Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P06889 (Mol)
 630,302 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

As part of a cDNA library screen for clones that induce transformation of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, we have isolated a cDNA encoding the murine homolog of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RasGRP. A point mutation predicted to prevent interaction with Ras abolished the ability of murine RasGRP (mRasGRP) to transform fibroblasts and to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinases). MAP kinase activation via mRasGRP was enhanced by coexpression of H-, K-, and N-Ras and was partially suppressed by coexpression of dominant negative forms of H- and K-Ras. The C terminus of mRasGRP contains a pair of EF hands and a C1 domain which is very similar to the phorbol ester- and diacylglycerol-binding C1 domains of protein kinase Cs. The EF hands could be deleted without affecting the ability of mRasGRP to transform NIH 3T3 cells. In contrast, deletion of the C1 domain or an adjacent cluster of basic amino acids eliminated the transforming activity of mRasGRP. Transformation and MAP kinase activation via mRasGRP were restored if the deleted C1 domain was replaced either by a membrane-localizing prenylation signal or by a diacylglycerol- and phorbol ester-binding C1 domain of protein kinase C. The transforming activity of mRasGRP could be regulated by phorbol ester when serum concentrations were low, and this effect of phorbol ester was dependent on the C1 domain of mRasGRP. The C1 domain could also confer phorbol myristate acetate-regulated transforming activity on a prenylation-defective mutant of K-Ras. The C1 domain mediated the translocation of mRasGRP to cell membranes in response to either phorbol ester or serum stimulation. These results suggest that the primary mechanism of activation of mRasGRP in fibroblasts is through its recruitment to diacylglycerol-enriched membranes. mRasGRP is expressed in lymphoid tissues and the brain, as well as in some lymphoid cell lines. In these cells, RasGRP has the potential to serve as a direct link between receptors which stimulate diacylglycerol-generating phospholipase Cs and the activation of Ras.
Mol Cell Biol 1998 Dec
PMID:Regulation of RasGRP via a phorbol ester-responsive C1 domain. 981 87

Arachidonic acid is rapidly metabolized by several distinct enzymes including the 5-lipoxygenase generating leukotrienes and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE). These well studied metabolites cause a variety of physiological and pathophysiological effects in different tissues. Recently, oxidation of 5-HETE to 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) by an NADP+-dependent dehydrogenase has been demonstrated. Calcium ionophors and protein kinase C activators stimulate the synthesis of 5-oxo-ETE in neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes. This novel arachidonic acid metabolite has a potent chemotactic activity for neutrophils and eosinophils. It stimulates adhesion of neutrophils and induces reactive oxygen metabolites in eosinophils. There is evidence that 5-oxo-ETE and 5-HETE interact with a specific G-protein coupled receptor. Since in contrast to 5-oxo-ETE much higher concentrations of 5-HETE are needed to provoke cell responses, 5-oxo-ETE might be the physiological relevant ligand for this putative receptor. Further downstream signalling pathways of this ligand include calcium transients, actin polymerization, activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and MAP-kinase. 5-oxo-ETE has been extracted from scales of psoriatic patients and injection of 5-oxo-ETE into rabbit subcutis causes a severe edema with an inflammatory cell infiltrate resembling an urticarial lesion. These findings indicate, that 5-oxo-ETE might play a role in different cutaneous inflammatory diseases.
Int J Mol Med 1998 Aug
PMID:Synthesis, biological effects and pathophysiological implications of the novel arachidonic acid metabolite 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (Review). 985 81

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a potent neuropeptide expressed in the small intestine and in the central nervous system. We have examined the effect of basic fibroblast factor (bFGF) and forskolin on CCK gene transcription and depicted the signaling pathways that lead to promoter activation. bFGF and forskolin stimulated promoter activity via a cAMP response element (CRE)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response element (TRE) located 80 bp upstream from the transcription initiation site. In nuclear extracts from unstimulated as well as stimulated cells, only CRE-binding protein (CREB) and activating transcription factor-1 (ATF-1) bound to the CRE/TRE, and activation was associated with phosphorylation of CREB serine-133 and ATF-1 serine-63. In murine F9 cells, CREB stimulated promoter activity 10-fold in the presence of protein kinase A (PKA), and in SK-N-MC cells activation was inhibited 60-70% by a dominant negative CREB mutant. In contrast, ATF-1 had no effect in F9 cells and exhibited a dominant negative effect in SK-N-MC cells. bFGF stimulation led to phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) MAPK and promoter activation, phosphorylation of CREB, and GAL4-CREB-dependent transcription were selectively prevented by a dominant negative Ras-mutant, the p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor SB203580, and the MAP/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) inhibitor PD098059. Forskolin stimulation proceeded via the PKA pathway, and to a minor extent via the p38 and ERK MAPK pathways. We conclude that bFGF and forskolin stimulate the CCK gene promoter via the CRE/TRE(-80) in the proximal promoter region. Signaling proceeds through the p38 MAPK, the ERK MAPK, and the PKA-signaling pathways, which leads to cumulative phosphorylation and activation of CREB. We propose that bFGF in combination with neurotransmitters/neuropeptides coupling to the PKA-signaling pathway play an important role in the control of CCK gene expression.
Mol Endocrinol 1999 Mar
PMID:Mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase A signaling pathways stimulate cholecystokinin transcription via activation of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein. 1007 3

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) are differentially distributed in the brain and likely mediate different estrogen-dependent processes. ERbeta is abundant in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the amygdala of the rat. In the paraventricular nucleus, which is devoid of ERalpha, ERbeta is colocalized with the neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin, suggesting a potential functional role for ERbeta in the regulation of these peptides. We examined the regulation of ERbeta mRNA expression in the rat brain by 17beta-estradiol and the phytoestrogen, coumestrol. 17beta-Estradiol treatment decreased ERbeta mRNA in situ hybridization signal by 44.5% in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), but had no effect in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST) or the medial preoptic nucleus (MPA). In contrast, dietary exposure to coumestrol increased ERbeta mRNA signal by 47.5% in the PVN but had no effect in the BnST or the MPA. These data demonstrate that like ERalpha, ERbeta is down regulated by estrogen in a region specific manner in the rat brain. Furthermore, exposure to coumestrol may modulate ERbeta-dependent processes by acting as an anti-estrogen at ERbeta. This data contradicts results from cell transfection assays which suggest an estrogenic activity of coumestrol on ERbeta, indicating that the mode of action may be tissue specific, or that metabolism of dietary coumestrol may alter its effects. Because the highest concentrations of phytoestrogens are found in legumes, vegetables and grains, they are most prevalent in vegetarian and traditional Asian diets. Understanding the neuroendocrine effects of phytoestrogens is particularly important now that they are being marketed as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy and sold in highly concentrated pills and powders.
Brain Res Mol Brain Res 1999 Apr 06
PMID:Regulation of estrogen receptor beta mRNA in the brain: opposite effects of 17beta-estradiol and the phytoestrogen, coumestrol. 1010 Dec 43

We have developed a model of hormonal carcinogenesis in BALB/c female mice, in which MPA induced ductal mammary adenocarcinomas, expressing high levels of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR). A series of tumor lines, retaining both PR and ER expression, were obtained from selected tumors, which are maintained by syngeneic passages. In this model progesterone behaves as the growth-stimulating hormone (progesterone-dependent or PD tumors), whereas estrogens induce tumor regression. Through selective treatments we were able to derive a series of progesterone-independent (PI) variants. These lines do not require progesterone treatment to grow in ovariectomized female BALB/c mice, but retain, however, the expression of ER and PR. The aim of this paper is to investigate a possible regulatory role of the progesterone receptor (PR) on PI tumor growth. ER and PR were detected by immunocytochemistry in all lines studied. They were also characterized using biochemical assays and Scatchard plots. No differences in Kd of PR or ER were detected in PI variants. AR or GR were not detected in tumor samples using biochemical assays. Estradiol (5 mg silastic pellet) induced complete tumor regression in all tumors tested. We also evaluated the effects of different antiprogestins on tumor growth. Onapristone (10 mg/kg/day) and mifepristone (4.5 mg/kg/day) were able to induce complete tumor regression. The antiandrogen flutamide (5 mg silastic pellet) had no effect on tumor growth in agreement with the lack of androgen receptors. We used an in vitro approach to corroborate that the antiprogestin-induced inhibition was not attributable to an intrinsic effect. Cultures of a selected PI line were treated with PR antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASPR) to inhibit in vitro cell proliferation. A significant decrease of 3H-thymidine uptake was observed in cells of a PI line growing in the presence of 2.5% charcoalized fetal calf serum and 0.8-20 microg/ml ASPR. It can be concluded that the PR pathway is an essential path in the growth stimulation of PI tumors.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1999 Jan
PMID:Progesterone receptor involvement in independent tumor growth in MPA-induced murine mammary adenocarcinomas. 1021 33

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) can function as both an autocrine and a paracrine growth factor and may therefore play a role in ovarian tumor progression. TNF alpha initiates multiple cellular responses, many of which are mediated through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, which transduce signals from the TNF alpha receptors through the cytoplasm to the nucleus, resulting in regulation of gene expression. We examined the role of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 in the cellular growth response to TNF alpha in the ovarian carcinoma cell line UCI 101. JNK1 activity was increased to a maximum level ninefold above the basal level after 10-20 min of treatment with 10 ng/mL TNF alpha. A maximum threefold induction of ERK1/2 activity was observed after 1 min of treatment. At concentrations up to 100 ng/mL, TNF alpha had neither a stimulatory nor an inhibitory effect on growth of UCI 101 cells. However, inhibition of TNF alpha-induced ERK1/2 activity by the MAP/ERK kinase 1 inhibitor PD 98059 resulted in 60% inhibition of cell growth in TNF alpha-treated UCI 101 cells. This decrease in cell growth was accompanied by apoptosis, as demonstrated by the presence of a 180-bp DNA ladder. Thus, the inhibition of TNF alpha-induced ERK1/2 activity was associated with induction of apoptosis in the TNF alpha-resistant cell line UCI 101. Inhibition of TNF alpha-induced ERK1/2 activity was accompanied by a subsequent transient increase in TNF alpha-induced JNK1 activity. The significance of this increase with respect to apoptosis induction remains to be determined. These findings demonstrated that ERK1/2 activity can modulate cellular sensitivity to TNF alpha and suggested that the balance between the levels of ERK1/2 and JNK1 activation may be critical in the cellular growth response to TNF alpha.
Mol Carcinog 1999 May
PMID:Association of apoptosis with the inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase activity in the tumor necrosis factor alpha-resistant ovarian carcinoma cell line UCI 101. 1033 40

MAP kinases help to mediate diverse processes ranging from transcription of protooncogenes to programmed cell death. More than a dozen mammalian MAP kinase family members have been discovered and include, among others, the well studied ERKs and several stress-sensitive enzymes. MAP kinases lie within protein kinase cascades. Each cascade consists of no fewer than three enzymes that are activated in series. Cascades convey information to effectors, coordinates incoming information from other signaling pathways, amplify signals, and allow for a variety of response patterns. Subcellular localization of enzymes in the cascades is an important aspect of their mechanisms of action and contributes to cell-type and ligand-specific responses. Recent findings on these properties of MAP kinase cascades are the major focus of this review.
Prog Biophys Mol Biol 1999
PMID:MAP kinase pathways. 1035 10

The AP-1 transcription factor, which is composed of various combinations of Fos and Jun proteins, is believed to be a key participant in molecular processes that guide activity-dependent changes in gene expression. In this study, we investigated the activity of different MAP kinases that have been implicated in AP-1 activation. We examined the activities of ERK, JNK/SAPK, and p38 MAPK along with their nuclear targets (Elk-1 and c-Jun) in rat visual cortex after light stimulation. The transcription factor Elk-1 (a possible regulator of c-fos expression) was found to be transiently modified by phosphorylation when visual stimulation was applied after a period of dark rearing. In vitro kinase assay with Elk-1 as substrate showed that light stimulation activated MAPK/ERK in visual cortex but not frontal cortex. Furthermore, ERK activation was temporally matched to onset of Elk-1 phosphorylation. The activity of JNK1 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1) was elevated at 2-6 h after visual exposure and was also temporally correlated to increase of endogenous P-c-Jun levels and its appearance within the AP-1 DNA-binding complex. The activities of p38 MAP kinases did not change significantly. These results demonstrate the differential engagement of MAPK signaling pathways following sensory stimulation and their relative effects upon AP-1 expression in the intact brain.
Mol Cell Neurosci 1999 Jun
PMID:Rapid phosphorylation of Elk-1 transcription factor and activation of MAP kinase signal transduction pathways in response to visual stimulation. 1038 26

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women while it is the second cause of cancer death. Estrogens are well recognized to play the predominant role in breast cancer development and growth and much efforts have been devoted to the blockade of estrogen formation and action. The most widely used therapy of breast cancer which has shown benefits at all stages of the disease is the use of the antiestrogen Tamoxifen. This compound, however, possesses mixed agonist and antagonist activity and major efforts have been devoted to the development of compounds having pure antiestrogenic activity in the mammary gland and endometrium. Such a compound would avoid the problem of stimulation of the endometrium and the risk of endometrial carcinoma. We have thus synthesized an orally active non-steroidal antiestrogen, EM-652 (SCH 57068) and the prodrug EM-800 (SCH57050) which are the most potent of the known antiestrogens. EM-652 is the compound having the highest affinity for the estrogen receptor, including estradiol. It has higher affinity for the ER than ICI 182780, hydroxytamoxifen, raloxifene, droloxifene and hydroxytoremifene. EM-652 has the most potent inhibitory activity on both ER alpha and ER beta compared to any of the other antiestrogens tested. An important aspect of EM-652 is that it inhibits both the AF1 and AF2 functions of both ER alpha and ER beta while the inhibitory action of hydroxytamoxifen is limited to AF2, the ligand-dependent function of the estrogen receptors. AF1 activity is constitutive, ligand-independent and is responsible for mediation of the activity of growth factors and of the ras oncogene and MAP-kinase pathway. EM-652 inhibits Ras-induced transcriptional activity of ER alpha and ER beta and blocks SRC-1-stimulated activity of the two receptors. EM-652 was also found to block the recruitment of SRC-1 at AF1 of ER beta, this ligand-independent activation of AF1 being closely related to phosphorylation of the steroid receptors by protein kinase. Most importantly, the antiestrogen hydroxytamoxifen has no inhibitory effect on the SRC-1-induced ER beta activity while the pure antiestrogen EM-652 completely abolishes this effect, thus strengthening the need to use pure antiestrogens in breast cancer therapy in order to control all known aspects of ER-regulated gene expression. In fact, the absence of blockade of AF2 by hydroxytamoxifen could explain why the benefits of tamoxifen observed up to 5 years become negative at longer time intervals and why resistance develops to tamoxifen. EM-800, the prodrug of EM-652, has been shown to prevent the development of dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinoma in the rat, a well-recognized model of human breast cancer. It is of interest that the addition of dehydroepiandrosterone, a precursor of androgens, to EM-800, led to complete inhibition of tumor development in this model. Not only the development, but also the growth of established DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma was inhibited by treatment with EM-800. An inhibitory effect was also observed when medroxyprogesterone was added to treatment with EM-800. Uterine size was reduced to castration levels in the groups of animals treated with EM-800. An almost complete disappearance of estrogen receptors was observed in the uterus, vaginum and tumors in nude mice treated with EM-800. EM-652 was the most potent antiestrogen to inhibit the growth of human breast cancer ZR-75-1, MCF-7 and T-47D cells in vitro when compared with ICI 182780, ICI 164384, hydroxytamoxifen, and droloxifene. Moreover, EM-652 and EM-800 have no stimulatory effect on the basal levels of cell proliferation in the absence of E2 while hydroxytamoxifen and droloxifene had a stimulatory effect on the basal growth of T-47D and ZR-75-1 cells. EM-652 was also the most potent inhibitor of the percentage of cycling cancer cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol
PMID:EM-652 (SCH 57068), a third generation SERM acting as pure antiestrogen in the mammary gland and endometrium. 1041 81

The efficient activation of p90(rsk) by MAP kinase requires their interaction through a docking site located at the C-terminal end of p90(rsk). The MAP kinase p42(mpk1) can associate with p90(rsk) in G(2)-arrested but not in mature Xenopus oocytes. In contrast, an N-terminally truncated p90(rsk) mutant named D2 constitutively interacts with p42(mpk1). In this report we show that expression of D2 inhibits Xenopus oocyte maturation. The inhibition requires the p42(mpk1) docking site. D2 expression uncouples the activation of p42(mpk1) and p34(cdc2)/cyclin B in response to progesterone but does not prevent signaling through p90(rsk). Instead, D2 interferes with a p42(mpk1)-triggered pathway, which regulates the phosphorylation and activation of Plx1, a potential activator of the Cdc25 phosphatase. This new pathway that links the activation of p42(mpk1) and Plx1 during oocyte maturation is independent of p34(cdc2)/cyclin B activity but requires protein synthesis. Using D2, we also provide evidence that the sustained activation of p42(mpk1) can trigger nuclear migration in oocytes. Our results indicate that D2 is a useful tool to study MAP kinase function(s) during oocyte maturation. Truncated substrates such as D2, which constitutively interact with MAP kinases, may also be helpful to study signal transduction by MAP kinases in other cellular processes.
Mol Biol Cell 1999 Sep
PMID:A p90(rsk) mutant constitutively interacting with MAP kinase uncouples MAP kinase from p34(cdc2)/cyclin B activation in Xenopus oocytes. 1047 40


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