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

Numerous studies have been published these last few years on the involvement of MAP kinases in signal transduction reflecting their importance in cell cycle and cell growth controls. The identification and the characterization of their direct upstream activator has considerably enlarged our understanding of the phosphorylation network. The MAP kinase kinases (MAPKKs) are dual-specificity protein kinases which phosphorylate and activate MAP kinases. To date, MAPKK homologues have been found in yeast, invertebrates, amphibians, and mammals. Moreover, the MAPKK/MAPK phosphorylation switch constitutes a basic module activated in distinct pathways in yeast and in vertebrates. MAPKK regulation studies have led to the discovery of at least four MAPKK convergent pathways in higher organisms. One of these is similar to the yeast pheromone response pathway which includes the ste11 protein kinase. Two other pathways require the activation of either one or both of the serine/threonine kinase-encoded oncogenes c-Raf-1 and c-Mos. Additionally, recent studies suggest a possible effect of the cell cycle control regulator cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (cdc2) on MAPKK activity. Finally, MAPKKs seem to be essential transducers through which signals must pass before reaching the nucleus.
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PMID:MAP kinase kinase: a node connecting multiple pathways. 800 6

The Fos family of transcription factors, c-Fos, FosB, Fra-1 and Fra-2, are rapidly induced in quiescent fibroblasts following serum or growth factor stimulation. The Fos proteins show distinct patterns of expression during cell growth with only Fra-1 and Fra-2 maintained at significant levels in growing cells, suggesting that the different family members direct unique functions for cell growth. Post-translational modification of Fos proteins has been observed following serum stimulation, which may allow an additional level of regulation. Our studies show that the synthesis and post-translational modification of Fra-1 and Fra-2 in Swiss 3T3 cells is serum-dependent during G1 following the transition from G0 and during asynchronous growth but is serum-independent during S phase and mitosis. Post-translational modification of Fra-1 and Fra-2 causes a significant shift in their gel mobility which is eliminated by alkaline phosphatase treatment. Several kinases can phosphorylate Fra-1 and Fra-2 in vitro, including cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), cyclin-dependent kinase 1-cdc2 (cdc2), and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase. From these, MAP kinase is the only one that causes a shift in gel mobility similar to that observed in vivo. One dimensional phosphopeptide maps of Fra-1 and Fra-2 phosphorylated by MAP kinase in vitro are similar to those of in vivo labeled Fra-1 and Fra-2, suggesting that MAP kinase may also phosphorylate Fra-1 and Fra-2 in vivo. We have also determined that phosphorylation of Fra-1 and Fra-2 by MAP kinase increases their DNA binding activity.
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PMID:Regulation of Fra-1 and Fra-2 phosphorylation differs during the cell cycle of fibroblasts and phosphorylation in vitro by MAP kinase affects DNA binding activity. 805 17

Bailie et al. [In Vitro Cell Dev. Biol. (1992) 28A, 621-624] reported that primary cultures of rat hepatocytes possess low affinity binding sites for nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF treatment of primary cultures of rat hepatocytes with a maximally effective concentration of NGF (20 ng/ml, 0.8 nM) caused acute phasic activation of Raf-1 and p42(MAPkinase), and a smaller sustained activation of B-Raf. The transient increase in Raf-1 and p42(MAPkinase) activity returned to baseline within approximately 30 min. NGF treatment of hepatocytes did not induce expression of cyclin dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor proteins, but instead stimulated cdk2 activity and increased [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. In contrast to hepatocytes, NGF treatment of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells caused large sustained activations of B-Raf and p42(MAPkinase), and a lower phasic activation of Raf-1. The sustained activations of B-Raf and p42(MAPkinase) were for more than 5 h. Treatment of PC12 cells with NGF increased p21(Cip1/WAF-1) expression, reduced cdk2 activity and inhibited DNA synthesis, the opposite to the effects of NGF treatment of hepatocytes. However when p42(MAPkinase) was chronically activated in hepatocytes, via infection with an inducible oestrogen receptor-Raf-1 fusion protein, expression of p21(Cip-1/WAF1) and p16(INK4a) cdk inhibitor proteins increased, cdk2 activity decreased, and DNA synthesis decreased. Equally, treatment of hepatocytes with 50 mM ethanol elevated the basal activity of p42(MAPkinase) and temporally extended the ability of NGF treatment to activate p42(MAPkinase). Ethanol and NGF co-treatment increased expression of p21(Cip-1/WAF1) and p16(INK4a) cdk inhibitor proteins and decreased hepatocyte DNA synthesis. These data demonstrate that NGF can cause either acute/phasic or sustained activation of the MAP kinase cascade in different cell types. Acute activation of the MAP kinase cascade correlated with increased DNA synthesis. In contrast, sustained activation of the MAP kinase cascade correlated with increased expression of cdk inhibitor proteins, a reduction in cdk activity, and an inhibition of DNA synthesis. These data suggest a general mechanism exists where acute activation of the MAP kinase cascade promotes G1 progression/S phase entry and that chronic activation of the MAP kinase cascade inhibits this process.
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PMID:The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade can either stimulate or inhibit DNA synthesis in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes depending upon whether its activation is acute/phasic or chronic. 949 19

Taxol and vinblastine are widely and effectively used in the treatment of cancer, but the initial response to chemotherapy is often hampered by the development of multidrug resistant (MDR) cells. The collateral effects of these two antimitotic drugs on MDA-435 human breast carcinoma cells were investigated. When used at concentrations below those required to depolymerize microtubules, both drugs increased cyclin dependent kinase activity and stimulated the MAPK signal transduction pathway. The activity of MAPK pathway elements and cyclin dependent kinases were found to be constitutively elevated in an MDR cell line that was selected with taxol and expresses high levels of P-glycoprotein. The MDR cells maintained these alterations and also overexpressed hyperphosphorylated RB. This was manifested in a higher growth rate for MDR cells in low serum and an increased ability to form colonies in soft agar. These observations suggest that despite high levels of P-glycoprotein in MDR cells, a sufficient amount of taxol remains intracellular to accelerate the cell cycle machinery and activate the MAPK pathway. These alterations accumulate in resistant cells and contribute to a more transformed phenotype. Thus, in addition to the development of MDR, exposure of tumor cells to antimitotic agents produces further cellular changes that may contribute to the failure of chemotherapy.
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PMID:Antimitotic drugs cause increased tumorigenicity of multidrug resistant cells. 1002 81

In this study, we present evidence that PI 3-kinase is required for alpha-thrombin-stimulated DNA synthesis in Chinese hamster embryonic fibroblasts (IIC9 cells). Previous results from our laboratory demonstrate that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)) pathway controls transit through G(1) phase of the cell cycle by regulating the induction of cyclin D1 mRNA levels and cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)-cyclin D1 activity. In IIC9 cells, PI 3-kinase activation also is an important controller of the expression of cyclin D1 protein and CDK4-cyclin D1 activity. Pretreatment of IIC9 cells with the selective PI 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002 blocks the alpha-thrombin-stimulated increase in cyclin D1 protein and CDK4 activity. However, LY294002 does not affect alpha-thrombin-induced cyclin D1 steady state message levels, indicating that PI 3-kinase acts independent of the ERK pathway. Interestingly, expression of a dominant-negative Ras significantly decreased both alpha-thrombin-stimulated ERK and PI 3-kinase activities. These data clearly demonstrate that the alpha-thrombin-induced Ras activation coordinately regulates ERK and PI 3-kinase activities, both of which are required for expression of cyclin D1 protein and progression through G(1).
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PMID:Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity regulates alpha -thrombin-stimulated G1 progression by its effect on cyclin D1 expression and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 activity. 1074 83

Progression through meiosis requires two waves of maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity corresponding to meiosis I and meiosis II. Frog oocytes contain a pool of inactive "pre-MPF" consisting of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 bound to B-type cyclins, of which we now find three previously unsuspected members, cyclins B3, B4 and B5. Protein synthesis is required to activate pre-MPF, and we show here that this does not require new B-type cyclin synthesis, probably because of a large maternal stockpile of cyclins B2 and B5. This stockpile is degraded after meiosis I and consequently, the activation of MPF for meiosis II requires new cyclin synthesis, principally of cyclins B1 and B4, whose translation is strongly activated after meiosis I. If this wave of new cyclin synthesis is ablated by antisense oligonucleotides, the oocytes degenerate and fail to form a second meiotic spindle. The effects on meiotic progression are even more severe when all new protein synthesis is blocked by cycloheximide added after meiosis I, but can be rescued by injection of indestructible B-type cyclins. B-type cyclins and MPF activity are required to maintain c-mos and MAP kinase activity during meiosis II, and to establish the metaphase arrest at the end of meiotic maturation. We discuss the interdependence of c-mos and MPF, and reveal an important role for translational control of cyclin synthesis between the two meiotic divisions.
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PMID:New B-type cyclin synthesis is required between meiosis I and II during Xenopus oocyte maturation. 1158 5

The regulatory mechanisms of most cyclin dependent protein kinases (CDKs) are well understood and are highly conserved in eukaryotes. CDKs from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, appear to be regulated in a similar manner with regard to cyclin binding and phosphorylation. In order to further understand their regulatory mechanisms, we examined two classes of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CDIs) to inhibit a panel of plasmodial CDKs. We find that Pfmrk and PfPK5 are inhibited by heterologous p21(CIP1) with varying degrees of inhibition. In contrast, PfPK6, a kinase with sequence features characteristic of both a CDK and MAP kinase, is unaffected by this CDI. Furthermore, the CDK4/6 specific CDI, p16(INK4), fails to inhibit these plasmodial CDKs. Taken together, these results suggest that plasmodial CDKs may be regulated by the binding of inhibitory proteins in vivo.
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PMID:Influence of human p16(INK4) and p21(CIP1) on the in vitro activity of recombinant Plasmodium falciparum cyclin-dependent protein kinases. 1170 40

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] is a well-known potent regulator of cell growth and differentiation and there is recent evidence of an effect on cell death, tumour invasion and angiogenesis, which makes it a candidate agent for cancer regulation. The classical synthetic pathway of 1,25(OH)2D3 involves 25- and 1 alpha-hydroxylation of vitamin D3, in the liver and kidney, respectively, of absorbed or skin-synthesized vitamin D3. There is recent focus on the importance in growth control of local metabolism of 1,25(OH)2D3, which is a function of local tissue synthetic hydroxylases and particularly the principal catabolizing enzyme, 24-hydroxylase. The classical signalling pathway of 1,25(OH)2D3 employs the vitamin D nuclear receptor (VDR), which is a transcription factor for 1,25(OH)2D3 target genes. Effects of this pathway include inhibition of cellular growth and invasion. Cytoplasmic signalling pathways are increasingly being recognized, which similarly may regulate growth and differentiation but also apoptosis. 1,25(OH)2D3 has a major inhibitory effect on the G1/S checkpoint of the cell cycle by upregulating the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p27 and p21, and by inhibiting cyclin D1. Indirect mechanisms include upregulation of transforming growth factor-beta and downregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. 1,25(OH)2D3 may induce apoptosis either indirectly through effects on the insulin-like growth receptor and tumour necrosis factor-alpha or more directly via the Bcl-2 family system, the ceramide pathway, the death receptors (e.g. Fas) and the stress-activated protein kinase pathways (Jun N terminal kinase and p38). Inhibition of tumour invasion and metastasis potential has been demonstrated and mechanisms include inhibition of serine proteinases, metalloproteinases and angiogenesis. The lines of evidence for an effect of vitamin D3 in systemic cancer are the laboratory demonstration of relevant effects on cellular growth, differentiation, apoptosis, malignant cell invasion and metastasis; epidemiological findings of an association of the occurrence and outcome of cancers with derangements of vitamin D3/1,25(OH)2D3 and the association of functional polymorphisms of the VDR with the occurrence of certain cancers. In addition, vitamin D3 analogues are being developed as cancer chemotherapy agents. There is accumulating evidence that the vitamin D3/1,25(OH)2D3/VDR axis is similarly important in malignant melanoma (MM). MM cells express the VDR, and the antiproliferative and prodifferentiation effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 have been shown in cultured melanocytes, MM cells and MM xenografts. Recently, an inhibitory effect on the spread of MM cells has been demonstrated, low serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 have been reported in MM patients and the VDR polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with both the occurrence and outcome of MM. The relationship between solar irradiation and MM is more complex than for the systemic cancers. As in other cancers, there is evidence of a protective effect of vitamin D3 in MM, but ultraviolet radiation, which is a principal source of vitamin D3, is mutagenic. Further work is necessary on the influence of serum vitamin D3 levels on the occurrence and prognosis of MM, the effects of sun protection measures on serum vitamin D3 levels in temperate climates and epidemiological studies on geographical factors and skin type on the prognosis of MM. Meanwhile, it would seem mandatory to ensure an adequate vitamin D3 status if sun exposure were seriously curtailed, certainly in relation to carcinoma of breast, prostate and colon and probably also MM.
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PMID:Vitamin D and systemic cancer: is this relevant to malignant melanoma? 1217 89

Cell loss and neuritic/cytoskeletal lesions represent two of the major categories of dementia-associated structural abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cell loss is ultimately mediated by apoptosis and mitochondrial DNA damage due to enhanced sensitivity to oxidative stress, but the mechanism responsible for the neuritic/cytoskeletal lesions including the abnormal proliferation of cortical neurites is not known. This study examines the potential role of oxygen free radical injury as a factor contributing to both cell death and neuritic sprouting cascades in AD. PNET2 human neuronal cells were treated with H2O2 (8 micro M to 88 micro M) for 24 hours and then analyzed for viability, DNA damage, and pro-apoptosis, survival, and sprouting gene expression and signaling. H2O2-treatment resulted in dose-dependent increases in cell death due to genomic and mitochondrial DNA damage associated with increased levels of 8-OHdG and the p53 and CD95 pro-apoptosis genes, reduced levels of the Bcl-2 survival gene, activation of JNK and p38 stress kinases, and inhibition of PI3 kinase survival signaling. However, the H2O2-treated cells also manifested increased expression of growth and sprouting molecules, including GAP-43, nitric oxide synthase 3, neuronal thread protein (NTP; approximately 17 kD and approximately 21 kD forms), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and phospho-Erk MAPK, and normal levels of the AD-associated approximately 41 kD NTP species, cyclin dependent kinase 5 (cdk-5), and phospho-tau. In addition, the H2O2-treated cells had increased levels of p25, the catalytically active and stable cleavage product of p35, which regulates cdk-5 activity. Previous studies demonstrated p25 accumulation in AD brains and p25-induced hyperphosphorylation of tau and neuronal apoptosis. The findings herein suggest that oxygen free radical injury in human CNS neuronal cells is sufficient to cause some but not all of the pro-death and pro-sprouting molecular abnormalities that occur in AD.
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PMID:Oxygen free radical injury is sufficient to cause some Alzheimer-type molecular abnormalities in human CNS neuronal cells. 1221 88

We have investigated the cell growth inhibitory effects of crude catechin (catechin) containing approximately 53% of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the human breast cancer cell line T47D, and the mechanism of its action, with emphasis on the cell cycle and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). A significant dose-dependent growth inhibition was observed after treatment with catechin. At 48 h after the addition of catechin, cells at the G2/M phase were increased by 8.3%, compared with the control. Analysis of the expression of cell cycle-related proteins after the addition of catechin showed that the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) 2 and the cdk4 proteins were decreased after administration, the expression of cyclin A protein was increased at 24 h after administration, however, the expression of the cyclin D1 and cyclin E proteins was unchanged. At 24 h after the administration of catechin, the phosphorylation of cell division cycle 2 (cdc2) was inhibited, and the expression of cyclin B1 protein was also decreased. Furthermore, the analysis of the MAPK expression showed that the phosphorylated JNK/SAPK protein began to increase at 3 h after catechin administration, and the expression persisted until 24 h after administration, then decreased. The phosphorylation of p38 protein was increased at 12 h, and began to decrease at 36 h after catechin administration. Based on these results, we speculate that, in the breast cancer cell line T47D, catechin phosphorylated JNK/SAPK and p38, and that the phosphorylated JNK/SAPK and p38 inhibited the phosphorylation of cdc2, and regulated the expression of cyclin A, cyclin B1, and cdk proteins, thereby causing G2 arrest. The results suggested that catechin (EGCG) may be an effective adjuvant therapy after breast cancer surgery.
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PMID:Analysis of cell growth inhibitory effects of catechin through MAPK in human breast cancer cell line T47D. 1242 81


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