JNK信号通路对蜂胶抑制白血病K562细胞增殖的调控作用

目的探讨JNK信号通路对蜂胶抑制K562细胞增殖过程的调控作用。方法体外培养K562细胞,用不同浓度蜂胶、c—Jun氨基末端激酶（c—JanN—terminalkinase,JNK）特异性抑制剂SP600125对白血病K562细胞进行处理,用MTT法检测细胞增殖抑制率,流式细胞术（FCM）检测细胞凋亡率,Western印迹检测JNK下游分子c—Jun以及磷酸化c—Jan（p-c-Jun）的变化。结果蜂胶作用K562细胞后,增殖抑制率、凋亡率显著升高,具有时间和剂量依赖性,并伴随p-c-Jun蛋白水平上调;加入SP600125能下调p-c-Jun的水平,显著提高蜂胶对K562细胞的增殖抑制率和凋亡率。结论JNK信号通路参与了蜂胶抑制K562细胞增殖过程的调控。抑制JNK活性可增强蜂胶对K562细胞的增殖抑制、凋亡诱导作用。     

胰岛素保护缺血/再灌注心脏:PI3-K/Akt和JNKs信号通路间的交互作用

我们前期研究表明胰岛素可激活细胞内信号转导机制如磷脂酰肌醇3．激酶．蛋白激酶B．内皮型一氧化氮合酶．一氧化氮（P13-K-Akt-eNOS-NO）信号通路,减轻心肌缺血／再灌注（ischemia／reperfusion,I／R）损伤,改善缺血后心肌功能恢复。然而c-Jun氨基末端激酶（c-JunNH2-terminal kinase,JNK）信号通路在胰岛素保护I／R心肌中的作用尚不清楚,本研究旨在探讨JNK信号通路在胰岛素保护I／R心肌中的作用及其与P13．K／Akt信号通路间的相互关系。离体Sprague-Dawley大鼠心脏缺血30min后施行2h或4h的再灌注,缺血前用LY294002（15mmol／L）和SP600125（10mmol／L）灌注15min,分别阻断P13．K／Akt和磷酸化JNK（phosphorylated．JNK,p-JNK）活化,观测心脏功能、心肌梗死、细胞凋亡和蛋白磷酸化水平。与对照组相比,胰岛素再灌注2h后,心率、左心室发展压和左心室收缩／舒张最大速率均明显增加,梗死面积减少约16．1％[（28．9±2．0）％vs（45．0±4．0）％,n=6,P〈O．01],细胞凋亡指数从（27．6±113）％减少到（16．0±0．7）％（n=6,P〈O．01）,Akt的活性增加1．7倍（n=6,P〈0．05）,同时JNK活性增加1．5倍铆=6,P〈O．05）。用LY294002处理后,胰岛素对I／R心肌的保护作用消失;而用SP600125处理可增强胰岛素的保护作用,且可部分逆转LY294002的抑制作用。进一步观察发现SP600125减弱了Akt的磷酸化m=6,P〈0．05）。上述结果表明,在I／R心肌中,胰岛素可同时激活P13．K／Akt及JNK信号通路,且通过后者进一步增加Akt活化,从而减轻I／R损伤,改善心肌功能。这种P13．K／Akt与JNK信号通路交互机制对胰岛素保护I／R心肌有重要意义。     

Differential regulation of CIDEA and CIDEC expression by insulin via Akt1/2- and JNK2-dependent pathways in human adipocytes

Both insulin and the cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor-α-like effector (CIDE) family play important roles in apoptosis and lipid droplet formation. Previously, we reported that CIDEA and CIDEC are differentially regulated by insulin and contribute separately to insulin-induced anti-apoptosis and lipid droplet formation in human adipocytes. However, the upstream signals of CIDE proteins remain unclear. Here, we investigated the signaling molecules involved in insulin regulation of CIDEA and CIDEC expression. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors wortmannin and PI-103 blocked both insulin-induced downregulation of CIDEA and upregulation of CIDEC. The Akt inhibitor API-2 and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 selectively inhibited insulin regulation of CIDEA and CIDEC expression, respectively, whereas the MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor U0126 and the p38 inhibitor SB203580 did not. Small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of Akt1/2 prevented insulin-induced downregulation of CIDEA and inhibition of apoptosis. Depletion of JNK2, but not JNK1, inhibited insulin-induced upregulation of CIDEC and lipid droplet enlargement. Furthermore, insulin increased both Akt and JNK phosphorylation, which was abrogated by the PI3K inhibitors. These results suggest that insulin regulates CIDEA and CIDEC expression via PI3K, and it regulates expression of each protein via Akt1/2- and JNK2-dependent pathways, respectively, in human adipocytes.     

SP600125对大鼠肺缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用及机制

目的:探讨SP600125-c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)特异性抑制剂对大鼠肺缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用及机制。方法:复制在体大鼠原位单肺缺血/再灌注模型,随机分3组(n=10):假手术对照组(Control组)、缺血再灌注组(I/R组)与缺血再灌注+SP600125干预组(SP600125组)。实验结束时取肺组织测湿/干重比(W/D)、肺泡损伤率(IAR);采用蛋白印迹法检测肺组织磷酸化JNK(p-JNK)、JNK蛋白的表达;免疫组化法检测肺组织Bcl-2、Bax、Caspase-3蛋白的表达;原位末端标记法检测肺组织细胞凋亡指数(AI);电镜观察肺组织超微结构的改变。结果:SP600125组肺组织p-JNK、Bax、caspase-3的蛋白表达显著低于I/R组(均P<0.01),Bcl-2的蛋白表达及Bcl-2/Bax的比值显著高于I/R组(均P<0.01),AI、W/D及IAR显著低于I/R组(均P<0.01),肺组织超微结构损伤不同程度减轻。结论:SP600125可能通过抑制JNK信号通路,上调Bcl-2/Bax的比值减少caspase-3依赖性的肺细胞凋亡,从而减轻肺缺血/再灌注损伤。     

Connective tissue growth factor induces collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts through the Rac1/MLK3/JNK/AP-1 pathway

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays an important role in lung fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of Rac1, mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in CTGF-induced collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts. CTGF caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in collagen I expression. CTGF-induced collagen I expression was inhibited by the dominant negative mutant (DN) of Rac1 (RacN17), MLK3DN, MLK3 inhibitor (K252a), JNK1DN, JNK2DN, a JNK inhibitor (SP600125), and an AP-1 inhibitor (curcumin). Treatment of cells with CTGF caused activation of Rac1, MLK3, JNK, and AP-1. The CTGF-induced increase in MLK3 phosphorylation was inhibited by RacN17. Treatment with RacN17 and the MLK3DN inhibited CTGF-induced JNK phosphorylation. CTGF caused increases in c-Jun phosphorylation and the recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos to the collagen I promoter. Furthermore, stimulation of cells with the CTGF resulted in increases in AP-1-luciferase activity; this effect was inhibited by Rac1N17, MLK3DN, JNK1DN, and JNK2DN. Moreover, CTGF-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was inhibited by the procollagen I small interfering RNA (siRNA). These results suggest for the first time that CTGF acting through Rac1 activates the MLK3/JNK signaling pathway, which in turn initiates AP-1 activation and recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos to the collagen I promoter and ultimately induces collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts.     

miRNA-30-3p improves myocardial ischemia via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

The aim of this study was to explain the effect and mechanisms of miRNA-30-3p in myocardial ischemia-induced cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo studies. In the cell experiment, the H9C2 cells were divided into the normal control (NC), and the model, miRNA, and miRNA + phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor groups. The cell survival rates of the different groups were measured with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay kit; the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxidedimutase (SOD) activity in the bathing medium were assayed for the evaluation of myocardial cell injury. The cell apoptosis rate of different groups was measured with flow cytometry analysis. The relative protein expressions of different cell groups were evaluated by Western blot analysis. In the vivo study, the Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: the NC group, the model group, miRNA group, and the (miRNA + PI3K inhibitor) group. The pathological observations, cell apoptosis, LDH, SOD, MDA, and relative protein expressions were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick-end labeling or immunohistochemical methods. The results show that miRNA-30-3p had the effect of improving cell apoptosis induced by myocardial ischemia in vitro and in vivo studies by the regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.     

Requirement of TGF-beta receptor-dependent activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs)/stress-activated protein kinases (Sapks) for TGF-beta up-regulation of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor

We have previously demonstrated that activation of the Ras/Mapk pathways is required for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) induction of TGF-beta(1) expression. Here we examined the role of the Ras/Mapk pathways in TGF-beta induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expression in untransformed intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). TGF-beta activated the stress-activated protein kinases (Sapk)/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) within 5-10 min, an effect that preceeded TGF-beta induction of uPAR expression in these cells. TGF-beta induction of both JNK1 activity and JunD phosphorylation was blocked by expression of a dominant-negative mutant of the type II TGF-beta receptor (DN TbetaRII), a dominant-negative mutant of MKK4 (DN MKK4), or a dominant-negative mutant of Ras (RasN17), or by the addition of the JNK inhibitor SP600125. TGF-beta also induced AP-1 complex formation at the distal AP-1 site (-184 to -178) of the uPAR promoter within 2 h of TGF-beta addition, consistent with the time-dependent up-regulation of uPAR expression. The primary components present in the TGF-beta-stimulated AP-1 complex bound to the uPAR promoter were Jun D and Fra-2. Moreover, addition of SP600125, or expression of DN MKK4 or DN TbetaRII, blocked TGF-beta up-regulation of uPAR in IECs. Accordingly, our results indicate that TGF-beta activates the Ras/MKK4/JNK1 signaling cascade, leading to induction of AP-1 activity, which, in turn, up-regulates uPAR expression. Our results also indicate that the type II TGF-beta receptor (RII) is required for TGF-beta activation of JNK1 and the resulting up-regulation of uPAR expression.     

Fibronectin increases matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression through activation of c-Fos via extracellular-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways in human lung carcinoma cells

Enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with human lung tumor invasion and/or metastasis. We have demonstrated that fibronectin (FN), a matrix glycoprotein, stimulates human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell proliferation. The current study examines the effect of FN on MMP-9 expression in NSCLC cells. We show that FN increases MMP-9 protein, mRNA expression, and gelatinolytic activity in NSCLC cells. The integrin alpha5beta1 mediated the effects of FN because alpha5 small interfering RNA blocked FN-stimulated MMP-9 protein expression, and also abrogated FN-induced phosphorylation of ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signals. The inhibitor of ERK, PD98095, and of PI3K, wortmannin, but not that of protein kinase A, H89, of Rho kinase, Y-27632, of mTOR, rapamycin, or of JNK, SP600125, prevented FN-induced MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity and gene expression. FN enhanced MMP-9 gene promoter activity; however, there was no response to FN in DNA constructs with an AP-1 site mutation. FN increased AP-1 DNA binding activity, and this was abrogated by cyclic AMP response element decoy oligonucleotides, which also diminished FN-induced MMP-9 promoter activity. FN increased the expression of the AP-1 subunit c-Fos protein, but not in the presence of PD98095 and wortmannin. The AP-1 inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and a c-Fos small interfering RNA eliminated the effect of FN on MMP-9 expression. This study indicates that FN, by binding to the integrin alpha5beta1 receptor, stimulates the expression of MMP-9 through increased AP-1/DNA binding and c-Fos protein expression via ERK and PI3K signaling pathways. The data unveils a novel mechanism by which FN could promote NSCLC cell invasion and metastasis.     

Antimetastatic potential of fisetin involves inactivation of the PI3K/Akt and JNK signaling pathways with downregulation of MMP-2/9 expressions in prostate cancer PC-3 cells

Fisetin (3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone), a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been reported to possess some anti-cancer and anti-inflammation capabilities. In this study, fisetin has exhibited inhibitory effects on the adhesion, migration, and invasion ability of a highly metastatic PC-3 cells under non-cytotoxic concentrations. Gelatin zymography assay showed that fisetin inhibited the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activities. Our result also showed that fisetin could inhibit the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 and 2 (JNK1/2) and Akt. Moreover, fisetin significantly decreased the nuclear levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), c-Fos, and c-Jun, and the binding abilities of NF-κB and activator protein-1 (AP-1). Also, the results showed that the protein and mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly reduced by Western blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Further, treating specific inhibitors for PI3K (Wortmannin) or JNK (SP600125) to PC-3 cells could reduce the protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9. These results showed fisetin could inhibit the metastatic ability of PC-3 by reducing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions through suppressing phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and JNK signaling pathways. This suggested fisetin can serve as a potential candidate for treating cancer metastasis.     

Differentiation-associated genes regulated by TPA-induced c-Jun expression via a PKC/JNK pathway in KYSE450 cells

A group of potential differentiation-associated genes had been identified by microarray analysis as c-Jun/AP-1 target genes essential for epithelial differentiation program. Our previous study showed that c-Jun/AP-1 could bind and activate these gene promoters in vivo using chromatin immunoprecipitation. To further understand how the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways regulate AP-1 activity and expression of c-Jun target genes, our strategy was based on the use of 12-o-tetradecanoylophorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and pharmacological reagents to induce or block c-Jun expression. The mRNA and protein expression of these genes increased in response to TPA-induced c-Jun/AP-1 expression. Inhibitors of JNK (SP600125) and PKC (GF109203X) mainly blocked expression and phosphorylation of c-Jun, while inhibition of MEK-ERK activity with PD98059 (an inhibitor of MEK) had little effect. Expression of involucrin and keratin 4 in response to TPA was attenuated by pretreatments with GF109203X and SP600125, but not PD98059, suggesting involvement of PKC and JNK in this response. Taken together, these results suggested that differentiation-associated genes were regulated by TPA-induced c-Jun/AP-1 mainly via a PKC/JNK pathway in esophageal cancer cell line KYSE450.     

Immunomodulatory activity of Ganoderma lucidum immunomodulatory protein via PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Ganoderma lucidum immunomodulatory protein (FIP-glu) is an active ingredient with potential immunoregulatory functions. The study was conducted to explore the immunomodulatory activities of recombinant FIP-glu (rFIP-glu) and its possible mechanism in macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In vitro assays of biological activity indicated that rFIP-glu significantly activated RAW264.7 cells and possessed proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory abilities. RNA sequencing analysis and Western blot analysis showed that macrophage activation involved PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. Furthermore, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated that the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 blocked the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of MCP-1 (CCL-2), the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 (CCL-2), and the JNK1/2/3 inhibitor SP600125 prevented the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA in rFIP-glu-induced cells. rFIP-glu did not mediate these inflammatory effects through a general pathway but rather through a different pathway for a different inflammatory mediator. These data imply that rFIP-glu possessed immunomodulatory activity in macrophages, which was mediated through PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.     

SP600125, a selective JNK inhibitor, protects ischemic renal injury via suppressing the extrinsic pathways of apoptosis

Accumulating evidence suggests that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway plays a critical role in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the downstream mechanism that accounts for the proapoptotic actions of JNK during renal ischemia/reperfusion has not been elucidated. We report that SP600125, a potent, cell-permeable, selective, and reversible inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), potently decreased renal epithelial tubular cell apoptosis induced by renal ischemia/reperfusion via suppression of the extrinsic pathway. This corresponds to the decrease in JNK phosphorylation at 20 min and c-Jun phosphorylation (Ser63/73) at 3 h after renal ischemia. Additionally, SP600125 attenuated the increased expression of FasL induced by ischemia/reperfusion at 3 h. The administration of SP600125 prior to ischemia was also protective. Thus, our findings imply that SP600125 can inhibit the activation of the JNK-c-Jun-FasL pathway and protect renal tubular epithelial cells against ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that targeting the JNK pathway provides a promising therapeutic approach for renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.     

Angiotensin III Induces c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Leading to Proliferation of Rat Astrocytes

Previously, we showed in cultured rat astrocytes that angiotensin (Ang) III induced astrocyte proliferation and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases through interaction with the AT(1) receptor. In the current study, we determined whether the c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) MAP kinase pathway was similarly affected by the peptide in cultured brainstem astrocytes. Ang III induced JNK phosphorylation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Similar to ERK1/2 phosphorylation, maximal phosphorylation occurred with 100 nM Ang III and was apparent within a minute of exposure to the peptide. Peak effects were observed over a 5-15 min time range. Pretreatment of brainstem astrocytes with the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, prevented Ang III phosphorylation of JNK, as well as Ang III-mediated astrocyte growth. The selective AT(1) receptor antagonist, Losartan, prevented Ang III-induced JNK phosphorylation. Pretreatment of astrocytes with the AT(2) receptor blocker PD123319 was ineffective in preventing JNK phosphorylation by Ang III. Interestingly, both Ang II and Ang III induced JNK phosphorylation to a similar extent suggesting that the two peptides were equipotent in this effect. Our findings suggest that Ang III interacts with Ang AT(1) receptors to directly stimulate the JNK MAP kinase pathway leading to astrocyte growth. This study is the first to show that Ang III actions may involve the JNK MAP kinase pathway in astrocytes and provide key information that may lead to a better understanding of the functions of Ang III in the central nervous system, in particular in astrocytes.