Crosslink among cyclin-dependent kinase 9,ATP binding cassette transporter G2 and Beclin 1 in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC)ranks third in the number of cancers mainly because of the inability to diagnose it at an early stage.The pathogenesis of CRC is complicated,which is the result of the complex interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors.Currently,one of the main treatments for CRC is chemotherapy.But the primary cause of CRC treatment failure is drug resistance.The expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 9(CDK9)was correlated with elevated autophagy levels in colon cancer,and high expression of CDK9 indicates a poor prognosis in CRC.The incidence of autophagy and the expressions of Beclin 1 and ATP binding cassette transporter G2 are different in left and right colon cancer,and autophagy may be involved in the occurrence of chemotherapy resistance.In this article,the roles of CDK9,ATP binding cassette transporter G2 and Beclin 1 in CRC were elucidated,emphasizing the linkages among them and providing potential therapeutic targets of CRC.

Inhibition of Cyclin F Promotes Cellular Senescence through Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1-mediated Cell Cycle Regulation

Objective Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma(KIRC)is a common renal malignancy that has a poor prognosis.As a member of the F box family,cyclin F(CCNF)plays an important regulatory role in normal tissues and tumors.However,the underlying mechanism by which CCNF promotes KIRC proliferation still remains unclear.Methods Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database to obtain gene expression and clinical prognosis data.The CCK8 assay,EdU assay,and xenograft assay were used to detect cell proliferation.The cell senescence and potential mechanism were assessed by SA-β-gal staining,Western blotting,as well as ELISA.Results Our data showed that CCNF was highly expressed in KIRC patients.Meanwhile,downregulation of CCNF inhibited cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro.Further studies showed that the reduction of CCNF promoted cell senescence by decreasing cyclin-dependent kinase 1(CDK1),increasing the proinflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-8,and then enhancing the expression of p21 and p53.Conclusion We propose that the high expression of CCNF in KIRC may play a key role in tumorigenesis by regulating cell senescence.Therefore,CCNF shows promise as a new biomarker to predict the clinical prognosis of KIRC patients and as an effective therapeutic target.

MicroRNA-298 determines the radio-resistance of colorectal cancer cells by directly targeting human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A

BACKGROUND Radiotherapy stands as a promising therapeutic modality for colorectal cancer(CRC);yet,the formidable challenge posed by radio-resistance significantly undermines its efficacy in achieving CRC remission.AIM To elucidate the role played by microRNA-298(miR-298)in CRC radio-resistance.METHODS To establish a radio-resistant CRC cell line,HT-29 cells underwent exposure to 5 gray ionizing radiation that was followed by a 7-d recovery period.The quantification of miR-298 levels within CRC cells was conducted through quantitative RT-PCR,and protein expression determination was realized through Western blotting.Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and proliferation by clonogenic assay.Radio-induced apoptosis was discerned through flow cytometry analysis.RESULTS We observed a marked upregulation of miR-298 in radio-resistant CRC cells.MiR-298 emerged as a key determinant of cell survival following radiation exposure,as its overexpression led to a notable reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis.Intriguingly,miR-298 expression exhibited a strong correlation with CRC cell viability.Further investigation unveiled human dual-specificity tyrosine(Y)-regulated kinase 1A(DYRK1A)as miR-298’s direct target.CONCLUSION Taken together,our findings underline the role played by miR-298 in bolstering radio-resistance in CRC cells by means of DYRK1A downregulation,thereby positioning miR-298 as a promising candidate for mitigating radioresistance in CRC.

Diabetes and high-glucose could upregulate the expression of receptor for activated C kinase 1 in retina

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a major ocular complication of diabetes mellitus,leading to visual impairment.Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)injury is a key component of the outer blood retinal barrier,and its damage is an important indicator of DR.Receptor for activated C kinase 1(RACK1)activates protein kinase C-ε(PKC-ε)to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in RPE cells,leading to apoptosis.Therefore,we hypothesize that the activation of RACK1 under hypoxic/high-glucose conditions may promote RPE cell apoptosis by modulating PKC-ε/ROS,thereby disrupting the barrier effect of the outer blood retinal barrier and contributing to the progression of DR.AIM To investigate the role and associated underlying mechanisms of RACK1 in the development of early DR.METHODS In this study,Sprague-Dawley rats and adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19)cells were used as in vivo and in vitro models,respectively,to explore the role of RACK1 in mediating PKC-εin early DR.Furthermore,the impact of RACK1 on apoptosis and barrier function of RPE cells was also investigated in the former model.RESULTS Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed increased apoptosis and upregulated expression of RACK1 and PKC-εproteins in RPE cells following a prolonged modeling.Similarly,ARPE-19 cells exposed to high glucose and hypoxia displayed elevated mRNA and protein levels of RACK1 and PKC-ε,accompanied by an increases in ROS production,apoptosis rate,and monolayer permeability.However,silencing RACK1 significantly downregulated the expression of PKC-εand ROS,reduced cell apoptosis and permeability,and protected barrier function.CONCLUSION RACK1 plays a significant role in the development of early DR and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for DR by regulating RPE apoptosis and barrier function.

Death-associated protein kinase 1 is associated with cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder

We previously showed that death-associated protein kinase 1(DAPK1)expression is increased in hippocampal tissue in a mouse model of major depressive disorde and is related to cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.In addition,depression is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease,as well as an early clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease.Meanwhile,cognitive dysfunction is a distinctive feature of major depressive disorder.Therefore,DAPK1 may be related to cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder.In this study,we established a mouse model of major depressive disorder by housing mice individually and exposing them to chronic,mild,unpredictable stressors.We found that DAPK1 and tau protein levels were increased in the hippocampal CA3 area,and tau was hyperphosphorylated at Thr231,Ser262,and Ser396 in these mice.Furthermore,DAPK1 shifted from axonal expression to overexpression on the cell membrane.Exercise and treatment with the antidepressant drug citalopram decreased DAPK1 expression and tau protein phosphorylation in hippocampal tissue and improved both depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.These results indicate that DAPK1 may be a potential reason and therapeutic target of cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder.

Overexpression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 in endothelial cells reduces blood-brain barrier injury in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke can cause blood-brain barrier(BBB)injury,which worsens brain damage induced by stroke.Abnormal expression of tight junction proteins in endothelial cells(ECs)can increase intracellular space and BBB leakage.Selective inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase,the negative regulatory substrate of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase(MKP)-1,improves tight junction protein function in ECs,and genetic deletion of MKP-1 aggravates ischemic brain injury.However,whether the latter affects BBB integrity,and the cell type-specific mechanism underlying this process,remain unclear.In this study,we established an adult male mouse model of ischemic stroke by occluding the middle cerebral artery for 60 minutes and overexpressed MKP-1 in ECs on the injured side via lentiviral transfection before stroke.We found that overexpression of MKP-1 in ECs reduced infarct volume,reduced the level of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and chemokine C-C motif ligand-2,inhibited vascular injury,and promoted the recovery of sensorimotor and memory/cognitive function.Overexpression of MKP-1 in ECs also inhibited the activation of cerebral ischemia-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2 and the downregulation of occludin expression.Finally,to investigate the mechanism by which MKP-1 exerted these functions in ECs,we established an ischemic stroke model in vitro by depriving the primary endothelial cell of oxygen and glucose,and pharmacologically inhibited the activity of MKP-1 and ERK1/2.Our findings suggest that MKP-1 inhibition aggravates oxygen and glucose deprivation-induced cell death,cell monolayer leakage,and downregulation of occludin expression,and that inhibiting ERK1/2 can reverse these effects.In addition,co-inhibition of MKP-1 and ERK1/2 exhibited similar effects to inhibition of ERK1/2.These findings suggest that overexpression of MKP-1 in ECs can prevent ischemia-induced occludin downregulation and cell death via deactivating ERK1/2,thereby protecting the integrity of BBB,alleviating brain injury,and improving post-stroke prognosis.

Deleted in liver cancer 1 suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells through inhibiting Rho-associated protein kinase pathway

Objective:Deleted in liver cancer 1(DLC1)is a GTPase-activating protein that is reported as a suppressor in certain human cancers.However,the detailed biological function of DLC1 is still unclear in human prostate cancer(PCa).In the present study,we aimed to explore the function of DLC1 in PCa cells.Methods:Silencing and overexpression of DLC1 were induced in an androgen-sensitive PCa cell line(LNCaP)using RNA interference and lentiviral vector transduction.The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to determine cell proliferation.The cell cycle was examined by performing a propidium iodide staining assay.Results:Our results indicated that DLC1 overexpression markedly suppressed the proliferation and cell cycle progression of LNCaP cells.Moreover,DLC1 expression was negatively correlated with Rho-associated protein kinase(ROCK)expression in LNCaP cells.Importantly,this study showed that the ROCK inhibitor Y27632 restored the function of DLC1 in LNCaP cells and reduced the tumorigenicity of LNCaP cells in vivo.Conclusion:Our results indicated that DLC1 overexpression markedly suppressed the proliferation and cell cycle progression of PCa cells and negatively correlated with ROCK expression in PCa cells and tissue.

Suppressing high mobility group box-1 release alleviates morphine tolerance via the adenosine5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 pathway

Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.

Expression of cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 in the hippocampus of vascular dementia mice after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

BACKGROUND： The p25-activated cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 （Cdk5） may induce neuronal cell death and cause the development of dementia following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. OBJECTIVE： To observe changes in the expression of Cdk5 and p25 in hippocampal tissue of vascular dementia mice at different time points following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled animal experiment was performed in the clinical trial center of Hebei Provincial People＇s Hospital between September 2007 and October 2008. MATERIALS： Cdk5 rabbit anti-mouse polyclonal antibody, p35 rabbit anti-mouse polyclonal antibody, and β-actin mouse monoclonal antibody were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA; horseradish peroxidase-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG and horseradish peroxidase-labeled goat anti-mice IgG were offered by Beijing Zhongshan Geldenbridye Biotechnology Co.,Ltd., China; the protein quantitative kit was produced by Applygen Gene Technology Corp., Beijing, China; cDNA reverse transcription and PCR amplification reagents were products of TianGen＆ Biotech （Beijing） Co.,Ltd., China. METHODS： One hundred and sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into two groups： a sham-operated group （n = 65） and a model group （n = 95）. Vascular dementia was induced with three periods of transient ischemia and reperfusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries. In the sham-operated group, the bilateral common carotid arteries were not blocked. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Behavioral tests were done at four and six weeks post surgery. Pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining Cdk5 mRNA expression was examined by RT-PCR, and Western blots were used to evaluate Cdk5 and p25 expression. Learning and memory performance were assayed using the Morris water maze. RESULTS： Vascular dementia reduced learning and memory performance at 4 and 6 weeks post surgery. Vascular dementia also caused severe, time-dependent neuronal damage and death in the hippocampal CA1 region. Dementia induction also increased mRNA and protein expression of Cdk5 and p25 at both 4 and 6 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION： Cdk5/p25 is involved in the development of vascular dementia in mice following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 is required for suppressing D1-dependent signaling mediated through muscarinic 4 in isolated medium spiny neurons

OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated acetylcholine muscarinic 4(M4) receptor regulates DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75 in isolated medium spiny neurons(MSNs),indicating antagonistic mechanism with D1 dependent signal cascade,but the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclearly.In this study,we investigated the roles of M4 receptor in modulation D1 dependent signal to integrate striatal DA inputs in isolated MSNs.METHODS(1)Lentivirus technology was employed to genetically knock down the M4 receptor of MSNs;(2) Apomorphine(APO),acts as a dopamine receptor agonist,while SCH23390,acts as a selective antagonist for D1,were used to study the pharmacologically profiles with D1 receptor stimulation or blockade,respectively.Then the no subtype-selective muscarinic agonist oxotremorine M(OX) were used to show that mAchRs activation,in order to dissect the particular function of M4,a selective M4 antagonist,MT3 was used;(3) Intracellular cAMP production of MSNs was measured by using time resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer detection method;(4) Laser confocal was used to explore the expression of M4 and D1 in MSNs;(5) Immunofluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting were used to confirm the alteration of signaling molecular including P-CREB,DARPP-32 P-Thr34,DARPP-32 P-Thr75,cyclin-dependent kinase 5(CDK5) as wel as p25/35,which are involved in DA-dependent signaling modulations.RESULTS Firstly,TR-FRET assay revealed APO(10-2 mol·L^(-1))significantly increased the level of intracellular cAMP(vs control,n=3,P<0.01),also Western blotting results showed that APO(10-6 mol · L^(-1))increased DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation(vs control,n=3,P<0.01),and these effect were reversed by D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390(vs APO,n=3,P<0.01).Interestingly,we confirmed that OX(10-6 mol · L^(-1)) down-regulated APO-induced DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation(vs APO,n=3,P<0.01),due to its effects on DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75.The results presented the antagonistic mechanism of mAchRs stimulation with D1 dependent signal cascade in MSNs.Meanwhile,OX(10-7,10-6 and10^(-5) mol·L^(-1)) stimulated DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75,and simultaneously up regulated P25/35 and CDK5 activity(vs control,n=3,P<0.01) by using Western blotting assay.Furthermore,roscovitine(10^(-5) mol · L^(-1)),acts as a CDK5 inhibitor,suppressed CDK5 activity(vs control,n=10,P<0.01),and fully inhibited OX-induced DARPP-32 Thr75 phosphorylation(vs OX,n=10,P<0.01).More important,pretreated with roscovitine(10^(-5) mol·L^(-1)),the effect of APO on DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation was potentiated(vs APO,n=3,P<0.05).The result presented CDK5 is required in suppression of APO on DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation mediated through mAchRs stimulation.In addition,laser confocal results showed that the CDK5 up-regulation was mostly confined to MSNs co-expressing M4,which means that M4 participated in CDK5-mediated phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr75.Consistently,immunofluorescence and Western blotting results confirmed that both genetic knockdown and pharmacologic inhibition of M4 receptors with MT3(10-7 mol · L^(-1)) down-regulated the OX-induced the expression of CDK5(vs OX,n=3,P<0.01) and P25/35(vs OX,n=3,P<0.01)in isolated MSNs.CONCLUSION M4 receptor may play an important role in antagonistic regulation D1 dependent signaling,in which CDK5 is required for suppressing D1-DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation in isolated medium spiny neurons.

Low Selenium and Low Protein Exacerbate Myocardial Damage in Keshan Disease by Affecting the PINK1/Parkin-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy Pathway

Objective Keshan disease(KD)is a myocardial mitochondrial disease closely related to insufficient selenium(Se)and protein intake.PTEN induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin mediated mitochondrial autophagy regulates various physiological and pathological processes in the body.This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between PINK1/Parkin-regulated mitochondrial autophagy and KD-related myocardial injury.Methods A low Se and low protein animal model was established.One hundred Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups(control group,low Se group,low protein group,low Se+low protein group,and corn from KD area group).The JC-1 method was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP).ELISA was used to detect serum creatine kinase MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),and mitochondrial-glutamicoxalacetic transaminase(M-GOT)levels.RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of PINK1,Parkin,sequestome 1(P62),and microtubule-associated proteins1A/1B light chain 3B(MAP1LC3B).Results The MMP was significantly decreased and the activity of CK-MB,cTnI,and M-GOT significantly increased in each experimental group(low Se group,low protein group,low Se+low protein group and corn from KD area group)compared with the control group(P<0.05 for all).The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1,Parkin and MAP1LC3B were profoundly increased,and those of P62 markedly decreased in the experimental groups compared with the control group(P<0.05 for all).Conclusion Low Se and low protein levels exacerbate myocardial damage in KD by affecting the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy pathway.

Modulatory Effect of Rg_1 on the Activity of ProteinTyrosine Kinase of Lymphocytes in the Elderly

The effect of Rg1,a saponin extracted froin Panax ginseng, on the phenotype,receptor and the activity of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) of lymphocytes isolated from 7 healthy oldpersons were studied. The CD25, CD45RA and CD45RO phenotypes of lymphocytes were 4eter-mined by indirect immunofluorescence technique. The percentage of CD25, CD45RA and CD45ROpositive lymphocytes was 38.3%±17.3%, 46.0% 15.1%, and 52.6%±14.1% respectively after incu-bation with PHA (5 μ±/ml) for 72 hours. However, there were 58.0%±12.5%, CD25, 64.1% ± 12.4%,CD45RA, and 74.0%±8.0%, CD45RO positive cells in the presence of Rg, ( 1μg/ml) along with PHA(5 μg/ml) over the sanie period of incubation. A significant increase was induced by Rgi (P<0.05).The activities of PTK in the cytoplasm and membrane of lymphocytes were measured by ELISAmcthod after incubation with PHA or PHA+Rg1. The absorbance value of PTK activity in cytoplasmafter 72 hr incubation was 0. 120±0.020 in PHA group, but 0. 1 38±0.015 in PHA+Rg1 group. In thelymphocyte membrane, it was 0.374± 0.060 in PHA group and 0.403 ± 0.008 in PHA+Rg1 group(P<0.001). These results showed that Rgi significantly arid simultaneously increased both the PT Kactivity and the expression of phenotype of lymphocytes.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 protects PC12 cells from amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity

The mitogen-activated protein kinase（MAPK） signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, transformation and death. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1（MKP1） has an inhibitory effect on the p38 MAPK and JNK pathways, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in Aβ-induced oxidative stress and neuronal inflammation. In this study, PC12 cells were infected with MKP1 sh RNA, MKP1 lentivirus or control lentivirus for 12 hours, and then treated with 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 μM amyloid beta 42（Aβ42）. The cell survival rate was measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay. MKP1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha（TNF-α） and interleukin-1β（IL-1β） m RNA expression levels were analyzed using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. MKP1 and phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） expression levels were assessed using western blot assay. Reactive oxygen species（ROS） levels were detected using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using flow cytometry. Superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde levels were evaluated using the colorimetric method. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was measured using a microplate reader. Caspase-3 expression levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d UTP nick end labeling method. MKP1 overexpression inhibited Aβ-induced JNK phosphorylation and the increase in ROS levels. It also suppressed the Aβ-induced increase in TNF-α and IL-1β levels as well as apoptosis in PC12 cells. In contrast, MKP1 knockdown by RNA interference aggravated Aβ-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell damage in PC12 cells. Furthermore, the JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 abolished this effect of MKP1 knockdown on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Collectively, these results show that MKP1 mitigates Aβ-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway, thereby playing a neuroprotective role.

Interleukin-1 beta up-regulates tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA and phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase and p38 in hepatic stellate cells

AIM： To study the relationship between interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） up-regulating tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （TIMMP-1） mRNA expression and phosphorylation of both c-jun N-terminal kinase （INK） and p38 in rat heffatic stellate cells （HSC）. METHODS： RT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA in rat HSC. Western blot was performed to measure IL-1β-induced JNK and p38 activities in rat HSC. RESULTS： TIMMP-1 mRNA expression （1.191± 0.079） was much higher after treatment with IL-1β （10 ng/mL） for 24 h than in control group （0.545±0.091） （P〈0.01）. IL-1β activated INK and p38 in a time-dependent manner. After stimulation with IL-1β for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min, the INK activity was 0.982±0.299, 1.501±0.720, 2.133±0.882, 3.360±0.452, 2.181±0.789, and 1.385 ± 0.368, respectively. There was a significant difference in JNK activity at 15 min （P〈 0.01）, 30 min （P〈 0.01） and 60 min （P〈0.01） in comparison to that at 0 min. The p38 activity was 1.061±0.310, 2.050±0.863, 2.380±0.573, 2.973±0.953, 2.421±0.793, and 1.755 ± 0.433 at the 6 time points （0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min） respectively. There was a significant difference in p38 activity at 5 min （P〈0.05）, 15 min （P〈0.01）, 30 min （P〈0.01） and 60 min （P〈0.01） compared to that at 0 min. TIMMP-1 mRNA expression trended to decrease in 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SP600125 （10 μmol/L, 1.022±0.113; 20 μmol/L, 0.869±0.070; 40 μmol/L, 0.666±0.123）. Their decreases were all significant （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, P〈0.01） in comparison to control group （without SP600125 treatment, 1.163±0.107）. In the other 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SB203580 （10 μmol/L, 1.507±0.099; 20 μmol/L, 1.698±0.107; 40 μmol/L, 1.857±0.054）, the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA increased. Their levels were higher than those in the control group （without SB203580 treatment, 1.027 ± 0.061） with a significant statistical significance （P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： IL-1β has a direct action on hepatic fibrosis by up-regulating TIMMP-1 mRNA expression in ratessionin in rate HSC.JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs） are involved in IL-1β-induced TIMMP-1 gene expression, and play a distinct role in this process, indicating that p38 and .INK pathways cooperatively mediate TIMP-1 mRNA expression in rat HSC.

Fungus induces the release of IL- 8 in human corneal epithelial cells, via Dectin-1-mediated protein kinase C pathways

AIM: To identify whether Aspergillus fumigatus(A.fumigatus) hyphae antigens induced the release of interleukin-8(IL-8) in anti-fungal innate immunity of cultured human corneal epithelial cells(HCECs) and determine the involvement of intracellular signalling pathways. METHODS: HCECs were treated with A. fumigatus hyphae antigens with different concentrations and time.The cytoplasmic calcium of HCECs were assessed by fluorescence imaging. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Ca2 +-dependent protein kinase C(PKC). The IL-8 levels were determined by specific human IL-8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Using a series of pharmacological inhibitors, we examined the upstream signalling pathway responsible for IL-8 expression in response to A.fumigatus hyphae antigens. RESULTS: Cells exposed to A. fumigatus hyphae antigens showed higher level of IL-8 m RNA expression and protein production. We demonstrated here that stimulation of HCECs with A. fumigatus hyphae triggers an intracellular Ca2 +flux and results in the activation of Ca2 +-dependent PKC(α, βⅠ and βⅡ) which can be attenuated by pre-treatment of cells with laminarin,suggesting that Dectin-1 signals pathway induced cytoplasmic calcium and influence the activation of PKC in HCECs. Inhibitors of Ca2 +-dependent PKC(Ro-31-8220 and Go6976) significantly abolished hyphae-induced expression of IL-8.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that A. fumigatushyphae-induced IL-8 expression was regulated by the activation of Dectin-1-mediated Ca2 +-dependent PKC in HCECs.

PTEN-induced kinase 1-induced dynamin-related protein 1 Ser637 phosphorylation reduces mitochondrial fission and protects against intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND Intestinal ischemia reperfusion(I/R)occurs in various diseases,such as trauma and intestinal transplantation.Excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation and subsequent apoptotic cell death in intestinal epithelia are important causes of I/R injury.PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)and phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1)are critical regulators of ROS and apoptosis.However,the correlation of PINK1 and DRP1 and their function in intestinal I/R injury have not been investigated.Thus,examining the PINK1/DRP1 pathway may help to identify a protective strategy and improve the patient prognosis.AIM To clarify the mechanism of the PINK1/DRP1 pathway in intestinal I/R injury.METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were used to generate an intestinal I/R model via superior mesenteric artery occlusion followed by reperfusion.Chiu’s score was used to evaluate intestinal mucosa damage.The mitochondrial fission inhibitor mdivi-1 was administered by intraperitoneal injection.Caco-2 cells were incubated in vitro in hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions.Small interfering RNAs and overexpression plasmids were transfected to regulate PINK1 expression.The protein expression levels of PINK1,DRP1,p-DRP1 and cleaved caspase 3 were measured by Western blotting.Cell viability was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and cell apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining.Mitochondrial fission and ROS were tested by MitoTracker and MitoSOX respectively.RESULTS Intestinal I/R and Caco-2 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation decreased the expression of PINK1 and p-DRP1 Ser637.Pretreatment with mdivi-1 inhibited mitochondrial fission,ROS generation,and apoptosis and ameliorated cell injury in intestinal I/R.Upon PINK1 knockdown or overexpression in vitro,we found that p-DRP1 Ser637 expression and DRP1 recruitment to the mitochondria were associated with PINK1.Furthermore,we verified the physical combination of PINK1 and p-DRP1 Ser637.CONCLUSION PINK1 is correlated with mitochondrial fission and apoptosis by regulating DRP1 phosphorylation in intestinal I/R.These results suggest that the PINK1/DRP1 pathway is involved in intestinal I/R injury,and provide a new approach for prevention and treatment.

Role of Activator Protein-1 in the Transcription of Interleukin-5 Gene Regulated by Protein Kinase C Signal in Asthmatic Human TLymphocytes

Summary: In order to explore the role of activator protein-1 (AP-1) in the transcription of interleukin-5 (IL-5) gene regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) signal in peripheral blood T lymphocytes from asthmatic patient, T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from peripheral blood of each asthmatic patient. The T lymphocytes were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (blank control), group B (treated with PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)), Group C (treated with PMA and AP-1 cis-element decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (decoy ODNs)), and group D (treated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs). The ODNs were transfected into the T cells of group C and D by cation liposome respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to assess IL-5 mRNA expression, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) for the activation of AP-1. The results showed that the activation of AP-1 (88 003.58±1 626.57) and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (0.8300±0.0294) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly higher than these in blank control (20 888.47±1103.56 and 0.3050±0.0208, respectively, P< 0.01), while the indexes (23 219.83±1 024.86 and 0.3425±0.0171 respectively) of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 decoy ODNs were significantly inhibited, as compared with group B (P< 0.01). The indexes (87 107.41±1 342.92 and 0.8225±0.0222, respectively) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs did not exhibit significant changes, as compared with group B (P>0.05). The significant positive correlation was found between the activation of AP-1 and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (P< 0.01). It was concluded that AP-1 might participate in the signal transduction of PKC-triggered transcription of IL-5 gene in asthmatic T lymphocytes. This suggests the activation of PKC/AP-1 signal transduction cascade of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Sphingosine kinase 1 dependent protein kinase C-δ activation plays an important role in acute liver failure in mice

AIM: To investigate the role of protein kinase C(PKC)-δ activation in the pathogenesis of acute liver failure(ALF) in a well-characterized mouse model of D-galactosamine(D-Gal N)/lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALF.METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to five groups, and ALF was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of D-Ga IN(600 mg/kg) and LPS(10 μg/kg). Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels at different time points within one week were determined using a multiparameteric analyzer. Serum levels of high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 as well as nuclear factor(NF)-κB activity were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatic morphological changes at 36 h after ALF induction were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of PKC-δ in liver tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) was analyzed by Western blot.RESULTS: The expression and activation of PKC-δ were up-regulated in liver tissue and PBMCs of mice with D-Gal N/LPS-induced ALF. Inhibition of PKC-δ activation with rottlerin significantly increased the survival rates and decreased serum ALT/AST levels at 6, 12 and 24 h compared with the control group(P < 0.001). Rottlerin treatment also significantly decreased serum levels of HMGB1 at 6, 12, and 24 h, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β at 12 h compared with the control group(P < 0.01). The inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis in liver tissue were also decreased in the rottlerin treatment group. Furthermore, sphingosine kinase 1(Sph K1) dependent PKC-δ activation played an important role in promoting NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production in ALF.CONCLUSION: Sph K1 dependent PKC-δ activation plays an important role in promoting NF-κB activation and inflammatory response in ALF, and inhibition of PKC-δ activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for this disease.

Multiple implications of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 in human cancer

3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1(PDK1) is a central mediator of cellular signaling between phosphoinositide-3 kinase and various intracellular serine/threonine kinases,including protein kinase B,p70 ribosomal S6 kinase,serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase,and protein kinase C.PDK1 activates members of the AGC family of protein kinases by phosphorylating serine/threonine residues in the activation loop.Here,we review the regulatory mechanisms of PDK1 and its roles in cancer.PDK1 is activated by autophosphorylation in the activation loop and other serine residues,as well as by phosphorylation of Tyr-9 and Tyr-373/376.Src appears to recognize PDK1 following tyrosine phosphorylation.The role of heat shock protein 90 in regulating PDK1 stability and PDK1-Src complex formation are also discussed.Furthermore,we summarize the subcellular distribution of PDK1.Finally,an important role for PDK1 in cancer chemotherapy is proposed.In conclusion,a better understanding of its molecular regulatory mechanisms in various signaling pathways will help to explain how PDK1 acts as an oncogenic kinase in various cancers,and will contribute to the development of novel cancer chemotherapies.

Xuebijing alters tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content in a rat model of cardiac arrest following cardiopulmonary resuscitation

We established a rat model of cardiac arrest by clamping the endotracheal tube of adult rats at expiration. Twenty-four hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nerve cell injury and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content were increased. Rats injected with Xuebijing, a Chinese herb compound preparation, exhibited normal cellular structure and morphology, dense neuronal cytoplasm, and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression at 24 hours following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These data suggest that Xuebijing can attenuate neuronal injury induced by hypoxia and reperfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.