Extracellular Regulated Kinase Inhibitor Research Articles

Extracellular-regulated kinase activation regulates replication of Mycobacterium avium intracellularly in primary human monocytes

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) is a ubiquitous environmental pathogen that causes disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus, interleukin-12 deficiency, or interferon-gamma receptor mutation. Colony morphotypes are associated with MAI pathogenicity. Our previous studies have reported that smooth-transparent (SmT) morphotypes are more virulent and induce less cytokine (interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) production by human monocytes than the smooth-domed (SmD) morphotypes. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases such as extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) are activated by the phagocytosis of particle antigens in macrophages, and this ERK activation subsequently influences cytokine expression and the control of intracellular pathogen growth. The influence of MAP kinase activation on MAI replication in human monocytes was examined. Peripheral blood monocytes isolated from healthy subjects by Ficoll-Hypaque sedimentation were infected with virulent SmT or avirulent SmD MAI without or with MAP kinase inhibitors. MAP kinase activities were determined by in vitro kinase assay, intracellular MAI growth by CFU assay, and cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAI infection induced ERK and p38 activation. Inhibition of ERK by PD98059, but not p38, significantly increased intracellular MAI growth. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha release and interleukin-1beta production in response to MAI were reduced by MAP kinase inhibition. p38 inhibition tended to reduce cytokine production more substantially. These data suggest that ERK activation limits intra-monocytic MAI replication and enhances monocytic cytokine release, whereas p38 activation influences only cytokine release. The effect of MAP kinases on MAI growth might thus be mediated by the modulation of cytokine production.

Contributions of PKC, RhoA and ERK signaling to serotonergic contractility of pulmonary arteries from chronic hypoxic fetal and adult sheep

Serotonin (5‐HT) regulates pulmonary arterial (PA) contractility through calcium and kinase dependent signaling pathways and this activity may change during postnatal development as well as in response to chronic hypoxia (CH). Although 5‐HT activates numerous kinase pathways, protein kinase C (PKC), Rho kinase, and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) are important to arterial reactivity. Among these, Rho kinase is upregulated by CH in PA of fetal sheep and adult rat. The hypothesis that there is preferential increase in Rho kinase over PKC and ERK pathways in response to CH and maturation was therefore tested by measuring contractility responses in PA rings isolated from CH fetal and adult sheep. PA rings were stimulated with 10 μM 5‐HT and comparative analyses of the kinase pathways made in the absence and then presence of inhibitors of PKC (1 μM BIM I), RhoA (10 μM Y 27632), and ERK (10 μM U0126). All three kinase pathways contributed equally to 5‐HT elicited contractility in adult whereas RhoA was augmented in fetus, while PKC and ERK had negligible roles. In conclusion, the studies provide evidence for selective changes in kinase signaling pathways that may be due to either maturation or CH. This study supports a role for altered kinase signaling in the development of pulmonary arterial disease and illustrates the therapeutic importance of RhoA pathways in hypertension of the newborn. (Support from UM, NIH and Sigma Xi)

Cytotoxic effects of metal protoporphyrins in glioblastoma cells: Roles of albumin, reactive oxygen species, and heme oxygenase-1

We investigate the cytotoxic effect of metal protoporphyrins including ferric protoporphyrin (FePP; hemin), cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), and tin protoporphyrin (SnPP) in glioblastoma cells C6 and GBM8401. Data of MTT assay show that FePP and CoPP, but not SnPP, significantly reduce the viability of glioma cells C6 and GBM8401 in the absence of serum. In the condition with fetal bovine serum (FBS) or bovine serum albumin (BSA), the cytotoxic effect of FePP and CoPP was completely inhibited. Binding of FePP, CoPP, and SnPP with BSA was examined via spectrophotometer analysis, and the protective effect of serum against FePP and CoPP-induced cell death was abolished by BSA depletion. A loss in the integrity of DNA with an occurrence of apoptotic events including DNA ladders, caspase 3 and PARP protein cleavage, and chromatin-condensed cells is observed in FePP-treated or CoPP-treated C6 cells. An increase in intracellular peroxide level was examined in FePP, but not CoPP, -treated C6 cells, and N-acetyl- l-cysteine (NAC) addition significantly protected C6 cells from FePP, but not CoPP, -induced cell death with reducing FePP-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Activation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs) and c-Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNKs) with an increase in the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein was observed in FePP-treated or CoPP-treated C6 cells in the absence of FBS or BSA, and adding JNKs inhibitor SP600125 (SP), but not ERKs inhibitor PD98059 (PD), significantly attenuated FePP-induced or CoPP-induced HO-1 protein expression in accordance with reducing JNKs protein phosphorylation. However, PD98059, SP600125, or transfection of C6 cells with antisense HO-1 oligonucleotides show no effect on the cytotoxicity elicited by FePP and CoPP in C6 cells. Effect of serum and BSA on the cytotoxicity of metal protoporphyrins in glioma cells is first demonstrated in the present study, and the roles of ROS, MAPKs, and HO-1 were elucidated.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors protect mouse kidney cells from cyclosporine-induced cell death

The use of cyclosporine has been restricted by its nephrotoxic effects mediated, in part, by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase B, and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathways are related to survival and cell death and are activated after ROS generation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of cyclosporine on these pathways and their contribution to cyclosporine-induced toxicity. Viability of cells derived from the proximal tubule of transgenic mice was measured with Trypan Blue, ROS generation by a fluorescent probe, while ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B activation were monitored with phospho-specific antibodies. Cyclosporine decreased cell viability and induced ROS generation and ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation. Both pathways were activated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Antioxidants blocked ERK activation but failed to inhibit protein kinase B phosphorylation or prevent cyclosporine toxicity. ERK inhibition did not protect from cyclosporine-induced cell death. EGFR or phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors protected from cyclosporine-triggered cell death without decreasing ROS. Small interfering RNA against the catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase decreased protein kinase B phosphorylation but did not prevent cyclosporine-mediated cell death. Our results show that EGFR mediates the cytotoxic effects of cyclosporine through an ROS-independent mechanism. Cyclosporine-induced cell death is triggered by a non-classical phosphoinositide 3-kinase and does not require ERK activation.

Constitutive Activation of Ras and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK/ERK) in LGL Leukemia Unrelated to Activating Mutations in N and KRas Genes.

Background: Patients with Large Granular Lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia have defects in the CD95/CD95L (Fas-Ligand)-apoptotic pathway and a clinical syndrome with similarities to autoimmune lymphoproliferative diseases (ALPS). Patients with ALPS have autoimmunity and lymphocyte accumulation of CD3+CD4−CD8− aβ T-cells; whereas, the expanded population of lymphocytes in LGL leukemia are characterized by a CD3+CD4−CD8+ T-cell or a CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK-cell phenotype. Patients with ALPS usually possess mutations in genes involved in the CD95/CD95L apoptosis pathway but it was recently shown that a germline activating mutation in NRas exon 1 (Gly13Asp) resulted in clinical pathologic features of ALPS. In our previous studies, we found leukemic NK-LGLs to have evidence of constitutively activated extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and Ras that contributed to survival. Ablation of this signaling pathway with a dominant-negative form of Ras (N17Ras) and pharmacologic inhibition with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor FTI2153 resulted in ERK inhibition and enhanced apoptosis. Therefore, we hypothesize that expansion of leukemic LGL may be secondary to an acquired or germline mutation in the Ras gene. In this study, we performed allele-specific amplification of the NRas and KRas genes to determine the incidence of activating mutations in codons 12, 13, and 61.Methods: PBMCs were collected from 5 healthy controls and twelve patients with T-LGL and one patient with NK-LGL leukemia (n=13). Apoptosis assessed using annexin/7-AAD flow cytometry was performed in response to inhibition of Ras and MEK using FTI2153 and PD98059, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed for phosphorylated-activate MAPK (ERK1/2), total MAPK, Bcl-2, XIAP, and CD95-FasR in five patients. Allele-specific PCR was performed using primers that recognized mutated Ras bases at their 3′ end and multiplex reactions were performed that simultaneously detected the wild type sequence, as previously described (Bezieau et al., Hum Mutat 18:221, 2001). A total of 40 unique mutations were analyzed and primer sensitivity and specificity was determined in cell lines with confirmed mutations in each of these exons.Results: Apoptosis was induced in a time and dose-dependent fashion using both MEK and Ras inhibitors. Constitutively activated MAPK/ERK and higher amounts of CD95-FasR was detected in LGL patients compared to healthy controls; whereas, Bcl-2 showed variable expression in LGL leukemia. XIAP was expressed in patients but was not different than controls. After treatment with the MEK inhibitor (PD98059), activated MAPK was reduced along with Bcl-2 when expressed. We detected the appropriate mutations as expected in all tumor cell lines but there were no mutations detected in LGL leukemia cases including NRas exon1 (Gly13Asp), which was mutated in ALPS. Wild-type primers were capable of detecting wild-type Ras in each reaction validating the amplification procedure.Conclusions: These results show that LGL leukemia has dysregulated apoptosis in association with an activated Ras/MAPK signaling pathway unrelated to mutations in the NRas or KRas genes examined. Ras-inactivating drugs are currently being investigated in LGL leukemia.

First Clinical Report of Tipifarnib for the Treatment of T-Large Granular Lymphocyte (LGL) Leukemia.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphoproliferative diseases of large granular lymphocytes (LGL leukemia) are clinical syndromes associated with increased circulating CD3+CD8+CD57+ T-LGL s. Chronic neutropenia, anemia, and arthritis are clinical manifestations mediated by autoimmune reactivity of this lymphocyte population. Previously, we found evidence that extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and Ras were constitutively active in the patient's LGLs. Ablation of Ras activity by a dominant-negative form of Ras and pharmacologic inhibition with farnesyltransferase inhibitors FTI2153 and R115777 (tipifarnib, Zarnestra®, Johnson & Johnson) resulted in ERK inhibition and enhanced apoptosis of the leukemic LGLs. A multicenter phase 2 clinical trial using tipifarnib was initiated with a two-stage design. Here we provide the first report of the efficacy and safety of tipifarnib in patients with LGL leukemia.METHODS: Patients were to be treated in the first stage with four cycles of therapy at a dose of 300 mg twice daily for 21 days out of a 28- day intermittent cycle. Key patient entry criteria were neutrophil counts < 500 cells/μl, transfusion-dependent anemia, and clonal CD3+/CD57+ T-cells greater than 350 cells/μl in the peripheral blood. WBC, ALC, hemoglobin, platelet counts, and ANC were determined. Bone marrow biopsies were performed on all patients prior to therapy and then repeated when worsening cytopenias occurred. Tipifarnib was stopped when bone marrow cellularity was reduced by 50% compared to baseline. Bone marrow colony formation assessed using14-day CFU-GM and BFU-E assays in methycellulose (Stem Cell Separation Systems, Vancouver BC). Growth factor support with G-CSF was allowed during the 7 days off when ANCs were < 500 cells/μl.RESULTS: Five males and two females (mean 57 years old) received tipifarnib. Four patients failed to complete the study due to toxicity. Three patients were removed from study due to grade 3–4 bone marrow toxicity and/or infections requiring hospitalization and a tipifarnib-unrelated death occurred in one patient. Three patients completed four cycles and were evaluated for response with a dose reduction for bone marrow toxicity required in one of these evaluable patients. Leukemic LGL cells from the three evaluable patients displayed a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis in vitro and treatment was associated with reduced ALCs in two cases. None of the patients met the pre-determined criteria for response. However, one patient, shown to be growth factor unresponsive prior to therapy, had an increase in ANC from 0 at baseline to 8,600 cells/μl while receiving G-CSF on week 16. The number of bone marrow colonies also increased in this patient after therapy. All bone marrow biopsies, which were required in five cases, showed significantly improved erythroid or myeloid differentiation.CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in bone marrow differentiation suggest that tipifarnib may prove beneficial for the treatment of LGL leukemia if a safe dose and schedule is established and the treatment prolonged to allow for bone marrow recovery.

Taxol-induced mitochondrial stress in melanoma cells is mediated by activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 pathways via uncoupling protein 2

Taxol (paclitaxel) is a new antineoplastic drug that has shown promise in the treatment of different tumor types. However, the molecular mechanisms governing taxol-induced apoptosis are poorly understood. Activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases is induced by a wide variety of external stress signals and may lead to apoptosis. Therefore, we challenged the human melanoma cell lines A375 and BLM with taxol and characterized the molecular mechanisms regulating taxol-induced apoptosis. Taxol resulted in the activation of apoptosis signal regulated kinase (ASK)1, c-jun NH 2-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) together with the downregulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were induced and DNA-binding activity of the transcription factors AP-1, ATF-2 and ELK-1 was enhanced. Ultimately, cytochrome c was released, and caspases-9 and -3 as well as PARP were cleaved. Pretreatment of melanoma cells with the JNK inhibitor (SP600125) or the p38 inhibitor (SB203580) blocked taxol-induced UCP2 downregulation, ROS generation and apoptosis, whereas the ERK inhibitor (PD98059) had no such effect. Our data provide evidence that taxol-induced mitochondrial stress occurs through the activation of both JNK and p38 pathways, and suggest a novel role for UCP2 in the modulation of taxol-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells.

Ras Pathway Activation in Malignant Mesothelioma

Mutations in Ras family genes are rare in malignant mesothelioma. The role of activation of the Ras signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma is not clear. We studied the activation status of the Ras pathway and the status of other Ras-associated kinases in a panel of human mesothelioma cell lines. In addition, we tested the effect of inhibition of several kinase pathways on mesothelioma cell proliferation. The potential role of kinase signaling on the regulation of cap-dependent translation was also studied. In general, Ras-guanosine triphosphate (GTP) was higher in mesothelioma cell lines when compared with a nontransformed mesothelial cell line (LP9). Furthermore, known Ras effectors such as extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase were found to be active in most of the mesothelioma cell lines tested. Exposure to specific inhibitors of extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (U0126) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SP600125) significantly decreased the proliferation of H2596 and H2373 cells compared with mock-treated cells. SP600125-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibition, but not extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 inhibition, resulted in a decrease in phosphorylation of 4E-BP1, consequently decreasing cap-dependent activation. These experiments provide a rationale for targeting Ras and associated signaling pathways in mesothelioma and also suggest cap-dependent translation as one mechanism by which Ras induces proliferation in this disease.

Sprouty2 binds Grb2 at two different proline-rich regions, and the mechanism of ERK inhibition is independent of this interaction

Sprouty2 has been widely implicated in the negative regulation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor–extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Sprouty2 directly interacts with the adapter protein Grb2, member of the receptor tyrosine kinase-induced signaling pathways. In considering the functional role of Grb2, we investigated whether the interaction with this protein was responsible for ERK pathway inhibition. We found that the binding between Sprouty2 and Grb2 is constitutive, independent of Sprouty2 tyrosine phosphorylation, although it is increased when fibroblast growth factor receptor is activated. This connection is mediated by the N-terminal SH3 domain of Grb2 and two Sprouty2 proline-rich stretches (residues 59–64 and 303–307). Most importantly, a double Sprouty2 mutant (hSpry2 P59AP304A), which is unable to bind Grb2, developed at a similar inhibition level of fibroblast growth factor receptor–ERK pathway than that which originated from Sprouty2 wt. These results are evidence that the Sprouty2 mechanism of ERK inhibition is independent of Grb2 binding.

Na+]i‐induced c‐Fos expression is not mediated by activation of the 5′‐promoter containing known transcriptional elements

In vascular smooth muscle cells and several other cell types, inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase leads to the expression of early response genes, including c-Fos. We designed this study to examine whether or not a putative Na(+) (i)/K(+) (i)-sensitive element is located within the c-Fos 5'-UTR from - 650 to + 103 containing all known response elements activated by 'classic' stimuli, such as growth factors and Ca(2+) (i)-raising compounds. In HeLa cells, the highest increment of c-Fos mRNA content was noted after 6 h of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition with ouabain that was abolished by actinomycin D, an inhibitor of RNA synthesis. c-Fos protein accumulation in ouabain-treated cells correlated with a gain of Na(+) (i) and loss of K(+) (i). Augmented c-Fos expression was also observed under inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in K(+)-free medium and in the presence of the Na(+) ionophore monensin. The effect of ouabain on c-Fos expression was sharply attenuated under dissipation of the transmembrane Na(+) gradient, but was preserved in the presence of Ca(2+) chelators and the extracellular regulated kinase inhibitor PD98059, thus indicating an Na(+) (i)-mediated, Ca(2+) (i)- and extracellular regulated kinase-independent mechanism of gene expression. In contrast to massive c-Fos expression, we failed to detect any effect of ouabain on accumulation of luciferase driven by the c-Fos 5'-UTR. Negative results were also obtained in ouabain-treated vascular smooth muscle cells and C11 Madin-Darby canine kidney cells possessing augmented c-Fos expression. Our results reveal that Na(+) (i)-induced c-Fos expression is not mediated by the 5'-UTR containing transcriptional elements activated by growth factors and other 'classic stimuli'.

TNF reduces LIF endocytosis despite increasing NFκB‐mediated gp130 expression

To examine how the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) modulates the response of cerebral microvessels to other cytokines, we used rat cerebral microvessel endothelial RBE4 cells to simulate the in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB). The gp130 receptor, which is shared by the interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines, showed specific upregulation by TNF. TNF treatment (5 ng/ml for 30 min to 24 h) increased gp130 at both the levels of transcription and protein expression. The stability of gp130 protein was mediated by NFkappaB activity, as the inhibitors quinazoline and MG132 not only blocked the increase induced by 6 h of TNF treatment, but also reduced its basal level of expression. By contrast, the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine and the extracellular regulated kinase inhibitor U0126 showed no effect. Despite the increase of gp130, TNF caused a significant reduction in the cell binding and endocytosis of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), another proinflammatory cytokine that binds to the gp130 co-receptor and its unique gp190 receptor. This is consistent with our previous findings that TNF reduces gp190 expression and Stat3 activation. Thus, TNF stimulation results in decreased responsiveness of RBE4 cells to LIF, indicating complex regulatory interactions of cytokines at the BBB.

Intraplantar PGE2 causes nociceptive behaviour and mechanical allodynia: the role of prostanoid E receptors and protein kinases

Receptor subtypes involved in PGE(2)-induced nociception are still controversial. The present study investigated the prostanoid E receptor (EP) subtypes and the protein kinase (PK) pathways involved in the nociception induced by PGE(2) injection in the mouse paw. Paw-licking and mechanical allodynia were measured in vivo and protein kinase activation ex vivo by Western blots of extracts of paw skin. Intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of PGE(2) into the mouse paw caused nociceptive behaviour of short duration with mean ED(50) of 1.43 nmol. PGE(2) produced a longer-lasting mechanical allodynia, with an ED(50) of 0.05 nmol. Intraplantar injection of antagonists at EP(3) or EP(4), but not at EP(1) or EP(2) receptors inhibited PGE(2)-induced paw-licking. Paw-licking caused by PGE(2) was blocked by an inhibitor of PKA but only partially decreased by inhibition of the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK). Selective inhibitors of PKC, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38, all failed to affect PGE(2)-induced paw-licking. An EP(3) antagonist inhibited PGE(2)-induced mechanical allodynia. However, inhibitors of PKA, PKC or ERK, but not p38 or JNK, also partially inhibited PGE(2)-induced mechanical allodynia. Western blot analyses confirmed that i.pl. injection of PGE(2) activated PKA, PKCalpha, and mitogen activated kinases (MAPKs) in the paw. Co-treatment with EP(3) or EP(4) receptor antagonists reduced PGE(2)-induced PKA and ERK, but not PKCalpha activation. The present results indicate that the nociceptive behaviour and mechanical allodynia caused by i.pl. PGE(2) are mediated through activation of distinct EP receptors and PK-dependent mechanisms.

Regulation of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inducible Nitric-Oxide Synthase Expression through the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway and Interferon-β/Tyrosine Kinase 2/Janus Tyrosine Kinase 2-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 Signaling Cascades by 2-Naphthylethyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THI 53), a New Synthetic Isoquinoline Alkaloid

The effects of 2-naphthylethyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THI 53), on nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) protein induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated in RAW 264.7 cells and mice. In cells, THI 53 concentration dependently reduced NO production and iNOS protein induction by LPS. In addition, THI 53 inhibited NO production and iNOS protein induction in LPS-treated mice. LPS-mediated iNOS protein induction was inhibited significantly by the specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor alpha-cyano-(3-hydroxy-4-nitro)cinnamonitrile (AG126) as well as by THI 53. In addition, a c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazole-6 (2H)-one) (SP600125) but not an extracellular regulated kinase inhibitor [2-(2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (PD98029)] or a p38 inhibitor [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole (SB230580)] reduced the iNOS protein level induced by LPS. Moreover, a Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor alpha-cyano-(3,4-dihydroxy)-N-benzylcinnamide (AG490) dose-dependently prevented LPS-mediated iNOS protein induction. LPS activated phosphorylations of tyrosine kinases, especially tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-1); these were reduced by THI 53. LPS also phosphorylated the JNK pathway; however, this phosphorylation was unaffected by THI 53. Interestingly, a JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and another tyrosine kinase inhibitor (genistein) significantly inhibited STAT-1 phosphorylation, suggesting that the LPS-activated JNK pathway and a tyrosine kinase pathway (especially Tyk2) may link to the STAT-1 pathway, which is involved in iNOS induction. However, THI 53 regulates LPS-mediated iNOS protein induction by affecting the Tyk2/JAK2-STAT-1 pathway, not the JNK pathway. The inhibition by THI 53 of LPS-induced NO production was recovered by a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor (Na(3)VO(4)), which supports the possibility that THI 53 inhibits the LPS-induced inflammatory response through regulation of tyrosine kinase pathways. THI 53 also inhibited LPS-mediated interferon (IFN)-beta production and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. Thus, THI 53 may regulate LPS-mediated inflammatory response through both the NF-kappaB and IFN-beta/Tyk2/JAK2-STAT-1 pathways.

Inhibition of c-Met as a Therapeutic Strategy for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor c-Met is a tyrosine kinase receptor with established oncogenic properties. We have previously shown that c-Met is usually overexpressed in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA), yet the implications of c-Met inhibition in EA remain unknown. Three c-Met-overexpressiog EA cell lines (Seg-1, Bic-1, Flo-1) were used to examine the effects of a c-Met-specific small molecule inhibitor (PHA665752) on cell viability, apoptosis, motility, invasion, downstream signaling pathways. PHA665752 demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of constitutive and/or HGF-induced phosphorylation of c-Met, which correlated with reduced cell viability and inhibition of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation in all three EA cell lines. In contrast, PHA665752 induced apoptosis and reduced motility and invasion in only one EA cell line, Flo-1. Interestingly, Flo-1 was the only cell line in which phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt was induced following HGF stimulation. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 produced effects equivalent to those of PHA665752 in these cells. We conclude that inhibition of c-Met may be a useful therapeutic strategy for EA. Factors other than receptor overexpression, such as c-Met-dependent PI3K/Akt signaling, may be predictive of an individual tumor's response to c-Met inhibition.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide induces interleukin‐6 expression through multiple mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways in periodontal ligament fibroblasts

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans plays a major role in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from A. actinomycetemcomitans is a key factor in inflammatory cytokine generation within periodontal tissues. In this study, we identify major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, Escherichia coli LPS and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in a murine periodontal ligament (mPDL) fibroblast cell line. Immunoblot analysis was used to assess the phosphorylated forms of p38, extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK following stimulation with A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta. IL-6 mRNA induction was detected via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, while protein levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We utilized biochemical inhibitors of p38, ERK and JNK MAPK to identify the MAPK signaling pathways needed for IL-6 expression. Additional use of stable mPDL cell lines containing dominant negative mutant constructs of MAPK kinase-3 and -6 (MKK-3/6) and p38 null mutant mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells were used to substantiate the biochemical inhibitor data. Blocking p38 MAPK with SB203580 reduced the induction of IL-6 mRNA by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta by >70%, >95% and approximately 60%, respectively. IL-6 ELISA indicated that blocking p38 MAPK reduced the IL-6 protein levels induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta by approximately 60%, approximately 50% and approximately 70%, respectively. All MAPK inhibitors significantly reduced the IL-6 protein levels induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta whereas only p38 inhibitors consistently reduced the A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta induction of IL-6 mRNA steady-state levels. The contribution of p38 MAPK LPS-induced IL-6 expression was confirmed using MKK-3/6 dominant negative stable mPDL cell lines. Wild-type and p38alpha(-/-) MEF cells provided additional evidence to support the role of p38alpha MAPK in A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS-stimulated IL-6. Our results indicate that induction of IL-6 by E. coli LPS, IL-1beta and A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS requires signaling through MKK-3-p38alpha ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK in mPDL cells.

Protective effect of paeoniflorin on irradiation-induced cell damage involved in modulation of reactive oxygen species and the mitogen-activated protein kinases

Ionizing radiation can induce DNA damage and cell death by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The objective of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effect of paeoniflorin (PF, a main bioactive component in the traditional Chinese herb peony) on irradiated thymocytes and discover the possible mechanisms of protection. We found 60Co γ-ray irradiation increased cell death and DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner while increasing intracellular ROS. Pretreatment of thymocytes with PF (50–200 μg/ml) reversed this tendency and attenuated irradiation-induced ROS generation. Hydroxyl-scavenging action of PF in vitro was detected through electron spin resonance assay. Several anti-apoptotic characteristics of PF, including the ability to diminish cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration, inhibit caspase-3 activation, and upregulate Bcl-2 and downregulate Bax in 4 Gy-irradiated thymocytes were determined. Extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase were activated by 4 Gy irradiation, whereas its activations were partly blocked by pretreatment of cells with PF. The presence of ERK inhibitor PD98059, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and p38 inhibitor SB203580 decreased cell death in 4 Gy-irradiated thymocytes. These results suggest PF protects thymocytes against irradiation-induced cell damage by scavenging ROS and attenuating the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Fibronectin Increases Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Expression through Activation of c-Fos via Extracellular-regulated Kinase and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathways in Human Lung Carcinoma Cells

Enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with human lung tumor invasion and/or metastasis. We have demonstrated that fibronectin (FN), a matrix glycoprotein, stimulates human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell proliferation. The current study examines the effect of FN on MMP-9 expression in NSCLC cells. We show that FN increases MMP-9 protein, mRNA expression, and gelatinolytic activity in NSCLC cells. The integrin alpha5beta1 mediated the effects of FN because alpha5 small interfering RNA blocked FN-stimulated MMP-9 protein expression, and also abrogated FN-induced phosphorylation of ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signals. The inhibitor of ERK, PD98095, and of PI3K, wortmannin, but not that of protein kinase A, H89, of Rho kinase, Y-27632, of mTOR, rapamycin, or of JNK, SP600125, prevented FN-induced MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity and gene expression. FN enhanced MMP-9 gene promoter activity; however, there was no response to FN in DNA constructs with an AP-1 site mutation. FN increased AP-1 DNA binding activity, and this was abrogated by cyclic AMP response element decoy oligonucleotides, which also diminished FN-induced MMP-9 promoter activity. FN increased the expression of the AP-1 subunit c-Fos protein, but not in the presence of PD98095 and wortmannin. The AP-1 inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and a c-Fos small interfering RNA eliminated the effect of FN on MMP-9 expression. This study indicates that FN, by binding to the integrin alpha5beta1 receptor, stimulates the expression of MMP-9 through increased AP-1/DNA binding and c-Fos protein expression via ERK and PI3K signaling pathways. The data unveils a novel mechanism by which FN could promote NSCLC cell invasion and metastasis.

G-CSF protects dopaminergic neurons from 6-OHDA-induced toxicity via the ERK pathway

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is known to have various functions such as induction of survival, proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. Recently, this factor has also been shown to exhibit neuroprotective effects in rat ischemic brain. In the present study, we first demonstrated that both G-CSF and G-CSF receptor were expressed in dopaminergic neurons in the adult substantia nigra and mesencephalic cultures, suggesting that G-CSF might exert its neuroprotective effects in dopaminergic neurons. Pretreatment with G-CSF protected dopaminergic neurons from 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms showed that the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), but not Janus kinase/signal transducer(s) and activator(s) of transcription (JAK/STAT), was activated following G-CSF treatment. Moreover, G-CSF also increased phosphorylation of Bad, and restored 6-OHDA-induced decrease in Bcl-xL level. The 6-OHDA-caused caspase-3 activation in dopaminergic neurons was inhibited by G-CSF. Inhibition of ERK abrogated G-CSF-mediated Bad phosphorylation, Bcl-xL expression, activated caspase-3 reduction, and the protection of dopaminergic neurons. Taken together, G-CSF prevents dopaminergic neurons from 6-OHDA-induced toxicity via ERK pathway followed by inhibiting the apoptosis-execution process. These results suggest that G-CSF might have a therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mediated regulation of IL-10 and IL-12 production in macrophages stimulated with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) on the production of interleukine-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 in mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with CpG-ODN. CpG-ODN-induced IL-10 mRNA expression and protein production decreased following the treatment of macrophages with wortmannin and LY294002, specific inhibitors for PI3K. In contrast, IL-12 p40 mRNA expression and p70 protein production increased. Neutralizing anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody (anti-IL-10 mAb) exactly mimicked the effects of PI3K inhibitors to enhance IL-12 p70 production. The enhancement effect of PI3K inhibitors on IL-12 p70 production almost completely disappeared by the treatment with anti-IL-10 mAb. PI3K inhibitors suppressed the activation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, by CpG-ODN. A specific ERK inhibitor, U0126, as well as PI3K inhibitors, differentially regulated IL-10 and IL-12 p70 productions. These results suggest that PI3K positively and negatively regulates the production of CpG-ODN-induced IL-10 and IL-12 p70, respectively, and negatively regulates IL-12 p70 production in macrophages through ERK-mediated IL-10 induction.

Tumor evasion of the immune system: inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling restores the function of dendritic cells in multiple myeloma

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) from patients with cancer are functionally defective, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects are poorly understood. In this study, we used the murine 5TGM1 myeloma model to examine the effects and mechanisms of tumor-derived factors on the differentiation and function of DCs. Myeloma cells or tumor culture conditioning medium (TCCM) were shown to inhibit the differentiation and function of BM-derived DCs (BMDCs), as evidenced by the down-regulated expression of DC-related surface molecules, decreased IL-12, and compromised capacity of the cells to activate allospecific T cells. Moreover, TCCM-treated BMDCs were inferior to normal BMDCs at priming tumor-specific immune responses in vivo. Neutralizing antibodies against IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β partially abrogated the effects. TCCM treatment activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Janus kinase (JNK) but inhibited extracellular regulated kinase (ERK). Inhibiting p38 MAPK restored the phenotype, cytokine secretion, and function of TCCM-treated BMDCs. BMDCs from cultures with TCCM and p38 inhibitor was as efficacious as normal BMDCs at inducing tumor-specific antibody, type 1 T cell, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and at prolonging mouse survival. Thus, our results suggested that tumor-induced p38 MAPK activation and ERK inhibition in DCs may be a new mechanism for tumor evasion and that regulating these pathways during DC differentiation provides new strategies for generating potent DC vaccines for immunotherapy in patients with cancer. (Blood. 2006;107:2432-2439)