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)

Altered expression of alphav integrins plays a critical role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. In this study, we show that normal human epithelial ovarian cell line, HOSE, and ovarian cancer cell lines, OVCA 429, OVCA 433, and OVHS-1, expressed alphav integrin and associated beta1, beta3, and beta5 subunits, but only ovarian cancer cell lines OVCA 429 and OVCA 433 expressed alphavbeta6 integrin. The expression of alphavbeta6 in OVCA 429 and OVCA 433 was far higher than alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrin and correlated with high p42/p44 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity and high secretion of high molecular weight urokinase plasminogen activator (HMW-uPA), pro-metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (pro-MMP-9 and pro-MMP-2). In contrast to HOSE and OVHS 1, OVCA 433 and OVCA 429 exhibited approximately 2-fold more plasminogen-dependent [3H]-collagen type IV degradation. Plasminogen-dependent [3H]-collagen IV degradation was inhibited by inhibitor of uPA (amiloride) and MMP (phenanthroline) and by antibodies against uPA or MMP-9 or alphavbeta6 integrin, indicating the involvement of alphavbeta6 integrin, uPA and MMP-9 in the process. The alphavbeta6 correlated increase in HMW-uPA and pro-MMP secretion could be inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein or the MEK 1 inhibitor U0126, consistent with a role of active p42/44 MAPK in the elevation of uPA, MMP-9, and MMP-2 secretion. Under similar conditions, genistein and U0126 inhibited plasminogen-dependent [3H]-collagen type IV degradation. These data suggest that sustained elevation of p42/44 MAPK activity may be required for the co-expression of alphavbeta6 integrin, which in turn may regulate the malignant potential of ovarian cancer cells via proteolytic mechanisms.
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PMID:Association between alphavbeta6 integrin expression, elevated p42/44 kDa MAPK, and plasminogen-dependent matrix degradation in ovarian cancer. 1183 93

Human keratinocyte motility plays an important role in the re-epithelialization of human skin wounds. The wound bed over which human keratinocytes migrate is rich in extracellular matrices, such as fibrin, fibronectin, and collagen, and serum factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor beta 1. Extracellular matrices and the serum factors bind to cell surface receptors and initiate a cascade of intracellular signaling events that regulate cell migration. In this study, we identified an intracellular signaling pathway that mediates collagen- driven motility of human keratinocytes. Pharmaco logic inhibition of the activation of p38-alpha and p38-beta mitogen-activated protein kinase activation potently blocked collagen-driven human keratinocyte migration. Transfection of the same keratinocytes with the kinase-negative mutants of p38-alpha or p38-beta mitogen-activated protein kinase markedly inhibited keratinocyte migration on collagen. Attachment of keratinocytes to collagen activated p38 mitogen- activated protein kinase, as well as p44/p42 ERKs. Interestingly, activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade by overexpressing the constitutively active MKK3 and MKK6, MKK3b(E) and MKK6b(E), could neither initiate migration in the absence of collagen nor enhance collagen-driven migration. This study provides evidence that the p38-MAPK/SAPK pathway is necessary, but insufficient, for mediating human keratinocyte migration on collagen.
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PMID:The p38-MAPK/SAPK pathway is required for human keratinocyte migration on dermal collagen. 1188 29

During wound healing, dermal fibroblasts switch from a migratory, repopulating phenotype to a contractile, matrix-reassembling phenotype. The mechanisms controlling this switch are unknown. A possible explanation is suggested by the finding that chemokines that appear late in wound repair prevent growth factor-induced cell-substratum de-adhesion by blocking calpain activation. In this study, we tested the specific hypothesis that fibroblast contraction of the matrix is promoted by a pro-repair growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and is modulated by calpain-mediated release of adhesions. We employed an isometric force transduction system designed to measure the contraction of a collagen matrix under tension by a population of NR6 fibroblasts transfected with the human epidermal growth factor receptor. By maintaining a fixed level of strain, we could monitor both the initial contraction and subsequent relaxation of the matrix. Epidermal growth factor stimulated a transient, dose-dependent increase in matrix contraction that peaked within 60 minutes and then decayed over the ensuing 3 to 6 hours. Calpain inhibitor I (ALLN) prevented epidermal growth factor-stimulated cell de-adhesion and resulted in a significantly slower decay of matrix contraction, with only a slight decrease of the peak magnitude of contraction. The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1-selective inhibitor PD 98059 that blocks signaling through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, required for epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated activation of calpain and de-adhesion, does not significantly affect the magnitude of matrix contraction within minutes of epidermal growth factor addition, but slows the decay similarly to calpain inhibition. Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling thus stimulates the complementary mechanisms of intracellular contractile force generation and calpain-mediated de-adhesion, which are known to coordinately facilitate cell migration. These findings suggest that calpain can act as a functional switch for transmission of intracellular contractile force to the surrounding matrix, with calpain-mediated de-adhesion reducing this transmission and corresponding matrix contraction. Countervailing processes that down-regulate calpain activation can, accordingly, direct the transition of cell function from locomotion to matrix contraction.
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PMID:Epidermal growth factor induces acute matrix contraction and subsequent calpain-modulated relaxation. 1198 8

It has been well established that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induces branching tubule formation of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells cultured in collagen gel. Tubulogenesis per se requires the involvement of cell proliferation, migration, focalization proteolysis, cell-cell interaction and differentiation. However, signaling pathways and proteins involved in HGF-induced tubulogenesis by MDCK cells have not been thoroughly studied. Because cell-matrix interactions play important roles in tubulogenesis, we analyzed whether HGF altered the expression of extracellular matrix receptor (alpha2, alpha3, beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrin). We found that among those proteins examined, alpha2beta1 integrin levels were enhanced by HGF. HGF-induced upregulation of alpha2beta1 integrin was mediated via upregulation of alpha2 integrin mRNA abundance. Cycloheximide blocked the HGF-induced increase in alpha2 integrin mRNA expression. To understand the signaling pathways leading to an HGF-induced increase in alpha2beta1 integrin levels, PD98059 (MEK1 inhibitor), LY294002 (PI3-kinase inhibitor), and GF109203X (PKC inhibitor) were used. We found that PD98059 blocked the HGF-induced increase in alpha2beta1 integrin expression. Furthermore, 5E8 (specific anti-alpha2beta1 integrin antibody) was employed to elucidate the potential role of HGF-induced upregulation of alpha2beta1 integrin in branching morphogenesis. 5E8 did not alter HGF-induced scattering effects but disrupted HGF-induced branching tubulogenesis in collagen gel via inhibition of cell-cell interactions and growth. Taken together, HGF upregulates alpha2beta1 integrin expression via an indirect pathway, the results of which contribute to the regulation of cell-cell interactions and cell growth during branching morphogenesis in collagen gel.
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PMID:Hepatocyte growth factor upregulates alpha2beta1 integrin in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells: implications in tubulogenesis. 1206 1

Overexpression of the growth factor receptor subunit c-erbB2, leading to its ligand-independent homodimerization and activation, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mammary carcinoma. Here, we have examined the effects of c-erbB2 on the adhesive properties of a mammary epithelial cell line, HB2/tnz34, in which c-erbB2 homodimerization can be induced by means of a transfected hybrid "trk-neu" construct. trk-neu consists of the extracellular domain of the trkA nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor fused to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of c-erbB2, allowing NGF-induced c-erbB2 homodimer signaling. Both spreading and adhesion on collagen surfaces were impaired on c-erbB2 activation in HB2/tnz34 cells. Antibody-mediated stimulation of alpha(2)beta(1) integrin function restored adhesion, suggesting a direct role for c-erbB2 in integrin inactivation. Using pharmacological inhibitors and transient transfections, we identified signaling pathways required for suppression of integrin function by c-erbB2. Among these was the MEK-ERK pathway, previously implicated in integrin inactivation. However, we could also show that downstream of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (PKB) acted as a previously unknown, potent inhibitor of integrin function and mediator of the disruptive effects of c-erbB2 on adhesion and morphogenesis. The integrin-linked kinase, previously identified as a PKB coactivator, was also found to be required for integrin inactivation by c-erbB2. In addition, the PI3K-dependent mTOR/S6 kinase pathway was shown to mediate c-erbB2-induced inhibition of adhesion (but not spreading) independently of PKB. Overexpression of MEK1 or PKB suppressed adhesion without requirement for c-erbB2 activation, suggesting that these two pathways partake in integrin inhibition by targeting common downstream effectors. These results demonstrate a major novel role for PI3K and PKB in regulation of integrin function.
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PMID:c-erbB2-induced disruption of matrix adhesion and morphogenesis reveals a novel role for protein kinase B as a negative regulator of alpha(2)beta(1) integrin function. 1218 54

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a frequent event in tumorigenesis, and analysis of human breast carcinomas demonstrates that 25-50% of these tumors express elevated levels of activated MAPK1/2. However, a direct role for MEK1 in regulating the invasive and metastatic potential of mammary epithelial cells remains to be established. To directly address the role of constitutive MEK1 signaling in transformation, we have selected the murine mammary epithelial cell line, EpH4, as a model system. EpH4 cells expressing constitutively activated MEK1 display invasive growth in 3-dimensional collagen gels and enhanced motility, and metastatic potential in modified Boyden chamber assays. Furthermore, analysis of markers of normal epithelial morphology by immunofluorescence revealed reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and mislocalization of beta-catenin and ZO-1 away from sites of cell-cell contact. However, in contrast to expectations, these changes occurred independently of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a change seen frequently in transformed epithelial cells. Moreover, transplantation of EpH4 cells expressing constitutively activated MEK1 into the cleared mammary fat pads of immune-competent hosts rapidly produced tumors that were highly invasive, well vascularized, and readily metastasized to distant organs. Gene expression profiling was performed to identify the downstream targets of MEK1 signaling. Constitutive MEK1 induced the expression of genes involved in proliferation and of matrix metalloproteinases, which regulate invasion and metastasis. These results demonstrate that constitutively activated MEK1 brings about robust tumorigenic changes in murine mammary epithelial cells, and mediates their invasiveness and metastasis in vivo without a requirement for epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
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PMID:MEK1 signaling mediates transformation and metastasis of EpH4 mammary epithelial cells independent of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition. 1218 38

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its stable analog, alpha,beta-methylene ATP, activate the platelet P2X(1) ion channel, causing a rapid Ca(++) influx. Here, we show that, in washed apyrase-treated platelets, alpha,beta-methylene ATP elicits reversible extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) phosphorylation through a Ca(++)- and protein kinase C-dependent pathway. In contrast, high-performance liquid chromatography-purified adenosine diphosphate (ADP) did not trigger ERK2 phosphorylation. alpha,beta-Methylene ATP also activated the ERK2 pathway in P2X(1)-transfected HEK293 cells but not in cells expressing mutated P2X(1)delL nonfunctional channels. Because ATP released from the dense granules during platelet activation contributes to platelet aggregation elicited by low doses of collagen, and because collagen causes ERK2 phosphorylation, we have investigated the role of P2X(1)-mediated ERK2 activation in these platelet responses. We found that the antagonism of P2X(1) with ADP or desensitization of this ion channel with alpha,beta-methylene ATP both resulted in impaired ERK2 phosphorylation, ATP secretion, and platelet aggregation induced by low concentrations of collagen (< or = 1 microg/mL) without affecting the minor early dense granule release. Selective MEK1/2 inhibition by U-0126 and Ca(++) chelation with EGTA (ethyleneglycoltetraacetic acid) behaved similarly, whereas the PKC inhibitor GF109203-X totally prevented collagen-induced secretion and ERK2 activation. In contrast, when elicited by high collagen concentrations (2 microg/mL), platelet aggregation and secretion no longer depended on P2X(1) or ERK2 activation, as shown by the lack of their inhibition by alpha,beta-methylene ATP or U-0126. We thus conclude that mild platelet stimulation with collagen rapidly releases ATP, which activates the P2X(1)-PKC-ERK2 pathway. This process enhances further degranulation of the collagen-primed granules allowing platelet aggregation to be completed.
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PMID:P2X(1)-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 contributes to platelet secretion and aggregation induced by collagen. 1223 62

Betacellulin (BTC) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, and it acts through EGF receptors. We asked whether BTC could be an angiogenic factor. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we examined the effect of BTC on kinases and angiogenic processes. BTC induced ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. BTC induced phosphorylation of all three EGF receptors present on HUVECs: ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. Pretreatment with effective concentrations of ErbB1 inhibitor did not suppress BTC-induced kinase phosphorylation. BTC, EGF, VEGF (all at 10 ng/ml) produced similar increases in DNA synthesis. BTC, EGF, and VEGF all significantly increased endothelial cell migration. In addition, BTC promoted survival in a dose-dependent manner, and its effect was inhibited by pretreatment with PtdIns 3'-kinase inhibitor wortmannin or MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. Both BTC and EGF produced similar increases in tube formation in collagen gels. BTC-induced tube formation was suppressed by PD98059, wortmannin, and LY294002. In the mouse Matrigel plug assay, BTC (100 ng/ml) promoted neovessel formation, and its effect was suppressed by a combination of wortmannin and PD98059. Taken together, these data show that BTC exerts potent angiogenic activity through activation of EGF receptors, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and PtdIns 3'-kinase/Akt in endothelial cells.
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PMID:Betacellulin induces angiogenesis through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase in endothelial cell. 1247 87

We have generated transgenic mice overexpressing the human P2X(1) ion channel in the megakaryocytic cell lineage. Platelets from transgenic mice exhibited a gain of P2X(1) ionotropic activity as determined by more prominent P2X(1)-mediated Ca(2+) influx and platelet shape change. P2X(1) overexpression enhanced platelet secretion and aggregation evoked by low doses of collagen, convulxin, or the thromboxane A(2) mimetic U46619. In contrast, transgenic platelet responses to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or thrombin were normal. Perfusing whole blood from transgenic mice over collagen fibers at a shear rate of 1000 seconds(-1) resulted in increased P2X(1)-dependent aggregate formation and phosphatidylserine exposure. Platelet hyperreactivity to collagen was correlated with up-regulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) phosphorylation. Accordingly, the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 potently inhibited the collagen-induced aggregation of transgenic platelets when stirred or when perfused over a collagen surface. In a viscometer, shear stress caused potent aggregation of transgenic platelets under conditions in which wild-type platelets did not aggregate. In an in vivo model of thromboembolism consisting of intravenous injection of a low dose of collagen plus epinephrine, transgenic mice died more readily than wild-type mice. Preinjection of U0126 not only fully protected transgenic mice against thrombosis, it also enhanced the survival of wild-type mice injected with a higher collagen dose. Hence, the platelet P2X(1) ion channel plays a role in hemostasis and thrombosis through its participation in collagen-, thromboxane A(2)-, and shear stress-triggered platelet responses. Activation of the ERK2 pathway is instrumental in these processes.
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PMID:Overexpression of the platelet P2X1 ion channel in transgenic mice generates a novel prothrombotic phenotype. 1252 92

We investigated the chemotactic action of PDGF and urokinase on human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells in culture. Cells were put in collagen-coated transwells with 8-micro m perforations, incubated for 4 h with test compounds, then fixed, stained, and counted as migrated nuclei by microscopy. Cells from all culture conditions showed some basal migration (migration in the absence of stimuli during the assay), but cells preincubated for 24 h in 10% FBS or 20 ng/ml PDGF showed higher basal migration than cells quiesced in 1% FBS. PDGF(BB), PDGF(AA), and PDGF(AB) were all chemotactic when added during the assay. PDGF chemotaxis was blocked by the phosphatidyl 3'-kinase inhibitor LY-294002, the MEK inhibitor U-0126, PGE(2), formoterol, pertussis toxin, and the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632. Urokinase alone had no stimulatory effect on migration of quiescent cells but caused a dose-dependent potentiation of chemotaxis toward PDGF. Urokinase also potentiated the elevated basal migration of cells pretreated in 10% FBS or PDGF. This potentiating effect of urokinase appears to be novel. We conclude that PDGF and similar cytokines may be important factors in airway remodeling by redistribution of smooth muscle cells during inflammation and that urokinase may be important in potentiating the response.
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PMID:Urokinase potentiates PDGF-induced chemotaxis of human airway smooth muscle cells. 1257 95


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