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)

Organochlorine compounds have been demonstrated to have detrimental health effects in both wildlife and humans, an effect largely attributed to their ability to mimic the hormone estrogen. Our laboratory has studied cell signaling by environmental chemicals associated with the estrogen receptor (ER) and more recently via ER-independent mechanisms. Here, we show that the organochlorine pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites induce a stress mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) that leads to AP-1 activation. Through the use of a dominant negative c-Fos mutant, we show that DDT exposure induces the collagenase promoter in an AP-1-dependent manner. DDT stimulates an AP-1 complex shift at the DNA to one favoring c-Jun/c-Fos dimers through both increasing c-Jun levels and by post-translational activation of c-Jun and c-Fos in HEK 293 and human endometrial Ishikawa cells. DDT treatment induces phosphorylation of ERK and p38, while JNK phosphorylation levels are slightly decreased. Using pharmacological and molecular inhibitors of the various MAPKs, we implicate the p38 signaling cascade, and to a lesser extent ERK, as necessary pathways for AP-1-mediated gene expression induction by organochlorines. Taken together, these results demonstrate that organochlorines induce the collagenase promoter via sequential activation of the p38 kinase cascade and AP-1.
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PMID:Mechanism of AP-1-mediated gene expression by select organochlorines through the p38 MAPK pathway. 1460 93

Degradation of stromal collagens in the extracellular matrix is mediated largely by matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1; collagenase-1), and high constitutive levels of MMP-1 in breast cancer correlate with a poor prognosis and invasive disease. MMP-1 expression is, in part, controlled by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway(s), which may target several activator protein-1 (AP-1) and polyoma enhancing activity-3/E26 virus (PEA3/ETS) sites within the promoter. An additional ETS site in the MMP-1 promoter is conferred by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at -1607 bp, when two guanines (5'-GGAT-3'; '2G allele/SNP') are present instead of one guanine (5'-GAT-3'; '1G allele/SNP'). This SNP is adjacent to an AP-1 site at -1602 bp, and in the presence of the 2G allele (ETS site), these sites cooperate to induce higher levels of transcription. ERK 1/2 is one component of the MAPK pathway and is constitutively active in MCF-7/ADR breast cancer cells, which are 1G/2G heterozygotes. This study demonstrates that when these cells are treated with PD098059, an ERK-specific inhibitor, MMP-1 mRNA levels are significantly decreased, suggesting that high constitutive expression of MMP-1 in these cells results from continuous ERK 1/2 activation. Using transient transfection, we determined that this signaling pathway targets different AP-1/ETS sites, depending upon which allele is present. Furthermore, in these cells, the AP-1 site at -1602 bp enhances transcription in the presence of the 2G SNP, but represses transcription from the 1G SNP. Finally, inhibiting ERK signaling and MMP-1 expression blocks type I collagen degradation and reduces the invasive ability of the MCF-7/ADR cells. We conclude that ERK 1/2 signaling and the 2G SNP mediate high levels of MMP-1 expression, which may contribute to the invasive potential of these breast cancer cells.
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PMID:The 2G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MMP-1 promoter contributes to high levels of MMP-1 transcription in MCF-7/ADR breast cancer cells. 1469 51

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a critical regulator of collagenase-1 production in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The MAPKs are regulated by upstream kinases, including MAPK kinases (MAPKKs) and MAPK kinase kinases (MAP3Ks). The present study was designed to evaluate the expression and regulation of the JNK pathway by MAP3K in arthritis. RT-PCR studies of MAP3K gene expression in RA and osteoarthritis synovial tissue demonstrated mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase kinase (MEKK) 1, MEKK2, apoptosis-signal regulating kinase-1, TGF-beta activated kinase 1 (TAK1) gene expression while only trace amounts of MEKK3, MEKK4, and MLK3 mRNA were detected. Western blot analysis demonstrated immunoreactive MEKK2, TAK1, and trace amounts of MEKK3 but not MEKK1 or apoptosis-signal regulating kinase-1. Analysis of MAP3K mRNA in cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) showed that all of the MAP3Ks examined were expressed. Western blot analysis of FLS demonstrated that MEKK1, MEKK2, and TAK1 were readily detectable and were subsequently the focus of functional studies. In vitro kinase assays using MEKK2 immunoprecipitates demonstrated that IL-1 increased MEKK2-mediated phosphorylation of the key MAPKKs that activate JNK (MAPK kinase (MKK)4 and MKK7). Furthermore, MEKK2 immunoprecipitates activated c-Jun in an IL-1 dependent manner and this activity was inhibited by the selective JNK inhibitor SP600125. Of interest, MEKK1 immunoprecipitates from IL-1-stimulated FLS appeared to activate c-Jun through the JNK pathway and TAK1 activation of c-Jun was dependent on JNK, ERK, and p38. These data indicate that MEKK2 is a potent activator of the JNK pathway in FLS and that signal complexes including MEKK2, MKK4, MKK7, and/or JNK are potential therapeutic targets in RA.
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PMID:Regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase by MEKK-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases in rheumatoid arthritis. 1473 42

Melanoma progresses as a multistep process where the thickness of the lesion and depth of tumor invasion are the best prognostic indicators of clinical outcome. Degradation of the interstitial collagens in the extracellular matrix is an integral component of tumor invasion and metastasis, and much of this degradation is mediated by collagenase-1 (MMP-1), a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. MMP-1 levels increase during melanoma progression where they are associated with shorter disease-free survival. The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major regulator of melanoma cell proliferation. Recently, BRAF has been identified as a common site of activating mutations, and, although many reports focus on its growth-promoting effects, this pathway has also been implicated in progression toward metastatic disease. In this study, we describe four melanoma cell lines that produce high levels of MMP-1 constitutively. In each cell line the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is constitutively active and is the dominant pathway driving the production of MMP-1. Activation of this pathway arises due to either an activating mutation in BRAF (three cell lines) or autocrine fibroblast growth factor signaling (one cell line). Furthermore, blocking MEK/ERK activity inhibits melanoma cell proliferation and abrogates collagen degradation, thus decreasing their metastatic potential. Importantly, this inhibition of invasive behavior can occur in the absence of any detectable changes in cell proliferation and survival. Thus, constitutive activation of this MAPK pathway not only promotes the increased proliferation of melanoma cells but is also important for the acquisition of an invasive phenotype.
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PMID:Overexpression of collagenase 1 (MMP-1) is mediated by the ERK pathway in invasive melanoma cells: role of BRAF mutation and fibroblast growth factor signaling. 1518 73

In adult animals, bone marrow is the major site of blood cell production, which is controlled by interactions between the local stroma and blood cell progenitors. The endosteal/subendosteal environment comprises bone-lining and adjacent reticular cells and sustains haemopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. We have questioned the specific role of each of these stroma cells in controlling HSC fate. We have isolated two distinct stroma-cell populations containing subendosteal reticulocytes (F-RET) and osteoblasts (F-OST) from periosteum-free fragments of murine femurs by a two-step collagenase-digestion procedure. Both populations produce similar extracellular matrix (collagen I, laminin, fibronectin, decorin), except for collagen IV, which is low in F-OST. They also express osteogenic markers: osteopontin, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The quantity and activity of ALP are however higher in F-OST. When co-cultured with bone marrow mononuclear cells or lineage-negative haemopoietic progenitors, F-OST stroma induces low proliferation and high maintenance of early haemopoietic progenitors, whereas F-RET stroma induces high short-term proliferation and differentiation. Analysis by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction has revealed higher levels of Jagged-1 expression by F-OST cells than by the F-RET population. Thus, two adjacent stroma cells (subendosteal and endosteal) play distinct roles in controlling the stem-cell capacity and fate of HSC and probably contribute distinctly to HSC niche formation.
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PMID:Bone marrow subendosteal microenvironment harbours functionally distinct haemosupportive stromal cell populations. 1557 25

Cells are regulated by many different means, and there is more and more evidence emerging that changes in the microenvironment greatly affect cell function. MT1-MMP is a type I transmembrane proteinase which participates in pericellular proteolysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules. The enzyme is cellular collagenase essential for skeletal development, cancer invasion, growth, and angiogenesis. MT1-MMP promotes cell invasion and motility by pericellular ECM degradation, shedding of CD44 and syndecan1, and by activating ERK. Thus MT1-MMP is one of the factors that influence the cellular microenvironment and thereby affect cell-signaling pathways and eventually alters cellular behavior. As a proteinase, MT1-MMP is regulated by inhibitors, but it also requires formation of a homo-oligomer complex, localization to migration front of the cells, and internalization to become a "functionally active" cell function modifier. Developing new means to inhibit "functional activity" of MT1-MMP may be a new direction to establish treatments for the diseases that MT1-MMP mediates such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
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PMID:MT1-MMP: a potent modifier of pericellular microenvironment. 1592 Jul 34

Erythropoietin (EPO), a pleiotropic cytokine involved in erythropoiesis, is tissue-protective in ischemic, traumatic, toxic and inflammatory injuries. In this study, we investigated the effect of EPO in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Two hours after inducing ICH via the stereotaxic infusion of collagenase, recombinant human EPO (500 or 5000 IU/kg, ICH + EPO group) or PBS (ICH + vehicle group) was administered intraperitoneally, then once daily afterwards for 1 or 3 days. ICH + EPO showed the better functional recovery in both rotarod and modified limb placing tests. The brain water content was decreased in ICH + EPO dose-dependently, as compared with ICH + vehicle. The effect of EPO on the brain water content was inhibited by N(omega)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg). Mean hemorrhage volume was also decreased in ICH + EPO. EPO reduced the numbers of TUNEL +, myeloperoxidase + or OX-42 + cells in the perihematomal area. In addition, EPO reduced the mRNA level of TNF-alpha, Fas and Fas-L, as well as the activities of caspase-8, 9 and 3. EPO treatment showed up-regulations of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and p-eNOS, pAkt, pSTAT3 and pERK levels. These data suggests that EPO treatment in ICH induces better functional recovery with reducing perihematomal inflammation and apoptosis, coupled with activations of eNOS, STAT3 and ERK.
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PMID:Erythropoietin reduces perihematomal inflammation and cell death with eNOS and STAT3 activations in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage. 1653 88

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1, collagenase-1) plays a pivotal role in the process of joint destruction in degenerative joint diseases. We have examined the regulation of MMP-1 production in human chondrocytic HCS-2/8 cells stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). In response to TNF-alpha, MMP-1 is induced and actively released from HCS-2/8 cells. The induction of MMP-1 expression correlates with activation of ERK1/2, MEK, and Raf-1, and is potently prevented by U0126, a selective inhibitor of MEK1/2 activation. In contrast, SB203580, a selective p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) inhibitor, had no effects on TNF-alpha-induced MMP-1 release. A serine/threonine kinase, Akt was not activated in TNF-alpha-stimulated HCS-2/8 cells. TNF-alpha stimulated the production of PGE(2) in addition to MMP-1 in HCS-2/8 cells. Exogenously added PGE(2) potently inhibited TNF-alpha-induced both MMP-1 production and activation of ERK1/2. The effects of PGE(2) were mimicked by ONO-AE1-329, a selective EP4 receptor agonist but not by butaprost, a selective EP2 agonist. In contrast, blockade of endogenously produced PGE(2) signaling by ONO-AE3-208, a selective EP4 receptor antagonist, enhanced TNF-alpha-induced MMP-1 production. Furthermore, the suppression of MMP-1 production by exogenously added PGE(2) was reversed by ONO-AE3-208. Activation of EP4 receptor resulted in cAMP-mediated phosphorylation of Raf-1 on Ser259, a negative regulatory site, and blocked activation of Raf-1/MEK/ERK cascade. Taken together, these findings indicate that Raf-1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the production of MMP-1 in HCS-2/8 cells in response to TNF-alpha, and that the produced PGE(2) downregulates the expression of MMP-1 by blockage of TNF-alpha-induced Raf-1 activation through EP4-PGE(2) receptor activation.
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PMID:Prostaglandin E2 downregulates TNF-alpha-induced production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in HCS-2/8 chondrocytes by inhibiting Raf-1/MEK/ERK cascade through EP4 prostanoid receptor activation. 1703 53

Chronic exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with lung function impairment. To determine the molecular mechanism(s) of this phenomenon, we investigated, in an alveolar human epithelial cell line (A549), whether diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), a main component of particulate air pollution, modulates the expression and activity of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1, a collagenase involved in alveolar wall degradation. Interaction of DEPs with cigarette smoke, which also produces structural and functional lung alterations, was also investigated. A noncytotoxic concentration of DEPs induced an increase in MMP-1 mRNA and protein expression and activity in A549 cells without modifying the expression of the MMP inhibitors TIMP-1 and -2. This effect was not potentiated when cells were coexposed to noncytotoxic concentrations of cigarette smoke condensate. DEP-induced MMP-1 was associated with increased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation and upregulation of expression and activity of the NADPH oxidase analog NOX4. Cell transfection with a NOX4 small interfering RNA prevented these phenomena, showing the critical role of a NOX4 ERK 1/2 pathway in DEP-induced MMP-1 expression and activity. Similar results to those observed in A549 cells were obtained in another human lung epithelial cell line, NCI-H292. Furthermore, experiments in mice intratracheally instilled with DEPs confirmed the in vitro findings, showing the induction of NOX4 and MMP-1 protein expression in alveolar epithelial cells. We conclude that alveolar alterations secondary to MMP-1 induction could explain lung function impairment associated with exposure to particulate pollution.
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PMID:Diesel exhaust particles induce matrix metalloprotease-1 in human lung epithelial cells via a NADP(H) oxidase/NOX4 redox-dependent mechanism. 1744 95

Collagenase-1 is a protease expressed by active fibroblasts that is involved in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we characterize the intracellular signaling mechanism of collagenase-1 production by IL-1alpha in subcultured normal fibroblasts (NF) from uninjured normal corneas, compared to that in repair wound fibroblasts (WF). In NF, collagenase-1 was induced specifically after the exogenous addition of IL-1alpha via activation of ERK and p38MAPK. Collagenase-1 expression was strongly suppressed upon treatment with either a MEK or p38MAPK inhibitor. In contrast, repair WF constitutively synthesized both IL-1alpha and collagenase-1. Combined treatment with both mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors dramatically reduced collagenase-1 synthesis, while individual MEK1 or p38 inhibitors weakly modulated the collagenase-1 level. The results indicate that both pathways are crucial in the regulation of collagenase-1 synthesis. Furthermore, an IL-1alpha receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) could not abolish constitutive collagenase-1 synthesis, even at high doses, suggesting that other cytokines/factors are additionally involved in this process. We propose that induction of collagenase-1 by IL-1alpha in both WF and NF depends on a unique combination of cell type-specific signaling pathways.
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PMID:Constitutive collagenase-1 synthesis through MAPK pathways is mediated, in part, by endogenous IL-1alpha during fibrotic repair in corneal stroma. 1745 22


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