Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:3.4.21.5 (thrombin)
33,306 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

In this study we investigated primary cultures obtained from two glioblastomas surgically removed from a 64-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, respectively. The presence of the tethered ligand thrombin receptor PAR1 (protease-activated receptor 1) in these cells was demonstrated at the level of receptor binding by using immunofluorescence studies with the monoclonal anti-PAR1 antibody Mab 31-2. Stimulation of human glioblastoma cells both with alpha-thrombin and the thrombin receptor activating peptide TRAP-6 resulted in a series of [Ca+]i spikes as shown by confocal laser fluorescence microscopy with fluo-3 as calcium sensitive fluorescence indicator. This effect was completely blocked with the thrombin receptor antagonist peptide T1. Our results demonstrate functional thrombin receptors (PAR1) in primary cultures of human glioblastomas for the first time.
...
PMID:Functional thrombin receptor PAR1 in primary cultures of human glioblastoma cells. 955 43

1. The vascular actions of the proteinase-activated receptor-2-activating peptides (PAR2APs), SLIGRL-NH2 (SL-NH2) and SLIGKV-NH2 (KV-NH2) as well as the reverse-sequence peptide, LSIGRL-NH2 (LS-NH2) and an N-acylated PAR2AP derivative, trans-cinnamoyl-LIGRLO-NH2 (tcLI-NH2), were studied in rat intact and endothelium-denuded artery ring preparations, primarily from the pulmonary artery (RPA). 2. In RPA rings with but not without a functional endothelium, SL-NH2 (but not LS-NH2) caused either an endothelium-dependent relaxation (at concentrations: < 10 microM) or (at higher concentrations: > 10 microM), an endothelium-dependent contraction. No contractile response was observed in endothelium-denuded preparations, that otherwise contracted in response to the PAR1AP, TFLLR-NH2. 3. The endothelium-dependent contractile response to SL-NH2 was not blocked by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin, the endothelin antagonist BQ123, the angiotensin II antagonist DuP753, by tetrodotoxin; nor by the enzyme inhibitors, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine-methylester (NO-synthase), indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase), SKF-525A (epoxygenase) and MK886 (leukotriene synthesis inhibitor). 4. In the relaxation assay, KV-NH2 was 5 fold less potent than SL-NH2, whereas in the contractile assay KV-NH2 was about equipotent with SL-NH2. However, the maximal contractile response to KV-NH2 was lower than that of SL-NH2. 5. The PAR2AP analogue, tcLI-NH2, was as active as SL-NH2 in the relaxation assay but was inactive as a contractile agonist in the endothelium-intact RPA. 6. The relaxant responses caused by SL-NH2 and trypsin, as well as the contractile response caused by SL-NH2, did not desensitize in the course of repeated exposures of the tissue to agonist; whereas the contractile response to trypsin, only observed at concentrations greater than 30 u ml(-1), was desensitized by previous exposure of the tissue to either thrombin or trypsin. 7. In a contractile assay, where the tissue was desensitized to a concentration of trypsin that would otherwise cause a relaxant response, the preparation still contracted in response to SL-NH2. However, the trypsin-desensitized preparations were no longer contracted by thrombin. 8. From the cross-desensitization by thrombin of the contractile response to trypsin (and vice versa), we concluded that the contractile effect of trypsin was due to activation of the thrombin receptor and not PAR2. 9. We concluded that the endothelium-dependent contraction caused by high concentrations of SL-NH2 is due to an as yet unidentified contracting factor; whereas the endothelium-dependent relaxation response observed at low concentrations of SL-NH2 (< or = 10 microM) is mediated by nitric oxide. 10. The distinct structure activity profiles for the contractile response (potency of KV-NH2 < or = SL-NH2) compared with the relaxant response (potency of KV-NH2 << SL-NH2); the contractile responsiveness to SL-NH2 of an endothelium-intact RPA preparation, that did not contract in response to trypsin; and the lack of contractile activity of the PAR2AP analogue tcLI-NH2, that was as active as SL-NH2 in the relaxation assay all argue in favour of receptor heterogeneity in the vasculature for the PAR2APs. It remains to be determined if the distinct endothelial receptor responsible for the contractile action of SL-NH2 can be proteolytically activated, like PAR1 and PAR2.
...
PMID:Dual endothelium-dependent vascular activities of proteinase-activated receptor-2-activating peptides: evidence for receptor heterogeneity. 957 40

Protease-activated receptors 1-3 (PAR1, PAR2, and PAR3) are members of a unique G protein-coupled receptor family. They are characterized by a tethered peptide ligand at the extracellular amino terminus that is generated by minor proteolysis. A partial cDNA sequence of a fourth member of this family (PAR4) was identified in an expressed sequence tag database, and the full-length cDNA clone has been isolated from a lymphoma Daudi cell cDNA library. The ORF codes for a seven transmembrane domain protein of 385 amino acids with 33% amino acid sequence identity with PAR1, PAR2, and PAR3. A putative protease cleavage site (Arg-47/Gly-48) was identified within the extracellular amino terminus. COS cells transiently transfected with PAR4 resulted in the formation of intracellular inositol triphosphate when treated with either thrombin or trypsin. A PAR4 mutant in which the Arg-47 was replaced with Ala did not respond to thrombin or trypsin. A hexapeptide (GYPGQV) representing the newly exposed tethered ligand from the amino terminus of PAR4 after proteolysis by thrombin activated COS cells transfected with either wild-type or the mutant PAR4. Northern blot showed that PAR4 mRNA was expressed in a number of human tissues, with high levels being present in lung, pancreas, thyroid, testis, and small intestine. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, the human PAR4 gene was mapped to chromosome 19p12.
...
PMID:Cloning and characterization of human protease-activated receptor 4. 961 65

The effects of PAR2-activating PAR2-activating peptides, SLIGRL (SL)-NH2, and trans-cinnamoyl-LIGRLO (tc)-NH2 were compared with the action of trypsin, thrombin, and the PAR1 selective-activating peptide: Ala-parafluoroPhe-Arg-cyclohexylAla-Citrulline-Tyr (Cit)-NH2 for stimulating intestinal ion transport. These agonists were added to the serosa of stripped rat jejunum segments mounted in Ussing chambers, and short circuit current (Isc) was used to monitor active ion transport. The relative potencies of these agonists also were evaluated in two bioassays specific for the activation of rat PAR2: a cloned rat PAR2 cell calcium-signaling assay (PAR2-KNRK cells) and an aorta ring relaxation (AR) assay. In the Isc assay, all agonists, except thrombin, induced an Isc increase. The SL-NH2-induced Isc changes were blocked by indomethacin but not by tetrodotoxin. The relative potencies of the agonists in the Isc assay (trypsin>>SL-NH2>tc-NH2>Cit-NH2) were strikingly different from their relative potencies in the cloned PAR2-KNRK cell calcium assay (trypsin>>>tc-NH2 congruent with SL-NH2>>>Cit-NH2) and in the AR assay (trypsin>>>tc-NH2 congruent with SL-NH2). Furthermore, all agonists were maximally active in the PAR2-KNRK cell and AR assays at concentrations that were one (PAR2 -activating peptides) or two (trypsin) orders of magnitude lower than those required to activate intestinal transport. Based on the distinct potency profile for these agonists and the considerable differences in the concentration ranges required to induce an Isc effect in the intestinal assay compared with the PAR2-KNRK and AR assays, we conclude that a proteinase-activated receptor, pharmacologically distinct from PAR2 and PAR1, is present in rat jejunum and regulates intestinal transport via a prostanoid-mediated mechanism.
...
PMID:Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2)-activating peptides: identification of a receptor distinct from PAR2 that regulates intestinal transport. 963 25

Protease-activate receptors (PARs) mediate activation of platelets and other cells by thrombin and other proteases. Such protease-triggered signaling events are thought to be critical for hemostasis, thrombosis, and other normal and pathological processes. We report here the structure of the mouse and human PAR3 genes as well as the organization of a PAR gene cluster encompassing the genes encoding PARs 1, 2, and 3. We also report the structure of the mouse and human PAR4 genes, which map to distinct chromosomal locations and encode a new thrombin receptor. PARs 1-4 are all encoded by genes with the same two exon structure. In each case, exon 1 encodes a signal peptide, and exon 2 encodes the mature receptor protein. These are separated by an intron of variable size. The genes encoding PARs 1-3 all map to chromosome 13D2 in mouse and chromosome 5q13 in human. In mouse, all three genes are located within 80 kilobases of each other. The PAR1 gene is located centrally and is flanked upstream by the PAR3 gene and downstream by the PAR2 gene in both species. The proximity of the PAR1 and PAR3 genes suggests the possibility that these genes might share regulatory elements. A comparison of the structures of the PAR amino acid sequences, gene structures, locus organization, and chromosomal locations suggests a working model for PAR gene evolution.
...
PMID:Gene and locus structure and chromosomal localization of the protease-activated receptor gene family. 972 61

Human thrombin has been shown to stimulate monocyte chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and interleukin (IL8) production, but the mechanisms responsible for stimulation are not well defined. In some cells, thrombin stimulation of proliferation appears to require both cleavage of the proteolytically activated receptor for thrombin (PAR1) and activation of a nonproteolytically activated thrombin receptor (N-PAR), while in others activation of either receptor alone may be sufficient for stimulation. We, therefore, have initiated studies to address thrombin receptor expression and cell responsiveness to thrombin in interferon gamma (IFNgamma)-differentiated and nondifferentiated U937 monocytic cells. Northern blot analysis shows that PAR1 expression is upregulated upon differentiation. Experiments with biotinylated and 125I-thrombin show that specific thrombin binding is dramatically increased by differentiation although it is not clear if this binding is to PAR1 or to a separate binding component such as N-PAR which is present on fibroblasts and other cells. Addition of thrombin at concentrations of 1-10 microg/ml (30-300 nM, concentrations where specific thrombin binding is observed) stimulates proliferation of IFNgamma-differentiated U937 cells but not of undifferentiated U937 cells. Thrombin also stimulates interleukin-6 (IL6) production in IFNgamma-differentiated U937 cells. Moreover, thrombin induces high levels of IL6, interleukin-1beta (IL1beta), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and monocytes. These results show that differentiated U937 cells and mature PBMC are responsive to thrombin whereas nondifferentiated U937 are not. Further, this responsiveness appears to correlate with expression of PAR1 and to a dramatic increase in specific thrombin binding. That thrombin stimulates cytokine production and proliferation in populations of differentiated monocytes suggests that thrombin may be an important regulator of inflammation and wound healing.
...
PMID:Thrombin receptor expression and responsiveness of human monocytic cells to thrombin is linked to interferon-induced cellular differentiation. 973 47

We developed a calcium signaling-based assay, using cultured human embryonic kidney cells (HEK), that evaluates simultaneously, the activation/desensitization or blockade of the proteinase-activated receptors, PAR1 and PAR2. Using this assay, we analyzed the actions of a number of previously described putative PAR1-targeted peptide agonists and antagonists. We found that most of the previously described PAR1-targeted agents can also activate/desensitize PAR2, and most of these peptides can also activate a calcium signaling pathway in a target cell that possesses PAR2 along with PAR1. Furthermore, we used this assay to develop a PAR1 receptor-activating probe [Ala-parafluoroPhe-Arg-Cha-Cit-Tyr-NH2 (Cit-NH2)], which displays a high degree of specificity for PAR1 over PAR2, and we used the assay to quantitate the ability of trypsin to disarm the activation of PAR1 by thrombin. The abilities of the PAR1-targeted agents to desensitize or block PAR1 in the HEK cell assay were compared with their activities in a human platelet aggregation assay. Our data illustrate the usefulness of the HEK cell assay for evaluating the PAR1/PAR2 selectivity of PAR-activating agonists. The PAR1-selective agonist that we developed using the assay should prove useful for studying the effects of selectively activating PAR1 in vivo.
...
PMID:Evaluation of proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) agonists and antagonists using a cultured cell receptor desensitization assay: activation of PAR2 by PAR1-targeted ligands. 986 90

The contractile actions of the proteinase-activated receptor-2-activating peptides (PAR2APs), SLIGRL-NH2 (SL-NH2), SLIGKV-NH2 (KV-NH2), trans-cinnamoyl-LIGRLO-NH2 (tc-NH2), and the PAR1-AP. TFLLR-NH2 (TF-NH2) as well as trypsin and thrombin were studied in endothelium-denuded and intact human umbilical vein (HUV) ring preparations. In HUV rings with, but not without an intact endothelium, PAR2APs caused a concentration-dependent contractile response, whereas LSIGRL-NH2 trypsin and PAR1APs were inactive. The contractile response was not affected by the endothelin ETA receptor antagonist, BQ123, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, the leukotriene synthesis inhibitor, MK886, or the epoxygenase/P450 inhibitor, SKF-525A. Other pharmacological antagonists (prazosin, Losartan") were similarly inactive. The order of potencies of the PAR2APs to cause a contraction in the endothelium-intact preparation was: SL-NH2 > > KV-NH2 > or = tc-NH2. Using an endothelium-free rat aorta ring as a reporter tissue, surrounded with endothelium-intact HUV as a donor tissue in a 'sandwich assay,' we also monitored the ability of SL-NH2, TF-NH2, trypsin and thrombin to release either contractile (EDCF) or relaxant (EDRF) factors. In the 'sandwich assay' done in the presence of L-NAME (0.1 mM), the endothelium-intact HUV tissue (but not endothelium-denuded HUV) released a contractile factor (EDCF) in response to SL-NH2 (50 microM) but not to trypsin or LSIGRL-NH2. The SL-NH2-mediated release/action of the EDCF was not affected by BQ123, indomethacin, MK886 or SKF-525A. In the 'sandwich assay', trypsin (4-10 nM), SL-NH2, KV-NH2 and tc-NH2 caused the release of a relaxant activity (EDRF) from the endothelium-intact (but not the denuded) HUV preparation. The release of EDRF was blocked by 0.1 mM (omega)nitro-L-arginine-methylester (L-NAME). Neither thrombin (10 u ml(-1), 100 nM) nor TF-NH2 (50 microM) were active in this EDRF-release assay. The relative potencies of the PAR2 agonists for causing the release of EDRF in the HUV sandwich assay were: trypsin> >SL-NH2> >tc-NH2>KV-NH2. This order of potencies differed from the one observed for the same agonists in the HUV contraction assay (above) and in an intracellular calcium signalling assay, conducted with cloned human PAR2 that was expressed in cultured rat kidney KNRK cells: trypsin > > SL-NH2 = tc-NH2 > KV-NH2. We conclude that PAR2APs (but not PAR1APs) via a receptor distinct from PAR2, can cause a contractile response in endothelium-intact HUV tissue via the release of a diffusable EDCF, that is different from previously recognized smooth muscle agonists (e.g. prostanoid metabolites, endothelin, noradrenaline, angiotensin-II, acetylcholine).
...
PMID:Endothelium-dependent contractile actions of proteinase-activated receptor-2-activating peptides in human umbilical vein: release of a contracting factor via a novel receptor. 988 72

The thrombin receptor PAR1 is activated when thrombin cleaves the receptor's amino-terminal exodomain to reveal the new N-terminal sequence SFLLRN which then acts as a tethered peptide ligand. Free SFLLRN activates PAR1 independent of receptor cleavage and has been used to probe PAR1 function in various cells and tissues. PAR1-expressing cells desensitized to thrombin retain responsiveness to SFLLRN. Toward determining the mechanism of such responses, we utilized fibroblasts derived from a PAR1-deficient mouse. These cells were unresponsive to thrombin and SFLLRN and became sensitive to both ligands after transfection with human PAR1 cDNA. Moreover, PAR1-transfected cells responded to SFLLRN after thrombin-desensitization, indicating that signaling of thrombin-desensitized cells to SFLLRN was mediated by PAR1 itself. SFLLRN caused signaling in thrombin-desensitized cells when no uncleaved PAR1 was detectable on the cell surface; however, cleaved PAR1 was present. To determine whether the cleaved receptors could still signal, fibroblasts were transfected with a PAR1 mutant containing a trypsin site/SFLLRN sequence carboxyl terminal to the native thrombin site. These cells retained responsiveness to trypsin after thrombin-desensitization. Conversely, fibroblasts expressing a PAR1 mutant with the trypsin site/SFLLRN sequence amino terminal to the native thrombin site retained responsiveness to thrombin after trypsin-desensitization. This suggests that a population of thrombin-cleaved PAR1 can respond both to exogenous SFLLRN and to a second tethered ligand. In this population, the tethered ligand unmasked by thrombin cleavage must not be functional, suggesting the possibility of a novel mechanism of receptor shutoff involving sequestration or modification of the tethered ligand to prevent or terminate its function.
...
PMID:Protease-activated receptor-1 can mediate responses to SFLLRN in thrombin-desensitized cells: evidence for a novel mechanism for preventing or terminating signaling by PAR1's tethered ligand. 1002 43

Prior studies have shown that synthetic peptides representing the domain of thrombin responsible for high-affinity binding to fibroblasts stimulate chemotactic and cell proliferative signals through a nonproteolytic mechanism. One of these peptides, TP508, has recently been shown to be chemotactic for neutrophils, to enhance collagen accumulation in wounds, to enhance revascularization of wounds, and to accelerate the healing of incisional and open wounds in normal animals and in animals with impaired healing. To determine whether TP508 activates the proteolytically activated receptor for thrombin (PAR1), or the signals that are activated by PAR1, we treated human fibroblasts with TP508 and the PAR1-activating peptide, SFLLRNP, and analyzed the effects of these peptides on gene expression using differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. TP508 induces expression of a number of specific message fragments with short tyrosine kinase-like domains that are not induced by SFLLRNP. Sequencing full-length clones prepared by Marathon extension of TP508-induced fragments revealed that among the induced transcripts, there was a sequence with 88% homology to human annexin V. Northern analysis with authentic annexin V cDNA confirms that TP508, but not SFLLRNP, induces expression of annexin V in human fibroblasts. These results demonstrate that TP508 activates a cellular response separate from that activated through PAR1 and supports the hypothesis that TP508 acts through a separate nonproteolytically activated thrombin receptor that may be responsible for high-affinity thrombin binding and for nonproteolytic signals that are required for thrombin stimulation of cell proliferation.
...
PMID:Thrombin peptide, TP508, induces differential gene expression in fibroblasts through a nonproteolytic activation pathway. 1006 70


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>