Src and Pyk2 mediate angiotensin II effects in cultured rat astrocytes

Tuning of thermoelectric performance by modulating vibrational properties in Ni-doped Sb2Te3

Sb2Te3, a binary chalcogenide-based 3D topological insulator, attracts significant attention for its exceptional thermoelectric performance. We report the vibrational properties of magnetically doped Sb2Te3thermoelectric material. Ni doping induces defect/disorder in the system and plays a positive role in engineering the thermoelectric properties through tuning the vibrational phonon modes. Synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction study confirms good crystalline quality and single-phase nature of the synthesized samples. The change in structural parameters, includingBisoand strain, further corroborate with structural disorder. Detailed modification of phonon modes with doping and temperature variation is analysed from temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopic measurement. Compressive lattice strain is observed from the blue shift of Raman peaks owing to Ni incorporation in Sb site. An attempt is made to extract the lattice thermal conductivity from total thermal conductivity estimated through optothermal Raman studies. Hall concentration data support the change in temperature-dependent resistivity and thermopower. Remarkable increase in thermopower is observed after Ni doping. Simulation of the Pisarenko model, indicating the convergence of the valence band, explains the observed enhancement of thermopower in Sb2-xNixTe3. The energy gap between the light and heavy valence band at Γ point is found to be 30 meV (for Sb2Te3), which is reduced to 3 meV (in Sb1.98Ni0.02Te3). A significant increase in thermoelectric power factor is obtained from 715 μWm-1K-2for pristine Sb2Te3to 2415 μWm-1K-2for Ni-doped Sb2Te3sample. Finally, the thermoelectric figure of merit,ZTis found to increase by four times in Sb1.98Ni0.02Te3than that of its pristine counterpart.

The Non-receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pyk2 in Brain Function and Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases

Pyk2 is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase highly enriched in forebrain neurons. Pyk2 is closely related to focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which plays an important role in sensing cell contacts with extracellular matrix and other extracellular signals controlling adhesion and survival. Pyk2 shares some of FAK’s characteristics including recruitment of Src-family kinases after autophosphorylation, scaffolding by interacting with multiple partners, and activation of downstream signaling pathways. Pyk2, however, has the unique property to respond to increases in intracellular free Ca²⁺, which triggers its autophosphorylation following stimulation of various receptors including glutamate NMDA receptors. Pyk2 is dephosphorylated by the striatal-enriched phosphatase (STEP) that is highly expressed in the same neuronal populations. Pyk2 localization in neurons is dynamic, and altered following stimulation, with post-synaptic and nuclear enrichment. As a signaling protein Pyk2 is involved in multiple pathways resulting in sometimes opposing functions depending on experimental models. Thus Pyk2 has a dual role on neurites and dendritic spines. With Src family kinases Pyk2 participates in postsynaptic regulations including of NMDA receptors and is necessary for specific types of synaptic plasticity and spatial memory tasks. The diverse functions of Pyk2 are also illustrated by its role in pathology. Pyk2 is activated following epileptic seizures or ischemia-reperfusion and may contribute to the consequences of these insults whereas Pyk2 deficit may contribute to the hippocampal phenotype of Huntington’s disease. Pyk2 gene, PTK2B, is associated with the risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Studies of underlying mechanisms indicate a complex contribution with involvement in amyloid toxicity and tauopathy, combined with possible functional deficits in neurons and contribution in microglia. A role of Pyk2 has also been proposed in stress-induced depression and cocaine addiction. Pyk2 is also important for the mobility of astrocytes and glioblastoma cells. The implication of Pyk2 in various pathological conditions supports its potential interest for therapeutic interventions. This is possible through molecules inhibiting its activity or increasing it through inhibition of STEP or other means, depending on a precise evaluation of the balance between positive and negative consequences of Pyk2 actions.

A single-cell atlas of mouse olfactory bulb chromatin accessibility

Olfaction, the sense of smell, is a fundamental trait crucial to many species. The olfactory bulb (OB) plays pivotal roles in processing and transmitting odor information from the environment to the brain. The cellular heterogeneity of the mouse OB has been studied using single-cell RNA sequencing. However, the epigenetic landscape of the mOB remains mostly unexplored. Herein, we apply single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing to profile the genome-wide chromatin accessibility of 9,549 single cells from the mOB. Based on single-cell epigenetic signatures, mOB cells are classified into 21 clusters corresponding to 11 cell types. We identify distinct sets of putative regulatory elements specific to each cell cluster from which putative target genes and enriched potential functions are inferred. In addition, the transcription factor motifs enriched in each cell cluster are determined to indicate the developmental fate of each cell lineage. Our study provides a valuable epigenetic data set for the mOB at single-cell resolution, and the results can enhance our understanding of regulatory circuits and the therapeutic capacity of the OB at the single-cell level.

ACE-Triggered Hypertension Incites Stroke: Genetic, Molecular, and Therapeutic Aspects

Stroke is the second largest cause of death worldwide. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene has emerged as an important player in the pathogenesis of hypertension and consequently stroke. It encodes ACE enzyme that converts the inactive decapeptide angiotensin I to active octapeptide, angiotensin II (Ang II). Dysregulation in the expression of ACE gene, on account of genetic variants or regulation by miRNAs, alters the levels of ACE in the circulation. Variable expression of ACE affects the levels of Ang II. Ang II acts through different signal transduction pathways via various tyrosine kinases (receptor/non-receptor) and protein serine/threonine kinases, initiating a downstream cascade of molecular events. In turn these activated molecular pathways might lead to hypertension and inflammation thereby resulting in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases including stroke. In order to regulate the overexpression of ACE, many ACE inhibitors and blockers have been developed, some of which are still under clinical trials.

Angiotensin II-triggered kinase signaling cascade in the central nervous system

Recent studies have projected the renin-angiotensin system as a central component of the physiological and pathological processes of assorted neurological disorders. Its primary effector hormone, angiotensin II (Ang II), not only mediates the physiological effects of vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation in cardiovascular disease but is also implicated in a much wider range of neuronal activities and diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, neuronal injury, and cognitive disorders. Ang II produces different actions by acting on its two subtypes of receptors (AT1 and AT2); however, the well-known physiological actions of Ang II are mainly mediated through AT1 receptors. Moreover, recent studies also suggest the important functional role of AT2 receptor in the brain. Ang II acts on AT1 receptors and conducts its functions via MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38MAPK), glycogen synthase kinase, Rho/ROCK kinase, receptor tyrosine kinases (PDGF and EGFR), and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases (Src, Pyk2, and JAK/STAT). AT1R-mediated NADPH oxidase activation also leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species, widely implicated in neuroinflammation. These signaling cascades lead to glutamate excitotoxicity, apoptosis, cerebral infarction, astrocyte proliferation, nociception, neuroinflammation, and progression of other neurological disorders. The present review focuses on the Ang II-triggered signal transduction pathways in central nervous system.

Angiotensin II induces interleukin-6 expression in astrocytes: Role of reactive oxygen species and NF-κB

Previously, we showed that the bio-peptide angiotensin (Ang) II induces interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cultured astrocytes; however, the mechanism(s) involved in this effect were unknown. In the current study, we determined in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), the effect of Ang II to induce IL-6 as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Results from this study showed that Ang II significantly induced the differential expression of IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in astrocytes from both regions of Wistar and SHRs. There were differences in the ability of Ang II to induce IL-6 mRNA and protein levels, but these differences were not apparent at all time points examined. Ang II also induced ROS generation, but there were no significant differences between ROS generation in SHR samples as compared to the Wistar samples. Ang II-induced IL-6 levels were mediated via the AT₁/Nuclear Factor Kappa beta/ROS pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that there may be dysregulation in IL-6 production from astrocytes, contributing to differences observed in SHRs versus its normotensive control. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in Ang II pro-inflammatory effects in the central nervous system may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that can be harnessed not just to treat hypertension, but other Ang II-mediated diseases as well.

Angiotensin II regulation of angiotensin-converting enzymes in spontaneously hypertensive rat primary astrocyte cultures

Angiotensin (Ang) II plays a critical role in cardiovascular and blood pressure regulation. Ang II is produced by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and it interacts with the Ang AT1 receptor to cause much of its well-known cardiovascular effects. Ang-(1-7) is another active peptide produced by the rennin-angiotensin system. This peptide is produced from Ang I or Ang II by the catalytic activity of ACE2. Ang-(1-7) interacts with the Mas receptor to counteract many of the effects of Ang II. Thus, the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis acts opposite of the ACE/Ang II/AT1 axis. In this study we investigated how Ang II regulates the key enzymes of these axes, ACE and its homolog ACE2, and determined whether they are dysregulated in the hypertensive condition. Brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) were used in these studies. Ang II effect on the enzymes' mRNA and protein levels was measured using quantitative PCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. Results from this study showed that Ang II up-regulated ACE protein levels, but down-regulated ACE mRNA levels in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes in both models. Ang II also reduced ACE2 mRNA expression in SHR and Wistar astrocytes isolated from both brain regions. Ang II effects on ACE2 protein were biphasic. In SHR astrocytes, Ang II-mediated ACE2 protein initially increased then decreased at later time points. In contrast, in Wistar astrocytes, Ang II initially decreased ACE2 protein expression, but up-regulated the protein at later time points. The findings of these studies suggest that Ang II has a differential effect on ACE and ACE2 expression. Furthermore, in the SHR model there may be alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance in a manner that favors increased Ang II generation and decreased Ang-(1-7) production contributing to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this model. The levels of angiotensin (Ang) II depend on the actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2. We showed in astrocytes isolated from the SHRs that Ang II differentially affects ACE and ACE2 expression. There may be an alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance favoring Ang II generation. This imbalance may contribute to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this SHR model.

SOCS3 expression is inversely correlated with Pyk2 in non-small cell lung cancer and exogenous SOCS3 inhibits proliferation and invasion of A549 cells

AIMS

We have confirmed that suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) is silenced and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is over-expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of SOCS3 and Pyk2 expression in NSCLC, and the effects of SOCS3 up-regulation on A549 cells.

METHODS

One hundred cases of NSCLC were detected for the expression of SOCS3 and Pyk2 by immunohistochemistry. The expression of SOCS3 and Pyk2 were also examined in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) and six lung cancer cell lines using Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Then plasmid containing full-length SOCS3 was transfected into A549 cells to further investigate the effects of SOCS3 over-expression on proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of transfected cells, which were examined using MTT, flow cytometry and Transwell assays.

RESULTS

Our results showed a significant negative correlation between SOCS3 and Pyk2 in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Up-regulation of SOCS3 increased the apoptotic rates of transfected cells, while the numbers of proliferative and invasive cells were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that SOCS3 definitely plays roles in regulating Pyk2 expression, and up-regulation of SOCS3 could be an effective way to prevent the progression of NSCLC.

Angiotensin III induces signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and interleukin-6 mRNA levels in cultured rat astrocytes

INTRODUCTION

Recently we established that pro-inflammatory actions of angiotensin (Ang) II in astrocytes involved Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our current study, we determined in brainstem and cerebellum whether Ang III also activates STAT3 leading to IL-6 mRNA expression and astrocyte proliferation.

RESULTS

Ang III induced STAT3 phosphorylation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Significant STAT3 phosphorylation was rapid and was maximal within 10 min, and with 100 nM Ang III. The Ang AT1 receptor was shown to mediate this action of Ang III. Ang III also significantly induced IL-6 mRNA expression within an hour, and maximal Ang III-mediated IL-6 mRNA expression occurred in the presence of 100 nM Ang III. Ang III-mediated IL-6 mRNA expression occurred by the interaction of the peptide with the Ang AT1 receptor and was mediated by STAT3. In addition, STAT3 was shown to mediate Ang III astrocyte proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Ang III, similar to Ang II, has pro-inflammatory effects since it induces STAT3 leading to an induction of IL-6 mRNA expression, outcomes that lend relevance to the physiological importance of central Ang III.

Angiotensin II induces cell growth and IL-6 mRNA expression through the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in rat cerebellar astrocytes

The pleiotrophic effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) play important roles in astrocyte growth and inflammatory responses. We investigated whether Ang II induces astrocyte growth and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expression in rat cerebellar astrocytes through Janus kinase 2-signal transduction activator of transcription (JAK2-STAT3). Ang II increased JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in a time- and a dose-dependent manner. One hundred nanomolar Ang II induced maximal phosphorylation of both JAK2 and STAT3 between 15 min and 30 min. The Ang II-mediated phosphorylation of both JAK2 and STAT3 was blocked by AG490, a selective JAK2 inhibitor. Losartan, a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, inhibited Ang II-mediated JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, while pretreatment with an AT2 receptor blocker, PD123319, was ineffective. Ang II increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. Maximal IL-6 mRNA expression occurred with 100 nM Ang II, and the peak effect occurred in a biphasic manner at 3 h and between 12 and 24 h. Moreover, pretreatments with AG490 attenuated Ang II-induced IL-6 mRNA levels, and Ang II-induced astrocyte growth. This study has demonstrated that Ang II induced the phosphorylation of both JAK2 and STAT3 via the AT1 receptor in cerebellar astrocytes. In addition, our results suggest that JAK2 and STAT3 are upstream signals that mediate Ang II-induced IL-6 mRNA expression and astrocyte growth. These findings represent a novel non-classical mechanism of Ang II signaling in cerebellar astrocytes.

Distinct Molecular Effects of Angiotensin II and Angiotensin III in Rat Astrocytes

It is postulated that central effects of angiotensin (Ang) II may be indirect due to rapid conversion to Ang III by aminopeptidase A (APA). Previously, we showed that Ang II and Ang III induced mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1/2 and stress-activated protein kinase/Jun-terminal kinases (SAPK/JNK) phosphorylation in cultured rat astrocytes. Most importantly, both peptides were equipotent in causing phosphorylation of these MAP kinases. In these studies, we used brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes to determine whether Ang II's phosphorylation of these MAP kinases is due to the conversion of the peptide to Ang III. We pretreated astrocytes with 10  μ M amastatin A or 100  μ M glutamate phosphonate, selective APA inhibitors, prior to stimulating with either Ang II or Ang III. Both peptides were equipotent in stimulating ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation. The APA inhibitors failed to prevent Ang II- and Ang III-mediated phosphorylation of the MAP kinases. Further, pretreatment of astrocytes with the APA inhibitors did not affect Ang II- or Ang III-induced astrocyte growth. These findings suggest that both peptides directly induce phosphorylation of these MAP kinases as well as induce astrocyte growth. These studies establish both peptides as biologically active with similar intracellular and physiological effects.

AT₂receptors recruit c-Src, SHP-1 and FAK upon activation by Ang II in PND15 rat hindbrain

The functional role of AT(2) receptors is unclear and it activates unconventional signaling pathways, which in general do not involve a classical activation of a G-protein. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the transduction mechanism of AT(2) Ang II receptors in PND15 rat hindbrain membrane preparations, which represents a physiological developmental condition. To determine whether Ang II AT(2) receptors induced association to SHP-1 in rat hindbrain, co-immunoprecipitation assays were performed. Stimulation of Ang II AT(2) receptors induced both a transient tyr-phosphorylation and activation of SHP-1. The possible participation of c-Src in Ang II-mediated SHP-1 activation, we demonstrated by recruitment of c-Src in immunocomplexes obtained with anti AT(2) or anti-SHP-1 antibodies. The association of SHP-1 to c-Src was inhibited by PD123319 and the c-Src inhibitor PP2. Similarly, SHP-1 activity determined in AT(2)-immunocomplexes was inhibited by PD123319 and the c-Src inhibitor PP2. Following stimulation with Ang II, AT(2) receptors recruit c-Src, which was responsible for SHP-1 tyr-phosphorylation and activation. Since AT(2) receptors are involved in neuron migration, we tested the presence of FAK in immunocomplexes. Surprisingly, AT(2)-immunocomplexes contained mainly the 85kDa fragment of FAK. Besides, p125FAK associated to SHP-1. In summary, we demonstrated the presence of an active signal transduction mechanism in PND15 rat hindbrain, a developmental stage critical for cerebellar development. In this model, we showed a complex containing AT(2)/SHP-1/c-Src/p85FAK, suggesting a potential role of Ang II AT(2) receptors in cerebellar development and neuronal differentiation.

Angiotensin III stimulates ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases and astrocyte growth in cultured rat astrocytes

Angiotensin (Ang) III is a biologically active metabolite of Ang II with similar effects and receptor binding properties as Ang II. Most Ang III studies delineate physiological effects of the peptide but, the intracellular pathways leading to the actions are unknown and are a focus of these studies. We investigated in cultured brainstem and cerebellum rat astrocytes whether Ang III stimulates ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases and astrocyte growth. Ang III significantly stimulated ERK1/2 MAP kinases in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The maximal stimulation occurred with 100 nM Ang III (2.8±0.3 and 2.3±0.1-fold over basal, in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes, respectively). This stimulation occurred as early as 1 min, and was sustained for at least 15 min. Moreover, inhibition of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway by 10 μM PD98059 attenuated Ang III-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Ang III induction of ERK1/2 occurred via stimulation of the Ang AT(1) receptor since pretreatment with 10 μM Losartan, a selective AT(1) receptor blocker, prevented Ang III-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The selective AT(2) Ang receptor blocker PD123319 was ineffective. Comparable to Ang II, Ang III also stimulated astrocyte growth in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect that occurred via activation of the AT(1) receptor as well. These findings suggest that Ang III has similar effects as Ang II in astrocytes since it rapidly stimulates the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinases and induces astrocyte proliferation through activation of the AT(1) receptor. These studies are important in establishing signaling pathways for Ang III and provide validation of the central role of Ang III.

Src tyrosine kinase regulates angiotensin II-induced protein kinase Czeta activation and proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) isoform plays a critical role in angiotensin II (AngII)-elicited extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the exact signal transduction mechanism by which AngII activates PKCzeta has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the role of Src in PKCzeta activation and VSMCs proliferation induced by AngII. AngII-induced rapid activation of PKCzeta, which was associated with its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. AngII not only induced Src activation but also promoted the physical association between Src and PKCzeta, which was abolished by Src inhibition with PP2. Src inhibition also abrogated AngII-stimulated PKCzeta activation, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and VSMCs proliferation. In conclusion, Src kinase plays an important role in AngII-elicited PKCzeta activation and the subsequent downstream signaling including ERK1/2 activation and VSMCs proliferation.

Angiotensin II activates JAK2/STAT3 pathway and induces interleukin-6 production in cultured rat brainstem astrocytes

We have shown that tyrosine kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate angiotensin II (Ang II) effects in cultured rat astrocytes. In this study, we investigated whether Ang II induces Janus kinase (JAK) 2, signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) 3 phosphorylation, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in cultured brainstem rat astrocytes. Ang II increased JAK2 phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Maximal phosphorylation of 1.7+/-0.4 fold above basal was observed at 15 min with 100 nM Ang II. Losartan (10 microM), an AT(1) receptor blocker, inhibited Ang II-mediated JAK2 phosphorylation, while 10 microM PD123319, an AT(2) receptor blocker, was ineffective. The JAK2 inhibitor, AG490 (50 microM), prevented Ang II JAK2 phosphorylation. Ang II also stimulated STAT3 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Maximal phosphorylation of 0.8+/-0.11 above basal was observed at 15 min with 100 nM Ang II. Treatment with AG490 reduced Ang II phosphorylation of STAT3 and Ang II-induced astrocyte growth suggesting that JAK2 is an upstream signal in these Ang II effects. Ang II also stimulated IL-6 secretion from brainstem astrocytes in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Maximal IL-6 secretion of 0.7+/-0.2 above basal was observed with 100 nM Ang II after 48 h of treatment. Losartan decreased Ang II-induced IL-6 secretion while PD123319 was ineffective. Interestingly, AG490 reduced Ang II-stimulated IL-6 secretion. Our study showed for the first time that Ang II induced JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and IL-6 secretion through activation of the Ang II AT(1) receptor in brainstem astrocytes. In addition, Ang II stimulated IL-6 secretion and astrocyte growth through the JAK2 pathway in brainstem astrocytes. These results provide new insights into pro-inflammatory and mitogenic signaling mechanisms of Ang II in astrocytes.

Early effects of high glucose in retinal tissue cultures Renin-Angiotensin system-dependent and -independent signaling

The early effects of the diabetic milieu on retinal tissue and their relation to the Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS) activation are poorly known. Here we investigated RAS signaling in retinas explanted from adult rats exposed for 48 h to high glucose (HG), with or without the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat, which blocks RAS. HG was observed to i) initiate a phosphotyrosine-dependent signaling cascade; ii) up-regulate Angiotensin(1) Receptor (AT(1)R); iii) activate src tyrosine kinase and increase phosphorylation of Pyk2, PLCgamma1 and ERK1/2; and iv) activate Akt and the transcription factor CREB. In the presence of enalaprilat, tyrosine phosphorylation signal and AT(1)R upregulation decreased and activation of PLCgamma1 and CREB reverted, showing their relation to RAS signaling. In line with Akt activation, no apoptosis or synapse degeneration was found. Müller glia was activated, but in a RAS-independent manner. Our results suggest that, in early phases of HG exposure, a pro-survival cell program may be induced in the retina.

Angiotensin II stimulates rat astrocyte mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and growth through EGF and PDGF receptor transactivation

We showed that the intracellular tyrosine kinases src and pyk2 mediate angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation of growth and ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation in astrocytes. In this study, we investigated whether the membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors mediate Ang II stimulation of ERK1/2 and astrocyte growth. Ang II significantly stimulated PDGF and EGF receptors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The PDGF receptor and the EGF receptor were maximally stimulated with 100 nM Ang II (0.98+/-0.18- and 4.4+/-1.4-fold above basal, respectively). This stimulation occurred as early as 5 min, and was sustained for at least 15 min for both receptor tyrosine kinases. Moreover, 1 microM AG1478 and 0.25 microM PDGFRInhib attenuated Ang II stimulation of the EGF and PDGF receptors, respectively. Ang II-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and astrocyte growth was mediated by both PDGF and EGF receptors. This report also provides novel findings that co-inhibiting EGF and PDGF receptors had a greater effect to decrease Ang II-induced ERK1/2 (90% versus 49% and 71% with PDGF receptor and EGF receptor inhibition, respectively), and astrocyte growth (60% versus 10% and 32% with PDGF receptor and EGF receptor inhibition, respectively). In conclusion we showed in astrocytes that the PDGF and the EGF receptors mediate Ang II-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and astrocyte growth and that these two receptors may exhibit synergism to regulate effects of the peptide in these cells.

Regulation of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc Gene Expression by Angiotensin II in Primary Cultured Rat Astrocytes: Role of ERK1/2 MAP Kinases

We have previously shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates astrocyte growth through activation of ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases. In the current study, we determined whether Ang II stimulates the expression of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc in brainstem astrocyte cultures. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis showed c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc mRNAs were induced by Ang II. The EC50 values for Ang II stimulation of c-fos, c-jun and c-myc were 1.3, 1.68 and 1.4 nM, respectively. Ang II (100 nM) induced peak stimulation for all genes by 45 min followed by a gradual decline. Inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 attenuated Ang II-induced c-fos and c-myc mRNA expression (by 75% and 100%, respectively) but was ineffective in preventing Ang II induction of c-jun. These studies show for the first time in brainstem astrocytes that Ang II induces the expression of c-fos, c-myc and c-jun, and showed that ERK1/2 mediate Ang II stimulation of c-fos and c-myc. These data implicate the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway as a divergent point in controlling Ang II stimulation of immediate early response genes in the central nervous system.