Tyrosine Kinase-linked Receptors Research Articles

Small-Dose Sunitinib Modulates p53, Bcl-2, STAT3, and ERK1/2 Pathways and Protects against Adenine-Induced Nephrotoxicity.

The therapeutic use of numerous pharmacological agents may be limited due to their nephrotoxicity and associated kidney injury. The aim of our study is to test the hypothesis that the blockade of tyrosine kinase-linked receptors signaling protects against chemically induced nephrotoxicity. To test our hypothesis, we investigated sunitinib as an inhibitor for tyrosine kinase signaling for both vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) against adenine-induced nephrotoxicity. Four groups of adult male Swiss albino mice were investigated: normal group, adenine group, sunitinib group, and the adenine+sunitinib group that received concurrent administration for both adenine and sunitinib. Kidney function and oxidative stress biomarkers were analyzed. Tubular injury and histopathological changes were examined. Renal expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), the tumor suppressor p53, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription (phospho-STAT3) were measured. The results obtained showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in kidney function and antioxidant biomarkers in the adenine+sunitinib group. Kidney fibrosis and tubular injury scores were significantly (p < 0.05) less in the adenine+sunitinib group and that of p53 expression as well. Furthermore, sunitinib decreased (p < 0.5) renal levels of TGF-β1, p-ERK1/2, and phospho-STAT3 while elevating Bcl-2 expression score. In conclusion, sunitinib diminished adenine-induced nephrotoxicity through interfering with profibrogenic pathways, activating anti-apoptotic mechanisms, and possessing potential antioxidant capabilities.

Significant Hypo-Responsiveness to GPVI and CLEC-2 Agonists in Pre-Term and Full-Term Neonatal Platelets and following Immune Thrombocytopenia.

Neonatal platelets are hypo-reactive to the tyrosine kinase-linked receptor agonist collagen. Here, we have investigated whether the hypo-responsiveness is related to altered levels of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and integrin α2β1, or to defects in downstream signalling events by comparison to platelet activation by C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2). GPVI and CLEC-2 activate a Src- and Syk-dependent signalling pathway upstream of phospholipase C (PLC) γ2. Phosphorylation of a conserved YxxL sequence known as a (hemi) immunotyrosine-based-activation-motif (ITAM) in both receptors is critical for Syk activation. Platelets from human pre-term and full-term neonates display mildly reduced expression of GPVI and CLEC-2, as well as integrin αIIbβ3, accounted for at the transcriptional level. They are also hypo-responsive to the two ITAM receptors, as shown by measurement of integrin αIIbβ3 activation, P-selectin expression and Syk and PLCγ2 phosphorylation. Mouse platelets are also hypo-responsive to GPVI and CLEC-2 from late gestation to 2 weeks of age, as determined by measurement of integrin αIIbβ3 activation. In contrast, the response to G protein-coupled receptor agonists was only mildly reduced and in some cases not altered in neonatal platelets of both species. A reduction in response to GPVI and CLEC-2, but not protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR-4) peptide, was also observed in adult mouse platelets following immune thrombocytopenia, whereas receptor expression was not impaired. Our results demonstrate developmental differences in platelet responsiveness to GPVI and CLEC-2, and also following immune platelet depletion leading to reduced Syk activation. The rapid generation of platelets during development or following platelet depletion is achieved at the expense of signalling by ITAM-coupled receptors.

Abstract 4527: Oral multi-pathway inhibitors for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer

Abstract Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC: estrogen and progesterone receptor and Her2/Neu negative) is a high grade malignancy that is more aggressive with a higher rate of drug resistance, recurrence, metastasis, and death than other breast cancer subtypes. No targeted therapies exist, and women with TNBC have limited therapeutic options. There is clearly a need for new, more effective therapies for TNBC. We have previously demonstrated that two different classes of translation initiation inhibitors (represented by NM043 and NM922) are safe and effective in animal models of TNBC. Recent studies show that both classes of compounds have activities in the mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways. In particular, NM043 inhibited phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase at Thr389, phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 at Ser65, phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473, and phosphorylation of PI3 kinase at Tyr458. Phosphorylation of all of these proteins was similarly inhibited by NM922 but at higher concentrations than for NM043. Phosphorylation of PTEN was inhibited by NM043 but not NM922. Current research is aimed at identifying the tyrosine kinase-linked receptor pathway(s) and/or target(s) affected by NM043 and NM922 that result in inhibition of phosphorylation of PI3K. In addition to being effective in animal models of TNBC, NM922 (but not NM043) was shown to retain its anti-tumor effect after treatment withdrawal. Further, NM922 (but not NM043) was shown to prevent the TGF-β dependent activation of fibroblasts. These data indicate that in addition to anti-proliferative effects on the tumor itself, NM922 may act on the tumor stroma that supports the growth and development of the tumor, thus potentially decreasing recurrence and metastasis. Although there are several possible pathways by which TGF-β promotes fibroblast differentiation (including PI3K), the most likely additional pathway that NM922 affects is the Smad pathway. NM922 has good oral bioavailability and is at least as effective at treating TNBC when administered orally as when administered i.p. This, combined with its dual activities on both the primary tumor and the tumor stroma makes it a very attractive clinical candidate for reducing recurrence and metastasis and increasing survival rates in TNBC. NM922 has a novel mechanism of action and should be valuable both as a stand-alone therapy and in conjunction with other therapeutic agents. The fact that it is orally active makes it attractive not only as part of the initial treatment, but also as part of a maintenance regimen. Scale-up and formulation studies are currently underway. Future efforts will be focused on GLP toxicology and studies to determine dosing range, route, and schedule in support of an IND to advance these drugs into Phase I/II clinical trials. (Supported by grant 2R44CA14456 from the NCI and R01GM20818 from the NIH). Citation Format: Cathy A. Swindlehurst, Kyle W. H. Chan, Leah Fung, Robert W. Sullivan, Sabine Ottilie, Sergey V. Slepenkov, Shile Huang, Robert E. Rhoads. Oral multi-pathway inhibitors for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4527. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4527

MEK and RAF inhibitors for BRAF-mutated cancers

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been implicated in the pathophysiology of many cancers. Under normal physiologic conditions, the RAS-RAF-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK) signalling cascade interaction is initiated by ligation of a receptor-linked tyrosine kinase by its cognate growth factor. It has been demonstrated in many systems that aberrant autocrine or paracrine stimulation of growth factor receptors is pathogenic in large part because of MAPK activation. As one of the key downstream effector pathways of mutated RAS (KRAS, NRAS and HRAS), pharmacologic inhibition of components of the MAPK pathway has been pursued as a means to indirectly inhibit RAS, which remains a technical challenge for direct pharmacologic inhibition. RAF and MEK are the two non-membrane-bound, serine-threonine and tyrosine-threonine kinases, within the pathway that have been most extensively explored as drug targets. The discovery of activating BRAF mutations in cancer clarified which cancer types and subsets of certain cancers are most dependent on activation of the MAPK pathway for growth and survival. Now, with the successful translation of selective BRAF and MEK inhibitors into validated therapies for BRAF mutant melanoma, the field seeks to resolve the role for these agents in cancers harbouring RAS mutations or those driven by aberrant growth factor receptor activation.

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase p110β Regulates Integrin αIIbβ3 Avidity and the Cellular Transmission of Contractile Forces

Phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling processes play an important role in regulating the adhesive function of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3), necessary for platelet spreading and sustained platelet aggregation. PI3K inhibitors are effective at reducing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in vivo and as a consequence are currently being evaluated as novel antithrombotic agents. PI3K regulation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation (affinity modulation) primarily occurs downstream of G(i)-coupled and tyrosine kinase-linked receptors linked to the activation of Rap1b, AKT, and phospholipase C. In the present study, we demonstrate an important role for PI3Ks in regulating the avidity (strength of adhesion) of high affinity integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) bonds, necessary for the cellular transmission of contractile forces. Using knock-out mouse models and isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors, we demonstrate that the Type Ia p110 beta isoform plays a major role in regulating thrombin-stimulated fibrin clot retraction in vitro. Reduced clot retraction induced by PI3K inhibitors was not associated with defects in integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation, actin polymerization, or actomyosin contractility but was associated with a defect in integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) association with the contractile cytoskeleton. Analysis of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) adhesion contacts using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed an important role for PI3Ks in regulating the stability of high affinity integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) bonds. These studies demonstrate an important role for PI3K p110 beta in regulating the avidity of high affinity integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) receptors, necessary for the cellular transmission of contractile forces. These findings may provide new insight into the potential antithrombotic properties of PI3K p110 beta inhibitors.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor modulation of Kv1.3 channel is disregulated by adaptor proteins Grb10 and nShc

BackgroundNeurotrophins are important regulators of growth and regeneration, and acutely, they can modulate the activity of voltage-gated ion channels. Previously we have shown that acute brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation of neurotrophin receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) suppresses the Shaker voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv1.3) via phosphorylation of multiple tyrosine residues in the N and C terminal aspects of the channel protein. It is not known how adaptor proteins, which lack catalytic activity, but interact with members of the neurotrophic signaling pathway, might scaffold with ion channels or modulate channel activity.ResultsWe report the co-localization of two adaptor proteins, neuronal Src homology and collagen (nShc) and growth factor receptor-binding protein 10 (Grb10), with Kv1.3 channel as demonstrated through immunocytochemical approaches in the olfactory bulb (OB) neural lamina. To further explore the specificity and functional ramification of adaptor/channel co-localization, we performed immunoprecipitation and Western analysis of channel, kinase, and adaptor transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK 293). nShc formed a direct protein-protein interaction with Kv1.3 that was independent of BDNF-induced phosphorylation of Kv1.3, whereas Grb10 did not complex with Kv1.3 in HEK 293 cells. Both adaptors, however, co-immunoprecipitated with Kv1.3 in native OB. Grb10 was interestingly able to decrease the total expression of Kv1.3, particularly at the membrane surface, and subsequently eliminated the BDNF-induced phosphorylation of Kv1.3. To examine the possibility that the Src homology 2 (SH2) domains of Grb10 were directly binding to basally phosphorylated tyrosines in Kv1.3, we utilized point mutations to substitute multiple tyrosine residues with phenylalanine. Removal of the tyrosines 111–113 and 449 prevented Grb10 from decreasing Kv1.3 expression. In the absence of either adaptor protein, channel co-expression reciprocally down-regulated expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of TrkB kinase and related insulin receptor kinase. Finally, through patch-clamp electrophysiology, we found that the BDNF-induced current suppression of the channel was prevented by both nShc and Grb10.ConclusionWe report that adaptor protein alteration of kinase-induced Kv1.3 channel modulation is related to the degree of direct protein-protein association and that the channel itself can reciprocally modulate receptor-linked tyrosine kinase expression and activity.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-2-mediated DNA synthesis and proliferation in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes: The involvement of endogenous transforming growth factor-α

We investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α on DNA synthesis and proliferation, and its signal transduction pathways in primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes. TNF-α induced time- and dose-dependent increases in hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation. The hepatocyte proliferation stimulated by 30 ng/ml TNF-α was significantly inhibited by anti-TNF receptor 2 antibody, but not by anti-TNF receptor 1 antibody. TNF-α-induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation were blocked by AG1478 (10 − 7 M), PD98059 (10 − 6 M), LY 294002 (10 − 7 M), and rapamycin (100 ng/ml). TNF-α at 30 ng/ml significantly increased phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinase (175 kDa) and p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. This data suggests that the proliferative signal for primary cultured hepatocytes induced by TNF-α is mediated by TNF receptor 2 and the receptor tyrosine kinase/MAP kinase pathway. In addition, TNF-α-induced hepatocyte mitogenesis was significantly blocked by somatostatin (10 − 6 M), adenylate cyclase inhibitor dideoxyadenosine (10 − 7 M), protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (10 − 7 M), and neutralizing antibody to transforming growth factor (TGF)-α in culture. Indeed, 30 ng/ml TNF-α was found to rapidly stimulate secretion of TGF-α, and this secretion was also blocked by anti-TNF receptor 2 antibody. Moreover, TGF-α secretion induced by TNF-α was suppressed by dideoxyadenosine, H-89, and somatostatin. Together, these results indicate that stimulation of TNF receptor 2 by 30 ng/ml TNF-α induces autocrine secretion of TGF-α via the adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, after which TGF-α induces hepatocyte DNA synthesis and proliferation through the TGF-α receptor-linked tyrosine kinase (175 kDa)/MAP kinase signaling system.

16-kDa fragment of pleiotrophin acts on endothelial and breast tumor cells and inhibits tumor development

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a 136-amino acid secreted heparin-binding protein that is considered as a rate-limiting growth and an angiogenic factor in the onset, invasion, and metastatic process of many tumors. Its mitogenic and tumorigenic activities are mediated by the COOH-terminal residues 111 to 136 of PTN, allowing it to bind to cell surface tyrosine kinase-linked receptors. We investigated a new strategy consisting in evaluating the antitumor effect of a truncated PTN, lacking the COOH-terminal 111 to 136 portion of the molecule (PTNDelta111-136), which may act as a dominant-negative effector for its mitogenic, angiogenic, and tumorigenic activities by heterodimerizing with the wild-type protein. In vitro studies showed that PTNDelta111-136 selectively inhibited a PTN-dependent MDA-MB-231 breast tumor and endothelial cell proliferation and that, in MDA-MB-231 cells expressing PTNDelta111-136, the vascular endothelial growth factor-A and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha mRNA levels were significantly decreased by 59% and 71%, respectively, compared with levels in wild-type cells. In vivo, intramuscular electrotransfer of a plasmid encoding a secretable form of PTNDelta111-136 was shown to inhibit MDA-MB-231 tumor growth by 81%. This antitumor effect was associated with the detection of the PTNDelta111-136 molecule in the muscle and tumor extracts, the suppression of neovascularization within the tumors, and a decline in the Ki-67 proliferative index. Because PTN is rarely found in normal tissue, our data show that targeted PTN may represent an attractive and new therapeutic approach to the fight against cancer.

Insulin-induced epidermal growth factor activation in vascular smooth muscle cells is ADAM-dependent

With the rise in metabolic syndrome, understanding the role of insulin signaling within the cells of vasculature has become more important but yet remains poorly defined. This study examines the role of insulin actions on a pivotal cross-talk receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is transactivated by both G-protein-coupled receptors and receptor-linked tyrosine kinases and is key to many of their responses. To determine the pathway of EGFR transactivation by insulin in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). VSMC were cultured in vitro. Assays of EGFR phosphorylation were examined in response to insulin in the presence and absence of the plasmin inhibitors (e-aminocaproic acid and aprotinin) matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitor GM6001, the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain (ADAM) inhibitors tumor necrosis factor-alpha protease inhibitor (TAPI)-0 and TAPI-1, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) inhibitor, CRM197, HB-EGF inhibitory antibodies, EGF inhibitory antibodies, and the EGFR inhibitor AG1478. Insulin induced time-dependent EGFR phosphorylation, which was inhibited by AG1478 in a concentration-dependent manner. Application of the plasmin inhibitors did not block the response. EGFR phosphorylation by insulin was blocked by inhibition of MMP activity and the ligand HB-EGF. The presence of the ADAM inhibitors, TAPI-0 and TAPI-1 significantly decreased EGFR activation. EGFR phosphorylation by EGF was not interrupted by inhibition of plasmin, MMPs TAPIs, or HB-EGF. Direct blockade of the EGFR prevented activation by both insulin and EGF. Insulin can induce transactivation of EGFR by an ADAM-mediated, HB-EGF-dependent process. This is the first description of cross-talk via ADAM between insulin and EGFR in VSMC. Targeting a pivotal cross-talk receptor such as EGFR, which can be transactivated by both G-protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases is an attractive molecular target.

Comparative analysis of the kinomes of three pathogenic trypanosomatids: Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi

BackgroundThe trypanosomatids Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi cause some of the most debilitating diseases of humankind: cutaneous leishmaniasis, African sleeping sickness, and Chagas disease. These protozoa possess complex life cycles that involve development in mammalian and insect hosts, and a tightly coordinated cell cycle ensures propagation of the highly polarized cells. However, the ways in which the parasites respond to their environment and coordinate intracellular processes are poorly understood. As a part of an effort to understand parasite signaling functions, we report the results of a genome-wide analysis of protein kinases (PKs) of these three trypanosomatids.ResultsBioinformatic searches of the trypanosomatid genomes for eukaryotic PKs (ePKs) and atypical PKs (aPKs) revealed a total of 176 PKs in T. brucei, 190 in T. cruzi and 199 in L. major, most of which are orthologous across the three species. This is approximately 30% of the number in the human host and double that of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The representation of various groups of ePKs differs significantly as compared to humans: trypanosomatids lack receptor-linked tyrosine and tyrosine kinase-like kinases, although they do possess dual-specificity kinases. A relative expansion of the CMGC, STE and NEK groups has occurred. A large number of unique ePKs show no strong affinity to any known group. The trypanosomatids possess few ePKs with predicted transmembrane domains, suggesting that receptor ePKs are rare. Accessory Pfam domains, which are frequently present in human ePKs, are uncommon in trypanosomatid ePKs.ConclusionTrypanosomatids possess a large set of PKs, comprising approximately 2% of each genome, suggesting a key role for phosphorylation in parasite biology. Whilst it was possible to place most of the trypanosomatid ePKs into the seven established groups using bioinformatic analyses, it has not been possible to ascribe function based solely on sequence similarity. Hence the connection of stimuli to protein phosphorylation networks remains enigmatic. The presence of numerous PKs with significant sequence similarity to known drug targets, as well as a large number of unusual kinases that might represent novel targets, strongly argue for functional analysis of these molecules.

Phase I trial of orally administered CEP-701, a novel neurotrophin receptor-linked tyrosine kinase inhibitor

A phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced carcinomas was conducted using the orally available neurotrophin receptor-linked tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor, CEP-701. The objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities, and pharmacokinetic profile of this orally administered agent. A total of 30 patients were accrued to receive escalating BID doses of CEP-701 in cycles lasting 28 days. Between 3 and 6 patients were enrolled at each dose level. Once the MTD was determined, nine de novo patients were recruited to receive that level of drug. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed after the first dose, with additional sampling to assess intraindividual variability. The dosages ranged from 5 mg BID to 160 mg BID. While the criteria for MTD were not met at the dose levels administered, DLTs were observed at 80 and 120 mg BID. Treatment related adverse events, especially of the gastrointestinal system, made CEP-701 poorly tolerated at dosages above 40 mg BID. While CEP-701 did not produce an objective tumor response in any patient, 7 of the 30 patients received treatment for 3 months or more, including 3 who were on study with stable disease for more than 6 months. Orally administered CEP-701 was rapidly absorbed, with a mean t(max) between 1 and 3 hours. At higher dose levels, serum drug levels showed greater than dose-proportional increases by Day 28 versus Day 1. CEP-701 40 mg BID was well tolerated by patients with advanced malignancy and is the recommended dose level for planned phase II trials. Further study is necessary to determine the clinical efficacy of this novel new chemotherapeutic agent.

2D LC/MS Analysis of Membrane Proteins from Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF7 and BT474

Membrane proteins play a central role in the interaction of the cell with its environment and in the function of subcellular organelles. The current study focused on developing a better understanding of the membrane proteome of two well-characterized breast cancer cell lines. Membranes from osmotically lysed BT474 and MCF7 cells were treated with cyanogen bromide followed by a combination of trypsin and Staphylococcus V8 protease to obtain hydrophilic peptides from membrane proteins. The complex peptide mixtures obtained were separated by 2-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled online with a nano-electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometer (2D LC/nanoESI-MS). The strong cation exchange column used in the first dimension of the separation was eluted in an automated fashion using a series of salt steps of increasing concentration. Peptides eluted from each of the salt steps were separated using a capillary reversed-phase HPLC column, the output of which was directed through a nano-electrospray fused silica tip into the mass spectrometer. Peptides were fragmented by collision-induced dissociation (CID) and analyzed by data-dependent MS/MS followed by database searching using the Sequest algorithm. Analysis of the data revealed both similarities and expected differences between proteins identified from these cell lines. As demonstrated by others, mRNA and the HER2/neu protein tyrosine kinase-linked receptor in BT474 cells is up regulated compared to its level in MCF7, while the expression of the estrogen receptor alpha is known to be up regulated in MCF7 cells. As expected, our studies showed identification of peptides from HER2 in BT474 while estrogen receptor peptides were detected in the MCF7 line. A total of 604 proteins were identified from BT474 membranes while 313 proteins were found from MCF7. The results are discussed in terms of the known differences in both protein and mRNA expression between these two breast cancer cell lines and also in the context of other known phenotypic differences between these cells.

Fatty Acid Regulation of Gene Transcription

ABSTRACTDietary fat has a dual role in human physiology: a) it functions as a source of energy and structural components for cells; b) it functions as a regulator of gene expression that impacts lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, as well as cell growth and differentiation. Fatty acid effects on gene expression are cell-specific and influenced by fatty acid structure and metabolism. Fatty acids interact with the genome through several mechanisms. They regulate the activity or nuclear abundance of several transcription factors, including PPAR, LXR, HNF-4, NFκB, and SREBP. Fatty acids or their metabolites bind directly to specific transcription factors to regulate gene transcription. Alternatively, fatty acids indirectly act on gene expression through their effects on a) specific enzyme-mediated pathways, such as cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, protein kinase C, or sphingomyelinase signal transduction pathways; or b) pathways that involve changes in membrane lipid/lipid raft composition that affect G-protein receptor or tyrosine kinase-linked receptor signaling. Further definition of these fatty acid-regulated pathways will provide insight into the role dietary fat plays in human health and the onset and progression of several chronic diseases, like coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia and inflammation, obesity and diabetes, cancer, major depressive disorders, and schizophrenia.

The use of selective pharmacological inhibitors to delineate signal transduction pathways activated during complement receptor-mediated degranulation in chicken heterophils

Complement receptors (CRs), along with Fc receptors, play a primary role in the removal of bacterial pathogens in poultry. The binding of serum-opsonized bacteria to CR results in the secretion of both toxic oxygen metabolites and antibacterial granules. We have previously shown that the stimulation of chicken heterophils with serum-opsonized Salmonella enteritidis induced tyrosine kinase-dependent phosphorylation regulated degranulation. In the present studies, we used selective pharmacological inhibitors to investigate the roles of protein tyrosine kinases, phospholipases C and D (PLC and PLD), phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3-K), and the super family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) on CR-mediated heterophil degranulation. Inhibitors of receptor-linked tyrosine kinases (the tryphostins AG1478 and AG1296) had no attenuating effects on CR-mediated degranulation. However, PP2, a selective inhibitor of the src family of protein tyrosine kinases, and piceatannol, an inhibitor of Syk tyrosine kinases, both significantly attenuated the CR-mediated degranulation. Additionally, the specific inhibitors of PLC, U73122, and PI3-K, LY294002, significantly decreased CR-mediated heterophil degranulation. Two inhibitors of PLD-mediated signaling, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and 1-butanol, hindered degranulation. Addition of purified PLD restored control levels of degranulation in heterophils in which PLD was inhibited. Lastly, SP600125, a selective inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), inhibited degranulation; whereas neither PD98059, the inhibitor of p38 MAPK, nor SB203580, the inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, had any effect on CR-mediated heterophil degranulation. These studies demonstrate that CRs on chicken heterophils lack intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, but that binding of serum-opsonized bacteria activates both proximal tyrosine kinases ( src and Syk kinases), but differentially activates downstream tyrosine kinases (JNK, but not p38 nor ERK). Activation of src and Syk kinases plays a significant role in signal transduction of heterophil degranulation probably by stimulating downstream phosphorylation of PLC, PLD, and PI3-K. PI3-K has also been recently shown to be an upstream mediator of JNK activation, suggesting that this enzyme can induce signaling as both a lipid kinase and protein kinase. Engaging CRs on chicken heterophils activates a proximal tyrosine kinase ( src and Syk kinases)→PLC (PLD)→PI3-K→JNK signal transduction pathway that induces degranulation.

Selective pharmacological inhibitors reveal the role of Syk tyrosine kinase, phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol-3′-kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in Fc receptor-mediated signaling of chicken heterophil degranulation

Fc receptors of avian heterophils play a primary role in the elimination of bacterial pathogens in poultry. The cross-linking of Fc receptors with IgG-bacteria complexes results in the secretion of toxic oxygen metabolites and anti-bacterial granules. We have been investigating the upstream signaling events that precede degranulation following crosslinkage of Fc receptors on heterophils. Previously when using the non-selective pharmacological inhibitors genistein, chelerythrine, verapamil, and pertussis toxin, we found no significant inhibitory effects on Fc-mediated heterophil degranulation. In the present studies, we used more selective pharmacological inhibitors to investigate the roles of protein tyrosine kinases, phospholipase C (PLC), phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase, and the family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) on Fc-mediated heterophil degranulation. Inhibitors of the receptor-linked tyrosine kinases (the tryphostins AG 1478 and AG 1296) had no attenuating effects on the Fc receptor-mediated degranulation of chicken heterophils. Likewise, PP2, a selective inhibitor of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases, had no inhibitory effects on degranulation. However, piceatannol, a selective inhibitor of Syk tyrosine kinase, significantly attenuated the effect of Fc receptor-mediated degranulation. Additionally, Fc-mediated degranulation was significantly attenuated by SB 203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, but not by PD98059, an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). An inhibitor of phospholipase C, U73122 and LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphoinositol-3 kinase significantly decreased heterophil degranulation. These results suggest that the Fc receptors on chicken heterophils, like their counterparts on mammalian neutrophils, have no intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, but probably mediate downstream events through activation of tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM). Activation of the Syk tyrosine kinase stimulates downstream phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, phospholipase C, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase as signaling pathways that regulate Fc-receptor-mediated degranulation of chicken heterophils. Engaging Fc receptors on chicken heterophils activates a Syk→PLC→PI3-K→p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway that induces degranulation.

Modulation of neurotransmitter release induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat brain striatal slices in vitro

This study examined the influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the basal and depolarisation-induced release of the neurotransmitters GABA, dopamine and serotonin from rat striatal brain slices in vitro. BDNF potentiated the potassium or veratrine-stimulated release of GABA, dopamine and serotonin. This potentiation was shown to be dependent on activation of the high-affinity tyrosine kinase-linked receptor TrkB, as K252a (a potent TrkB antagonist) largely prevented the effects. BDNF potentiated the release of each neurotransmitter to similar extents irrespective of the type of depolarising stimulus used. In all cases the potentiation of neurotransmitter release caused by BDNF was dependent on membrane depolarisation as BDNF alone was incapable of causing potentiation. These results, obtained using striatal slices in vitro, suggest that BDNF may be acting via the specific receptor TrkB to modulate synaptic performance in the corpus striatum in vivo.

Inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases do not suppress progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i signalling in human spermatozoa

Previous studies have implicated receptor tyrosine kinases in progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i signalling, and consequent induction of the acrosome reaction, in human spermatozoa. We have investigated the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibition on [Ca2+]i responses in large numbers of individual human spermatozoa. Genistein (5, 50 and 250 micromol/l), an inhibitor of receptor-linked tyrosine kinases, significantly inhibited the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction (P < 0.05). However, we could detect no effect of genistein on progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i signalling. In control experiments, application of progesterone induced a significant transient [Ca2+]i response in approximately 77% of cells and a sustained [Ca2+]i ramp/plateau in approximately 48% of cells (n = 26; 5411 cells). In preparations pretreated with genistein (50 micromol/l), significant transient and sustained responses were detected in 69.5 and 39.1% of cells respectively (n = 5; 1109 cells). The amplitudes of both transient and sustained [Ca2+]i responses were similar in control and genistein-pretreated preparations. Tyrphostin A47 (100 micromol/l), another receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, also failed to inhibit either the transient or sustained [Ca2+]i response (n = 3; 468 cells). Assessment of tyrosine phosphorylation of two sperm proteins (p105/81) showed greatly increased levels of phosphotyrosine in response to capacitation but a negligible increase in response to progesterone stimulation. Pretreatment with genistein (50 and 250 micromol/l) decreased capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and resulted in a loss of phosphorylation in response to progesterone treatment. We conclude that neither the transient nor sustained phases of the progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i response require receptor tyrosine kinase signalling. Previous reports of modulation of the progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i signal by tyrosine kinase inhibition probably reflect inhibition of the acrosome reaction.

Regulation of CR3 (CD11b/CD18)-dependent natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by tumour target cell MHC class I molecules.

Phagocyte and NK cell CR3 functions as both an adhesion molecule and an iC3b receptor mediating cytotoxic responses to microorganisms. Cytotoxic activation of iC3b receptor function requires ligation of both a CD11b I-domain site for iC3b and a lectin site located in the C-terminus of CD11b. Because tumours lack the CR3-binding polysaccharides of bacteria and fungi, iC3b-opsonized tumours do not stimulate CR3-dependent cytotoxicity. Previous studies showed that NK cells could be induced to kill iC3b-opsonized tumours with small soluble beta-glucans that bound with high affinity to CR3, bypassing the absence of similar polysaccharides on tumour membranes. Because CR3 signalling requires several tyrosine phosphorylation events, it appeared possible that CR3-dependent killing of autologous tumour cells might be suppressed by NK cell inhibitory receptors for MHC class I (KIR and CD94/NKG2) whose action involves recruitment of SHP-1 and SHP-2 tyrosine phosphatases. In the current study, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cells were used as targets following opsonization with iC3b. Soluble beta-glucan primed CR3 for killing of iC3b-coated B cells, but autologous class I-bearing targets were 84% more resistant than class I-deficient Daudi cells. Blockade of target cell class I with a MoAb specific for a domain recognized by both KIR and CD94/NKG2 resulted in comparable killing of class I+ B cells. By contrast, another MoAb to class II had no effect on cytotoxicity. These data suggest that NK cell recognition of class I suppresses CR3/tyrosine kinase-dependent cytotoxicity in the same way as it suppresses cytotoxicity mediated by other tyrosine kinase-linked receptors such as FcgammaRIIIA (CD16).

Tyrosine Residues in Phospholipase Cγ2 Essential for the Enzyme Function in B-cell Signaling

Phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) isoforms are regulated through activation of tyrosine kinase-linked receptors. The importance of growth factor-stimulated phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues has been documented for PLCgamma1; however, despite the critical importance of PLCgamma2 in B-cell signal transduction, neither the tyrosine kinase(s) that directly phosphorylate PLCgamma2 nor the sites in PLCgamma2 that become phosphorylated after stimulation are known. By measuring the ability of human PLCgamma2 to restore calcium responses to the B-cell receptor stimulation or oxidative stress in a B-cell line (DT40) deficient in PLCgamma2, we have demonstrated that two tyrosine residues, Tyr(753) and Tyr(759), were important for the PLCgamma2 signaling function. Furthermore, the double mutation Y753F/Y759F in PLCgamma2 resulted in a loss of tyrosine phosphorylation in stimulated DT40 cells. Of the two kinases that previously have been proposed to phosphorylate PLCgamma2, Btk, and Syk, purified Btk had much greater ability to phosphorylate recombinant PLCgamma2 in vitro, whereas Syk efficiently phosphorylated adapter protein BLNK. Using purified proteins to analyze the formation of complexes, we suggest that function of Syk is to phosphorylate BLNK, providing binding sites for PLCgamma2. Further analysis of PLCgamma2 tyrosine residues phosphorylated by Btk and several kinases from the Src family has suggested multiple sites of phosphorylation and, in the context of a peptide incorporating residues Tyr(753) and Tyr(759), shown preferential phosphorylation of Tyr(753).

Cell signaling pathways mediating epidermal growth factor stimulation of Na:K:2Cl cotransport activity in rabbit corneal epithelial cells.

We characterized the signaling and ion transport pathways that mediate epidermal growth factor receptor physiological control in SV40-immortalized rabbit corneal epithelial cells (tRCEC). Our evaluation employed single-cell fluorescence imaging to measure the intracellular [Na+]i in these cells loaded with the Na+ sensitive dye, SBFI. EGF (1 to 5 ng/ml) transiently increased [Na+]i from 10 mm to as much as 35 mm after 25 min, which was followed by a decline towards its control value. These increases waned at higher EGF concentrations up to 50 ng/ml. Both inhibition of EGF receptor-linked tyrosine kinase activity (50 microm RG-13022) and cPLA2 activity (10 microm AACOCF3) obviated EGF-induced increases in [Na+]i. In contrast, PGE2 (10 microg/ml) and cAMP (2 mm) increased [Na+]i by 25 mm. Inhibition of NKCC activity through exposure to either Cl-free Ringers or 300 microm furosemide in NaCl Ringers eliminated EGF-induced increases in [Na+]i. Similarly, EGF failed to increase [Na+]i following inhibition of: 1) PKA activity (10 microm H-89); 2) Erk1/2 (15 microm PD98059) or 3) p38 (15 microm SB203580) activity. Stimulation protein kinase C activity (0.1 microm PMA) transiently increased [Na+]i followed by a decline towards its baseline value. EGF-induced increases in [Na+]i were unaltered by inhibition of K+ conductance (100 microm 4-AP). Taken together, EGF stimulates Erk1/2; p38 and cPLA2 activity. Their stimulation increases PGE2 and cAMP levels resulting in PKA and NKCC activation.