高糖刺激下PKC/NADPH氧化应激途径对内皮细胞活性氧生成的影响及其机制探讨

目的:探讨高糖刺激下PKC/NADPH氧化应激途径对内皮细胞活性氧生成的影响。方法:实验分为正常对照组、NaOH对照组、DMSO对照组、20 mM葡萄糖处理4小时组(高糖组)、1 mol佛波酯预处理0.5小时再加入20 m M葡萄糖处理组(佛波酯组)和4 mol金丝桃素预处理0.5小时再加入20 mM葡萄糖处理组(金丝桃素组);Ⅱ型胶原酶消化法分离人脐静脉内皮细胞;流式细胞术检测细胞内活性氧;免疫荧光检测内皮细胞Ⅷ因子和NADPH氧化酶亚基p47phox定位。结果:1与正常对照组相比,高糖组细胞内活性氧增高(P0.05,n=3),与正常对照组和高糖组相比,佛波酯组HUVECs内活性氧的产生显著增加(P0.05,n=3),与正常对照组和高糖组相比,金丝桃素组HUVECs内活性氧的产生明显减少(P0.05,n=3);2正常对照组和金丝桃素组中细胞NADPH氧化酶亚基p47phox主要位于胞浆,而佛波酯组和高糖组的NADPH氧化酶亚基p47phox位于胞膜。结论:高糖通过PKC信号通路调节内皮细胞NADPH氧化酶亚基p47phox的移位从而增加细胞内活性氧的生成。     

翘嘴鳜NADPH氧化酶三个调节亚基cDNA的克隆及表达特征

吞噬细胞NADPH氧化酶能生成用于清除病原微生物的活性氧簇 (reactive oxygen species, ROS),在机体的防御体系中起着非常重要的作用。该文利用RT-PCR结合RACE-PCR的方法,对翘嘴鳜 (Siniperca chuatsi) NADPH氧化酶的3个调节亚基p40phox、p47phox和p67phox的cDNA进行了克隆。结果显示p40phox基因cDNA序列全长为1 406 nt,开放阅读框长度为1 050 nt,翻译成349个氨基酸;p47phox 基因cDNA序列全长为1 686 nt,开放阅读框为1 209 nt,翻译成402个氨基酸;p67phox基因cDNA序列全长为2 185 nt,开放阅读框长度为1 488 nt,翻译成495个氨基酸。半定量PCR分析显示在翘嘴鳜血液、脑、鳃、性腺、心脏、头肾、肠、肾、肝、脾、胸腺组织中都能检测到这3个亚基的mRNA表达,然而,它们在不同组织中的表达强度具有差异。经柱状黄杆菌灭活苗FKG₄免疫后,p40phox亚基mRNA在翘嘴鳜血液和头肾中的表达量显著上升,p47phox在头肾和脾脏中的表达量显著上升,而p67phox在血液、头肾和脾脏中的表达量均显著上升。由此推断NADPH氧化酶参与了翘嘴鳜机体的抗菌免疫应答。     

麻欠精油对脂多糖诱导的THP-1细胞氧化应激的影响

本研究主要探讨麻欠精油对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的THP-1细胞氧化应激的影响。溶剂对照、地塞米松或不同浓度的麻欠精油预处理THP-1细胞后,再用LPS培养24 h,用DCFH-DA荧光探针标记细胞后流式检测细胞内活性氧ROS;用FITC Annexin V/PI双染法流式检测细胞凋亡;用Griess试剂测定NO;用比色法检测总超氧化物歧化酶(SOD);用Western Blot法检测NADPH p47 phox的表达。结果发现麻欠精油处理组与溶剂对照组相比,LPS诱导的ROS和NO水平显著降低、SOD水平显著增加、NADPH p47 phox蛋白表达减低,细胞凋亡降低。以上实验结果表明麻欠精油对LPS诱导的THP-1细胞的氧化应激有明显抑制作用并对细胞凋亡有保护作用。     

siRNA靶向沉默p22phox表达对内皮细胞衰老抑制作用的研究

设计特异性siRNA(Short interference RNA)诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞株ECV-304细胞NAD(P)H氧化酶活性亚单位p22phox基因沉默, 探讨p22phox基因沉默在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的ECV-304衰老中的作用及机理。应用体外转录合成3种siRNA转染体外培养的ECV-304, RT-PCR鉴定对p22phox基因沉默的效率和特异性, 确立适宜的转染浓度和基因沉默的持续时间; ECV-304分为空白对照组、AngⅡ组、siRNA转染组、AngⅡ+siRNA转染组, 观察细胞衰老改变及活性氧水平, 分析各组细胞p22phox的mRNA及蛋白表达。结果表明: 3种siRNA中, 一种对p22phox mRNA表达抑制率达到83％, 在一定转染浓度范围内, siRNA诱导的基因沉默效率呈剂量依赖性, 抑制效率高峰期在24~36 h; 给予AngⅡ后, b-gal染色阳性细胞数显著增加, 出现衰老的特征性改变, 衰老细胞p22phox的 mRNA及蛋白表达增加, 伴有一氧化氮(NO)生成减少, 活性氧生成增加, siRNA诱导p22phox基因沉默后降低了活性氧水平, 增加NO生成, 改善了AngⅡ诱导的ECV-304细胞的衰老改变。siRNA干扰技术可成功诱导NAD(P)H氧化酶p22phox基因沉默, 从而减缓AngⅡ诱导体外培养的ECV-304衰老进程, p22phox是防治衰老有希望的分子靶点。     

尾部悬吊对大鼠胸主动脉氧化应激水平的影响

目的:观察模拟失重对大鼠胸主动脉氧化应激水平的影响,探讨其可能机制。方法:采用3周尾部悬吊大鼠模型模拟失重状态,通过DHE荧光探针技术观察大鼠动脉血管超氧阴离子水平变化,通过比色法测定大鼠动脉血管丙二醛(MDA)含量,通过蛋白印记技术观察悬吊(SUS)大鼠和正常对照(CON)大鼠动脉血管NOX4、p22phox的表达变化。结果:尾部悬吊3周后,SUS组大鼠胸主动脉超氧阴离子水平较CON组明显增高,SUS组(0.849±0.023 nmol/mg protein)大鼠MDA含量较CON组(0.575±0.054nmol/mg protein)明显增加;SUS组大鼠胸主动脉的p22phox及NOX4蛋白表达均较CON组明显增强。结论:模拟失重3周可使大鼠胸主动脉氧化应激水平明显增高,p22phox及NOX4蛋白表达明显增多,结果提示,尾部悬吊模拟失重状态下氧化应激水平增高可能与NADPH氧化酶表达增高有关。     

翘嘴鳜NADPH氧化酶2个催化亚基cDNA的克隆和表达特征

吞噬细胞NADPH氧化酶能生成用于清除病原微生物的活性氧(reactive oxygen species, ROS),在机体的防御体系中起着非常重要的作用.本文利用RT-PCR结合RACE-PCR的方法,克隆到翘嘴鳜NADPH氧化酶的催化亚基gp91phox和p22phox的cDNA全长.并研究两者在正常的翘嘴鳜和注射了柱状黄杆菌灭活菌苗（FKG4）的翘嘴鳜组织中的表达模式.结果表明,gp91phox基因cDNA序列全长2 037 nt,开放阅读框长度为1 698 nt,翻译成565个氨基酸;p22phox 基因cDNA序列全长1 296 nt,开放阅读框561 nt,翻译成186个氨基酸.将这2个亚基推导的氨基酸序列与人的对应亚基相比,相似性分别为68.7%和60.8%,且具有相似的结构域和功能域,说明翘嘴鳜与人的NADPH氧化酶具有相似的功能活性.半定量PCR分析显示,在翘嘴鳜血液、脑、心脏、肾、肝、脾、胸腺等11种组织中均能检测到gp91phox和p22phox的基因表达.经FKG4免疫后,gp91phox在翘嘴鳜血液、头肾和脾3种组织中的表达量显著上升,p22phox在头肾和脾2种组织中的表达量显著上升.由此推断,NADPH氧化酶可能参与了机体的抗菌免疫应答.     

大鼠高血压相关基因表达蛋白抑制血管平滑肌细胞增殖

大鼠高血压相关基因 ( r HRG- 1 )编码一新细胞内信号传递蛋白 .体外转染 r HRG- 1表达蛋白发现 r HRG- 1表达蛋白能抑制自发性高血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞内 Raf蛋白 ( Raf- 1 )和丝裂素活化蛋白激酶 ( MAPK)活性 ,抑制抗细胞凋亡基因 ( bcl- 2 )和增殖细胞核抗原 ( PCNA)基因 m RNA表达 ,同时还抑制该细胞 DNA的合成 .r HRG- 1是一正常血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞内高度表达的基因 ,由此推测在自发性高血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞内转染 r HRG- 1表达蛋白抑制其细胞 DNA合成的作用可能是抑制细胞内 Raf- 1活性与 MAPK活性及抑制 PCNA和 bcl- 2基因表达的结果     

氧化低密度脂蛋白诱导主动脉平滑肌细胞胆固醇酯聚集和凋亡(英)

细胞内胆固醇代谢的失衡和细胞凋亡都与动脉粥样硬化的发生有关.为了研究两者之间的关系,我们把猪的主动脉平滑肌细胞与15 mg／L氧化低密度脂蛋白共同孵育72 h,发现细胞内胆固醇酯与总胆固醇的比值由26.2%增加到64.1%,并且细胞内胆固醇酯的积聚有剂量依赖关系,表明细胞已经转化为平滑肌源性的泡沫细胞.另外,使用荧光显微镜、激光共聚焦显微镜和流式细胞仪分别发现,与氧化低密度脂蛋白共孵育的细胞有典型的凋亡形态改变.从实验可以推测,由氧化低密度脂蛋白诱导的平滑肌细胞凋亡,除了低密度脂蛋白氧化的因素外,也可能与细胞内胆固醇酯与总胆固醇的比值升高有关.     

FMLP刺激的HL-60中p38 MAPK对NADPH氧化酶p47~(phox)成分的磷酸化作用

为了解p38促分裂原活化蛋白激酶 (MAPK)参与NADPH氧化酶激活的机理 ,利用p38MAPK抑制剂SB2 0 35 80 ,在甲酰甲硫氨酰 亮氨酰 苯丙氨酸 (FMLP)刺激的分化为中性粒细胞样的HL 6 0细胞中研究p38MAPK对O·2 产生和NADPH氧化酶胞浆成分p4 7phox 的磷酸化作用 .实验发现 ,p38MAPK的激活过程与NADPH氧化酶的激活过程一致 .5 0 μmol LSB2 0 35 80抑制 5 0 % O·2 产生 ,完全抑制p38MAPK激活和部分抑制p4 7phox 体外磷酸化 .结果表明 ,在FMLP刺激的HL 6 0细胞中 ,p38MAPK可以通过磷酸化p4 7phox而参与NADPH氧化酶激活 .     

NAD(P)H氧化酶在心衰犬心肌组织中的表达

目的观察扩张型心肌病心力衰竭(dilated cardiomyopathy-chronic heart failure, DCM-CHF)犬模型心肌中超氧化物来源之一的NAD(P)H氧化酶亚组分p47phox的表达.方法通过快速右心室起搏来建立扩张型心肌病心力衰竭(DCM-CHF)犬的模型,模型建立成功后,取犬心做病理检查(大体观测及组织切片HE染色)和免疫组化法检测p47phox的蛋白表达,并利用图像分析系统测量p47phox的蛋白阳性表达区域平均光密度值,进行定量分析.结果模型犬除有充血性心力衰竭的症状、体征外,心脏大体标本观测示DCM-CHF犬模型的心脏外形较正常对照犬增大,同时有左室腔扩大、室壁变薄;HE染色示DCM-CHF犬模型心肌细胞肿胀,大小不一;免疫组化结果显示DCM-CHF犬模型的心肌表达p47phox蛋白平均光密度值为0.3672±0.0214,而对照组平均光密度值为0.0954±0.0344,示DCM-CHF犬p47phox蛋白表达显著增多(P<0.01).结论 DCM-CHF犬模型的心肌中p47phox蛋白表达较正常对照犬显著增加,提示NAD(P)H氧化酶可能参与心力衰竭的病理生理过程.     

Stimulation of a vascular smooth muscle cell NAD(P)H oxidase by thrombin. Evidence that p47(phox) may participate in forming this oxidase in vitro and in vivo.

Thrombin is a potent vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mitogen. Because recent evidence implicates reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in VSMC proliferation in general and atherogenesis in particular, we investigated whether ROI generation is necessary for thrombin-induced mitogenesis. Treatment of human aortic smooth muscle cells with thrombin increased DNA synthesis, an effect that was antagonized by diphenyleneiodonium but not by other inhibitors of cellular oxidase systems. This effect of thrombin was accompanied by increased O-2 and H2O2 generation and NADH/NADPH consumption. ROI generation in response to thrombin pretreatment could also be blocked by diphenyleneiodonium, suggesting that the NAD(P)H oxidase was necessary for ROI generation and thrombin-induced mitogenesis. Because of observed differences between the VSMC and neutrophil oxidase, we examined whether the cytosolic components of the phagocytic NAD(P)H oxidase were present in VSMC. p47(phox) and Rac2 were present in VSMC. Furthermore, thrombin increased expression of p47(phox) and Rac2 and stimulated their translocation to the cell membrane. We examined whether p47(phox) might be similarly regulated in vivo in a rat aorta balloon injury model and found that p47(phox) protein was increased after injury. Immunocytochemistry localized expression of p47(phox) to the neointima and media of injured arteries. Our data demonstrate that generation of O-2 and H2O2 is required for thrombin-mediated mitogenesis in VSMC and that p47(phox) is regulated by thrombin in vitro and is associated with vascular lesion formation in vivo.     

The vascular NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox is involved in redox-mediated gene expression

An NADPH oxidase is thought to be a main source of vascular superoxide (O(2)(-)) production. The functional role of this oxidase, however, and the contribution of the different subunits of the enzyme to cellular signaling are still incompletely understood. We determined the role of the p47phox subunit of the oxidase in O(2)(-) generation and signaling in aortic rings and cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) from wild-type (WT) and p47phox-deficient (p47phox -/-) mice. Basal O(2)(-) levels in aortae of p47phox -/- mice were lower than those in WT aortae. Infusion of [val(5)]-angiotensin II increased O(2)(-) levels in aortae from WT more than in aortae from p47phox -/- mice. O(2)(-) generation was similar in quiescent SMC from WT and p47phox -/- mice. However, exposure to thrombin selectively increased O(2)(-) generation in VSMC from WT, but not from p47phox -/- mice. Thrombin-activated redox-mediated signal transduction and gene expression was attenuated in VSMC from p47phox -/- compared to cells from WT mice as determined by p38 MAP kinase activation and VEGF gene expression. We conclude that p47phox is important for vascular ROS production and redox-modulated signaling and gene expression in VSMC.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha increases airway smooth muscle oxidants production through a NADPH oxidase-like system to enhance myosin light chain phosphorylation and contractility

Tumor necrosis factor plays a critical role in airway smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness observed in asthma. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. We investigated if tumor necrosis factor-stimulated airway smooth muscle produced reactive oxygen species, leading to muscular hyperresponsiveness. Tumor necrosis factor increased intracellular and extracellular oxidants production in guinea pig airway smooth muscle cells and tissue homogenates. This production was abolished by inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (diphenylene iodinium or apocynin) and was enhanced by NADPH, whereas inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain, nitric-oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase, and xanthine oxidase had no effect. NADPH oxidase subunits p22(phox) and p47(phox) were detected in smooth muscle cells and tissue homogenates by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and spectral analysis. Furthermore, oxidants production was significantly reduced by transient transfection of smooth muscle cells with p22(phox) antisense oligonucleotides. Intracellular antioxidants and diphenylene iodinium abolished tumor necrosis factor-induced muscular hyperresponsiveness and increased in phosphorylation of the myosin light chain. Finally, NADPH oxidase subunits p22(phox) and p47(phox) were also detected in human airway smooth muscle. Collectively, these results demonstrate that tumor necrosis factor-stimulated airway smooth muscle produces oxidants through a NADPH oxidase-like system, which plays a pivotal role in muscle hyperresponsiveness and myosin light chain phosphorylation.     

Systemic upregulation of NADPH oxidase in diet-induced obesity in rats

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is upregulated in a variety of tissues in obesity. It is still unclear as to whether NADPH oxidase upregulation in a specific tissue is part of a systemic response. Here we analyzed the expression pattern of NADPH oxidase in vascular, adipose, and kidney tissues in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. After weaning, rats were fed either a normal or high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The high-fat diet resulted in 20% increased body weight. In the aorta, Nox4 expression was increased by three-fold in obese rats. Upregulations of p22phox and p47phox in adipose, and Nox4, p22phox, and p47phox in kidney were observed in obesity. Marked increases in plasma leptin and insulin were observed, with more modest changes in adiponectin in obese rats. The average systolic blood pressure in the obese group was 11 mmHg higher than that of lean rats (P < 0.005). There was a significant correlation between blood pressure and aortic Nox4 expression (P < 0.01). In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, adiponectin reduced the expression of Nox4 in a protein kinase A-dependent manner. Our results suggest that upregulation of NADPH oxidase in multiple tissues during obesity appears to be a systemic response. At least in vitro, adiponectin may have a protective antioxidant role by suppressing vascular NADPH oxidase expression. The association between NADPH oxidase Nox4 expression in the vasculature and the elevated blood pressure in obesity requires further investigation.     

Expression of isoforms of NADPH oxidase components in rat pancreatic islets

Increased oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of beta-cell dysfunction and death. We studied isoforms of NADPH oxidase components in islets of Langerhans isolated from rat pancreas and tumoral rat beta-cell line RINm5F cells by RT-PCR and sequencing of its products. RT-PCR revealed that isolated islets constitutively expressed mRNA of NADPH oxidase components, Nox1, Nox2, Nox4 and p22(phox) as membrane-associated components and p47(phox), Noxo1 (homologue of p47(phox)), Noxa1 (homologue of p67(phox)), and p40(phox) as cytosolic components. RINm5F cells showed a similar pattern of expression but Nox2 mRNA was not detected. Expression of Nox1, Nox4, Noxo1 and Noxa1 was confirmed by sequencing the PCR products. Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of NADPH oxidase component in beta-cells of rat pancreatic islets. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets was suppressed by diphenyleneiodonium, a flavocytochrome inhibitor, but not by apocynin, an inhibitor of p47(phox) translocation to membranes. Our results suggest that the functional significance of NADPH oxidase in insulin secretion may merit further investigation.     

Systemic upregulation of NADPH oxidase in diet-induced obesity in rats

Abstract

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is upregulated in a variety of tissues in obesity. It is still unclear as to whether NADPH oxidase upregulation in a specific tissue is part of a systemic response. Here we analyzed the expression pattern of NADPH oxidase in vascular, adipose, and kidney tissues in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. After weaning, rats were fed either a normal or high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The high-fat diet resulted in 20% increased body weight. In the aorta, Nox4 expression was increased by three-fold in obese rats. Upregulations of p22phox and p47phox in adipose, and Nox4, p22phox, and p47phox in kidney were observed in obesity. Marked increases in plasma leptin and insulin were observed, with more modest changes in adiponectin in obese rats. The average systolic blood pressure in the obese group was 11 mmHg higher than that of lean rats (P < 0.005). There was a significant correlation between blood pressure and aortic Nox4 expression (P < 0.01). In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, adiponectin reduced the expression of Nox4 in a protein kinase A-dependent manner. Our results suggest that upregulation of NADPH oxidase in multiple tissues during obesity appears to be a systemic response. At least in vitro, adiponectin may have a protective antioxidant role by suppressing vascular NADPH oxidase expression. The association between NADPH oxidase Nox4 expression in the vasculature and the elevated blood pressure in obesity requires further investigation.     

Homocysteine stimulates phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase p47phox and p67phox subunits in monocytes via protein kinase Cbeta activation

Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases due to atherosclerosis. The development of atherosclerosis involves reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress in vascular cells. Our previous study [Wang and O (2001) Biochem. J. 357, 233-240] demonstrated that Hcy (homocysteine) treatment caused a significant elevation of intracellular superoxide anion, leading to increased expression of chemokine receptor in monocytes. NADPH oxidase is primarily responsible for superoxide anion production in monocytes. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of Hcy-induced superoxide anion production in monocytes. Hcy treatment (20-100 microM) caused an activation of NADPH oxidase and an increase in the superoxide anion level in monocytes (THP-1, a human monocytic cell line). Transfection of cells with p47phox siRNA (small interfering RNA) abolished Hcy-induced superoxide anion production, indicating the involvement of NADPH oxidase. Hcy treatment resulted in phosphorylation and subsequently membrane translocation of p47phox and p67phox subunits leading to NADPH oxidase activation. Pretreatment of cells with PKC (protein kinase C) inhibitors Ro-32-0432 (bisindolylmaleimide XI hydrochloride) (selective for PKCalpha, PKCbeta and PKCgamma) abolished Hcy-induced phosphorylation of p47phox and p67phox subunits in monocytes. Transfection of cells with antisense PKCbeta oligonucleotide, but not antisense PKCalpha oligonucleotide, completely blocked Hcy-induced phosphorylation of p47phox and p67phox subunits as well as superoxide anion production. Pretreatment of cells with LY333531, a PKCbeta inhibitor, abolished Hcy-induced superoxide anion production. Taken together, these results indicate that Hcy-stimulated superoxide anion production in monocytes is regulated through PKC-dependent phosphorylation of p47phox and p67phox subunits of NADPH oxidase. Increased superoxide anion production via NADPH oxidase may play an important role in Hcy-induced inflammatory response during atherogenesis.     

Noxa1 is a central component of the smooth muscle NADPH oxidase in mice

NADPH oxidase is the most important source of oxygen-derived radicals (ROS) in the vascular wall. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), NADPH oxidase is characterized by the expression of the membrane subunit Nox1, which is activated by cytoplasmic proteins binding to its activation domain. We set out to identify the cytoplasmic protein involved in NADPH oxidase activation in mouse VSMC. Western blot analysis revealed that human endothelial cells and leukocytes but not VSMC from the aorta of the rat and the mouse express the classic NADPH oxidase activator p67phox. In mouse VSMC, however, the p67phox homologue Noxa1 was detected. Using antibodies generated against mouse Noxa1, the protein was observed in the cytosolic fraction of mouse VSMC with a molecular weight of about 51 kDa. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Noxa1 is expressed in the smooth muscle layer but not in endothelium or the adventitia of the mouse carotid artery. Fluorescent fusion proteins of Noxa1 were observed to be expressed in the cytoplasm of VSMC and coexpression of the NADPH oxidase organizer Noxo1 targeted the complex to membrane. An antisense plasmid of Noxa1 attenuated the endogenous Noxa1 protein expression in VSMC. This plasmid attenuated the ROS formation in mouse VSMC as detected using L012 chemiluminescence and prevented the agonist-induced ROS production in response to basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor. In conclusion, these data indicate that Noxa1 replaces p67phox in VSMC and plays a central role in the activation of the NADPH oxidase in the vascular wall.     

Acute tumor necrosis factor alpha signaling via NADPH oxidase in microvascular endothelial cells: role of p47phox phosphorylation and binding to TRAF4

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) play important roles in TNF-alpha signaling by interacting with downstream signaling molecules, e.g., mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). However, TNF-alpha also signals through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathways. The interrelationship between these pathways is unclear; however, a recent study suggested that TRAF4 could bind to the NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox. Here, we investigated the potential interaction between p47phox phosphorylation and TRAF4 binding and their relative roles in acute TNF-alpha signaling. Exposure of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) to TNF-alpha (100 U/ml; 1 to 60 min) induced rapid (within 5 min) p47phox phosphorylation. This was paralleled by a 2.7- +/- 0.5-fold increase in p47phox-TRAF4 association, membrane translocation of p47phox-TRAF4, a 2.3- +/- 0.4-fold increase in p47phox-p22phox complex formation, and a 3.2- +/- 0.2-fold increase in NADPH-dependent O2- production (all P < 0.05). TRAF4-p47phox binding was accompanied by a progressive increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and p38(MAPK) activation, which was inhibited by an O2- scavenger, tiron. TRAF4 predominantly bound the phosphorylated form of p47phox, in a protein kinase C-dependent process. Knockdown of TRAF4 expression using siRNA had no effect on p47phox phosphorylation or binding to p22phox but inhibited TNF-alpha-induced ERK1/2 activation. In coronary microvascular EC from p47phox-/- mice, TNF-alpha-induced NADPH oxidase activation, ERK1/2 activation, and cell surface intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression were all inhibited. Thus, both p47phox phosphorylation and TRAF4 are required for acute TNF-alpha signaling. The increased binding between p47phox and TRAF4 that occurs after p47phox phosphorylation could serve to spatially confine ROS generation from NADPH oxidase and subsequent MAPK activation and cell surface ICAM-1 expression in EC.