Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts: Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound   Target Concepts: Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound

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Query: EC:2.7.12.2 (MEK)
18,161 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Stimulation of T cells via the T cell receptor (TCR) activates a number of signaling pathways that are potentially involved in the elicitation of physiological responses, such as the production of cytokines. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) are a group of molecules activated in response to TCR ligation, whose role in T cell cytokine production is controversial. In this study, we have asked whether ERK activation is coupled to the production of a number of T cell-derived cytokines, and whether particular cytokines are differentially affected by ERK activation. To address these questions, we have utilized a constitutively active version of the immediate upstream activator of both ERK1 and ERK2, mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (MEK1), to activate ERK signaling selectively in the absence of other TCR-activated signaling pathways. The effect of constitutive MEK/ERK activation on T cell cytokine production was measured by transiently co-transfecting newly activated mouse T cells with DNA encoding constitutively active MEK1 (CA-MEK1) and the human interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor alpha chain (hCD25), purifying hCD25+ transfectants by flow-cytometric cell sorting, and measuring the production of IL-3, IL-4, interferon (IFN)-gamma and granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) either in the presence or absence of ionomycin stimulation. Newly activated T cells were used in these experiments as they more closely resemble T cells activated in vivo than do transformed T cells or long-term established T cell clones. CA-MEK1 expression led to constitutive ERK activation, which acted synergystically with ionomycin treatment to stimulate cytokine production. Furthermore, these experiments revealed a hierarchy of cytokine responsiveness to MEK/ERK activation, such that the production of IL-3 was most affected, followed by GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, and IL-4.
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PMID:Differential activation of T cell cytokine production by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. 889 34

Activation of Ras GTPases is a conserved feature of antigen receptor signaling, including Fc epsilon R1 activation of mast cells. Antigenic cross-linking of the Fc epsilon R1 on mast cells results in secretion of allergic mediators and induction of immediate early and cytokine genes. Here we examine the role of Ras in coupling the Fc epsilon R1 to transcriptional regulation. The transcription factors Elk-1, an immediate early gene regulator and the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), in the context of the IL-4 gene, are identified as Ras targets in mast cells. Ras mediates diverse effects via its diverse effector pathways, which may include other members of the Ras GTPase family such as RhoA and Rac-1. We observe that Elk-1 and NFAT are targeted by distinct Ras effector pathways in mast cells. Activation of the "classical" Ras/Raf-1/MEK/ ERK cascade is necessary and sufficient for Fc epsilon R1 induction of Elk-1. Ras function is required, but not sufficient for Fc epsilon R1 induction of NFAT. However, activation or inhibition of Ras markedly shifts the antigen dose-response for Fc epsilon R1 induction of NFAT. The effector pathway for Ras activation of NFAT is not Raf-1/MEK. We identify that the Rac-1 GTPase is critical in Fc epsilon R1 regulation of NFAT, acting either in parallel with or as an effector of Ras. These data place Ras in a crucial position in mast cells, regulating disparate nuclear targets. Moreover, we identify that two GTPases, Ras and Rac-1, are important regulators of NFAT, and therefore of cytokine expression in mast cells.
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PMID:Distinct Ras effector pathways are involved in Fc epsilon R1 regulation of the transcriptional activity of Elk-1 and NFAT in mast cells. 899 40

Productive T cell activation leading to cytokine secretion requires the cooperation of multiple signaling pathways coupled to the TCR and to costimulatory molecules such as CD28. Here, we utilized two pharmacophores, PD98059 and FK506, that inhibit, respectively, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase 1 (MEK 1) and calcineurin, to determine the relative role of the signaling pathways controlled by these enzymes in T cell activation. Although the two compounds had distinctive effects on CD69 induction, they both suppressed T cell proliferation induced by anti-CD3 mAb, in a manner reversible by exogenous IL-2, suggesting that PD98059, like FK506, affects the production of, rather than the responsiveness to growth-promoting cytokines. Accordingly, IL-2 production by T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb in conjunction with PMA or with anti-CD28 mAb was inhibited by both compounds. However, these compounds differentially affected the production of other cytokines, depending on the mode of activation. PD98059 inhibited TNF-alpha, IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF, IFN-gamma, and to a lesser extent IL-6 and IL-10 production but enhanced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production induced by CD3/PMA or CD3/CD28. FK506 suppressed CD3/PMA-induced production of all cytokines examined here but to a lesser extent IL-13. FK506 also reduced CD3/CD28-induced production of IL-3, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 but augmented that of GM-CSF, IL-5, IFN-gamma, and IL-13. Therefore, the biochemical targets of PD98059 and FK506 contribute differently to the production of various cytokines by T cells, which may have implications for the therapeutic manipulation of this production.
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PMID:Inhibition of T cell activation by pharmacologic disruption of the MEK1/ERK MAP kinase or calcineurin signaling pathways results in differential modulation of cytokine production. 951 Jan 55

IL-17 is a newly described, T cell-derived cytokine with ill-defined physiologic properties. As such, we examined the release of proinflammatory mediators by human macrophages in response to recombinant human (rh) IL-17. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expression and synthesis were up-regulated by rhIL-17 in a dose (ED50 was 50 +/- 9 ng/ml)- and time-dependent fashion, with cytokine accumulation reaching a zenith after 9 h. Release of IL-6, PGE2, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1R antagonist, and stromelysin was also stimulated by rhIL-17. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha mRNA expression levels were controlled by rhIL-17 in a complex manner with an initial 30-min inhibitory phase, and then up-regulation beginning at 1 h and reaching a plateau at about 3 h. The latter expression pattern closely mirrored the nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB. cAMP mimetics isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), forskolin, PGE2, and cholera toxin reversed rhIL-17-induced release of TNF-alpha, but had no consistent effect on induced IL-1beta synthesis. Induced release of TNF-alpha was also inhibited by serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitors KT-5720 (protein kinase A) and Calphostin C (protein kinase C), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD098059, and a nonspecific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein. Calphostin C alone abrogated the rhIL-17-induced release of IL-1beta. The antiinflammatory cytokines IL-4 (p < 0.01) and IL-10 (p < 0.02) completely reversed rhIL-17-stimulated IL-1beta release, while IL-13 and TGF-beta2 were partially effective (59 and 43% diminution, respectively). IL-10 exerted a significant suppressive effect on IL-17-induced TNF-alpha release (99%, p < 0.02), while the inhibitory effects of IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-beta2 on TNF-alpha secretion were partial (48, 10, and 23%, respectively). The data suggest a pivotal role for IL-17 in initiating and/or sustaining an inflammatory response.
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PMID:IL-17 stimulates the production and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-beta and TNF-alpha, by human macrophages. 953 13

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway is strongly activated in response to TCR stimulation in normal T cells. However, the extent to which activation of the ERK pathway is necessary for TCR-stimulated cytokine production is not clear. We have addressed this question by use of two separate methods to interfere with TCR activation of the ERK cascade. The first approach utilized transient expression of a catalytically inactive form of mitogen-activated/ERK 1 (CI-MEK1), while the second involved using the MEK1- and MEK2-specific inhibitor PD98059 to block ERK activation by the TCR. In order to assess the requirement for ERK activation in T cell cytokine production, we have measured the effect of ERK inhibition upon the production of six cytokines, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IFN-gamma, by newly activated normal mouse T cells in response to TCR stimulation. The results of experiments using both methods to block ERK activation have revealed a requirement for intact ERK signaling for the full elicitation of TCR-stimulated cytokine production. Dose-response analyses using the MEK inhibitor PD98059 showed that the TCR-stimulated production of all cytokines measured was affected by this treatment. However, the production of IL-3 and IL-4 was only partially dependent upon ERK activation, whereas IL-5, IL-10, IFN-gamma and GM-CSF production was severely affected by diminished ERK activation. We conclude that the ERK pathway is differentially involved in the activation of different cytokine genes in normal T cells.
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PMID:Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway is differentially required for TCR-stimulated production of six cytokines in primary T lymphocytes. 953 50

Cross-linking the high affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilonRI of basophils and mast cells activates receptor-associated protein-tyrosine kinases and stimulates a signaling cascade leading to secretion, ruffling, spreading, and cytokine production. Previous evidence that the pan-prenylation inhibitor lovastatin blocks Ag-stimulated Ca2+ influx, secretion, and membrane/cytoskeletal responses implicated isoprenylated proteins in the Fc epsilonRI-coupled signaling cascade but could not distinguish between contributions of C15 (farnesylated) and C20 (geranylgeranylated) species. Here we establish concentrations of lovastatin and the farnesyl-specific inhibitor BZA-5B that inhibit the farnesylation and Ag-induced activation of Ras species in RBL-2H3 cells (H-Ras, K-RasA, and K-RasB). These inhibitors have little effect on tyrosine kinase activation, which initiates Fc epsilonRI signaling. Although Ras is disabled, only lovastatin substantially blocks Raf-1 activation, and neither inhibitor affects mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase kinase (MEK) or ERK1/ERK2 activation. Thus, the pathway to Fc epsilonRI-mediated MEK/ERK and ERK activation can apparently bypass Ras and Raf-1. Predictably, only lovastatin inhibits Ag-induced ruffling, spreading, and secretion, previously linked to geranylgeranylated Rho and Rab family members. Additionally, only lovastatin inhibits phospholipase Cgamma-mediated inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate production, sustained Ca2+ influx, and Ca2+-dependent IL-4 production, suggesting novel roles for geranylgeranylated (lovastatin-sensitive, BZA-5B-insensitive) proteins in Fc epsilonRI signal propagation. Remarkably, BZA-5B concentrations too low to inactivate Ras reduce the lag time to Ag-induced Ca2+ stores release and enhance secretion. These results link a non-Ras farnesylated protein(s) to the negative regulation of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and secretion. We identified no clear role for Ras in Fc epsilonRI-coupled signaling but suggest its involvement in mast cell growth regulation based on the inhibition of cell proliferation by both BZA-5B and lovastatin.
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PMID:MEK and ERK activation in ras-disabled RBL-2H3 mast cells and novel roles for geranylgeranylated and farnesylated proteins in Fc epsilonRI-mediated signaling. 986 3

Igs can be potent stimulants of eosinophil activation since interaction with IgA or IgG-coated particles can lead to eosinophil degranulation. We have investigated the comparative roles of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (MAPKs; ERK1/2 and p38) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) in the priming and regulation of Fc receptor functioning on human eosinophils utilizing a MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor (PD98059), a p38 inhibitor SB203580, and the widely used PI3K inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002. We demonstrate that priming of human eosinophils with Th2-derived cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, differentially activate phosphotyrosine-associated PI3K and ERK and p38 MAP kinases. This activation can be inhibited by pre-incubation with wortmannin or LY294002, PD98059, and SB203580, respectively. Analysis of the effects of the inhibitors on rosette formation between human eosinophils and IgA- or IgG-coated beads revealed that activation of MEK was not required for IgA binding after priming with IL-4 or IL-5. However, inhibition of MEK did inhibit IL-5-primed binding of IgG-beads. The rosette formation of primed eosinophils with IgA-beads could be completely inhibited by wortmannin and LY294002 treatment, demonstrating a critical role for PI3K. Interestingly, inhibition of the p38 pathway also resulted in a complete blockade of IgA rosette formation. This work demonstrates regulatory control by inside-out signaling of Fc receptors by various cytokines on human eosinophils. Thus in vivo the local production of Th2-derived cytokines will regulate the effector functions of Fc receptors.
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PMID:Analysis of signal transduction pathways regulating cytokine-mediated Fc receptor activation on human eosinophils. 986 7

Ligation of CD40 on monocytes through its interaction with CD40 ligand (CD154) present on activated T helper cells, results in activation of monocyte inflammatory cytokine synthesis and rescue of monocytes from apoptosis induced through serum deprivation. Both of these consequences of CD40 stimulation have been shown to be dependent on the induction of protein tyrosine kinase activity. CD40-mediated activation of protein tyrosine kinase activity and subsequent inflammatory cytokine production are abrogated by treatment of monocytes with the T helper type 2 cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). In the current study we demonstrate that stimulation of monocytes through CD40 resulted in the phosphorylation and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) mitogen-activated protein kinases, whereas phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases family members p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase was not observed in response to this stimuli over the time course examined. PD98059, an inhibitor of the upstream activator of ERK1/2, the MAP/ERK kinase MEK1/2, suppressed IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in a dose-dependent fashion. Pretreatment of monocytes with IL-4 and IL-10 inhibited CD40-mediated activation of ERK1/2 kinase activity when used individually, and are enhanced in effectiveness when used in combination. Together, the data demonstrate that CD40-mediated induction of IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synthesis is dependent on a MEK/ERK pathway which is obstructed by signals generated through the action of IL-4 and IL-10.
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PMID:CD40 signaling of monocyte inflammatory cytokine synthesis through an ERK1/2-dependent pathway. A target of interleukin (il)-4 and il-10 anti-inflammatory action. 1002 6

ICAM-1 is an Ig-like cell adhesion molecule expressed by several cell types, including the endothelium. Cross-linking of ICAM-1 on the surface of different cell types has previously been shown to cause an increase in cellular activation within the cytoplasm. In this study, we have compared signaling events following ligation of ICAM-1 by cross-linking with mAbs with events after activation of HUVEC by TNF. ICAM-1 cross-linking caused activation of Erk-1 and the AP-1 transcription factor complex, without any increase in NF-kappaB activity, in contrast to TNF stimulation. Transcription of VCAM-1 mRNA was observed by reverse-transcriptase PCR after ICAM-1 cross-linking, with no associated transcription of E-selectin. This was reflected by the presence of VCAM-1 protein after immunoprecipitation, without E-selectin expression, in ICAM-1 cross-linked cells. In contrast, mRNA and protein for both VCAM-1 and E-selectin were observed in TNF-treated HUVEC, as expected. Addition of the MEK (MAP/Erk kinase) inhibitor PD98059 reduced expression of VCAM-1 after ICAM-1 cross-linking, suggesting that the Erk pathway is involved in ICAM-1-mediated VCAM-1 expression. In conclusion, ICAM-1-induced expression of VCAM-1 represents a pathway for adhesion molecule up-regulation that is distinct from the TNF-induced pathway. It may be similar to the IL-4 pathway or it may represent a novel pathway.
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PMID:Ligation of ICAM-1 on endothelial cells leads to expression of VCAM-1 via a nuclear factor-kappaB-independent mechanism. 1007 50

Human basophils secrete histamine and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in response to various stimuli, such as Ag and the bacterial product, FMLP. IgE-mediated stimulation also results in IL-4 secretion. However, the mechanisms of these three classes of secretion are unknown in human basophils. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs; ERK-1 and ERK-2) during IgE- and FMLP-mediated stimulation of human basophils was examined. Following FMLP stimulation, histamine release preceded phosphorylation of ERKs, whereas phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), and arachidonic acid (AA) and LTC4 release followed phosphorylation of ERKs. The phosphorylation of ERKs was transient, decreasing to baseline levels after 15 min. PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) inhibited the phosphorylation of ERKs and cPLA2 without inhibition of several other tyrosine phosphorylation events, including phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. PD98059 also inhibited LTC4 generation (IC50 = approximately 2 microM), but not histamine release. Stimulation with anti-IgE Ab resulted in the phosphorylation of ERKs, which was kinetically similar to both histamine and LTC4 release and decreased toward resting levels by 30 min. Similar to FMLP, PD98059 inhibited anti-IgE-mediated LTC4 release (IC50, approximately 2 microM), with only a modest effect on histamine release and IL-4 production at higher concentrations. Taken together, these results suggest that ERKs might selectively regulate the pathway leading to LTC4 generation by phosphorylating cPLA2, but not histamine release or IL-4 production, in human basophils.
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PMID:Extracellular signal-regulated kinases regulate leukotriene C4 generation, but not histamine release or IL-4 production from human basophils. 1020 47


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