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)

Dendritic cells (DC) are highly specialized antigen-presenting cells that on activation by inflammatory stimuli (eg, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] and interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta]) or infectious agents (eg, lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), mature and migrate into lymphoid organs. During maturation, DC acquire the capacity to prime and polarize resting naive T lymphocytes. Maturation of monocyte-derived DC (MDDC) is inhibited by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580. This study found that in the presence of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors PD98059 or U0126, TNF-alpha- and LPS-induced phenotypic and functional maturation is enhanced. ERK pathway inhibitors increased expression of major histocompatibility complex and costimulatory molecules; loss of mannose-receptor-mediated endocytic activity; nuclear factor-kappaB DNA-binding activity; release of IL-12 p40; and allogeneic T-cell proliferation induced by LPS or TNF-alpha. Moreover, PD98059 and U0126 enhanced LPS-triggered production of IL-12 p70. In agreement with the effect of ERK inhibitors, maturation of MDDC was delayed in the presence of serum, an effect that was reversed by U0126. These results indicate that the ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways differentially regulate maturation of MDDC and suggest that their relative levels of activation might modulate the initial commitment of naive T-helper (Th) cells toward Th1 or Th2 subsets. The findings also suggest that maturation of MDDC might be pharmacologically modified by altering the relative levels of activation of both intracellular signaling routes.
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PMID:Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase signaling pathway negatively regulates the phenotypic and functional maturation of monocyte-derived human dendritic cells. 1156 5

Mucin production and secretion by specialized epithelial cells is a common mechanism used by mammals to protect the underlying mucosae against various injuries (pollutants, pathogens, pH). The expression of mucin genes is cell- and tissue-specific but is submitted to variations during cell differentiation, inflammatory process, and is altered during carcinogenesis. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the control of mucin transcription and expression are beginning to be understood as mucin gene promoters and regulatory regions are characterized. The four gel-forming mucin genes, MUC2-MUC5AC-MUC5B-MUC6, are clustered on the p15 arm of chromosome 11. Common regulatory mechanisms (PKA, PKC, PKG and Ca2+ signaling, Sp1/Sp3) may account for the capability of mucous-secreting cells to express several mucin genes simultaneously. In response to an insult or during carcinogenesis, the normal pattern of expression is altered and results from specific answers of the cell by activating different intracellular signaling pathways. 11p15 mucin genes are regulated at the transcriptional level by pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha), pleiotropic cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-9), bacterial exoproduct (LPS), growth factors (EGF, TGF-alpha), lipid mediator (PAF), retinoids and hormones. To date, the only downstream cascade known to activate mucin gene transcription is the Src/Ras/MAPK/pp90rsk cascade, which leads to the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Mucin gene transcription is also regulated by ATF-1, CREB and RAR-alpha transcription factors. Finally, repression of mucin transcription in cancer cells is under the control of the epigenetic mechanism of methylation. As transcriptional regulation of mucin genes begins to be unraveled, it becomes clear that many signaling pathways are involved. Our understanding of mucin gene transcriptional regulation, which awaits more data (identification of the signaling cascades and active cis-elements within promoters and introns), will most certainly lead to the use of mucin genes as molecular markers in cancer and molecular tools in human gene therapy, and to the synthesis of new therapeutic agents in inflammatory diseases of the epithelium.
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PMID:Transcriptional regulation of the 11p15 mucin genes. Towards new biological tools in human therapy, in inflammatory diseases and cancer? 1157 73

Using a panel of LPS-inducible genes, selected for the capacity of their products to contribute to endotoxicity, normal macrophages were compared to macrophages deficient in CD14, CD11b/CD18, or TLR4 to elicit gene expression in response to Escherichia coli LPS or the LPS mimetic, Taxol. All genes were TLR4-dependent. At low doses of LPS or Taxol, all genes were also CD14-dependent; however, IP-10 and ICSBP remained poorly inducible even at much higher concentrations. A distinct subset of genes (COX-2, IL-12 p40, and IL-12 p35) was CD11b/CD18-dependent. NF-B translocation and MAPK phosphorylation were dysregulated in receptor-deficient macrophages. In contrast to E. coli LPS, a Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS preparation was found to be TLR2-, rather than TLR4-dependent, and resulted in differential expression of genes within the panel. These data suggest that: (i) TLR4 is necessary, but not sufficient, to induce the full repertoire of genes examined; (ii) CD14 and CD11b/CD18 facilitate signaling for induction of select subsets of genes that are also TLR4-dependent; and (iii) signaling through TLR2 versus TLR4 differs quantitatively/qualitatively. These data support an LPS signaling complex on murine macrophages that minimally includes CD14, CD11b/CD18, and TLR4 to respond to E. coli LPS to elicit the full spectrum of gene expression.
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PMID:Signal integration in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages. 1158 77

The classic acute-phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP) is a cyclic pentameric protein that diminishes neutrophil accumulation in inflamed tissues. When the pentamer is dissociated, CRP subunits undergo conformational rearrangement that results in expression of a distinctive isomer with unique antigenic and physicochemical characteristics (termed modified CRP (mCRP)). Recently, mCRP was detected in the wall of normal human blood vessels. We studied the impact and mechanisms of action of mCRP on expression of adhesion molecules on human neutrophils and their adhesion to human coronary artery endothelial cells. Both CRP and mCRP (0.1-200 microg/ml) down-regulated neutrophil L-selectin expression in a concentration-dependent fashion. Furthermore, mCRP, but not CRP, up-regulated CD11b/CD18 expression and stimulated neutrophil extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity, which was accompanied by activation of p21(ras) oncoprotein, Raf-1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. These actions of mCRP were sensitive to the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059. mCRP markedly enhanced attachment of neutrophils to LPS-activated human coronary artery endothelial when added together with neutrophils. This effect of mCRP was attenuated by an anti-CD18 mAb. Thus, loss of pentameric symmetry in CRP is associated with appearance of novel bioactivities in mCRP that enhance neutrophil localization and activation at inflamed or injured vascular sites.
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PMID:Loss of pentameric symmetry of C-reactive protein is associated with promotion of neutrophil-endothelial cell adhesion. 1167 52

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) are activated in lymphocytes and acessory cells during innate and antigen-specific responses. We show that an inhibitor of two isoforms of p38 MAPK, SB 203580, inhibited the antigen-initiated production of IL-12, and IFN-gamma by cultures of splenic APC and naive CD4(+) T cells. Paradoxically, SB 203580 enhanced the LPS plus IFN-gamma-initiated production of IL-12 by peritoneal exudate macrophages, and the LPS-initiated of the production of both IL-12 and IFN-gamma by non-T non-B (scid) splenocytes. The enhancing effect of SB 203580 on the production of IL-12 by peritoneal exudate macrophages stimulated by LPS and IFN-gamma was dose dependent (EC(50) 0.3 microM), was only seen at lower concentrations of IFN-gamma and was due, at least in part, to a dose-dependent (IC(50) 0.3 microM) inhibition of the production of IL-10. These results indicate first, that p38 MAP kinase activity is required for the production of IL-10, as well as that of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-gamma, and, second, that the net effects of SB 203580 on the production of IL-12 and IFN-gamma can be positive or negative, depending on stimuli, cell populations, and levels of cytokines such as IFN-gamma and IL-10.
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PMID:The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases can have opposing roles in the antigen-dependent or endotoxin-stimulated production of IL-12 and IFN-gamma. 1174 38

Hypertonic saline has been shown to modulate cell shape and the response of components of the innate immune response. However, the effect of hypertonic saline on the macrophage remains unknown. We hypothesized that hypertonic preconditioning would impair subsequent inflammatory mediator signaling through a reduction in stress fiber polymerization and mitogen-activated protein kinase activity after LPS stimulation. Rabbit alveolar macrophages were stimulated with 100 ng/ml of LPS. Selected cells were preconditioned with 40-100 mM of NaCl, mannitol, or urea for 4 h and returned to isotonic medium before LPS stimulation. Cellular protein was harvested and subjected to Western blot analysis for the dually phosphorylated active forms of p38 and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2. TNF production was determined by an L929 bioassay, and stress fiber polymerization was evaluated by confocal microscopy. Preconditioning of macrophages with NaCl or mannitol resulted in dose-dependent reduction in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation with no effect on p38 phosphorylation. Urea preconditioning had no effect on either mitogen-activated protein kinase. A dose-dependent attenuation of TNF production was seen with NaCl and mannitol preconditioning (p < 0.05), but not with urea. NaCl and mannitol preconditioning resulted in failure of LPS-induced stress fiber polymerization, whereas urea did not. Extracellular hypertonic conditions (i.e., NaCl and mannitol) have an immunomodulatory effect on macrophages, demonstrated through failure of optimal stress fiber polymerization, ERK 1/2 activity, and TNF production. Intracellular hypertonic conditions (i.e., urea) had no significant effect. Hypertonic saline or mannitol resuscitation, therefore, may help protect against multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome as a result of this reduced proinflammatory responsiveness.
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PMID:Hypertonic preconditioning inhibits macrophage responsiveness to endotoxin. 1180 80

Redox and ROS regulation of MAPK-mediated TNF-alpha biosynthesis is not well characterized. It was hypothesized that the involvement of the MAPK pathway in regulating LPS-mediated TNF-alpha secretion is redox-dependent, NF-kappaB-sensitive and attenuated by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and other antioxidants. In alveolar epithelial cells, LPS induced a time- and dose-dependent phosphorylation of MAPK(p38). This was associated with the activation of MAPK-activated protein kinase, which phosphorylated the small heat-shock protein, Hsp27. MAPK(p38) inhibition (SB-203580) abrogated LPS-induced TNF-alpha production. MAPK(ERK) blockade (PD-98059) attenuated TNF-alpha secretion, an effect synergistically amplified in the presence of SB-203580. Regulation of NF-kappaB by selective inhibitors revealed that this pathway is partially involved in regulating LPS-mediated TNF-alpha secretion. Whereas the proteasome inhibitor, MG-132, had no effect on LPS-mediated TNF-alpha production, CAPE, sulfasalazine and SN-50, a cell-permeant NF-kappaB inhibitor, attenuated but did not abrogate TNF-alpha biosynthesis. LPS up-regulated ROS, an effect abrogated by 4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxy-acetophenone and NAC, which reduced TNF-alpha secretion, induced the accumulation of GSH, reduced the concentration of GSSG, and blockaded the phosphorylation/activation of MAPK(p38) pathway. ROS induced MAPK(p38) phosphorylation and selective antioxidants, including the permeant GSH precursor, gamma-GCE, reduced ROS-dependent MAPK(p38) phosphorylation. These results indicate that the MAPK pathway and MAPK-mediated regulation of TNF-alpha production is redox-dependent, GSH-mediated and requires, at least in part, a NF-kappaB/ROS-sensitive mechanism.
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PMID:Redox/ROS regulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and MAPK-mediated TNF-alpha biosynthesis. 1181 88

The costimulatory molecule B7.2 (CD86) plays a vital role in immune activation and development of Th responses. The molecular mechanisms by which B7.2 expression is regulated are not understood. We investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the regulation of B7.2 expression in LPS-stimulated human monocytic cells. LPS stimulation of human monocytes resulted in the down-regulation of B7.2 expression that could be abrogated by anti-IL-10 Abs. Furthermore, SB202190, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, inhibited LPS-induced IL-10 production and reversed B7.2 down-regulation, suggesting that LPS-induced B7.2 down-regulation may be mediated, at least in part, via regulation of IL-10 production by p38 MAPK. In contrast to human promonocytic THP-1 cells that are refractory to the inhibitory effects of IL-10, LPS stimulation enhanced B7.2 expression. This IL-10-independent B7.2 induction was not influenced by specific inhibitors of either p38 or p42/44 MAPK. To ascertain the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK, dexamethasone, an inhibitor of JNK activation, was used, which inhibited LPS-induced B7.2 expression. Transfection of THP-1 cells with a plasmid expressing a dominant-negative stress-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1 significantly reduced LPS-induced B7.2 expression, thus confirming the involvement of JNK. To study the signaling events downstream of JNK activation, we show that dexamethasone did not inhibit LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation in THP-1 cells, suggesting that JNK may not be involved in NF-kappaB activation leading to B7.2 expression. Taken together, our results reveal the distinct involvement of p38 in IL-10-dependent, and JNK in IL-10-independent regulation of B7.2 expression in LPS-stimulated monocytic cells.
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PMID:Distinct role of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases in IL-10-dependent and IL-10-independent regulation of the costimulatory molecule B7.2 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocytic cells. 1182 8

Monocyte adherence induces the formation of focal adhesions, the interaction sites of intracellular signaling molecules and cytoskeletal proteins such as actin. We previously demonstrated that adherence potentiates human monocyte LPS-induced TNFalpha production. Hence, we hypothesized that the actin cytoskeleton is integral to adherence-induced priming for enhanced LPS-induced TNFalpha production. In contrast to nonadherent cells, LPS induced significant transcription of TNFalpha mRNA and production of TNFalpha in adherent monocytes. Disrupting the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D (CD) in adherent monocytes inhibited LPS-induced TNFalpha production by 55%, thereby abrogating adherence-induced priming. Moreover, CD pretreatment abrogated adherence-induced activation of Pyk2, a major focal adhesion kinase, and ERK 1/2, a component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and it completely inhibited LPS-induced ERK 1/2 activation. However, CD treatment of nonadherent monocytes failed to inhibit cytokine production. In conclusion, the actin cytoskeleton is integral in the reprogramming of the monocyte for enhanced cytokine production and in maintaining this "primed" state.
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PMID:The actin cytoskeleton: an essential component for enhanced TNFalpha production by adherent monocytes. 1183 85

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) participates in intracellular signaling cascades resulting in inflammatory responses. Therefore, inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway may form the basis of a new strategy for treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, p38 MAPK activation during systemic inflammation in humans has not yet been shown, and its functional significance in vivo remains unclear. Hence, we exposed 24 healthy male subjects to an i.v. dose of LPS (4 ng/kg), preceded 3 h earlier by orally administered 600 or 50 mg BIRB 796 BS (an in vitro p38 MAPK inhibitor) or placebo. Both doses of BIRB 796 BS significantly inhibited LPS-induced p38 MAPK activation in the leukocyte fraction of the volunteers. Cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1R antagonist) was strongly inhibited by both low and high dose p38 MAPK inhibitor. In addition, p38 MAPK inhibition diminished leukocyte responses, including neutrophilia, release of elastase-alpha(1)-antitrypsin complexes, and up-regulation of CD11b with down-regulation of L-selectin. Finally, blocking p38 MAPK decreased C-reactive protein release. These data identify p38 MAPK as a principal mediator of the inflammatory response to LPS in humans. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory potential of an oral p38 MAPK inhibitor in humans in vivo suggests that p38 MAPK inhibitors may provide a new therapeutic option in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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PMID:Anti-inflammatory effects of a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor during human endotoxemia. 1193 66


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