Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:2.7.10.2 (focal adhesion kinase)
 44,029 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Cerivastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. It inhibits the biosynthesis of cholesterol and its precursors: farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), which are involved in Ras and RhoA cell signaling, respectively. Statins induce greater protection against vascular risk than that expected by cholesterol reduction. Therefore, cerivastatin could protect plaque against rupture, an important cause of ischemic events. In this study, the effect of cerivastatin was tested on angiogenesis because it participates in plaque progression and plaque destabilization. Cerivastatin inhibits in vitro the microvascular endothelial cell proliferation induced by growth factors, whereas it has no effect on unstimulated cells. This growth arrest occurs at the G(1)/S phase and is related to the increase of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(Waf1/Cip1). These effects are reversed by GGPP, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of cerivastatin is related to RhoA inactivation. This mechanism was confirmed by RhoA delocalization from cell membrane to cytoplasm and actin fiber depolymerization, which are also prevented by GGPP. It was also shown that RhoA-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation is mediated by the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase and Akt activations. Moreover, cerivastatin inhibits in vivo angiogenesis in matrigel and chick chorioallantoic membrane models. These results demonstrate the antiangiogenic activity of statins and suggest that it may contribute to their therapeutic benefits in the progression and acute manifestations of atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Cerivastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase, inhibits endothelial cell proliferation induced by angiogenic factors in vitro and angiogenesis in in vivo models. 1195 Jul 1

Hyperinsulinemia has been shown to be associated with diabetic angiopathy. Migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are the processes required for the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we attempted to determine whether insulin affects mitogenic signaling induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in a rat VSMC cell line (A10 cells). PDGF stimulated DNA synthesis which was totally dependent on Ras, because transfection of dominant negative Ras resulted in complete loss of PDGF-stimulated DNA synthesis. Initiation of DNA synthesis was preceded by activation of Raf-1, MEK and MAP kinases (Erk 1 and Erk2). Treatment of the cells with PD98059, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase (MEK) attenuated but did not abolish PDGF-stimulated DNA synthesis, suggesting that MAPK is required but not essential for DNA synthesis. PDGF also stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and p70 S6Kinase (p70S6K) in a wortmannin-sensitive manner. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of p70S6K, markedly suppressed DNA synthesis. Low concentrations of insulin (1-10 nmol/l) alone showed little mitogenic activity and no significant effect on MAPK activity. However, the presence of insulin enhanced both DNA synthesis and MAPK activation by PDGF. The enhancing effect of insulin was not seen in cells treated with PD98059. Insulin was without effect on PDGF-stimulated activations of protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and p70S6K. We conclude that insulin, at pathophysiologically relevant concentrations, potentiates the PDGF-stimulated DNA synthesis, at least in part, by potentiating activation of the MAPK cascade. These results are consistent with the notion that hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Potentiation of mitogenic activity of platelet-derived growth factor by physiological concentrations of insulin via the MAP kinase cascade in rat A10 vascular smooth muscle cells. 1199 Nov 99

Repeated cycles of oxidative injury by allylamine induce proliferative rat vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) phenotypes characterized by enhanced secretion of osteopontin (OPN). The present study was designed to evaluate the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in the induction of proliferative phenotypes in this model of oxidant injury. Because OPN is involved in ECM/integrin signaling, and may participate in proliferative control, the proliferation profiles of control and allylamine vSMCs seeded on different matrices were compared. Allylamine cells exhibited a proliferative advantage over controls when seeded on plastic, Pronectin, or fibronectin, but not type I collagen. Addition of GRGDS peptide selectively enhanced [3H]-thymidine incorporation in allylamine vSMCs, while anti-OPN antibodies nullified their proliferative advantage. Allylamine cells exhibited altered expression of alpha1, alpha5 and beta3 integrin subunits and enhanced downstream integrin-coupled increases in focal adhesion kinase, AP-1 and NF-kappaB binding activity. Inhibition of NF-kappaB by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate selectively compromised proliferation of allylamine vSMCs, while seeding on a non-permissive collagen matrix ablated enhancement of NF-kappaB inducibility. These results implicate ECM interactions in the deregulation of vSMC proliferation following repeated cycles of oxidative chemical injury.
Atherosclerosis 2002 Jun
PMID:Collagen suppresses the proliferative phenotype of allylamine-injured vascular smooth muscle cells. 1199 48

Angiogenesis is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis and in the treatment of coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. Here, cholesterol-lowering agents, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, are shown to interfere with angiogenesis. In vivo, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin dose-dependently inhibited capillary growth in both vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated chick chorioallantoic membranes and basic fibroblast growth factor-stimulated mouse corneas. In vitro, the development of tubelike structures by human microvascular endothelial cells cultured on 3D collagen gels was inhibited at simvastatin concentrations similar to those found in the serum of patients on therapeutic doses of this agent. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors interfered with angiogenesis via inhibition of the geranylgeranylation and membrane localization of RhoA. Simvastatin inhibited membrane localization of RhoA with a concentration dependence similar to that for the inhibition of tube formation, whereas geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, the substrate for the geranylgeranylation of Rho, reversed the effect of simvastatin on tube formation and on the membrane localization of RhoA. Furthermore, tube formation was inhibited by GGTI, a specific inhibitor of the geranylgeranylation of Rho; by C3 exotoxin, which inactivates Rho; and by the adenoviral expression of a dominant-negative RhoA mutant. The expression of a dominant-activating RhoA mutant reversed the effect of simvastatin on tube formation. Finally, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors inhibited signaling by vascular endothelial growth factor, Akt, and focal adhesion kinase, three RhoA-dependent pathways known to be involved in angiogenesis. This study demonstrates a new relationship between lipid metabolism and angiogenesis and an antiangiogenic effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors with possible important therapeutic implications.
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PMID:3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors interfere with angiogenesis by inhibiting the geranylgeranylation of RhoA. 1214 47

CD40 is a type I membrane-bound molecule belonging to the TNFR superfamily that is expressed on various immune cells including macrophages and microglia. The aberrant expression of CD40 is involved in the initiation and maintenance of various human diseases including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Inhibition of CD40 signaling has been shown to provide a significant beneficial effect in a number of animal models of human diseases including the aforementioned examples. We have previously shown that IFN-gamma induces CD40 expression in macrophages and microglia. IFN-gamma leads to STAT-1alpha activation directly and up-regulation of NF-kappaB activity due to the secretion and subsequent autocrine signaling of TNF-alpha. However, TNF-alpha alone is not capable of inducing CD40 expression in these cells. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 protein (SOCS-1) is a cytokine-inducible Src homology 2-containing protein that regulates cytokine receptor signaling by inhibiting STAT-1alpha activation via a specific interaction with activated Janus kinase 2. Given the important role of CD40 in inflammatory events in the CNS as well as other organ systems, it is imperative to understand the molecular mechanisms contributing to both CD40 induction and repression. We show that ectopic expression of SOCS-1 abrogates IFN-gamma-induced CD40 protein expression, mRNA levels, and promoter activity. Additionally, IFN-gamma-induced TNF-alpha secretion, as well as STAT-1alpha and NF-kappaB activation, are inhibited in the presence of SOCS-1. We conclude that SOCS-1 inhibits cytokine-induced CD40 expression by blocking IFN-gamma-mediated STAT-1alpha activation, which also then results in suppression of IFN-gamma-induced TNF-alpha secretion and subsequent NF-kappaB activation.
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PMID:Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 inhibits cytokine induction of CD40 expression in macrophages. 1219 1

A better understanding of atherogenesis at the level of gene expression could lead to the identification of new therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases. With DNA array technology, it is possible to identify multiple, simultaneous changes in gene expression in small tissue samples from atherosclerotic arteries. We analyzed gene expression in normal arteries and in immunohistologically characterized human advanced atherosclerotic lesions using an array of 18376 cDNA fragments. The array method was first validated by detecting a group of genes (n=17) that were already known to be connected to atherogenesis. These genes included e.g. Apolipoprotein E, CD68, TIMP and phospholipase D. Next we detected 75 differentially expressed genes that were previously not connected to atherogenesis. A subgroup of genes involved in cell signaling and proliferation was selected for further analyzes with in situ hybridization and RT-PCR which confirmed array results by showing induction in advanced lesions of Janus kinase 1 (JAK-1) which is an important signaling molecule in activated macrophages; VEGF receptor-2 which mediates angiogenic and vasculoprotective effects of VEGF; and an unknown gene, which mapped on chromosome 19. It is concluded that DNA array technology enables fast screening of gene expression in small samples of atherosclerotic lesions. The technique will be useful for the identification of new factors, such as JAK-1 and VEGF receptor-2, which may play an important role in atherogenesis.
Atherosclerosis 2002 Nov
PMID:Changes in gene expression in atherosclerotic plaques analyzed using DNA array. 1220 67

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a multifunctional hormone that influences the function of cardiovascular cells through a complex series of intracellular signaling events initiated by the interaction of Ang II with AT1 and AT2 receptors. AT1 receptor activation leads to cell growth, vascular contraction, inflammatory responses and salt and water retention, whereas AT2 receptors induce apoptosis, vasodilation and natriuresis. These effects are mediated via complex, interacting signaling pathways involving stimulation of PLC and Ca2+ mobilization; activation of PLD, PLA2, PKC, MAP kinases and NAD(P)H oxidase, and stimulation of gene transcription. In addition, Ang II activates many intracellular tyrosine kinases that play a role in growth signaling and inflammation, such as Src, Pyk2, p130Cas, FAK and JAK/STAT. These events may be direct or indirect via transactivation of tyrosine kinase receptors, including PDGFR, EGFR and IGFR. Ang II induces a multitude of actions in various tissues, and the signaling events following occupancy and activation of Ang receptors are tightly controlled and extremely complex. Alterations of these highly regulated signaling pathways may be pivotal in structural and functional abnormalities that underlie pathological processes in cardiovascular diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension and atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Recent advances in angiotensin II signaling. 1221 72

39 women were randomly allocated to contraception with either a combined oral contraceptive (ethinyl estradiol 37.5 mcg + lynestrenol 0.75 mg=EE + LYN), a progestin-only preparation (lynestrenol 0.5 mg daily=LYN), or a copper containing IUD. Pretreatment and 1, 3, and 6 month treatment blood samples were obtained and assayed for serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In the subjects using EE+LYN, the HDL cholesterol/cholesterol ratio was significantly (P0.01) elevated after 6 months treatment. Also, triglycerides increased significantly (P0.01). In the LYN group, no significant alterations in the lipid parameters occurred. In the IUD group, cholesterol levels decreased significantly (P0.05) and a significant (P0.01) rise in HDL-cholesterol/cholesterol ratio was seen. Triglyceride levels did not change. The results obtained suggest that the low-dose EE+LYN and LYN OCs do not induce such changes in serum lipids that could be related to the risk of development of atherosclerosis. The decrease in cholesterol levels during IUD use remains to be confirmed by other further studies.
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PMID:The effect of two low-dose oral contraceptives and non-hormonal contraception on serum lipids and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 1226 99

A key event in neointima formation and atherogenesis is the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into the intima. This is controlled by cytokines and extracellular matix (ECM) components within the microenvironment of the diseased vessel wall. At present, these signals have only been partially identified. In this study, we demonstrate that Met, the receptor tyrosine kinase for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is expressed on VSMCs isolated from the intima of atherosclerotic plaques of carotid arteries. Stimulation with HGF led to activation of Met as well as to activation of PI3-K, PKB/Akt, MEK, and the MAP kinases Erk1 and -2. Moreover, HGF induced lamellipodia formation, a characteristic feature of motile cells, and promoted VSMC migration across fibronectin-coated filters. The HGF-induced cell migration was mediated by beta1 integrins and required PI3-K activation. Our results suggest a role for the HGF-Met signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis.
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PMID:Hepatocyte growth factor triggers signaling cascades mediating vascular smooth muscle cell migration. 1237 23

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a host of vascular abnormalities such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and in restenosis followed by balloon angioplasty. However, the molecular mechanism by which oxidative stress causes these abnormalities remains poorly characterized. Recent studies have shown that exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) with H2O2, to mimic oxidative stress, activates components of growth promoting and proliferative signal transduction pathways. These components include mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), and are believed to be key players mediating growth, proliferation, hypertrophy, migration, survival and death of VSMC. We provide a brief overview of the effect of H2O2 on MAPKs and PKB/Akt signaling in VSMC in relation to their potential role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases.
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PMID:Synchronous activation of ERK 1/2, p38mapk and PKB/Akt signaling by H2O2 in vascular smooth muscle cells: potential involvement in vascular disease (review). 1252 83


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