Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.10.1 (ERK)
95,504 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Signal transduction downstream HGF receptor (MET) activation involves multiple pathways that account for mitogenesis, motility and morphogenesis in a cell type-dependent fashion. MET receptor is aberrantly expressed in almost 100% of human osteosarcomas. We analyzed the effect of the MET receptor activation in five human osteosarcoma cell lines evaluating the levels of HGF-dependent activation of MAPK and PKB/AKT as biochemical readouts of mitogenic and invasive responses, respectively. All the cell lines tested expressed high levels of the MET proto-oncogene. Four cell lines showed activation of the MAPK cascade upon HGF stimulation, suggesting that this growth factor serves a common proliferative function in osteosarcomas. Two lines showed activation of PKB/AKT that is known to be involved in migration mediated by HGF receptor. Accordingly, cell lines where MAPK cascade was activated responded to HGF with increased proliferation, while induction and inhibition of PKB/AKT activity corresponded to acquisition or block of the invasive-motile response to HGF, respectively. Both the HGF dependent responses were reverted by the specific MET inhibitor K252a. These data show that HGF activates both the mitogen and motogen machinery in osteosarcoma cells and suggest that HGF might promote their malignant behavior by concomitant activation of different pathways and biological functions.
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PMID:Role of the MET/HGF receptor in proliferation and invasive behavior of osteosarcoma. 1270 13

Learning and long-term memory are thought to involve temporally defined changes in gene expression that lead to the strengthening of synaptic connections in selected brain regions. We used cDNA microarrays to study hippocampal gene expression in animals trained in a spatial discrimination-learning paradigm. Our analysis identified 19 genes that showed statistically significant changes in expression when comparing Nai;ve versus Trained animals. We confirmed the changes in expression for the genes encoding the nuclear protein prothymosin(alpha) and the delta-1 opioid receptor (DOR1) by Northern blotting or in situ hybridization. In additional studies, laser-capture microdissection (LCM) allowed us to obtain enriched neuronal populations from the dentate gyrus, CA1, and CA3 subregions of the hippocampus from Nai;ve, Pseudotrained, and spatially Trained animals. Real-time PCR examined the spatial learning specificity of hippocampal modulation of the genes encoding protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt), protein kinase C(delta) (PKC(delta)), cell adhesion kinase(beta) (CAK(beta), also known as Pyk2), and receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase(zeta/beta) (RPTP(zeta/beta)). These studies showed subregion specificity of spatial learning-induced changes in gene expression within the hippocampus, a feature that was particular to each gene studied. We suggest that statistically valid gene expression profiles generated with cDNA microarrays may provide important insights as to the cellular and molecular events subserving learning and memory processes in the brain.
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PMID:Hippocampal gene expression profiling in spatial discrimination learning. 1273 36

The activated insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) protects cells from a wide range of apoptotic stimuli. Hyperglycemia promotes the intracellular generation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, both of which have been linked to the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis program. Here, we report for the first time that ligand activation of the IGF-1R protects normal human mesangial cells and SV40 murine mesangial cells from the glycol-oxidant-induced apoptosis program. The IGF-1R antiapoptosis program was dependent on the recruitment of both Akt/PKB and the ERK subfamily of mitogen-activated protein kinases. IGF-1 treatment also protected the redox potential of mesangial cells maintained at high ambient glucose concentration, by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates and preserving mitochondrial transmembrane potential. IGF-1R survival signals targeted the Bcl-2 family of proteins to protect against glucose-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress. IGF-1-treated cells exhibited a decrease in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio; increased phosphorylation/inactivation of Bad at Ser112 and Ser136; inhibition of cytochrome c release; perturbations directionally opposed to the initiation of the apoptosis program. In addition, we demonstrate IGF-1R-activated ERK signaling modules phosphorylate Ser112 of the mitochondrial Bad protein, establishing a direct link between surface IGF-1R and the survival program in mitochondria. Our findings indicate that in mesangial cells maintained at high ambient glucose concentration, IGF-1 activates a survival program that maintains the integrity of mitochondria and prevents the expression of the genetic program for apoptosis.
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PMID:IGF-1 inhibits the mitochondrial apoptosis program in mesangial cells exposed to high glucose. 1287 69

HSP90 inhibitors such as 17AAG have the major therapeutic advantage that they exert downstream inhibitory effects on multiple oncogenic client proteins. They therefore block several mission critical cancer-causing pathways and have the potential to modulate all of the hallmark biological features of malignancy. Consistent with this combinatorial anti-oncogenic profile, 17AAG exhibits broad-spectrum antitumour activity against cultured cancer cell lines and in vivo animal models. However, there are clear differences in sensitivity between various cancer cell lines and it is quite possible that some tumour types or individual patients will be more responsive in the clinic than others. We describe the methods used to investigate the genes and proteins involved in the mechanism of action of HSP90 inhibitors and discuss the significance of these for cellular sensitivity. Methods used involve the conventional cell and molecular biology techniques, together with the more recent application of high throughput global technologies such as gene expression microarrays and proteomics. Selected examples that seem to play a role in sensitivity to HSP90 inhibitors are highlighted and the potential relevance to the response of cancer patients is discussed. Important determinants of response include: 1) Dependence upon key HSP90 client proteins such as ERBB2, steroid hormone receptors and AKT/PKB; 2) Levels of HSP90 family members and co-chaperones, such as HSP70 and AHA1; and 3) expression of various cell cycle and apoptotic regulators. In the case of 17AAG, metabolic enzymes such as NQO1 and membrane efflux pumps are also important for sensitivity.
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PMID:Genes and proteins governing the cellular sensitivity to HSP90 inhibitors: a mechanistic perspective. 1452 85

Pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs) occur sporadically or are inherited as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 syndrome. Little is known about the molecular events leading to these tumours. Cyclin D1, a key regulator of the G1/S transition of the cell cycle, is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers as well as certain endocrine tumours. We hypothesized that similar to other endocrine tumours, cyclin D1 is overexpressed in human sporadic PETs. Cyclin D1 protein overexpression was found in 20 of 31 PETs (65%) when compared with normal pancreatic tIssue. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis suggests that cyclin D1 up-regulation occurs at the post-transcriptional level in some PETs. Because the key cell growth signalling pathways p42/p44/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), p38/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), and Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) can regulate cyclin D1 protein expression in other cell types, pancreatic endocrine tumours were analysed with phospho-specific antibodies against the active forms of these proteins to elucidate a tIssue-specific regulatory mechanism of cyclin D1 in PETs. We found frequent activation of the p38/MAPK and Akt pathways, but down-regulation of the ERK pathway, in cyclin D1 overexpressing PETs. This study demonstrates that cyclin D1 overexpression is associated with human sporadic PET tumorigenesis, and suggests that this up-regulation may occur at the post-transcriptional level. These findings will direct future studies of PETs towards cell cycle dysregulation and the identification of key growth factor pathways involved in the formation of these tumours.
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PMID:Frequent overexpression of cyclin D1 in sporadic pancreatic endocrine tumours. 1452 67

In vivo models utilizing orthotopic injection of tumor cells into nude mice have proven valuable for the study of metastasis. However, breast cancers are among the more difficult of human tumors to grow in immunodeficient mice, with a relatively low tumor take. Fewer still develop spontaneous metastases. The injection of GI101A breast cancer cells into the mammary fatpad (mfp) produced lung metastases in 25% of tumor-bearing mice. Selecting cells from the lung metastases and recycling in vivo resulted in the isolation of a series of variant cell lines. These cell lines were tested for tumorigenicity and metastasis in nude mice following mfp injection compared with the original cell line, and in vitro expression of factors associated with the metastatic phenotype measured. The in vivo selected cell lines were more aggressive, with higher tumor take, faster local growth rate and increased incidence (> or = 85%) and extent of lung metastasis. However, the metastasis-selected variants showed no increases in expression of the growth factor receptors EGFR or HER-2, and the pro-angiogenic factors VEGF-A and IL-8. Immunohistochemistry of mfp tumors revealed no differences in microvessel density (counting CD-31 positive structures) and cell proliferation (PCNA-positive cells) comparing the GI101A line with selected variants. No TUNEL-positive cells were detected in the tumors of the metastasis-derived variant, with a small number of cells undergoing apoptosis detected in sections of GI101A tumors. In vitro, the metastasis-derived variants were found to have a more robust expression of phosphorylated PKB/Akt, with or without EGF or serum stimulation, suggesting an association between Akt activation and metastatic ability. This new series of isogenic cell lines may be valuable for identifying molecular mechanisms involved in the metastatic progression of breast cancer.
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PMID:Selection of more aggressive variants of the gI101A human breast cancer cell line: a model for analyzing the metastatic phenotype of breast cancer. 1459 85

Signal transduction mediated by ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinases is crucial for the development and maintenance of epithelial tissues, and aberrant signaling is frequently associated with malignancies of epithelial origin. This review focuses on the roles played by the Hsp90 chaperone machinery in the regulation of signaling through the ErbB/HER network, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies that disrupt chaperone functions. Hsp90 and its associated cochaperones regulate ErbB signal transduction through multiple mechanisms. The chaperone system controls the stability of the nascent forms of both ErbB-1 (EGF-receptor) and ErbB-2/HER2, while regulation of the mature form is restricted to ErbB-2. Regulation by the Hsp90 complex extends to downstream effectors of ErbB signaling, namely Raf-1, Pdk-1 and Akt/PKB. Disrupting the function of Hsp90 results in the degradation of both the receptors and their effectors, thereby inhibiting tumor cell growth. The importance of an Hsp90-recognition motif located within the kinase domain of ErbB-2 is discussed, as well as a direct role for Hsp90 in regulating tyrosine kinase activity. In light of recent observations, we emphasize the ability of specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors to selectively target ErbB-2 to the chaperone-mediated degradation pathway. ErbB-specific drugs are already used to treat cancers, and clinical trials are underway for additional compounds that intercept ErbB signaling, including drugs that target Hsp90. Hence, the dependence of ErbB-2 upon Hsp90 reveals an Achilles heel, which opens a window of opportunity for combating cancers driven by the ErbB/HER signaling network.
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PMID:The achilles heel of ErbB-2/HER2: regulation by the Hsp90 chaperone machine and potential for pharmacological intervention. 1465 66

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF or FGF-7) stimulates alveolar type II cell proliferation, but little is known about the signaling pathways involved. We investigated the role of the ERK (p42/44 mitogen activated protein [MAP] kinase) and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3 kinase) pathways on alveolar type II cell proliferation and differentiation. Rat type II cells were cultured on tissue culture plastic and Matrigel in the presence or absence of KGF and specific chemical inhibitors PD98059, LY294002, and rapamycin at various concentrations. Proliferation was measured by thymidine incorporation and DNA quantitation, and differentiation was measured by expression of surfactant protein A and alkaline phosphatase. We demonstrate that KGF activates distal effectors of the PI3 kinase pathway, PKB/Akt, and p70S6 kinase, as well as p42/44 MAP kinase proteins. Inhibition of these pathways with PD98059, LY294002, or rapamycin inhibited type II cell proliferation but had no significant effect on differentiation. KGF did not activate the c-Jun kinase or p38 MAP kinase pathways. We conclude that the p42/44 MAP kinase and PI3 kinase pathways are important in regulating alveolar type II cell proliferation in response to KGF.
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PMID:Keratinocyte growth factor stimulates alveolar type II cell proliferation through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase pathways. 1474 97

We show in this study that endogenous NEP and PTEN associate in cells directly through electrostatic interactions between a highly basic residue stretch in the intracellular domain of NEP and the major phosphorylation site in PTEN's tail. NEP binds and engages in higher order complexes both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated PTEN. NEP recruits PTEN to the plasma membrane and enhances its stability and phosphatase activity. As a result, an enzymatically inactive NEP mutant preserves the ability to bind PTEN, inactivates the Akt/PKB kinase, and partially suppresses the growth of PC cells. This study demonstrates a molecular cooperation between NEP and PTEN tumor suppressors in which NEP constitutively recruits and activates PTEN to inhibit the PI3K/Akt oncogenic pathway.
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PMID:Synergy in tumor suppression by direct interaction of neutral endopeptidase with PTEN. 1474 27

A number of extracellular stimuli, including soluble cytokines and insoluble matrix factors, are known to influence murine embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation behavioral responses via intracellular signaling pathways, but their net effects in combination are difficult to understand. To gain insight concerning key intracellular signals governing these behavioral responses, we employ a multivariate systems analysis of proteomic data generated from combinatorial stimulation of mouse embryonic stem cells by fibronectin, laminin, leukemia-inhibitory factor, and fibroblast growth factor 4. Phosphorylation states of 31 intracellular signaling network components were obtained across 16 different stimulus conditions at three time points by quantitative Western blotting, and partial-least-squares modeling was used to determine which components were most strongly correlated with cell proliferation and differentiation rate constants obtained from flow cytometry measurements of Oct-4 expression levels. This data-driven, multivariate (16 conditions x 31 components x 3 time points = approximately 1,500 values) proteomic approach identified a set of signaling network components most critically associated (positively or negatively) with differentiation (Stat3, Raf1, MEK, and ERK), proliferation of undifferentiated cells (MEK and ERK), and proliferation of differentiated cells (PKB alpha, Stat3, Src, and PKC epsilon). These predictions were found to be consistent with previous in vivo literature, along with direct in vitro test here by a peptide inhibitor of PKC epsilon. Our results demonstrate how a computational systems biology approach can elucidate key sets of intracellular signaling protein activities that combine to govern cell phenotypic responses to extracellular cues.
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PMID:Multivariate proteomic analysis of murine embryonic stem cell self-renewal versus differentiation signaling. 1497 70


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