Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UNIPROT:P51812 (mitogen-activated protein)
 10,636 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrosis and inflammation. Inhibition of activation and cell functions of PSCs is a potential target for the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis and inflammation. The polyphenol compound curcumin is the yellow pigment in curry, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. We here evaluated the effects of curcumin on the activation and cell functions of PSCs. PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas tissue and used in their culture-activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype unless otherwise stated. The effects of curcumin on proliferation, alpha-smooth muscle actin gene expression, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 production, and collagen expression were examined. The effect of curcumin on the activation of freshly isolated cells in culture was also assessed. Curcumin inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced proliferation, alpha-smooth muscle actin gene expression, interleukin-1beta- and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced MCP-1 production, type I collagen production, and expression of type I and type III collagen genes. Curcumin inhibited PDGF-BB-induced cyclin D1 expression and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Curcumin inhibited interleukin-1beta- and TNF-alpha-induced activation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinase), but not of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In addition, curcumin inhibited transformation of freshly isolated cells to myofibroblast-like phenotype. In conclusion, curcumin inhibited key cell functions and activation of PSCs.
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PMID:Curcumin blocks activation of pancreatic stellate cells. 1629 27

Mycobacterium avium is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients. M. avium can be isolated as three major morphotypes: smooth-transparent (SmT ), smooth-opaque (SmO) and rough (Rg). Studies indicate that many Rg isolates lack or have modified glycopeptidolipids (GPLs). GPLs are major surface constituents of the M. avium cell wall and heterogeneity in their carbohydrate moieties has been used to classify M. avium into different serotypes, with serotypes 1, 4 and 8 being isolated with high frequency from AIDS patients. However, it is unclear what role GPLs play in M. avium pathogenicity. To begin to address how the absence of GPLs affects M. avium-macrophage interaction, we used the well-characterized M. avium 2151 SmT and Rg isolates which differ in GPL expression. We found macrophages infected with the Rg compared with SmT M. avium 2151 showed prolonged activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and ERK1/2. Macrophages infected with the Rg 2151 also showed increased tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. Interestingly, TNF-alpha secretion by macrophages infected with SmO or SmT 2151 was dependent on p38, ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB while TNF-alpha secretion by Rg 2151-infected macrophages was dependent on NF-kappaB but not the MAPKs. Rg 2151-infected macrophages also produced increased levels of IL-6, IL-12, MCP-1 and RANTES relative to macrophages infected with SmT 2151. These results indicate that M. avium 2151 deficient in GPLs promote increased macrophage activation. This disparity in cellular activation stems from a quantitative and qualitative difference in the macrophage signalling response to the Rg and SmT M. avium 2151.
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PMID:Elevated mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling and increased macrophage activation in cells infected with a glycopeptidolipid-deficient Mycobacterium avium. 1636 68

We used cytokine protein array to analyze the expression of cytokines from human cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CB-MSCs). Several cytokines, interleukins (IL), and growth factors, including ENA-78, GM-CSF, GRO, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, OSM, VEGF, FGF-4, FGF-7, FGF-9, GCP-2, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, IP-10, LIF, MIF, MIP-3alpha, osteoprotegerin, PARC, PIGF, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, TIMP-1, as well as TIMP-2, were secreted by CB-MSCs, while IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-13, TGF-beta1, TNF-alpha, and TNF-beta were not expressed under normal growth conditions. IL-6, IL-8, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were the most abundant interleukins expressed by CB-MSCs. A set of growth factors were selected to evaluate their stimulatory effects on the IL6 secretion for CB-MSCs. IL-1beta was the most important factor inducing CB-MSC to secret IL-6. The mechanism by which IL-1beta promoted IL-6 expression in CB-MSCs was studied. By using various inhibitors of signal transduction, we found that activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and MAPK kinase (MEK) is essential in the IL-1beta stimulated signaling cascade which leads to the increase in IL-6 synthesis. Additionally, continuous supplement of IL-1beta in the CB-MSCs culture will facilitate adipogenic maturation of CB-MSCs as evidenced by the presence of oil drops in the CB-MSCs and secretion of leptin, a molecule marker of adipocytes. These results strongly suggest that cytokine induction and signal transduction are important for the differentiation of CB-MSCs.
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PMID:Cytokine interactions in mesenchymal stem cells from cord blood. 1637 3

Gram-negative bacteria that replicate in the cytosol of mammalian macrophages can activate a signaling pathway leading to caspase-1 cleavage and secretion of interleukin 1beta, a powerful host response factor. Ipaf, a cytosolic pattern-recognition receptor in the family of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-leucine-rich repeat proteins, is critical in such a response to salmonella infection, but the mechanism of how Ipaf is activated by the bacterium remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that salmonella strains either lacking flagellin or expressing mutant flagellin were deficient in activation of caspase-1 and in interleukin 1beta secretion, although transcription factor NF-kappaB-dependent production of interleukin 6 or the chemokine MCP-1 was unimpaired. Delivery of flagellin to the macrophage cytosol induced Ipaf-dependent activation of caspase-1 that was independent of Toll-like receptor 5, required for recognition of extracellular flagellin. In macrophages made tolerant by previous exposure to lipopolysaccharide, which abrogates activation of NF-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinases, salmonella infection still activated caspase-1. Thus, detection of flagellin through Ipaf induces caspase-1 activation independently of Toll-like receptor 5 in salmonella-infected and lipopolysaccharide-tolerized macrophages.
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PMID:Cytosolic flagellin requires Ipaf for activation of caspase-1 and interleukin 1beta in salmonella-infected macrophages. 1671 62

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has protean manifestations, including the regulation of growth and migration, in many cell types. We have previously reported that PDGF-BB induces the accumulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 mRNA in smooth muscle cells (SMC), in large part due to an increase in mRNA stability. To elucidate the mechanism by which PDGF-BB stabilizes MCP-1 mRNA, we have employed in vitro RNA gel mobility shift and decay assays. Cytoplasmic extracts from PDGF-BB-treated SMC increased the half-life of in vitro transcribed MCP-1 mRNA from approximately 45 min to >2 h. PDGF-BB-inhibitable degradation was not dependent on specific regions of the MCP-1 mRNA and was equally effective on a variety of in vitro transcribed mRNAs. Angiotensin II had a similar effect on MCP-1 mRNA stability, whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha and basic fibroblast growth factor did not. The PDGF-BB-inhibitable RNAse activity was active at pH 6.6 and heat stable, but was sensitive to proteinase K. Extracts from PDGF-BB- or angiotensin II-treated cells inhibited the RNAse activity of control extracts, suggesting that the effect of PDGF-BB and angiotensin II are due to activation of a soluble inhibitor of the RNAse. The effect of PDGF-BB was blocked by inhibitors of tyrosine phosphorylation, but not by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or mitogen-activated protein kinases. These studies provide new insights into the mechanisms by which PDGF-BB enhances mRNA accumulation.
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PMID:PDGF-BB enhances monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA stability in smooth muscle cells by downregulating ribonuclease activity. 1672 30

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] is characterised by airflow limitation of peripheral airways that is not fully reversible and progressive and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. There is also intense airway wall remodelling and evidence of systemic inflammation. Increased interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], GRO-alpha, MCP-1 and IL-8 levels are measured in sputum, with further increases during exacerbations. The bronchiolar epithelium over-expresses MCP-1, MIP-1alpha and IL-8. IL-8 can account for sputum neutrophil chemotactic activity. TNFalpha and IL-1beta stimulate macrophages to produce matrix metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9], and bronchial epithelial cells to produce extracellular matrix glycoproteins. Increased expression of transforming growth factor-beta [TGFbeta) and epidermal growth factor [EGF] occurs in the epithelium and submucosal cells; gene array studies reveal an excess of TGFbeta1, CTGF and PDGFRA in COPD. TGFbeta and EGF activate proliferation of fibroblasts, while activation of the EGF receptor leads to mucin gene expression. Anti-cytokine therapy could be in the form of soluble receptors or by neutralising antibodies, small compounds blocking cytokine receptors or incomplete and non-activating cytokines, inhibitors of protein activation and inhibitors of signal transduction and transcription such as via inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases [MAPK] and of transcription factor, nuclear factor kappaB. Anti-IL-8 therapy has been tried with little effect on COPD, and current trials are on-going with TNF-alpha inhibitors. Other treatments such as phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors have anti-cytokine effects that may underlie their beneficial effects in COPD.
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PMID:Cytokines as targets in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 1678 67

Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a novel T-helper-lymphocyte-derived cytokine that plays an important role in allergic skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis. It has recently been implicated in bronchial inflammation. We investigated the functions and mechanisms of IL-31-induced activation of human bronchial epithelial cells. The gene and protein expressions of candidate cytokines/chemokines from IL-31-stimulated human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were first quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The activity of different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in IL-31-stimulated BEAS-2B cells was assessed by Western blot. The IL-31 could significantly elevate the gene and protein expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) of BEAS-2B cells in both time-dependently and dose-dependently. Combination of IL-31 with either IL-4 or IL-13 further enhanced VEGF and CCL2 production while IL-31 could synergistically augment the release of EGF, VEGF, CCL2, IL-6 and IL-8 in cocultures of BEAS-2B cells and eosinophils. In addition, IL-31 could activate p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) of BEAS-2B cells. Selective inhibitors of p38 MAPK (SB203580), ERK (PD98059), and JNK (SP600125) could differentially inhibit the production of EGF, VEGF and CCL2, thereby suggesting a role for MAPKs in IL-31 functions. In conclusion, the activation of MAPKs can be crucial for IL-31-mediated activation of bronchial epithelial cells, thereby providing an immunological role for IL-31 in bronchial inflammation, at least partly, via epithelial EGF, VEGF and CCL2 production.
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PMID:Interleukin-31 induces cytokine and chemokine production from human bronchial epithelial cells through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways: implications for the allergic response. 1762 70

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common etiological cause of urogenital tract infections and represents a considerable cause of immunological male infertility. We examined TLR 1-11 expression profiles in testicular cells and the functional response to infection with UPEC. All testicular cell types expressed mRNAs for at least two TLRs and, in particular, synthesis of TLR4 was induced in testicular macrophages (TM), Sertoli cells (SC), peritubular cells (PTC), and peritoneal macrophages (PM) after UPEC exposure. Even though MyD88-dependent pathways were activated as exemplified by phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in TM, SC, PTC, and PM and by the degradation of IkappaBalpha and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in PTC and PM, treatment with UPEC did not result in secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in any of the investigated cells. Moreover, stimulated production of these cytokines by nonpathogenic commensal E. coli or LPS in PM was completely abolished after coincubation with UPEC. Instead, in SC, PTC, TM, and PM, UPEC exposure resulted in activation of MyD88-independent signaling as documented by nuclear transfer of IFN-related factor-3 and elevated expression of type I IFNs alpha and beta, IFN-gamma-inducible protein 10, MCP-1, and RANTES. We conclude that in this in vitro model UPEC can actively suppress MyD88-dependent signaling at different levels to prevent proinflammatory cytokine secretion by testicular cells. Thus, testicular innate immune defense is shifted to an antiviral-like MyD88-independent response.
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PMID:Uropathogenic Escherichia coli block MyD88-dependent and activate MyD88-independent signaling pathways in rat testicular cells. 1839 Jul 38

We have reported that intracellular glutathione S-transferases P1 (GSTP1) suppresses LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced excessive production of pro-inflammatory factors by inhibiting LPS-stimulated MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) as well as NF-kappaB activation. But under pathogenic circumstances, physiologic levels of GSTP1 are insufficient to stem pro-inflammatory signaling. Here we show that LPS-induced up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW246.7 cells is significantly reduced by incubating cells with recombinant GSTP1 protein. In vivo study demonstrates that treatment of mice (i.p.) with recombinant GSTP1 protein effectively suppresses the devastating effects of acute inflammation, which includes reduction of mortality rate of endotoxic shock, alleviation of LPS-induced acute lung injury and abrogation of thioglycolate (TG)-induced peritoneal deposition of leukocytes and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). Meanwhile, GSTP1 prevented LPS-induced TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, MCP-1 and NO production. Further investigation by using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry shows that recombinant GSTP1 protein can be delivered into RAW246.7 cells, mouse peritoneal macrophages and HEK 293 cells suggesting that extracellular GSTP1 protein could be transported across plasma membrane and act as a cytosolic protein. In conclusion our research demonstrates a new finding that increasing cellular GSTP1 level by supplement of recombinant GSTP1 effectively suppresses the devastating effects of acute inflammation.
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PMID:Recombinant protein glutathione S-transferases P1 attenuates inflammation in mice. 1896 99

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2) is a well-defined chemokine implicated in the pathology of various neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic injury. We investigated the effect of the activation of P2 purinoceptors on MCP-1 production in rat corticostriatal slice cultures. Treatment with adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPgammaS), a hydrolysis-resistant adenosine triphosphate (ATP) analog, induced MCP-1 production in astrocytes. The induction was in a concentration-dependent manner and was antagonized by a P2 purinoceptor antagonist pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid. The inhibition of an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway by PD98059 and U0126 significantly suppressed ATPgammaS-induced MCP-1 mRNA expression and protein production, while inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase by SP600125 resulted in the partial suppression. Conversely, SB203580, a p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor, significantly enhanced ATPgammaS-induced MCP-1 production. Similar effects of ERK and p38 MAP kinase inhibitors on MCP-1 production were observed in the slices stimulated by ATP and BzATP. These results demonstrate that astrocytic MCP-1 production induced by P2 purinoceptor stimulation is reciprocally regulated by ERK and p38 MAP kinases in the organotypic slice cultures.
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PMID:Reciprocal regulation of ATPgammaS-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production by ERK and p38 MAP kinases in rat corticostriatal slice cultures. 1912 10


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