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

The influence of environmental factors (cytokines, matrix components, serum factors and O(2) level) on expression of receptors for angiogenic versus angiostatic CXC chemokines in human microvascular endothelial cells has not been extensively investigated. Our semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma repressed CXCR4 mRNA levels in immortalized human microvascular endothelial HMEC-1 cells after 4 h, whereas only TNF-alpha displayed inhibitory activity in primary human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). CXCR4 mRNA expression was not affected by VEGF, GM-CSF, IL-1beta or various basal membrane matrix components, but was significantly up-regulated after serum starvation and/or hypoxic treatment of the microvascular endothelial cells. The alternative CXCL12 receptor, CXCR7/RDC1, was also up-regulated by hypoxia in HMEC-1 cells, although less consistently than CXCR4. Furthermore, hypoxia and serum starvation were required for cell surface display of CXCR4 and CXCL12 induction of ERK activation in HMEC-1 cells. In contrast, CXCR2 and CXCR3 mRNA levels remained, respectively, low and undetectable under all the conditions tested, and surface expression of CXCR2, CXCR3 and CXCR7 on the HMEC- 1 cells could not be demonstrated by FACS. In the human SK-MEL-5 melanoma cell line, CXCR4 mRNA expression was also increased under hypoxic conditions, whereas CXCR2 mRNA levels remained low and levels of CXCR3 and CXCR7 were undetectable. However, immunohistochemical staining of human metastatic melanoma sections demonstrated that CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4 and CXCR7 are expressed on tumor cells and, to a lesser extent, on endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that the tumor microenvironment regulates chemokine receptor expression through both cytokine and oxygen levels.
...
PMID:Hypoxia enhances CXCR4 expression in human microvascular endothelial cells and human melanoma cells. 1759 38

CXCL12 is a CXC-type chemokine that plays important roles in hematopoiesis, development, and organization of the immune system and supports the survival or growth of a variety of normal or malignant cell types. Our laboratory recently showed that CXCL12 is secreted by aging stromal fibroblast cells and is a major paracrine factor that specifically stimulates the proliferation of prostate epithelial cells. The current study shows that this CXCL12-mediated proliferative response may be either ERK-dependent or ERK-independent. Moreover, CXCL12 initiates a previously undefined and complex global transcriptional response in prostate epithelial cells. This CXCL12-mediated transcriptional response directly stimulates the expression of genes encoding proteins that are involved in the promotion of cellular proliferation and progression through the cell cycle, tumor metastasis, and cellular motility, and directly represses the transcription of genes encoding proteins involved in cell-cell adhesion and resistance to apoptosis. Thus, CXCL12 may play a major role in the etiology of benign proliferative disease in the context of an aging tissue microenvironment.
...
PMID:CXCL12 activates a robust transcriptional response in human prostate epithelial cells. 1763 94

ErbB-2 overexpression and amplification occurs in 15% to 30% of human invasive breast carcinomas associated with poor clinical prognosis. Previously, we have shown that four ErbB-2/Neu tyrosine-autophosphorylation sites within the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor recruit distinct adaptor proteins and are sufficient to mediate transforming signals in vitro. Two of these sites, representing the growth factor receptor binding protein 2 (Grb2; Neu-YB) and the Src homology and collagen (Shc; Neu-YD) binding sites, can induce mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis. Here, we show that transgenic mice bearing the two other ErbB-2 autophosphorylation sites (Neu-YC and Neu-YE) develop metastatic mammary tumors. A detailed comparison of biological profiles among all Neu mutant mouse models revealed that Neu-YC, Neu-YD, and Neu-YE mammary tumors shared similar pathologic and transcriptional features. By contrast, the Neu-YB mouse model displayed a unique pathology with a high metastatic potential that correlates with a distinct transcriptional profile, including genes that promote malignant tumor progression such as metalloproteinases and chemokines. Furthermore, Neu-YB tumor epithelial cells showed abundant intracellular protein level of the chemokine CXCL12/SDF-1alpha, which may reflect the aggressive nature of this Neu mutant mouse model. Taken together, these findings indicate that activation of distinct Neu-coupled signaling pathways has an important impact on the biological behavior of Neu-induced tumors.
...
PMID:Distinct ErbB-2 coupled signaling pathways promote mammary tumors with unique pathologic and transcriptional profiles. 1769 61

The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 plays a central physiological role in oxygen and energy homeostasis, and is activated during hypoxia by stabilization of the subunit HIF-1alpha. Activation can also occur by proinflammatory cytokines during inflammation. Hypoxia, as well as proinflammatory cytokines, plays an important role in the synovia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Expression of HIF-1alpha has been demonstrated in RA synovial lining layer. The aim of the study was to investigate the regulation of the intracellular signal transduction pathways, involved in the expression of HIF-1alpha, and in the expression of genes regulated by HIF-1alpha in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RSF). RSF were cultured under proinflammatory conditions (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha stimulation) and under chemical hypoxia (CoCl2 treatment). Expression of HIF-1alpha was analyzed in nuclear extracts by Western blotting. The effect of inhibitors of the PI3K and the ERK pathway on HIF-1alpha protein expression was measured. mRNA expression of HIF-1alpha, COX-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 was determined by real-time RT-PCR, and protein production of VEGF and SDF-1 by ELISA. Treatment of the synovial fibroblasts with 150 mM CoCl2 as well as stimulation with 10 ng/mL IL-1beta or TNF-alpha resulted in strong protein expression of HIF-1alpha, measured with Western blotting. Pretreatment with the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 as well as the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 resulted in inhibition of the cytokine-induced HIF-1alpha expression. Furthermore, it was shown that cytokine-induced mRNA expression of HIF-1alpha was inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor. We found that cytokine stimulation induced VEGF mRNA and protein production, but no significant effect of kinase inhibition was found on VEGF production in cytokine-stimulated RSF. Both the ERK pathway and the PI3K pathway are involved in the cytokine-induced HIF-1alpha expression in RSF and in the expression of proangiogenic factors.
...
PMID:Regulation of cytokine-induced HIF-1alpha expression in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. 1789 97

PAX5 is a transcription factor essential for B-cell development. Recently, it has been found as a frequent target of aberrancies in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; 30% of B cell ALL cases), showing monoallelic loss, point mutations, or chromosomal translocations. The role of these aberrancies is still poorly understood. We previously cloned the PAX5/TEL fusion gene in a patient affected by B-cell precursor ALL with a t(9;12) translocation. This is the first report investigating the molecular and functional roles of PAX5/TEL protein in vitro from murine wild-type pre-BI cells. We showed that PAX5/TEL protein acts as an aberrant transcription factor with repressor function, recruiting mSin3A, down-regulating B220, CD19, BLNK, MB-1, FLT3, and mu heavy chain expression, thus suggesting a block on B-cell differentiation. In a PAX5-deficient context, the presence of PAX5/TEL did not replace PAX5 functions. PAX5/TEL protein enhances cell migration towards CXCL12, with the overexpression of CXCR4. Moreover, the presence of the fusion gene overcomes interleukin-7 withdrawal and interferes with transforming growth factor-beta1 pathway, inducing resistance and conferring cells an advantage in proliferation and survival. Thus, in vitro, the PAX5/TEL protein has a dominant effect on wild-type PAX5, interferes with the process of B-cell differentiation and migration, and induces resistance to apoptosis. Taken together, these phenomena likely represent key events in the process of B-cell transformation.
...
PMID:PAX5/TEL acts as a transcriptional repressor causing down-modulation of CD19, enhances migration to CXCL12, and confers survival advantage in pre-BI cells. 1817 10

CXCL12 and its receptor, CXCR4, are emerging as promising targets for modulating growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in several human cancers. Indeed, blocking the receptor is sufficient to prevent metastasis and angiogenesis in experimental breast cancer xenografts. Recently, the biological effect of the CXCR4 in pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly neoplastic diseases, has been reported. However, the molecular mechanism by which CXCR4 contributes to these properties is not completely understood. In this paper, we characterize the signaling pathways activated by CXCR4 in pancreatic cancer. We show that after CXCR4 activation, EGFR becomes tyrosine phosphorylated, and the kinase activity of this receptor, together with the activation of MMPs, Src, and PI3-Kinase, is required for CXCR4-mediated ERK activation. Analysis of this cascade in pancreatic cancer cells revealed that the ERK-mediated pathway regulates genes involved in angiogenesis, such as VEGF, CD44, HIF1alpha, and IL-8. Furthermore, ERK blockage inhibits the migration and tube formation of endothelial cells induced by CXCL12. Considering that inhibitors for several components of this pathway, including CXCR4 itself, are at different stages of clinical trials, this study provides theoretical justification for the clinical testing of these drugs in pancreatic cancer, thus extending the list of potential targets for treating this dismal disease.
...
PMID:Characterization of the CXCR4 signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. 1817 25

Chemokines and their receptors function in migration and homing of cells to target tissues. Recent evidence suggests that cancer cells use a chemokine receptor axis for metastasis formation at secondary sites. Previously, we showed that binding of the chemokine CXCL12 to its receptor CXCR4 mediated signaling events resulting in matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in prostate cancer bone metastasis. A variety of methods, including lipid raft isolation, stable overexpression of CXCR4, cellular adhesion, invasion assays, and the severe combined immunodeficient-human bone tumor growth model were used. We found that (a) CXCR4 and HER2 coexist in lipid rafts of prostate cancer cells; (b) the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis results in transactivation of the HER2 receptor in lipid rafts of prostate cancer cells; (c) Src kinase mediates CXCL12/CXCR4 transactivation of HER2 in prostate cancer cells; (d) a pan-HER inhibitor desensitizes CXCR4-induced transactivation and subsequent matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion and invasion; (e) lipid raft-disrupting agents inhibited raft-associated CXCL12/CXCR4 transactivation of the HER2 and cellular invasion; (f) overexpression of CXCR4 in prostate cancer cells leads to increased HER2 phosphorylation and migratory properties of prostate cancer cells; and (g) CXCR4 overexpression enhances bone tumor growth and osteolysis. These data suggest that lipid rafts on the cell membrane are the key site for CXCL12/CXCR4-induced HER2 receptor transactivation. This transactivation contributes to enhanced invasive signals and metastatic growth in the bone microenvironment.
...
PMID:CXCL12/CXCR4 transactivates HER2 in lipid rafts of prostate cancer cells and promotes growth of metastatic deposits in bone. 1833 51

CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), a chemokine ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor CXCR4, plays an important role in the directed movement of cells. Many studies have documented the importance of CXCR4 in tumor progression and organ-specific metastasis. Recently, several studies have implicated a role for SDF-1alpha in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) metastasis, but currently there is little information about how SDF-1alpha promotes HNSCC metastasis. In this report we show that the NF-kappaB signaling pathway is activated in response to SDF-1alpha in HNSCC while primary and immortalized keratinocytes show no SDF-1alpha-mediated NF-kappaB activity. We found that SDF-1alpha-mediated NF-kappaB signaling is independent of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and ERK/MAPK pathways. We observed that SDF-1alpha induces IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in HNSCC cell lines, suggesting that SDF-1alpha activates the classical NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Contrary to previous reports, SDF-1alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation is not mediated by tumor necrosis factor alpha. Furthermore, blocking the NF-kappaB signaling pathway with an IKKbeta inhibitor significantly reduces SDF-1alpha-mediated HNSCC invasion. Taken together, our data suggest SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 may promote HNSCC invasion and metastasis by activating NF-kappaB and that targeting NF-kappaB may provide therapeutic opportunities in preventing HNSCC metastasis mediated by SDF-1alpha.
...
PMID:SDF-1alpha promotes invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by activating NF-kappaB. 1844 28

Chondrosarcoma is a type of highly malignant tumor with a potent capacity to invade locally and cause distant metastasis. Chondrosarcoma shows a predilection for metastasis to the lungs. The stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), constitutively secreted by human lung epithelium cells, has been shown to function in a key role for recruitment of neutrophils. Here, we found that human chondrosarcoma tissues and chondrosarcoma cell lines had significant expression of CXCR4 (SDF-1 receptor), which was higher than normal cartilage and human chondrocyte. SDF-1alpha and lung epithelium cells conditioned medium (LECM) induced the invasiveness of chondrosarcoma cells. SDF-1 siRNA inhibited LECM-induced invasion of chondrosarcoma cells and SDF-1alpha also directly induced the cell surface expression of alphavbeta3 but not alpha2beta1 and alpha5beta1 integrin. Activations of ERK and NF-kappaB pathways after SDF-1 treatment was demonstrated, and SDF-1alpha-induced expression of alphavbeta3 integrin and invasion activity was inhibited by the specific inhibitor and mutant of ERK and NF-kappaB cascades. Taken together, our results indicate that lung derived-SDF-1alpha enhances the invasiveness of chondrosarcoma cells by increasing alphavbeta3 integrin expression through the CXCR4/ERK/NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway.
...
PMID:Stromal cell-derived factor-1 increase alphavbeta3 integrin expression and invasion in human chondrosarcoma cells. 1881 43

Interaction between the chemokine CXCL12 (SDF1) and the G-protein coupled receptor CXCR4 is responsible for the maintenance of adult stem cell niches and is known to play an important role in utero in the migration of primordial germ cells. We demonstrate expression of CXCL12 by Sertoli cells and confirm CXCR4 expression by the germ cell population of the adult human testes. CXCR4 is also known to mediate organ-specific patterns of metastases in a range of common cancers. We identify consistent expression of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) that accounts for their patterns of relapse in sites of known CXCL12 expression. Extragonadal primary germ cell tumours express CXCR4 and their sites of occurrence are coincident with areas of known CXCL12 expression in utero. We show that CXCL12 stimulates the invasive migration of a TGCT cell line in vitro in a CXCR4-dependent fashion and activates ERK. Furthermore, we demonstrate that expression of CXCL12 in stage I non-seminomas is significantly associated with organ-confined disease post-orchidectomy and reduced risk of relapse (p = 0.003). This may be through the loss of CXCL12 gradients that might otherwise attract cells away from the primary tumour. We propose CXCL12 expression as a potential predictor of subsequent relapse that could lead to avoiding unnecessary treatment and associated late toxicities. Our observations support a role for CXCL12/CXCR4 in the adult germ cell population and demonstrate pathological function in germ cell tumour development and metastasis that may have clinical utility.
...
PMID:Clinical and biological significance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression in adult testes and germ cell tumours of adults and adolescents. 1883 94


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>