Interleukin-6 signaling regulates anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, adhesion and invasion in human ovarian cancer cells

It has been widely reported that Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is overexpressed in the serum and ascites of ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients, and elevated IL-6 level correlates with poor prognosis and survival. However, the exact role that IL-6 plays in this malignancy or whether IL-6 can regulate tumorigenic properties has not been established. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of IL-6 in non-IL-6-expressing A2780 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-6) increases anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, adhesion and invasion, while depletion of endogenous IL-6 expression in IL-6-overexpressing SKOV-3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-6) decreases. Further investigation indicates that IL-6 promotes OVCA cell proliferation by altering cell cycle distribution rather than inhibiting apoptosis and that IL-6-enhanced OVCA cell invasive may be associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 but not MMP-2 proteolytic activity. In addition, overexpressing or deleting of IL-6 in OVCA cells enhances or reduces its receptor (IL-6Rα and gp130) expression and basal phosphorylation levels of both ERK and Akt, and additional treatment with specific inhibitor of the ERK or Akt signaling pathway significantly inhibits the proliferation of IL-6-overexpressing A2780 cells. Our data suggest that the autocrine production of IL-6 by OVCA cells regulates tumorigenic properties of these cells by inducing IL-6 signaling pathways. Thus, regulation of IL-6 expression or its related signaling pathway may be a promising strategy for controlling the progression of OVCA.     

Focal adhesion signaling is required for myometrial ERK activation and contractile phenotype switch before labor

In late pregnancy rapidly increasing fetal growth dramatically increases uterine wall tension. This process has been implicated in the activation of the myometrium for labor, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we tested, using a rat model, the hypothesis that gestation-dependent stretch, via activation of focal adhesion signaling, contributes to the published activation of myometrial ERK at the end of pregnancy. Consistent with this hypothesis, we show here that ERK is targeted to adhesion plaques during late pregnancy. Furthermore, myometrial stretch triggers a dramatic increase in myometrial contractility and ERK and caldesmon phosphorylation, confirming the presence of stretch sensitive myometrial signaling element. Screening by anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblotting for focal adhesion signaling in response to stretch reveals a significant increase in the tyrosine phosphorylated bands identified as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), A-Raf, paxillin, and Src. Pretreatment with PP2, a Src inhibitor, significantly suppresses the stretch-induced increases in FAK, paxillin, Src, ERK and caldesmon phosphorylation and myometrial contractility. Thus, focal adhesion-Src signaling contributes to ERK activation and promotes contraction in late pregnancy. These results point to focal adhesion signaling molecules as potential targets in the modulation of the myometrial contractility and the onset of labor.     

Three-dimensional matrix induces sustained activation of ERK1/2 via Src/Ras/Raf signaling pathway

Research in cell signaling often depends on tissue culture, but the artificial substrates used to grow cells in vitro are likely to distort the conclusions, particularly when adhesion-mediated signaling events are investigated. Studies of signal transduction pathways operating in cells grown in three-dimensional (3D) matrices provide a better system, giving a closer insight of the cell signaling in vivo. We compared the steady-state levels of ERK1/2 activity in primary human fibroblasts, induced by cell-derived 3D fibronectin matrix or fibronectin, coated on flat surfaces. 3D environment caused ERK1/2 stimulation concomitant with a 2.5-fold increase in Ras GTP loading and Src activation. Under these conditions FAK autophosphorylation was suppressed. Treatment with Src inhibitor PP2 abolished these effects indicating that 3D fibronectin matrix activated ERK1/2 through Src/Ras/Raf pathway, bypassing FAK. These observations suggest that within in vivo-like conditions Src may have a leading role in the induction of sustained ERK1/2 activation.     

Activation of NPFF2 receptor stimulates neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells through activation of ERK signaling pathway

Neurite outgrowth is an important process in neural regeneration and plasticity, especially after neural injury, and recent evidence indicates that several G_αi/o protein-coupled receptors play an important role in neurite outgrowth. The neuropeptide (NP)FF system contains two G_αi/o protein-coupled receptors, NPFF₁ and NPFF₂ receptors, which are mainly distributed in the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the NPFF system is involved in neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells. We showed that Neuro 2A cells endogenously expressed NPFF₂ receptor, and the NPFF₂ receptor agonist dNPA inhibited cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production stimulated by forskolin in Neuro 2A cells. We also demonstrated that NPFF and dNPA dose-dependently induced neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells, which was completely abolished by the NPFF receptor antagonist RF9. Pretreatment with mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors PD98059 and U0126 decreased dNPA-induced neurite outgrowth. In addition, dNPA increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in Neuro 2A cells, which was completely antagonized by pretreatment with U0126. Our results suggest that activation of NPFF₂ receptor stimulates neurite outgrowth in Neuro 2A cells through activation of the ERK signaling pathway. Moreover, NPFF₂ receptor may be a potential therapeutic target for neural injury and degeneration in the future.     

Interleukin-8 secretion by ovarian cancer cells increases anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, angiogenic potential, adhesion and invasion

It has been shown that IL-8 is elevated in ovarian cyst fluid, ascites, serum, and tumor tissue from ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients, and increased IL-8 expression correlates with poor prognosis and survival. However, the exact role that IL-8 plays in this malignancy or whether IL-8 can regulate malignant behavior has not been established. Here we demonstrate that overexpression of IL-8 in non-IL-8-expressing A2780 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for sense IL-8) increases anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, angiogenic potential, adhesion and invasion while depletion of endogenous IL-8 expression in IL-8-overexpressing SKOV-3 cells (by transfecting with plasmid encoding for antisense IL-8) decreases the above effects. Further investigation indicates that IL-8-stimulated cell proliferation correlates with alteration of cell cycle distribution by increasing levels of cell cycle-regulated Cyclin D1 and Cyclin B1 proteins as well as activation of PI3K/Akt and Raf/MEK/ERK, whereas IL-8-enhanced OVCA cell invasive correlates with increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and expression. Our data suggest that IL-8 secreted by OVCA cells promotes malignant behavior of these cells via inducing intracellular molecular signaling. Therefore, modulation of IL-8 expression or its related signaling pathway may be a promising strategy for controlling the progression and metastasis of OVCA.     

Dephosphorylation-induced EZH2 activation mediated RECK downregulation by ERK1/2 signaling

The reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene, a widely known cancer inhibitor, could effectively suppress cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. Downregulation or loss of RECK expression frequently occurs during cancer progression. However, the mechanism underlying RECK dysregulation has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we reported for the first time that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase, could epigenetically attenuate RECK expression via catalyzing H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) within the RECK promoter. Furthermore, we also proved, for the first time, the involvement of EZH2 in the inhibition of RECK by extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK)-1/2 signaling. Next, we revealed that the modulation of the enzymic activity of EZH2 resulting from posttranslational phosphorylation at the serine-21 site was responsible for the increased enrichment of H3K27me3 at the RECK promoter region by ERK1/2 signaling. Collectively, the results of our study shed more light on the mechanisms responsible for the dysregulation of RECK by the ERK1/2 pathway.     

Neural cell adhesion molecule modulates mesenchymal stromal cell migration via activation of MAPK/ERK signaling

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) represent promising tools for cellular therapy owing to their multipotentiality and ability to localize to injured, inflamed sites and tumor. Various approaches to manipulate expression of MSC surface markers, including adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors, have been explored to enhance homing of MSCs. Recently, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) has been found to be expressed on MSCs yet its function remains largely elusive. Herein, we show that bone marrow-derived MSCs from NCAM deficient mice exhibit defective migratory ability and significantly impaired adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential. We further explore the mechanism governing NCAM mediated migration of MSCs by showing the interplay between NCAM and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) induces activation of MAPK/ERK signaling, thereby the migration of MSCs. In addition, re-expression of NCAM180, but not NCAM140, could restore the defective MAPK/ERK signaling thereby the migration of NCAM deficient MSCs. Finally, we demonstrate that NCAM180 expression level could be manipulated by pro-inflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α treatment. Overall, our data reveal the vital function of NCAM in MSCs migration and differentiation thus raising the possibility of manipulating NCAM expression to enhance homing and therapeutic potential of MSCs in cellular therapy.     

Prolactin-stimulated activation of ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases is controlled by PI3-kinase/Rac/PAK signaling pathway in breast cancer cells

There is strong evidence that deregulation of prolactin (PRL) signaling contributes to pathogenesis and chemoresistance of breast cancer. Therefore, understanding cross-talk between distinct signal transduction pathways triggered by activation of the prolactin receptor (PRL-R), is essential for elucidating the pathogenesis of metastatic breast cancer.In this study, we applied a sequential inhibitory analysis of various signaling intermediates to examine the hierarchy of protein interactions within the PRL signaling network and to evaluate the relative contributions of multiple signaling branches downstream of PRL-R to the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 in T47D and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.Quantitative measurements of the phosphorylation/activation patterns of proteins showed that PRL simultaneously activated Src family kinases (SFKs) and the JAK/STAT, phosphoinositide-3 (PI3)-kinase/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. The specific blockade or siRNA-mediated suppression of SFK/FAK, JAK2/STAT5, PI3-kinase/PDK1/Akt, Rac/PAK or Ras regulatory circuits revealed that (1) the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway is required for activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade upon PRL stimulation; (2) PI3-kinase-mediated activation of the c-Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 cascade occurs independent of signaling dowstream of STATs, Akt and PKC, but requires JAK2, SFKs and FAK activities; (3) activated PRL-R mainly utilizes the PI3-kinase-dependent Rac/PAK pathway rather than the canonical Shc/Grb2/SOS/Ras route to initiate and sustain ERK1/2 signaling. By interconnecting diverse signaling pathways PLR may enhance proliferation, survival, migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells.     

The effect of epidermal growth factor receptor variant III on glioma cell migration by stimulating ERK phosphorylation through the focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway

Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII), the most common EGFR mutation, is associated with cell migration of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cases; however, the mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that the EGFRvIII-promoted glioma cell migration was closely linked to high levels of tyrosine phosphorylation in focal adhesion kinase (FAK) Y397. We also demonstrated that EGFRvIII formed a complex with FAK, resulting in enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation levels of FAK Y397 and EGFR Y1068. After knockdown of FAK expression via anti-FAK shRNA, the U87ΔEGFR cell migration was significantly inhibited, accompanying with the reduced phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Furthermore, the role of ERK1/2 in FAK-regulated cell migration was confirmed. Taken together, our results suggest that FAK and its downstream molecule ERK were involved in EGFRvIII-promoted glioma cell migration in U87ΔEGFR cells.     

Artemisinin attenuated ischemic stroke induced cell apoptosis through activation of ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo

Ischemic stroke is characterized by the presence of both brain ischemic and reperfusion-induced injuries in the brain, leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. Artemisinin, an FDA-approved antimalarial drug, has been reported to have neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of artemisinin on ischemic stroke is not known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of artemisinin on ischemic stroke using an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) cellular model and a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model and examined the underlying mechanisms. The obtained results revealed that a subclinical antimalarial concentration of artemisinin increased cell viability and decreased LDH release and cell apoptosis. Artemisinin also attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Importantly, artemisinin attenuated the infarction volume and the brain water content in the MCAO animal model. Artemisinin also improved neurological and behavioural outcomes and restored grasp strength and the recovery of motor function in MCAO animals. Furthermore, artemisinin treatment significantly inhibited the molecular indices of apoptosis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and activated the ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway. Further validation of the involved signaling pathway by the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 revealed that inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway or silencing ERK1/2 reversed the neuroprotective effects of artemisinin. These results indicate that artemisinin provides neuroprotection against ischemic stroke via the ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway. Our study suggests that artemisinin may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of stroke.     

Role of ERK activation in growth and erythroid differentiation of K562 cells

Inhibition of signaling through Ras in BCR-ABL-positive pluripotent K562 cells leads to apoptosis and spontaneous differentiation. However, Ras-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK has been suggested to play a critical role in either growth or differentiation in different model systems. We studied the role of ERK activation in the growth-promoting and anti-apoptotic effect of Ras and its involvement in hemin-induced nonterminal erythroid differentiation using the BCR-ABL-positive K562 cell line as a model. K562 cells were stably transfected with ERK1 or the dominant inhibitory mutant of ERK1 (ERK1-KR). Overexpression of ERK1-KR inhibited cell growth with an approximately fourfold increase in doubling time and induced apoptosis in K562 cells. Incubation with the MEK1 inhibitor UO126 inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in K562 cells in a dose-dependent manner as well. In the presence of exogenously added hemin, K562 cells differentiate into erythroblasts, as indicated by the production of large amounts of fetal hemoglobin. We examined the activation of MAP kinases during hemin-induced differentiation. The ERK1 and 2 activity increased within 2 h post hemin treatment and remained elevated for 24-48 h. During this time, fetal hemoglobin synthesis also increases from 0.8 to 10 pg/cell. There was no activation of JNK or p38 protein kinases. The hemin-induced accumulation of hemoglobin was inhibited in ERK1-KR overexpressing cells and was enhanced in the wild-type ERK1 transfectants. Our results suggest that ERK activation is involved in both growth and hemin-induced erythroid differentiation in the BCR-ABL-positive K562 cell line.     

Luteolin induces apoptotic cell death through AIF nuclear translocation mediated by activation of ERK and p38 in human breast cancer cell lines

The flavonoid, luteolin, has been shown to have anticancer activity in various cancer cells; however, the precise molecular mechanism of its action is not completely understood, and studies were conducted to find out how it induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Luteolin induced a reduction of viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pro-apoptotic effect of luteolin was demonstrated by cell cycle measurement and Hoechst 3325 staining. Western blot analysis showed that luteolin activates ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) and p38. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of ERK and p38 protected against luteolin-induced cell death; however, the caspase-3-specific inhibitor had no effect. Immunocytochemical examination indicated that luteolin induced nuclear translocation of AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor), which was mediated by activation of ERK and p38. Transfection of a vector expressing the miRNA (microRNA) of AIF prevented luteolin-induced apoptosis. The data suggest that luteolin induces a caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis involving AIF nuclear translocation mediated by activation of ERK and p38 in breast cancer cells.     

JNK、ERK信号通路在NaAsO_2诱导骨髓间充质干细胞增殖中的作用

目的：研究c-jnk氨基末端激酶（JNK）、细胞外信号调节激酶（ERK）在亚砷酸钠（NaAs02）诱导骨髓间充质干细胞（BMSC）增殖中的作用。方法：体外培养骨髓间充质干细胞,四甲基偶氮唑盐比色法（MTT法）检测细胞增殖,Western-blot检测磷酸化JNK、ERK表达水平。结果：低浓度1、2μmol/LNaAs02对BMSC有明显的促进增殖作用;高浓度16、32μmol/LNaAs02则对细胞生长产生抑制作用,具有一定剂量-效应关系;2、4、8μmol/LNaAs02处理BMSC24h后,JNK磷酸化表达水平明显增加,ERK磷酸化表达水平明显降低;JNK抑制剂SP600125可明显降低高浓度16、32μmol/LNaAs02的生长抑制作用;ERK抑制剂PD98059可抑制低浓度1、2μmol/LNaAs02对BMSC的促增殖作用。结论：低浓度NaAs02激活ERK信号通路,提高细胞增殖率,可被抑制剂PD98059阻断;高浓度NaAs02激活JNK信号通路,提高细胞凋亡率,可被抑制剂SP600125阻断。NaAs02致癌机制可能与JNK、ERK信号通路作用相关。