Eukaryotic cells respond to the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by activating a transcriptional induction program termed the unfolded protein response (UPR). The transcription factor Hac1p responsible for the UPR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is tightly regulated by a post-transcriptional mechanism. HAC1 mRNA must be spliced in response to ER stress to produce Hac1p, which then activates transcription via direct binding to the cis -acting UPR element (UPRE) present in the promoter regions of its target genes. Here, we show that the HAC1 promoter itself responds to ER stress to induce transcription of its downstream gene, similarly to the KAR2 promoter; the KAR2 gene represents a major target of the UPR. Consistent with this observation, the HAC1 promoter contains an UPRE-like sequence, which is necessary and sufficient for the induction and to which Hac1p binds directly. Cells expressing the HAC1 gene from a mutant HAC1 promoter lacking the HAC1 UPRE could not maintain high levels of either unspliced or spliced HAC1 mRNA and became sensitive to ER stress when insulted for hours. Based on these results, we concluded that autoregulation of the HAC1 genes is required for sustained activation of the UPR and sustained resistance to ER stress. [source] Beta-amyloid peptide stimulates endozepine release in cultured rat astrocytes through activation of N -formyl peptide receptorsGLIA, Issue 13 2008Tursonjan Tokay Abstract Astroglial cells synthesize and release endozepines, a family of neuropeptides derived from diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI). The authors have recently shown that ,-amyloid peptide (A,) stimulates DBI gene expression and endozepine release. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of action of A, in cultured rat astrocytes. A,25,35 and the N -formyl peptide receptor (FPR) agonist N -formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF) increased the secretion of endozepines in a dose-dependent manner with EC50 value of ,2 ,M. The stimulatory effects of A,25,35 and the FPR agonists fMLF and N -formyl-Met-Met-Met (fMMM) on endozepine release were abrogated by the FPR antagonist N - t -Boc-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe. In contrast, A,25,35 increased DBI mRNA expression through a FPR-independent mechanism. A,25,35 induced a transient stimulation of cAMP formation and a sustained activation of polyphosphoinositide turnover. The stimulatory effect of A,25,35 on endozepine release was blocked by the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor somatostatin, the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89, the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine and the ATP binding cassette transporter blocker glyburide. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time that A,25,35 stimulates endozepine release from rat astrocytes through a FPR receptor positively coupled to PKA and PKC. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Inhibition of CK2 Activity by TGF-,1 Promotes I,B-, Protein Stabilization and Apoptosis of Immortalized HepatocytesHEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Lakita G. Cavin Nuclear factor ,B (NF-,B) is an antiapoptotic factor involved in development, regeneration, and neoplastic progression of the liver. Previously, we have shown that stabilization of inhibitor ,B (I,B)-, protein following treatment of hepatocytes with transforming growth factor (TGF)-,1 promoted NF-,B repression, which then permitted induction of AP-1/SMAD-mediated liver cell death. Because basal I,B-, protein turnover is regulated by protein kinase CK2, here we have elucidated the regulation of CK2 kinase activity and its role in control of NF-,B levels following treatment with TGF-,1. We show that both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the CK2, catalytic subunit are down-regulated following TGF-,1 stimulation in murine hepatocyte cells. The ensuing inhibition of CK2 kinase activity promotes stabilization of I,B protein, which is followed by the shutoff of constitutive NF-,B activity and induction of apoptosis. Ectopic expression of CK2, inhibits TGF-,1-induced apoptosis through sustained activation of NF-,B. Conversely, expression of a kinase-dead mutant of CK2, potentiates TGF-,1 cell killing. Importantly, we show that hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) derived from TGF-,1 transgenic mice and human HCC cell lines display enhanced CK2 I,B kinase activity that contributes in part to an elevated NF-,B activity in vivo. In conclusion, inhibition of CK2 expression levels by TGF-,1 is crucial for the induction of apoptosis of hepatocytes. Circumvention of this process by up-regulation of CK2 activity in transformed cells may contribute to the promotion of TGF-,1-induced liver carcinogenesis. [source] Focal Adhesion Kinase pp125FAK Interacts With the Large Conductance Calcium-Activated hSlo Potassium Channel in Human Osteoblasts: Potential Role in Mechanotransduction,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 10 2003Roger Rezzonico Abstract Molecular events of mechanotransduction in osteoblasts are poorly defined. We show that the mechanosensitive BK channels open and recruit the focal adhesion kinase FAK in osteoblasts on hypotonic shock. This could convert mechanical signals in biochemical events, leading to osteoblast activation. Introduction: Mechanical strains applied to the skeleton influence bone remodeling and architecture mainly through the osteoblast lineage. The molecular mechanisms involved in osteoblastic mechanotransduction include opening of mechanosensitive cation channels and the activation of protein tyrosine kinases, notably FAK, but their interplay remains poorly characterized. The large conductance K+ channel (BK) seems likely as a bone mechanoreceptor candidate because of its high expression in osteoblasts and its ability to open in response to membrane stretch or hypotonic shock. Propagation of the signals issued from the mechanosensitivity of BK channels inside the cell likely implies complex interactions with molecular partners involved in mechanotransduction, notably FAK. Methods: Interaction of FAK with the C terminus of the hSlo ,-subunit of BK was investigated using the yeast two-hybrid system as well as immunofluorescence microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation experiments with a rabbit anti-hslo antibody on MG63 and CAL72 human osteosarcoma cell lines and on normal human osteoblasts. Mapping of the FAK region interacting with hSlo was approached by testing the ability of hSlo to recruit mutated ot truncated FAK proteins. Results: To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence of the physical association of FAK with the intracellular part of hslo. We show that FAK/hSlo interaction likely takes place through the Pro-1-rich domain situated in the C-terminal region of the kinase. FAK/hSlo association occurs constitutively at a low, but appreciable, level in human osteosarcoma cells and normal human osteoblasts that express endogenous FAK and hSlo. In addition, we found that application of an hypo-osmotic shock to these cells induced a sustained activation of BK channels associated to a marked increase in the recruitment of FAK on hSlo. Conclusions: Based on these data, we propose that BK channels might play a triggering role in the signaling cascade induced by mechanical strains in osteoblasts. [source] Modulation of VE-cadherin and PECAM-1 mediated cell,cell adhesions by mitogen-activated protein kinasesJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2003Jianqiang Wu Abstract Endothelial cell transition from a differentiated, quiescent phenotype to a migratory, proliferative phenotype is essential during angiogenesis. This transition is dependent on alterations in the balanced production of stimulatory and inhibitory factors, which normally keep angiogenesis in check. Activation of MAPK/ERKs is essential for endothelial cell migration and proliferation. However, its role in regulation of endothelial cell adhesive mechanisms requires further delineation. Here, we show that sustained activation of MAPK/ERKs results in disruption of cadherin-mediated cell,cell adhesion, down-regulation of PECAM-1 expression, and enhanced cell migration in microvascular endothelial cells. Expression of a constitutively active MEK-1 in mouse brain endothelial (bEND) cells resulted in down-regulation of VE-cadherin and catenins expression concomitant with down-regulation of PECAM-1 expression. In contrast, inhibition of MEK-1 restored parental morphology, cadherin/catenins expression and localization. These data are further supported by our observation that sustained activation of MAPK/ERKs in phorbol myristate acetate incubated HUVEC lead to disruption of cadherin-mediate cell,cell interactions and enhanced capillary formation on Matrigel. Thus, sustained activation of MAPK/ERKs plays an important role in disruption of cell,cell adhesion and migration of endothelial cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 90: 121,137, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] AKT and MAPK signaling in KGF-treated and UVB-exposed human epidermal cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Lavinia Vittoria Lotti Regulation of proliferation and differentiation in keratinocyte is a complex and dynamic process that involves activation of multiple signaling pathways triggered by different growth factors. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is not only a potent mitogen, but differently from other growth factors, is a potent inducer of differentiation. The MAP kinase and AKT pathways are involved in proliferation and differentiation of many cell types including keratinocytes. We investigated here the role of KGF in modulating AKT and MAPK activity during differentiation of human keratinocytes. Our results show that the mechanisms of action of KGF are dose-dependent and that a sustained activation of the MAPK signaling cascade causes a negative regulation of AKT. We also demostrated increasing expression of KGFR substrates, such as PAK4 during keratinocyte differentiation parallel to the receptor upregulation. J. Cell. Physiol. 212:633,642, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sustained phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase at serine 40: a novel mechanism for maintenance of catecholamine synthesisJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2007Larisa Bobrovskaya Abstract Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis. Its activity is known to be controlled acutely (minutes) by phosphorylation and chronically (days) by protein synthesis. Using bovine adrenal chromaffin cells we found that nicotine, acting via nicotinic receptors, sustained the phosphorylation of TH at Ser40 for up to 48 h. Nicotine also induced sustained activation of TH, which for the first 24 h was completely independent of TH protein synthesis, and the phosphorylation of TH at Ser31. Imipramine did not inhibit the acute phosphorylation of TH at Ser40 or TH activation induced by nicotine, but did inhibit the sustained responses to nicotine seen at 24 h. The protein kinase(s) responsible for TH phosphorylation at Ser40 switched from being protein kinase C (PKC) independent in the acute phase to PKC dependent in the sustained phase. Sustained phosphorylation and activation of TH were also observed with histamine and angiotensin II. Sustained phosphorylation of TH at Ser40 provides a novel mechanism for increasing TH activity and this leads to increased catecholamine synthesis. Sustained phosphorylation of TH may be a selective target for drugs or pathology in neurons that contain TH and synthesize dopamine, noradrenaline or adrenaline. [source] |