Identification of a de novo MAP2K1 gene variant in an affected patient with Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation of Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS) caused by MAP2K1 gene variants.@*METHODS@#Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood sample from a child patient and his parents. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the patient. Suspected variant was verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The patient was a 1-year-8-month old Chinese male who manifested short stature, psychomotor retardation, relative macrocephaly, distinctive facial features, and congenital heart disease. WES test revealed a heterozygous missense c.389A>G (p.Tyr130Cys) variant in the MAP2K1 gene. Sanger sequencing has confirmed the variant as de novo. According to ACMG/AMP guidelines, the variant was classified as pathogenic.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with previously reported CFCS cases due to MAP2K1 variants. The patient showed obvious behavioral problems, good appetite and tricuspid regurgitation, which may to be novel features for CFCS.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profile in the peripheral blood of cocaine and crack dependents

Objective: Cocaine use disorders (CUDs) represent a major public health problem in many countries. To better understand the interaction between the environmental modulations and phenotype, the aim of the present study was to investigate the DNA methylation pattern of CUD patients, who had concomitant cocaine and crack dependence, and healthy controls. Methods: We studied DNA methylation profiles in the peripheral blood of 23 CUD patients and 24 healthy control subjects using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip arrays. Results: Comparison between CUD patients and controls revealed 186 differentially methylated positions (DMPs; adjusted p-value [adjP] < 10-5) related to 152 genes, with a subset of CpGs confirmed by pyrosequencing. DNA methylation patterns discriminated CUD patients and control groups. A gene network approach showed that the EHMT1, EHMT2, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAP2K1, and HDAC5 genes, which are involved in transcription and chromatin regulation cellular signaling pathways, were also associated with cocaine dependence. Conclusion: The investigation of DNA methylation patterns may contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in CUD.

Sub-chronic administration of vincristine sulfate induces renal damage and apoptosis in rats via induction of oxidative stress and activation of Raf1-MEK1/2-Erk1/2 signal transduction / La administración subcrónica de sulfato de vincristina induce daño renal y apoptosis en ratas por inducción de estrés oxidativo y activación de la transducción de señales Raf1-MEK1/2-Erk1/2

SUMMARY: In spite of being one of the most powerful anti-cancer drug, the nephrotoxicity of Vincristine (VCR) is not well established in either animals or humans. Hence, this study evaluates the nephrotoxic effect of VCR in rats after sub-chronic long-term administration. Rats were divided into 2 groups (n=10/group) of either control and VCR treated rats (50 mg/kg). Treatments were carried out for 30 consecutive days, after which a series of biochemical and molecular experiments related to kidney function were evaluated. VCR administration significantly decreased the survival rate (69.8 %) and impaired renal function as evidenced by lowered creatinine (Cr) clearance (Ccr), high serum levels of urea and Cr, increased urinary protein levels and resulted in sever cortex pathological alterations, including glomerulus congestion and damage as well as vascular degenerations up to necrosis of both proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Mechanistically, VCR lowered renal antioxidant potential and ATP levels, enhanced lipid peroxidation and induced inflammation. In addition, VCR induced activation of Raf-1-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway leading to downregulation of Bcl2 and upregulation of P53, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3. In conclusion, these findings show a nephrotoxic effect of VCR sulfate in rats after sub-chronic administration and such effect was mediated by activation of ERK1/2 induced apoptosis.

RESUMEN: A pesar de ser uno de los medicamentos de mayor eficacia contra el cáncer, aún no se ha establecido la nefrotoxicidad de la vincristina (VCR) en animales y humanos. Por lo tanto, este estudio evalúa el efecto nefrotóxico de la VCR en ratas después de la administración subcrónica a largo plazo. Las ratas se dividieron en 2 grupos (n = 10 / grupo) de control y ratas tratadas con VCR (50 mg / kg). Los tratamientos se llevaron a cabo durante 30 días consecutivos, después de los cuales se evaluaron una serie de experimentos bioquímicos y moleculares relacionados con la función renal. La administración de VCR disminuyó significativamente la tasa de supervivencia (69,8 %), dificultó la función renal, lo que se observó además en los bajos niveles de creatinina (Cr) (Ccr), los niveles séricos elevados de urea y Cr, un nivel más alto de proteína urinaria, los que dieron lugar a alteraciones patológicas severas de la corteza, incluido el glomérulo congestión y daño, como también degeneraciones vasculares, incluyendo la necrosis de los túbulos contorneados proximales y distales. Mecánicamente, el VCR redujo el potencial antioxidante renal y los niveles de ATP, mejoró la peroxidación lipídica y la inflamación inducida. Además, la VCR indujo la activación de la vía de señalización Raf-1-MEK1 / 2-ERK1 / 2 que conduce a la regulación negativa de Bcl-2 y la regulación positiva de P53, Bax y la caspasa-3. En conclusión, estos hallazgos muestran un efecto nefrotóxico del sulfato de VCR en ratas después de la administración subcrónica. Dicho efecto fue mediado por la activación de la apoptosis inducida por ERK1 / 2.

Anti-Proliferative Effects of Rutin on OLETF Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Stimulated by Glucose Variability

PURPOSE: Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Rutin is a major representative of the flavonol subclass of flavonoids and has various pharmacological activities. Currently, data are lacking regarding its effects on VSMC proliferation induced by intermittent hyperglycemia. Here, we demonstrate the effects of rutin on VSMC proliferation and migration according to fluctuating glucose levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary cultures of male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat VSMCs were obtained from enzymatically dissociated rat thoracic aortas. VSMCs were incubated for 72 h with alternating normal (5.5 mmol/L) and high (25.0 mmol/L) glucose media every 12 h. Proliferation and migration of VSMCs, the proliferative molecular pathway [including p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), p38 MAPK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), and Akt], the migratory pathway (big MAPK 1, BMK1), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptotic pathway were analyzed. RESULTS: We found enhanced proliferation and migration of VSMCs when cells were incubated in intermittent high glucose conditions, compared to normal glucose. These effects were lowered upon rutin treatment. Intermittent treatment with high glucose for 72 h increased the expression of phospho-p44/42 MAPK (extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2, ERK1/2), phospho-MEK1/2, phospho-PI3K, phospho-NF-kappaB, phospho-BMK1, and ROS, compared to treatment with normal glucose. These effects were suppressed by rutin. Phospho-p38 MAPK, phospho-Akt, JNK, and apoptotic pathways [B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-xL, Bcl-2, phospho-Bad, and caspase-3] were not affected by fluctuations in glucose levels. CONCLUSION: Fluctuating glucose levels increased proliferation and migration of OLETF rat VSMCs via MAPK (ERK1/2), BMK1, PI3K, and NF-kappaB pathways. These effects were inhibited by the antioxidant rutin.

BRAF V600E and MAP2K1 Mutations in Hairy Cell Leukemia and Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Cases

No abstract available.

Mixed Periapical Lesion: An Atypical Radicular Cyst with Extensive Calcifications

The radicular cyst is an inflammatory odontogenic cyst of endodontic origin. Radiographically, the lesion appears as a periapical radiolucent image. This report describes a very rare case of a mixed periapical radiographic image diagnosed as a radicular cyst. A 37-year-old female patient presented a mixed, well-circumscribed image located in the periapical region of the left maxillary central incisor, which presented unsatisfactory endodontic treatment. Microscopic examination revealed a cavity lined by non-keratinized squamous epithelium and extensive calcifications in the cystic lumen and lining epithelium. Diagnosis of radicular cyst with extensive calcifications was established. Endodontic retreatment was performed and no radiographic signs of recurrence were observed 18 months after treatment. Although very rare, a radicular cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mixed periapical image associated to teeth with pulp necrosis.

O cisto radicular é um cisto odontogênico inflamatório de origem endodôntica. Radiograficamente, a lesão se apresenta como uma imagem radiolúcida periapical. Este relato descreve um caso muito raro de uma imagem radiográfica periapical mista diagnosticada como cisto radicular. Uma paciente de 37 anos de idade, do gênero feminino, apresentava uma imagem mista, bem circunscrita, localizada na região periapical do incisivo central superior esquerdo, que apresentava tratamento endodôntico insatisfatório. Avaliação microscópica revelou uma cavidade revestida por epitélio escamoso não-queratinizado e calcificações extensas na cavidade cística e revestimento epitelial. O diagnóstico de cisto radicular com extensas calcificações foi estabelecido. Retratamento endodôntico foi realizado e não foram observados sinais radiográficos de recorrência da lesão após 18 meses de tratamento. Embora muito raro, um cisto radicular deve ser considerado no diagnóstico diferencial de uma imagem periapical mista associada a dentes com necrose pulpar.

The forecast of anticancer targets of cryptotanshinone based on reverse pharmacophore-based screening technology / 中国天然药物

Anticancer targets of cryptotanshinone were evaluated and rapidly forecasted with PharmMapper, a reverse pharmacophore-based screening platform, as well as drug target databases, including PDTD, DrugBank and TTD. The pathway analyses for the collection of anticancer targets screened were carried out based on the KEGG pathway database, followed by the forecast of potential pharmacological activities and pathways of the effects of cryptotanshinone, and verification of some of the targets screened using whole cell tests. The results showed that a total of eight targets with anticancer potential were screened, including MAP2K1, RARα, RXRα, PDK1, CHK1, AR, Ang-1 R, and Kif11. These targets are mainly related to four aspects of the cancer growth: the cell cycle, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and androgen receptor. The cell tests showed that cryptotanshinone can inhibit the viability of human hepatoma cells SMMC-7721, which is related to the reduction of expression of MAP2K1 mRNA. This method provides a strong clue for the study of the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of cryptotanshinone in the future.

Nardosinone reduces neuronal injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation in primary cortical cultures / 药学学报

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of nardosinone (Nar) on neuronal injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in primary cortical cultures isolated from embryos at gestational day 14. MTT method was used to determine the dosage regimen of Nar in primary neuronal cultures and observe the influence of Nar on the neurons suffering OGD; Western blotting analysis was used to detect expressions of protein kinase A (PKA), Ras related protein 1 (Rap1), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) of OGD-injured or uninjured primary cultured neurons after Nar treatment. Results showed that Nar (50 and 100 micromol x L(-1)) improved the cell viability during OGD damage (P < 0.01) and increased the expression of PKA, Rap1, MEK1 and p-ERK1/2 in injured neurons. Additionally, elevations of PKA, Rapl, MEK1 and p-ERK1/2 in uninjured neurons were caused by Nar (50, 100 and 200 micromol x L(-1)) with a dose-dependent tenclency as well (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Nar could protect against the neuronal injury exposed to OGD, which may be relevant to the promotion of PKA and ERK signaling pathway.

COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib can suppress the proliferation of FLT3-ITD positive acute myeloid leukemia cells with prominent down regulation of MEK/MCL-1 expression in vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Celecoxib on the proliferation of the FLT3-ITD positive and negative acute myeloid leukemia cells and its mechanism. The proliferation inhibition effect of Celecoxib with different doses on the FLT3-ITD positive cells MV4-11 and the FLT3-ITD negative K562 cells was detected by CCK-8 method, the cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and the MEK, Mcl-1, pAKT expression was tested by Western blot. The results showed that Celecoxib inhibited the proliferation of both MV4-11 and K562 cells, but the IC50 for MV4-11 was (29.14 ± 2.4) µmol/L, which was significantly lower than that of K562 cells (39.84 ± 1.0) µmol/L (P < 0.05); The induced apoptosis rate of Celecoxib at 20-80 µmol/L on MV4-11 was not observed, but there was apparent influence on K562 at the same concentration. Western blot showed that Celecoxib down-regulated the expression of MEK and Mcl-1 but did not change the expression of pAKT obviously on MV4-11 cells, while the expression of Mcl-1 was reduced a little, but no obvious change were found in the expression of MEK and pAKT on K562 cells. It is concluded that the Celecoxib can inhibit the proliferation of FLT3-ITD positive AML cells distinctly, and the potential mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the MEK/Mcl-1 signaling pathway.

Caenorhabditis elegans mom-4 is required for the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays an evolutionarily conserved role in the cellular response to microbial infection and environmental stress. Activation of p38 is mediated through phosphorylation by upstream MAPKK, which in turn is activated by MAPKKK. In the Caenorhabditis elegans, the p38 MAPK (also called PMK-1) signaling pathway has been shown to be required in its resistance to bacterial infection. However, how different upstream MAP2Ks and MAP3Ks specifically contribute to the activation of PMK-1 in response to bacterial infection still is not clearly understood. By using double-stranded RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) and genetic mutants of C. elegans, we demonstrate that C. elegans MOM-4, a mammalian TAK1 homolog, is required for the resistance of C. elegans to a P. aeruginosa infection. We have also found that the MKK-4 of C. elegans is required for P. aeruginosa resistance, but not through the regulation of DLK-1. In summary, our results indicate that different upstream MAPKKKs or MAPKKs regulate the activation of PMK-1 in response to P. Aeruginosa.

Bibenzyl from Dendrobium inhibits angiogenesis and its underlying mechanism / 药学学报

Bibenzyl is a type of active compounds abundant in Dendrobium. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of six bibenzyls isolated from Dendrobium species on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced tube formation in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). All those bibenzyls inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation at 10 micromol x L(-1) except tristin, and of which moscatilin was found to have the strongest activity at the same concentration. The lowest effective concentration of moscatilin was 1 micromol x L(-1). Further results showed that moscatilin inhibited VEGF-induced capillary-like tube formation on HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blotting results showed that moscatilin also inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 (Flk-1/KDR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Further results showed that moscatilin inhibited VEGF-induced activation of c-Raf and MEK1/2, which are both upstream signals of ERK1/2. Taken together, results presented here demonstrated that moscatilin inhibited angiogenesis via blocking the activation of VEGFR2 (Flk-1/KDR) and c-Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signals.

Molecular mechanism of FGF8b regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer cells / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b) in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer DU145 cells.@*METHODS@#Cells were selected in three groups as follows: a block control group (DU145 cells), a negative control group [DU145 cells transfected with empty plasmid (pcDNA3.1/DU145)], and an experimental group [DU145 cells transfected with FGF8b (FGF8b/DU145)]. The activity of extracellular regulated protein kinases1/2( ERK1/2) pathway was detected by western-blot in the three groups. The FGF8b-DU145 cells and DU145 cells were cultured with PD98059 (an ERK kinase inhibitor) to observe microscopically the morphology changes within the cells. The experimental samples were also divided into four groups: FGF8b/DU145 cells cultured with 2% FBS (Group A); FGF8b/DU145 cells cultured with 2% FBS+PD98059 (50 μmol/L) (Group B); DU145 cells cultured with 2% FBS (Group C); DU145 cells cultured with FBS+PD98059 (50 μmol/L) (Group D). The expression of epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin, vimentin) were detected by western-blot analysis and the cell's mobility were detected by the Transwell chamber.@*RESULTS@#The activity of ERK1/2 in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the other two control groups; when ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059 was added to FGF8b/ DU145 cells, the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin protein was significantly increased in group B compared with that in the group A (P<0.05). The expression of mesenchymal marker vimentin protein was significantly reduced in group B compared with that in group A (P<0.05). The cell migration assay suggested that cell migration was markedly decreased in group B (P<0.05) compared with that in group A.@*CONCLUSION@#EMT in prostate cancer induced by FGF8b can be mediated by ERK kinase pathway, in which mitogen-activated/extraceluer signal regulated kinase 1 (MEK1) may be a key factor. MEK1 could be an effective target in regulating the invasion and migration of prostate cancer.

MEK1 and MEK2 differentially regulate human insulin- and insulin glargine-induced human bladder cancer T24 cell proliferation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Increased risk of bladder cancer has been reported in diabetic patients. This study was to investigate the roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1 and 2 in the regulation of human insulin- and insulin glargine-induced proliferation of human bladder cancer T24 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the absence or presence of a selective inhibitor for MEK1 (PD98059) or a specific siRNA for MEK2 (siMEK2), with or without addition of insulin or glargine, T24 cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. Protein expression of MEK2, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt was analyzed by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>T24 cell proliferation was promoted by PD98059 at 5 - 20 µmol/L, inhibited by siMEK2 at 25 - 100 nmol/L. PD98059 and siMEK2 remarkably reduced phosphorylated ERK1/2. Insulin- and glargine-induced T24 cell proliferation was enhanced by PD98059, suppressed while not blocked by siMEK2. Insulin- and glargine-induced ERK1/2 activation was blocked by PD98059 or siMEK2 treatment, whereas activation of Akt was not affected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MEK1 inhibits while MEK2 contributes to normal and human insulin- and insulin glargine-induced human bladder cancer T24 cell proliferation.</p>

Expressions of Raf-1 kinase, phosphorylated mitogen extracellular kinase 1, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 in hepatocellular carcinoma and their relationship with prognosis / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the prognostic values of Raf-1 kinase (Raf-1), phosphorylated mitogen extracellular kinase 1 (pMEK1), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2(pERK1/2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We assessed the expressions of Raf-1, pMEK1, and pERK1/2 in HCC using immunohistochemical techniques. The relationships between the expressions of Raf-1, pMEK1, and pERK1/2 and the prognosis were explored.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The over-expression rates of Raf-1, pMEK1, and pERK1/2 in HCC were 38.3%, 46.7%, and 38.3%, respectively. The over-expressions of Raf-1, pMEK1, and pERK1/2 were positively correlated with each other (P>0.05), but had no significant correlation with sex, age, α-fetoprotein, hepatitis B surface antigen status, the TNM stage, size,differentiation and vascular invasion of tumor, and liver cirrhosis (P>0.05). Univariate survival analysis and COX proportional hazard regression model showed that Raf-1 over-expression was an independent prognostic factor of poor survival (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Raf-1 over-expression is an independent marker for the patients of HCC, which may provide new clue in the future targeted therapy.</p>

Parathyroid hormone 1-34 induce cardiac myocytes hypertrophy via extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 pathway / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAPKK, MEK1) and regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) on cardiac hypertrophy induced by rat parathyroid hormone1-34 (rPTH1-34).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes was treated with or without 10(-7) mol/L rPTH1-34 in the absence or presence 2 x 10(-5) mol/L PD98059, a MEK1 inhibitor. Cellular diameter was measured by Motic Images Advanced 3.0 software and the synthetic rate of protein in cardiac myocytes was detected by 3H-leucine incorporation, mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was measured by RT-PCR and protein expression of ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 was measured by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rPTH1-34 (10(-7) mol/L) significantly increase cellular diameter (+13.6 microm), 3H-leucine incorporation (+898 cpm/well), ANP mRNA expression (+73.9%), and p-ERK1/2 protein expression (+15%) compared to control cells (all P < 0.05) and these effects could be significantly attenuated by PD98059: cellular diameter (-7.1 microm), 3H-leucin e incorporation (-644 cpm/well), ANP mRNA expression (-52.2%), and protein expression of p-ERK1/2 (-18%) (all P < 0.05 vs. PTH group). PD98059 did not affect control cells without PTH treatment (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PD98059 attenuates PTH induced cardiac hypertrophy in vitro via inhibiting the expression of ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2.</p>

Expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 induced by crocidolite fibers in BEAS-2B cells / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the characteristic of the signal transduction in BEAS cells induced by the crocidolite fibers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The human respiratory airway epithelial cells BEAS-2B were cultured in vitro. The final 100 microg/ml crocidolite concentration and lOnM of epidermal growth factor were cocultured with BEAS-2B cells for 30 minutes and 120 minutes. Phosphorylated ERKl/2 and MEKl/2 were detected by Western Blotting using specific antibodies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A rapid phosphorylation expression of ERK1/2 (molecular weight at 44 kD and 42 kD, also called as p44 and p42) was observed by treatment of the BEAS-2B cells with 100 microg/ml crocidolite or 100 ng/ml EGF (the proven activator of the ERK signaling pathway) at 30 minutes. This phosphorylation could be still detected by incubation the cells at 2 hours. However no expression was changed for the total ERKl/2 expression at 30 minutes or 120 minutes. Treatment of BEAS cells with 100 microg/ml crocidolite fiber or 100 ng/ml EGF led to the rapid increased phosphorylation of MEK1/2 at 30 minutes; similarly, the overexpression of MEK1/2 could last 2 hours.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The crocidolite induces the MAPK (ERK1/2 and MEK1/2) phosphorylation within a shorter time. It indicates that the MAPKs signals are involved in the process of crocidolite induced damage.</p>

Regulation of hepatocyte growth factor-mediated urokinase plasminogen activator secretion by MEK/ERK activation in human stomach cancer cell lines

The regulatory mechanisms for the proliferation and the particular invasive phenotypes of stomach cancers are not still fully understood. Up-regulations of hepatocytes growth factor (HGF), its receptor (c-Met), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) are correlated with the development and metastasis of cancers. In order to investigate roles of HGF/c-Met signaling in tumor progression and metastasis in stomach cancers, we determined effects of a specific MEK1 inhibitor (PD098059) and a p38 kinase inhibitor (SB203580) on HGF-mediated cell proliferation and uPA expression in stomach cancer cell lines (NUGC-3 and MKN-28). HGF treatment induced the phosphorylations of ERK and p38 kinase in time- and dose- dependent manners. Pre-treatment with PD098059 reduced HGF-mediated cell proliferation and uPA secretion. In contrast, SB203580 pre-treatment enhanced cell proliferation and uPA secretion due to induction of ERK phosphorylation. Stable expression of dominant negative-MEK1 in NUGC-3 cells showed a decrease in HGF-mediated uPA secretion. These results suggest that interaction of a MEK/ERK and a p38 kinase might play an important role in proliferation and invasiveness of stomach cancer cells.

Inhibitory effect of Hsp70 on angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy

Angiotensin II (Ang II), which is an important mediator of both vascular responsiveness and growth, has been shown to induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hypertrophy via the activation of a complex series of intracellular signaling events. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) has recently been shown to protect against Ang II-induced hypertension. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Hsp70 can protect VSMC from Ang II-induced hypertrophy. We treated VSMCs with Ang II to induce hypertrophy and to activate MAPK signaling pathway. We observed that the augmentation of Hsp70 expression inhibited Ang II-stimulated VSMC hypertrophy. This inhibitory effect of Hsp70 appears to be partly due to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) inactivation, which in turn, may possibly result from the accumulation of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1).

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) induces neuronal phenotype acquisition in dominant negative MEK1-expressing hippocampal neural progenitor cells

It has been shown that neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)-induced neuronal differentiation is extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent. However, an involvement of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK), an upstream kinase of ERK, has not been directly demonstrated in this process. Therefore, we investigated whether the MEK1 plays a critical role in the NCAM-induced neuronal differentiation of hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs). NPCs were transiently transfected with expression plasmids encoding activated or dominant negative (DN) forms of MEK1. The expression of DN MEK1 inhibited neuronal phenotype acquisition and soluble NCAM rescued the defect in the neuronal phenotype acquisition in DN-MEK1-transfected cells, suggesting that NCAM might contribute to the neuronal differentiation via distinct, parallel pathways including the MEK pathway. In cells expressing wild type MEK1 or constitutively active MEK1 on the other hand, the percentage of cells positive for beta-tubulin type III (Tuj1), a marker for early postmitotic neurons, was higher than seen in vector-transfected cells. These results suggest that the activation of MEK1 is required for obtaining neuronal phenotype in NPCs.

Effects of MAPK antagonist on TPO stimulated UT2 cells proliferation and differentiation / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of MAPK antagonist on TPO stimulated UT7 cell proliferation and differentiation, and to elucidate the mechanism of TPO functioning on UT7 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>EGFP pMSCV and MEK 1 pMSCV MEK 1 plasmids were transferred into UT7 cells. Phosphorylated MEK1 of UT7 cells was examined by Western blot. The proliferation and CD41 expression of UT7 cells transfected with mutant (ser222A) MEK1 or exposed to PD98059 were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) 60.73% EGFP positive cells were obtained in retroviral vector MEK1 pMSCV transfected UT7cells. (2) In different time of TPO stimulating UT7 cells, the level of phosphorylated MEK1 was lower in experiment group than in control group. In experiment group, the level of phosphorylated MEK1 was decreased after stimulated by TPO for 1 hour, and almost disappeared after stimulated for 3 hours. (3) The effect of TPO on UT7 cell proliferation was inhibited by PD98059 and the transfected mutation MEK1 gene. The proliferation rate was 98.58% in DMSO control group, 39.00% in PD98059 group (P < 0.05), 102.13% in EGFP pMSCV group, and 48.94% in MEK1pMSCV (P < 0.05). (4) The CD41 expression on UT7 was inhibited by PD98059 and the transfected mutation MEK1 gene.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Phosphorylation of MEK1 in UT7 cells can be induced by TPO. There was a relationship between the TPO stimulating time and phosphorylation of MEK1. The effects of TPO on UT7 cell proliferation and CD41 expression is mediated by MAPK signal transduction pathway.</p>