Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:2.7.11.24 (mitogen-activated protein kinase)
 95,810 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Leptin is an important circulating signal for the regulation of food intake and body weight. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 2-aminopurine (2-AP), an inhibitor of double-strand RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), on leptin signal transduction. 2-AP dose-dependently inhibited the leptin-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in HEK293 cells stably transfected with the Ob-Rb leptin receptor. On the other hand, we observed only slight inhibition of leptin-induced STAT3 activation by purine treatment, indicating that the inhibitory effect will be dramatically enhanced in the presence of an amino group. 2-AP did not inhibit PMA-induced ERK activation, indicating that the effect may be leptin-signal specific. The inhibitory effect of 2-AP was not mediated by newly synthesized protein because the inhibitory effect of 2-AP on leptin-induced STAT3 activation was not abrogated in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Interestingly, leptin did not induce PKR activation, suggesting that the effect of 2-AP on the leptin signal may be independent of PKR. Finally, 2-AP inhibited leptin-induced phosphorylation of the Ob-Rb leptin receptor. These results provide evidence of a novel action of 2-AP, i.e., inhibition of the activation of leptin signal transduction at the level of the Ob-Rb leptin receptor.
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PMID:2-Aminopurine inhibits leptin receptor signal transduction. 1707 May 18

The adipokine leptin signals energy status to the hypothalamus, which triggers a network of neuropeptide responses. Each hypothalamic cell type expresses a unique complement of neuropeptides, receptors, and second messengers; thus each likely responds specifically to peripheral hormones. We describe here the analysis of leptin signaling in a clonal population of mouse neurotensin (NT) -expressing hypothalamic neurons, N-39. Leptin induced phosphorylation of STAT3 and MAPK ERK1/2, but not the downstream effector of PI3K, Akt, and also induced c-Fos protein. We found activation of p38 MAPK by leptin, accompanied by phosphorylation of its downstream effector ATF-1. Phosphorylation of ATF-1 is blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580. We linked this signaling directly to NT transcription. Protein binding analysis indicates that both ATF-1 and c-Fos are capable of binding to the mouse NT/N gene predominantly at physiological or high concentrations of leptin. The evidence indicates activation of distinct leptin signal transduction pathways that directly result in changes in NT gene expression and links these specific neurons to the control of energy homeostasis.
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PMID:Leptin signaling in neurotensin neurons involves STAT, MAP kinases ERK1/2, and p38 through c-Fos and ATF1. 1707 90

1. Recent studies suggest that leptin, a peptide hormone secreted by white adipose tissue, is involved in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, in part by regulating renal sodium handling. Previously, we have demonstrated that in normal rats leptin has a time-dependent effect on renal Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase that drives tubular sodium reabsorption. Short-term leptin infusion results in a transient decrease in Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, whereas prolonged administration stimulates the enzyme. 2. In the present study, we investigated whether these acute effects of leptin are preserved in rats with experimentally induced chronic hyperleptinaemia. 3. Hyperleptinaemia was induced by administration of exogenous leptin (0.25 mg/kg twice daily, s.c., for 7 days). Acute effects of leptin in anaesthetized control (normoleptinaemic) and hyperleptinaemic animals was investigated. Leptin was infused into the abdominal aorta proximally to the renal arteries for 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 h. 4. Leptin (1 microg/min per kg) had a time-dependent effect on renal Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in both the control and hyperleptinaemic groups. The inhibitory effect observed after 0.5 h infusion was impaired in the hyperleptinaemic group. However, in both groups this effect was abolished by the Janus kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG490 (100 nmol/min per kg), as well as by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin (10 nmol/min per kg) and LY294002 (1 micromol/min per kg). 5. The stimulatory effect of leptin on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity was observed after 3 h of infusion and was of similar magnitude in control and hyperleptinaemic groups. In the control group, the stimulatory effect of leptin was abolished by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (1 micromol/min per kg), the H(2)O(2) scavenger catalase (1 mg/min per kg) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor PD98059 (100 nmol/min per kg). In contrast, in the hyperleptinaemic group, the stimulatory effect of leptin was abolished by the cGMP analogue 8-bromo-cGMP (100 nmol/min per kg) and by the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol (100 micromol/min per kg) but was not affected by catalase or PD98059. 6. Leptin increased urinary H(2)O(2) excretion and ERK phosphorylation in the renal tissue only in the control group. 7. The results suggest that the acute stimulatory effect of leptin on renal Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is mediated by divergent mechanisms depending on the chronic leptin level (i.e. by H(2)O(2)-dependent stimulation of ERK in normoleptinaemic animals and by superoxide-dependent impairment of the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in hyperleptinaemic rats).
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PMID:Time-dependent transition from H(2)O(2)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase- to O(2)-nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms in the stimulatory effect of leptin on renal Na+/K+/-ATPase in the rat. 1718 4

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) play a central role in stimulation of feeding. They sense and integrate peripheral and central signals, including ghrelin and leptin. However, the mechanisms of interaction of these hormones in NPY neurons are largely unknown. This study explored the interaction and underlying signaling cross talk between ghrelin and leptin in NPY neurons. Cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in single neurons isolated from ARC of adult rats was measured by fura-2 microfluorometry. Ghrelin increased [Ca(2+)](i) in 31% of ARC neurons. The [Ca(2+)](i) increases were inhibited by blockers of phospholipase C, adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase A. Ghrelin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases were suppressed by subsequent administration of leptin. Fifteen of 18 ghrelin-activated, leptin-suppressed neurons (83%) contained NPY. Leptin suppression of ghrelin responses was prevented by pretreatment with inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) but not MAPK. ATP-sensitive potassium channel inhibitors and activators did not prevent and mimic leptin suppression, respectively. Although leptin phosphorylated signal-transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in NPY neurons, neither STAT3 inhibitor nor genetic STAT3 deletion altered leptin suppression of ghrelin responses. Furthermore, orexigenic effect of intracerebroventricular ghrelin in rats was counteracted by leptin in a PDE3-dependent manner. These findings indicate that ghrelin increases [Ca(2+)](i) via mechanisms depending on phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase-PKA pathways in ARC NPY neurons and that leptin counteracts ghrelin responses via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-PDE3 pathway. This interaction may play an important role in regulating ARC NPY neuron activity and, thereby, feeding.
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PMID:Leptin suppresses ghrelin-induced activation of neuropeptide Y neurons in the arcuate nucleus via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- and phosphodiesterase 3-mediated pathway. 1730 62

Various epidemiologic studies have shown that obesity is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Leptin, the key player in the regulation of energy balance and body weight control, also acts as a growth factor on certain organs in both normal and disease states. It is plausible that leptin acts to promote hepatocellular carcinogenesis directly affecting malignant properties of liver cancer cells. However, a direct role for leptin in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been shown. In this study, we analyzed the role of leptin and the mechanism(s) underlying its action in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which express both short and long isoforms of leptin receptors. Treatment with leptin resulted in increased proliferation of both HepG2 and Huh7 cells and involves activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), AKT, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. Leptin-induced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT was dependent on Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/STAT activation. Intriguingly, we also found that leptin potently induces invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in Matrigel invasion and electric cell-substrate impedance-sensing assays. Leptin-stimulated invasion was effectively blocked by pharmacologic inhibitors of JAK/STAT and, to a lesser extent, by ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition. Importantly, leptin also induced the migration of both HepG2 and Huh7 cells on fibronectin matrix. Inhibition of JAK/STAT, ERK, and PI3K activation using pharmacologic inhibitors effectively blocked leptin-induced migration of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Taken together, these data indicate that leptin promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth, invasiveness, and migration and implicate the JAK/STAT pathway as a critical mediator of leptin action. Our findings have potential clinical implications for hepatocellular carcinoma progression in obese patients.
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PMID:Concomitant activation of the JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and ERK signaling is involved in leptin-mediated promotion of invasion and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. 1736 67

This study examined the mitogenic response of bovine peripheral T lymphocytes to leptin, a pleiotropic hormone regulating food intake and energy expenditure. Leptin alone slightly suppressed proliferation of T lymphocytes in the presence of concanavalin A (ConA). Leptin also inhibited proliferation of T lymphocytes induced by anti-CD3 antibody. ConA treatment activated some protein kinases, including p44/p42(MAPK) and Akt/PKB, while anti-CD3 antibody treatment increased mRNA expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) 3, interferon (IFN)gamma, interleukin (IL) 2 and IL4 in T lymphocytes. Leptin alone increased only SOCS3 mRNA expression. Simultaneous treatment with mitogens and leptin enhanced IFNgamma mRNA expression but decreased IL2 mRNA expression, without any synergistic effect on phosphorylation of protein kinases or mRNA expression of SOCS3 and IL4. These results suggest that leptin modulates bovine T lymphocyte functions.
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PMID:Leptin inhibits mitogen-induced proliferation of peripheral T lymphocytes from Holstein cows. 1744 5

Obesity and gastro-oesophageal reflux are the main predisposing factors for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. We have examined the effects of transient acid exposure and leptin on OE33 oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Leptin and acid individually stimulated proliferation and inhibited apoptosis and the combination was synergistic. Leptin receptor protein levels were unchanged by acid exposure. The COX-2 inhibitor NS 398 blocked the effects of acid and leptin but while both acid and leptin individually significantly increased PGE2 production and COX-2 mRNA levels, the combination was not more effective than either stimulant alone. Leptin synergistically enhanced acid-stimulated EGFR and ERK phosphorylation but did not further increase JNK or p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation. Specific EGFR and ERK inhibitors reduced the effects of leptin and acid alone and in combination. The combination of increased circulating leptin levels in obesity and transient reflux of gastric acid may promote oesophageal carcinogenesis by increasing proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis.
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PMID:Leptin synergistically enhances the anti-apoptotic and growth-promoting effects of acid in OE33 oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells in culture. 1761 45

Leptin is a pleiotropic adipocyte-derived cytokine used in hypothalamic regulation of body weight and modulation of immune response by stimulating T cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Leptin has been shown to be an eosinophil survival factor. We examined the immunopathological mechanisms for the activation of human eosinophils from healthy volunteers by leptin in allergic inflammation. Adhesion molecules, cytokines and cell migration were assessed by flow cytometry, ELISA and Boyden chamber assay, respectively. Intracellular signaling molecules were investigated by membrane array and Western blot. Leptin could up-regulate cell surface expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and CD18 but suppress ICAM-3 and L-selectin on eosinophils. Leptin could also stimulate the chemokinesis of eosinophils, and induce the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6, and chemokines IL-8, growth-related oncogene-alpha and MCP-1. We found that leptin-mediated induction of adhesion molecules, release of cytokines and chemokines, and chemokinesis were differentially regulated by the activation of ERK, p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB. In view of the above results and elevated production of leptin in patients with allergic diseases such as atopic asthma and atopic dermatitis, leptin could play crucial immunopathophysiological roles in allergic inflammation by activation of eosinophils via differential intracellular signaling cascades.
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PMID:Leptin-mediated cytokine release and migration of eosinophils: implications for immunopathophysiology of allergic inflammation. 1763 54

Obesity serves as an important risk factor for incidences of both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Leptin, the obesity biomarker molecule secreted systemically by body fat mass and locally by activated hepatic stellate cells, is proposed to play a certain role in HCC growth. Here, we show both proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of leptin in HCC cells. Leptin stimulated cyclin D1 promoter activity to increase cyclin D1 protein expression, which accelerated the cell cycle progression. The reduced ratio between anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic (Bax) Bcl-2 family proteins by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 caused HCC cells degradation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and consequential apoptosis; whereas, leptin protected cells from apoptosis by reversing TGF-beta 1-reduced Bcl-2/Bax ratio as a result of down-regulating Bax. Any inhibitor specific for Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, or mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) blocked these leptin functions. When intrahepatocytic JAK2 was activated by leptin, the active JAK2 afterward triggered a signaling cascade involving activations of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK1/2 in order of occurrence. As yet, in most cases, the crosstalks among signaling pathways primarily studied in diverse cancer cell types for mediating somatotropic effect of leptin are not well clarified and seem to be cell-type dependent. For the first time, our results demonstrate the direct effects of leptin on HCC growth and define its signal pathway with a crosstalking JAK2-PI3K/Akt-MEK/ERK1/2 connection. The identified hierarchy of intrahepatocytic leptin signaling pathway provides a clear basis potentially beneficial to make accurate and effectual strategies for facing both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver carcinogenesis.
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PMID:Leptin induces proliferation and anti-apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma cells by up-regulating cyclin D1 and down-regulating Bax via a Janus kinase 2-linked pathway. 1763 64

The satiety factor leptin has received extensive attention especially in terms of its potential role in appetite suppression and regulation of energy expenditure. Once considered to be solely derived from adipose tissue, which accounts for the greatly increased levels observed in obese subjects, it is now apparent that leptin can be produced by a multiplicity of tissues, including the heart, where it appears to function in an autocrine and paracrine manner. Plasma leptin concentrations are also elevated in patients with heart disease including those with congestive heart failure. Leptin exerts its biological effects via a family of receptors termed Ob-R. In cardiac cells, one of leptin's primary actions is to produce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through multifaceted cell signaling mechanisms including stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway. The hypertrophic effect of leptin suggests that it may contribute to myocardial remodeling after cardiac injury and offers the potential targeting of the leptin system as a novel cardiac therapy.
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PMID:Leptin as a cardiac hypertrophic factor: a potential target for therapeutics. 1766 16


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