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)

The antibiotic radicicol suppresses transformation in a variety of transformed cells. The antineoplastic effects of the drug have been attributed to the degradation of Raf and the inactivation of the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade. Here we demonstrate that radicicol induces cell spreading, suppresses anchorage-independent cell growth, and increases the expression of the high-molecular weight tropomyosin isoform TM-2 in cells stably expressing a constitutively active form of MEK-1 as well as in ras-transformed cells. Furthermore, the reverting effects of the drug are achieved at concentrations below those required to deplete Raf from the cell or to inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK or its substrates Elk and pp90(RSK). In contrast, low concentrations of radicicol significantly inhibited activator protein (AP-1) and serum response factor (SRF)-mediated transcription. The lack of correlation between the effects of radicicol on cell phenotype and on the signaling activities of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway indicate that Raf depletion or disruption of proximal signaling events in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are not the predominant mechanisms by which the drug suppresses the transformed phenotype. Our observation that low concentrations of radicicol block transcriptional activities mediated by AP-1 and SRF suggests that interference with signaling upstream of these transcription factors may contribute to the reverting effects of the drug.
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PMID:Radicicol suppresses transformation and restores tropomyosin-2 expression in both ras- and MEK-transformed cells without inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade. 1171 35

Bacteria and their ubiquitous cell wall component peptidoglycan (PGN) activate the innate immune system of the host and induce the release of inflammatory molecules. TNF-alpha is one of the highest induced cytokines in macrophages stimulated with PGN; however, the regulation of tnf-alpha expression in PGN-activated cells is poorly understood. This study was done to identify some of the transcription factors that regulate the expression of the tnf-alpha gene in macrophages stimulated with PGN. Our results demonstrated that PGN-induced expression of human tnf-alpha gene is regulated by sequences proximal to -182 bp of the promoter. Mutations within the binding sites for cAMP response element, early growth response (Egr)-1, and kappaB3 significantly reduced this induction. The transcription factor c-Jun bound the cAMP response element site, Egr-1 bound the Egr-1 motif, and NF-kappaB p50 and p65 bound to the kappaB3 site on the tnf-alpha promoter. PGN rapidly induced transcription of egr-1 gene and this induction was significantly reduced by specific mutations within the serum response element-1 domain of the egr-1 promoter. PGN also induced phosphorylation and activation of Elk-1, a member of the Ets family of transcription factors. Elk-1 and serum response factor proteins bound the serum response element-1 domain on the egr-1 promoter, and PGN-induced expression of the egr-1 was inhibited by dominant-negative Elk-1. These results indicate that PGN induces activation of the transcription factors Egr-1 and Elk-1, and that PGN-induced expression of tnf-alpha is directly mediated through the transcription factors c-Jun, Egr-1, and NF-kappaB, and indirectly through the transcription factor Elk-1.
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PMID:Bacterial peptidoglycan-induced tnf-alpha transcription is mediated through the transcription factors Egr-1, Elk-1, and NF-kappaB. 1173 17

Pulsatile secretion of GnRH is the major regulator of gonadotropin (LH, FSH) gene expression and secretion. Recently, GnRH has been shown to rapidly stimulate the expression of early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1), a transcription factor that is essential for LHbeta gene expression in the pituitary. In this study, we examined the regulatory elements and signal transduction pathways by which GnRH regulates Egr-1 transcription. Deletion analysis of the murine Egr-1 promoter identified two regions (-370 to -342 and -116 to -73) that are critical for GnRH responsiveness in alphaT3 pituitary gonadotrope cells. The first region, which contains two serum response elements (SREs), contributed about 70-80% of GnRH inducibility, whereas the second region, which contains two SREs and one Ets binding site, conferred an additional 20-30% of activity. Mutations that abolish protein binding to these SREs and Ets binding sites completely eliminated GnRH-mediated transcriptional activation of the Egr-1 promoter. Mutation of cAMP response element reduced promoter activity by 40%. Using specific protein kinase inhibitors, GnRH stimulation of Egr-1 expression was found to be dependent on PKC/ERK pathways. In addition, GnRH activated p90 ribosomal S6 kinase, which has the potential to phosphorylate serum response factor and cAMP response element binding protein. We conclude that GnRH stimulation of Egr-1 gene expression requires several distinct SREs/Ets elements and a cAMP response element and is mediated via activation of PKC/ERK signaling pathways.
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PMID:GnRH regulates early growth response protein 1 transcription through multiple promoter elements. 1181 96

Combinatorial DNA binding by proteins for promoter-specific gene activation is a common mode of DNA regulation in eukaryotic organisms, and occurs at the promoter of the c-fos proto-oncogene. The c-fos promoter contains a serum response element (SRE) that mediates ternary complex formation with the Ets proteins SAP-1 or Elk-1 and the MADS-box protein, serum response factor (SRF). Here, we report the crystal structure of a ternary SAP-1/SRF/c-fos SRE DNA complex containing the minimal DNA-binding domains of each protein. The structure of the complex reveals that the SAP-1 monomer and SRF dimer are bound on opposite faces of the DNA, and that the DNA recognition helix of SAP-1 makes direct contact with the DNA recognition helix of one of the two SRF subunits. These interactions facilitate an 82 degrees DNA bend around SRF and a modulation of protein-DNA contacts by each protein when compared to each of the binary DNA complexes. A comparison with a recently determined complex containing SRF, an idealized DNA site, and a SAP-1 fragment containing a SRF-interacting B-box region, shows a similar overall architecture but also shows important differences. Specifically, the comparison suggests that the B-box region of the Ets protein does not significantly influence DNA recognition by either of the proteins, and that the sequence of the DNA target effects the way in which the two proteins cooperate for DNA recognition. These studies have implications for how DNA-bound SRF may modulate the DNA-binding properties of other Ets proteins such as Elk-1, and for how other Ets proteins may modulate the DNA-binding properties of other DNA-bound accessory factors to facilitate promoter-specific transcriptional responses.
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PMID:Crystal structure of a ternary SAP-1/SRF/c-fos SRE DNA complex. 1184 62

REF cells transformed by oncogenes E1A and cHa-ras reveal high and constitutive DNA-binding activity of AP-1 factor lacking in c-Fos protein. Consistently, the transcription of c-fos gene has been found to be downregulated. To elucidate the mechanisms of c-fos downregulation in E1A+cHa-ras transformants, we studied the levels of activity of ERK, JNK/SAPK and p38 kinases and phosphorylation state of Elk-1 transcription factor involved in regulation of c-fos gene. Using two approaches, Western blot analysis with phospho-specific antibodies to MAP kinases and in vitro kinase assay with specific substrates, we show here that ectopic expression of E1A and ras oncogenes leads to a sustained activation of ERK and p38 kinases, whereas JNK/SAPK kinase activity is similar to that in non-transformed REF52 cells. Due to sustained activity of the MAP kinase cascades, Elk-1 transcription factor is being phosphorylated even in serum-starved E1A+cHa-ras cells; moreover, serum does not additionally increase phosphorylation of Elk-1, which is predominant TCF protein bound to SRE region of c-fos gene promoter in these cells. Although the amount of ternary complexes SRE/SRF/TCF estimated by EMSA was similar both in serum-starved and serum-stimulated transformed cells, serum addition still caused a modest activation of c-fos gene transcription at the level of 20% to normal REF cells. In attempt to determine how serum caused the stimulatory effect, we found that PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK/ERK kinase cascade, completely suppressed serum-induced c-fos transcription both in REF and E1A+cHa-ras cells, implicating the ERK as primary kinase for c-fos transcription in these cells. In contrast, SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 kinase, augmented noticeably serum-stimulated transcription of c-fos gene in REF cells, implying the involvement of p38 kinase in negative regulation of c-fos. Furthermore, sodium butyrate, an inhibitor of histone deacetylase activity, was capable of activating c-fos transcription both in serum-stimulated and even in serum-starved E1A+cHa-ras cells. Conversely, serum-starved REF cells fail to respond to sodium butyrate treatment by c-fos activation confirming necessity of prior Elk-1 phosphorylation. Taken together, these data suggest that downregulation of c-fos in E1A+cHa-ras cells seems to occur due to a maintenance of a refractory state that arises in normal REF cells after serum-stimulation. The refractory state of c-fos in E1A+cHa-ras cells is likely a consequence of Ras-induced sustained activation of MAPK (ERK) cascade and persistent phosphorylation of TCF (Elk-1) bound to SRE. Combination of these events eventually does contribute to formation of an inactive chromatin structure at c-fos promoter mediated through recruitment of histone deacetylase activity.
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PMID:Downregulation of c-fos gene transcription in cells transformed by E1A and cHa-ras oncogenes: a role of sustained activation of MAP/ERK kinase cascade and of inactive chromatin structure at c-fos promoter. 1185 Aug

The ETS-domain transcription factor family can be divided into a series of subfamilies. Elk-1 represents the founding member of the ternary complex factor (TCF) subfamily. By focusing on the TCF subfamily, we can demonstrate the complexities that exist in the function and regulation of ETS-domain transcription factors. This article focuses on Elk-1 in detail and summarizes the functions of other TCFs. The key themes covered include the domain structure of the TCFs, the mechanisms of complex formation with serum response factor, regulation of TCFs by mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, and transcriptional regulatory properties of the TCFs. Finally, the emerging role of the TCFs in vivo is discussed. A picture is developing indicating that, while these proteins exhibit significant sequence and functional conservation, key differences in their structure and regulation are being identified which may relate to unique functions of these proteins in vivo.
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PMID:Complexities in ETS-domain transcription factor function and regulation: lessons from the TCF (ternary complex factor) subfamily. The Colworth Medal Lecture. 1202 15

In this study, we examined the effect of Na(+)-K(+) pump inhibition on the expression of early response genes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) as possible intermediates of the massive RNA synthesis and protection against apoptosis seen in ouabain-treated VSMC in our previous experiments. Incubation of VSMC with ouabain resulted in rapid induction of c-Fos protein expression with an approximately sixfold elevation after 2 h of incubation. c-Jun expression was increased by approximately fourfold after 12 h, whereas expression of activating transcription factor 2, cAMP/Ca(2+) response element binding protein (CREB)-1 and c-Myc was not altered. Markedly augmented c-Fos expression was also observed under Na(+)-K(+) pump inhibition in potassium-depleted medium. Na(+)-K(+) pump inhibition triggered c-Fos expression via elevation of the [Na(+)](i)/[K(+)](i) ratio. This conclusion follows from experiments showing the lack of effect of ouabain on c-Fos expression in high-potassium-low-sodium medium and from the comparison of dose responses of Na(+)-K(+) pump activity, [Na(+)](i) and [K(+)](i) content and c-Fos expression to ouabain. A fourfold increment of c-Fos mRNA was revealed 30 min following addition of ouabain to the incubation medium. At this time point, treatment with ouabain resulted in an approximately fourfold elevation of [Na(+)](i) but did not affect [K(+)](i). Augmented c-Fos expression was also observed under VSMC depolarization in high-potassium medium. Increments in both c-Fos expression and (45)Ca uptake in depolarized VSMC were abolished under inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channels with 0.1 microM nicardipine. Ouabain did not affect the free [Ca(2+)](i) or the content of exchangeable [Ca(2+)](i). Ouabain-induced c-Fos expression was also insensitive to the presence of nicardipine and [Ca(2+)](o), as well as chelators of [Ca(2+)](o) (EGTA) and [Ca(2+)](i) (BAPTA). The effect of ouabain and serum on c-Fos expression was additive. In contrast to serum, however, ouabain failed to activate the Elk-1, serum response factor, CREB and activator protein-1 transcription factors identified within the c-Fos promoter. These results suggest that Na(+)-K(+) pump inhibition triggers c-Fos expression via [Na(+)](i)-sensitive [Ca(2+)](i)-independent transcription factor(s) distinct from factors interacting with known response elements of this gene promoter.
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PMID:c-Fos expression in ouabain-treated vascular smooth muscle cells from rat aorta: evidence for an intracellular-sodium-mediated, calcium-independent mechanism. 1223 42

Replicative senescence is characterized by numerous phenotypic alterations including loss of proliferative capacity and numerous changes in gene expression such as impaired serum inducibility of the immediate early gene c-fos and increased expression of collagenase. Transcription of c-fos in response to mitogens depends on the activation of a multiprotein complex formed on the c-fos serum response element (SRE), which includes the transcription factors serum response factor (SRF) and ternary complex factor (TCF). TCF is activated after phosphorylation by the Extracellular signals Regulated Kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), two kinases of the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. We have previously demonstrated that collagenase expression is under positive regulation by the transcription factor FKHRL1 and that this transcription factor is under negative regulation by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt(PKB) pathway. Although total activity of ERK and Akt was similar in total cell lysates from early and late passage fibroblasts our data indicate that in senescent cells neither ERK nor Akt are able to phosphorylate efficiently their nuclear targets. Our findings suggest that although they can be fully activated in the cytosol of both early and late passage cells, the Raf/MEK/ERK and the PI3K/Akt pathways, which are essential for cellular proliferation, are down regulated in the nuclei of senescent cells.
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PMID:Role of the Raf/MEK/ERK and the PI3K/Akt(PKB) pathways in fibroblast senescence. 1247 Aug 26

Responses to partial agonist TCR signals include positive selection of thymocytes, survival of naive T cells, and homeostatic proliferation. As part of an effort to understand the molecular basis of these processes, we have determined how agonist and partial agonist ligands act differently to induce a change in gene expression. We have found that the early growth response gene 1 (Egr1) promoter is activated by agonist and partial agonist ligands, but the partial agonist induces 10-fold lower promoter activity. Both agonist and partial agonist ligands require all six serum response elements in the Egr1 promoter to reach maximum induction. Although slightly fewer cells respond to the partial agonist, all of the responding cells have reduced activity compared with the cells responding to agonist. The factors binding to the serum response elements of the Egr1 promoter form a ternary complex (TC) consisting of serum response factor and either Elk-1 or serum response factor accessory protein-1a. Formation of a stable TC and inducible promoter activity are both dependent on extracellular signal-related kinase activation. Examination of TC formation over time reveals that this complex is induced well by partial agonist ligands, but it is not sustained, whereas agonist stimulation induces longer lived TCs. Therefore, the data suggest that both agonist and partial agonist ligands can induce formation of multiple TC on the Egr1 promoter, but the ability of the agonist ligand to maintain these complexes for an extended time results in the increased potency of the agonist.
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PMID:Induction of the early growth response gene 1 promoter by TCR agonists and partial agonists: ligand potency is related to sustained phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase substrates. 1249 15

Close contact of mesenchymal cells in vivo and also in super dense micromass cultures in vitro results in cellular condensation and alteration of existing cellular signaling required for initiation and progression of chondrogenesis. To investigate chondrogenesis related changes in the activity of ubiquitous cell signaling mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinase), we have compared the effect of cell seeding of pluripotent C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells as monolayers (non-chondrogenic culture) or high density micromass cultures (chondrogenic) on the regulation and phosphorylation state of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and also on regulation of ERK1/2 nuclear targets, namely, activation protein-1 (AP-1) and serum response factor (SRF). Increasing cell density resulted in reduced DNA binding as well as activity of AP-1. SRF activity, on the other hand, was up-regulated in confluent monolayer cultures but like AP-1 was inhibited in micromass cultures. Low levels of PD 98059 (5 microM), a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2, resulted in delayed induction of AP-1 and SRF activity whereas higher concentrations of this inhibitor (10-50 microM) conferred an opposite effect. Increasing concentrations of the PD 98059 inhibitor in long term monolayer or micromass cultures (2.5 day) resulted in differential regulation of c-Fos and c-Jun protein levels as well as total expression and phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2. PD 98059 treatment of C3H10T1/2 micromass cultures also resulted in up-regulation of type IIB collagen and Sox9 gene expression. While high expression of aggrecan and type IIB collagen genes were dependent on BMP-2 signaling, ERK inhibition of BMP-2 treated micromass cultures resulted in reduced activity of both genes. Our findings show that the activity of ERK1/2 in chondrogenic cultures of C3H10T1/2 cells is tightly controlled and can cross interact with other signaling activities mediated by BMP-2 to positively regulate chondrogensis.
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PMID:Progression of chondrogenesis in C3H10T1/2 cells is associated with prolonged and tight regulation of ERK1/2. 1264 96


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