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)

In this study we compared the activation of monocytes by different bacterial products via Toll-like receptors (TLR), and by different proinflammatory mediators. In response to TLR-2, -4 and -5 engagement, approximately 50% of monocytes produced TNF-alpha, compared to only 5% after induction with IFN-gamma or GM-CSF. Furthermore, a small proportion of monocytes produced IL-10 after stimulation via TLR, but not after stimulation with cytokines. Both TLR-ligands and inflammatory cytokines induced the expression of CD25, CD69, CD80 and, surprisingly, also of CD83, commonly regarded as an activation marker for mature dendritic cells (DC). Conversely, TLR-ligands downregulated CD38, CD86 and ICOS-L. Importantly, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM; CD150) was identified as a monocyte activation marker that could be induced ex novo via TLR-2, -4 and -5, but not by single stimulation with monocyte activators like IL-1, TNF-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, GM-CSF or CD40-L. SLAM expression was transient and required mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38, but not ERK or JNK, and was surprisingly independent of NF-kappaB. SLAM+ monocytes, which are absent in blood, were detected in spleen and tonsils, where they could be localized to T-cell areas and germinal centers. Together, by comparing the response of monocytes to TLR-ligands and inflammatory cytokines, we have identified a monocyte activation marker, SLAM, which differs in its inducibility from other monocyte activation markers. SLAM+ monocytes and macrophages were identified for the first time in vivo. Their presence might be a sign of innate immune activation.
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PMID:Distinct responses of monocytes to Toll-like receptor ligands and inflammatory cytokines. 1509 75

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR) have been implicated in promoting solid tumor growth and metastasis via stimulating tumor-associated angiogenesis. Here we show that certain "liquid" tumors such as acute myeloid leukemia not only produce VEGF but also express functional VEGFR, resulting in an autocrine loop for tumor growth and propagation. In addition, the leukemia-derived VEGF can also stimulate the production of growth factors, including interleukin 6 (IL6) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), by human endothelial cells, which in turn further promotes the growth of leukemia cells (the paracrine loop). A fully human anti-VEGFR2 (or kinase insert domain-containing receptor, KDR) antibody, IMC-2C6, strongly blocks KDR/VEGF interaction and neutralizes VEGF-stimulated activation of KDR in endothelial cells. In a system where leukemia cells are co-cultured with endothelial cells, IMC-2C6 inhibits both the production of IL6 and GM-CSF by endothelial cells and the growth of leukemia cells. Finally, IMC-2C6 effectively blocks VEGF-induced migration of KDR+ human leukemia cells, and when administered in vivo, significantly prolonged survival of mice inoculated with KDR+ human leukemia cells. Taken together, our data suggest that anti-KDR antibodies may have broad applications in the treatment of both solid tumors and certain types of leukemia.
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PMID:Inhibition of both the autocrine and the paracrine growth of human leukemia with a fully human antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. 1522 51

GM-CSF-induced oxidative responses are defective in neutrophils of elderly humans. In the present study we evaluated whether this phenomenon might be related to alterations in cytokine-dependent MAPK signalling. Neutrophils obtained from elderly humans and stimulated with GM-CSF showed a significant reduction in phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels and an even higher decrease in ERK1/2 activation with respect to baseline. No changes in GM-CSF-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation were observed. Cell pretreatment with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 determined a marked suppression of GM-CSF-induced O2- release. Interestingly, under the above experimental condition, there was no longer any difference in O2- production observed between elderly and young subjects. Furthermore, despite the fact that the p38 MAPK pathway was activated less strongly by GM-CSF, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reduced GM-CSF-induced O2- production in the neutrophils of the elderly to levels similar to those obtained with PD98059. TNF-alpha-triggered O2- production was not altered by ageing and in fact, a similar ERK1/2 or p38 MAPK activation was found in TNF-alpha-stimulated neutrophils from elderly and young individuals. In accordance with the different potency of TNF-alpha in activating ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, the TNF-alpha-induced oxidative responses were more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of SB203580 than to those of PD98059 in young as well as elderly subjects. These results suggest that, along the GM-CSF-dependent ERK signalling pathway, a step proximal to MEK1/2 but distal to the connection with the p38 MAPK module likely becomes defective as a feature of age. The consequent decline in ERK1/2 activation could potentially account for the GM-CSF-dependent impairment of the neutrophil respiratory burst that occurs with ageing.
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PMID:Role of defective ERK phosphorylation in the impaired GM-CSF-induced oxidative response of neutrophils in elderly humans. 1533 11

Osteopetrotic mice lacking functional M-CSF recover with ageing, suggesting alternate osteoclastogenesis pathways exist. One alternative is GM-CSF, treatment with which improves the osteopetrosis. Our objective was to determine whether GM-CSF could replace M-CSF in human osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Human CFU-GM precursors cultured with RANKL differentiate into osteoclasts without added M-CSF, indicating constitutive production of M-CSF. Addition of M-CSF antibody completely inhibited differentiation, demonstrating M-CSF-dependence in vitro. Co-treatment with low concentrations (0.01 ng/mL) of GM-CSF for 14 days or higher concentrations (10 ng/mL) for the first 1-2 days enhanced osteoclastogenesis but this effect was blocked with M-CSF antibody. Treatment with GM-CSF transiently increased M-CSF mRNA expression at 3 h but suppressed expression at 7-14 days. Neither FLT3-ligand nor VEGF supported osteoclastogenesis in the absence of M-CSF. Thus, in vitro human osteoclastogenesis is dependent on M-CSF and the stimulatory effects of GM-CSF are mediated by M-CSF. Rescue by GM-CSF in M-CSF-deficiency is unlikely to be directly mediated by FLT3-ligand or VEGF.
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PMID:GM-CSF cannot substitute for M-CSF in human osteoclastogenesis. 1535 7

The 28-kDa Glutathione S-transferase of Schistosoma mansoni (Sm28 GST) was described as a protective antigen capable of reducing female fecundity and the number of eggs in mice hepatic tissues. The role of GM-CSF and TNF-alpha in the in vitro granuloma reaction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from chronic intestinal schistosomiasis patients before and after chemotherapy treatment to S. mansoni recombinant Sm28 GST was evaluated. Treatment of PBMC with recombinant Sm28 GST caused a significant increase in granuloma formation when compared to SEA or SWAP. Contrary to SEA or SWAP, Sm28 GST was not capable of inducing significant cellular proliferation. Moreover, recombinant Sm28 GST promoted a significant elevation in GM-CSF and TNF-alpha levels. However, we did not detect any significant IL-10 production. When Sm28 GST was applied in the presence of anti-GM-CSF or anti-TNF-alpha antibodies in cultures, we observed a significant decrease in granuloma size. Indeed, our results demonstrated that Sm28 GST was capable of promoting high in vitro granuloma index, and this event was associated with the balance of GM-CSF and TNF-alpha. These evidences suggest a role for GM-CSF as a major mediator in increasing granuloma reaction in human schistosomiasis. This event may contribute to exacerbate the pathology resulting from egg deposition in host tissues.
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PMID:GM-CSF and TNF-alpha synergize to increase in vitro granuloma size of PBMC from humans induced by Schistosoma mansoni recombinant 28-kDa GST. 1538 64

The intensity of neutrophil inflammatory response could be rapidly amplified by priming with pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha, GM-CSF or LPS at low concentrations prior to stimuli. We proposed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) increases TNF-alpha-induced priming of human neutrophils. This study showed that EGF enhanced TNF-alpha-induced activation of neutrophils functions. The addition of EGF to neutrophils cultured with TNF-alpha resulted in increased respiratory burst and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and up-regulation of adhesion molecule CD11b. Moreover, EGF enhanced IL-8 production by TNF-alpha-primed PMN. EGF alone was able to prime CD11b expression and IL-8 production by PMN. EGF receptor selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin AG-1517, blocked the effect of priming with EGF, whereas the status of non-primed and TNF-alpha-primed neutrophils remained unaffected. EGFR expression on neutrophils was confirmed by flow cytometry and CELISA methods. These data provide the original evidence that EGF significantly enhances TNF-alpha-induced priming of human neutrophils acting through EGFR tyrosine kinase pathway. The observed effect may be a result of co-operative action of EGF, TNF-alpha and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI).
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PMID:Epidermal growth factor enhances TNF-alpha-induced priming of human neutrophils. 1558 24

We have prepared the map of regional distribution of cervical cancer in Hungary. Serial HPV genotyping of sexual partners provided evidence for the sexually transmitted infections. Molecular epidemiology studies revealed activating c-kit mutation in bilateral testicular cancers. A cost-effective molecular staging method was introduced to the management of breast cancer patients. Genomic profiling identified the gene signature of Herceptin and taxane sensitivity of breast cancer. In colon cancer patients we have determined the mutational spectrum of hMLH1 and hMSH2 genes in Hungary. The prognostic power of SHMT and MTHFR polymorphism was determined in colorectal cancer patients. In head and neck cancer the gene signature of cisplatin sensitivity and the EGFR polymorphism was determined. We have introduced a cost-effective in vitro assay to determine the drug resistance of pediatric leukemias. The prognostic power of N-myc genotyping was determined in neuroblastoma patients. A phase I trial for gene therapy of brain cancer was started by using a GM-CSF adenoviral vector system. Using global genomic approaches the gene signature of malignant melanoma and its metastatic disease was determined. We have found that Ca-channel blockers and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective in preclinical human melanoma models in breaking the apoptosis resistance of this tumor.
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PMID:[Activity of the National Oncology R&D Consortium in 2004]. 1590 26

HER2/neu, a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in several types of human cancers, is a potential target for active immunotherapy. However, this protein and especially its extracellular domain (ECD(HER2)), is weakly immunogenic and is poorly processed by dendritic cells (DCs). Previously, we showed that anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(IL-2) and anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(GM-CSF) fusion proteins can enhance the immunogenicity of ECD(HER2) in mice, and that the non-covalent physical association between each antibody fusion proteins and ECD(HER2) was critical to elicit optimal protective immunity against HER2/neu expressing tumors. We now use the professional antigen-presenting DCs to investigate the effect of the antibody fusion protein binding to ECD(HER2) on its trafficking and presentation. We found that when the extracellular domain of HER2/neu fused to ovalbumin (OVA-ECD(HER2)) is bound by HER2/neu-specific antibody-(IL-2) or antibody-(GM-CSF) fusion proteins, the bound antigen is more efficiently processed by murine bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and presented to OVA-specific T-cells than the unbound OVA-ECD(HER2). We also found that ECD(HER2) bound by anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(IL-2) is very efficiently internalized and that the internalized ECD(HER2) is not retained in the early endosomal compartments but traffics to the antigen-processing compartments. These results are consistent with our earlier in vivo studies and suggest that both antibody-(IL-2) and antibody-(GM-CSF) fusion proteins can be used to enhance the immune response to poorly immunogenic antigens including tumor-associated antigens (TAAs).
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PMID:Anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(IL-2) and anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(GM-CSF) promote HER2/neu processing and presentation by dendritic cells: implications in immunotherapy and vaccination strategies. 1590 2

In the present study, we demonstrate that a physical association between the extracellular domain of human HER2/neu receptor (ECDHER2) plus anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(IL-2) or anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(GM-CSF) was required to elicit the most effective anti-tumor immune response against a syngeneic tumor expressing rat HER2/neu. Immune effectors including CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells contributed to protection against tumor growth. Vaccinated B-cell deficient mice did not elicit tumor protection, suggesting a critical role for B-cells in a protective immune response. These results provide insights into the mechanisms responsible for the protective tumor immunity elicited when antibody-(IL-2 or GM-CSF) are used as enhancers of vaccines targeting tumor antigens.
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PMID:Insights into the mechanism of anti-tumor immunity in mice vaccinated with the human HER2/neu extracellular domain plus anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(IL-2) or anti-HER2/neu IgG3-(GM-CSF) fusion protein. 1596 44

Selective and regulatable expansion of transduced cells could augment gene therapy for many disorders. The activation of modified growth factor receptors via synthetic chemical inducers of dimerization allows for the coordinated growth of transduced cells. This system can also provide information on specific receptor-mediated signaling without interference from other family members. Although several receptor subunits have been investigated in this context, little is known about the precise molecular events associated with dimerizer-initiated signaling. We have constructed and expressed an AP20187-regulated KDR chimeric receptor in human TF1 cells and analyzed activation of this gene switch using functional, biochemical, and microarray analyses. When deprived of natural ligands, GM-CSF, interleukin-3, or erythropoietin, AP20187 prevented apoptosis of transduced TF1 cells, induced dose-dependent proliferation, and supported long-term growth. In addition, AP20187 stimulation activated the signaling molecules associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase/Akt pathways. Microarray analysis determined that a number of transcripts involved in a variety of cellular processes were differentially expressed. Notably, mRNAs affiliated with heat stress, including Hsp70 and Hsp105, were up-regulated. Functional assays showed that Hsp70 and Hsp105 protected transduced TF1 cells from apoptosis and premature senescence, in part through regulation of Akt. These observations delineate specific roles for kinase insert domain-containing receptor, or KDR, signaling and suggest strategies to endow genetically modified cells with a survival advantage enabling the generation of adequate cell numbers for therapeutic outcomes.
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PMID:Specific pharmacological dimerization of KDR in lentivirally transduced human hematopoietic cells activates anti-apoptotic and proliferative mechanisms. 1607 62


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