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Khachigian LM. The MEK-ERK-Egr-1 axis and its regulation in cardiovascular disease. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 153:107232. [PMID: 37734428 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Multiple molecular and cellular processes underpinning the pathogenesis of CVD are regulated by the zinc finger transcription factor and product of an immediate-early gene, early growth response-1 (Egr-1). Egr-1 regulates multiple pro-inflammatory processes that underpin the manifestation of CVD. The activity of Egr-1 itself is influenced by a range of post-translational modifications including sumoylation, ubiquitination and acetylation. Egr-1 also undergoes phosphorylation by protein kinases, such as extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) which is itself phosphorylated by MEK. This article reviews recent progress on the MEK-ERK-Egr-1 cascade, notably regulation in conjunction with factors and agents such as TET2, TRIB2, MIAT, SphK1, cAMP, teneligliptin, cholinergic drugs, red wine and flavonoids, wogonin, febuxostat, docosahexaenoic acid and AT1R blockade. Such insights should provide new opportunity for therapeutic intervention in CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Tan L, Zhang H, Li H, Sun S, Lyu Q, Jiang Y. Blueberry extracts antagonize Aβ 25-35 neurotoxicity and exert a neuroprotective effect through MEK-ERK-BDNF/UCH-L1 signaling pathway in rat and mouse hippocampus. Nutr Neurosci 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37647279 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2252640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuroprotective potential of blueberry (BB) extracts against Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been previously hinted at, while its exact mechanism has remained largely enigmatic. OBJECTIVE Our study endeavored to unravel the impacts and mechanisms by which BB extracts ameliorated the learning and memory prowess of AD-afflicted mice, with a specific focus on the MEK-ERK pathway. METHODS We employed 3-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice and stratified them into three distinct groups: AD+BB, AD, and control (CT). The Morris Water Maze Test (MWMT) was then administered to gauge their learning and memory faculties. In vitro experiments were executed on Aβ25-35-afflicted rat hippocampal neurons, which were subsequently treated with varying concentrations of BB extracts. We then assessed the expression levels of genes and proteins integral to the MEK-ERKBDNF/UCH-L1 pathway. RESULTS The data showed that the AD mice demonstrated compromised learning and memory faculties in MWMT. However, the AD+BB cohort showcased marked improvements in performance. Furthermore, in the AD subset, significant elevations in the expressions of MEK2 and ERK1/2 were observed, both at the mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, UCH-L1 mRNA expressions exhibited a decline, while BDNF expressions surged significantly. However, post BB extract treatment, the expressions of MEK2 and ERK1/2 were subdued, with UCH-L1 and BDNF mRNA expressions reverting to control levels. CONCLUSIONS Our findings propounded that BB extracts could offer therapeutic promise for AD by bolstering learning and memory capacities. The unwarranted activation of the MEK-ERK pathway, coupled with the aberrant expressions of BDNF and UCH-L1, might underpin AD's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Tan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiqiang Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area Hospital, Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shoudan Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanjun Lyu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yugang Jiang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Kang Y, Lin J, Wang L, Shen X, Li J, Wu A, Yue L, Wei L, Ye Y, Yang J, Wu J. Hirsutine, a novel megakaryopoiesis inducer, promotes thrombopoiesis via MEK/ERK/FOG1/TAL1 signaling. Phytomedicine 2022; 102:154150. [PMID: 35569185 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia (TP) remains a challenge in clinical hematology. TP may have serious consequences, such as recurrent skin and mucosal bleeding and increased risk of intracranial and internal organ hemorrhage. However, effective and safe therapeutic drugs for the long-term management of TP are still lacking. PURPOSE This study aimed to identify more effective active compounds for TP therapy. METHODS Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was used to confirm the medicinal species and chemical structure of Hirsutine (HS). The proliferation of HS was examined by Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8) assay on cells lines. The effect of HS on megakaryocyte differentiation was analyzed by evaluating the expression of CD41, CD42b, and DNA ploidy via flow cytometry (FCM). The morphology of megakaryocytes and intermediate cells was observed using an optical microscope. K562 cells were then stained with Giemsa and benzidine. qRT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA expression of GATA-1, GATA-2, FOG-1, TAL-1, RUNX-1, NF-E2, and KLF-1 in K562 cells. Protein levels of the transcription factors were analyzed by western blotting. An MEK inhibitor was used to verify the relationship between the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and CD41/CD42b (FCM), FOG-1, and TAL-1. The Kunming thrombocytopenia mouse model was established by X-ray irradiation (4 Gy) and used to test HS activity and related hematopoietic organ index in vivo. Finally, computer simulations of molecular docking were used to predict the binding energies between HS-MEK and HS-ERK. RESULTS We preliminarily identified HS by screening a plant-sourced compound library for natural compounds with megakaryocytic differentiation and maturation (MKD/MKM)-promoting activity. We found that HS not only enhanced MKD/MKM of K562 and Meg01 cells, but also suppressed the decline of peripheral platelet levels in X-ray-induced myelosuppressive mice. In addition, HS promoted MKD via activation of MEK-ERK-FOG1/TAL1 signaling, which may be the key molecular mechanism of HS action in TP treatment. Molecular docking simulations further verified that HS targets the signaling protein MEK with high-affinity. CONCLUSION In this study, we report for the first time that hirsutine boosts MKD/MKM through the MEK/ERK/FOG1/TAL1 signaling pathway and thus represents a promising treatment option for TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xin Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jingyan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Anguo Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liang Yue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liuping Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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Qureshi Z, Ahmad M, Yang WX, Tan FQ. Kinesin 12 (KIF15) contributes to the development and tumorigenicity of prostate cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 576:7-14. [PMID: 34474246 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In Asia, prostate cancer is becoming a growing concern, impacting both socially and economically, compared with what is seen in western countries. Hence, it is essential to know the mechanisms associated with the development and tumorigenesis of PCa for primary diagnosis, risk management, and development of therapy strategies against PCa. Kinesin family member 15 (KIF15), a kinesin family member, is a plus-end-directed kinesin that functions to form bipolar spindles. There is emerging evidence indicating that KIF15 plays a significant role in several malignancies, such as pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and breast cancer. Still, the function of KIF15 remains unclear in prostate cancer. Here, we study the functional importance of KIF15 in the tumorigenesis of PCa. The bioinformatic analysis from PCa patients revealed high KIF15 expression compared to normal prostate tissues. High expression hinting at a possible functional role of KIF15 in regulating cell proliferation of PCa, which was demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo assays. Downregulation of KIF15 silenced the expression of CDK2, p-RB, and Cyclin D1 and likewise blocked the cells at the G1 stage of the cell cycle. In addition, KIF15 downregulation inhibited MEK-ERK signaling by significantly silencing p-ERK and p-MEK levels. In conclusion, this study confirmed the functional significance of KIF15 in the growth and development of prostate cancer and could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Qureshi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mashaal Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Institute of Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention of China National MOE, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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Zhou L, Li J, Liu J, Wang A, Liu Y, Yu H, Ouyang H, Pang D. Investigation of the lncRNA THOR in Mice Highlights the Importance of Noncoding RNAs in Mammalian Male Reproduction. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080859. [PMID: 34440063 PMCID: PMC8389704 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
THOR is a highly conserved testis-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). The interaction between THOR and the development of the male reproductive system remains unclear. Herein, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to establish a stable THOR-deficient mouse model, and the relationship between THOR and the fertility of adult male mice was investigated. The male mice in which THOR was deleted were smaller than the WT male mice. Moreover, their survival rate was reduced by 60%, their fertility was reduced by 50%, their testicular size and sperm motility were reduced by 50%, their testicular cell apoptosis was increased by 7-fold, and their ratio of female-to-male offspring was imbalanced (approximately 1:3). Furthermore, to elucidate the mechanisms of male reproductive system development, the mRNA levels of THOR targets were measured by qRT-PCR. Compared with WT mice, the THOR-deficient mice exhibited significantly decreased mRNA levels of IGF2BP1, c-MYC, IGF1, and IGF2. MEK-ERK signaling pathway expression was downregulated as determined by Western blot. We found that THOR targeted the MER-ERK signaling pathway downstream of IGF2 by binding to IGF2BP1 and affected testicular and sperm development in male mice. These results may also provide perspectives for exploring the roles of lncRNAs in human reproductive development and the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jianing Li
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Anbei Wang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hao Yu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hongsheng Ouyang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
- Chongqing Research Institute, Jilin University, Chongqing 401123, China
- Correspondence: (H.O.); (D.P.)
| | - Daxin Pang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China; (L.Z.); (J.L.); (J.L.); (A.W.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (H.O.); (D.P.)
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Griesmann H, Mühl S, Riedel J, Theuerkorn K, Sipos B, Esposito I, Vanden Heuvel GB, Michl P. CUX1 Enhances Pancreatic Cancer Formation by Synergizing with KRAS and Inducing MEK/ERK-Dependent Proliferation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2462. [PMID: 34070180 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In pancreatic cancer, CUX1 acts as an important mediator of tumor cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Using two different mouse models for the prevalent CUX1 isoforms p200 and p110, we identified p110 CUX1 as the major isoform promoting pancreatic cancer formation in the context of mutant KRAS. We could show an enhanced proliferation by activating and potentiating MEK-ERK signaling via an increased upstream activation of the ADAM17-EGFR axis. This strengthened activation in a KRAS-dependent manner, leading to a dramatically more accelerated formation of invasive PDAC in p110 CUX1 mice within 4 weeks. These results provide the first in vivo evidence for the importance of CUX1 in the development of pancreatic cancer, and highlight CUX1-dependent signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets. Abstract The transcription factor CUX1 has been implicated in either tumor suppression or progression, depending on the cancer entity and the prevalent CUX1 isoform. Previously, we could show that CUX1 acts as an important mediator of tumor cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cell lines. However, in vivo evidence for its impact on pancreatic carcinogenesis, isoform-specific effects and downstream signaling cascades are missing. We crossbred two different CUX1 isoform mouse models (p200 CUX1 and p110 CUX1) with KC (KrasLSL-G12D/+; Ptf1aCre/+) mice, a genetic model for pancreatic precursor lesions (PanIN). In the context of oncogenic KRASs, both mice KCCux1p200 and KCCux1p110 led to increased PanIN formation and development of invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomata (PDAC). In KCCux1p110 mice, tumor development was dramatically more accelerated, leading to formation of invasive PDAC within 4 weeks. In vitro and in vivo, we could show that CUX1 enhanced proliferation by activating MEK-ERK signaling via an upstream increase of ADAM17 protein, which in turn led to an activation of EGFR. Additionally, CUX1 further enhanced MEK-ERK activation through upregulation of the serine/threonine kinase MOS, phosphorylating MEK in a KRAS-independent manner. We identified p110 CUX1 as major driver of pancreatic cancer formation in the context of mutant KRAS. These results provide the first in vivo evidence for the importance of CUX1 in the development of pancreatic cancer, and highlight the importance of CUX1-dependent signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets.
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Zhao Z, Zhu L, Xing Y, Zhang Z. Praja2 suppresses the growth of gastric cancer by ubiquitylation of KSR1 and inhibiting MEK-ERK signal pathways. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:3886-97. [PMID: 33461174 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant tumor, which has a high incidence and fatality. Therefore, it is important to clarify the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development for GC and to find more effective treatments and targeted drugs. In this study, we found that the kinase suppressor of Ras1 (KSR1) was increased in GC tissues and cell lines. Silencing of KSR1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MKN-45 cells. E3 ligase Praja2 was downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. In addition, praja2 promoted ubiquitylation of KSR1, but inhibited MEK-ERK signal pathways. Functional analysis indicated overexpression of praja2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of MKN-45 cells, while MG132 or FGF2 treatment removed the inhibitory effects of praja2 on GC progression. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments indicated praja2 inhibited tumor growth via KSR1-MEK-ERK axis. In conclusion, praja2 promoted the ubiquitylation and degradation of KSR1, which disturbed MEK- ERK signaling and inhibited GC progression. Our study might provide a novel target for GC clinical treatment.
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Zhao J, Klausen C, Yi Y, Cheng JC, Chang HM, Leung PCK. Betacellulin enhances ovarian cancer cell migration by up-regulating Connexin43 via MEK-ERK signaling. Cell Signal 2019; 65:109439. [PMID: 31654720 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the fifth common cause of cancer death in women and the most lethal gynecological malignancies. Our previous studies have shown that up-regulation of Connexin43, a gap-junction subunit crucial for cell-cell communication, enhances ovarian cancer cell migration. Betacellulin is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family which can bind to multiple EGF family receptors. Overexpression of betacellulin is found in a variety of cancers and is associated with reduced survival. However, the specific roles and molecular mechanisms of betacellulin in ovarian cancer progression are poorly understood. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that betacellulin induces ovarian cancer cell migration by up-regulating Connexin43. Our results showed that treatment with betacellulin significantly increased Connexin43 expression and cell migration in both OVCAR4 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell lines. Moreover, betacellulin induced the activation of MEK-ERK signaling, and its effects on Connexin43 were inhibited by pre-treatment with U0126. Pre-treatment with AG1478 totally blocked the activation of MEK-ERK signaling but only partially inhibited betacellulin-induced Connexin43 expression and cell migration. Most importantly, betacellulin-induced cell migration was attenuated by knockdown of Connexin43, and co-treatment with gap junction inhibitor carbenoxolone did not alter this effect. Our results suggest a bilateral role of Connexin43 in ovarian cancer migration, and also demonstrate a gap junction-independent mechanism of betacellulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfang Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada; Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Yuyin Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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Wang N, Li Y, Li Z, Ma J, Wu X, Pan R, Wang Y, Gao L, Bao X, Xue P. IRS-1 targets TAZ to inhibit adipogenesis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through PI3K-Akt and MEK-ERK pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 849:11-21. [PMID: 30716312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Gene modification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offers a promising approach for clinical stem cell therapy. Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) plays a vital role in MSCs' differentiation. We aim to explore the interaction of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) with TAZ to regulate MSCs' adipogenesis in this study. Initially, IRS-1 and TAZ followed similar decreasing expression pattern at the early stage of adipogenesis. And, overexpression of IRS-1 decreased the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and peroxi-some proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression with TAZ upregulation. Accordingly, knockdown of IRS-1 induced the upexpression of C/EBPβ and PPARγ with TAZ downregulation. Indeed, IRS-1 targeted TAZ to downregulate the C/EBPβ and PPARγ expression, while knockdown of TAZ attenuated the IRS-1 inhibited adipogenesis. Furthermore, both LY294002 (the PI3K-Akt inhibitor) and U0126 (the MEK-ERK inhibitor) blocked the regulation of IRS-1 on TAZ during adipogenesis. Additionally, IRS-1 and TAZ influenced the cell proliferation in the above process. Taken together, this study suggests for the first time that IRS-1 is a key regulator of the MSCs' adipogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for differential alterations in bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Yukun Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Jianxia Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Xuelun Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Runzhou Pan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Liu Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Bao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China
| | - Peng Xue
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China; Key Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory of Hebei Province, 139 Ziqiang Road, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, PR China.
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Salort G, Álvaro-Bartolomé M, García-Sevilla JA. Ketamine-induced hypnosis and neuroplasticity in mice is associated with disrupted p-MEK/p-ERK sequential activation and sustained upregulation of survival p-FADD in brain cortex: Involvement of GABA(A) receptor. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 88:121-31. [PMID: 30003929 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine (KET) is an antidepressant and hypnotic drug acting as an antagonist at excitatory NMDA glutamate receptors. The working hypothesis postulated that KET-induced sleep in mice results in dysregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) MEK-ERK sequential phosphorylation and upregulation of survival p-FADD and other neuroplastic markers in brain. Low (5-15 mg/kg) and high (150 mg/kg) doses of KET on target proteins were assessed by Western immunoblot in mouse brain cortex. During the time course of KET (150 mg/kg)-induced sleep (up to 50 min) p-MEK was increased (up to +79%) and p-ERK decreased (up to -46%) indicating disruption of MEK to ERK signal. Subhypnotic KET (5-15 mg/kg) also revealed uncoupling of p-MEK (+13-81%) to p-ERK (unchanged content). KET did not alter contraregulatory MAPK mechanisms such as inactivated p-MEK1 (ERK dampening) and phosphatases MKP1/2/3 (ERK dephosphorylation). As other relevant findings, KET (5, 15 and 150 mg/kg) upregulated p-FADD in a dose-dependent manner, and for the hypnotic dose the effect paralleled the time course of sleep which resulted in increased p-FADD/FADD ratios. KET (150 mg/kg) also increased NF-κΒ and PSD-95 neuroplastic markers. Flumazenil (a neutral allosteric antagonist at GABAA receptor) prolonged KET sleep and blocked p-MEK upregulation, indicating the involvement of this receptor as a negative modulator. SL-327 (a MEK inhibitor) augmented KET sleep, further indicating the relevance of reduced p-ERK1/2 in KET-induced hypnosis. These findings suggest that hypnotic and subhypnotic doses of KET inducing uncoupling of p-MEK to p-ERK signal and regulation of p-ERK (downregulation) and p-FADD (upregulation) may participate in the expression of some of its adverse effects (e.g. amnesia, dissociative effects).
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Salort G, Álvaro-Bartolomé M, García-Sevilla JA. Pentobarbital and other anesthetic agents induce opposite regulations of MAP kinases p-MEK and p-ERK, and upregulate p-FADD/FADD neuroplastic index in brain during hypnotic states in mice. Neurochem Int 2018; 122:59-72. [PMID: 30423425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Midazolam and ketamine-induced anesthesia were recently shown to induce a disruption of MEK/ERK sequential phosphorylation with parallel upregulation of p-FADD in the mouse brain. The present study was designed to assess whether other structurally diverse anesthetic agents (pentobarbital, ethanol, chloral hydrate, isoflurane) also impair brain p-MEK to p-ERK signal and increase p-FADD during the particular time course of 'sleep' in mice. Pentobarbital (50 mg/kg)-, ethanol (4000 mg/kg)-, chloral hydrate (400 mg/kg)-, and isoflurane (2% in O2)-induced anesthesia (range: 24-60 min) were associated with unaltered or increased p-MEK1/2 (up to +155%) and decreased p-ERK1/2 (up to -60%) contents, revealing disruption of MEK to ERK activation in mouse brain cortex. These anesthetic agents also upregulated cortical p-FADD (up to +110%), but not total FADD (moderately decreased), which resulted in increased neuroplastic/survival p-FADD/FADD ratios (up to +2.8 fold). The inhibition of pentobarbital metabolism with SKF525-A (a cytochrome P450 inhibitor) augmented barbiturate anesthesia (2.6 times) and induced a greater and sustained upregulation of p-MEK with p-ERK downregulation, as well as prolonged increases of p-FADD content and p-FADD/FADD ratio (effects lasting for more than 240 min). Pentobarbital also upregulated significantly the cortical contents of other markers of neuroplasticity such as the ERK inhibitor p-PEA-15 (up to +46%), the transcription factor NF-κB (up to +27%) and the synaptic density protein PSD-95 (up to +20%) during 'sleep'. The results reveal a paradoxical stimulation of p-MEK without the concomitant (canonical) activation of p-ERK (e.g. with pentobarbital and isoflurane), for which various molecular mechanisms are discussed. The downregulation of brain p-ERK may participate in the manifestations of adverse effects displayed by most hypnotic/anesthetic agents in clinical use (e.g. amnesia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Glòria Salort
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut d'investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - María Álvaro-Bartolomé
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut d'investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jesús A García-Sevilla
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Institut d'investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Xiong Z, Zang Y, Zhong S, Zou L, Wu Y, Liu S, Fang Z, Shen Z, Ding Q, Chen S. The preclinical assessment of XL388, a mTOR kinase inhibitor, as a promising anti-renal cell carcinoma agent. Oncotarget 2018; 8:30151-30161. [PMID: 28404914 PMCID: PMC5444733 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
XL388 is a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase inhibitor. We demonstrated that XL388 inhibited survival and proliferation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines (786-0 and A549) and primary human RCC cells. XL388 activated caspase-dependent apoptosis in the RCC cells. XL388 blocked mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 activation, and depleted hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and HIF-2α expression in RCC cells. Yet, XL388 was ineffective in RCC cells with mTOR shRNA knockdown or kinase-dead mutation. Notably, XL388 was more efficient than mTORC1 inhibitors (rapamycin, everolimus and temsirolimus) in killing RCC cells. Further studies showed that activation of MEK-ERK might be a key resistance factor of XL388. Pharmacological or shRNA-mediated inhibition of MEK-ERK pathway sensitized XL388-induced cytotoxicity in RCC cells. In vivo, oral administration of XL388 inhibited in nude mice 786-0 RCC tumor growth, and its anti-tumor activity was sensitized with co-administration of the MEK-ERK inhibitor MEK162. Together, these results suggest that concurrent inhibition of mTORC1/2 by XL388 may represent a fine strategy to inhibit RCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuquan Xiong
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwen Zang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Zhong
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lujia Zou
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yishuo Wu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenghua Liu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zujun Fang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhoujun Shen
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanwen Chen
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Álvaro-Bartolomé M, Salort G, García-Sevilla JA. Disruption of brain MEK-ERK sequential phosphorylation and activation during midazolam-induced hypnosis in mice: Roles of GABA A receptor, MEK1 inactivation, and phosphatase MKP-3. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 75:84-93. [PMID: 28111292 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Midazolam is a positive allosteric modulator at GABAA receptor that induces a short hypnosis and neuroplasticity, in which the sequential phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 was shown to play a role. This study investigated the parallel activation of p-MEK and p-ERK and regulatory mechanisms induced by midazolam through the stimulation of GABAA receptors in the mouse brain. During the time course of midazolam (60mg/kg)-induced sleep in mice (lasting for about 2h) p-Ser217/221 MEK1/2 was increased (+146% to +258%) whereas, unexpectedly, p-Tyr204/Thr202 ERK1/2 was found decreased (-16% to -38%), revealing uncoupling of MEK to ERK signals in various brain regions. Midazolam-induced p-MEK1/2 upregulation was prevented by pretreatment (30min) with flumazenil (10mg/kg), indicating the involvement of GABAA receptors. Also unexpectedly, midazolam-induced p-ERK1/2 downregulation was not prevented by flumazenil (10 or 30mg/kg). Notably, during midazolam-induced sleep the content of inactivated p-Thr286 MEK1, which can dampen ERK1/2 activation, was increased (+33% to +149%) through a mechanism sensitive to flumazenil (10mg/kg). Midazolam also increased MKP-3 (+13% to +73%) content and this upregulation was prevented by flumazenil (10mg/kg); an effect suggesting ERK inactivation because MKP-3 is the phosphatase selective for ERK1/2 dephosphorylation. The results indicate that during midazolam-induced sleep in mice there is an uncoupling of p-MEK (increased) to p-ERK (decreased) signals. p-ERK1/2 downregulation (not involving GABAA receptors) is the result of increased inactivated MEK1 and phosphatase MKP-3 (both effects involving GABAA receptors). These findings are relevant for the neurobiology and clinical use of benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Álvaro-Bartolomé
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IUNICS-IdISPa, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Glòria Salort
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IUNICS-IdISPa, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús A García-Sevilla
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IUNICS-IdISPa, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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Chen L, Chen Q, Deng G, Kuang S, Lian J, Wang M, Zhu H. AMPK activation by GSK621 inhibits human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 480:515-521. [PMID: 27751856 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that forced activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could inhibit melanoma cell proliferation. In this report, we evaluated the anti-melanoma cell activity by a novel small-molecular AMPK activator, GSK621. Treatment of GSK621 decreased survival and proliferation of human melanoma cells (A375, WM-115 and SK-Mel-2 lines), which was accompanied by activation of caspase-3/-9 and apoptosis. Reversely, caspase inhibitors attenuated GSK621-induced cytotoxicity against melanoma cells. Significantly, GSK621 was more potent than other AMPK activators (A769662, Compound 13 and AICAR) in inhibiting melanoma cells. Intriguingly, same GSK621 treatment was non-cytotoxic or pro-apoptotic against human melanocytes. Molecularly, we showed that activation of AMPK mediated GSK621's activity against melanoma cells. AMPKα1 shRNA knockdown or dominant negative mutation (T172A) dramatically attenuated GSK621-induced melanoma cell lethality. Further studies revealed that MEK-ERK activation might be the primary resistance factor of GSK621. MEK-ERK inhibition, either genetically or pharmacologically, significantly sensitized melanoma cells to GSK-621. Remarkably, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of GSK621 inhibited A375 tumor growth in SCID mice. Co-administration of MEK-ERK inhibitor MEK162 further sensitized GSK621-induced anti-A375 tumor activity in vivo. Together, the results imply that targeted activation of AMPK by GSK621 inhibits melanoma cell survival and proliferation. MEK-ERK inhibition may further sensitize GSK621's anti-melanoma cell activity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lezi Chen
- Department of Plastic and Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guosan Deng
- Department of Plastic and Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shifeng Kuang
- Department of Plastic and Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jihong Lian
- Department of Plastic and Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mian Wang
- Department of Plastic and Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Guangdong General Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huilan Zhu
- Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, China
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