Jun is phosphorylated by several protein kinases at the same sites that are modified in serum-stimulated fibroblasts

The Role of Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Family Members in CD30-Positive Lymphomas

The Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor (TF) family, composed of a variety of members including c-JUN, c-FOS and ATF, is involved in mediating many biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Since their discovery, the role of AP-1 TFs in cancer development has been extensively analysed. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the complexity of these TFs, mainly due to their cell-type specific homo- or hetero-dimerization resulting in diverse transcriptional response profiles. However, as a result of the increasing knowledge of the role of AP-1 TFs in disease, these TFs are being recognized as promising therapeutic targets for various malignancies. In this review, we focus on the impact of deregulated expression of AP-1 TFs in CD30-positive lymphomas including Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

Mechanosensing by the α6-integrin confers an invasive fibroblast phenotype and mediates lung fibrosis

Matrix stiffening is a prominent feature of pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we demonstrate that matrix stiffness regulates the ability of fibrotic lung myofibroblasts to invade the basement membrane (BM). We identify α₆-integrin as a mechanosensing integrin subunit that mediates matrix stiffness-regulated myofibroblast invasion. Increasing α₆-expression, specifically the B isoform (α₆B), couples β₁-integrin to mediate MMP-2-dependent pericellular proteolysis of BM collagen IV, leading to myofibroblast invasion. Human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung myofibroblasts express high levels of α₆-integrin in vitro and in vivo. Genetic ablation of α₆ in collagen-expressing mesenchymal cells or pharmacological blockade of matrix stiffness-regulated α₆-expression protects mice against bleomycin injury-induced experimental lung fibrosis. These findings suggest that α₆-integrin is a matrix stiffness-regulated mechanosensitive molecule which confers an invasive fibroblast phenotype and mediates experimental lung fibrosis. Targeting this mechanosensing α₆(β₁)-integrin offers a novel anti-fibrotic strategy against lung fibrosis.

Matrix stiffening is a feature of pulmonary fibrosis, and is amplified by lung myofibroblasts. Here the authors find that a6 integrin expression is upregulated on lung myofibroblasts in response to matrix stiffness, and this integrin is required for myofibroblast invasion, and fibrosis in an experimental disease model.

Acetylation regulates Jun protein turnover in Drosophila

C-Jun is a major transcription factor belonging to the activating protein 1 (AP-1) family. Phosphorylation has been shown to be critical for c-Jun activation and stability. Here, we report that Jra, the Drosophila Jun protein, is acetylated in vivo. We demonstrate that the acetylation of Jra leads to its rapid degradation in response to osmotic stress. Intriguingly, we also found that Jra phosphorylation antagonized its acetylation, indicating the opposite roles of acetylation and phosphorylation in Jra degradation process under osmotic stress. Our results provide new insights into how c-Jun proteins are precisely regulated by the interplay of different posttranslational modifications.

c-Jun, at the crossroad of the signaling network

c-Jun, the most extensively studied protein of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, is involved in numerous cell activities, such as proliferation, apoptosis, survival, tumorigenesis and tissue morphogenesis. Earlier studies focused on the structure and function have led to the identification of c-Jun as a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that acts as homo- or heterodimer, binding to DNA and regulating gene transcription. Later on, it was shown that extracellular signals can induce post-translational modifications of c-Jun, resulting in altered transcriptional activity and target gene expression. More recent work has uncovered multiple layers of a complex regulatory scheme in which c-Jun is able to crosstalk, amplify and integrate different signals for tissue development and disease. One example of such scheme is the autocrine amplification loop, in which signal-induced AP-1 activates the c-Jun gene promoter, while increased c-Jun expression feedbacks to potentiate AP-1 activity. Another example of such scheme, based on recent characterization of gene knockout mice, is that c-Jun integrates signals of several developmental pathways, including EGFR-ERK, EGFR-RhoA-ROCK, and activin B-MAP3K1-JNK for embryonic eyelid closure. After more than two decades of extensive research, c-Jun remains at the center stage of a molecular network with mysterious functional properties, some of which are yet to be discovered. In this article, we will provide a brief historical overview of studies on c-Jun regulation and function, and use eyelid development as an example to illustrate the complexity of c-Jun crosstalking with signaling pathways.

ERK-associated changes of AP-1 proteins during fear extinction

Extensive research has unraveled the molecular basis of learning processes underlying contextual fear conditioning, but the mechanisms of fear extinction remain less known. Contextual fear extinction occurs when an aversive stimulus that initially caused fear is no longer present and depends on the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), among other molecules. Here we investigated how ERK signaling triggered by extinction affects its downstream targets belonging to the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor family. We found that extinction, when compared to conditioning of fear, markedly enhanced the interactions of active, phospho-ERK (pERK ) with c-Jun causing alterations of its phosphorylation state. The AP-1 binding of c-Jun was decreased whereas AP-1 binding of JunD, Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) and ERK were significantly enhanced. The increased AP-1 binding of the inhibitory JunD and JDP2 transcription factors was paralleled by decreased levels of the AP-1 regulated proteins c-Fos and GluR2. These changes were specific for extinction and were MEK-dependent. Overall, fear extinction involves ERK/Jun interactions and a decrease of a subset of AP-1-regulated proteins that are typically required for fear conditioning. Facilitating the formation of inhibitory AP-1 complexes may thus facilitate the reduction of fear.

Repeated probing of Southwestern blots using alkaline phosphatase stripping

Southwestern blotting is when a DNA sequence is used to probe DNA-binding proteins on an electrophoretic gel blot. It would be highly desirable to be able to probe a blot repeatedly with different DNA sequences. Alkaline phosphatase can remove 5'-phosphoryl groups from DNA and radiolabeled 5'-(32)P-DNA probes are commonly used in Southwestern blotting. Here is shown that once probed, the radioisotope signal on the blot can be effectively removed by brief digestion with alkaline phosphatase, and the blot can then be repeatedly probed at least six times with different DNA probes. This exceeds the repetitions possible with another commonly used method using SDS. The technique can be used with either one-dimensional or multi-dimensional Southwestern blots and does not have a large effect on the phosphorylation state of the blotted proteins. An alternative method using T4 polynucleotide kinase stripping is also introduced but was less well characterized.

Role of basic leucine zipper proteins in transcriptional regulation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene

The regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene transcription by cAMP-dependent mechanisms occurs in the absence of a consensus cAMP response element (CRE, TGACGTGA). This regulation is coordinated by multiple transcription factors that bind to sequence-specific elements located approximately 150 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Among the proteins that bind within this region, the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors, i.e. CRE binding protein (CREB)/CRE modulator (CREM)/activating transcription factor (ATF), activator protein 1 (AP-1; Fos/Jun), and CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta), interact with an overlapping region (-81/-72 bp) in the StAR promoter, mediate stimulus-transcription coupling of cAMP signaling and play integral roles in regulating StAR gene expression. These bZIP proteins are structurally similar and bind to DNA sequences as dimers; however, they exhibit discrete transcriptional activities, interact with several transcription factors and other properties that contribute in their regulatory functions. The 5'-flanking -81/-72 bp region of the StAR gene appears to function as a key element within a complex cAMP response unit by binding to different bZIP members, and the StAR promoter displays variable states of cAMP responsivity contingent upon the occupancy of these cis-elements with these transcription factors. The expression and activities of CREB/CREM/ATF, Fos/Jun and C/EBPbeta have been demonstrated to be mediated by a plethora of extracellular signals, and the phosphorylation of these proteins at several Ser and Thr residues allows recruitment of the transcriptional coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP) or its functional homolog p300 to the StAR promoter. This review will focus on the current level of understanding of the roles of selective bZIP family proteins within the complex series of processes involved in regulating StAR gene transcription.

Effect of interferon-alpha, ribavirin, pentoxifylline, and interleukin-18 antibody on hepatitis C sera-stimulated hepatic stellate cell proliferation

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver fibrosis ultimately leading to cirrhosis. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation is crucial in fibrosis development. Current antiviral treatment for HCV involves interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and Ribavirin combination therapy. IL-18, a novel cytokine of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is involved in inflammation and may be important in HCV-related inflammation. We hypothesize that block of one of the crucial events will block fibrosis due to HCV. The effect of HCV patient sera with and without IFN-alpha, ribavirin, and IL-18 antibody on HSC proliferation was assessed by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation assays. Western analysis was used to assess the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on c-Jun immediate early gene phosphorylation (p-c-Jun formation). We demonstrate that HCV patient sera-stimulated HSC proliferation. Ribavirin with or without IFN-alpha significantly decreased HCV sera-stimulated HSC proliferation by 50%. Western analysis revealed that HCV serum increased p-c-Jun levels, which were decreased with Ribavirin and PTX. ELISA results showed an elevation of IL-18 levels in HCV sera when compared to normal sera. IL-18 did not stimulate HSC proliferation. However, IL-18 antibody significantly decreased patient sera-stimulated HSC proliferation. In conclusion, Ribavirin decreased HSC proliferation and may act by decreasing p-c-Jun levels in HSCs. IL-18 alone did not stimulate HSC proliferation but IL-18 antibody decreased stimulation, suggesting that IL-18 may work in conjunction with some other factor to increase HSC proliferation.

Adrenomedullin promotes cell cycle transit and up-regulates cyclin D1 protein level in human glioblastoma cells through the activation of c-Jun/JNK/AP-1 signal transduction pathway

Adrenomedullin is a secreted peptide hormone with multiple functions. Although a number of reports have indicated that adrenomedullin may be involved in tumor progression, its mechanism of action remains obscure. In this study, we have analysed the signal transduction pathway activated by adrenomedullin in human glioma cells. Our results revealed that adrenomedullin induced the phosphorylation of both c-Jun and JNK in glioblastoma cells. Silencing JNK expression with siRNA reversed the phosphorylation of c-Jun induced by adrenomedullin, indicating that JNK is responsible of c-Jun activation. In addition, electrophoretic mobility-shift assays showed that the increase in phosphorylation of c-Jun was associated with increased AP-1 DNA binding activity. Supershift assays and co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that c-Jun and JunD are part of the AP-1 complex, indicating that activated c-Jun is dimerized with JunD in response to adrenomedullin. Furthermore, adrenomedullin was shown to promote cell transit beyond cell cycle phases with a concomittant increase in cyclin D1 protein level, suggesting that adrenomedullin effects cell proliferation through up-regulation of cyclin D1. The inhibition of JNK activation or the suppression of c-Jun or JunD expression with siRNA impaired the effects of adrenomedullin on cell proliferation and on cyclin D1. Taken together, these data demonstrate that activation of cJun/JNK pathway is involved in the growth regulatory activity of adrenomedullin in glioblastoma cells.

The functional contrariety of JNK

The JNK proteins are activated by multiple and diverse stimuli, leading to varied and seemingly contradictory cellular responses. In particular, JNKs have been reported to have a role in the induction of apoptosis, but have also been implicated in enhancing cell survival and proliferation. Thus the JNK proteins seem to represent an archetype of contrariety of intracellular signaling. The opposing roles of JNKs have been attributed to the observation that JNKs activate different substrates based on specific stimulus, cell type or temporal aspects. Because of their analogous expression in apparently almost every tissue, JNK1 and JNK2 have most often been considered to have overlapping or redundant functions. In spite of this assessment, research evidence suggests that the functions of JNKs should be addressed in a manner that differentiates between their precise contributions. Specifically in this review, we examine evidence regarding whether the JNKs proteins might play distinctive roles in cellular processes associated with carcinogenesis.

Pathway interactions between MAPKs, mTOR, PKA, and the glucocorticoid receptor in lymphoid cells

Background

Glucocorticoids are frequently used as a primary chemotherapeutic agent in many types of human lymphoid malignancies because they induce apoptosis through activation of the glucocorticoid receptor, with subsequent alteration of a complex network of cellular mechanisms. Despite clinical usage for over fifty years, the complete mechanism responsible for glucocorticoid-related apoptosis or resistance remains elusive. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is a signal transduction network that influences a variety of cellular responses through phosphorylation of specific target substrates, including the glucocorticoid receptor. In this study we have evaluated the pharmaceutical scenarios which converge on the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to alter glucocorticoid sensitivity in clones of human acute lymphoblastic CEM cells sensitive and refractory to apoptosis in response to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone.

Results

The glucocorticoid-resistant clone CEM-C1-15 displays a combination of high constitutive JNK activity and dexamethasone-induced ERK activity with a weak induction of p38 upon glucocorticoid treatment. The cells become sensitive to glucocorticoid-evoked apoptosis after: (1) inhibition of JNK and ERK activity, (2) stimulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway with forskolin, or (3) inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin. Treatments 1–3 in combination with dexamethasone alter the intracellular balance of phospho-MAPKs by lowering JNK phosphorylation and increasing the level of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylated at serine 211, a modification known to enhance receptor activity.

Conclusion

Our data support the hypothesis that mitogen-activated protein kinases influence the ability of certain malignant lymphoid cells to undergo apoptosis when treated with glucocorticoid. Activated/phosphorylated JNK and ERK appear to counteract corticoid-dependent apoptosis. Inhibiting these MAPKs restores corticoid sensitivity to a resistant clone of CEM cells. Forskolin, which activates the cAMP pathway, and rapamycin, which inhibits mTOR, also inhibit JNK. Further, the sensitizing treatments result in a largely dexamethasone-dependent increase in the total pool of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylated at serine 211. The phospho-serine 211 receptor is known to be more potent in activating gene transcription and apoptosis. The interactive effects demonstrated here in reverting resistant cells to corticoid sensitivity could provide therapeutic clinical potential in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies.

COOH-terminal Src kinase-mediated c-Jun phosphorylation promotes c-Jun degradation and inhibits cell transformation

The oncoprotein c-Jun is a component of the activator protein-1 transcription factor complex, which is involved in cellular proliferation, transformation, and death. The stabilization of c-Jun is critically important for its function. The phosphorylation of c-Jun by c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase 1 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases reduces c-Jun ubiquitination resulting in increased stabilization of c-Jun. In this report, we showed that COOH-terminal Src kinase (CSK) binds with and phosphorylates c-Jun at Y26 and Y170. Phosphorylation of c-Jun by CSK, in opposition to c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase 1 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases, promoted c-Jun degradation and reduced stability. By promoting c-Jun degradation, CSK helps to maintain a low steady-state level of c-Jun, thereby inhibiting activator protein-1 activity and cell transformation caused by c-Jun. These results indicated that this function of CSK controls cell proliferation under normal growth conditions and may have implications for CSK loss of function in carcinogenesis.

Interleukin-6 increases rat metalloproteinase-13 gene expression through Janus kinase-2-mediated inhibition of serine/threonine phosphatase-2A

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) increases metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) gene expression by increasing phosphorylated c-Jun and by inhibiting serine/threonine phosphatase-2A (PP2A) activity. We investigated the mechanisms by which IL-6 induces c-Jun phosphorylation and PP2A inactivation in Rat-1 fibroblasts. We show that IL-6 increased MMP-13 mRNA, phosphorylated c-Jun, and activator protein 1 (AP1) binding activity without increasing c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. These effects did not seem to be mediated by ERK, p38 MAP kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, calmoduline-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C (PKC) or protein kinase A since inhibition with specific inhibitors did not abrogate these effects. IL-6 increases PP2A catalytic subunit tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibition of the tyrosine kinase Jak2, with the specific inhibitor AG490, abrogated this effect. Likewise, this Jak2 inhibitor blocked the effects of IL-6 on c-Jun phosphorylation, AP1 binding activity and metalloproteinase-13 gene expression. We conclude that IL-6 increases MMP-13 gene expression by activation of Jak2, resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit of PP2A, which in turn decreases PP2A activity and prolongs c-Jun phosphorylation.

An activator protein 1-like motif mediates 17beta-estradiol repression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor promoter via an estrogen receptor alpha-dependent mechanism in ovarian and breast cancer cells

Although it is recognized that estrogen is one of the most important regulators of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) gene expression, the mechanism underlying the regulation at the transcriptional level is unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that 17beta-estradiol (E2) repressed human GnRHR promoter via an activator protein 1-like motif and estrogen receptor-alpha, of which the DNA-binding domain and the ligand-binding domain were indispensable for the repression. Interestingly, the same cis-acting motif was also found to be important for both the basal activity and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate responsiveness of the GnRHR promoter. EMSAs indicated that multiple transcription factors including c-Jun and c-Fos bound to the activator protein 1-like site and that their DNA binding activity was not significantly affected by E2 treatment. In addition, we demonstrated that the E2 repression could be antagonized by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which stimulated c-Jun phosphorylation on serine 63, a process that is a prerequisite for recruitment of the transcriptional coactivator cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP). Concomitantly, we found that overexpression of CBP could reverse the suppression in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our data indicate that E2-activated estrogen receptor-alpha represses human GnRHR gene transcription via an indirect mechanism involving CBP and possibly other transcriptional regulators.

Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans: target and partners of the basic fibroblast growth factor in rat Sertoli cells

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) regulates diversified biological functions in rat Sertoli cells. This report demonstrates that bFGF inhibits steroidogenesis in developing rat Sertoli cells. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-stimulated estradiol production was reduced by bFGF. Moreover, the amount of cytochrome P450 aromatase, responsible for the irreversible transformation of androgens into estrogens, is decreased by bFGF at the transcriptional level. The bFGF inhibitory effect was also observed in the presence of dibutyryl-cAMP, cholera toxin or RO-20-1724, all inducing high levels of cAMP, the second messenger of FSH. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) were shown to be required as cofactors for bFGF signaling. Indeed, sodium chlorate, described to drastically decrease proteoglycan sulfation, abolishes the bFGF downregulation of FSH-stimulated estradiol synthesis previously observed. Glypican-1, syndecan-1 and -4, potential bFGF coreceptors, are mainly regulated at the transcriptional level. This report shows that the bFGF regulation of their expression specifically depends on the nature of HSPG and of the Sertoli cell developmental stage. In conclusion, HSPG are partners and the target of bFGF in rat Sertoli cells.

Marek's disease herpesvirus transforming protein MEQ: a c-Jun analogue with an alternative life style

In order to adapt to and to cope with an often hostile host environment, many viruses have evolved to encode products that are homologous to cellular proteins. These proteins exploit the existing host machinery and allow viruses to readily integrate into the host functional network. As a result, viruses are able to maneuver their journey seemingly effortlessly inside the host cell to achieve ultimate survival. Such molecular mimicries sometime go overboard, allowing viruses to overtake the cellular pathways or evade the immune system as do many of the retroviral oncogenes. Retroviral oncogenes are derived directly from host genes, and they are virtually identical to host genes in sequences except those mutations that make them unregulatable by host. Oncogenic herpesviruses also encode oncogenes, or transforming genes, which have independently evolved and are distantly related to host genes. However, these genes do share consensus structural motifs with cellular genes involved in cell growth and apoptosis and are functional analogues to host genes. The Marek's disease virus oncoprotein, MEQ, is one such example. MEQ is a basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) transactivator which shares extensive homology with the Jun/Fos family of transcription factors within the bZIP domain, but not in other regions. Like all other bZIP proteins, MEQ is capable of dimerizing with itself and with a variety of bZIP partners including c-Jun, B-Jun, c-Fos, CREB, ATF-1, ATF-2, and SNF. MEQ-Jun heterodimers bind to a TRE/CRE-like sequence in the meq promoter region and have been shown to up-regulate MEQ expression in both chicken embryo fibroblasts and F9 cells. In addition, the bZIP and transactivation domains are interchangeable between MEQ and c-Jun in terms of transforming potential; i.e. MEQ can functionally substitute for c-Jun. These properties enable MEQ to engage in host cell processes by disguising itself as c-Jun. On the other hand, there are properties of MEQ notably different from c-Jun, which include its capability to bind RNA, to bind a CACAC-bent DNA structure as a homodimer, to inhibit apoptosis, and to interact with CDK2. MEQ's subcellular localization in the nucleolus and coiled body, is also different from Jun/Fos family of transactivators. These unique features may provide the MEQ with additional facility in regulating MDV replication, establishing latency, and cellular transformation. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the past research progress on MDV meq, with a focused on the similarities and differences between MEQ and cellular proteins, and between MEQ and other viral oncoproteins.

Molecular mechanisms of ATP and insulin synergistic stimulation of coronary artery smooth muscle growth

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major cause of death in diabetics. Abnormal proliferation of coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMC) leads to intimal thickening in CAD. We examined signaling mechanisms involved in the mitogenic effect of ATP and insulin on CASMC. ATP and insulin individually stimulated DNA synthesis by 4- and 2-fold, respectively; however, they acted synergistically to stimulate an increase of 17-fold over basal. A similar synergistic stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and mitogen-activated protein or ERK kinase activities was observed (ATP, 7-fold; insulin, 2-fold; and ATP + insulin, 16-fold over basal). However, the combination of ATP and insulin stimulated only an additive activation of Raf (ATP, 5-fold; insulin, <2-fold; and ATP + insulin, 8-fold over basal) and Ras (ATP, 5-fold; insulin, 2-fold; and ATP + insulin, 8-fold over basal). Thus convergence of ATP and insulin signals appears to be at the level of Ras and Raf. In addition, insulin stimulated activation of Akt (also known as protein kinase B) (10-fold over basal), whereas ATP had little effect. However, when ATP and insulin were added in combination, ATP dramatically reduced the insulin-stimulated Akt activation (2-fold above basal). Thus these results are consistent with ATP relieving an insulin-induced Akt-dependent inhibitory effect on the ERK signaling pathway, leading to synergistic stimulation of CASMC proliferation.

Mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced neuronal apoptosis

In vivo models of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia have shown that neuronal death may occur via necrosis or apoptosis. Necrosis is, in general, a rapidly occurring form of cell death that has been attributed, in part, to alterations in ionic homeostasis. In contrast, apoptosis is a delayed form of cell death that occurs as the result of activation of a genetic program. In the past decade, we have learned considerably about the mechanisms underlying apoptotic neuronal death following cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. With this growth in knowledge, we are coming to the realization that apoptosis and necrosis, although morphologically distinct, are likely part of a continuum of cell death with similar operative mechanisms. For example, following hypoxia-ischemia, excitatory amino acid release and alterations in ionic homeostasis contribute to both necrotic and apoptotic neuronal death. However, apoptosis is distinguished from necrosis in that gene activation is the predominant mechanism regulating cell survival. Following hypoxic-ischemic episodes in the brain, genes that promote as well as inhibit apoptosis are activated. It is the balance in the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes that likely determines the fate of neurons exposed to hypoxia. The balance in expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes may also account for the regional differences in vulnerability to hypoxic insults. In this review, we will examine the known mechanisms underlying apoptosis in neurons exposed to hypoxia and hypoxia-ischemia.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulates prostaglandin F2alpha secretion by bovine luteal cells via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phospholipase A2 pathways

It has been well demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) stimulates prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha secretion by bovine corpus luteum (CL) in vitro. The objective of the present study was to clarify the intracellular signaling pathway of TNFalpha to stimulate PGF2alpha production in cultured bovine luteal cells. Bovine luteal cells that were obtained from mid- (days 8-12 after ovulation) CL were incubated with TNFalpha (0.6 nM) and/or various compounds as follows: U-73122 (an inhibitor of phospholipase [PL] C), ACA (an inhibitor of PL-A2), H-89 (an inhibitor of protein kinase [PK] A), calphostin C (an inhibitor of PK-C), L-NAME/L-NORG (inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase), and PD98059 (an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK] kinase). Although U-73122 (0. 1-10 microM), H-89 (0.1-10 microM), calphostin C (0.01-1 microM) and L-NAME/L-NORG (1-100 microM) did not affect TNFalpha-induced PGF2alpha secretion by the cultured cells, ACA (1-100 microM) and PD98059 (0.1-100 microM) inhibited TNFalpha-stimulated PGF2alpha secretion by the cells in a dose-dependent fashion (P < 0.05 or lower). These findings suggest that TNFalpha activates the MAPK and PL-A2 pathways in bovine luteal cells to stimulate PGF2alpha secretion.

The chicken c-Jun 5' untranslated region directs translation by internal initiation

The 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the chicken c-jun message is exceptionally GC rich and has the potential to form a complex and extremely stable secondary structure. Because stable RNA secondary structures can serve as obstacles to scanning ribosomes, their presence suggests inefficient translation or initiation through alternate mechanisms. We have examined the role of the c-jun 5' UTR with respect to its ability to influence translation both in vitro and in vivo. We find, using rabbit reticulocyte lysates, that the presence of the c-jun 5' UTR severely inhibits translation of both homologous and heterologous genes in vitro. Furthermore, translational inhibition correlates with the degree of secondary structure exhibited by the 5' UTR. Thus, in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system, the c-jun 5' UTR likely impedes ribosome scanning resulting in inefficient translation. In contrast to our results in vitro, the c-jun 5' UTR does not inhibit translation in a variety of different cell lines suggesting that it may direct an alternate mechanism of translational initiation in vivo. To distinguish among the alternate mechanisms, we generated a series of bicistronic expression plasmids. Our results demonstrate that the downstream cistron, in the bicistronic gene, is expressed to a much higher level when directly preceded by the c-jun 5' UTR. In addition, inhibition of ribosome scanning on the bicistronic message, through insertion of a synthetic stable hairpin, inhibits translation of the first cistron but does not inhibit translation of the cistron downstream of the c-jun 5' UTR. These results are consistent with a model by which the c-jun message is translated through cap independent internal initiation. Oncogene (2000) 19, 2836 - 2845

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 induced differentiation of cultured human keratinocytes is accompanied by a PKC-independent regulation of AP-1 DNA binding activity

1alpha,25(OH)2D3 and its analogs are potent mediators of keratinocyte differentiation in vitro. The precise mechanism of this action is still unknown. The nuclear transcription factor activator protein 1 seems to play an important role in keratinocyte differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 on activator protein 1 DNA binding activity in cultured human keratinocytes. In a time-course study of human keratinocytes incubated with 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 (10-7-10-11 M) a significant dose-dependent increase in activator protein 1 DNA binding activity as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay was seen after 36 h. This increase was followed by a significant dose-dependent decrease in activator protein 1 DNA binding activity after 72 h. When differentiation was induced by raising the calcium concentration in the culture medium from 0.09 to 0.3 mM a similar increase in activator protein 1 DNA binding activity was observed after incubation for 48 h. Pharmacologic down-modulation of the protein kinase C activity with GF 109203X reversed the calcium-induced increase in activator protein 1 DNA binding activity and abolished keratinocyte differentiation as determined by a transglutaminase assay. In contrast, activator protein 1 DNA binding activity and keratinocyte differentiation were not affected when protein kinase C activity was down-modulated in the experiments with 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. The activator protein 1 complex in human keratinocytes consists of dimers of Fra-1, Fra-2, c-Jun, JunD, and c-Fos. Our results demonstrate that 1alpha, 25(OH)2D3- and calcium-induced keratinocyte differentiation are accompanied by changes in activator protein 1 DNA binding activity. Protein kinase C activation appears to be essential for the calcium-dependent induction of keratinocyte differentiation, whereas a protein-kinase-C-independent activation of activator protein 1 DNA binding and keratinocyte differentiation is responsible for the 1alpha,25(OH)2D3-induced effects.

Interleukin-6 increases rat metalloproteinase-13 gene expression through stimulation of activator protein 1 transcription factor in cultured fibroblasts

The role of IL-6 in collagen production and tissue remodeling is controversial. In Rat-1 fibroblasts, we measured the effect of IL-6 on matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), c-jun, junB, and c-fos gene expression, binding of activator protein 1 (AP1) to DNA, amount of AP1 proteins, immunoreactive MMP-13 and TIMP-1 proteins, and Jun N-terminal kinase activity. We show that IL-6 increased MMP-13-mRNA and MMP-13 protein. These effects were exerted by acting on the AP1-binding site of the MMP-13 promoter, as shown by transfecting cells with reporter plasmids containing mutations in this element. Mobility shift assays demonstrated that IL-6 induced the DNA binding activity of AP1. This effect was accompanied by a marked increase in c-Jun, JunB, and c-Fos mRNA, as well as in c-Jun protein and its phosphorylated form. The latter is not due to increased Jun N-terminal kinase activity but to a decreased serine/threonine phosphatase activity. We conclude that IL-6 increases interstitial MMP-13 gene expression at the promoter level. This effect seems to be mediated by the induction of c-jun, junB, and c-fos gene expression, by the binding of AP1 to DNA, by increasing phosphorylated c-Jun, and by the inhibition of serine/threonine phosphatase activity. These effects of IL-6 might contribute to remodeling connective tissue.

Transcriptional regulation of Syndecan-1 expression by growth factors

Syndecan-1 is a prototype member of a family of transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Syndecan-1 binds extracellular matrix components and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and modifies the function of FGFs. Syndecan-1 is constitutively expressed by several epithelial cells, but expression is also induced during many biological phenomena, such as tissue regeneration and the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during organ development. Growth factors have been the prime candidates to induce syndecan-1 expression in these situations. In fibroblasts syndecan-1 is induced by FGF-2 and in keratinocytes by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). The search for cis-acting elements regulating the growth factor-induced syndecan-1 expression has led to identification of a novel FGF-inducible response element (FiRE). FiRE is activated in fibroblasts and keratinocytes by the same growth factors that induce syndecan-1 expression in these cells. In adult tissues the activation of FiRE is restricted to migrating keratinocytes of healing wounds. The composition of the transcription factor binding to FiRE differs depending on the cell type and the activating growth factor. The FiRE provides a powerful tool for studies on growth factor specificity and regeneration of tissues. Moreover, it implies a novel transcriptional link that creates an FGF action-controlling autoregulatory loop between the heparan sulfate proteoglycans and the heparin-binding FGFs.

Inducible and constitutive transcription factors in the mammalian nervous system: control of gene expression by Jun, Fos and Krox, and CREB/ATF proteins

This article reviews findings up to the end of 1997 about the inducible transcription factors (ITFs) c-Jun, JunB, JunD, c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1, Fra-2, Krox-20 (Egr-2) and Krox-24 (NGFI-A, Egr-1, Zif268); and the constitutive transcription factors (CTFs) CREB, CREM, ATF-2 and SRF as they pertain to gene expression in the mammalian nervous system. In the first part we consider basic facts about the expression and activity of these transcription factors: the organization of the encoding genes and their promoters, the second messenger cascades converging on their regulatory promoter sites, the control of their transcription, the binding to dimeric partners and to specific DNA sequences, their trans-activation potential, and their posttranslational modifications. In the second part we describe the expression and possible roles of these transcription factors in neural tissue: in the quiescent brain, during pre- and postnatal development, following sensory stimulation, nerve transection (axotomy), neurodegeneration and apoptosis, hypoxia-ischemia, generalized and limbic seizures, long-term potentiation and learning, drug dependence and withdrawal, and following stimulation by neurotransmitters, hormones and neurotrophins. We also describe their expression and possible roles in glial cells. Finally, we discuss the relevance of their expression for nervous system functioning under normal and patho-physiological conditions.

Biochemical and functional analysis of highly phosphorylated forms of c-Jun protein

We report here that, upon UV irradiation or growth stimulation, endogenous c-Jun (40 kDa) in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) is converted into several forms with apparently higher molecular weights in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (45, 44, 42 kDa). Two of the bands (44 and 45 kDa) were transient after growth stimulation, but were much more persistent after UV irradiation. In both cases, the drastic mobility shifts were accompanied with the activation of endogenous JNK activity but not of MAPK activity, and the bands were shown to represent different phosphorylation states of c-Jun rather than ubiquitinated c-Jun. Biochemical analysis indicated that phosphorylation at Ser63 and Ser73 was not sufficient to produce these drastic mobility shifts, which additionally required phosphorylation at Thr91 and Thr93. Substitution of both Ser63 and Ser73 with either Ala or Asp had no significant effect on the transforming activity of c-Jun, but the mutants failed to show drastic mobility shifts even after UV irradiation. These results indicate that Ser63 and Ser73 are essential for the drastic mobility shifts and further suggest that the highly phosphorylated forms of c-Jun are not directly involved in cellular transformation.

Activation of nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB by interleukin-1 is accompanied by casein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation of the p65 subunit

In fibroblasts and hepatoma cells, interleukin-1 (IL-1) treatment results in the rapid nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, present largely as p65 (RelA)/p50 heterodimers. It is well established that this process is dependent in large part upon the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of the cytosolic inhibitor IkappaB. We looked for other IL-1-induced modifications of NF-kappaB components and found that, in both cell types, IL-1 stimulation led, within minutes, to phosphorylation of both NF-kappaB p65 and p50. Phosphorylation of p65 was sustained for at least 30 min after addition of the cytokine and occurred principally upon serine residues. Immunoprecipitates of NF-kappaB complexes contained an associated protein kinase, the biochemical characteristics of which were indistinguishable from casein kinase II (CKII). Purified CKII efficiently phosphorylated p65 in vitro, apparently on the same major sites that became phosphorylated in intact IL-1-treated cells. Although IL-1 treatment caused little apparent stimulation of total cellular CKII activity, the fraction that was specifically associated with NF-kappaB complexes was markedly elevated by the cytokine. The association of CKII with NF-kappaB occurred in the cytoplasm, suggesting that this phosphorylation might be involved either in control of translocation of the activated complex or in modulation of its DNA binding properties.

Role of the bZIP transcription factor IREBF1 in the NGF induction of stromelysin-1 (transin) gene expression in PC12 cells

Stromelysin-1 (ST-1) is one of the most nerve growth factor-(NGF) responsive gene products expressed in PC12 cells. In previous work, we identified a novel NGF-responsive element in the proximal promoter region of the ST-1 gene that participates in this induction, and showed that it bound a protein present in the nuclei of PC12 cells. Here, we identify a transcription factor that specifically recognizes this regulatory element-the interferon-response element binding factor-1 (IREBF1), a member of the basic leucine zipper gene family. We show that IREBF1 is constitutively expressed in PC12 cells and that overexpression of IREBF1 augments NGF-responsive ST-1 gene regulation, but does not affect basal levels of expression. On the other hand, expression of a mutated form of this transcription factor lacking the DNA binding domain attenuated NGF responsiveness, without affecting basal levels of expression. These data suggest that IREBF1 is part of the NGF-responsive transcriptional machinery necessary for the expression of ST-1 in PC12 cells.

Characterization of downstream Ras signals that induce alternative protease-dependent invasive phenotypes

Invasive and metastatic cells require protease expression for migration through the extracellular matrix. Metastatic NIH 3T3 fibroblasts transformed by different activated ras genes showed two different protease phenotypes, rasuPA+/CL- and rasCL+/uPA- (Zhang, J-Y., and Schultz, R. M. (1992) Cancer Research 52, 6682-6689). Phenotype rasuPA+/CL- is dependent on expression of the serine-type protease urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and the phenotype rasCL+/uPA- on the cystine-type protease cathepsin L (CL) for lung colonization in experimental metastasis. The existence of multiple invasive phenotypes on ras-isoform transformation implied the activation of alternative pathways downstream from Ras. We now show that c-Raf-1, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)-1, and ERK-2 are hyperphosphorylated, and the ERK activity is high in both the uPA- and CL-dependent ras-transformed invasive phenotypes. Levels of c-Jun and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activity are also high in the uPA-dependent phenotype, but they are almost undetectable in the CL-dependent phenotype. The uPA Ras-response element is a PEA3/URTF element, and mobility shift assays show a strong PEA3/URTF protein band in the uPA-dependent phenotype. This band is competed by a consensus AP-1 DNA sequence and by antibodies to PEA3 and c-Jun. Thus, the uPA-invasive phenotype appears to require the activation of Ets/PEA3 and c-Jun transcription factors activated by the ERK and JNK pathways, while the CL-invasive phenotype appears to require ERK activity with suppression of JNK and c-Jun activities. These postulates are supported by the introduction of a dominant negative c-Jun, TAM67, into cells of phenotype rasuPA+/CL-, which down-regulated the high uPA mRNA levels characteristic of this phenotype to basal levels and up-regulated basal levels of CL mRNA to levels similar to those observed in cells of phenotype rasCL+/uPA-. We conclude that the JNK pathway acts as a switch between two distinct protease phenotypes that are redundant in their abilities to grow tumors and metastasize.

Mechanism of catecholamine-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Catecholamines have been shown to aggravate atherosclerosis in animals and humans, and abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is a key event in the early stage of atherosclerosis. Catecholamines may be involved in such cell growth. Therefore, a series of experiments using cultured VSMC was performed to elucidate their possible mitogenic effect.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the mitogenic effect of catecholamines using rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by measuring [3H]thymidine incorporation, checking with flow cytometry, and counting the cell number directly. Furthermore, the catecholamine-activated signal transduction pathway was assessed by measurement of the formation of inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, and mitogenic gene expression. Norepinephrine (NE) and phenylephrine stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell growth. Clonidine and isoproterenol showed little of such effects. Prazosin was more effective than either yohimbine or propranolol in suppressing the mitogenic effect of NE, indicating that catecholamine-induced VSMC proliferation is mediated by alpha 1-adrenoceptors. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation was coupled to pertussis toxin-insensitive Gq-protein and triggered phosphoinositide hydrolysis with subsequent activation of protein kinase C and MAPK in VSMC. In response to NE, both 42- and 44-kD MAPK were activated and tyrosine was phosphorylated. alpha 1-Adrenoceptor stimulation with NE also caused accumulation of c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc mRNA. Chloroethylclonidine completely blocked the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated mitogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of catecholamines appears to be mediated via the activation of the chloroethylclonidine-sensitive alpha 1-adrenoceptors that triggers the phosphoinositide hydrolysis and activates the MAPK pathway, leading to DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.

Staurosporine induces a sequential program of mouse keratinocyte terminal differentiation through activation of PKC isozymes

Staurosporine (stsp) induces assembly of cornified envelopes in mouse keratinocyte cultures. To clarify whether this effect is the consequence of a coordinated differentiation program similar to that observed in epidermis, we assessed the expression of multiple differentiation-specific markers in stsp-treated keratinocytes. In medium containing 0.05 mM Ca2+, in which the basal cell phenotype is normally maintained, stsp induced dose-dependent increases in keratin 1, epidermal and keratinocyte transglutaminases, SPR-1, loricrin, and profilaggrin mRNA. Based on nuclear run-on analysis, stsp-mediated marker expression was found to be due at least in part to increased transcription. Since protein kinase C (PKC) activation is required for keratinocyte differentiation, we tested whether stsp influenced this signaling pathway. Stsp induced the translocation of multiple PKC isoforms from the cytosol to membrane and/or cytoskeletal fractions, inducing isozyme downregulation within 24 h. Moreover, AP-1 DNA binding activity was elevated in stsp-treated keratinocytes, consistent with the notion that this agent influences keratinocyte-specific gene expression via the PKC pathway. Stsp-mediated marker expression was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor GF 109203X. In cells pre-treated with bryostatin 1 to selectively down-modulate specific PKC isoforms, stsp-induced loricrin, filaggrin, and SPR-1 expression was suppressed when PKC alpha, epsilon, and/or delta were downregulated, suggesting that these isozymes may be necessary for marker expression in response to this agent. Thus, in addition to its effects on cornified envelope assembly, stsp induces a coordinate program of differentiation-specific keratinocyte gene expression that is mediated at least in part by the PKC signaling pathway.

Increased expression and subcellular translocation of the mitogen activated protein kinase kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase in Alzheimer's disease

The sequential activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and its substrate, the mitogen-activated protein kinase is involved in a cascade of protein kinases which link a number of cell surface signals to intracellular changes in enzyme activity and gene expression. In vitro, mitogen-activated protein kinase is able to phosphorylate the microtubule-associated protein tau at Ser-Pro and Thr-Pro sites, thereby generating abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau species that are similar to paired helical filament-tau found in Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we analysed the levels of immunoreactive mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase in the temporal cortex (area 22) of patients with Alzheimer's disease by means of enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays and compared these changes with the content of abnormally phosphorylated paired helical filament-tau. The levels of immunochemically detected mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase were both increased in Alzheimer's disease by between 35 and 40% compared with age-matched controls. Elevation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase was most pronounced during early stages of Alzheimer's disease and was inversely related to the tissue content of abnormally phosphorylated paired helical filament-tau. Pronounced immunoreactivity of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase was present in both tangle bearing neurons and unaffected neurons of the temporal cortex. Immunoreactive neurons were most often localized in the direct vicinity of neuritic plaques. In Alzheimer's disease, the subcellular distribution of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase showed a striking translocation from the cytoplasmic to the nuclear compartment. It is suggested that the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade which appears to be an early feature of Alzheimer's disease might be critically involved in self-stimulating processes of neurodegeneration and aberrant repair under these conditions.

The Moloney leukemia retroviral long terminal repeat trans-activates AP-1-inducible genes and AP-1 transcription factor binding

Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) is a thymotropic and leukemogenic retrovirus which causes T lymphomas. The long terminal repeat (LTR) of Mo-MuLV affects the regulation of a number of cellular genes, including collagenase IV, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and c-jun genes, all of which contain 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-responsive element consensus sites within their promoters. We report here that Mo-MuLV stimulates the collagenase IV gene through transcription factor AP-1, and that the expression of a subgenomic portion of Mo-MuLV LTR alone is sufficient for this effect. Transient or stable expression of the viral LTR increases cellular AP-1 DNA binding activity. The collagenase IV 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-responsive element consensus sequence was shown to be required for this trans-activation. Deletions or mutations of this consensus site which abolished AP-1 binding also abolished trans-activation by the LTR. Transient or stable transfection of the viral LTR into cells stimulated c-jun gene expression, suggesting one mechanism whereby the viral LTR may induce cellular AP-1 activity. Thus, the Mo-MuLV LTR, through activation of the transcription factor AP-1, is capable of regulating cellular gene expression, including the induction of proto-oncogenes. This activity may be relevant to the mechanisms whereby retroviruses which do not contain oncogenes induce neoplasia.

Prostaglandin F2 alpha stimulates formation of p21ras-GTP complex and mitogen-activated protein kinase in NIH-3T3 cells via Gq-protein-coupled pathway

Prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and MAP kinase kinase in NIH-3T3 cells by a mechanism that was completely inhibited by protein kinase inhibitors, staurosporine (20 nM) or H-7 (20 microM), but was insensitive to pretreatment with islet-activating protein (100 ng/ml; 24 h) or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (2.5 microM; 24 h). PGF2 alpha stimulation also led to a significant increase in Ras.GTP complex. Transfection of a cDNA encoding a constitutively active mutant of Gq alpha-subunit (Q209L) mimicked PGF2 alpha-induced MAP kinase activation, increase in Ras.GTP complex, and DNA synthesis in these cells, suggesting that activation of Gq mediates the PGF2 alpha-activation of Ras-MAP kinase pathway and mitogenesis in NIH-3T3 cells. These data provide a new insight into regulatory mechanisms of Ras-MAP kinase pathway through heterotrimeric G-protein-mediated pathways.

The role of phosphotyrosine signaling pathway in a parotid gland proliferation and function

Tyrosine phosphorylation and the intracellular signaling processes associated with it have been the focus of intense study due to its importance in the regulation of biological processes as diverse as cell proliferation and cell differentiation. While much of what we now understand has been derived from the study of cell lines and tumor cells, the salivary glands provide a model to examine the effects of tyrosine kinases and tyrosine phosphatases in a normal differentiated tissue. This review will focus, therefore, on the role tyrosine kinases and phosphatases play in inducing the transition from stasis to active proliferation and their potential role in mediating secretory function of the salivary glands.

Identification and characterization of protein kinase CKII isoforms in HeLa cells. Isoform-specific differences in rates of assembly from catalytic and regulatory subunits

Protein kinase CKII (formerly casein kinase II) can be isolated as a heterotetramer, containing two catalytic (alpha or alpha') and two regulatory (beta) subunits. We have characterized the forms of CKII in HeLa cells using antibodies specific for the alpha or alpha' subunits. Following metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine, whole cell soluble extracts were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis. Both alpha and alpha' coprecipitate with beta and with each other. However, when extracts are depleted of alpha, a pool of CKII containing only alpha' and beta is identified. Similarly, depletion of alpha' revealed a pool exclusively of alpha and beta. Therefore, we propose that there are three distinct isoforms of CKII within HeLa cells with different catalytic subunit stoichiometries (alpha 2 beta 2, alpha alpha' beta 2, and alpha' 2 beta 2). With our immunodepletion procedure we have characterized the isoforms by activity analysis, turnover of pulse-labeled subunits, and by localization in subcellular fractions obtained from labeled cells. We have also analyzed complex formation between the catalytic and regulatory subunits by examining the differences in the rate of signal incorporation into subunits in immunoprecipitates obtained from continuously labeled and pulse-labeled cells. We have found that the alpha 2 beta 2 and alpha alpha' beta 2 isoforms assemble relatively slowly (12-16 h), whereas complex formation of the alpha' 2 beta 2 isoform occurs more rapidly (2-4 h). Analysis of isoform complex formation in subcellular fractions from pulse-labeled cells revealed that the majority of nuclear CKII is assembled in the nucleus from free catalytic and regulatory subunit polypeptides.

In vivo protein-DNA interactions at the c-jun promoter in quiescent and serum-stimulated fibroblasts

c-Jun is an important component in the regulation of cell proliferation. As a member of the early response gene family, c-jun is induced within minutes in the presence of mitogenic agents such as serum growth factors. Using in vivo footprinting, we have analyzed protein-DNA interactions at the c-jun promoter in human fibroblasts subjected to growth arrest and serum stimulation. We located seven footprints upstream of the transcription initiation site. Protein-DNA interactions were detected at two AP-1-like sequences, A CCAAT box, an SP-1 sequence, an NF-jun sequence, a putative RSRF (related to serum response factor) binding site, and a sequence bound by an unknown factor. All of these binding sites were occupied in serum-starved cells, and no additional protein-DNA interactions were detected upon serum stimulation. Evidence from this study supports a model in which expression of the c-jun gene is mediated by phosphorylation events taking place on the transactivation domains of promoter-bound transcriptional activators.

Protein kinase C is not a downstream effector of p21ras in activated T cells

The aim of this present study was to investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC), downstream of p21ras, in activating interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene expression. It has been reported that PKC is an effector of p21ras in T cells. Data is presented, using the potent and selective PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8425 and transient expression of a constitutively active ras mutant, which clearly shows that PKC is not downstream of p21ras in the induction of NF-AT and AP-1 transcriptional activity and in the expression of IL-2 in human Jurkat T cells. Reporter gene experiments demonstrated that NF-kappa B transcriptional activity is not affected by expression of activated p21ras. The signaling pathways involving PKC activation, calcium mobilization and ras activation combine to provide the necessary components for production of IL-2 during T cell activation.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and arachidonate release via two G protein-coupled receptors expressed in the rat hippocampus

Platelet-activating factor and somatostatin receptors, two G protein-coupled receptors expressed in the rat hippocampus, were analyzed for the downstream signaling pathways in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing each receptor. Ligand stimulation to each CHO cell line induced (1) inhibition of forskolin-induced accumulation of cAMP, (2) arachidonate release, and (3) activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and MAP kinase kinase. In contrast, inositol phosphate breakdown was seen only in the PAF-stimulated CHO cells. The induction of these signals accompanied no detectable Ras activation. Suppression of the signals by pertussis toxin was almost complete for the somatostatin receptor but partial for the PAF receptor, suggesting that the somatostatin receptor couples only with PTX-sensitive G protein, while the PAF receptor couples with both PTX-sensitive and -insensitive G proteins. A model of G protein-mediated signaling pathways was proposed in which the signals from Gi and those from Gq converge at MAP kinase kinase and lead to arachidonate release. The present system using CHO cells is useful for analyzing signaling pathways from G proteins to MAP kinase kinase and will thereby provide clues for understanding the mechanisms underlying the physiological and pathological events mediated by PAF, somatostatin, and other G protein-coupled receptors in the central nervous system and other tissues.

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade by tyrphostin (RG 50864)

Tyrphostins are synthetic compounds which have been described as in vitro inhibitors of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor tyrosine kinase activity. In NIH3T3 cells, stimulation of EGF-receptor tyrosine kinase leads to an increase of intracellular protein phosphorylations, among them the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and the S6 kinases p90rsk and p70S6K. Phosphorylation of these proteins, either on tyrosine or serine/threonine residues or on both residues increases their protein kinase activity. Unexpectedly, treatment of NIH3T3 cells with both tyrphostin (RG 50864) and EGF results in an increase in the level of tyrosine phosphorylation of the MAP kinase. During this treatment, we also observed an increase in MAP kinase and S6 kinase p90rsk activities. Tyrphostin treatment diminishes the level of c-fos mRNA but has no effect on c-myc mRNA expression nor on S6 kinase p70S6K activity. Mitogenic signalling induced by EGF in NIH3T3 cells was blocked by tyrphostin, suggesting that the target(s) for this event may be elements downstream from the MAP kinase or independent of this signal transduction.