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)

Although previous studies have demonstrated that diabetic nephropathy is attributable to early extracellular matrix accumulation in glomerular mesangial cells, the molecular mechanism by which high glucose induces matrix protein deposition remains not fully elucidated. Rat mesangial cells pretreated with or without inhibitors were cultured in high-glucose or advanced glycation end product (AGE) conditions. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were given superoxide dismutase (SOD)-conjugated propylene glycol to scavenge superoxide. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, fibronectin expression, Ras, ERK, p38, and c-Jun activation of glomerular mesangial cells or urinary albumin secretion were assessed. Superoxide, not nitric oxide or hydrogen peroxide, mediated high glucose- and AGE-induced TGF-beta1 and fibronectin expression. Pretreatment with diphenyliodonium, not allopurinol or rotenone, reduced high-glucose and AGE augmentation of superoxide synthesis and fibronection expression. High glucose and AGEs rapidly enhanced Ras activation and progressively increased cytosolic ERK and nuclear c-Jun activation. Inhibiting Ras by manumycin A reduced the stimulatory effects of high glucose and AGEs on superoxide and fibronectin expression. SOD or PD98059 pretreatment reduced high-glucose and AGE promotion of ERK and c-Jun activation. Exogenous SOD treatment in diabetic rats significantly attenuated diabetes induction of superoxide, urinary albumin excretion, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, TGF-beta1, and fibronectin immunoreactivities in renal glomerular mesangial cells. Ras induction of superoxide activated ERK-dependent fibrosis-stimulatory factor and extracellular matrix gene transcription of mesangial cells. Reduction of oxidative stress by scavenging superoxide may provide an alternative strategy for controlling diabetes-induced early renal injury.
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PMID:Ras modulation of superoxide activates ERK-dependent fibronectin expression in diabetes-induced renal injuries. 1702 66

ApoB is an important determinant of atherosclerosis susceptibility and a potential pharmaceutical target for lowering atherogenic lipoproteins. In the present study, we used a lentiviral vector to express short hairpin RNAs for inhibition of apoB production in HepG2 cells. We first demonstrated that lentivirus could efficiently deliver transgene into HepG2 cells by using GFP lentivirus. We then made three lentiviral siApoB constructs, two of which were highly efficient for silencing apoB expression in HepG2 cells. We showed that siApoB lentivirus specifically knocked down apoB but had no effects on other proteins such as apoAI and albumin. Consequently, the secretion of apoB was reduced markedly. The silencing effect of siApoB lentivirus appeared to be permanent. Knocking down apoB did not alter the expression of cytoplasmic stress proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) and their ER homologues (GRP78 and GRP94). Furthermore, neither IKKalpha and JNK nor phosphorylated IKK and JNK were increased in long-term apoB-deficient hepatocytes as compared to the control cells. Consistent with these findings, apoB-deficient hepatocytes responded to insulin to a similar extent as the control cells as determined by measuring insulin-induced phosphorylation of IRS and ERK. Our studies indicate that lentiviral siRNAs provide an excellent approach for delivering siRNA into HepG2 cells and may be used for gene therapy for hyperlipidemia.
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PMID:Knockdown of apolipoprotein B, an atherogenic apolipoprotein, in HepG2 cells by lentivirus-mediated siRNA. 1662 Jul 82

Proteinuria contributes to chronic kidney disease by stimulating renal tubular epithelial cells to produce cytokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). The present study determined whether cellular overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can influence albumin-stimulated MCP-1 production. In response to bovine serum albumin, NRK-52E cells constitutively overexpressing HO-1 (HO-1 OE cells) exhibit less induction of MCP-1 mRNA and less production of MCP-1 protein compared with similarly treated, control NRK-52E cells (CON cells). In wild-type NRK-52E cells, and under these conditions, we demonstrate that the induction of MCP-1 is critically dependent on intact NF-kappaB binding sites in the MCP-1 promoter. In response to albumin, CON cells exhibit activation of NF-kappaB, and this is reduced in HO-1 OE cells. Albumin also activates ERK1/2 and increases ERK activity, both of which are exaggerated in HO-1 OE cells. Studies with an inhibitor of MAPK/ERK kinase (U0126) demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of U0126 on MCP-1 production are attenuated in HO-1 OE cells. We conclude that HO-1 overexpression in the proximal tubule reduces MCP-1 production in response to albumin, and this occurs, at least in part, by inhibiting an ERK-dependent, NF-kappaB-dependent pathway at a site that is distal to the activation of ERK. These findings suggest that the induction of HO-1 in the proximal tubule, as occurs in chronic kidney disease, may be a countervailing response that reduces albumin-stimulated production of cytokines such as MCP-1.
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PMID:Renal upregulation of HO-1 reduces albumin-driven MCP-1 production: implications for chronic kidney disease. 1696 90

System L amino acid transporters have been shown to be responsible for cellular uptake of S-nitroso-L-cysteine (l-CSNO). In this study, we examined the characteristics of L-CSNO uptake in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing system L transporters and found that uptake increased only when both 4F2 heavy chain (4F2HC) and either L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) or LAT2 light chain were coexpressed. The K(m) for transport was 57 +/- 8 microM for 4F2HC-LAT1 and 520 +/- 52 microM for 4F2HC-LAT2. Vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells were shown to express transcripts for 4F2HC and for both LAT1 and LAT2. Transport of L-CSNO into red blood cells, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells was inhibited by 2-aminobicyclo(2.2.1)heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) and by large neutral amino acids demonstrating functional system L transporters in each cell type. Uptake of L-CSNO led to accumulation of cellular S-nitrosothiols and inhibition of both growth factor-induced ERK phosphorylation and TNF-alpha-mediated IkappaB degradation. Similar effects were seen when cells were incubated simultaneously with S-nitrosoalbumin and L-cysteine but not with d-cysteine or with S-nitrosoalbumin alone. In each case, nitrosylation of proteins and cellular responses were blocked by BCH. Together, these data suggest that transmembrane movement of nitric oxide (NO) equivalents from the plasma albumin NO reservoir is mediated by cysteine, which serves as a carrier. The mechanism requires transnitrosylation from S-nitrosoalbumin to free cysteine and activity of system L transporters, thereby providing a unique pathway for cellular responses to S-nitrosoalbumin.
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PMID:Functional characterization of two S-nitroso-L-cysteine transporters, which mediate movement of NO equivalents into vascular cells. 1709 94

This study aimed to determine the effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on endothelial cytoskeleton morphology and permeability, and to detect the underlying signaling mechanisms involved in these responses. Cultured endothelial cells (ECs) were exposed to AGE-modified human serum albumin (AGE-HSA), and EC cytoskeletal changes were evaluated by observing fluorescence of F-actin following ligation with labeled antibodies. Endothelial permeability was detected by measuring the flux of TRITC-albumin across the EC monolayers. To explore the signaling pathways behind AGE-induced EC alteration, ECs were treated with either soluble anti-AGE receptor (RAGE) IgG, or the MAPK inhibitors PD98059 and SB203580 before AGE-HSA administration. To further elucidate possible involvement of the ERK and p38 pathways in AGE-induced EC changes, adenovirus-carried recombinant constitutive dominant-negative forms of upstream ERK and p38 kinases, namely MEK1(A) and MKK6b(A), were pre-infected into ECs 24 h prior to AGE-HSA exposure. AGE-HSA induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, as well as EC hyperpermeability, in a dose and time-dependent manner. The effects were attenuated in cells pretreated with anti-RAGE IgG, PD98059 or SB203580, respectively. EC pre-infection with MEK1(A) and MKK6b(A) also alleviated the effect of AGEs. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated administration of activated forms of either MEK1 or MKK6b alone induced rearrangement of F-actin and hyperpermeability. The results indicate that ERK and p38 MAPK play important roles in the mediation of AGE-induced EC barrier dysfunction associated with morphological changes of the F-actin.
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PMID:Advanced glycation end products induce actin rearrangement and subsequent hyperpermeability of endothelial cells. 1959 96

Association with albumin as a means to improve biodistribution and tumor deposition of a Fab was investigated using AB.Fab4D5, a bifunctional molecule derived from trastuzumab (HERCEPTIN) capable of binding albumin and tumor antigen HER2 (erbB2) simultaneously. AB.Fab4D5 was compared with trastuzumab and a trastuzumab-derived Fab (Fab4D5) for the ability to target tumors overexpressing HER2 in mouse mammary tumor virus/HER2 allograft models. Biodistribution was monitored using intravital microscopy, histology, and integrated single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography analysis. Fab4D5 tumor deposition was characterized by rapid but transient appearance in tumor at 2 h with little retention, followed by rapid accumulation in kidney by 6 h. Trastuzumab was slow to accumulate in tumors and slow to clear from normal tissues, although significant tumor deposition was achieved by 24 h. In contrast, AB.Fab4D5 was observed at 2 h in tumor and its presence was sustained beyond 24 h similar to trastuzumab. Intravital microscopy revealed that at peak tumor accumulation, tumor cell staining by AB.Fab4D5 was more uniform than for Fab4D5 or trastuzumab. Similar tumor deposition was achieved for both AB.Fab4D5 and trastuzumab at 48 h (35.9 +/- 1.8% and 38.2 +/- 3.1% injected dose/g); however, AB.Fab4D5 targeted tumors more rapidly and quickly cleared from blood, leading to a lower overall normal tissue exposure. Importantly, unlike Fab4D5, AB.Fab4D5 did not accumulate in kidney, suggesting that association with albumin leads to an altered route of clearance and metabolism. Rapid targeting, excellent tumor deposition and retention, coupled with high tumor to blood ratios may make AB.Fab an exceptional molecule for imaging and cancer therapy.
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PMID:Imaging tumors with an albumin-binding Fab, a novel tumor-targeting agent. 1721 Jul 5

Estrogens exert multiple genomic effects on adipose tissue through binding to nuclear estrogen receptors. However, there is evidence for additional nongenomic mechanisms whereby estrogens may exert their control on adipose tissue metabolism through rapid activation of various membrane-initiated kinase cascades. Here, we tested rapid effects of estrogens on nitric oxide production in white adipose tissue using 17-beta estradiol (E2) and its membrane impermeant albumin conjugated form (17-beta estradiol hemisuccinate BSA, E2-BSA). We found that both E2 and E2-BSA stimulate nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in adipocytes. These effects were abolished by 1) ICI 182-780, a selective estrogen receptor antagonist; 2) wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; and 3) N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino) ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89) an inhibitor of protein kinase A. In contrast to NOS activation by E2, E2-BSA-induced NOS activity was abolished by UO126, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase/ERK (p42/p44 MAPKs). Immunoblotting studies have shown that both estrogens phosphorylate endothelial NOS (NOS III) on Ser(1179), an effect that is prevented by wortmannin and H89, suggesting that NOS III is the target for estrogen-induced NOS activity. Furthermore, only the E2-BSA-induced NOS III phosphorylation on Ser(1179) was totally abolished by UO126. These results indicate that the signaling cascades involved in adipocyte NOS stimulation by estrogens are different depending on whether estrogens are free or conjugated to albumin and therefore underline the importance of estrogen receptor locations in the nongenomic actions of estrogens in these cells.
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PMID:Nongenomic estrogen effects on nitric oxide synthase activity in rat adipocytes. 1730 66

A radiolabeled anti-HER2 Affibody molecule (Z(HER2:342)) targets HER2-expressing xenografts with high selectivity and gives good imaging contrast. However, the small size (approximately 7 kDa) results in rapid glomerular filtration and high renal accumulation of radiometals, thus excluding targeted therapy. Here, we report that reversible binding to albumin efficiently reduces the renal excretion and uptake, enabling radiometal-based nuclide therapy. The dimeric Affibody molecule (Z(HER2:342))(2) was fused with an albumin-binding domain (ABD) conjugated with the isothiocyanate derivative of CHX-A''-DTPA and labeled with the low-energy beta-emitter (177)Lu. The obtained conjugate [CHX-A''-DTPA-ABD-(Z(HER2:342))(2)] had a dissociation constant of 18 pmol/L to HER2 and 8.2 and 31 nmol/L for human and murine albumin, respectively. The radiolabeled conjugate displayed specific binding to HER2-expressing cells and good cellular retention in vitro. In vivo, fusion with ABD enabled a 25-fold reduction of renal uptake in comparison with the nonfused dimer molecule (Z(HER2:342))(2). Furthermore, the biodistribution showed high and specific uptake of the conjugate in HER2-expressing tumors. Treatment of SKOV-3 microxenografts (high HER2 expression) with 17 or 22 MBq (177)Lu-CHX-A''-DTPA-ABD-(Z(HER2:342))(2) completely prevented formation of tumors, in contrast to mice given PBS or 22 MBq of a radiolabeled non-HER2-binding Affibody molecule. In LS174T xenografts (low HER2 expression), this treatment resulted in a small but significant increase of the survival time. Thus, fusion with ABD improved the in vivo biodistribution, and the results highlight (177)Lu-CHX-A''-DTPA-ABD-(Z(HER2:342))(2) as a candidate for treatment of disseminated tumors with a high level of HER2 expression.
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PMID:Radionuclide therapy of HER2-positive microxenografts using a 177Lu-labeled HER2-specific Affibody molecule. 1736 99

Tumor malignancy is associated with several features such as proliferation ability and frequency of metastasis. Since tumor metastasis shortens patients' lifetime, establishment of therapy for anti-metastasis is very important. Osteopontin (OPN), which abundantly expressed in bone matrix, is involved in cell adhesion, migration, extracellular matrix (ECM) invasion and cell proliferation via interaction with its receptor, that is, alphavbeta3 integrin. OPN is believed to be a positive regulator of tumor metastasis in vivo. However, how OPN regulates metastasis is largely unknown. Here, we explore the role of OPN in cell migration. Serum from wild-type mice induced cell migration of B16 melanoma cells, while serum from OPN-deficient mouse suppressed this event. The presence of recombinant OPN significantly enhanced cell migration compared to albumin containing medium. OPN-induced cell migration was suppressed by inhibiting the ERK/MAPK pathway indicating that OPN-induced cell migration depends on this pathway. Overexpression of OPN in these cancer cells per se promoted cell proliferation and tended to increase B16 cell migration suggesting that OPN promotes bone metastasis by playing dual roles both in host microenvironment and in tumor cell itself. In conclusion, the elevated OPN expression in host tissue and tumor cell itself promotes tumor cell migration reading to tumor metastasis, suggesting that neutralization of OPN-induced signal might be effective in suppression of tumor metastasis.
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PMID:Serum osteopontin, an enhancer of tumor metastasis to bone, promotes B16 melanoma cell migration. 1739 Mar 43

Free radical production is increased during diabetes. Serum albumin is a major antioxidant agent, and structural modification of albumin induced by glucose or free radicals impairs its antioxidant properties. Therefore the aim of the present study was to compare the antioxidant capacities and structural changes in albumin in patients with T2DM (Type 2 diabetes mellitus) treated with MET (metformin) or SU (sulfonylureas) and in healthy control subjects. Structural changes in albumin were studied by fluorescence quenching in the presence of acrylamide. Albumin thiols and fructosamines, reflecting oxidized and glycation-induced changes in serum albumin respectively, were assessed. Structural changes in albumin were demonstrated by a significant decrease in fluorescence quenching in patients with T2DM, with patients treated with MET exhibiting a significant difference in the conformation of albumin compared with patients treated with SU. Oxidation, resulting in a significant decrease in thiol groups and plasma total antioxidant capacity, and glycation, associated with a significant increase in fructosamines, were both found when comparing healthy control subjects with patients with T2DM. When patients treated with MET were compared with those treated with SU, oxidative stress and glycation were found to be significantly lower in MET-treated patients. In conclusion, patients with T2DM have a decrease in the antioxidant properties of serum albumin which may aggravate oxidative stress and, thus, contribute to vascular and metabolic morbidities. Moreover, a significant protection of albumin was found in patients with T2DM treated with MET.
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PMID:Impairment of the antioxidant properties of serum albumin in patients with diabetes: protective effects of metformin. 1792 77


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