LncRNA LINC00483 promotes gastric cancer development through regulating MAPK1 expression by sponging miR-490-3p

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (IncRNA) LINC00483 was aberrantly expressed in human cancers, including gastric cancer. However, the regulatory mechanism of this IncRNA in gastric cancer remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of LINC00483 on gastric cancer development and explore the potential regulatory network of LINC00483/microRNA (miR)-490-3p/mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1). METHODS: Thirty patients with gastric cancer were recruited for tissues collection. The expression levels of LINC00483, miR-490-3p and MAPK1 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined by MTT, flow cytometry, transwell assays and western blot, respectively. The target association between miR-490-3p and LINC00483 or MAPK1 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft model was established to assess the function of LINC00483 in vivo. RESULTS: LINC00483 and MAPK1 levels were increased in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of LINC00483 or MAPK1 inhibited cells viability, migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Moreover, MAPK1 overexpression attenuated the effect of LINC00483 knockdown on gastric cancer development. LINC00483 could increase MAPK1 expression by competitively sponging miR-490-3p. miR-490-3p overexpression suppressed gastric cancer development, which was abated by introduction of LINC00483. Besides, inhibition of LINC00483 decreased xenograft tumor growth by regulating miR-490-3p/MAPK1 axis. CONCLUSION: Knockdown of LINC00483 inhibited gastric cancer development in vitro and in vivo by increasing miR- 490-3p and decreasing MAPK1, elucidating a novel mechanism for understanding the development of gastric cancer.

Prevalência de dor crônica e sua associação com a situação sociodemográfica e atividade física no lazer em idosos de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina: estudo de base populacional / Prevalence of chronic pain and its association with the sociodemographic situation and physical activity in leisure of elderly in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina: population-based study

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de dor crônica e sua associação com a situação socioeconômica, demográfica e atividade física no lazer em idosos. MÉTODOS: Este estudo é parte do inquérito epidemiológico e transversal de base populacional e domiciliar EpiFloripa Idoso 2009-2010 realizado com 1.705 idosos (≥ 60 anos), residentes em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. A partir da resposta afirmativa de dor crônica, foram investigadas as associações com as variáveis obtidas por meio de entrevista estruturada. Realizou-se a estatística descritiva, incluindo cálculos de proporções e intervalos de confiança 95% (IC95%). Na análise bruta e ajustada, empregou-se regressão de Poisson, estimando-se as razões de prevalência, com intervalos de confiança de 95% e valores p ≤ 0,05. RESULTADOS: Dentre os idosos investigados, 29,3% (IC95% 26,5 - 32,2) relataram dor crônica. Na análise ajustada, observou-se que as variáveis sexo feminino, menor escolaridade e pior situação econômica ficaram associadas significativamente com maior prevalência de dor crônica; ser fisicamente ativo no lazer ficou associado significativamente com menor prevalência do desfecho. CONCLUSÕES: Percebe-se que a dor crônica é um agravo que acomete considerável parcela de idosos, havendo desigualdades sociais na sua frequência e sendo beneficamente afetada pela atividade física no lazer. É necessário que políticas públicas de saúde subsidiem programas multidisciplinares de controle da dor incluindo a prática regular de atividade física, voltada especificamente à promoção da saúde do idoso, evitando assim que a dor crônica comprometa a qualidade de vida desta população. .

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of chronic pain and its association with socioeconomic and demographic status, and leisure physical activity in the elderly population. METHODS: This study is part of an epidemiological cross-sectional population-based household survey called EpiFloripa Elderly 2009-2010, which was conducted with 1,705 elderly individuals (≥ 60 years) residents of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. From the positive response to chronic pain, the associations with the variables were investigated through a structured interview. Descriptive statistics were conducted, including ratio calculation and 95% confidence intervals. In crude and adjusted analysis, Poisson regression was utilized, estimating prevalence ratios, with 95% confidence intervals and ≤ 0.05 p-values. RESULTS: Among the subjects, 29.3% (IC95% 26.5 - 32.2) reported chronic pain. Adjusted analysis showed that being female, having less years of schooling, and being in worse economic situation were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of chronic pain. Being physically active during leisure time was significantly associated with lower prevalence of the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is clear that chronic pain affects a considerable amount of elderly individuals. Social inequalities are a harmful influence in these individuals' quality of life, inasmuch as those inequalities increase the frequency with which chronic pain afflicts them. At the same time, physical activity during leisure time decreases chronic pain frequency. It is fundamental that public health policies subsidize multidisciplinary pain management programs, which should include health targeted physical activity for the elderly, thus preventing the decrease in quality of life that chronic pain brings to this population. .

Analysis of static and dynamic balance in healthy elderly practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan versus ballroom dancing

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Tai Chi Chuan or ballroom dancing promotes better performance with respect to postural balance, gait, and postural transfer among elderly people. METHODS: We evaluated 76 elderly individuals who were divided into two groups: the Tai Chi Chuan Group and the Dance Group. The subjects were tested using the NeuroCom Balance Master¯ force platform system with the following protocols: static balance tests (the Modified Clinical Tests of Sensory Interaction on Balance and Unilateral Stance) and dynamic balance tests (the Walk Across Test and Sit-to-stand Transfer Test). RESULTS: In the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented a lower sway velocity on a firm surface with open and closed eyes, as well as on a foam surface with closed eyes. In the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Unilateral Stance, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented a lower sway velocity with open eyes, whereas the Dance Group presented a lower sway velocity with closed eyes. In the Walk Across Test, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented faster walking speeds than those of the Dance Group. In the Sit-to-stand Transfer Test, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented shorter transfer times from the sitting to the standing position, with less sway in the final standing position. CONCLUSION: The elderly individuals who practiced Tai Chi Chuan had better bilateral balance with eyes open on both types of surfaces compared with the Dance Group. The Dance Group had better unilateral postural balance with eyes closed. The Tai Chi Chuan Group had faster walking speeds, shorter transfer times, and better postural balance in the final standing position during the Sit-to-stand Test. .

Antiangiogenic Activity of Acer tegmentosum Maxim Water Extract in Vitro and in Vivo

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is critical for tumor growth and metastasis. Notably, tumors themselves can lead to angiogenesis by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is one of the most potent angiogenic factors. Inhibition of angiogenesis is currently perceived as one of the most promising strategies for the blockage of tumor growth. In this study, we investigated the effects of Acer tegmentosum maxim water extract (ATME) on angiogenesis and its underlying signal mechanism. We studied the antiangiogenic activity of ATME by using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). ATME strongly inhibited VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation, as well as vessel sprouting in a rat aortic ring sprouting assay. Moreover, we found that the p44/42 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway is involved in the inhibition of angiogenesis by ATME. Moreover, when we performed the in vivo matrigel plug assay, VEGF-induced angiogenesis was potently reduced when compared to that for the control group. Taken together, these results suggest that ATME exhibits potent antiangiogenic activity in vivo and in vitro and that these effects are regulated by the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

Exposure to Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Is Associated With Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases Signaling and Apoptosis in Rat Lungs / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: With recent advances in nanoparticle manufacturing and applications, potential exposure to nanoparticles in various settings is becoming increasing likely. No investigation has yet been performed to assess whether respiratory tract exposure to cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles is associated with alterations in protein signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis in rat lungs. METHODS: Specific-pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats were instilled with either vehicle (saline) or CeO2 nanoparticles at a dosage of 7.0 mg/kg and euthanized 1, 3, 14, 28, 56, or 90 days after exposure. Lung tissues were collected and evaluated for the expression of proteins associated with inflammation and cellular apoptosis. RESULTS: No change in lung weight was detected over the course of the study; however, cerium accumulation in the lungs, gross histological changes, an increased Bax to Bcl-2 ratio, elevated cleaved caspase-3 protein levels, increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and diminished phosphorylation of ERK-1/2-MAPK were detected after CeO2 instillation (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data suggest that high-dose respiratory exposure to CeO2 nanoparticles is associated with lung inflammation, the activation of signaling protein kinases, and cellular apoptosis, which may be indicative of a long-term localized inflammatory response.

Bilirubin Activates Transcription of HIF-1alpha in Human Proximal Tubular Cells Cultured in the Physiologic Oxygen Content

The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Effect of bilirubin on HIF-1 expression in proximal tubular cells was investigated under physiological oxygen concentration, which is relative hypoxic condition mimicking oxygen content in the medulla of renal tissue. The human kidney (HK2) cells were cultured in 5% oxygen with or without bilirubin. HIF-1alpha protein expression was increased by bilirubin treatment at 0.01-0.2 mg/dL concentration. The messenger RNA expression of HIF-1alpha was increased by 1.69+/-0.05 folds in the cells cultured with 0.1 mg/dL bilirubin, compared to the control cells. The inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR, PI3K/AKT, and ERK 1/2 pathways did not attenuate increased HIF-1alpha expression by bilirubin. HIF-1alpha expression decreased by 10 microM exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); scavenger of ROS with or without bilirubin in the HK2 cells increased HIF-1alpha concentration more than that in the cells without bilirubin. Exogenous H2O2 decreased the phosphorylation of P70S6 kinase, which was completely reversed by bilirubin treatment. Knockdown of NOX4 gene by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased HIF-1alpha mRNA expression. In coonclusion, bilirubin enhances HIF-1alpha transcription as well as the up-regulation of HIF-1alpha protein translation through the attenuation of ROS and subunits of NADPH oxidase.

Role of ERK1/2 Kinase in the expression of iNOS by NDMA in human neutrophils.

Potential role of ERK1/2 kinase in conjunction with p38 in the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production, and superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils (PMNs) exposed to N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was determined. Increased synthesis of NO due to the involvement of iNOS in neutrophils exposed to NDMA was observed. In addition, intensified activation of ERK1/2 and p38 kinases was determined in these cells. Inhibition of kinase regulated by extracellular signals (ERK1/2) pathway, in contrast to p38 pathway, led to an increased production of NO and expression of iNOS in PMNs. Moreover, as a result of inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway, a decreased activation of p38 kinase was observed in neutrophils, while inhibition of p38 kinase did not affect activation of ERK1/2 pathway in these cells. An increased ability to release superoxide anion by the studied PMNs was observed, which decreased after ERK1/2 pathway inhibition. In conclusion, in human neutrophils, ERK1/2 kinase is not directly involved in the regulation of iNOS and NO production induced by NDMA; however, the kinase participates in superoxide anion production in these cells.

Protective Effect of Sauchinone Against Regional Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Inhibition of p38 MAPK and JNK Death Signaling Pathways

Sauchinone has been known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We determined whether sauchinone is beneficial in regional myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Rats were subjected to 20 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by 2 hr reperfusion. Sauchinone (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before the onset of ischemia. The infarct size was measured 2 hr after resuming the perfusion. The expression of cell death kinases (p38 and JNK) and reperfusion injury salvage kinases (phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinases-Akt, extra-cellular signal-regulated kinases [ERK1/2])/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta was determined 5 min after resuming the perfusion. Sauchinone significantly reduced the infarct size (29.0% +/- 5.3% in the sauchinone group vs 44.4% +/- 6.1% in the control, P < 0.05). Accordingly, the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was significantly attenuated, while that of ERK1/2, Akt and GSK-3beta was not affected. It is suggested that sauchinone protects against regional myocardial I/R injury through inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 and JNK death signaling pathways.

Periodic mechanical stress activates MEK1/2-ERK1/2 mitogenic signals in rat chondrocytes through Src and PLCγ1

The mitogenic effects of periodic mechanical stress on chondrocytes have been studied extensively but the mechanisms whereby chondrocytes sense and respond to periodic mechanical stress remain a matter of debate. We explored the signal transduction pathways of chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis under periodic mechanical stress. In particular, we sought to identify the role of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway in chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis following cyclic physiologic mechanical compression. Under periodic mechanical stress, both rat chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and were associated with increases in the phosphorylation of Src, PLCγ1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 selective inhibitor, PD98059, and shRNA targeted to ERK1/2 reduced periodic mechanical stress-induced chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation levels of Src-Tyr418 and PLCγ1-Tyr783 were not inhibited. Proliferation, matrix synthesis and phosphorylation of MEK1/2-Ser217/221 and ERK1/2-Thr202/Tyr204 were inhibited after pretreatment with the PLCγ1 inhibitor U73122 in chondrocytes in response to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05), while the phosphorylation site of Src-Tyr418 was not affected. Inhibition of Src activity with PP2 and shRNA targeted to Src abrogated chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis (P < 0.05) and attenuated PLCγ1, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 activation in chondrocytes subjected to periodic mechanical stress (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that periodic mechanical stress promotes chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis in part through the Src-PLCγ1-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which links these three important signaling molecules into a mitogenic cascade.

Effects of Scutellarin on MUC5AC Mucin Production Induced by Human Neutrophil Elastase or Interleukin 13 on Airway Epithelial Cells

Scutellarin is a flavonoid extracted from a traditional Chinese herb, Erigeron breviscapus. The present study investigated the effect of scutellarin on MUC5AC mucin production and the possible mechanism. Human bronchial epithelial 16 (HBE16) cells were pretreated with scutellarin for 60 min, and then exposed to human neutrophil elastase (HNE) or interleukin (IL)-13 for 12 hr. RT-PCR and ELISA were performed to measure the amount of MUC5AC mucin production. The results showed that scutellarin inhibited MUC5AC expression both in mRNA and protein level induced by HNE in a concentration-dependent manner. However, scutellarin failed to inhibit MUC5AC mucin production induced by IL-13. To investigate the intracellular mechanisms associated with the effect of scutellarin on MUC5AC mucin production, western blotting was carried out to examine the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC), signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). The phosphorylation of PKC and ERK1/2 was attenuated after treatment with scutellarin, whereas STAT6 was not significantly affected. Therefore, it is suggested that scutellarin down-regulates MUC5AC mucin production on HBE16 cells via ERK-dependent and PKC-dependent pathways.

Activated Protein C Protects Myocardium Via Activation of Anti-apoptotic Pathways of Survival in Ischemia-reperfused Rat Heart

Activated protein C (APC) is known to be beneficial on ischemia reperfusion injury in myocardium. However, the protection mechanism of APC is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of APC on myocardial ischemic damage. Artificially ventilated anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 hr of reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into four groups; Sham, I/R, APC preconditioning and postconditioning group. Myocardial infarct size, apoptosis index, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Bcl-2, Bax and cytochrome c genes and proteins were assessed. In APC-administrated rat hearts, regardless of the timing of administration, infarct size was consistently reduced compared to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rats. APC improved the expression of ERK1/2 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 which were significantly reduced in the I/R rats. APC reduced the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, Bax and cytochrome c. These findings suggest that APC produces cardioprotective effect by preserving the expression of proteins and genes involved in anti-apoptotic pathways, regardless of the timing of administration.

Calcitonin induces connective tissue growth factor through ERK1/2 signaling in renal tubular cells

Calcitonin (CT), a polypeptide hormone, plays important roles in a variety of physiological processes. CT has been used clinically to treat osteoporosis and humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. In order to clarify the pharmacological effects of CT in the kidney, we identified potential downstream genes induced by CT in the renal cells. Using a cDNA subtraction hybridization method, we identified connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a CT-induced gene in the porcine renal cell line, LLC-PK1. Furthermore, we found that CT-mediated induction of the gene was not inhibited by cycloheximide, which suggests that CTGF gene was not induced by an increased synthesis of regulating proteins. Therefore, CTGF is an immediate early gene. We further demonstrated that the regulation of CTGF gene expression by CT involved the ERK1/2 pathway, because PD98059, a MEK1 inhibitor, partially inhibited the mRNA expression of CTGF induced by CT. CT-induced CTGF protein expression was also observed in vivo. Our present findings suggest that CT induces the transcription of CTGF through ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We also identified twelve other genes induced by CT that, like CTGF, were related to wound healing. These results suggest that CT may have an effect on renal differentiation and wound healing in the kidney.

Calcitonin induces connective tissue growth factor through ERK1/2 signaling in renal tubular cells

Calcitonin (CT), a polypeptide hormone, plays important roles in a variety of physiological processes. CT has been used clinically to treat osteoporosis and humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. In order to clarify the pharmacological effects of CT in the kidney, we identified potential downstream genes induced by CT in the renal cells. Using a cDNA subtraction hybridization method, we identified connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a CT-induced gene in the porcine renal cell line, LLC-PK1. Furthermore, we found that CT-mediated induction of the gene was not inhibited by cycloheximide, which suggests that CTGF gene was not induced by an increased synthesis of regulating proteins. Therefore, CTGF is an immediate early gene. We further demonstrated that the regulation of CTGF gene expression by CT involved the ERK1/2 pathway, because PD98059, a MEK1 inhibitor, partially inhibited the mRNA expression of CTGF induced by CT. CT-induced CTGF protein expression was also observed in vivo. Our present findings suggest that CT induces the transcription of CTGF through ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We also identified twelve other genes induced by CT that, like CTGF, were related to wound healing. These results suggest that CT may have an effect on renal differentiation and wound healing in the kidney.

Histone deacetylase inhibitor KBH-A42 inhibits cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and in vivo endotoxemia model

In light of the anti-inflammatory properties of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, such as suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and trichostatin A (TSA), we examined a new HDAC inhibitor KBH-A42 for its anti-inflammatory activities. KBH-A42 showed noteworthy anti-inflammatory properties in vitro via suppression of the production of TNF-alpha, a proinflammatory cytokine, and nitric oxide (NO), a proinflammatory effector molecule, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. It also inhibited TNF-alpha production in vivo as demonstrated in a LPS-induced mouse endotoxemia model. The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and iNOS mRNAs determined by RT-PCR propose that the inhibition of these pro-inflammatory mediators by KBH-A42 resulted from inhibiting expression of these genes. However, the EMSA study to see the effect of KBH-A42 on the binding of NF-kappaB, a transcription factor, to a specific DNA sequence showed that the binding of NF-kappaB to DNA was not changed regardless of increasing the concentration of KBH-A42 in the presence and absence of LPS stimulation. Interestingly, DNA binding of another transcription factor AP-1 dose-dependently increased by KBH-A42. KBH-A42 differentially regulated the phosphorylation of MAP kinases. While the phosphprylation of ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK was not affected by KBH-A42, the phosphorylation of p38 decreased by KBH-A42. These results showed that KBH-A42 inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages by decreasing their mRNA levels, and p38 kinase is involved in the KBH-A42-mediated inhibition.

Endothelin 1 protects HN33 cells from serum deprivation-induced neuronal apoptosis through Ca2+-PKCalpha-ERK pathway

Endothelins (ETs), which were originally found to be potent vasoactive transmitters, were known to be implicated in nervous system, but the mode of mechanism remains unclear. ETs (ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3) were added to HN33 (mouse hippocampal neuron chi neuroblastoma) cells. Among the three types of ET, only ET-1 increased the intracellular calcium levels in a PLC dependent manner with the induction of ERK 1/2 activation. As the result of ET-1 exposure, the survival rate of HN33 cells and the PKCalpha translocation into the plasma membrane were increased. We suggest that ET-1 participated in the neuroprotective effect involving the calcium-PKCalpha-ERK1/2 pathway.

p38 MAPK and ERK activation by 9-cis-retinoic acid induces chemokine receptors CCR1 and CCR2 expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells

9-cis-retinoic acid (9CRA) plays an important role in the immune response; this includes cytokine production and cell migration. We have previously demonstrated that 9CRA increases expression of chemokine receptors CCR1 and CCR2 in human monocytes. To better understand how 9CRA induces CCR1 and CCR2 expression, we examined the contribution of signaling proteins in human monocytic THP-1 cells. The mRNA and surface protein up-regulation of CCR1 and CCR2 in 9CRA-stimulated cells were weakly blocked by the pretreatment of SB202190, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, and PD98059, an upstream ERK inhibitor. Activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 was induced in both a time and dose-dependent manner after 9CRA stimulation. Both p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation peaked at 2 h after a 100 nM 9CRA treatment. 9CRA increased calcium influx and chemotactic activity in response to CCR1-dependent chemokines, Lkn-1/CCL15, MIP-1alpha/CCL3, and RANTES/CCL5, and the CCR2-specific chemokine, MCP-1/CCL2. Both SB202190 and PD98059 pretreatment diminished the increased calcium mobilization and chemotactic ability due to 9CRA. SB202190 inhibited the expression and functional activities of CCR1 and CCR2 more effectively than did PD98059. Therefore, our results demonstrate that 9CRA transduces the signal through p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 for CCR1 and CCR2 up-regulation, and may regulate the pro-inflammatory process through the p38 MAPK and ERK-dependent signaling pathways.

CD137 induces adhesion and cytokine production in human monocytic THP-1 cells

CD137, which is expressed on activated T cells, plays a critical role in inflammatory responses. However, the exact role that CD137 plays in monocytes is not fully known. Here we studied the expression and function of CD137 in human monocytic THP-1 cells, which we found constitutively expresses CD137 at the mRNA and protein level. Cross-linking of CD137 increased the secretion of IL-8 and TNF-alpha, promoted the expression of CD54 and CD11b, and increased adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In particular CD137-induced adhesion of THP-1 cells was inhibited by an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), but not by a p38 kinase inhibitor. Taken together, these results show that the adhesion and cytokine production of THP-1 cells induced by CD137 occur via activation of MEK, which results in the activation of ERK-1/2 signaling pathways. Therefore, this study suggests that CD137 induces an activating and migrating signal during inflammatory processes.

PKC alpha induces differentiation through ERK1/2 phosphorylation in mouse keratinocytes

Epidermal keratinocyte differentiation is a tightly regulated stepwise process that requires protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Studies on cultured mouse keraitnocytes induced to differentiate with Ca2+ have indirectly implicated the involvement of PKC alpha isoform. When PKC alpha was overexpressed in undifferentiated keratinocytes using adenoviral system, expressions of differentiation markers such as loricrin, filaggrin, keratin 1 (MK1) and keratin 10 (MK10) were increased, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was concurrently induced without change of other MAPK such as p38 MAPK and JNK1/2. Similarly, transfection of PKC alphakinase active mutant (PKC alpha- CAT) in the undifferentiated keratinocyte, but not PKC beta-CAT, also increased differentiation marker expressions. On the other hand, PKC alphadominant negative mutant (PKC beta-KR) reduced Ca2+ -mediated differentiation marker expressions, while PKC beta-KR did not, suggesting that PKC alphais responsible for keratinocyte differentiation. When downstream pathway of PKC alphain Ca2+ - mediated differentiation was examined, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK1/2 phosphorylations were increased by Ca2+ shift. Treatment of keratinocytes with PD98059, MEK inhibitor, and SB20358, p38 MAPK inhibitor, before Ca2+ shift induced morphological changes and reduced expressions of differentiation markers, but treatment with SP60012, JNK1/2 inhibitor, did not change at all. Dominant negative mutants of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK also inhibited the expressions of differentiation marker expressions in Ca2+ shifted cells. The above results indicate that both ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK may be involved in Ca2+- mediated differentiation, and that only ERK1/2 pathway is specific for PKCa-mediated differentiation in mouse keratinocytes.