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.

Involvement of cAMP in ABA Signal Transduction in Tobacco Suspension Cells

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays an important role in plant growth and developmental processes. Although some ABA signal molecules, such as cADPR, Ca2+, etc., have been reported, there. was no evidence proving the involvement of cAMP in A-B-A, signal transduction. In this present study, the constructed gene ( rd29A-GUS) was transformed into Nicotiana tabacum, and calli was induced from the transgenic plant. The suspension cells obtained from the callus grew well and uniformly. Treatment of the suspension cells with ABA led to an increase in GUS activity, indicating that these transgenic suspension cells are useful for the study of ABA signaling. Addition of nicotinamide (cADPR inhibitor) or U-73122 (phospholiphase C inhibitor) could only partially inhibit the increase of GUS activity elicited by ABA. The inhibitory effect of nicotinamide was enhanced by application of K252a (inhibitor of protein kinase). Treatment of the suspension cells with 8-Br-cAMP, a membrane-permeable analogue of cAMP, could partially replace the effect of ABA. Furthermore, intracellular addition of IBMX (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) mimicked die effect of exogenous cAMP on the deduction of expression of rd29A promoter. These results suggested that cAMP was an important messenger in ABA signal transduction in tobacco suspension cell.

The roles of the proteasome pathway in signal transduction and neurodegenerative diseases

There are two degradation systems in mammalian cells, autophagy/lysosomal pathway and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Proteasome is consist of multiple protein subunits and plays important roles in degradation of short-lived cellular proteins. Recent studies reveal that proteasomal degradation system is also involved in signal transduction and regulation of various cellular functions. Dysfunction or dysregulation of proteasomal function may thus be an important pathogenic mechanism in certain neurological disorders. This paper reviews the biological functions of proteasome in signal transduction and its potential roles in neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

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.

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 -

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

Cells have a multitude of controls to maintain their integrity and prevent random switching from one biological state to another. Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein （RKIP）, a member of the phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein （PEBP） family, is representative of a new class of modulators of signaling cascades that function to maintain the “yin yang” or balance of biological systems. RKIP inhibits MAP kinase （Raf-MEK-ERK）, G protein-coupled receptor （GPCR） kinase and NFkB signaling cascades. Because RKIP targets different kinases dependent upon its state ofphosphorylation, RKIP also acts to integrate crosstalk initiated by multiple environmental stimuli. Loss or depletion of RKIP results in disruption of the normal cellular stasis and can lead to chromosomal abnormalities and disease states such as cancer. Since RKIP and the PEBP family have been reviewed previously, the goal of this analysis is to provide an update and highlight some of the unique features of RKIP that make it a critical player in the regulation of cellular signaling processes.

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.

The brassinosteroid signal transduction pathway

Steroids function as signaling molecules in both animals and plants. While animal steroid hormones are perceived by nuclear receptor family of transcription factors, brassinosteroids （BR） in plants are perceived by a cell surface receptor kinase, BRI 1. Recent studies have demonstrated that BR binding to the extracellular domain of BRI 1 induces kinase activation and dimerization with another receptor kinase, BAKI. Activated BRI 1 or BAKI then regulate, possibly indirectly, the activities of BIN2 kinase and/or BSU 1 phosphatase, which directly regulate the phosphorylation status and nuclear accumulation of two homologous transcription factors, BZRI and BES 1. BZRI and BES 1 directly bind to promoters of BR responsive genes to regulate their expression. The BR signaling pathway has become a paradigm for both receptor kinase signaling in plants and steroid signaling by cell surface receptors in general.

Primary evidence for involvement of IP_(3) in heat-shock signal transduction in Arabidopsis

The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate （IP3） in transducing heat-shock （HS） signals was examined in Arabidopsis. The whole-plant IP3 level increased within 1 min of HS at 37℃. After 3 min of HS, the IP3 level reached a maximum 2.5 fold increase. Using the transgenic Arabidopsis plants that have AtHsp 18.2 promoter-β-glucuronidase （GUS） fusion gene, it was found that the level of GUS activity was up-regulated by the addition of caged IP3 at both non-HS and HS temperatures and was down-regulated by the phospholipase C （PLC） inhibitors {1-[6-（（ 1713-3-Methoxyestra-1,3,5（10）-trien- 7-yl）amino）hexyl]-2,5-pyrrolidinedione } （U-73122）. The intracellular-free calcium ion concentration （[Ca^2＋]i） increased during HS at 37℃ in suspension-cultured Arabidopsis cells expressing apoaequorin. Treatment with U-73122 prevented the increase of [Ca^2＋]i to some extent. Above results provided primary evidence for the possible involvement of IP3 in HS signal transduction in higher plants.

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.

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.

Interaction of major genes predisposing to hepatocellular carcinoma with genes encoding signal transduction pathways influences tumor phenotype and prognosis

Studies on rodents and humans demonstrate an inherited predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Analysis of the molecular alterations involved in the acquisition of a phenotype resistant or susceptible to hepatocarcinogenesis showed a deregulation of G1 and S phases in HCC of genetically susceptible F344 rats and a G1-S block in lesions of resistant Brown norway （BN） rats. Unrestrained extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） activity linked to proteasomal degradation of dual-specificity phosphatase 1 （DUSP1）, a specific ERK inhibitor, by the CKS1-SKP2 ubiquitin ligase complex occurs in more aggressive HCC of F344 rats and humans. This mechanism is less active in HCC of BN rats and human HCC with better prognosis. Upregulation of iNos cross-talk with IKK/NF-KB and RAS/ERK pathways occurs in rodent liver lesions at higher levels in the most aggressive models represented by HCC of F344 rats and c-Myc-TGF-α transgenic mice. iNOS, IKK/NF-κB, and RAS/ERK upregulation is highest in human HCC with a poorer prognosis and positively correlates with tumor proliferation, genomic instability and microvascularization, and negatively with apoptosis. Thus, cell cycle regulation and the activity of signal transduction pathways seem to be modulated by HCC modifier genes, and differences in their efficiency influence the susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenesis and probably the prognosis of human HCC.

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.

Molecular signal transduction in vascular cell apoptosis

Apoptosis is a form of genetically programmed cell death, which plays a key role in regulation of cellularity in a variety of tissue and cell types including the cardiovascular tissues. Under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, various biophysiological and biochemical factors, including mechanical forces, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cytokines, growth factors, oxidized lipoproteins, etc., may influence apoptosis of vascular cells. The Fas/Fas ligand/caspase death-signaling pathway, Bcl-2 protein family/mitochondria, the tumor suppressive gene p53, and the proto-oncogene c-myc may be activated in atherosclerotic lesions, and mediates vascular apoptosis during the development of atherosclerosis. Abnormal expression and dysfunction of these apoptosis-regulating genes may attenuate or accelerate vascular cell apoptosis and affect the integrity and stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Clarification of the molecular mechanism that regulates apoptosis may help design a new strategy for treatment of atherosclerosis and its major complication, the acute vascular syndromes.