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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)
There is growing evidence that increased expression of
cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
) in the lungs of patients is a key event in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), IkappaB kinase alpha/beta (IKKalpha/beta), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathways in thrombin-induced
COX-2
expression in human lung fibroblasts (WI-38). Treatment of WI-38 cells with thrombin caused increased
COX-2
expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Treatment of WI-38 cells with PD 98059 (2-[2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, a
MEK
inhibitor) inhibited thrombin-induced
COX-2
expression and
COX-2
-luciferase activity. Stimulation of cells with thrombin caused an increase in ERK phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner. In addition, treatment of WI-38 cells with Bay 117082, an IkappaB phosphorylation inhibitor, and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an NF-kappaB inhibitor, inhibited thrombin-induced
COX-2
expression. The thrombin-induced increase in
COX-2
-luciferase activity was also blocked by the dominant negative IkappaBalpha mutant (IkappaBalphaM). Treatment of WI-38 cells with thrombin induced IKKalpha/beta and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, IkappaBalpha degradation, and kappaB-luciferase activity. The thrombin-mediated increases in IKKalpha/beta phosphorylation and kappaB-luciferase activity were inhibited by PD 98059. Taken together, these results suggest that the ERK-dependent IKKalpha/beta/NF-kappaB signaling pathway plays an important role in thrombin-induced
COX-2
expression in human lung fibroblasts.
...
PMID:Thrombin induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression via the ERK and NF-kappaB pathways in human lung fibroblasts. 1961 39
The largely undefined signal transduction mechanisms and cross-talk between human melanoma cell (HMC) lines and brain endothelial cells (ECs) involved in tumor cell interaction and adhesion were investigated. In immortalized rat brain GP8.3 EC cultures, conditioned media (CM) prepared from SK-MEL28 and OCM-1 melanoma cells significantly enhanced arachidonic acid release, cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and Ca(+)-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)) specific activities, and cell growth by 24 h. Inhibitors such as wortmannin and LY294002 (vs. PI3 kinase activity), AACOCF(3), (vs. cPLA(2) and iPLA(2)), PD98059 (vs. ERK1/2 activity) and NS-398 (vs.
cyclooxygenase-2
activity, COX-2) were all able to block cell proliferation and motility determined using a scratch wound healing assay in melanoma CMs-stimulated EC monolayers. These media also support the enhanced cell proliferation of primary ECs derived from rat brain (BBEC). Electroporation of anti-cPLA(2) antibody into ECs markedly inhibited the EC proliferation in response to CMs. With both CMs, phosphorylation of cPLA(2), PKCalpha, ERK1/2, protein and mRNA expression of cPLA(2) and iPLA(2), and COX-2 protein expression were significantly stimulated after 24 h coincubation, and attenuated by specific inhibitors. By confocal microscopy, activation of cPLA(2), ERK1/2, PKCalpha and COX-2 in perinuclear and membrane regions of ECs grown in CM-stimulated cultures were clearly observed. Thus
MEK
-PKCalpha-ERK1/2 and PI3-K/Akt survival pathways are activated in EC cultures during the interaction with CM from both melanoma cell lines, providing new insight in understanding EC metabolism and signaling. These pathways represent potential therapeutic targets to inhibit or enhance tumor angiogenesis.
...
PMID:PKCalpha-MAPK/ERK-phospholipase A2 signaling is required for human melanoma-enhanced brain endothelial cell proliferation and motility. 1974 26
Cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
), a key mediator of inflammation, and its product, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), enhance carcinogenesis, particularly in skin. Ultraviolet (UV) B is the most carcinogenic component of solar irradiation, and a crucial role of
COX-2
in UVB-mediated skin carcinogenesis has been reported. Here, we investigated the effects of delphinidin, an abundant dietary anthocyanin, on UVB-induced
COX-2
upregulation and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that delphinidin suppressed UVB-induced
COX-2
expression in JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells.
COX-2
promoter activity and PGE(2) production were also suppressed by delphinidin treatment within non-cytotoxic concentrations. Activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappaB, crucial transcription factors involved in
COX-2
expression, were activated by UVB and delphinidin abolished this activation. UVB-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 kinase and Akt was inhibited by delphinidin. The activities of
mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
(
MAPKK
) 4 and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) were inhibited markedly by delphinidin. A pull-down assay using delphinidin-Sepharose beads revealed that delphinidin binds directly with MAPKK4 or PI-3K in a manner that was competitive with adenosine triphosphate. Moreover, in vivo investigations using mouse skin revealed that the upregulation of
COX-2
expression, MAPKK4 activity and PI-3K activity induced by UVB was abolished with delphinidin treatment. Collectively, our results demonstrated that delphinidin targets MAPKK4 and PI-3K directly to suppress
COX-2
overexpression, suggesting a potential protective role for delphinidin against UVB-mediated skin carcinogenesis.
...
PMID:Delphinidin suppresses ultraviolet B-induced cyclooxygenases-2 expression through inhibition of MAPKK4 and PI-3 kinase. 1977 76
The enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes severe neurological diseases that were mediated through
cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
) expression in brain. However, the mechanisms underlying EV71-initiated intracellular signaling pathways leading to
COX-2
expression remain unknown in neurons. Here we report that exposure of SK-N-SH cells to EV71 increased
COX-2
expression and PGE(2) generation in a time- and virus titer-dependent manner, revealed by Western blot, real-time PCR, and PGE(2) analyses. These EV71-induced responses were mediated through activation of p42/p44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, JNK, NF-kappaB, and AP-1, revealed by using selective pharmacological inhibitors or transfection with respective siRNAs. Consistently, EV71-stimulated translocation of NF-kappaB into the nucleus and degradation of IkappaBalpha in the cytosol was blocked by pretreatment with the selective inhibitors of
MEK1
/2 (U0126) and NF-kappaB (Bay11-7085), respectively, suggesting that
MEK1
/2-p42/p44 MAPK cascade linking to NF-kappaB was involved in
COX-2
expression. In addition, EV71-induced AP-1 subunits (c-jun and c-fos mRNA) expression was also attenuated by pretreatment with a selective JNK inhibitor SP600125, suggesting that JNK cascade linking to AP-1 was involved in
COX-2
expression induced by EV71. These findings suggested that up-regulation of
COX-2
associated with the release of PGE(2) from EV71-infected SK-N-SH cells which was mediated through activation of p38 MAPK, JNK, p42/p44 MAPK, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 pathways.
...
PMID:Enterovirus 71 induces COX-2 expression via MAPKs, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 in SK-N-SH cells: Role of PGE(2) in viral replication. 1980 Apr 3
Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) triggers upregulation of
cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) formation in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells. This
COX-2
upregulation appears to involve the Src / epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor / p38 MAP kinase (p38MAPK) pathway and also the cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. Here, we investigated the roles of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-related signals in the PAR2-triggered PGE(2) release /
COX-2
upregulation in A549 cells. The PAR2-triggered PGE(2) release was clearly blocked by an inhibitor of the NF-kappaB pathway. Stimulation of PAR2 actually caused phosphorylation of inhibitor-kappaB, an indicator of NF-kappaB activation, an effect being blocked by inhibitors of
MEK
, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), and Akt, but little or not by inhibitors of p38MAPK and JNK. Stimulation of PAR2 also caused phosphorylation of Akt, an effect suppressed by inhibitors of PI3-kinase and
MEK
. Nonetheless, the PAR2-triggered upregulation of
COX-2
was resistant to inhibitors of NF-kappaB, PI3-kinase, and Akt, but was attenuated by inhibitors of
MEK
and JNK. Stimulation of PAR2 induced phosphorylation of CREB, an effect abolished by an inhibitor of
MEK
but not inhibitors of p38MAPK and EGF receptor. These findings demonstrate that the
MEK
/ ERK / PI3-kinase / Akt / NF-kappaB pathway is involved in PAR2-triggered PGE(2) formation, but not upregulation of
COX-2
that is dependent on activation of ERK/CREB and JNK in addition to p38MAPK.
...
PMID:Proteinase-activated receptor-2-triggered prostaglandin E(2) release, but not cyclooxygenase-2 upregulation, requires activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt / nuclear factor-kappaB pathway in human alveolar epithelial cells. 1988 Dec 25
Exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) leads to airway and lung inflammation through an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance.
Cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) have been shown to play critical roles in respiratory inflammation. Here, we show that
COX-2
/PGE(2)/IL-6 induction is dependent on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NADPH oxidase signaling in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs). CSE induced
COX-2
expression in vitro in HTSMCs and in vivo in the airways of mice. CSE also directly caused an increase in TLR4. Moreover, CSE-regulated
COX-2
, PGE(2), and IL-6 generation was inhibited by pretreatment with TLR4 Ab; inhibitors of c-Src (PP1), NADPH oxidase (diphenylene iodonium chloride and apocynin), p38 MAPK (SB202190),
MEK1
/2 (U0126), JNK1/2 (SP600125), and NF-kappaB (helenalin); a ROS scavenger (N-acetyl-l-cysteine); and transfection with siRNA of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, Src, p47(phox), p38, p42, JNK2, or p65. CSE-induced leukocyte numbers in BAL fluid were also reduced by pretreatment with these inhibitors. Furthermore, CSE induced p47(phox) translocation and TLR4/MyD88/TRAF6 and c-Src/p47(phox) complex formation. We found that PGE(2) enhanced IL-6 production in HTSMCs and leukocyte count in BAL fluid. In addition, treatment with nicotine could induce
COX-2
, PGE(2), and IL-6 generation in in vivo and in vitro studies. These results demonstrate that CSE-induced ROS generation was mediated through the TLR4/MyD88/TRAF6/c-Src/NADPH oxidase pathway, in turn initiated the activation of MAPKs and NF-kappaB, and ultimately induced
COX-2
/PGE(2)/IL-6-dependent airway inflammation.
...
PMID:Induction of COX-2/PGE(2)/IL-6 is crucial for cigarette smoke extract-induced airway inflammation: Role of TLR4-dependent NADPH oxidase activation. 1989 12
Thiazolidinediones, known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) agonists, may modify prostaglandin formation and exert gastroprotective effects. Since activation of proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) reveals endogenous prostanoid-dependent gastroprotection, we investigated if two thiazolidinediones, ciglitazone and troglitazone, modulate the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) release caused by activation of PAR1 in normal rat gastric mucosal epithelial RGM1 cells. Ciglitazone dramatically facilitated the PAR1-triggered PGE(2) production and
cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
) upregulation, although it had no effect by itself. In contrast, troglitazone suppressed the PAR1-triggered PGE(2) production and
COX-2
upregulation. Either effect of ciglitazone and troglitazone was resistant to GW9662, a PPARgamma antagonist. The facilitation of the PGE(2) release by ciglitazone was blocked by inhibitors of
MEK
, p38 MAP kinase (p38MAPK) and PI3-kinase (PI3K), but not JNK. Nonetheless, ciglitazone failed to enhance the PAR1-triggered phosphorylation of ERK and p38MAPK. In conclusion, ciglitazone and troglitazone, exert opposite effects on the PAR1-triggered PGE(2) production and
COX-2
upregulation by targeting molecules other than PPARgamma.
...
PMID:Opposite effects of two thiazolidinediones, ciglitazone and troglitazone, on proteinase-activated receptor-1-triggered prostaglandin E(2) release. 1995 59
Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays (wavelength: 280-320nm) play a pivotal role in the development of skin cancer by inducing the expression of inflammatory proteins such as
cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
). Cyanidin, the most plentiful of the plant pigments known as anthocyanidins, is a potent chemopreventive agent. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive activity of cyanidin and identified its molecular targets. Cyanidin inhibited UVB-induced
COX-2
expression and prostaglandin E(2) secretion in the epidermal skin cell line JB6 P+ by suppressing the transactivation of nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein-1 which are well-known transcription factors regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase. Cyanidin markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and
MEK1
/2 than the of
MKK4
and Raf-1, two upstream kinases of JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and
MEK1
/2. Cyanidin significantly suppressed the activities of
MKK4
,
MEK1
, and Raf-1 through direct binding. Transient transfection of a small interfering RNA specific for
MKK4
inhibited the UVB-induced expression of
COX-2
in JB6 P+ cells, as did the expression of a dominant-negative ERK2 mutant. We conclude that
MKK4
,
MEK1
, and Raf-1 are targets of cyanidin for the suppression of UVB-induced
COX-2
expression.
...
PMID:Cyanidin suppresses ultraviolet B-induced COX-2 expression in epidermal cells by targeting MKK4, MEK1, and Raf-1. 2009 64
Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) plays a role in the pathogenesis of severe inflammatory responses induced by Gram-positive bacterial infection. Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)),
cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and interleukin (IL)-6 have been demonstrated to engage in airway inflammation. In this study, LTA-induced cPLA(2) and
COX-2
expression and PGE(2) or IL-6 synthesis were attenuated by transfection with siRNAs of TLR2, MyD88, Akt, p42, p38, JNK2, and p65 or pretreatment with the inhibitors of PI3K (LY294002), p38 (SB202190),
MEK1
/2 (U0126), JNK1/2 (SP600125), and NF-kappaB (helenalin) in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs). LTA also induced cPLA(2) and
COX-2
expression and leukocyte count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in mice. LTA-regulated PGE(2) or IL-6 production was inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitors of cPLA(2) (AACOCF(3)) and
COX-2
(NS-398) or transfection with cPLA(2) siRNA or
COX-2
siRNA, respectively. LTA-stimulated NF-kappaB translocation or cPLA(2) phosphorylation was attenuated by pretreatment with LY294002, SB202190, U0126, or SP600125. Furthermore, LTA could stimulate TLR2, MyD88, PI3K, and Rac1 complex formation. We also demonstrated that Staphylococcus aureus could trigger these responses through a similar signaling cascade in HTSMCs. It was found that PGE(2) could directly stimulate IL-6 production in HTSMCs or leukocyte count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in mice. These results demonstrate that LTA-induced MAPKs activation is mediated through the TLR2/MyD88/PI3K/Rac1/Akt pathway, which in turn initiates the activation of NF-kappaB, and ultimately induces cPLA(2)/
COX-2
-dependent PGE(2) and IL-6 generation.
...
PMID:Cooperation of TLR2 with MyD88, PI3K, and Rac1 in lipoteichoic acid-induced cPLA2/COX-2-dependent airway inflammatory responses. 2016 66
Nontoxic small molecules with multitargeting effects are believed to have potential in cancer prevention. Dietary phytochemicals were shown to exhibit cancer-preventive effects attributed to their antioxidant capacities. In this report, we show that the natural compound 5-deoxykaempferol (5-DK) exerts a chemopreventive effect on UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis by targeting multiple signaling molecules. 5-DK suppressed the UVB-induced expression of
cyclooxygenase-2
(
COX-2
) and vascular endothelial growth factor in mouse skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells. Moreover, 5-DK inhibited phosphorylation of MKK3/6,
MKK4
, and Akt, but had no effect on phosphorylation of Src, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, or ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK). However, 5-DK affected multiple targets by reducing Src, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and RSK2 activities. In particular, pull-down assays revealed that 5-DK specifically bound to and competed with ATP for binding with Src, PI3K, and RSK2. Exposure to 5-DK significantly suppressed UVB-induced tumorigenesis in mouse skin in a dose-dependent manner, and it inhibited the UVB-induced expression of
COX-2
, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Our data suggest that 5-DK docks at the ATP-binding site of Src, PI3K, and RSK2. For RSK2, the ATP-binding site is located between the N- and C-lobes of the kinase domain. Taken together, our results indicate that 5-DK holds promise for the treatment of UVB-induced skin cancer by targeting Src, PI3K, and RSK2 signaling.
...
PMID:5-deoxykaempferol plays a potential therapeutic role by targeting multiple signaling pathways in skin cancer. 2023 1
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