BACKGROUND Colon cancer(CC)is one of the most common malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal system.Overall,CC had the third highest incidence but the second highest mortality rate globally in 2020.Nowadays,CC is mai...BACKGROUND Colon cancer(CC)is one of the most common malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal system.Overall,CC had the third highest incidence but the second highest mortality rate globally in 2020.Nowadays,CC is mainly treated with capecitabine chemotherapy regimen,supplemented by radiotherapy,immunotherapy and targeted therapy,but there are still limitations,so Chinese medicine plays an important role.AIM To investigate the effects of invigorating-spleen and anticancer prescription(ISAP)on body weight,tumor inhibition rate and expression levels of proteins in extracellular-signal-regulated kinase(ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway in CC mice model.METHODS The CC mice model were established and the mice were randomly divided into 5 groups,including the control group,capecitabine group,the low-dose,mediumdose and high-dose groups of ISAP,with 8 mice in each group,respectively.After 2 weeks of intervention,the body weight and tumor inhibition rate of mice were observed,and the expression of RAS,ERK,phosphorylated ERK(p-ERK),C-MYC and matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)proteins in the tissues of tumors were detected.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the differences of body weight before and after treatment was much smaller in the groups of ISAP,with the smallest difference in the high-dose group of ISAP,while the capecitabine group had the greatest difference,indicating ISAP had a significant inhibiting effect on the growth of transplanted tumor in mice.The expression of RAS protein was decreased in the low-and medium-dose groups of ISAP,and the change of p-ERK was significant in the medium-and high-dose groups of ISAP.MMP2 protein expression was significantly decreased in both the low-dose and medium-dose groups of ISAP.There were no significant changes in ERK in the ISAP group compared to the capecitabine group,while RAS,MMP2,and C-MYC protein expression were reduced in the ISAP group.The expression level of C-MYC protein decreased after treated with ISAP,and the decrease was the most significant in the medium-dose group of ISAP.CONCLUSION ISAP has a potential inhibiting effect on transplanted tumor in mice,and could maintain the general conditions,physical strength and body weight of mice.The expression levels of RAS,p-ERK,MMP2 and c-myc were also decreased to a certain extent.By inhibiting the expression of upstream proteins,the expression levels of downstream proteins in ERK/MAPK signaling pathway were significantly decreased.Therefore,it can be concluded that ISAP may exert an anti-tumor effect by blocking the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway and inhibiting the expression of MMP2 and c-myc proteins.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that electro-acupuncture at the Ren meridian could improve proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells in cerebral-ischemic rats. However, there are few reports on the influe...BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that electro-acupuncture at the Ren meridian could improve proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells in cerebral-ischemic rats. However, there are few reports on the influence of electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian on neural stem cell proliferation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on neural stem cell proliferation in the subventricular zone and altered signal transduction in cerebral ischemia rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2006 to February 2008. MATERIALS： Mouse anti-rat bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） monoclonal antibody was provided by Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat nestin monoclonal antibody and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK） specific inhibitor PD98059 were provided by Calbiochem, Germany; acupuncture needle was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. METHODS： A total of 126 rats were randomly assigned to four groups： model （n = 36）, Du meridian （n = 36）, Ren/Du meridian （n = 36）, and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 （n = 18）. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were observed on days 7 （n = 6） and 14 （n = 12） after cerebral ischemia injury. Rats in the model, Du meridian, and Ren/Du meridian groups were observed on days 7, 14, and 28 after cerebral ischemia injury, with 12 rats per group at each time point. Thread occlusion was used to establish middle cerebral artery occlusion models. Electro-acupuncture was performed at Renzhong （DU 26） and Baihui （DU 20） acupoints in the Du meridian group, as well as Chengjiang （RN 24）, Guanyuan （RN 4）, Renzhong, and Baihuiacupoints in the Ren/Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 groups 2 days after model establishment. In addition, electro-acupuncture stimulation with disperse-dense waves was performed, with 30 Hz disperse wave, 100 Hz dense wave, and 5 V intensity for 20 minutes. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were treated with 0.2 pg PD98059 injection into the subventricular zone, 2 pL per rat. Rats in the model group were not treated with electro-acupuncture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： BrdU/nestin immunofluorescent staining was used to detect proliferating neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of cerebral ischemia rats; Western blot was used to determine phosphorylated ERK1 and 2 （pERK1/2） expression in the subventricular zone. RESULTS： On days 14 and 28 after cerebral ischemia, there were significantly more BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells in the Ren/Du meridian group compared with the Du meridian group （P 〈 0.05）. PD98059 decreased the number of BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells induced by electro-acupuncture at the/：ten and Du meridians （P 〈 0.05）. On days 7, 14, and 28 after treatment, pERK1/2 expression was significantly greater in the Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian groups compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）. The promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on ERK1/2 phosphorylation was superior to electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian alone on day 14 after model induction （P 〈 0.05）. However, PD98059 completely abolished the promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren/Du meridians on pERK1/2 expression （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians increased proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells, which was related to activation of the ERK pathway in a rat model of cerebral ischemia injury.展开更多
Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell diff...Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was identified as one of the key pathways underlying this differentiation process. The present study shows phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38 protein expression was increased after differentiation. Cellular signaling pathway blocking agents, PD98059 and SB203580, inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways respectively, mRNA and protein expression of the neuronal marker, neuron specific enolase, and neural stem cell marker, nestin, were decreased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after treatment with the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction. Experimental findings indicate that, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, induced by the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction.展开更多
Background:XIAP-associated factor 1(XAF1)negatively regulates the function of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein(XIAP),a member of the IAP family that exerts antiapoptotic effects.The extracellular signal-reg...Background:XIAP-associated factor 1(XAF1)negatively regulates the function of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein(XIAP),a member of the IAP family that exerts antiapoptotic effects.The extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)pathway is thought to increase cell proliferation and to protect cells from apoptosis.The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and XAF1 in colon cancer.Methods:Four human colon cancer cell lines,HCT1116 and Lovo(wildtype p53),DLD1 and SW1116(mutant p53),were used.Lovo stable transfectants with XAF1 sense and antisense were established.The effects of dominant-negative MEK1(DN-MEK1)and MEK-specific inhibitor U0126 on the ERK signaling pathway and expression of XAF1 and XIAP proteins were determined.The transcription activity of core XAF1 promoter was assessed by dual luciferase reporter assay.Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay.Apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining.Results:U0126 increased the expression of XAF1 in a time-and dose-dependent manner.A similar result was obtained in cells transfected with DN-MEK1 treatment.Conversely,the expression of XIAP was down-regulated.Activity of the putative promoter of the XAF1 gene was significantly increased by U0126 treatment and DN-MEK1 transient transfection.rhEGF-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK appeared to have little or no effect on XAF1 expression.Overexpression of XAF1 was more sensitive to U0126-induced apoptosis,whereas down-regulation of XAF1 by antisense reversed U0126-induced inhibition of cell proliferation.Conclusions:XAF1 expression was up-regulated by inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway through transcriptional regulation,which required de novo protein synthesis.The results suggest that XAF1 mediates apoptosis induced by the ERK1/2 pathway in colon cancer.展开更多
AIMTo evaluate whether protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) contributed to initiate human retinal pigment epithelium cells (A)-19 migration and investigate the signaling pathways involved in this process.METHODSARP...AIMTo evaluate whether protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) contributed to initiate human retinal pigment epithelium cells (A)-19 migration and investigate the signaling pathways involved in this process.METHODSARPE-19 cells were cultured and treated with the siRNA-PTP1B. Expression of PTP1B was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). AG1478 [a selective inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)] and PD98059 (a specific inhibitor of the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase) were used to help to determine the PTP1B signaling mechanism. Western blot analysis verified expression of EGFR and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in ARPE-19 cells. The effect of siRNA-PTP1B on cell differentiation was confirmed by immunostaining for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and qRT-PCR. Cell migration ability was analyzed by transwell chamber assay.RESULTSThe mRNA levels of PTP1B were reduced by siRNA-PTP1B as determined by qRT-PCR assay. SiRNA-PTP1B activated EGFR and ERK phosphorylation. α-SMA staining and qRT-PCR assay demonstrated that siRNA-PTP1B induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells to differentiate toward better contractility and motility. Transwell chamber assay proved that PTP1B inhibition improved migration activity of RPE cells. Treatment with AG1478 and PD98059 abolished siRNA-PTP1B-induced activation of EGFR and ERK, α-SMA expression and cell migration.CONCLUSIONPTP1B inhibition promoted myofibroblast differentiation and migration of ARPE-19 cells, and EGFR/ERK signaling pathway played important role in migration process.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Meth...Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.展开更多
Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation ...Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation and motility.The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases,MAPK kinase,and MAPK.Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade.MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases.The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases.This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase,MAPK-activated protein kinase 5(MK5)or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase(PRAK).This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization,bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.展开更多
Anti-microbial peptides are essential for the intestinal innate immunity that protects the intestinal epithelia from attacks by foreign pathogens. Human β-defensin (HBD) is one of the pivotal anti-microbial peptides ...Anti-microbial peptides are essential for the intestinal innate immunity that protects the intestinal epithelia from attacks by foreign pathogens. Human β-defensin (HBD) is one of the pivotal anti-microbial peptides that are expressed in the colonic epithelia. This study investigated the effect and the signaling mechanism of inducible β-defensin HBD2 by an essential amino acid, isoleucine (Ile) in colonic epithelial cells. Here we examined the expression level of HBD2 on induction of Ile in epithelial cells, and checked this pathway. HBD2 mRNA was induced by co-incubation with IL-1α and Ile in Caco2 cells, but not by Ile alone. An inhibitor of either ERK or Gi, a subunit of G-proteins, reduced the induction of HBD2 mRNA by Ile. The treatment with Ile also increased the intracellular calcium ion concentration, thus suggesting that the GPCR and ERK signaling pathway mediate the effects of Ile. These results indicate that an essential amino acid, Ile, enhances the expression of an inducible β-defensin, namely HBD2, by IL-1α through the activation of GPCRs and ERK signaling pathway. The administration of Ile may therefore represent a possible option to safely treat intestinal inflammation.展开更多
基金Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Department Project,No.2023JH2/101700149Open Fund Project of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.zyzx2205.
文摘BACKGROUND Colon cancer(CC)is one of the most common malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal system.Overall,CC had the third highest incidence but the second highest mortality rate globally in 2020.Nowadays,CC is mainly treated with capecitabine chemotherapy regimen,supplemented by radiotherapy,immunotherapy and targeted therapy,but there are still limitations,so Chinese medicine plays an important role.AIM To investigate the effects of invigorating-spleen and anticancer prescription(ISAP)on body weight,tumor inhibition rate and expression levels of proteins in extracellular-signal-regulated kinase(ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway in CC mice model.METHODS The CC mice model were established and the mice were randomly divided into 5 groups,including the control group,capecitabine group,the low-dose,mediumdose and high-dose groups of ISAP,with 8 mice in each group,respectively.After 2 weeks of intervention,the body weight and tumor inhibition rate of mice were observed,and the expression of RAS,ERK,phosphorylated ERK(p-ERK),C-MYC and matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)proteins in the tissues of tumors were detected.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the differences of body weight before and after treatment was much smaller in the groups of ISAP,with the smallest difference in the high-dose group of ISAP,while the capecitabine group had the greatest difference,indicating ISAP had a significant inhibiting effect on the growth of transplanted tumor in mice.The expression of RAS protein was decreased in the low-and medium-dose groups of ISAP,and the change of p-ERK was significant in the medium-and high-dose groups of ISAP.MMP2 protein expression was significantly decreased in both the low-dose and medium-dose groups of ISAP.There were no significant changes in ERK in the ISAP group compared to the capecitabine group,while RAS,MMP2,and C-MYC protein expression were reduced in the ISAP group.The expression level of C-MYC protein decreased after treated with ISAP,and the decrease was the most significant in the medium-dose group of ISAP.CONCLUSION ISAP has a potential inhibiting effect on transplanted tumor in mice,and could maintain the general conditions,physical strength and body weight of mice.The expression levels of RAS,p-ERK,MMP2 and c-myc were also decreased to a certain extent.By inhibiting the expression of upstream proteins,the expression levels of downstream proteins in ERK/MAPK signaling pathway were significantly decreased.Therefore,it can be concluded that ISAP may exert an anti-tumor effect by blocking the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway and inhibiting the expression of MMP2 and c-myc proteins.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30371808the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.5009688
文摘BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that electro-acupuncture at the Ren meridian could improve proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells in cerebral-ischemic rats. However, there are few reports on the influence of electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian on neural stem cell proliferation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on neural stem cell proliferation in the subventricular zone and altered signal transduction in cerebral ischemia rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2006 to February 2008. MATERIALS： Mouse anti-rat bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） monoclonal antibody was provided by Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat nestin monoclonal antibody and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK） specific inhibitor PD98059 were provided by Calbiochem, Germany; acupuncture needle was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. METHODS： A total of 126 rats were randomly assigned to four groups： model （n = 36）, Du meridian （n = 36）, Ren/Du meridian （n = 36）, and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 （n = 18）. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were observed on days 7 （n = 6） and 14 （n = 12） after cerebral ischemia injury. Rats in the model, Du meridian, and Ren/Du meridian groups were observed on days 7, 14, and 28 after cerebral ischemia injury, with 12 rats per group at each time point. Thread occlusion was used to establish middle cerebral artery occlusion models. Electro-acupuncture was performed at Renzhong （DU 26） and Baihui （DU 20） acupoints in the Du meridian group, as well as Chengjiang （RN 24）, Guanyuan （RN 4）, Renzhong, and Baihuiacupoints in the Ren/Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 groups 2 days after model establishment. In addition, electro-acupuncture stimulation with disperse-dense waves was performed, with 30 Hz disperse wave, 100 Hz dense wave, and 5 V intensity for 20 minutes. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were treated with 0.2 pg PD98059 injection into the subventricular zone, 2 pL per rat. Rats in the model group were not treated with electro-acupuncture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： BrdU/nestin immunofluorescent staining was used to detect proliferating neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of cerebral ischemia rats; Western blot was used to determine phosphorylated ERK1 and 2 （pERK1/2） expression in the subventricular zone. RESULTS： On days 14 and 28 after cerebral ischemia, there were significantly more BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells in the Ren/Du meridian group compared with the Du meridian group （P 〈 0.05）. PD98059 decreased the number of BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells induced by electro-acupuncture at the/：ten and Du meridians （P 〈 0.05）. On days 7, 14, and 28 after treatment, pERK1/2 expression was significantly greater in the Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian groups compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）. The promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on ERK1/2 phosphorylation was superior to electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian alone on day 14 after model induction （P 〈 0.05）. However, PD98059 completely abolished the promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren/Du meridians on pERK1/2 expression （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians increased proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells, which was related to activation of the ERK pathway in a rat model of cerebral ischemia injury.
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81102595the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi,No.2012GXNSFAA053113
文摘Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was identified as one of the key pathways underlying this differentiation process. The present study shows phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38 protein expression was increased after differentiation. Cellular signaling pathway blocking agents, PD98059 and SB203580, inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways respectively, mRNA and protein expression of the neuronal marker, neuron specific enolase, and neural stem cell marker, nestin, were decreased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after treatment with the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction. Experimental findings indicate that, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, induced by the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction.
基金Shanghai Medical Key Discipline Construction Foundation(05-Ⅲ-005-017).
文摘Background:XIAP-associated factor 1(XAF1)negatively regulates the function of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein(XIAP),a member of the IAP family that exerts antiapoptotic effects.The extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)pathway is thought to increase cell proliferation and to protect cells from apoptosis.The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and XAF1 in colon cancer.Methods:Four human colon cancer cell lines,HCT1116 and Lovo(wildtype p53),DLD1 and SW1116(mutant p53),were used.Lovo stable transfectants with XAF1 sense and antisense were established.The effects of dominant-negative MEK1(DN-MEK1)and MEK-specific inhibitor U0126 on the ERK signaling pathway and expression of XAF1 and XIAP proteins were determined.The transcription activity of core XAF1 promoter was assessed by dual luciferase reporter assay.Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay.Apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining.Results:U0126 increased the expression of XAF1 in a time-and dose-dependent manner.A similar result was obtained in cells transfected with DN-MEK1 treatment.Conversely,the expression of XIAP was down-regulated.Activity of the putative promoter of the XAF1 gene was significantly increased by U0126 treatment and DN-MEK1 transient transfection.rhEGF-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK appeared to have little or no effect on XAF1 expression.Overexpression of XAF1 was more sensitive to U0126-induced apoptosis,whereas down-regulation of XAF1 by antisense reversed U0126-induced inhibition of cell proliferation.Conclusions:XAF1 expression was up-regulated by inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway through transcriptional regulation,which required de novo protein synthesis.The results suggest that XAF1 mediates apoptosis induced by the ERK1/2 pathway in colon cancer.
基金Supported by Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China(No.ZR2012HQ004)the Research Fund for Fundamental Research Project of Qingdao(No.13-1-4-180-jch)+1 种基金the Scientific Research Fund of Huangdao District of Qingdao City(No.2014-1-74)the Young People Scientific Research Fund of Affiliated Hospital,Qingdao University(No.QDFY134)
文摘AIMTo evaluate whether protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) contributed to initiate human retinal pigment epithelium cells (A)-19 migration and investigate the signaling pathways involved in this process.METHODSARPE-19 cells were cultured and treated with the siRNA-PTP1B. Expression of PTP1B was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). AG1478 [a selective inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)] and PD98059 (a specific inhibitor of the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase) were used to help to determine the PTP1B signaling mechanism. Western blot analysis verified expression of EGFR and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in ARPE-19 cells. The effect of siRNA-PTP1B on cell differentiation was confirmed by immunostaining for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and qRT-PCR. Cell migration ability was analyzed by transwell chamber assay.RESULTSThe mRNA levels of PTP1B were reduced by siRNA-PTP1B as determined by qRT-PCR assay. SiRNA-PTP1B activated EGFR and ERK phosphorylation. α-SMA staining and qRT-PCR assay demonstrated that siRNA-PTP1B induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells to differentiate toward better contractility and motility. Transwell chamber assay proved that PTP1B inhibition improved migration activity of RPE cells. Treatment with AG1478 and PD98059 abolished siRNA-PTP1B-induced activation of EGFR and ERK, α-SMA expression and cell migration.CONCLUSIONPTP1B inhibition promoted myofibroblast differentiation and migration of ARPE-19 cells, and EGFR/ERK signaling pathway played important role in migration process.
基金Supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China(GrantNo.30772360)Nature Science Foundation of Health Department of Hubei Province,China(No.JX4B48)Fund of Yangtze University for Doctor(No.2009001)
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.
文摘Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation and motility.The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases,MAPK kinase,and MAPK.Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade.MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases.The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases.This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase,MAPK-activated protein kinase 5(MK5)or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase(PRAK).This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization,bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.
文摘Anti-microbial peptides are essential for the intestinal innate immunity that protects the intestinal epithelia from attacks by foreign pathogens. Human β-defensin (HBD) is one of the pivotal anti-microbial peptides that are expressed in the colonic epithelia. This study investigated the effect and the signaling mechanism of inducible β-defensin HBD2 by an essential amino acid, isoleucine (Ile) in colonic epithelial cells. Here we examined the expression level of HBD2 on induction of Ile in epithelial cells, and checked this pathway. HBD2 mRNA was induced by co-incubation with IL-1α and Ile in Caco2 cells, but not by Ile alone. An inhibitor of either ERK or Gi, a subunit of G-proteins, reduced the induction of HBD2 mRNA by Ile. The treatment with Ile also increased the intracellular calcium ion concentration, thus suggesting that the GPCR and ERK signaling pathway mediate the effects of Ile. These results indicate that an essential amino acid, Ile, enhances the expression of an inducible β-defensin, namely HBD2, by IL-1α through the activation of GPCRs and ERK signaling pathway. The administration of Ile may therefore represent a possible option to safely treat intestinal inflammation.
