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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)
The yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (Vtg) is secreted by the liver of female as well as male fish, in response to estrogenic compounds. In this study, an in vitro assay was developed for measuring Vtg induction, using cultured primary hepatocytes from genetically uniform strains of carp (Cyprinus carpio). Vtg production was measured by indirect competitive ELISA, using a polyclonal antiserum against goldfish Vtg that cross-reacts with carp Vtg. Vtg was dose-dependently induced by 17beta-estradiol (E2) in hepatocytes of both sexes. E2 had a lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for Vtg induction of 2 nM, an EC50 between 50 and 150 nM, and a maximum response at 2 microM. The plasticizer and xenoestrogen bisphenol-A induced Vtg secretion by hepatocytes of both sexes at 50 and 100 microM. This carp hepatocyte (CARP-HEP) assay can also be used to detect antiestrogenic activity, which was measured as the reduction of E2-stimulated Vtg synthesis. Two well-known antiestrogenic compounds, tamoxifen and 2,3,7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), were tested. TCDD caused a reduction in Vtg synthesis in female hepatocytes at concentrations <0.1 nM, making it approximately 10,000-fold more potent than tamoxifen. Carp hepatocytes were also sensitive to induction of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) activity, measured as ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD). Depending on the exposure time, 18 or 96 h, EROD EC50 values for TCDD were 27 or 6 pM, respectively. The CARP-
HEP
assay, using the 96-well plate format, offers good possibilities to screen large numbers of compounds for (anti)estrogenic properties. In addition, it can simultaneously determine
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
agonist properties, measured as CYP1A induction.
...
PMID:In vitro vitellogenin production by carp (Cyprinus carpio) hepatocytes as a screening method for determining (anti)estrogenic activity of xenobiotics. 1032 9
The
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
complex heterodimeric transcription factor, comprising the basic helix-loop-helix-Per-ARNT-Sim (bHLH-PAS) domain
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(
AHR
) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) proteins, mediates the toxic effects of TCDD (2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin). The molecular events underlying TCDD-inducible gene activation, beyond the activation of the AHRC, are poorly understood. The SRC-1/NCoA-1, NCoA-2/GRIP-1/
TIF
-2, and p/CIP/AIB/ACTR proteins have been shown to act as mediators of transcriptional activation. In this report, we demonstrate that SRC-1, NCoA-2, and p/CIP are capable of independently enhancing TCDD-dependent induction of a luciferase reporter gene by the
AHR
/ARNT dimer. Furthermore, injection of anti-SRC-1 or anti-p/CIP immunoglobulin G into mammalian cells abolishes the transcriptional activity of a TCDD-dependent reporter gene. We demonstrate by coimmunoprecipitation and by a reporter gene assay that SRC-1 and NCoA-2 but not p/CIP are capable of interacting with ARNT in vivo after transient transfection into mammalian cells, while
AHR
is capable of interacting with all three coactivators. We confirm the interactions of ARNT and
AHR
with SRC-1 with immunocytochemical techniques. Furthermore, SRC-1, NCoA-2, and p/CIP all associate with the CYP1A1 enhancer region in a TCDD-dependent fashion, as demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. We demonstrate by yeast two-hybrid, glutathione S-transferase pulldown, and mammalian reporter gene assays that ARNT requires its helix 2 domain but not its transactivation domain to interact with SRC-1. This indicates a novel mechanism of action for SRC-1. SRC-1 does not require its bHLH-PAS domain to interact with ARNT or
AHR
, but utilizes distinct domains proximal to its p300/CBP interaction domain. Taken together, these data support a role for the SRC family of transcriptional coactivators in TCDD-dependent gene regulation.
...
PMID:Recruitment of the NCoA/SRC-1/p160 family of transcriptional coactivators by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator complex. 1202 42
Methylsulfonyl (MeSO(2)) metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethene (4,4'-DDE), itself a metabolite of the insecticide 4,4'-DDT, are emerging as a major class of contaminants in the tissues of wildlife and humans. We investigated the antiestrogenic capacity and potencies of 3'- and 4'-MeSO(2)-2,2',4,5,5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (CB101) and -2,2',4,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (CB49), which are among the most environmentally persistent MeSO(2)-PCBs, and 3-MeSO(2)-4,4'-DDE on estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent gene expression in four cell-based bioassay systems. Congener- and concentration-dependent antagonism of 17beta-estradiol (E2)-induced gene expression, rather than induction of ER-dependent gene expression, was observed for the MeSO(2)-PCBs on lucifierase activity in stably transfected human breast adenocarcinoma T47D cells (ER-CALUX) and vitellogenin (vtg) production in primary hepatocytes from male carp fish (Cyprinus carpio) (CARP-
HEP
/vtg). 4'-MeSO(2)-CB101 and -CB49 had the highest antagonistic potency (i.e., maximum inhibition of about 70%, LOECs of 1.0 microM and 2.5 microM), whereas 3'-MeSO(2)-CB101 and -CB49 were less antagonistic; the precursor CB101 and MeSO(2)-PCB analog MeSO(2)-2,5-dichlorobenzene had no effect. Relative to the 4-MeSO(2)-PCBs, tamoxifen (IC(50), 0.06 microM and 0.7 microM) was about 40 and 7 times more potent in the ER-CALUX and CARP-
HEP
/vtg assays, respectively. Congener- and concentration-dependent effects on
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
-mediated induction of EROD activity (carp hepatocytes), luciferase expression (H4IIE rat hepatoma [H4IIE.luc] cell line), or cell viability were not observed. 3-MeSO(2)-4,4'-DDE was neither estrogenic nor antiestrogenic in either of the bioassays. Inhibitory trends for the MeSO(2)-PCBs in a bioassay based on stably transfected human embryonic kidney cell (HEK293-ERalpha-ERE) were similar to the ER-CALUX and CARP-
HEP
/vtg bioassays, whereas the antagonism was weaker in a related HEK293-ERbeta-ERE bioassay. Our findings suggest that the 4'-MeSO(2)-PCBs are antiestrogenic in vitro via a reversible or surmountable interaction with fish or human ER, and that the interaction with human ERalpha is apparently favored over ERbeta. MeSO(2)-PCB metabolites are persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants, and therefore, could be potentially active as environmental antiestrogens in wildlife and humans.
...
PMID:In vitro antiestrogenic effects of aryl methyl sulfone metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls and 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethene on 17beta-estradiol-induced gene expression in several bioassay systems. 1237 85
Hormone (IDMB)-induced adipogenesis in C3H10T1/2 cells is suppressed by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) via the
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(
AhR
). We have previously reported that TCDD addition 48 h before the hormonal stimulation of IDMB suppresses a key mediator of adipogenesis, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARgamma), by a MEK/
ERK
dependent mechanism. Here we add to previous evidence that this synergism functions after IDMB addition but before increased PPARgamma1 transcription. Suppression remains effective and MEK/
ERK
dependent when TCDD is added 6-12 h after IDMB addition but not when delayed to 16-24 h, thus preceding the rise in PPARgamma mRNA. TCDD suppression of the number of committed adipocytes and of triglyceride formation is less effective with the delayed addition. TCDD therefore does not directly suppress the expression of the key mediator PPARgamma1. An alternative mediation of adipocyte commitment is apparently less sensitive to the 6-12 h of delayed TCDD addition. TCDD suppression potencies (EC(50) = 50 pM) match the potencies for stimulation of CYP1B1 protein and
AhR
-sensitive reporters. The
AhR
antagonist 3'-methoxy-4'-nitroflavone (3-MNF) inhibited both TCDD-mediated CYP1B1 induction and inhibition of PPARgamma protein expression. This antagonism was only effective when 3-MNF was present in the 24-h period after IDMB addition. TCDD activation of
AhR
in conjunction with MEK/
ERK
therefore generates PPARgamma1 suppression activity before the increase of PPARgamma1 synthesis. The potency and inhibition data are consistent with induction of one or more gene products that sustain suppression through the extended period of PPARgamma1 transcription.
...
PMID:TCDD administration after the pro-adipogenic differentiation stimulus inhibits PPARgamma through a MEK-dependent process but less effectively suppresses adipogenesis. 1505 Apr 17
TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) is the most potent tumor promoter ever tested in rodents. Although it is known that most of the effects of TCDD are mediated by binding to the
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(
AhR
), the mechanisms leading to tumor promotion remain to be elucidated. Loss of contact-inhibition is one characteristic hallmark in tumorigenesis. In WB-F344 cells, TCDD induces a release from contact-inhibition which is manifested by a twofold increase in DNA-synthesis and cell number when TCDD (1 nmol L-1) is given to confluent cells. Because TCDD leads to phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and an increase in c-Src-activation in WB-F344 cells, we investigated the functional relevance of this observation. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Src using PP1 (10 micromol L-1) or genistein (10 micromol L-1) did not prevent TCDD-dependent release from contact-inhibition. In accordance, elevation of cyclin A-a previously identified target of TCDD and marker of S-phase entry-was not reduced in the presence of PP1 or genistein. Western blot analysis revealed that phosphorylation of the EGF-receptor downstream target
ERK
was not induced in response to TCDD. Furthermore, TCDD-dependent increase in DNA-synthesis was not inhibited by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 (10 micromol L-1). Our data show that neither c-Src-activation, nor
ERK
-activation are required for TCDD-dependent release from contact-inhibition arguing against a functional role of EGF-receptor activation in response to TCDD in WB-F344 cells.
...
PMID:Evaluation of the role of c-Src and ERK in TCDD-dependent release from contact-inhibition in WB-F344 cells. 1559 23
Although the dioxin receptor, the
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(
AhR
), is considered a major regulator of xenobiotic-induced carcinogenesis, its role in tumor formation in the absence of xenobiotics is still largely unknown. Trying to address this question, we have produced immortalized cell lines from wild-type (T-FGM-AhR+/+) and mutant (T-FGM-
AhR
-/-) mouse mammary fibroblasts by stable co-transfection with the simian virus 40 (SV-40) large T antigen and proto-oncogenic c-H-Ras. Both cell lines had a myofibroblast phenotype and similar proliferation, doubling time, SV-40 and c-H-Ras expression and activity, and cell cycle distribution. AhR+/+ and
AhR
-/- cells were also equally able to support growth factor- and anchorage-independent proliferation. However, the ability of T-FGM-
AhR
-/- to induce subcutaneous tumors (leimyosarcomas) in NOD/SCID-immunodeficient mice was close to 4-fold lower than T-FGM-AhR+/+. In culture, T-FGM-
AhR
-/- had diminished migration in collagen-I and decreased lamellipodia formation. VEGFR-1/Flt-1, a VEGF receptor that regulates cell migration and blood vessel formation, was also down-regulated in
AhR
-/- cells. Signaling through the
ERK
-FAK-PKB/AKT-Rac-1 pathway, which contributes to cell motility and invasion, was also significantly inhibited in T-FGM-
AhR
-/-. Thus, the lower tumorigenic potential of T-FGM-
AhR
-/- could result from a compromised adaptability of these cells to the in vivo microenvironment, possibly because of an impaired ability to migrate and to respond to angiogenesis.
...
PMID:Immortalized mouse mammary fibroblasts lacking dioxin receptor have impaired tumorigenicity in a subcutaneous mouse xenograft model. 1594 50
The
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(
AhR
) mediates a wide variety of toxic effects due to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The human hepatoma cell line SK-
HEP
-1 expresses
AhR
and ARNT. However, TCDD failed to induce CYP1A1 and XRE-dependent reporter genes in these cells. Although CYP1A1 was not induced by TCDD exposure, both CYP1B1 and AhR repressor (AhRR) were constitutively expressed. The
AhR
antagonist alpha-naphthoflavone altered the basal level of XRE-dependent reporter gene expression dose-dependently. As our results suggested the activation of
AhR
signals by putative endogenous ligands, we established SK-
HEP
-1-derived cell lines that stably expressed CYP1A1. The inducibility of XRE-dependent reporter genes and CYP1B1 by TCDD was restored in these cells. Our findings demonstrated the presence of endogenous ligands in SK-
HEP
-1 cells due to the absence of the metabolizing enzyme CYP1A1, but not CYP1B1, which allowed the constitutive expression of
AhR
target genes.
...
PMID:Lack of CYP1A1 expression is involved in unresponsiveness of the human hepatoma cell line SK-HEP-1 to dioxin. 1605 81
The progression and severity of chronic asthma likely depends upon the intensity of the damage and remodeling of the tissue. We have developed a chronic model of allergic asthma using multiple cockroach allergen challenges. Using this clinically relevant allergen we have established significant peribronchial fibrosis and mucus overproduction. These remodeling events are accompanied by intense peribronchial inflammation, including lymphocytes and eosinophils. A cytokine that has been identified as having a prominent role in short-term allergic events, stem cell factor (SCF), appears to have a significant role in this late-stage process. Using our polyclonal antibody specific for SCF administered into the airways of mice during the final allergen challenges, we find a significant effect on the chronic peribronchial allergen-induced fibrotic remodeling. This was characterized by reduced inflammation, especially eosinophils, as well as reduced hydroxyproline levels in anti-SCF compared to control antibody-treated animals. In addition, when we examined chemokines associated with the chronic disease and neutralized SCF in vivo we observed a corresponding decrease in CCL6 and CCL17. Using an inhibitor, imatinib mesylate, that blocks SCF/c-kit-associated
RTK
, we find similar results as with anti-SCF for attenuating
AHR
and fibrotic changes, suggesting that a potential clinical treatment for chronic asthma already exists related to this pathway. These results further support the potential use of SCF/c-kit inhibition for targeting chronic severe asthmatic responses.
...
PMID:Inhibition of SCF attenuates peribronchial remodeling in chronic cockroach allergen-induced asthma. 1660 80
4-Methoxyequilenin (4-MeOEN) is an O-methylated metabolite in equine estrogen metabolism. O-methylation of catechol estrogens is considered as a protective mechanism; however, comparison of the properties of 4-MeOEN with estradiol (E(2)) in human breast cancer cells showed that 4-MeOEN is a proliferative, estrogenic agent that may contribute to carcinogenesis. 4-MeOEN results from O-methylation of 4-hydroxyequilenin, a major catechol metabolite of the equine estrogens present in hormone replacement therapeutics, which causes DNA damage via quinone formation, raising the possibility of synergistic hormonal and chemical carcinogenesis. 4-MeOEN induced cell proliferation with nanomolar potency and induced estrogen response element (ERE)-mediated gene transcription of an ERE-luciferase reporter and the endogenous estrogen-responsive genes pS2 and TGF-alpha. These estrogenic actions were blocked by the antiestrogen ICI 182,780. In the standard radioligand estrogen receptor (ER) binding assay, 4-MeOEN showed very weak binding. To test for alternate ligand-ER-independent mechanisms, the possibility of
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(
AhR
) binding and ER-
AhR
cross talk was examined using a xenobiotic response element-luciferase reporter and using
AhR
small interfering RNA silencing in the ERE-luciferase reporter assay. The results negated the possibility of
AhR
-mediated estrogenic activity. Comparison of gene transcription time course, ER degradation, and rapid activation of MAPK/
ERK
in MCF-7 cells demonstrated that the actions of 4-MeOEN mirrored those of E(2) with potency for classical and nonclassical estrogenic pathways bracketing that of E(2). Methylation of 4-OHEN may not represent a detoxification pathway because 4-MeOEN is a full, potent estrogen agonist.
...
PMID:Activation of estrogen receptor-mediated gene transcription by the equine estrogen metabolite, 4-methoxyequilenin, in human breast cancer cells. 1758 65
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a prototypic halogenated aromatic hydrocarbon (HAH), is known as one of the most potent toxicants. At least a part of its toxic effects appears to be derived from its ability to induce TNF-alpha production. However, the signaling pathway of TCDD that leads to TNF-alpha expression has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the signaling mechanism of TCDD-induced TNF-alpha expression in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages. TCDD induced both mRNA and protein expression of TNF-alpha in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Alpha-naphthoflavone (NF), an
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
(
AhR
) inhibitor, prevented the TCDD-induced expression of TNF-alpha at both mRNA and protein levels. Genistein, a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor, and PD153035, an
EGFR
inhibitor, also blocked the increase of TNF-alpha expression by TCDD, indicating the role of
EGFR
in TCDD-induced TNF-alpha expression. On the other hand, PP2, a c-Src specific inhibitor, did not affect TCDD-induced TNF-alpha expression.
EGFR
phosphorylation was detected as early as 5 min after TCDD treatment. TCDD-induced
EGFR
activation was
AhR
-dependent since co-treatment with alpha-NF prevented it.
ERK
was found to be a downstream effector of
EGFR
activation in the signaling pathway leading to TNF-alpha production after TCDD stimulation. Activation of
ERK
was observed from 30 min after TCDD treatment. PD98059, an inhibitor of the MEK-
ERK
pathway, completely prevented the TNF-alpha mRNA and protein expression induced by TCDD, whereas inhibitors of JNK and p38 MAPK had no effect. PD153035, an
EGFR
inhibitor, as well as alpha-NF significantly reduced
ERK
phosphorylation, suggesting that
ERK
activation by TCDD was mediated by both
EGFR
and
AhR
. These results indicate that TNF-alpha production by TCDD in differentiated THP-1 macrophages is
AhR
-dependent and involves activation of
EGFR
and
ERK
, but not c-Src, JNK, nor p38 MAPK. A signaling pathway is proposed where TCDD induces sequential activation of
AhR
,
EGFR
and
ERK
, leading to the increased expression of TNF-alpha.
...
PMID:Signaling pathway for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced TNF-alpha production in differentiated THP-1 human macrophages. 1793 41
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