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)

The Kit/stem cell factor receptor (Kit/SCF-R) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor of importance for the normal development of hemopoietic cells, melanoblasts, and germ cells. We recently reported that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in a negative feedback loop regulating the Kit/SCF-R by direct phosphorylation on serine residues in the receptor. Inhibition of PKC led to increased SCF-induced tyrosine kinase activity and mitogenicity, but PKC was necessary for SCF-induced motility. In this report we have further examined the modulatory role of PKC on SCF-induced signaling. The ligand-activated Kit/SCF-R associated weakly with GRB2 and induced only little tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma in porcine aortic endothelial cells transfected with Kit/SCF-R. In contrast, the SCF-stimulated Kit/SCF-R associated efficiently with, and induced tyrosine phosphorylation of, the p85 alpha regulatory subunit of phosphatidyl inositide-3'-kinase (PI-3'-kinase). Both receptor association and tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 alpha were increased after inhibition of PKC, while its serine phosphorylation was decreased. Concomitantly, the specific activity of receptor-associated PI-3'-kinase activity was increased. Inhibition of PI-3'-kinase with wortmannin inhibited SCF-induced mitogenicity. SCF-induced phosphorylation of Raf-1 and activation of ERK2 still occurred after PKC inhibition but was not increased. In conclusion, SCF-induced PI-3'-kinase activation paralleled the increased SCF-induced mitogenicity after inhibition of PKC.
 ...
PMID:Modulation of Kit/stem cell factor receptor-induced signaling by protein kinase C. 752 Apr 44

Stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin-3 (IL-3) both act on several target hematopoietic populations, including mast cells. We have isolated a unique murine mast cell line, B6M, that is phenotypically similar to immature mast cells. For B6M cells, IL-3 is a survival factor and alone does not stimulate proliferation. SCF can stimulate proliferation of B6M cells, and together IL-3 and SCF synergize to stimulate optimal proliferation and long-term growth. A sustained induction of c-myc is observed only in the presence of SCF (with or without IL-3). In B6M cells, both IL-3 and SCF stimulate phosphorylation of Shc and activation of the Ras, Raf-1, MAPK pathway. Interestingly, IL-3 plus SCF synergistically activate MAPK. IL-3, but not SCF, leads to activation of Jak 2 and Stat 5 and induces pim-1 expression. From these data, we suggest that the induction of pim-1 and c-myc is independently regulated. Furthermore, IL-3-stimulated activation of the Jak 2/Stat 5 pathway, induction of pim-1, and activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway are insufficient to mediate proliferation of B6M cells. The unusual IL-3 response of B6M cells provides a useful model to dissect signals required for IL-3-stimulated survival and proliferation.
 ...
PMID:Signaling pathways activated in a unique mast cell line where interleukin-3 supports survival and stem cell factor is required for a proliferative response. 861 90

To understand the signalling mechanisms involved in the dual stimulatory effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on DNA synthesis and melanization in cultured human melanocytes, we analysed the biological profile of ET-1 receptor and determined the effects of ET-1 on the protein kinase C, cyclic AMP system and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) in comparison with their relevant stimulants. The photoaffinity labelling of ET-1 receptors with Denny-Jaff reagents revealed an ET-1 receptor with a molecular mass of 51 kDa in human melanocytes. The ET(A) receptor subtype-sensitive antagonist BQ123(50 nM) or pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml) significantly suppressed the ET-1-induced intracellular calcium mobilization, indicating the presence of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled ET(A) receptors. An assay of protein kinase C activity revealed that 10nM ET-1 translocated cytosolic protein kinase C to membrane-bound protein kinase C within 5 min of the start of incubation. In contrast, receptor-mediated melanocyte activation by ET-1 was accompanied by an elevated level of cyclic AMP (4-fold over control) after 10-60 min of incubation, whereas 60 min of incubation of human melanocytes with c-Kit or c-Met ligands such as stem cell factor (10 nM) or basic fibroblast growth factor (10 nM) did not elevate the cyclic AMP level. We have also demonstrated that a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin B-42 (10 microM), inhibited the ET-1-induced growth stimulation, suggesting the involvement of the tyrosine kinase pathway in growth stimulation. Consistently, an assay of MAP kinase revealed that ET-1 caused a 10-fold activation of MAP kinase after 5 min of incubation with human melanocytes in a similar way to tyrosine kinase ligands such as stem cell factor and hepatocyte growth factor. Further, the DNA synthesis stimulated by the c-Kit ligand stem cell factor at a concentration of 1 nM was synergistically enhanced by 5 nM ET-1. These results suggest that ET-induced dual cellular events in human melanocytes are closely associated with cross-talk between the protein kinase C and A and tyrosine kinase pathways.
 ...
PMID:Signalling mechanisms of endothelin-induced mitogenesis and melanogenesis in human melanocytes. 866 Feb 99

The HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cells are a useful in vitro model of mammary cell differentiation. When treated with the lactogenic hormones mix dexamethasone, insulin and prolactin (DIP) these cells synthesize the milk protein beta-casein. HC11 cells express receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) of various subclasses. Here we present an analysis of the effect of their stimulation on growth, differentiation and survival. Growth conditions are an important part in the HC11 cell differentiation program. In order to respond optimally to DIP, cells must be grown to confluency in medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) plus insulin, at which stage the cells are defined as competent. During the growth phase all the peptide factors rested in this study: EGF, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, insulin, IGF-I, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor (SCF), stimulated MAP kinase (ERK2) activity and-DNA synthesis. However, not all factors were equivalent in promoting competency. Only FGF-2 replaced EGF during growth, while IGF-1 or SCF were able to substitute for insulin. PDGF replaced neither EGF nor insulin and was ineffective as a competence factor. The only peptide which could substitute for insulin in the lactogenic DIP mix and induce beta-casein synthesis was IGF-1, albeit at a high concentration. Competent cultures of HC11 cells maintained in serum-free medium in the presence of only dexamethasone and prolactin undergo apoptosis, which is prevented by the addition of either insulin, IGF-1, FGF-2, or EGF, but not PDGF or SCF. We conclude that in HC11 cells all peptide factors induce DNA synthesis but have distinct effects on differentiation and survival in HC11 cells.
 ...
PMID:Growth, differentiation and survival of HC11 mammary epithelial cells: diverse effects of receptor tyrosine kinase-activating peptide growth factors. 879 81

Mast cells derived from Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk)-defective xid or btk null mice showed greater expansion in culture containing interleukin-3 (IL-3) than those from wild-type (wt) mice. Although the proliferative response to IL-3 was not significantly different between the wt and xid mast cells, xid and btk null mast cells died by apoptosis more slowly than their wt counterparts upon IL-3 deprivation. Consistent with these findings, the apoptosis-linked c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK) activity was compromised in these btk-mutated cells upon Fc(epsilon)RI crosslinking or upon stimulation with IL-3 or with stem cell factor. p38 activity was less severely, but significantly, affected by btk mutation, whereas extracellular signal-regulated kinases were not affected by the same mutation. Btk-mediated regulation of apoptosis and JNK activity was confirmed by reconstitution of btk null mutant mast cells with the wt btk cDNA. Furthermore, growth factor withdrawal induced the activation and sustained activity of JNK in wt mast cells, while JNK activity was consistently lower in btk-mutated mast cells. These results support the notion that Btk regulates apoptosis through the JNK activation.
 ...
PMID:Bruton's tyrosine kinase regulates apoptosis and JNK/SAPK kinase activity. 910 83

Shp-1 and Shp-2 are cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatases that contain two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains. A negative regulatory role of Shp-1 in hematopoiesis has been strongly implicated by the phenotype of motheaten mice with a mutation in the Shp-1 locus, which is characterized by leukocyte hypersensitivity, deregulated mast cell function, and excessive erythropoiesis. A targeted deletion of 65 amino acids in the N-terminal SH2 (SH2-N) domain of Shp-2 leads to an embryonic lethality at midgestation in homozygous mutant mice. To further dissect the Shp-2 function in hematopoietic development, we have isolated homozygous Shp-2 mutant embryonic stem (ES) cells. Significantly reduced hematopoietic activity was observed when the mutant ES cells were allowed to differentiate into embryoid bodies (EBs), compared to the wild-type and heterozygous ES cells. Further analysis of ES cell differentiation in vitro showed that mutation in the Shp-2 locus severely suppressed the development of primitive and definitive erythroid progenitors and completely blocked the production of progenitor cells for granulocytes-macrophages and mast cells. Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis of the mutant EBs revealed reduced expression of several specific marker genes that are induced during blood cell differentiation. Stem cell factor induction of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity was also blocked in Shp-2 mutant cells. Taken together, these results indicate that Shp-2 is an essential component and primarily plays a positive role in signaling pathways that mediate hematopoiesis in mammals. Furthermore, stimulation of its catalytic activity is not sufficient, while interaction via the SH2 domains with the targets or regulators is necessary for its biological functions in cells. The in vitro ES cell differentiation assay can be used as a biological tool in dissecting cytoplasmic signaling pathways.
 ...
PMID:A deletion mutation in the SH2-N domain of Shp-2 severely suppresses hematopoietic cell development. 927 25

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway has been associated with both cell proliferation and differentiation. Constitutively activated forms of Mek (MAP kinase/Erk kinase) and Erk (MAP kinase) have been previously shown capable of inducing differentiation or proliferation in nonhematopoietic cells. To specifically examine the role of Erk activation in megakaryocytic growth and development, we activated the MAP kinase pathway by the transfection of constitutively activated Mek or Erk cDNA into a human megakaryoblastic cell line, CMK, by electroporation. The CMK transfectant clones that expressed constitutively activated Mek or Erk showed morphologic changes of differentiation. Transfected cells also showed expression of mature megakaryocytic cell surface markers. The MAP kinase pathway was also activated by treatment of the hematopoietic cells with a cytokine that activates Erk. The treatment of CMK cells with stem cell factor (SCF ) caused MAP kinase activation and induced differentiation by the expression of mature megakaryocytic cell surface markers. The effects of the SCF treatment were inhibited by pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of the MAP kinase pathway, PD98059. In this report, we conclude that activation of the MAP kinase pathway was both necessary and sufficient to induce differentiation in this megakaryoblastic cell line.
 ...
PMID:Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is involved in and sufficient for megakaryocytic differentiation of CMK cells. 934 30

Stem cell factor (SCF) is synthesized as both soluble (S) and membrane-associated (MA) proteins. Indirect insight into the function of MA and S isoforms of SCF has come from studies performed in Steel (Sl) mutant mice. However, the physiologic role(s) of these two isoforms remain unknown. In an attempt to better understand the in vivo role of c-kit/SCF interactions on various cell lineages, transgenic mice were generated that overexpress MA isoform of human SCF (hSCF). In murine cells, hSCF behaves as an antagonist to normal SCF function, due to interference with the interaction between endogenous murine SCF and its receptor, c-kit, encoded by the dominant white spotting (W) gene. Mice expressing the hSCF transgene display a variety of phenotypic abnormalities, which are accentuated when combined with W alleles. Here we show that mice homozygous for the hSCF transgene demonstrate a coat color deficiency seen in some mice homozygous for mild W alleles. Specifically, homozygous hSCF transgenic mice (hSCF220) display a pronounced forehead blaze, with additional white spots over the cervical region, as well as a very large belly spot. Doubly heterozygous animals that carry both a mutated W allele and the hSCF transgene also display an unusual pigment defect and a dramatic reduction in the number of dermal mast cells. Furthermore, overexpression of MA hSCF in the thymus results in abnormal thymocyte differentiation and proliferation, which is associated with reduced mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase activation. Thus, MAP kinase activation by a receptor tyrosine kinase, such as c-kit, may be critical for the differentiation of thymocytes in vivo.
 ...
PMID:Overexpression of human stem cell factor impairs melanocyte, mast cell, and thymocyte development: a role for receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated mitogen activated protein kinase activation in cell differentiation. 937 82

To clarify the paracrine linkage between human fibroblasts and melanocytes in cutaneous pigmentation, we studied the effects of human fibroblast-derived factors on the proliferation of human melanocytes. In medium conditioned for 4 days with human fibroblast culture, factors were produced that markedly stimulated DNA synthesis of human melanocytes. The stimulatory effect was higher in medium conditioned with fibroblasts from aged skin than in medium conditioned with fibroblasts from young skin, and was interrupted by inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, such as tyrphostin, genistein and herbimycin, but not by inhibitors of protein kinases C and A, such as H-7 and phloretin. The conditioned medium was also capable of activating mitogen-activated protein kinase of human melanocytes, with old fibroblasts being more effective than young ones. Analysis of factors released into the conditioned medium revealed that levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and stem cell factor (SCF) were increased in old-fibroblast-conditioned medium compared with young-fibroblast-conditioned medium. In contrast, levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were similar in both media. When the conditioned medium was treated with HGF antibody with or without SCF antibody, the increase in DNA synthesis by human melanocytes was decreased to 20% of the elevated level, whereas antibodies to bFGF had no effect. Analysis of the medium conditioned for 4 days after cytokine application demonstrated that, of the cytokines tested, interleukin 1alpha and tumour necrosis factor alpha are highly effective in stimulating HGF secretion by old fibroblasts. HGF and SCF, but not bFGF, were markedly increased in culture medium in the presence of IL-1alpha, and this stimulatory effect was confined to young human fibroblasts. These findings suggest that SCF and HGF derived from human fibroblasts may play a part in regulating cutaneous pigmentation during inflammation and aging.
 ...
PMID:Biological characterization of human fibroblast-derived mitogenic factors for human melanocytes. 949 91

Neurofibromin, the protein encoded by the NF1 tumor-suppressor gene, negatively regulates the output of p21(ras) (Ras) proteins by accelerating the hydrolysis of active Ras-guanosine triphosphate to inactive Ras-guanosine diphosphate. Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are predisposed to juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) and other malignant myeloid disorders, and heterozygous Nf1 knockout mice spontaneously develop a myeloid disorder that resembles JCML. Both human and murine leukemias show loss of the normal allele. JCML cells and Nf1-/- hematopoietic cells isolated from fetal livers selectively form abnormally high numbers of colonies derived from granulocyte-macrophage progenitors in cultures supplemented with low concentrations of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Taken together, these data suggest that neurofibromin is required to downregulate Ras activation in myeloid cells exposed to GM-CSF. We have investigated the growth and proliferation of purified populations of hematopoietic progenitor cells isolated from Nf1 knockout mice in response to the cytokines interleukin (IL)-3 and stem cell factor (SCF), as well as to GM-CSF. We found abnormal proliferation of both immature and lineage-restricted progenitor populations, and we observed increased synergy between SCF and either IL-3 or GM-CSF in Nf1-/- progenitors. Nf1-/- fetal livers also showed an absolute increase in the numbers of immature progenitors. We further demonstrate constitutive activation of the Ras-Raf-MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase signaling pathway in primary c-kit+ Nf1-/- progenitors and hyperactivation of MAP kinase after growth factor stimulation. The results of these experiments in primary hematopoietic cells implicate Nf1 as playing a central role in regulating the proliferation and survival of primitive and lineage-restricted myeloid progenitors in response to multiple cytokines by modulating Ras output.
 ...
PMID:Nf1 regulates hematopoietic progenitor cell growth and ras signaling in response to multiple cytokines. 960 29


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>