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)

Antibodies against thymus epithelial cells (anti-TEC) and the basal cell layer (BCLA) of squamous epithelia have been described in association with HDV-related chronic liver disease (CLD). Data are lacking on their presence during nAnB virus infection. Sera from 51 patients with nAnB post-transfusion hepatitis, including acute and chronic cases diagnosed during a prospective study on candidates for cardiac surgery, and 167 with various forms of CLD were tested for the presence of anti-TEC and BCLA using indirect immunofluorescence on human thymus and rat forestomach sections. Both antibodies mainly occurred in nAnB, HDV and cryptogenic CLD (anti-TEC: 51%, 47% and 42%; BCLA: 29%, 38% and 31%, respectively). The prevalence of anti-TEC in nAnB CLD turned out to be higher than that recorded in alcoholic, HBV-related, autoimmune, liver and kidney microsomal antibody positive CLD and primary biliary cirrhosis (p ranging from less than 0.03 to less than 0.0004). Two monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) to cytokeratins gave a pattern superimposable on that of spontaneous anti-TEC (both Mabs) and BCLA (only one). Antibodies against epithelial constituents, presumably targeting cytokeratin-associated antigens, occur not only in HDV CLD, as previously reported, but also in nAnB CLD, where they might represent a diagnostic aid, due to the unavailability of reliable serological markers of nAnB infection. The close similarity of anti-TEC and BCLA status between nAnB and cryptogenic CLD suggests a nAnB etiology of at least a proportion of chronic liver patients at present scored as cryptogenic.
 ...
PMID:Serum antibodies to thymus epithelial cells in non-A, non-B and cryptogenic chronic liver disease. 247 4

Two distinct mechanisms by which bladder carcinoma cells of the NBT-II cell line dissociate and migrate away from an in vitro reconstituted epithelial sheet were examined as regards intercellular adhesion and cell locomotion. Scattering of NBT-II bladder carcinoma cell line was promoted by 2 distinct culture protocols: (i) deposition of some components of the extracellular matrix onto the culture substratum (glass or plastic) induced cell dispersion of the epithelial sheet of carcinoma cells, and (ii) addition of Ultroser G, a serum substitute, to the culture medium induced scattering and acquisition of motility of NBT-II cells. Under both culture conditions, NBT-II cells dissociated, lost their epithelial morphology, acquired fibroblastic shape and migrated actively. We show that, among different extracellular matrix proteins, only collagens were able to promote the transition towards fibroblastic phenotype (referred as epithelium-to-mesenchyme transition or EMT). Furthermore, the native 3-dimensional helical structure of collagens was required for their function. During induction of EMT of NBT-II cells with Ultroser G, the junctions between epithelial cells were split, polarized epithelial cell organization was lost, and the resulting individual cells became motile and assumed a spindle-like fibroblastoid appearance. Using immunofluorescence microscopy techniques, we demonstrate that this change is accompanied by redistribution of desmosomal plaque proteins (desmoplakins, desmoglein, plakoglobin) and by reorganization of the cytokeratin and the actin-fodrin filament systems. Intermediate-sized filaments of the vimentin type were formed de novo in the fibroblastoid cell form. The observed transition towards fibroblastic phenotype (epithelium-to-mesenchyme transition or EMT) was fully reversed by removing the inducing factors from the culture medium, as shown by the disappearance of vimentin filaments and the reappearance of desmosomes in the newly formed epithelial cells.
 ...
PMID:Reversible transition towards a fibroblastic phenotype in a rat carcinoma cell line. 250 87

Biochemical analysis of the kinetics of assembly of two cytoplasmic plaque proteins of the desmosome, desmoplakins I (250,000 Mr) and II (215,000 Mr), in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells, demonstrated that these proteins exist in a soluble and insoluble pool, as defined by their extract ability in a Triton X-100 high salt buffer (CSK buffer). Upon cell-cell contact, there is a rapid increase in the capacity of the insoluble pool at the expense of the soluble pool; subsequently, the insoluble pool is stabilized, while proteins remaining in the soluble pool continue to be degraded rapidly (Pasdar, M., and W. J. Nelson. 1988. J. Cell Biol. 106:677-685). In this paper, we have sought to determine the spatial distribution of the soluble and insoluble pools of desmoplakins I and II, and their organization in the absence and presence of cell-cell contact by using differential extraction procedures and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. In the absence of cell-cell contact, two morphologically and spatially distinct patterns of staining of desmoplakins I and II were observed: a pattern of discrete spots in the cytoplasm and perinuclear region, which is insoluble in CSK buffer; and a pattern of diffuse perinuclear staining, which is soluble in CSK buffer, but which is preserved when cells are fixed in 100% methanol at -20 degrees C. Upon cell-cell contact, in the absence or presence of protein synthesis, the punctate staining pattern of desmoplakins I and II is cleared rapidly and efficiently from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in areas of cell-cell contact (less than 180 min). The distribution of the diffuse perinuclear staining pattern remains relatively unchanged and becomes the principal form of desmoplakins I and II in the cytoplasm 180 min after induction of cell-cell contact. Thereafter, the relative intensity of staining of the diffuse pattern gradually diminishes and is completely absent 2-3 d after induction of cell-cell contact. Significantly, double immunofluorescence shows that during desmosome assembly on the plasma membrane both staining patterns coincide with a subpopulation of cytokeratin intermediate filaments. Taken together with the preceding biochemical analysis, we suggest that the assembly of desmoplakins I and II in MDCK epithelial cells is regulated at three discrete stages during the formation of desmosomes.
 ...
PMID:Kinetics of desmosome assembly in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells: temporal and spatial regulation of desmoplakin organization and stabilization upon cell-cell contact. II. Morphological analysis. 327 50

During the past two decades we have witnessed the identification of an expanding list of immunohistochemical and molecular markers linked to histopathologically defined subtypes of tumors. These markers offer new insights and approaches to the classification of tumors with important prognostic and/or therapeutic implications. We review the potentially diagnostic immunohistochemical and molecular markers of soft tissue tumors (STTs). The immunohistochemical markers reviewed include vimentin, cytokeratin, desmin, HHF35, S100, myoD1, alpha1-antitrypsin, vascular markers (factor VIII, CD31, CD34), MIC2, and others. The potentially diagnostic chromosomal translocations and associated genes identified in STT include Ewing's/PNET t(11;22)(q24;q12)(FLI1;EWS), t(21;22)(q22;q12)(ERG; EWS); t(7;22)(p22;q12)(ETV1;EWS); desmoplastic small round cell tumor t(11;22)(p13;q12)(WT1;EWS); extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma t(9;22)(q22;q12) (TEC(CHN);EWS); malignant ectomesenchymoma t(11;22)(q24;q12)(FLI1;EWS); alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma t(2;13)(q35;q14)(PAX-3;FKHR); t(1;13) (p36;q14)(PAX-7;FKHR); myxoid and round cell liposarcoma t(12;16)(q13;p11)(CHOP;TLS(FUS)); synovial sarcoma t(X;18)(p11;q11)(SSX1&2;SYT), and others. The nature, utility, and limitations of these markers in diagnostic settings are explored.
 ...
PMID:Immunohistochemical and molecular genetic approaches to soft tissue tumor diagnosis: a primer. 934 17

Cell adhesion kinase beta (CAKbeta, also known as Pyk2/CadTK/RAFTK) is the second member of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) subfamily. We examined the expression of CAKbeta in various human glomerulopathies by immunohistochemistry. Although CAKbeta expression in the normal kidney is confined to the brush border of the proximal tubule with no detectable glomerular staining, we found that glomerular crescents strongly expressed this kinase. Expression of CAKbeta was prominent in cellular crescents but was minimal in fibrocellular or fibrous crescents. Serial section analysis revealed that most CAKbeta-expressing cells were positive for cytokeratin but were negative for CD68 (a macrophage marker), suggesting that CAKbeta was expressed by parietal epithelium in the crescents. We also examined CAKbeta expression in a rat model of crescentic glomerulonephritis induced by anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody. Similar to human nephritis, enhanced expression of CAKbeta in glomerular crescents was apparent. Increased expression of CAKbeta also was confirmed by anti-CAKbeta immunoblotting and by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Previous studies have shown that CAKbeta is activated by various stimuli regulating cell growth and survival. Although our findings do not determine whether or not increased expression of CAKbeta is a primary event for the development of crescentic glomerulonephritis, further understanding of this pathway may be important to gain novel insights into the factors that promote crescent formation.
 ...
PMID:Increased expression of cell adhesion kinase beta in human and rat crescentic glomerulonephritis. 1177 17

Pre-eclampsia is one of the most common causes of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. High blood pressure and proteinuria are important clinical signs of pre-eclampsia. Sympathetic overactivity and elevated level of circulating vaso active substances, such as monoamines has been shown. Extracellular concentrations of monoamines are normally kept low by specific transporter proteins of which many are expressed in the placenta. In this study we used in situ hybridization and real-time PCR to study the gene expression of monoamine transporters, such as NET, SERT, VMAT2, EMT and OCT1/2, in normal as well as in pre-eclamptic placentae. We demonstrated high expression of NET mRNA in the trophoblast cells of the anchoring villi and a lower expression intensity in the chorionic villi. SERT mRNA was mainly detected in chorionic villi. VMAT2 mRNA was not detected in the central part of the placenta but was present in the spiral arteries of placenta bed biopsies, in cytokeratin positive cells. EMT mRNA was mainly detected in the intra lobular septa and together with OCT1 and OCT2 mRNAs also expressed in scattered cells of placental vessel adventitias. Moreover, quantitative analysis showed a significant lower expression of NET and EMT mRNAs in pre-eclamptic placentae as compared to the control group. A defective gene expression or function of these monoamines transporters might explain the elevated concentrations of monoamines in pre-eclamptic patients. Monoamine transporters may serve as a protective mechanism preventing vasoconstriction in the placental vascular bed and thereby securing a stable blood flow to the fetus.
 ...
PMID:Norepinephrine transporter (NET), serotonin transporter (SERT), vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) and organic cation transporters (OCT1, 2 and EMT) in human placenta from pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. 1513 35

Shiga toxin is a bacterial toxin consisting of A and B subunits. Generally, the essential cytotoxicity of the toxin is thought to be mediated by the A subunit, which possesses RNA cleavage activity and thus induces protein synthesis inhibition. We previously reported, however, that the binding of the Shiga toxin 1-B subunit to globotriaosyl ceramide, a functional receptor for Shiga toxin, induces intracellular signals in a manner that is dependent on glycolipid-enriched membrane domains, or lipid rafts. Although the precise role of this signaling mechanism is not known, here we report that Shiga-toxin-mediated intracellular signals induce cytoskeleton remodeling in ACHN cells derived from renal tubular epithelial carcinoma. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, we observed that Shiga toxin 1-B treatment induces morphological changes in ACHN cells in a time-dependent manner. In addition, the morphological changes were accompanied by the redistribution of a number of proteins, including actin, ezrin, CD44, vimentin, cytokeratin, paxillin, FAK, and alpha- and gamma-tubulins, all of which are involved in cytoskeletal organization. The transient phosphorylation of ezrin and paxillin was also observed during the course of protein redistribution. Experiments using inhibitors for a variety of kinases suggested the involvement of lipid rafts, Src family protein kinase, PI 3-kinase, and RHO-associated kinase in Shiga toxin 1-B-induced ezrin phosphorylation. Shiga toxin 1-B-induced cytoskeletal remodeling should provide an in vitro model that can be used to increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of Shiga-toxin-mediated cell injury and the role of lipid-raft-mediated cell signaling in cytoskeletal remodeling.
 ...
PMID:Shiga toxin binding to globotriaosyl ceramide induces intracellular signals that mediate cytoskeleton remodeling in human renal carcinoma-derived cells. 1526 87

We have previously developed a quantitative PCR (QPCR) technique for the detection of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) transcripts in blood and bone marrow and compared this to immunocytochemistry (ICC). Together, both have shown promise for monitoring therapeutic efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and value of these assays for minimal residual disease (MRD) in monitoring efficacy of adjuvant therapy following surgery for primary breast cancer. Bone marrow aspirates and peripheral blood samples were taken at the time of surgery from patients with primary breast cancer and no evidence of metastases on conventional scans. These were tested for the presence of CK19 mRNA transcripts and cytokeratin positive cells. Follow-up bone marrow aspirates were taken at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. Prior to surgery, 51% of patients displayed evidence of disseminated cancer cells in the bone marrow by either or both QPCR and ICC. Of 91 patients who had repeat samples assayed, 87% and 65% had positive results at some time using QPCR and ICC, respectively. All patients received adjuvant systemic therapy and in 44 cases where there was a positive result in either the pretreatment or 3-month aspirate, 32/44 (73%) showed a fall in CK19:ABL ratio (QPCR) and 15/24 (63%) showed a reduction in the number of cytokeratin-positive cells (ICC) during follow-up. These results indicate that MRD persists despite adjuvant therapy in a majority of patients with primary breast cancer up to 4 years following surgery.
 ...
PMID:Persistence of bone marrow micrometastases in patients receiving adjuvant therapy for breast cancer: results at 4 years. 1552 96

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) refers to critical events occasionally observed during tumor progression, including invasion and metastasis, by which cancer cells acquire a fibroblast-like phenotype. Since the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 system can facilitate lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we have explored the possibility that this system might be involved in EMT. Oral SCC cells, B88 and HNt, which have functional CXCR4 and lymph node metastatic potential, were found to lose their epithelial cell morphology due to SDF-1. In this context, the downregulation of epithelial markers, cytokeratin, E-cadherin and beta-catenin, and the upregulation of mesenchymal marker, vimentin and snail were detected. Furthermore, upregulation of vimentin by treatment with SDF-1 was impaired by phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor Wortmannin, but not by mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor U0126. In the type I collagen embedding culture, SDF-1-treated B88 cells formed protruding extensions, but the effect was impaired by treatment with Wortmannin. These results suggested that EMT induced by the SDF-1/CXCR4 system might be involved in the lymph node metastasis of oral SCCs via activation of PI3K-Akt/PKB pathway.
 ...
PMID:Epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by the stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 system in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. 1701 44

Dasatinib is an orally active small molecule kinase inhibitor of both the src and abl proteins. To evaluate the potential role of dasatinib in breast cancer we used 39 human breast cancer cell lines that have been molecular profiled using Agilent Microarrays. They represent both luminal and basal breast cancer subtypes based on the relative gene expression of cytokeratin (CK) 8/CK18 and CK5/CK17, respectively, and those that have undergone an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (post-EMT) based on their expression of vimentin and the loss of CKs. When treated with 1 mICROM dasatinib in vitro 8 of them were highly sensitive (>60% growth inhibition), 10 of them were moderately sensitive (40-59% growth inhibition), and 21 were resistant to dasatinib. A highly significant relationship between breast cancer subtype and sensitivity to dasatinib was observed (chi2 = 9.66 and P = 0.008). Specifically, basal-type and post-EMT breast cancer cell lines were most sensitive to growth inhibition by dasatinib. In an attempt to identify potential predictive markers of dasatinib response other than breast cancer subtype we analyzed the baseline gene expression profiles for differentially expressed genes. We identified a set of three biologically relevant genes whose elevated expression is associated with dasatinib inhibition including moesin, caveolin-1, and yes-associated protein-1 with a sensitivity and specificity of 88 and 86%, respectively. Importantly, these data provide scientific rationale for the clinical development of dasatinib in the treatment of women with "triple-negative" breast cancer, a subtype that is categorized as being aggressive and lacking effective treatments (i.e. hormonal manipulation or trastuzumab).
 ...
PMID:Dasatinib, an orally active small molecule inhibitor of both the src and abl kinases, selectively inhibits growth of basal-type/"triple-negative" breast cancer cell lines growing in vitro. 1735 42


1 2 3 Next >>