Sequential protein kinase reactions controlling cell growth and differentiation

Ras mediates the cAMP-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in melanocytes

In melanocytes and melanoma cells, cAMP activates extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and MEK-1 by an unknown mechanism. We demonstrate that B-Raf is activated by cAMP in melanocytes. A dominant-negative mutant of B-Raf, but not of Raf-1, blocked the cAMP-induced activation of ERK, indicating that B-Raf is the MEK-1 upstream regulator mediating this cAMP effect. Studies using Clostridium sordelii lethal toxin and Clostridium difficile toxin B have suggested that Rap-1 or Ras might transduce cAMP action. We show that Ras, but not Rap-1, is activated cell-specifically and mediates the cAMP-dependent activation of ERKs, while Rap-1 is not involved in this process in melanocytes. Our results suggest a novel, cell-specific mechanism involving Ras small GTPase and B-Raf kinase as mediators of ERK activation by cAMP. Also, in melanocytes, Ras or ERK activation by cAMP is not mediated through protein kinase A activation. Neither the Ras exchange factor, Son of sevenless (SOS), nor the cAMP-responsive Rap-1 exchange factor, Epac, participate in the cAMP-dependent activation of Ras. These findings suggest the existence of a melanocyte-specific Ras exchange factor directly regulated by cAMP.

The inhibition of ERK/MAPK not the activation of JNK/SAPK is primarily required to induce apoptosis in chronic myelogenous leukemic K562 cells

In this study, the downstream signaling of Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase responsible for apoptosis resistance was investigated. DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, was observed after 2 days of herbimycin A treatment with a peak on 3 day. During the apoptosis induced by the treatment of herbimycin A, stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) and p38 kinase were activated time- and dose-dependently, while extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was inhibited. However, apoptosis was induced by the treatment of PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK (MAPK or ERK kinase), not by the treatment of sorbitol, a strong activator of SAPK and p38 kinase. Although K562 cells were very resistant to sorbitol-induced apoptosis, DNA fragmentation was induced rapidly in Jurkat, HL-60 and U937 cells after exposure to sorbitol, despite that these apoptosis-sensitive cells have similar or lower activities of JNK/SAPK and p38 kinase compared with K562 cells after treatment of sorbitol. K562 cells had a much higher basal activity of ERK/MAPK than other apoptosis-sensitive cell lines, which were very susceptible to apoptosis induced by low dose of PD98059 compared with K562 cells. In HL-60 cells, sorbitol-induced apoptosis was prevented by the treatment of phorbol myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which activates the ERK/MAPK pathway, and this was blocked by PD98059. From these results, it could be suggested that the inhibition of ERK/MAPK not the activation of JNK/SAPK is primarily required to induce apoptosis in K562 cells.

Downregulation of JNK/SAPK activity is associated with the cross-resistance to P-glycoprotein-unrelated drugs in multidrug-resistant FM3A/M cells overexpressing P-glycoprotein

In the present study, cross-drug resistance in multidrug-resistant (MDR) cells, which overexpress P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a mdr1 gene product, against Pgp-unrelated drugs, and its relevance to c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) activity were examined. The multidrug-resistant FM3A/M cells overexpressing Pgp were resistant to apoptotic cell death induced either by Pgp-related drugs including vincristine and vinblastine, which are pumped out by Pgp, or by the Pgp-unrelated drugs including 5'-fluorouracil (5-FU) and bleomycin, which are not targets for Pgp, compared with the parental FM3A cells. Verapamil reversed the resistance of FM3A/M cells to apoptosis induced by the Pgp-related drugs but not that induced by the Pgp-unrelated drugs. Interestingly, FM3A/M cells have shown significantly lower basal and drug-stimulated JNK/SAPK activities than FM3A cells. After transfection with pEBG-SEK or pEBG-SAPK constructs, FM3A/M cells recovered the basal and Pgp-unrelated drug-stimulated activities of JNK/SAPK and the susceptibility to Pgp-unrelated drug-induced apoptotic cell death comparable to those of FM3A cells. Furthermore, FM3A cells became resistant to apoptotic cell death induced by vincristine and 5-FU after transfection with pEBG-SEK(K --> R), a dominant negative inhibitory mutant of SEK. These results suggest that downregulation of JNK/SAPK activity appears to confer on Pgp-associated FM3A/M cells a cross-resistance to Pgp-unrelated drugs.

The growth regulatory fibroblast IK channel is the prominent electrophysiological feature of rat prostatic cancer cells

Physiological effectors for mitogenic cell growth control remain to be determined for mammalian tumor cells, particularly those derived from prostatic tissue. One such effector for mitogenic Ras/MAPK signaling in fibroblasts is an intermediate-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel (FIK). In this study patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to show that both AT2.1 and MatLyLu rat prostate cancer cell lines express high levels of a current identified as FIK, based on the following criteria: activation by elevation of intracellular calcium, voltage independence, potassium selectivity, and block by charybdotoxin (ChTX) and the Stichodactyla helianthus potassium channel neurotoxin (StK). FIK current densities in AT2.1 and MatLyLu cells were comparable to the high levels seen in fibroblasts transfected with oncogenic Ras or Raf, suggesting hyperactivity of the Ras/MAPK pathway in prostatic cancer cells. Voltage-gated sodium current was present in most MatLyLu cells but absent from AT2.1 cells, and all AT2.1 cells had voltage-gated potassium currents. Thus, FIK is the main electrophysiological feature of rat prostatic cancer cells as it is for mitogenically active fibroblasts, suggesting it may play a similar growth regulatory role in both.

The effects of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and 4 (BMP2 and BMP4) on gap junctions during neurodevelopment

Nervous system deficits account for the third largest group of fatal birth defects (after heart and respiratory problems) in North America. Although considerable advance has been made in neuroscience research, the early events involved in neurogenesis remain to be elucidated. More specifically, the effects of signaling molecules on intercellular communication during neurodevelopment have not yet been studied. The development of the central nervous system is regulated, at least in part, by signaling molecules such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). In this study, we have used the embryonal mouse P19 cell line to examine the effects of BMP2 and BMP4 on gap junctional communication as well as neuronal and astrocytic differentiation. The undifferentiated P19 cells show high levels of the gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), and functional intercellular coupling. However, Cx43 expression and dye coupling decrease as these cells differentiate into neurons and astrocytes. In contrast, cells treated with BMP2 or BMP4 lose their capacity to differentiate into neurons but not astrocytes, while they maintain extensive gap junctional communication. The very few neurons that remain in the BMP-treated cultures are coupled (a characteristic not seen in the control neurons). Together, our data suggest that BMPs may play a critical role in morphogenesis of P19 cells while they affect gap junctions.

Differential activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in experimental mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis

Multiple extracellular mitogens are involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative forms of glomerulonephritis (GN). In vitro studies demonstrate the pivotal role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in the regulation of cellular proliferation. This study was conducted to examine whether these kinases, as a convergence point of mitogenic stimuli, are activated in mesangioproliferative GN in vivo. Therefore, anti-Thy1 GN was induced in rats using a monoclonal anti-Thy1.1 antibody (OX-7). Whole cortical tissue as well as isolated glomeruli were examined at different time points using kinase activity assays and Western blot analysis. A maximal increase in the number of glomerular mitotic figures (9.7-fold) was demonstrated 6 d after injection of the anti-Thy1.1 antibody. In parallel with this finding, a significant increase in cortical, and more dramatically glomerular, activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was detected. Maximal activation of ERK was detectable on day 6. This activation of ERK was accompanied by an increase in the expression of MEK (MAP kinase/ERK kinase), the ERK-activating kinase. A marked induction of glomerular apoptosis at 2 h after injection of the anti-Thy1.1 antibody, which subsided subsequently, was demonstrated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay as well as staining for single-stranded DNA. However, no significant activation of stress-activated protein kinase or p38 MAP kinase, both MAP kinases that are suggested to induce apoptosis and to inhibit cellular growth, was detectable at this early time point. Rather, on day 6 a dramatic decrease in the activity of p38 MAP kinase, which might have contributed to the overshooting glomerular cellular proliferation, was observed. Treatment of rats with heparin blunted glomerular proliferation as well as ERK activation and restored p38 MAP kinase activity. These observations point to ERK and p38 MAP kinase as putative mediators of the proliferative response in mesangioproliferative GN and suggest that upregulation of MEK is involved in the long-term regulation of ERK in vivo.

Protein kinase C is involved in enhanced airway smooth muscle cell growth in hyperresponsive rats

Fischer rat airway smooth muscle (ASM) models two potential risk factors for asthma: hyperresponsiveness to contractile agonists and to growth stimuli. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanisms responsible for enhanced ASM mitogenic response in Fischer rats compared with the control Lewis strain. The enhanced Fischer ASM cell growth response to fetal bovine serum (FBS) could not be accounted for by phospholipase C, mitogen-activated protein kinases, or tyrosine kinase activities as assessed by pharmacological inhibition and Western blotting. In contrast, depletion of phorbol ester-sensitive isoforms of the serine/threonine kinase protein kinase C (PKC) removed the difference in growth response between the rat strains. Additionally, FBS selectively induced serine/threonine phosphorylation of a 115-kDa protein in Fischer ASM cells. Enhanced activation of PKC-betaI and decreased activation of PKC-delta in Fischer compared with Lewis cells following FBS stimulation were suggested by Western blotting of membrane and cytosolic fractions. The data are consistent with a role for PKC in the enhanced ASM cell growth of hyperresponsive rats.

MAPK mediates RAS-induced chromosome instability

The generation of micronuclei is a reflection of DNA damage, defective mitosis, and loss of genetic material. The involvement of the MAPK pathway in mediating v-ras-induced micronuclei in NIH 3T3 cells was examined by inhibiting MAPK activation. Conversely, the MAPK pathway was constitutively activated by infecting cells with a v-mos retrovirus. Micronucleus formation was inhibited by the MAPK kinase inhibitors PD98059 and U0126, but not by wortmannin, an inhibitor of the Ras/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. Transduction of cells with v-mos resulted in an increase in micronucleus formation, also consistent with the involvement of the MAPK pathway. Staining with the anti-centromeric CREST antibody revealed that instability induced by constitutive activation of MAPK is due predominantly to aberrant mitotic segregation, since most of the micronuclei were CREST-positive, reflective of lost chromosomes. A significant fraction of the micronuclei were CREST-negative, reflective of lost acentric chromosome fragments. Some of the instability observed was due to mitotic events, consistent with the increased formation of bi-nucleated cells, which result from perturbations of the mitotic spindle and failure to undergo cytokinesis. This chromosome instability, therefore, is a consequence of mitotic aberrations, mediated by the MAPK pathway, including centrosome amplification and formation of mitotic chromosome bridges.

Focal adhesion kinase mediates the integrin signaling requirement for growth factor activation of MAP kinase

The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is a critical regulator of cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Growth factor activation of MAP kinase in NIH 3T3 cells is strongly dependent upon integrin-mediated adhesion, an effect that contributes to the anchorage dependence of normal cell growth. We now show that expression of constructs that constitutively activate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) rescued the defect in serum activation of MAP kinase in suspended cells without directly activating MAP kinase. Dominant negative FAK blocked both the rescue of suspended cells by the activated construct and the serum activation of MAP kinase in adherent cells. MAP kinase in FAK(-/)- mouse embryo fibroblasts was adhesion-insensitive, and reexpression of FAK restored its adhesion dependence. MAP kinase activity in ras-transformed cells is still decreased in suspension, but expression of constructs that constitutively activate FAK enhanced their anchorage-independent growth without increasing adherent growth. V-src, which activates both Ras and FAK, induced MAP kinase activation that was insensitive to loss of adhesion, and that was blocked by a dominant negative FAK. These results demonstrate that FAK mediates the integrin requirement for serum activation of MAP kinase in normal cells, and that bypassing this mechanism contributes to anchorage-independent growth in transformed cells.

An overview of Plasmodium protein kinases

Protein kinases are key regulators of many biochemical processes in eukaryotic cells. Malaria parasites, in spite of all their peculiarities, are not likely to represent an exception in this respect. Over the past few years, several genes encoding Plasmodium protein kinases have been cloned and characterized; these molecular studies extend previous data on kinase activities in parasite extracts. Here, Barbara Kappes, Christian Doerig and Ralph Graeser present available data on this topic, with an emphasis on cloned protein kinase genes, and discuss the potential outcome of such research in the context of drug development.

Cyclic strain stress-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells is regulated by Ras/Rac-MAPK pathways

Recently, we demonstrated that mechanical stress results in rapid phosphorylation or activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) followed by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and AP-1 transcription factors (Hu, Y., Bock, G., Wick, G., and Xu, Q. (1998) FASEB J. 12, 1135-1142). Herein, we provide evidence that VSMC responses to mechanical stress also include induction of MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), which may serve as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling pathways. When rat VSMCs cultivated on a flexible membrane were subjected to cyclic strain stress (60 cycles/min, 5-30% elongation), induction of MKP-1 proteins and mRNA was observed in time- and strength-dependent manners. Concomitantly, mechanical forces evoked rapid and transient activation of all three members of MAPKs, i.e. extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinases (JNKs), or stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), and p38 MAPKs. Suramin, a growth factor receptor antagonist, completely abolished ERK activation, significantly blocked MKP-1 expression, but not JNK/SAPK and p38 MAPK activation, in response to mechanical stress. Interestingly, VSMC lines stably expressing dominant negative Ras (Ras N17) or Rac (Rac N17) exhibited a marked decrease in MKP-1 expression; the inhibition of ERK kinases (MEK1/2) by PD 98059 or of p38 MAPKs by SB 202190 resulted in a down-regulation of MKP-1 induction. Furthermore, overexpressing MKP-1 in VSMCs led to the dephosphorylation and inactivation of ERKs, JNKs/SAPKs, and p38 MAPKs and inhibition of DNA synthesis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that mechanical stress induces MKP-1 expression regulated by two signal pathways, including growth factor receptor-Ras-ERK and Rac-JNK/SAPK or p38 MAPK, and that MKP-1 inhibits VSMC proliferation via MAPK inactivation. These results suggest that MKP-1 plays a crucial role in mechanical stress-stimulated signaling leading to VSMC growth and differentiation.

The topography and subcellular distribution of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 (MEK1) in adult rat brain and differentiating PC12 cells

Mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway involved in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of various mammalian cells consists of a sequential activation of three protein kinases, Raf, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. These kinases are highly expressed in brain and play an important role in neuronal signalling. In this study, to further characterize mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway in brain, we have elucidated the topography and subcellular distribution of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinasel in adult rat brain and differentiating PC12 cells. Our immunohistochemical data indicate that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 is widely distributed throughout the brain and expressed prominently in cortex, hippocampus, brainstem, hypothalamus and cerebellum. In these areas of brain mitogen-activated protein kinase kinasel is exclusively neuronal in origin and is localized within perikarya and dendrites. Confocal microscopy data has determined that a portion of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 in rat brain is co-localized with microtubules. This co-localization was observed only within neuritic shaft and cilia of ventricular ependymal cells. In nerve growth factor-induced differentiating PC12 cells, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 displays co-localization with microtubules within proximal regions of neuritic shafts and their junctions with the cell somas. From bovine brain extract, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinasel co-purifies with microtubules. In vitro kinase assay detected mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 activity within purified microtubules. These observations indicate that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 is associated with microtubules within some specialized compartments of the brain and microtubule-associated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 is catalytically active.

Vascular endothelial growth factor signals endothelial cell production of nitric oxide and prostacyclin through flk-1/KDR activation of c-Src

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent endothelial cell-specific mitogen that promotes angiogenesis, vascular hyperpermeability, and vasodilation by autocrine mechanisms involving nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI(2)) production. These experiments used immunoprecipitation and immunoassay procedures to characterize the signaling pathways by which VEGF induces NO and PGI(2) formation in cultured endothelial cells. The data showed that VEGF stimulates complex formation of the flk-1/kinase-insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) VEGF receptor with c-Src and that Src activation is required for VEGF induction of phospholipase C gamma1 activation and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation. Reporter cell assays showed that VEGF promotes a approximately 50-fold increase in NO formation, which peaks at 5-20 min. This effect is mediated by a signaling cascade initiated by flk-1/KDR activation of c-Src, leading to phospholipase C gamma1 activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation, release of [Ca(2+)](i) and nitric oxide synthase activation. Immunoassays of VEGF-induced 6-keto prostaglandin F(1alpha) formation as an indicator of PGI(2) production revealed a 3-4-fold increase that peaked at 45-60 min. The PGI(2) signaling pathway follows the NO pathway through release of [Ca(2+)](i), but diverges prior to NOS activation and also requires activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. These results suggest that NO and PGI(2) function in parallel in mediating the effects of VEGF.

Glomerular overexpression and increased tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase p125FAK in lupus-prone MRL/MP-lpr/lpr mice

Much progress has been made in understanding how mammalian cells receive a diverse array of external stimuli and convert them into intracellular biochemical signals. Such efforts have identified a large number of signalling molecules. However, our knowledge is limited as to their pathophysiological role in particular diseases. We demonstrate herein that an integrin-linked signalling molecule, focal adhesion kinase p125FAK (FAK), is overexpressed in glomeruli of lupus-prone MRL/MP-lpr/lpr (MRL-lpr) mouse as compared to its congeneic MRL-+/+ strain. Increased expression was specifically demonstrated in glomeruli but not in other tissues examined. The overexpression was observed in 16-week-old MRL-lpr mice with active nephritis, as well as in younger animals at 4 weeks of age. Thus, the upregulation of FAK clearly preceded the clinical onset of nephritis. FAK in MRL-lpr glomeruli is highly tyrosine phosphorylated and is associated with adapter protein Grb2. Previous in vitro studies have shown that the association of FAK/Grb2 links cell adhesion to the Ras pathway, which ultimately stimulates mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, an important regulator of cell proliferation. In accordance, we observed constitutive MAP kinase activation in MRL-lpr glomeruli. Our findings suggest that signalling pathways involving FAK are activated in MRL-lpr glomeruli, and are likely to play a role in the development and progression of autoimmune-mediated murine nephritis.

Serotonin stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase activity through the formation of superoxide anion

Our previous studies have shown that, through an active transport process, serotonin (5-HT) rapidly elevates O(-)(2). formation, stimulates protein phosphorylation, and enhances proliferation of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We presently show that 1 microM 5-HT also rapidly elevates phosphorylation and activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and ERK2 of SMCs, and the enhanced phosphorylation is blocked by the antioxidants Tiron, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and Ginkgo biloba extract. Inhibition of MAP kinase with PD-98059 failed to block enhanced O(-)(2). formation by 5-HT. Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CCL-39 cells), which demonstrate both 5-HT transporter and receptor activity, showed a similar response to 5-HT (i.e., enhanced mitogenesis, O(-)(2). formation, and ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation and activation). Unlike SMCs, they also responded to 5-HT receptor agonists. We conclude that downstream signaling of MAP kinase is a generalized cellular response to 5-HT that occurs secondary to O(-)(2). formation and may be initiated by either the 5-HT transporter or receptor depending on the cell type.

beta-hexosaminidase-induced activation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase is dependent on p21Ras and protein kinase C and mediates bovine airway smooth-muscle proliferation

Late-phase and sustained activation of p44/42(MAPK) has been reported to be a critical factor in cell mitogenesis. We therefore hypothesized that p44/42(MAPK) is involved in mannosyl-rich glycoprotein-induced mitogenesis in bovine airway smooth-muscle cells (ASMC). Treatment of adherent ASMC with beta-hexosaminidase A (Hex A, 50 nM), an endogenous mannosyl-rich glycoprotein, resulted in a late-onset (30-min) activation of p44/42(MAPK) that lasted for 4 h. Activation of p44/42(MAPK) induced by Hex A was inhibited by an 18-mer phosphorothioate-derivatized antisense oligonucleotide (1-5 microM) directed to human p44(MAPK); the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1) inhibitor PD98059 (5 microM); the p42(MAPK) inhibitor Tyrphostin AG-126 (0.2 microM); the farnesyl transferase inhibitors SCH-56582 (10 microM) and FPT III (10 miroM), which inhibit p21Ras activation; and Calphostin C (0.2 microM), an inhibitor of protein kinase C. These agents also inhibited Hex A-induced cell proliferation in bovine ASMC. These data suggest that Hex A activates p44/42(MAPK) in a p21Ras- and PKC-dependent manner and that this activation mediates Hex A- induced mitogenesis in bovine ASMC.

Atherogenic lipoproteins and tyrosine kinase mitogenic signaling in mesangial cells

BACKGROUND

Mesangial hypercellularity is a critical early histopathological finding seen in human and experimental glomerular diseases. Hyperlipidemia and the glomerular deposition of atherogenic lipoproteins [for example, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its oxidized variants, minimally oxidized/modified LDL (mm-LDL)] are commonly associated with mesangial hypercellularity and the development of glomerular disease. This article reviews signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation and provides evidence for the participation of atherogenic lipoproteins in intracellular signaling pathways for mesangial cell proliferation. The mitogenic intracellular signaling pathways are regulated by the activation of a series of transmembrane and cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinases that converge into the activation of Ras and downstream mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Activated MAP kinase, through translocating into the nucleus and the activation of various transcription factors and proto-oncogenes, regulates cellular proliferation.

METHODS

Murine mesangial cells were stimulated with LDL and mm-LDL and were analyzed for the tyrosine kinase activity, phosphorylation of membrane proteins, activation of Ras and MAP kinase, and cell proliferation.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the stimulation of mesangial cells with LDL and, with greater activity, mm-LDL induced the phosphorylation of membrane platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, activated Ras, and resulted in sustained (up to 24 hr) activation of MAP kinase. LDL/mm-LDL-mediated mesangial cell proliferation and MAP kinase activation were dependent on the activation of tyrosine kinases.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the accumulation of LDL and more potently its oxidized forms within the glomerulus, through the activation of membrane receptor tyrosine kinases, activate the Ras and MAP kinase signaling cascade leading to DNA synthesis and subsequent cell proliferation.

Sustained MAP kinase activation is required for the expression of cyclin D1, p21Cip1 and a subset of AP-1 proteins in CCL39 cells

In CCL39 cells thrombin is a potent growth factor which requires sustained activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to promote DNA synthesis. Some of the effects of thrombin can be mimicked by peptides based on the new amino terminus of the cleaved receptor; however, these thrombin receptor peptides (TRPs) fail to induce sustained activation of MAPK or DNA synthesis. We have used thrombin, TRP-7 and other agonists which elicit sustained or transient MAPK activation to identify immediate-early and delayed-early genes which are only expressed under conditions of sustained MAPK activation focusing on cyclin D1, p21CiP1 and the AP-1 transcription factor. Of the stimuli tested only FBS and thrombin were able to stimulate a sustained activation of MAPK, expression of cyclin D1, p21Cip1 and cell cycle re-entry. The expression of cyclin D1 was strongly, though not completely, inhibited by the MEK1 inhibitor PD098059. Thrombin stimulated a rapid but transient accumulation of c-Fos whereas the expression of Fra-1, Fra-2, c-Jun and JunB was sustained throughout the G1 phase of the cell cycle. We focussed our analysis on c-Fos (typical of AP-1 genes which are expressed rapidly and transiently) and Fra-1 and JunB (typical of AP-1 genes expressed after a delay but in a sustained manner). The expression of c-Fos, Fra-1 and JunB was dependent upon the activation of MAPK since these responses were inhibited by PD098059. However, a comparison of responses to FBS, thrombin, TRPs, LPA and EGF revealed that Fra-1 and JunB expression required sustained activation of MAPK whereas c-Fos expression was strongly induced even by non-mitogenic stimuli which elicited only transient MAPK activation. The expression of c-Fos (in response to thrombin, TRP or LPA) or Fra-1, JunB and cyclin D1 (thrombin only) was also inhibited by pertussis toxin. This suggests that both early and late AP-1 gene expression is regulated by the same Gi-mediated, MEK-dependent MAPK signalling pathway but that expression of late AP-1 genes and cyclin D1 requires that this pathway be persistently activated. The results suggest that the duration of receptor signalling and therefore MAPK activation is a key determinant of qualitative changes in gene expression during cell cycle re-entry.

Hypertonic saline induces prostacyclin production via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation

BACKGROUND

Hypertonic saline (HTS) resuscitation exerts protective effects in reperfusion injury including a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance and an increase in microvascular perfusion and cerebral blood flow; however, the mediators of these effects are unknown. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a paracrine mediator with two main effects, vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation. We hypothesized that HTS may induce PGI2 production by endothelial cells.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with varying concentrations of NaCl. After 12 h of incubation, the supernatant was assayed for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1, a stable metabolite of PGI2, by ELISA. Phospho-specific ERK-1 and ERK-2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antibody, which recognizes only activated ERK, was used to determine ERK activation status by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Addition of 20-100 mM NaCl or endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] induced PGI2 production by HUVECs. HTS and LPS induced ERK-1 and ERK-2 activation. PGI2 production was inhibited when the HUVECs were pretreated with PD 98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that HTS induces PGI2 production in HUVECs. In addition, HTS and LPS induce activation of ERK which is required for PGI2 production. HTS resuscitation may improve microvascular circulation and decrease reperfusion injury via induction of PGI2 production by endothelial cells.

Cleavage of RasGAP and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in the course of coxsackievirus B3 replication

Recently, we reported on tyrosine phosphorylation of distinct cellular proteins in the course of enterovirus infections (M. Huber, H.-C. Selinka, and R. Kandolf, J. Virol. 71:595-600, 1997). These phosphorylation events were mediated by Src-like kinases and were shown to be necessary for effective virus replication. That study is now extended by examination of the interaction of the adapter protein Sam68, a cellular target of Src-like kinases which has been shown to interact with the poliovirus 3D polypeptide, with cellular signaling proteins as well as the function of the latter during infection. Here, we report that the RNA-binding and protein-binding protein Sam68 associates with the p21(ras) GTPase-activating protein RasGAP. Remarkably, RasGAP is cleaved during infections with different strains of coxsackievirus B3 as well as with echovirus 11 and echovirus 12, yielding a 104-kDa protein fragment. This cleavage event, which cannot be prevented by the general caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone, may promote the activation of the Ras pathway, as shown by the activating dual phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases Erk-1 and Erk-2 in the late phase of infection. Moreover, downstream targets of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, i.e., the p21(ras) exchange factor Sos-1 and cytoplasmic phospholipase A2, are phosphorylated with parallel time courses during infection. Activation or inhibition of cellular signaling pathways may play a general role in regulating effective enterovirus replication and pathogenesis, and the results of this study begin to unravel the molecular cross talk between enterovirus infection and key cellular signaling networks.

A cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor inducing cancer cell differentiation: biochemical identification using Xenopus egg extracts

Cellular differentiation is a complex process involving growth arrest, exit from the cell cycle, and expression of differentiated cell-type-specific functions. To identify small molecules promoting this process, a chemical library was screened by using a myeloid leukemic cell line that retained the potential to differentiate in culture. In the presence of a purine derivative, aminopurvalanol (AP), cells acquired phenotypic characteristics of differentiated macrophages and became arrested in the cell cycle with a 4N DNA content. AP also inhibited mitosis in Xenopus egg extracts, suggesting that it acted on an evolutionarily conserved cell cycle regulatory pathway. Affinity chromatography and biochemical reconstitution experiments with Xenopus egg extracts identified cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 1-cyclin B as a target of the compound. Although AP potently inhibited immunoprecipitates of both human CDK1 and CDK2 from human leukemic cell extracts, our results indicate that the compound preferentially targets the G2/M-phase transition in vivo.

Acetylcholine muscarinic receptor regulation of the Ras/Raf/MAP kinase pathway

Acetylcholine muscarinic m1 receptors and m2 receptors are predominantly coupled to the heterotrimeric G proteins Gq, 11 and Gi, respectively. Stimulation of the m1 and m2 receptors in different cell types activate the Ras/Raf/MAP kinase pathway. The ability of the m1 receptor to activate the MAP kinase pathway is dependent on the isoforms of adenylyl cyclase expressed in specific cell types. Specific adenylyl cyclases respond to different signals, including calcium and protein kinase C, with increased cAMP synthesis resulting in protein kinase A activation. Stimulation of protein kinase A inhibits Raf and subsequent MAP kinase activation by G protein-coupled receptors and growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases. G protein-coupled receptors can positively and negatively regulate the responsiveness of tyrosine kinase-stimulated response pathways.

Reduction of Ha-ras-induced cellular transformation by elevated expression of protein phosphatase type 2A

The role of serine/threonine protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) in cellular growth control has not yet been thoroughly established. Earlier experiments with okadaic acid, a phosphatase inhibitor, suggested that PP2A may act as an anti-oncogene, although a direct role for this enzyme in the transformation process has not been demonstrated. We therefore investigated whether altered levels of PP2A expression would affect the transformation of mouse fibroblasts by the Ha-ras oncogene. Here we report that cells with elevated levels of PP2A expression were more resistant to focus formation induced by Ha-ras. At the molecular level, this was paralleled by the reduced Ha-ras-stimulated expression of the c-fos promoter, a proto-oncogene target for Ha-ras signaling. Thus, our results support a negative role for PP2A in the process of cellular transformation and may ascribe tumor-suppressing functions to this enzyme.

Shear-induced tyrosine phosphorylation in endothelial cells requires Rac1-dependent production of ROS

The shear-induced intracellular signal transduction pathway in vascular endothelial cells involves tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, which may be responsible for the sustained release of nitric oxide. MAP kinase is known to be activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as H2O2, in several cell types. ROS production in ligand-stimulated nonphagocytic cells appears to require the participation of a Ras-related small GTP-binding protein, Rac1. We hypothesized that Rac1 might serve as a mediator for the effect of shear stress on MAP kinase activation. Exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells to laminar shear stress of 20 dyn/cm2 for 5-30 min stimulated total cellular and cytosolic tyrosine phosphorylation as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of MAP kinase. Treating endothelial cells with the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the shear-stimulated increase in total cytosolic and, specifically, MAP kinase tyrosine phosphorylation. Hence, the onset of shear stress caused an enhanced generation of intracellular ROS, as evidenced by an oxidized protein detection kit, which were required for the shear-induced total cellular and MAP kinase tyrosine phosphorylation. Total cellular and MAP kinase tyrosine phosphorylation was completely blocked in sheared bovine aortic endothelial cells expressing a dominant negative Rac1 gene product (N17rac1). We concluded that the GTPase Rac1 mediates the shear-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of MAP kinase via regulation of the flow-dependent redox changes in endothelial cells in physiological and pathological circumstances.

Cell cycle and hormonal control of nuclear-cytoplasmic localization of the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase, Sgk, in mammary tumor cells. A novel convergence point of anti-proliferative and proliferative cell signaling pathways

The serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (sgk) is a novel serine/threonine protein kinase that is transcriptionally regulated in rat mammary tumor cells by serum under proliferative conditions or by glucocorticoids that induce a G1 cell cycle arrest. Our results establish that the subcellular distribution of Sgk is under stringent cell cycle and hormonal control. Sgk is localized to the perinuclear or cytoplasmic compartment as a 50-kDa hypophosphorylated protein in cells arrested in G1 by treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. In serum-stimulated cells, Sgk was transiently hyperphosphorylated and resided in the nucleus. Laser scanning cytometry, which monitors Sgk localization and DNA content in individual mammary tumor cells of an asynchronously growing population, revealed that Sgk actively shuttles between the nucleus (in S and G2/M) and the cytoplasm (in G1) in synchrony with the cell cycle. In cells synchronously released from the G1/S boundary, Sgk localized to the nucleus during progression through S phase. The forced retention of exogenous Sgk in either the cytoplasmic compartment, using a wild type sgk gene, or the nucleus, using a nuclear localization signal-containing sgk gene (NLS-Sgk), suppressed the growth and DNA synthesis of serum-stimulated cells. Thus, our study implicates the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of sgk as a requirement for cell cycle progression and represents a novel convergence point of anti-proliferative and proliferative signaling in mammary tumor cells.

Activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and p38 kinase in calphostin C-induced apoptosis requires caspase-3-like proteases but is dispensable for cell death

Apoptosis was induced in human glioma cell lines by exposure to 100 nM calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C. Calphostin C-induced apoptosis was associated with synchronous down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL as well as activation of caspase-3 but not caspase-1. The exposure to calphostin C led to activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) and p38 kinase and concurrent inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Upstream of ERK, Shc was shown to be activated, but its downstream Raf1 and ERK were inhibited. The pretreatment with acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-aldehyde, a relatively selective inhibitor of caspase-3, or benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (z-VAD.fmk), a broad spectrum caspase inhibitor, similarly inhibited calphostin C-induced activation of SAPK/JNK and p38 kinase as well as apoptotic nuclear damages (chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation) and cell shrinkage, suggesting that caspase-3 functions upstream of SAPK/JNK and p38 kinase, but did not block calphostin C-induced surface blebbing and cell death. On the other hand, the inhibition of SAPK/JNK by transfection of dominant negative SAPK/JNK and that of p38 kinase by SB203580 induced similar effects on the calphostin C-induced apoptotic phenotypes and cell death as did z-VAD.fmk and acetyl-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-aldehyde, but the calphostin C-induced PARP cleavage was not changed, suggesting that SAPK/JNK and p38 kinase are involved in the DNA fragmentation pathway downstream of caspase-3. The present findings suggest, therefore, that the activation of SAPK/JNK and p38 kinase is dispensable for calphostin C-mediated and z-VAD.fmk-resistant cell death.

Distinct and common pathways in the regulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor gene expression by angiotensin II and basic fibroblast growth factor

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are important modulators of cell growth under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We and others have previously shown that these growth factors increase insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) number and mRNA in vascular smooth muscle cells and that this effect is transcriptionally regulated. To study the mechanisms and the signaling pathways involved, IGF-1R promoter reporter constructs were transiently transfected in CHO-AT1 cells that overexpress angiotensin AT1 receptors. Our findings indicate that Ang II and bFGF significantly increased IGF-1R promoter activity up to 7- and 3-fold, respectively. The effect induced by Ang II was mediated via a tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanism, since tyrphostin A25 largely inhibited the Ang II-induced increase in promoter activity. In addition, co-transfection of dominant negative Ras, Raf, and MEK1 or pretreatment with the MEK inhibitor PD 98059 dose-dependently decreased both the Ang II- and bFGF-induced increase in IGF-1R transcription and protein expression, suggesting that the Ras-Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase pathway is required for both growth factors. Reactive oxygen species have been shown to act as second messengers in Ang II-induced signaling, and activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB is redox-sensitive. While co-transfection of dominant negative IkappaBalpha mutant completely inhibited the Ang II-induced increase in transcription, it had no effect on the bFGF signaling. In contrast, co-transfection studies indicated that the transcription factors STAT1, STAT3, and c-Jun and the Janus kinase 2 kinase are required in the signaling pathway of bFGF, whereas only dominant c-Jun inhibited the Ang II-induced effect. In summary, these data demonstrate that Ang II and bFGF increase IGF-1R gene transcription via distinct as well as shared pathways and have important implications for understanding growth-stimulatory effects of these growth factors on vascular cells.

The repertoire of fos and jun proteins expressed during the G1 phase of the cell cycle is determined by the duration of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

In Rat-1 fibroblasts nonmitogenic doses of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulate a transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), whereas mitogenic doses elicit a sustained response. This sustained phase of MAPK activation regulates cell fate decisions such as proliferation or differentiation, presumably by inducing a program of gene expression which is not observed in response to transient MAPK activation. We have examined the expression of members of the AP-1 transcription factor complex in response to stimulation with different doses of LPA. c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB are induced rapidly in response to LPA stimulation, whereas Fra-1 and Fra-2 are induced after a significant lag. The expression of c-Fos is transient, whereas the expression of c-Jun, JunB, Fra-1, and Fra-2 is sustained. The early expression of c-Fos can be reconstituted with nonmitogenic doses of LPA, but the response is transient compared to that observed with mitogenic doses. In contrast, expression of Fra-1, Fra-2, and JunB and optimal expression of c-Jun are observed only with doses of LPA which induce sustained MAPK activation and DNA synthesis. LPA-stimulated expression of c-Fos, Fra-1, Fra-2, c-Jun, and JunB is inhibited by the MEK1 inhibitor PD098059, indicating that the Raf-MEK-MAPK cascade is required for their expression. In cells expressing a conditionally active form of Raf-1 (DeltaRaf-1:ER), we observed that selective, sustained activation of Raf-MEK-MAPK was sufficient to induce expression of Fra-1, Fra-2, and JunB but, interestingly, induced little or no c-Fos or c-Jun. The induction of c-Fos observed in response to LPA was strongly inhibited by buffering the intracellular [Ca2+]. Moreover, although Raf activation or calcium ionophores induced little c-Fos expression, we observed a synergistic induction in response to the combination of DeltaRaf-1:ER and ionomycin. These results suggest that kinetically distinct phases of MAPK activation serve to regulate the expression of distinct AP-1 components such that sustained MAPK activation is required for the induced expression of Fra-1, Fra-2, c-Jun, and JunB. However, in contrast to the case for Fra-1, Fra-2, and JunB, activation of the MAPK cascade alone is not sufficient to induce c-Fos expression, which rather requires cooperation with other signals such as Ca2+ mobilization. Finally, the identification of the Fra-1, Fra-2, c-Jun, and JunB genes as genes which are selectively regulated by sustained MAPK activation or in response to activated Raf suggests that they are candidates to mediate certain of the effects of Ras proteins in oncogenic transformation.

Reciprocal interactions between beta1-integrin and epidermal growth factor receptor in three-dimensional basement membrane breast cultures: a different perspective in epithelial biology

Anchorage and growth factor independence are cardinal features of the transformed phenotype. Although it is logical that the two pathways must be coregulated in normal tissues to maintain homeostasis, this has not been demonstrated directly. We showed previously that down-modulation of beta1-integrin signaling reverted the malignant behavior of a human breast tumor cell line (T4-2) derived from phenotypically normal cells (HMT-3522) and led to growth arrest in a three-dimensional (3D) basement membrane assay in which the cells formed tissue-like acini (14). Here, we show that there is a bidirectional cross-modulation of beta1-integrin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The reciprocal modulation does not occur in monolayer (2D) cultures. Antibody-mediated inhibition of either of these receptors in the tumor cells, or inhibition of MAPK kinase, induced a concomitant down-regulation of both receptors, followed by growth-arrest and restoration of normal breast tissue morphogenesis. Cross-modulation and tissue morphogenesis were associated with attenuation of EGF-induced transient MAPK activation. To specifically test EGFR and beta1-integrin interdependency, EGFR was overexpressed in nonmalignant cells, leading to disruption of morphogenesis and a compensatory up-regulation of beta1-integrin expression, again only in 3D. Our results indicate that when breast cells are spatially organized as a result of contact with basement membrane, the signaling pathways become coupled and bidirectional. They further explain why breast cells fail to differentiate in monolayer cultures in which these events are mostly uncoupled. Moreover, in a subset of tumor cells in which these pathways are misregulated but functional, the cells could be "normalized" by manipulating either pathway.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity is sustained early during human cytomegalovirus infection

Expression of many early viral genes during human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is dependent on cellular transcription factors. Several immediate-early and early viral promoters contain DNA binding sites for cellular factors such as CREB, AP-1, serum response factor, and Elk-1, and these transcription factors can be activated by phosphorylation via the cellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction cascade. To determine if the extracellular signal-regulated MAPKs, ERK1 and ERK2, play a role in transcription factor activation during infection, we tested for ERK activity during viral infection. We found that HCMV infection resulted in the maintenance of previously activated ERK1 and ERK2 by a mechanism which appears to involve the inhibition of a cellular phosphatase activity. ERK phosphorylation and activity were sustained for at least 8 h after infection, whereas in mock-infected cells, ERK activity steadily declined by 1 h postinfection. The activity of at least one cellular substrate of the ERKs, the protein kinase RSK1, was also maintained during this period. UV inactivation experiments suggested that viral gene expression was required for sustained ERK activity. In turn, activation of the ERKs appeared to be important for viral gene expression, as evidenced by the observed decrease in the transcriptional activity of the HCMV UL112-113 promoter during infection in the presence of the MEK inhibitor PD98059. These data suggest that HCMV utilizes cellular signal transduction pathways to activate viral or cellular transcription factors involved in the control of early viral gene expression and DNA replication.

Bmk1/Erk5 is required for cell proliferation induced by epidermal growth factor

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces cell proliferation in a variety of cell types by binding to a prototype transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. Ligation of this receptor by EGF activates Erk1 and Erk2, members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, through a Ras-dependent signal transduction pathway. Despite our detailed understanding of these events, the exact mechanism by which EGF causes cells to proliferate is unclear. Big MAP kinase (Bmk1), also known as Erk5, is a member of the MAP kinase family that is activated in cells in response to oxidative stress, hyperosmolarity and treatment with serum. Here we show that EGF is a potent activator of Bmk1. In contrast to Erk1/2, EGF-mediated activation of Bmk1 occurs independently of Ras and requires the MAP-kinase kinase Mek5. Expression of a dominant-negative form of Bmk1 blocks EGF-induced cell proliferation and prevents cells from entering the S phase of the cell cycle. These results demonstrate that Bmk1 is part of a distinct MAP-kinase signalling pathway that is required for EGF-induced cell proliferation and progression through the cell cycle.

Regulation of myogenesis by fibroblast growth factors requires beta-gamma subunits of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins

Terminal differentiation of skeletal muscle cells in culture is inhibited by a number of different growth factors whose subsequent intracellular signaling events are poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of heterotrimeric G proteins in mediating fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-dependent signals that regulate myogenic differentiation. Pertussis toxin, which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates susceptible G proteins, promotes terminal differentiation in the presence of FGF-2, suggesting that Galpha or Gbeta gamma subunits or both are involved in transducing the FGF-dependent signal(s) that inhibits myogenesis. We found that Gbetagamma subunits are likely to be involved since the expression of the C terminus of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1, a Gbetagamma subunit-sequestering agent, promotes differentiation in the presence of FGF-2, and expression of the free Gbeta gamma dimer can replace FGF-2, rescuing cells from pertussis toxin-induced differentiation. Addition of pertussis toxin also blocked FGF-2-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Ectopic expression of dominant active mutants in the Ras/MAPK pathway rescued cells from pertussis toxin-induced terminal differentiation, suggesting that the Gbeta gamma subunits act upstream of the Ras/MAPK pathway. It is unlikely that the pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway is activated by other, as yet unidentified FGF receptors since PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-stimulated MM14 cells expressing a chimeric receptor containing the FGF receptor-1 intracellular domain and the PDGF receptor extracellular domain were sensitive to pertussis toxin. Our data suggest that FGF-mediated signals involved in repression of myogenic differentiation are transduced by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled mechanism. This signaling pathway requires the action of Gbeta gamma subunits and activation of MAPKs to repress skeletal muscle differentiation.

Regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades are major signaling systems by which cells transduce extracellular cues into intracellular responses. In general, MAP kinases are activated by phosphorylation on tyrosine and threonine residues and inactivated by dephosphorylation. Therefore, MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a dual-specificity protein tyrosine phosphatase that exhibits catalytic activity toward both regulatory sites on MAP kinases, is suggested to be responsible for the downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK), and p38 MAP kinase. In the present study, we examined the role of these MAP kinases in the induction of MKP-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Extracellular stimuli such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), and angiotensin II, which activated ERK but not SAPK/p38 MAP kinase, induced a transient induction of MKP-1 mRNA and its intracellular protein. In addition, PD 098059, an antagonist of MEK (MAP kinase/ERK kinase), the upstream kinase of ERK, significantly reduced the PDGF-induced activation of ERK and potently inhibited the expression of MKP-1 after stimulation with PDGF, thereby demonstrating the induction of MKP-1 in response to activation of the ERK signaling cascade. Furthermore, anisomycin, a potent stimulus of SAPK and p38 MAP kinase, also induced MKP-1 mRNA expression. This effect of anisomycin was significantly inhibited in the presence of the p38 MAP kinase antagonist SB 203580. These data suggest the induction of MKP-1, not only after stimulation of the cell growth promoting ERK pathway but also in response to activation of stress-responsive MAP kinase signaling cascades. We suggest that this pattern of MKP-1 induction may be a negative feedback mechanism in the control of MAP kinase activity in VSMCs.

ATP-stimulated smooth muscle cell proliferation requires independent ERK and PI3K signaling pathways

Vascular smooth muscle cells respond to the purinergic agonist ATP by increasing intracellular calcium concentration and increasing the rate of cell proliferation. In many cells the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade plays an important role in cellular proliferation. We have studied the effect of extracellular ATP on ERK activation and cell proliferation. ATP binding to a UTP-sensitive P2Y nucleotide receptor activates ERK1/ERK2 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMC). ATP-induced activation of ERK1/ERK2 is dependent on the dual-specificity kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (i.e., MEK) but independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. We provide evidence that both ERK1/ERK2 and PI3K activities are required for CASMC proliferation. Thus ATP-stimulation of CASMC proliferation requires independent activation of both the ERK and PI3K signaling pathways.

Regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 induction by insulin in vascular smooth muscle cells. Evaluation of the role of the nitric oxide signaling pathway and potential defects in hypertension

In this study, we examined the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP-1) expression by insulin in primary vascular smooth muscle cell cultures. Insulin caused a rapid time- and dose-dependent induction of MKP-1 mRNA and protein expression. Blockade of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) with NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate, and cGMP with RpcGMP, completely inhibited MKP-1 expression. Insulin-mediated MKP-1 expression was preceded by inducible NOS (iNOS) induction and cGMP production. Blockade of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) signaling with wortmannin inhibited insulin-mediated iNOS protein induction, cGMP production, and MKP-1 expression. To evaluate potential interactions between NOS and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, we employed PD98059 and SB203580, two specific inhibitors of ERKs and p38 MAPK. These inhibitors abolished the effect of insulin on MKP-1 expression. Only PD98059 inhibited insulin-mediated iNOS protein induction. Vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneous hypertensive rats exhibited a marked decrease in MKP-1 induction due to defects in insulin-induced iNOS expression because of reductions in PI3-kinase activity. Treatment with sodium nitroprusside and 8-bromo-cGMP restored MKP-1 mRNA expression to levels comparable with controls. We conclude that insulin-induced MKP-1 expression is mediated by PI3-kinase-initiated signals, leading to the induction of iNOS and elevated cGMP levels that stimulates MKP-1 expression.

Neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells induced by engrailed homeodomain is DNA-binding specific and independent of MAP kinases

Neuronal differentiation may be induced by different mechanisms. In PC12 cells, differentiation can be achieved after stimulation by nerve growth factor through the sustained activation and nuclear translocation of MAPKs. A peptide covering the homeodomain of Drosophila Antennapedia translocates through the cell membrane in primary neurons in culture and reaches their nuclei. This process accelerates neurite elongation. We have examined whether the capacity for neuronal induction is a general characteristic of homeodomains, and whether differentiation proceeds through the same pathway as that induced by growth factors or represents a distinct cellular response. We show here that Engrailed homeodomain is internalized by UR61 cells, a PC12 cell derivative, and that it promotes and sustains neurite outgrowth. This event appears to proceed independently of MAPKs activation, suggesting that either parallel signal transduction pathways are under the control of homeoproteins or that they act downstream of MAPKs. The Fushi tarazu homeodomain also causes neurite outgrowth in UR61 cells and the neurotrophic activities of Engrailed and Fushi tarazu homeodomains correlate with their DNA binding specificities. However, neurite outgrowth is not promoted by Bicoid homeodomain, which recognizes a different DNA sequence. Therefore, the neurotrophic activity of the homeodomains depends not only on DNA-binding ability but also on the specificity of this binding.

Growth factor-induced p42/p44 MAPK nuclear translocation and retention requires both MAPK activation and neosynthesis of nuclear anchoring proteins

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (p42/p44 MAPK, also called Erk2 and Erk1) are key mediators of signal transduction from the cell surface to the nucleus. We have previously shown that the activation of p42/p44 MAPK required for transduction of mitogenic signaling is associated with a rapid nuclear translocation of these kinases. However, the means by which p42 and p44 MAPK translocate into the nucleus after cytoplasmic activation is still not understood and cannot simply be deduced from their protein sequences. In this study, we have demonstrated that activation of the p42/ p44 MAPK pathway was necessary and sufficient for triggering nuclear translocation of p42 and p44 MAPK. First, addition of the MEK inhibitor PD 98059, which blocks activation of the p42/p44 MAPK pathway, impedes the nuclear accumulation, whereas direct activation of the p42/p44 MAPK pathway by the chimera DeltaRaf-1:ER is sufficient to promote nuclear accumulation of p42/p44 MAPK. In addition, we have shown that this nuclear accumulation of p42/p44 MAPK required the neosynthesis of short-lived proteins. Indeed, inhibitors of protein synthesis abrogate nuclear accumulation in response to serum and accelerate p42/p44 MAPK nuclear efflux under conditions of persistent p42/p44 MAPK activation. In contrast, inhibition of targeted proteolysis by the proteasome synergistically potentiated p42/p44 MAPK nuclear localization by nonmitogenic agonists and markedly prolonged nuclear localization of p42/p44 MAPK after mitogenic stimulation. We therefore conclude that the MAPK nuclear translocation requires both activation of the p42/p44 MAPK module and neosynthesis of short-lived proteins that we postulate to be nuclear anchors.

Vascular smooth muscle cell growth and insulin regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in hypertension

Hyperinsulinemia (HI) and insulin resistance (IR) are frequently associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, the exact roles of HI and IR in the development of hypertension are unclear. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are well-characterized intracellular mediators of cell proliferation. In this study, we examined the contribution of MAPK pathway in insulin-stimulated mitogenesis using primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from aortas of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). VSMCs were grown to confluence in culture, serum starved, and examined for DNA synthesis (using [3H]thymidine (TDR), immunoprecipitated MAPK activity, and MAPK phosphatase (MKP-1) induction). Basal rate of TDR incorporation into DNA was twofold higher in SHR compared with WKY (P < 0.005). Insulin caused a dose-dependent increase in TDR incorporation (150% over basal levels with 100 nM in 12 h). Stimulation was sustained for 24 h with a decline toward basal in 36 h. Pretreatment with insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor antibody did not abolish mitogenesis mediated by 10-100 nM insulin, suggesting that insulin effect is mediated via its own receptors. Insulin had a small mitogenic effect in WKY (33% over basal). Insulin-stimulated mitogenesis was accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in MAPK activity in SHR, with a peak activation (>2-fold over basal) between 5 and 10 min with 100 nM insulin. Insulin had very small effects on MAPK activity in WKY. In contrast, serum-stimulated MAPK activation was comparable in WKY and SHR. Pretreatment with MEK inhibitor, PD-98059, completely blocked insulin's effect on MAPK activation and mitogenesis. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with wortmannin also prevented insulin's effects on MAPK activation and mitogenesis. In WKY, insulin and IGF-I treatment resulted in a rapid induction of MKP-1, the dual-specificity MAPK phosphatase. In contrast, VSMCs from SHR were resistant to insulin with respect to MPK-1 expression. We conclude that insulin is mitogenic in SHR, and the effect appears to be mediated by sustained MAPK activation due to impaired insulin-mediated MKP-1 mRNA expression, which may act as an inhibitory feedback loop in attenuating MAPK signaling.

Additional evidence that the K-ras protooncogene is a candidate for the major mouse pulmonary adenoma susceptibility (Pas-1) gene

A locus for mouse pulmonary adenoma susceptibility, Pas-1, has been mapped on distal chromosome 6, where the K-ras gene is located. Allele-specific activation and expression of the K-ras allele from the susceptible parent has been observed in lung tumors from F1 hybrid mice. We report here genetic mapping of lung tumor susceptibility genes in urethane-treated A x B and B x A recombinant inbred (RI) mice using microsatellite markers to seek further evidence for the K-ras gene as candidate for Pas-1. The K-ras genotype differs between the A/J and C57BL/6J progenitors of the RI strains, and distal chromosome 6 contained a major lung tumor susceptibility determinant in the RI mice. Additional evidence that Pas-1 is K-ras involved linkage analysis of (A/JOLaHsd x BALB/ cOLaHsd) F2 intercross mice whose parents shared the same K-ras genotype. In contrast to the results with the A x B and B x A RI strains, no distal chromosome 6 site was significantly associated with tumor development in these F2 mice. In addition to this major locus, linkage analysis of the RI mice revealed additional quantitative trait loci for susceptibility on chromosomes 10, 17, and 19. These loci may serve as modifiers of Pas-1. The relationship between the K-ras genotype and the frequency of K-ras mutations in urethane-induced lung tumors from the RI mice was also explored. All 18 tumor DNAs from RI mice with high susceptibility contained an AT-->TA transversion at the second base of K-ras codon 61. This was also true for DNAs from 27 of 27 (100%) tumors in mice with high intermediate susceptibility. In RI strains with a low intermediate susceptibility, the DNA from 39 of 47 (83%) tumors contained an AT-->TA transversion at codon 61, and only 13 of 21 (62%) tumors had this mutation in the most resistant group. This reflects a positive correlation between the frequency of K-ras mutations in lung tumors of A x B or B x A RI strains and their susceptibility to lung carcinogenesis. Since K-ras appears to be Pas-1, these results suggest that some RI mice that have the resistant K-ras or Pas-1 allele undergo tumor development by a K-ras-independent route.

Thrombin signal transduction of the fibrinolytic system in human adult venous endothelium in vitro

Thrombin can regulate the-fibrinolytic system by increasing the endothelial production of both tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1). The thrombin receptor transducts signals through the GTP-binding protein system, the classical pathway being the Galpha q-protein. The purpose of the present study was to examine the roles of Galpha i-protein and tyrosine kinases in the thrombin signal transduction of t-PA and PAI-1 production from human adult vein endothelial cells (HAVEC). t-PA and PAI-1 antigen were analysed in conditioned medium from cultured HAVEC after 16 h incubation. Data are expressed as percentages of basal release (100%), means +/- 95% confidence intervals. Thrombin increased t-PA and PAI-1 production (234 +/- 42% and 211 +/- 42%, respectively). Pertussis toxin (PTX) (inhibiting Galpha i-pathway) reduced basal PAI-1 (66 +/- 8%), but had only a weak influence on basal t-PA production. Pertussis toxin and genistein (inhibiting tyrosine kinase) significantly reduced the thrombin induction of both t-PA and PAI-1 (PTX: 142 +/- 23% and 146 +/- 19%, respectively, genistein: 156 +/- 42% and 76 +/- 24%, respectively). The present study demonstrated that thrombin can increase the production of t-PA and PAI-1 by transducting signals through the Galpha i and tyrosine kinase pathway, in addition to the Galpha q/protein kinase C pathway as has been found previously.

Basal extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity modulates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions

Suppression of the basal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity in PC12 cells markedly altered their phenotype. Wild-type cells grew in a dissociated pattern adherent to the substrate. The stable expression of an ERK inhibitory mutant resulted in the formation of calcium-dependent aggregates which were less adherent to the substrate. Concomitantly, the cells reorganized their actin cytoskeleton and increased their expression of several adherens junction proteins, particularly cadherin. Metabolic labeling demonstrated an increased synthesis of cadherin and beta-catenin in these cells. Nontransfected PC12 cells and a ras-transformed MDCK cell line also formed aggregates and increased their expression of adherens junction proteins following treatment with the selective MEK inhibitor PD98059. A peptide containing the HAV cadherin recognition sequence attenuated the aggregation. These studies suggest that in PC12 and epithelial cells, ERKs are pivotally positioned to enhance substrate interactions when active or to release homotypic interactions when suppressed.

Activation of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase by angiotensin II, vasopressin, norepinephrine, and prostaglandin F2alpha in hepatocytes is sustained, and like the effect of epidermal growth factor, mediated through pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanisms

Several agents that act through G-protein-coupled receptors and also stimulate phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), including angiotensin II, vasopressin, norepinephrine, and prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha, activated the ERK1 (p44mapk) and ERK2 (p42mapk) members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, measured as phosphorylation of myelin basic protein (MBP) by a partially purified enzyme, immunoblotting, and in-gel assays. All these agonists induced a peak activation (two to threefold increase in MBP-phosphorylation) at 3-5 min, followed by a brief decrease, and then a sustained elevation or a second increase of the MAP kinase activity that lasted for several hours. Although all the above agents also stimulated PI-PLC, implicating a Gq-dependent pathway, the elevations of the concentration of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate did not correlate well with the MAP kinase activity. Furthermore, pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin markedly reduced the MAP kinase activation by angiotensin II, vasopressin, norepinephrine, or PGF2alpha. In addition, hepatocytes pretreated with pertussis toxin showed a diminished MAP kinase response to epidermal growth factor (EGF). The results indicate that agonists acting via G-protein-coupled receptors have the ability to induce sustained activation of MAP kinase in hepatocytes, and suggest that Gi-dependent mechanisms are required for full activation of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway by G-protein-coupled receptors as well as the EGF receptor.

ERK2 signalling from internalised epidermal growth factor receptor in broken A431 cells

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) signalling from epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) is widely assumed to originate in the plasma membrane. Using an in vitro assay, we investigated whether EGF/EGFR complexes internalised by endocytosis in A431 cells can initiate signalling in the ERK2 pathway. At 0 degrees C, binding of EGF induced tyrosine phosphorlyation of EGFR and, when the cells were subsequently broken by scraping and warmed in the presence of exogenous cytosol, activation of ERK2 occurred. At 0 degrees C, washes with pH 4.5 media reversed EGF binding, tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK-2 activation in exogenous cytosol, providing conditions in which signalling from the cell surface and internalised EGFRs could be distinguished. When cells containing internalised EGF/EGFR complexes were first washed in low pH media at 0 degrees C and then broken and incubated in exogenous cytosol, substantial activation of ERK2 occurred. This activation reached a maximum after a 5-min internalisation and was almost completely prevented by incubation in 0.45 M sucrose, a known inhibitor of receptor-mediated endocytosis. These data are consistent with activation of the ERK2 signalling pathway by internalised EGRFs situated in endosomal compartments. Our observation that EGFR tyrosine dephosphorylation is incomplete above pH 5.5 suggests that signalling is initiated in early endosomes.

Response to transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in hepatocytes: lower EGF receptor affinity of TGFalpha is associated with more sustained activation of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and greater efficacy in stimulation of DNA synthesis

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor mediates the effects of both EGF and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha). Recent data suggested that EGF acts as a partial agonist/antagonist in hepatocytes, TGFalpha exerting a larger maximal stimulation of DNA synthesis than EGF. To further study the mechanisms involved in mediating the different effects of EGF and TGFalpha, we have examined receptor binding of the two growth factors and their action on the p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity in hepatocytes. Single-ligand concentration curves and competition experiments showed that the binding affinity to a common population of surface binding sites was about 20-fold lower for TGFalpha than for EGF. MAP kinase activity responded to EGF and TGFalpha with different kinetics. While the two agents produced almost identical acute (5 min) stimulation (peak about fivefold), TGFalpha produced a more sustained MAP kinase activity than EGF. The difference between EGF and TGFalpha was still detectable 24 h after growth factor addition. The results show that in hepatocytes a lower receptor affinity of TGFalpha, as compared to EGF, is associated with a more sustained activation of the MAP kinase and a greater efficacy in the stimulation of DNA synthesis. This suggests that differential interaction of these two agents with the EGF receptor results in differences in the downstream events elicited at a given level of receptor occupancy. The data also are compatible with a role of a prolonged MAP kinase activity in the mitogenic effects of EGF and TGFalpha.

Growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases acutely regulate neuronal sodium channels through the src signaling pathway

Growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-activated signaling pathways are well established regulators of neuronal growth and development, but whether these signals provide mechanisms for acute modulation of neuronal activity is just beginning to be addressed. We show in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells that acute application of ligands for both endogenous RTKs [trkA, basic FGF (bFGF) receptor, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor] and ectopically expressed platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors rapidly inhibits whole-cell sodium channel currents, coincident with a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of inactivation. Sodium channel inhibition by trkA and PDGF receptors is mutually occlusive, suggestive of a common signal transduction mechanism. Furthermore, specific inhibitors for trkA and PDGF RTK activities abrogate sodium channel inhibition in response to NGF and PDGF, respectively, showing that the intrinsic RTK activity of these receptors is necessary for sodium channel inhibition. Use of PDGF receptor mutants deficient for specific signaling activities demonstrated that this inhibition is dependent on RTK interaction with Src but not with other RTK-associated signaling molecules. Inhibition was also compromised in cells expressing dominant-negative Ras. These results suggest a possible mechanism for acute physiological actions of RTKs, and they indicate regulatory functions for Ras and Src that may complement the roles of these signaling proteins in long-term neuronal regulation.