The Antidepressant Mechanism of JiaWeiWenDan Decoction Regulating p38MAPK-ERK5 Signal Transduction Pathway

Objective: To investigate the anti-depression mechanism of JiaWeiWenDan Decoction in regulating p38MAPK-ERK5 signal transduction pathway. Methods: Depression model rats were randomly divided into Blank Control Group, Model Control Group, Chinese Medicine Treatment Group, and Western Medicine Treatment Group (hereinafter referred to as Blank Group, Model Group, Chinese Medicine Group, and Western Medicine Group), with 48 rats in each group. The mice were treated with p38MAPK-ERK5 on the 7th day, 14th day and 21st day, respectively, and the mice were treated for 28 days. The key targets and cytokines in p38MAPK-ERK5 signal transduction pathway were detected. Results: Compared with the Blank Group, the expression of p38MAPKmRNA in the hippocampus of the Model Group was increased. The Chinese Medicine Group and Western Medicine Group could reduce the expression of p38MAPK mRNA (P P P P Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effect of JiaWeiWenDan Decoction may be related to the regulation of p38MAPK-ERK5 signaling pathway. With the advance of the treatment week, the best effect was obtained when the treatment was started on the 7th day of modeling.

Effect of emodin on mobility signal transduction system of gallbladder smooth muscle in Guinea pig with cholelithiasis

Objective: To study the effect of emodin on protein and gene expressions of the massagers in mobility signal transduction system of cholecyst smooth muscle cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. Methods: The guinea pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups, such as control group, gall-stone(GS) group, emodin group and ursodesoxycholic acid(UA) group. Cholesterol calculus models were induced in guinea pigs of GS, emodin and UA groups of induced models by lithogenic diet, while emodin or UA were given to the corresponding group for 7 weeks. The histomorphological and ultrastructure change of gallbladder were detected by microscope and electron microscope, the content of plasma cholecystokinin(CCK) and [Ca^(2+)]i were analyzed successively by radioimmunoassay and flow cytometry. The protein and mR NA of Gsα, Giα and Cap in cholecyst cells were determined by western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results: Emodin or UA can relieve pathogenic changes in epithelial cells and muscle cells in gallbladder of guinea pig with cholesterol calculus by microscope and transmission electron microscope. In the cholecyst cells of GS group, CCK levels in plasma and [Ca^(2+)]i decreased, the protein and m RNA of GS group were downregulated,the protein and m RNA of Gi and Cap were up-regulated. Emodin significantly decreased the formative rate of gallstone, improved the pathogenic change in epithelial cells and muscle cells, increased CCK levels in plasma and [Ca^(2+)]i in cholecyst cells, enhanced the protein and mR NA of Gs in cholecyst cells, reduced the protein and mR NA of Gi and Cap in cholecyst cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. Conclusion: The dysfunction of gallbladder contraction gives rise to the disorders of mobility signal transduction system in cholecyst smooth muscle cells, including low content of plasma CCK and [Ca^(2+)]i in cholecyst cells, abnormal protein and mRNA of Gs, Gi and Cap. Emodin can enhance the contractibility of gallbladder and alleviate cholestasis by regulating plasma CCK levels, [Ca2+]i in cholecyst cells and the protein and mR NA of Gs, Gi and Cap.

Influence on Cellular Signal Transduction Pathway in Dairy Cow Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells by Galactopoietic Compound Isolated from Vaccariae segetalis

The galactopoietic mechanism of Vaccaria segetalis is still unknown. Understanding dibutyl phthalate （DBP） separated from Vaccaria segetalis on the expression of lactation signal transduction genes of mammary gland epithelial cells, including prlr, erα, akt1, socs2, pparγ and elf5, will be helpful to reveal the molecular mechanism. Western blot and qRT- PCR were used to study the change of prlr, erα, akt, socs2, pparγ, and elf5 expression at mRNA and protein level. Co- localization expression of prolactin receptor （PRLR） and estrogen receptor α （ERα） was observed by immunofluorescence; the expression changes of miRNAs （21, 125b, 143, and 195） and the secretion of β-casein and lactose were detected by qRT-PCR and RP-HPLC. The results showed that Vaccaria segetalis active compound had similar fuctions as estrogen and/or prolactin （PRL） in dairy cow mammary gland epithelial cells （DCMECs）, increased the expressions of prlr, erα, akt1, and elf5 genes, while repressed pparγ expressions. DBP promoted socs2 mRNA expression, but its protein expressions were repressed. Furthermore, both DBP and PRL could repress the expressions of miRNA-125b, miRNA-143 and miRNA- 195 in DCMECs. DBP could repress the expression of miRNA-21, while the influence of PRL on miRNA-21 was not certain. DBP could promote the lactation ability of DCMECs by regulating the ER and PRLR cellular signal transduction pathway.

p38 MAPK is a Component of the Signal Transduction Pathway Triggering Cold Stress Response in the MED Cryptic Species of Bemisia tabaci

Cold stress responses help insects to survive under low temperatures that would be lethal otherwise.This phenomenon might contribute to the invasion of some Bemisia tabaci cryptic species from subtropical areas to temperate regions.However,the molecular mechanisms regulating cold stress responses in whitefly are yet unclear.Mitogen-activated protein kinases（MAPKs）which including p38,ERK,and JNK,are well known for their roles in regulating metabolic responses to cold stress in many insects.In this study,we explored the possible roles of the MAPKs in response to low temperature stresses in the Mediterranean cryptic species（the Q-biotype）of the B.tabaci species complex.First,we cloned the p38 and ERK genes from the whitefly cDNA library.Next,we analyzed the activation of MAPKs during cold stress in the Mediterranean cryptic species by immuno-blotting.After cold stress,the level of phospho-p38 increased but no significant change was observed in the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK,thus suggesting that the p38 might be responsible for the defense response to low temperature stress.Furthermore,we demonstrated that：i）3 min chilling at 0°C was sufficient for the activation of p38 MAPK pathway in this whitefly;and ii）the amount of phosphorylated p38 increased significantly in the first 20 min of chilling,reversed by 60 min,and then returned to the original level by 120 min.Taken together,our results suggest that the p38 pathway is important during response to low temperature stress in the Mediterranean cryptic species of the B.tabaci species complex.

PrP^C-related signal transduction is influenced by copper, membrane integrity and the alpha cleavage site

The copper-binding, membrane-anchored, cellular prion protein （PrP~） has two constitutive cleavage sites producing distinct N- and C-terminal fragments （N1/C1 and N2/C2）. Using RK13 cells expressing either human PrPc, mouse PrPc or mouse PrP^C carrying the 3F4 epitope, this study explored the influence of the PrP^C primary sequence on endoproteolytic cleavage and one putative PrPc function, MAP kinase signal transduction, in response to exogenous copper with or without a perturbed membrane environment. PrPc primary sequence, especially that around the N1/C1 cleavage site, appeared to influence basal levels of proteolysis at this location and extracellular signal-regulat- ed kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2） phosphorylation, with increased processing demonstrating an inverse relationship with basal ERK1/2 activation. Human PrP^C showed increased N1/C1 cleavage in response to copper alone, accompanied by specific p38 and JNK/SAPK phosphorylation. Combined exposure to copper plus the cholesterol-sequestering antibiotic filipin resulted in a mouse PrP^C-specific substantial increase in signal protein phosphorylation, accompanied by an increase in N1/C1 cleavage. Mouse PrPc harboring the human N1/C1 cleavage site assumed more human-like profiles basally and in response to copper and altered membrane environments. Our results demonstrate that the PrPc pri- mary sequence around the N1/C1 cleavage site influences endoproteolytic processing at this location, which appears linked to MAP kinase signal transduction both basally and in response to copper. Further, the primary sequence appears to confer a mutual dependence of N1/C1 cleavage and membrane integrity on the fidelity of PrP^C-related signal transduction in response to exogenous stimuli.

The Erythropoietin Receptor: Dimerization and Intracellular Signal Transduction

Erythropoietin (EPO), a 34 kD glycopro-tein, is the principal growth factor regulating theproduction of circulating erythrocytes; EPO isessential for committed CFU - E erythroid pro-genitors to divide several times and then to dif-ferentiate into erythrocytes. Like most receptorsfor hematopoietic growth factors, the erythro-poietin receptor (EPO - R) is a type I trans-membrane protein and a member of the cytokinereceptor superfamily. These receptors containfour conserved cysteines and a Trp - Ser - X -

Sericin can reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by activating the Akt signal transduction pathway in a rat model of diabetes mellitus

In the present study, a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was established by continuous peritoneal injection of streptozotocin. Following intragastric perfusion of sericin for 35 days, blood glucose levels significantly reduced, neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region decreased, hippocampal phosphorylated Akt and nuclear factor kappa B expression were enhanced, but Bcl-xL/Bcl-2 associated death promoter expression decreased. Results demonstrated that sericin can reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of diabetes mellitus by regulating abnormal changes in the Akt signal transduction pathway.

Roles of ABA Signal Transduction during Higher Plant Seed Development and Germination

ABA is one of the 5 phytohormones in higher plants, which is also the most important hormone that regulates higher plants in response to environmental stress, by ABA signal transduction. Understanding ABA signal transduction at the molecular level is crucial to biology and ecology, and rational breeding complied with corresponding eco-environmental changes. Great advancements have taken place over the past 10 years by application of the Arabidopsis experimental system. Many components involved in ABA signal transduction have been isolated and identified and a clear overall picture of gene expression and control for this transduction has become an accepted fact. On the basis of the work in our laboratory, in conjunction with the data available at the moment, the authors have attempted to integrate ABA signal transduction pathways into a common one and give some insights into the relationship between ABA signal transduction and other hormone signal transduction pathways, with an emphasis upon the ABA signal transduction during higher plant seed development. A future challenge in this field is that different experimental systems are applied and various receptors and genes need to be characterized through the utilization of microarray chips.

Albiflorin Granule significantly decreased the cholesterol gallstone formation by the regulation of insulin transduction signal

Objective:To study the mechanism of insulin resistance in the cholesterol gallstone formation from insulin signal transduction pathway so as to reveal the possible mechanism and the effective role of Albiflorin Granule on preventing the cholesterol gallstones.Methods:Serum triglycerides(TG),free fatty acid(FFA),and total cholesterol(TC) from different groups were measured and liver cells Ins R,PKB,IKK-β protein expression levels were detected by western blotting.Results:Albiflorin significantly decreased the cholesterol gallstone formation rate,increased glucose infusion rate in gallstone guinea pigs and improved insulin resistance.Compared with the normal group,insulin receptor and PKB protein expression in GS group were significantly reduced.IKK-β protein in the GS group increased significantly and Albiflorin could reduce IKK-β protein expression in guinea pig liver cells.Conclusions:The model of insulin resistance in cholesterol gallstone guinea pig was successfully established,which plays an important role in the cholesterol gallstone formation.All aspects of insulin signaling pathway are involved in gallstone formation.Albiflorin can regulate various aspects of insulin signal transduction pathway to prevent the formation of gallbladder.

CABYR RNAi plasmid construction and NF-κB signal transduction pathway

AIM:To construct the CABYR RNAi plasmid and study its relation with the nuclear factor(NF)-κB signal transduction pathway.METHODS:Human CABYR mRNA sequence was obtained from GenBank.The structure of cDNA sequence for the short hairpin RNA was BbsⅠ+sense+loop+ antisense+transcription terminator+KpnⅠ+Bam HⅠ.A CABYR silencing plasmid was constructed and transfected into the human embryo cell line 293T.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze CABYR and NF-κB gene expression.RESULTS:The CABYR and NF-κB expressions were detected in 293T cells.The oligonucleotide(5'-GCT-CAGATGTTAGGTAAAG-3')efficiently silenced the expression of CABYR.The expression of NF-κB was not significantly affected by silencing CABYR(P=0.743).CONCLUSION:CABYR can be found in the human embryo cell line 293T.Cabyrmid 2 can efficiently silence its target,CABYR,indicating that CABYR is not related with the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.

Rho/Rock signal transduction pathway is required for MSC tenogenic differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cell （MSC）-based treatments have shown promise for improving tendon healing and repair. MSCs have the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages in response to select chemical and physical stimuli, including into tenocytes. Cell elongation and cytoskeletal tension have been shown to be instrumental to the process of MSC differentiation. Previous studies have shown that inhibition of stress fiber formation leads MSCs to default toward an adipogenic lineage, which suggests that stress fibers are required for MSCs to sense the environmental factors that can induce differentiation into tenocytes. As the Rho/ROCK signal transduction pathway plays a critical role in both stress fiber formation and in cell sensation, we examined whether the activation of this pathway was required when inducing MSC tendon differentiation using rope-like silk scaffolds. To accomplish this, we employed a loss-of-function approach by knocking out ROCK, actin and myosin （two other components of the pathway） using the specific inhibitors Y-27632, Latrunculin A and blebbistatin, respectively. We demonstrated that independently disrupting the cytoskeleton and the Rho/ ROCK pathway abolished the expression of tendon differentiation markers and led to a loss of spindle morphology. Together, these studies suggest that the tension that is generated by MSC elongation is essential for MSC teno-differentiation and that the Rho/ROCK pathway is a critical mediator of tendon differentiation on rope-like silk scaffolds.

Influence of CO_2 pneumoperitoneum on intracellular pH and signal transduction in cancer cells

Object: The authors studied the influence of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on intracellular pH and signal transduction arising from cancer cell multiplication in laparoscopic tumor operation. Method: They set up a simulation of pneumoperitoneum under different CO2 pressure, and then measured the variation of intracellular pH (pHi) at different time and the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein phosphatase 2a (PP2a) at the end of the pneumoperitoneum. After 1 week, the concentration of cancer cells in the culture medium was calculated. Result: When the pressure of CO2 pneumoperitoneum was 0, 10, 20, 30 mmHg respectively, the average pHi was 7.273, 7.075, 6.783, 6.693 at the end of the pneumoperitoneum; PKC activity was 159.4, 168.5,178.0, 181.6 nmol/(g.min) and PP2a was 4158.3, 4066.9, 3984.0, 3878.5 nmol/(g.min) respectively. After 1 week, the cancer cells concentration was 2.15×105, 2.03×105, 2.20×105, 2.18×105 L-1. Conclusion: CO2 pneumoperitoneum could promote acidosis in cancer cells, inducing the activation of protein kinase C and deactivation of protein phosphatase 2a, but it could not accelerate the mitosis rate of the cancer cells.

Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase:ion pump,signal transducer,or cytoprotective protein,and novel biological functions

Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a transmembrane protein that has important roles in the maintenance of electrochemical gradients across cell membranes by transporting three Na^(+)out of and two K^(+)into cells.Additionally,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase participates in Ca^(2+)-signaling transduction and neurotransmitter release by coordinating the ion concentration gradient across the cell membrane.Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase works synergistically with multiple ion channels in the cell membrane to form a dynamic network of ion homeostatic regulation and affects cellular communication by regulating chemical signals and the ion balance among different types of cells.Therefo re,it is not surprising that Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction has emerged as a risk factor for a variety of neurological diseases.However,published studies have so far only elucidated the important roles of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction in disease development,and we are lacking detailed mechanisms to clarify how Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase affects cell function.Our recent studies revealed that membrane loss of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a key mechanism in many neurological disorders,particularly stroke and Parkinson's disease.Stabilization of plasma membrane Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase with an antibody is a novel strategy to treat these diseases.For this reason,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase acts not only as a simple ion pump but also as a sensor/regulator or cytoprotective protein,participating in signal transduction such as neuronal autophagy and apoptosis,and glial cell migration.Thus,the present review attempts to summarize the novel biological functions of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase and Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related pathogenesis.The potential for novel strategies to treat Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related brain diseases will also be discussed.

Role of Toll-like receptor 4 and Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription signal transduction pathway in sepsis-induced brain damage

The Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT） signal transduction pathway is involved in sepsis-induced functional damage to the heart, liver, kidney, and other organs. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced brain damage remain elusive. In the present study, we found severe loss of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region in rats with sepsis-induced brain damage following intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin, The expression of toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin-6 was significantly increased in brain tissues following lipopolysaccharide exposure. AG490 （JAK2 antagonist） and rapamycin （STAT3 antagonist） significantly reduced neuronal loss and suppressed the increased expression of toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin-6 in the hippocampal CA1 region in sepsis-induced brain damaged rats. Overall, these data suggest that blockade of the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway is neuroprotective in sepsis-induced brain damage via the inhibition of toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin-6 exoression.

Raf kinase inhibitory protein： a signal transduction modulator and metastasis suppressor

房间有大量的控制维持他们的完整并且阻止随机切换到另外一个一个生物状态。Raf Kinase 禁止的蛋白质(RKIP ) ， phosphatidylethanolamine 绑定蛋白质(PEBP ) 的一个成员家庭，表明工作维持“ yin yang ”或生物系统的平衡的串联的调节的人的一个新类是代表性的。RKIP 禁止地图 kinase (Raf-MEK-ERK ) ，表明串联的 G 联合蛋白质的受体(GPCR ) kinase 和 NFkappaB。因为 RKIP 指向依赖于它磷酸化的状态的不同家族 ases， RKIP 也行动集成多重环境刺激开始的串音。RKIP 的损失或弄空导致正常细胞的壅滞和罐头的混乱导致象癌症那样的 chromosomal 畸形和疾病状态。因为 RKIP 和 PEBP 家庭以前被考察了，这分析的目标是提供更改并且加亮一些 RKIP 的唯一的特征在细胞的发信号的过程的规定使它成为一个批评播放器。

Influence of electroacupuncture on mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Following electroacupuncture at Baihui （DU 20） and Dazhui （DU 14） in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase expression in cerebral cortex and corpus striatum, serum glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase activity, and serum glutathione content were elevated, and neurobehavioral scores improved. However, these effects were antagonized by mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor PD98059. Results indicated that electroacupuncture reversed free radical chain reactions and oxidative stress injury caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, thereby providing neuroprotection. This process could correlate with the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway.

Expression Patterns of OsPIL11,a Phytochrome-Interacting Factor in Rice,and Preliminary Analysis of Its Roles in Light Signal Transduction

The expression patterns of OsPILll, one of six putative phytochrome-interacting factors, were analyzed in different organs of transgenic tobacco （Nicotiana tabacum）. The expression of OsPIL 11 was organ-specific and was regulated by leaf development, abscisic acid （ABA）, jasmonic acid （JA） and salicylic acid （SA）. To further explore the role of OsPIL 11 in plant light signal transduction, a plant expression vector of OsPILll was constructed and introduced into tobacco. When grown under continuous red light, OsPILll-overexpressed transgenic tobacco exhibited shorter hypocotyls and larger cotyledons and leaves compared to wild-type seedlings. When grown under continuous far-red light, however, transgenic and wild-type seedlings showed similar phenotypes. These results indicate that OsPILll is involved in red light induced de-etiolation, but not in far-red light induced de-etiolation in transgenic tobacco, which lays the foundation for dissecting the function of OsPIL11 in phytochrome-mediated light signal transduction in rice.

Effects of Zhichan powder on signal transduction and apoptosis-associated gene expression in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease rats

Previous studies have shown that Zhichan powder elevated immunity and suppressed oxidation in mice. Rat models of Parkinson＇s disease were induced by stereotaxically injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra. The rat models were intragastrically treated with Zhichan powder, which is composed of milkvetch root, ginseng, bunge swallowwort root, himalayan teasel root. Magnolia officinalis, Ligustrum lucidum Ait. and szechwan Iovage rhizome. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cvtochrome C, Bax, casDase-3, and p53 significantly increased, but Bcl-2 expression significantly decreased in the substantia nigra of rats with Parkinson＇s disease. Following Zhichan powder administration, mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3, and p53 diminished, but Bcl-2 expression increased in the rat substantia nigra. These results indicate that Zhichan powder regulates signal transduction protein expression, inhibits apoptosis, and exerts therapeutic effects on Parkinson＇s disease.

Chronic Hyperinsulinism Induced Down-regulation of Insulin Post-Receptor Signaling Transduction in Hep G2 Cells

To study the regulatory effect of acute and chronic insulin treatmenton insulin post- re- ceptor signaling transduction pathway in a human hepatom a cell line (Hep G2 ) ,Hep G2 cells were incubated in the presence or absence of insulin with different concentrations in serum free m edia for16 h and then stim ulated with10 0 nmol/ L insulin for1m in.Protein levels of insulin receptor β- subunit(IRβ) ,insulin receptor substrate- 1(IRS- 1) and p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol3- kinase(PI3- kinase) were determined in total cell lysates by Western- im munoblot.Phosphorylat- ed proteins IRβ,IRS- 1and interaction of PI3- kinase with IRS- 1were determ ined by im munopre- cipitation.Results showed that 1- min insulin stimulation rapidly induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRβ and IRS- 1,which in turn,resulting in association of PI 3- kinase with IRS- 1.1- 10 0 nm ol/ L chronic insulin treatment induced a dose- dependent decrease in the protein level of IRβ and a slight decrease in the protein level of IRS- 1.There was a m ore marked reduction in the phospho- rylation of IRβ,IRS- 1,reaching a nadir of2 2 % (P<0 .0 1) and15 % (P<0 .0 1) of control lev- els,respectively,after16 h treatment with 10 0 nm ol/ L insulin.The association between IRS- 1 and PI3- kinase was decreased by6 6 % (P<0 .0 1) .There was no significant change in PI3- ki- nase protein levels. These data suggest that chronic insulin treatm ent can induce alterations of IRβ,IRS- 1and PI 3- kinase three early steps in insulin action,which contributes significantly to insulin resistance,and may account for desensitization of insulin action.

Systemic Acquired Resistance and Signal Transduction in Plant

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR), known as the broad-spectrum, inducible plant immunity, is a defense response triggered by pathogen infection. The response starts from the recognition of plant resistance (R) with the corresponding avirulence (avr) gene from the pathogen. There are some genes for convergence of signals downstream of different R/avr interacting partners into a single signaling pathway. Salicylic acid (SA) is required for the induction of SAR and involved in transducing the signal in target tissues. The SA signal is transduced through NPR1, a nuclear-localized protein that interacts with transcription factors that are involved in regulating SA-mediated gene expression. Some chemicals that mimic natural signaling compounds can also activate SAR. The application of biochemical activators to agriculture for plant protection is a novel idea for developing green chemical pesticide.