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)

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important target for preventing epithelial malignancies. Little is known, however, about the expression of COX-2 in gynecological malignancies. By immunoblot analysis, COX-2 was detected in 12 of 13 cases of cervical cancer but was undetectable in normal cervical tissue. Immunohistochemistry revealed COX-2 in malignant epithelial cells. COX-2 was also expressed in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The mechanism by which COX-2 is up-regulated in cervical cancer is unknown. Because the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is commonly overexpressed in cervical cancer, we investigated whether EGF could induce COX-2 in cultured human cervical carcinoma cells. Treatment with EGF markedly induced COX-2 protein, COX-2 mRNA, and stimulated COX-2 promoter activity. The induction of COX-2 by EGF was suppressed by inhibitors of tyrosine kinase activity, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Moreover, overexpressing dominant-negative forms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, p38, and c-Jun blocked EGF-mediated induction of COX-2 promoter activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that deregulation of the EGF receptor signaling pathway may lead to enhanced COX-2 expression in cervical cancer.
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PMID:Cyclooxygenase-2 is overexpressed in human cervical cancer. 1123

In-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that autocrine growth factors and receptors are frequently expressed in human malignancies. Few of these studies, however, provide evidence that the identified autocrine pathway is functional. In this study, a functional autocrine growth pathway in pancreatic cancer has been identified using an in-vitro cell culture system. When pancreatic cancer cells were grown without change of medium, proliferation was greater than when either medium was replaced frequently (HPAF, CAPAN-2, PANC-1 or SW1990) or cells were grown in the presence of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 or the MEK inhibitor PD098059 (HPAF or CAPAN-2). Activity of extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 and c- jun and c- fos mRNA levels were significantly elevated in CAPAN-2 cells cultured continuously in serum-free medium. Collectively, the observations indicate that the EGF receptor and the ERK MAP kinase pathway mediate autocrine signals. In contrast to previous reports, the GRP and IGF-I receptors were shown not to be required for autocrine effects on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Autocrine stimulation of the EGF receptor can contribute to sustained mitogenic activity and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.
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PMID:Pancreatic cancer cells require an EGF receptor-mediated autocrine pathway for proliferation in serum-free conditions. 1128 73

The fibroblast growth factor-binding protein (FGF-BP) modulates FGF activity through binding and release from the extracellular matrix. Consequently, the expression of FGF-BP in certain tumor types is a rate-limiting regulator of FGF-mediated angiogenesis. FGF-BP is upregulated in squamous cell carcinoma by treatment with mitogens such as EGF or TPA. In this study, we investigated the regulation of FGF-BP gene expression by serum. Treatment of serum-starved ME-180 cells with fetal bovine serum (FBS) resulted in a rapid increase in steady-state levels of FGF-BP mRNA and in the rate of FGF-BP gene transcription. Serum induction of FGF-BP mRNA was not mediated through EGF receptor activation but was dependent on PKC, as well as ERK kinase (MEK) and p38 MAP kinase activation. Promoter analysis showed that C/EBP is the main promoter element required for the serum response. Unlike EGF-activation of FGF-BP, transcriptional induction by serum is not significantly regulated through the AP-1 or E-box sites in the promoter. These results illustrate differences between the mechanism of induction in response to serum and EGF.
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PMID:Serum induction of the fibroblast growth factor-binding protein (FGF-BP) is mediated through ERK and p38 MAP kinase activation and C/EBP-regulated transcription. 1131 20

DiFi human colon carcinoma cells are stimulated by the transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha)/epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor autocrine loop. Exposure of DiFi cells to monoclonal antibody (mAb) 225, which blocks ligand-induced activation of the EGF receptor, induces G1 arrest and subsequent cell death via apoptosis. We investigated the signal pathways by which basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) modulate mAb 225-induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in DiFi cells. Both bFGF and IGF-1 activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) pathway in DiFi cells. Additionally, IGF-1 activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K)/Akt pathway. Both bFGF and IGF-1 inhibited mAb 225-induced apoptosis; however, bFGF provided sustained protection against apoptosis, while the protection by IGF-1 was only temporary. Also, bFGF reversed the mAb 225-induced increase in the p27(Kip1) level, inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK-2) activity, dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein and the resultant G1 arrest of the cells. In contrast, IGF-1 did not reverse such effects by mAb 225. The prevention of mAb 225-induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in DiFi cells by bFGF was sensitive to the MEK/MAPK inhibitor PD98059 but not to the PI-3K inhibitor LY294002. In contrast, inhibition of apoptosis by IGF-1 in DiFi cells was sensitive only to LY294002 and not to PD98059. These results further our understanding of how mAb 225 induces apoptosis in DiFi cells.
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PMID:Fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor differentially modulate the apoptosis and G1 arrest induced by anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody. 1131 39

Signals from the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and integrin-dependent adhesion to laminin contribute to the progression and metastasis of colonic tumors. However, little is know about the mechanisms by which these signals cooperate. Recently, we have reported that the colon cancer cell line LIM1215 secretes and adhere to autocrine laminin-10 via multiple integrin receptors and that EGF stimulates spreading of these cells on the same substrate. In this report, we investigate the effect of EGF and laminin-10 on colon cancer cell migration in vitro. EGF stimulates migration of LIM1215 cells in a wound healing assay. The response to EGF is inhibited by anti-EGF receptor antibody 528, the EGF receptor kinase inhibitor AG-1478, or the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 but not the PI3-K inhibitor wortmannin. Using Transwell migration chambers, we demonstrate that laminin-10 but not collagen-I, collagen-IV, or a commercial preparation of human placental laminin is a potent motility factor for LIM1215 cells. The migration response to laminin-10 is increased upon stimulation of the cells with EGF and correlates with the up-regulation of alpha(6)beta(4) integrin expression as measured by analysis of Triton X-100-soluble cellular extracts. The results from integrin inhibition experiments indicate that basal migration on laminin-10 is mediated by alpha(3)beta(1) but not alpha(2)beta(1) nor alpha(6)beta(4) integrins. Alpha(3) blocking antibodies also inhibited EGF-stimulated chemokinetic migration of LIM1215 cells on laminin-10. However, in contrast to unstimulated cells, alpha(6) or beta(4) integrin-blocking antibodies inhibited the migration of EGF-stimulated cells by up to 50%. Taken together, these results support the cooperative role of EGF receptor and laminin-10 on colon cancer cell motility and suggest a critical role for both the alpha(3)beta(1) and the alpha(6)beta(4) integrins in this process.
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PMID:Laminin-10 mediates basal and EGF-stimulated motility of human colon carcinoma cells via alpha(3)beta(1) and alpha(6)beta(4) integrins. 1133 19

Astrogliosis is a prominent and ubiquitous reaction of astrocytes to many forms of CNS injury, often implicated in the poor regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian CNS. Transmembrane signals that rapidly trigger and maintain astroglial responses to injury are largely undefined. Several candidate inducers of astrogliosis, including growth factors and neuropeptides, act via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. We previously observed chronically activated ERK/MAPK in human reactive astrocytes. To investigate mechanisms of pathway activation in a defined in vitro model, primary cultured astroglial monolayers were subjected to focal mechanical injury. Within 2-10 min, ERK/MAPK was activated, but only in cells near the wound edge. By 30 min, the entire monolayer showed activation, which persisted for 4 to 8 h. ERK/MAPK activation was specifically blocked by application of the MEK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126. Cell-cell contact was not necessary for intercellular spread of ERK/MAPK activation, and ERK/MAPK-stimulating activity was found in the injury-conditioned medium. The activating factor was shown to have a native size of 50-100 kD and did not signal through the classical EGF receptor. Injury-induced signaling to ERK/MAPK required Ras, as demonstrated by specific blockade after transient transfection with a dominant negative Ha-RasN17 construct. Finally, we demonstrated that focal lesioning of adult rat cortex induces a rapid activation and spreading of astroglial ERK/MAPK, suggesting that similar mechanisms may operate in astroglial activation following acute brain injury.
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PMID:Mechanical trauma induces rapid astroglial activation of ERK/MAP kinase: Evidence for a paracrine signal. 1136 Mar 1

This study examined the premise that the atherogenic lipoprotein, beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein (betaVLDL), might activate the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1/ERK2, thereby contributing to the induction of smooth muscle cell proliferation in atherosclerosis. The data show that betaVLDL activates rabbit smooth muscle cell ERK1/ERK2. Interestingly, ERK1/ERK2 activation is mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that transactivate the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. betaVLDL-induced MAP kinase activation depends on Ras and Src activity as well as protein kinase C. The inhibition of lysosomal degradation of betaVLDL has no effect on ERK1/ERK2 activation. The contribution of betaVLDL-induced activation of ERK1/ERK2 to smooth muscle cell proliferation was also explored. betaVLDL induces expression of egr-1 and c-fos mRNA. Despite its ability to stimulate early gene expression, betaVLDL alone is unable to inspire quiescent cells into S phase. When added in conjunction with EGF, however, stimulation of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and an increase in histone gene expression are observed. Moreover, betaVLDL plus EGF synergistically induce cyclin D1 expression and down-regulate p27(KIP1) expression. The addition of either betaVLDL or EGF stimulates a robust activation of ERK1/ERK2, but the addition of both agents simultaneously sustains the activation for a longer time period. Inhibition of MAP kinase kinase, pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, the EGF receptor, or protein kinase C blocks betaVLDL plus EGF-induced proliferation, demonstrating that activation of the betaVLDL-induced signaling pathway results in smooth muscle cell proliferation.
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PMID:beta-Migrating very low density lipoprotein (beta VLDL) activates smooth muscle cell mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase via G protein-coupled receptor-mediated transactivation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor: effect of MAP kinase activation on beta VLDL plus EGF-induced cell proliferation. 1137 98

Ectodomain shedding is an important mechanism to regulate the biological activities of membrane proteins. We focus here on the signaling mechanism of the ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (pro HB-EGF). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a ligand for seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, stimulates the shedding of pro HB-EGF, which constitutes a G protein-coupled receptor-mediated transactivation of the EGF receptor. Experiments using a series of inhibitors and overexpression of mutant forms of signaling molecules revealed that the Ras-Raf-MEK signal is essential for the LPA-induced shedding. In addition, the small GTPase Rac is involved in the LPA-induced shedding, possibly to promote MEK activation. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate is another potent inducer of pro HB-EGF shedding. We also demonstrate that the LPA-induced pathway is distinct from the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced pathway and that these pathways constitute a dual signaling cascade that regulates the shedding of pro HB-EGF.
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PMID:A dual signaling cascade that regulates the ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor. 1140 47

Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) in the Utah Valley has previously been associated with a variety of adverse health effects. To investigate intracellular signaling mechanisms for pulmonary responses to Utah Valley PM inhalation, human primary airway epithelial cells were exposed to aqueous extracts of PM collected from the year before (Y1), during (Y2), and after (Y3) the closure of a local steel mill located in the Utah Valley in this study. Transfection with kinase-deficient extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 constructs partially blocked Utah Valley PM-induced interleukin (IL)-8 promoter reporter activity. The mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) activity inhibitor PD-98059 significantly abolished IL-8 released in response to Utah Valley PM, as did the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor kinase inhibitor AG-1478. Western blotting showed that Utah Valley PM induced phosphorylation of EGF receptor tyrosine, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2, which could be ablated with AG-1478 or PD-98059. For all findings, the potency of Utah Valley PM collected during Y2 was found to be lower relative to that of Y1 and Y3. These data demonstrate that Utah Valley PM can induce IL-8 expression partially through the activation of the EGF receptor signaling.
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PMID:Activation of the EGF receptor signaling pathway in airway epithelial cells exposed to Utah Valley PM. 1143 24

Acceleration of the polyol pathway and enhanced oxidative stress are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. We and others recently reported that aldose reductase (AR), the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway, was upregulated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in vascular smooth muscle cells. To clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying these findings, we investigated the signal transduction pathways mediating AR expression using the rat vascular smooth muscle cell line A7r5. A selective epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin AG1478, significantly suppressed the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced increase in AR mRNA and enzyme activity. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) by H2O2 was blunted by AG1478. PD98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK kinase (MEK1), reduced H2O2-induced AR expression. EGF alone elicited activation of ERK and induction of AR expression. Increased level of AR transcript was demonstrated in cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and this increase was also suppressed by AG1478. Inhibition of p38 MAP kinase by SB203580 also partially suppressed the H2O2-initiated AR induction. The presence of ponalrestat, an AR inhibitor, significantly accelerated H2O2-induced cell death. These results suggested that AR may act as a survival factor in these cells and that the EGF receptor-ERK pathway is the major signaling pathway involved in the upregulation of AR expression under oxidative stress.
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PMID:EGF receptor-ERK pathway is the major signaling pathway that mediates upregulation of aldose reductase expression under oxidative stress. 1144 Aug 32


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