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)

Macrophage-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) may have applications in the selective killing of cells involved in atherosclerosis, inflammation and tumor. We have previously shown that a conjugate between the photosensitizer chlorin(e6) (ce6) and maleylated bovine serum albumin (BSA-mal) gives highly selective targeting to macrophages. In this report we examine the effect of macrophage activation and scavenger receptor class A (SRA) expression on this targeting in two murine macrophage tumor cell lines (RAW264.7 and P388D1) and a control murine mammary sarcoma cell line (EMT-6). Cells were pretreated with interferon gamma (IFNgamma) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed byBSA-ce6-mal addition, and SRA expression, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) release, conjugate uptake and PDT killing were measured. Both macrophage cell lines expressed SRA and took up conjugate specifically in an SRA-dependent manner, but differences were observed in their response to activation. RAW264.7 expressed increasingly more SRA and took up increasingly more BSA-ce6-mal in response to IFNgamma, LPS, and IFNgamma+LPS, respectively. The PDT killing did not follow the same pattern as the uptake of the photosensitizer. The increase in uptake in the IFNgamma treated cells did not lead to an increase in PDT killing, while stimulation with LPS or IFNgamma + LPS resulted in a significant protection against PDT, despite a significant increase in photosensitizer uptake. P388D1 was responsive to neither IFNgamma, nor to LPS, or to IFNgamma +LPS with respect to SRA expression, conjugate uptake, and PDT killing. These data may have implications for the use of PDT to target physiologically undesirable macrophage subtypes implicated in disease, and on how manipulation of the activation status of the macrophage will influence the PDT effect.
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PMID:Macrophage-targeted photodynamic therapy: scavenger receptor expression and activation state. 1616 23

Alphavbeta3 integrin is a crucial factor involved in a variety of physiological processes, such as cell growth and migration, tumor invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Alphavbeta3 integrin exerts its effect by regulating endothelial cell (EC) migration, proliferation, and survival. Inhibiting the function of alphavbeta3 integrin, therefore, represents a potential anti-cancer, anti-thrombotic, and anti-inflammatory strategy. In this study, we tested an RNA aptamer, Apt-alphavbeta3 that binds recombinant alphavbeta3 integrin, for its ability to bind endogenous alphavbeta3 integrin on the surface of cells in culture and to subsequently affect cellular response. Our data illustrate that Apt-alphavbeta3 binds alphavbeta3 integrin expressed on the surface of live HUVECs. This interaction significantly decreases both basal and PDGF-induced cell proliferation as well as inhibition of cell adhesion. Apt-alphavbeta3 can also reduce PDGF-stimulated tube formation and increase HUVEC apoptosis through inhibition of FAK phosphorylation pathway. Our results demonstrate that by binding to its target, Apt-alphavbeta3 can efficiently inhibit human EC proliferation and survival, resulting in reduced angiogenesis. It predicts that Apt-alphavbeta3 could become useful in both tumor imaging and the treatment of tumor growth, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and inflammation.
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PMID:Targeted inhibition of alphavbeta3 integrin with an RNA aptamer impairs endothelial cell growth and survival. 1625 39

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a hematopoietic cytokine that promotes proliferation and differentiation of neutrophil progenitors. G-CSF also possesses immunomodulatory properties. G-CSF-induced hematopoietic stem cell mobilization is widely used clinically for transplantation. After it was recently reported that G-CSF mobilizes bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) into the infarcted hearts and accelerates the differentiation into vascular cells and cardiac myocytes, myocardial regeneration utilizing mobilization of BMSCs by G-CSF is attracting the attention of investigators. In animal models, G-CSF prevents left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction, at least in part, through a decrease in apoptotic cells and an increase in vascular cells. Although it is controversial whether BMSCs mobilized by G-CSF can differentiate into cardiac myocytes, G-CSF-induced angiogenesis is indeed recognized in infarcted heart. The cardioprotective effects of G-CSF are recognized even in isolated perfused heart. In addition, G-CSF activates various signaling pathways such as Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 through G-CSF receptors in cardiac myocytes. These observations suggest that G-CSF not only induces mobilization of stem cells and progenitor cells but also acts directly on cardiomyocytes. Therefore, G-CSF may be utilized as a novel agent to have protective and regenerative effects on injured myocardium. Although the effects of G-CSF on the progression of atherosclerosis are still unclear, there is a possibility that G-CSF will become a promising therapy for ischemic heart diseases.
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PMID:Effects of G-CSF on left ventricular remodeling and heart failure after acute myocardial infarction. 1641 24

Accumulating evidence strongly implicates angiotensin II (AngII) intracellular signaling in mediating cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis after vascular injury. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), through its G-protein-coupled AngII Type 1 receptor (AT(1)), AngII activates various intracellular protein kinases, such as receptor or non-receptor tyrosine kinases, which includes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), c-Src, PYK2, FAK, JAK2. In addition, AngII activates serine/threonine kinases such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, p70 S6 kinase, Akt/protein kinase B and various protein kinase C isoforms. In VSMCs, AngII also induces the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play critical roles in activation and modulation of above signal transduction. Less is known about endothelial cell (EC) AngII signaling than VSMCs, however, recent studies suggest that endothelial AngII signaling negatively regulates the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway and thereby induces endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, in both VSMCs and ECs, AngII signaling cross-talk with insulin signaling might be involved in insulin resistance, an important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, clinical and pharmacological studies showed that AngII infusion induces insulin resistance and AngII converting enzyme inhibitors and AT(1) receptor blockers improve insulin sensitivity. In this review, we focus on the recent findings that suggest the existence of novel signaling mechanisms whereby AngII mediates processes, such as activation of receptor or non-receptor tyrosine kinases and ROS, as well as cross-talk between insulin and NO signal transduction in VSMCs and ECs.
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PMID:Angiotensin II regulates vascular and endothelial dysfunction: recent topics of Angiotensin II type-1 receptor signaling in the vasculature. 1647 78

Magnolol (Mag), an active constituent isolated from the Chinese herb Hou p'u (Magnolia officinalis) has long been used to suppress inflammatory processes. Chronic inflammation is well known to be involved in vascular injuries such as atherosclerosis in which interleukin (IL)-6 may participate. Signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3), a transcription factor involved in inflammation and the cell cycle, is activated by IL-6. In this study, we evaluated whether Mag can serve as an anti-inflammatory agent during endothelial injuries. The effects of Mag on IL-6-induced STAT3 activation and downstream target gene induction in endothelial cells (ECs) were examined. Pretreatment of ECs with Mag dose dependently inhibited IL-6-induced Tyr705 and Ser727 phosphorylation in STAT3 without affecting the phosphorylation of JAK1, JAK2, and ERK1/2. Mag pretreatment of these ECs dose dependently suppressed IL-6-induced promoter activity of intracellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 that contains functional IL-6 response elements (IREs). An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that Mag treatment significantly reduced STAT3 binding to the IRE region. Consistently, Mag treatment markedly inhibited ICAM-1 expression on the endothelial surface. As a result, reduced monocyte adhesion to IL-6-activated ECs was observed. Furthermore, Mag suppressed IL-6-induced promoter activity of cyclin D1 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 for which STAT3 activation plays a role. In conclusion, our results indicate that Mag inhibits IL-6-induced STAT3 activation and subsequently results in the suppression of downstream target gene expression in ECs. These results provide a therapeutic basis for the development of Mag as an anti-inflammatory agent for vascular disorders including atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Herbal remedy magnolol suppresses IL-6-induced STAT3 activation and gene expression in endothelial cells. 1652 Jul 48

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death and disability in the Western society. Lipoproteins play an important role in the development of this disease and affect different cell types involved in atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Based on their density, five classes of lipoproteins have been identified which all influence cells via distinct mechanisms. Modification turns lipoproteins into atherogenic particles with a prominent role in atherogenesis. The interaction of lipoproteins with platelets has been under investigation for a number of years. Especially the role of LDL in platelet signaling has been studied intensively as platelets of hypercholesterolemic patients are hyperreactive and show hyperaggregability in vitro and enhanced activity in vivo, suggesting that LDL enhances platelet responsiveness. Several signaling pathways induced by LDL have been revealed in vitro, such as signaling via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and p125 focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK). HDL opposes the activating properties of LDL on platelets, whereas the effects of chylomicrons, VLDL or IDL on platelet function are controversial. Modification of lipoproteins is associated with the generation of new constituents with new signaling properties. In particular, the platelet-activating properties of lysophosphatidic acid, which is a constituent of atherosclerotic plaques and is generated upon oxidation of LDL, have been investigated intensively. This review provides a summary of the activation of signaling pathways after platelet-lipoprotein interactions, with special emphasis on the role of these interactions in the development of thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Platelet signaling induced by lipoproteins. 1661 Oct 46

Adhesion and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These processes involve the interaction of VSMCs with extracellular matrix proteins. Here, we investigated integrin isoforms and signaling pathways mediating the adhesion and migration of VSMCs on betaig-h3, a transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-inducible extracellular matrix protein that is elevated in atherosclerotic plaques. Adhesion assays showed that the alphavbeta5 integrin is a functional receptor for the adhesion of aortic VSMCs to betaig-h3. An YH18 motif containing amino acids between 563 and 580 of betaig-h3 was an essential motif for the adhesion and growth of VSMCs. Interaction between the YH18 motif and the alphavbeta5 integrin was responsible for the migration of VSMCs on betaig-h3. Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Src kinase reduced the adhesion and migration of VSMCs on betaig-h3. betaig-h3 triggered phosphorylation and activation of AKT, ERK, focal adhesion kinase, and paxillin mediating the adhesion and migration of VSMCs. Taken together, these results suggest that betaig-h3 and alphavbeta5 integrin play a role in the adhesion and migration of VSMCs during the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
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PMID:betaig-h3 triggers signaling pathways mediating adhesion and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells through alphavbeta5 integrin. 1667 69

The renin-angiotensin system is a central component of the physiological and pathological responses of cardiovascular system. Its primary effector hormone, angiotensin II (ANG II), not only mediates immediate physiological effects of vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation, but is also implicated in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. The myriad effects of ANG II depend on time (acute vs. chronic) and on the cells/tissues upon which it acts. In addition to inducing G protein- and non-G protein-related signaling pathways, ANG II, via AT(1) receptors, carries out its functions via MAP kinases (ERK 1/2, JNK, p38MAPK), receptor tyrosine kinases [PDGF, EGFR, insulin receptor], and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases [Src, JAK/STAT, focal adhesion kinase (FAK)]. AT(1)R-mediated NAD(P)H oxidase activation leads to generation of reactive oxygen species, widely implicated in vascular inflammation and fibrosis. ANG II also promotes the association of scaffolding proteins, such as paxillin, talin, and p130Cas, leading to focal adhesion and extracellular matrix formation. These signaling cascades lead to contraction, smooth muscle cell growth, hypertrophy, and cell migration, events that contribute to normal vascular function, and to disease progression. This review focuses on the structure and function of AT(1) receptors and the major signaling mechanisms by which angiotensin influences cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
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PMID:Angiotensin II cell signaling: physiological and pathological effects in the cardiovascular system. 1687 Aug 27

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death and disability in the Western society. Lipoproteins are important in the development of cardiovascular disease since they change the properties of different cells involved in atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The interaction of platelets with lipoproteins has been under intense investigation. Particularly the initiation of platelet signaling pathways by low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been studied thoroughly, since platelets of hypercholesterolemic patients, whose plasma contains elevated LDL levels due to absent or defective LDL receptors, show hyperaggregability in vitro and enhanced activity in vivo. These observations suggest that LDL enhances platelet responsiveness. Several signaling pathways induced by LDL have been revealed in vitro, such as signaling via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and p125 focal adhesion kinase. High density lipoprotein (HDL) consists of two subtypes, HDL(2) and HDL(3), which have opposing effects on platelet activation. This review provides a summary of the activation of signaling pathways after platelet-LDL and platelet-HDL interaction, with special emphasis on their role in the development of thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Platelet activation by low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein. 1687 76

Adipose tissue plays a critical role in energy homeostasis, not only in storing triglycerides, but also responding to nutrient, neural, and hormonal signals and secreting adipokines that control feeding, thermogenesis, immunity, and neuroendocrine function. A rise in leptin signals satiety to the brain through receptors in hypothalamic and brainstem neurons. Leptin activates tyrosine kinase, Janus kinase 2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, leading to increased levels of anorexigenic peptides, e.g., alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, and inhibition of orexigenic peptides, e.g., neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide. Obesity is characterized by hyperleptinemia and hypothalamic leptin resistance, partly caused by induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3. Leptin falls rapidly during fasting and potently stimulates appetite, reduces thermogenesis, and mediates the inhibition of thyroid and reproductive hormones and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. These actions are integrated by the paraventicular hypothalamic nucleus. Leptin also decreases glucose and stimulates lipolysis through central and peripheral pathways involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Adiponectin is secreted exclusively by adipocytes and has been linked to glucose, lipid, and cardiovascular regulation. Obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis have been associated with reduced adiponectin levels, whereas adiponectin treatment reverses these abnormalities partly through activation of AMPK in liver and muscle. Administration of adiponectin in the brain recapitulates the peripheral actions to increase fatty acid oxidation and insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose. Although putative adiponectin receptors are widespread in peripheral organs and brain, it is uncertain whether adiponectin acts exclusively through these targets. As with leptin, adiponectin requires the central melanocortin pathway. Furthermore, adiponectin stimulates fatty acid oxidation and reduces glucose and lipids, at least in part, by activating AMPK in muscle and liver.
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PMID:Adipose tissue as an endocrine organ. 1702 75


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