Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase1/2 in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Contributes to Stress-Induced Hyperalgesia

Stressful stimuli can exacerbate persistent pain disorder. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Here, to reveal the underlying mechanism for stressful stimuli-induced hyperalgesia in chronic pain, we investigated the effect of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) activation on pain hypersensitivity using single-prolonged stress (SPS) model, complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model and SPS?+?CFA model. The experimental results revealed significantly reduced paw withdrawal threshold in the SPS, CFA, and SPS?+?CFA group compared with the control group. However, the increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was observed in the SPS- or SPS?+?CFA-exposed group but not the CFA group compared with control group. There was also a significant increase in mPFC ERK1/2 phosphorylation and mechanical allodynia after SPS?+?CFA treatment compared to SPS or CFA treatment alone. Furthermore, inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation by microinjection of U0126, a MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, into the mPFC attenuated SPS?+?CFA- and SPS- but not CFA-induced mechanical allodynia, anxiety-like behavior, and cognitive impairments. These results suggest that the activation of ERK1/2 in the mPFC may contribute to the process of stress-induced cognitive and emotional disorders, leading to an increase in pain sensitivity.     

大鼠内侧前额叶皮质内ERK1/2 活化参与脊髓损伤后抑郁情绪

目的:观察细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(ERK1/2)的活化在脊髓损伤引起抑郁中的作用。方法:应用Western blot和行为药理学方法,观察脊髓损伤后(SCI)大鼠内侧前额叶皮质内(mPFC)ERK1/2及磷酸化-ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2)的表达情况及ERK1/2磷酸化抑制剂U0126对抑郁样行为的影响。结果:脊髓损伤后的第2天到第8周,SCI模型大鼠的BBB评分均显著低于假手术组,差异具有统计学意义(p0.05)。脊髓损伤后8周-12周,SCI模型大鼠强迫游泳不动时间与假手术组相比明显缩短,mPFC内pERK1/2蛋白表达水平明显升高,总ERK 1/2的蛋白水平则未见组间差异,而给予U0126的大鼠的不动时间与给药之前相比明显延长增加,mPFC内pERK1/2蛋白表达水平较SCI模型大鼠明显降低,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:内侧前额叶皮质内ERK1/2的激活参与了脊髓损伤后引起的突触可塑性,在相关的抑郁样行为的产生中发挥了重要的作用。     

The Ras GTPase-activating-like Protein IQGAP1 Mediates Nrf2 Protein Activation via the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) Kinase (MEK)-ERK Pathway

Nrf2 plays a critical role in the regulation of cellular oxidative stress. MEK-ERK activation has been shown to be one of the major pathways resulting in the activation of Nrf2 and induction of Nrf2 downstream targets, including phase II detoxifying/antioxidant genes in response to oxidative stress and xenobiotics. In this study, IQGAP1 (IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1), a new Nrf2 interaction partner that we have published previously, was found to modulate MEK-ERK-mediated Nrf2 activation and induction of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant genes. Nrf2 binds directly to the IQ domain (amino acids 699–905) of IQGAP1. Knockdown of IQGAP1 significantly attenuated phenethyl isothiocyanate- or MEK-mediated activation of the MEK-ERK-Nrf2 pathway. Knockdown of IQGAP1 also attenuated MEK-mediated increased stability of Nrf2, which in turn was associated with a decrease in the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and a decrease in the expression of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant genes. In the aggregate, these results suggest that IQGAP1 may play an important role in the MEK-ERK-Nrf2 signaling pathway.     

Caveolin-1 Is Required for Kinase Suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1)-Mediated Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Activation,H-RasV12-Induced Senescence,and Transformation

The molecular scaffold kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1) regulates the activation of the Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathway. KSR1 disruption in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) abrogates growth factor-induced ERK activation, H-Ras^V12-induced replicative senescence, and H-Ras^V12-induced transformation. Caveolin-1 has been primarily described as a major component of the coating structure of caveolae, which can serve as a lipid binding adaptor protein and coordinates the assembly of Ras, Raf, MEK, and ERK. In this study, we show that KSR1 interacts with caveolin-1 and is responsible for MEK and ERK redistribution to caveolin-1-rich fractions. The interaction between KSR1 and caveolin-1 is essential for optimal activation of ERK as a KSR1 mutant unable to interact with caveolin-1 does not efficiently mediate growth factor-induced ERK activation at the early stages of pathway activation. Furthermore, abolishing the KSR1–caveolin-1 interaction increases growth factor demands to promote H-Ras^V12-induced proliferation and has adverse effects on H-Ras^V12-induced cellular senescence and transformation. These data show that caveolin-1 is necessary for optimal KSR1-dependent ERK activation by growth factors and oncogenic Ras.     

The Heme Oxygenase 1 Inducer (CoPP) Protects Human Cardiac Stem Cells against Apoptosis through Activation of the Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK)/NRF2 Signaling Pathway and Cytokine Release

Intracoronary delivery of c-kit-positive human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) is a promising approach to repair the infarcted heart, but it is severely limited by the poor survival of donor cells. Cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), a well known heme oxygenase 1 inducer, has been used to promote endogenous CO generation and protect against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, we determined whether preconditioning hCSCs with CoPP promotes CSC survival. c-kit-positive, lineage-negative hCSCs were isolated from human heart biopsies. Lactate dehydrogenase release assays demonstrated that preconditioning CSCs with CoPP markedly enhanced cell survival after oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂, concomitant with up-regulation of heme oxygenase 1, COX-2, and anti-apoptotic proteins (BCL2, BCL2-A1, and MCL-1) and increased phosphorylation of NRF2. Apoptotic cytometric assays showed that pretreatment of CSCs with CoPP enhanced the cells'' resistance to apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Conversely, knocking down HO-1, COX-2, or NRF2 by shRNA gene silencing abrogated the cytoprotective effects of CoPP. Further, preconditioning CSCs with CoPP led to a global increase in release of cytokines, such as EGF, FGFs, colony-stimulating factors, and chemokine ligand. Conditioned medium from cells pretreated with CoPP conferred naive CSCs remarkable resistance to apoptosis, demonstrating that cytokines released by preconditioned cells play a key role in the anti-apoptotic effects of CoPP. Preconditioning CSCs with CoPP also induced an increase in the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, which are known to modulate multiple pro-survival genes. These results potentially provide a simple and effective strategy to enhance survival of CSCs after transplantation and, therefore, their efficacy in repairing infarcted myocardium.     

GABA(A) Receptor Pi (GABRP) Stimulates Basal-like Breast Cancer Cell Migration through Activation of Extracellular-regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease comprised of distinct subtypes predictive of patient outcome. Tumors of the basal-like subtype have a poor prognosis due to inherent aggressiveness and the lack of targeted therapeutics. Basal-like tumors typically lack estrogen receptor-α, progesterone receptor and HER2/ERBB2, or in other words they are triple negative (TN). Continued evaluation of basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) biology is essential to identify novel therapeutic targets. Expression of the pi subunit of the GABA(A) receptor (GABRP) is associated with the BLBC/TN subtype, and herein, we reveal its expression also correlates with metastases to the brain and poorer patient outcome. GABRP expression in breast cancer cell lines also demonstrates a significant correlation with the basal-like subtype suggesting that GABRP functions in the initiation and/or progression of basal-like tumors. To address this postulate, we stably silenced GABRP in two BLBC cell lines, HCC1187 and HCC70 cells. Decreased GABRP reduces in vitro tumorigenic potential and migration concurrent with alterations in the cytoskeleton, specifically diminished cellular protrusions and expression of the BLBC-associated cytokeratins, KRT5, KRT6B, KRT14, and KRT17. Silencing GABRP also decreases phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in both cell lines and selective inhibition of ERK1/2 similarly decreases the basal-like cytokeratins as well as migration. Combined, these data reveal a GABRP-ERK1/2-cytokeratin axis that maintains the migratory phenotype of basal-like breast cancer. GABRP is a component of a cell surface receptor, thus, these findings suggest that targeting this new signaling axis may have therapeutic potential in BLBC.     

Advanced Glycation End Products Affect Osteoblast Proliferation and Function by Modulating Autophagy Via the Receptor of Advanced Glycation End Products/Raf Protein/Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase Kinase/Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (RAGE/Raf/MEK/ERK) Pathway

The interaction between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and receptor of AGEs (RAGE) is associated with the development and progression of diabetes-associated osteoporosis, but the mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. In this study, we found that AGE-modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) induced a biphasic effect on the viability of hFOB1.19 cells; cell proliferation was stimulated after exposure to low dose AGE-BSA, but cell apoptosis was stimulated after exposure to high dose AGE-BSA. The low dose AGE-BSA facilitates proliferation of hFOB1.19 cells by concomitantly promoting autophagy, RAGE production, and the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway activation. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of AGE-BSA on the function of hFOB1.19 cells. Interestingly, the results suggest that the short term effects of low dose AGE-BSA increase osteogenic function and decrease osteoclastogenic function, which are likely mediated by autophagy and the RAGE/Raf/MEK/ERK signal pathway. In contrast, with increased treatment time, the opposite effects were observed. Collectively, AGE-BSA had a biphasic effect on the viability of hFOB1.19 cells in vitro, which was determined by the concentration of AGE-BSA and treatment time. A low concentration of AGE-BSA activated the Raf/MEK/ERK signal pathway through the interaction with RAGE, induced autophagy, and regulated the proliferation and function of hFOB1.19 cells.     

Contribution of Noradrenergic Neurons to the Regulation of Dopaminergic (D1) Receptor Denervation Supersensitivity in Rat Prefrontal Cortex

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethylamine (DA, dopamine) levels in the rat prefrontal cortex were selectively decreased by 52%, leaving noradrenaline (NA) levels unaffected, 4 weeks following restricted bilateral electrolytic lesions of the ventral mesencephalic tegmentum (VMT). These lesions also induced a significant increase in DA-sensitive, but not isoproterenol-sensitive, adenylate cyclase activity in tissue homogenates (+38%). We had shown previously that chemical (6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OHDA) lesions of the VMT destroy both ascending DA and NA fibers but do not alter the D1-receptor density in the prefrontal cortex. In this study, electrolytic lesions of the VMT were combined with bilateral injections of 6-OHDA made laterally in the pedunculus cerebellaris superior to assess the role of NA fibers in the development of D1-receptor supersensitivity. This combined treatment produces a large decrease of cortical NA levels (-95%), an increase in beta-adrenergic-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity (+110%), and a decrease in DA levels (-60%), but does not alter D1-receptor density in the prefrontal cortex. These results indicate that the development of D1-receptor supersensitivity in the prefrontal cortex following electrolytic lesion of the VMT depends on the presence of an intact NA innervation.     

4-Hydroxynonenal Induces G2/M Phase Cell Cycle Arrest by Activation of the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated and Rad3-related Protein (ATR)/Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) Signaling Pathway

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) has been widely implicated in the mechanisms of oxidant-induced toxicity, but the detrimental effects of HNE associated with DNA damage or cell cycle arrest have not been thoroughly studied. Here we demonstrate for the first time that HNE caused G₂/M cell cycle arrest of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 (p53 wild type) and Hep3B (p53 null) cells that was accompanied with decreased expression of CDK1 and cyclin B1 and activation of p21 in a p53-independent manner. HNE treatment suppressed the Cdc25C level, which led to inactivation of CDK1. HNE-induced phosphorylation of Cdc25C at Ser-216 resulted in its translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm, thereby facilitating its degradation via the ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal pathway. This phosphorylation of Cdc25C was regulated by activation of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR)/checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) pathway. The role of HNE in the DNA double strand break was strongly suggested by a remarkable increase in comet tail formation and H2A.X phosphorylation in HNE-treated cells in vitro. This was supported by increased in vivo phosphorylation of H2A.X in mGsta4 null mice that have impaired HNE metabolism and increased HNE levels in tissues. HNE-mediated ATR/Chk1 signaling was inhibited by ATR kinase inhibitor (caffeine). Additionally, most of the signaling effects of HNE on cell cycle arrest were attenuated in hGSTA4 transfected cells, thereby indicating the involvement of HNE in these events. A novel role of GSTA4-4 in the maintenance of genomic integrity is also suggested.     

Activation of the Transcription Factor FosB/Activating Protein-1 (AP-1) Is a Prominent Downstream Signal of the Extracellular Nucleotide Receptor P2RX7 in Monocytic and Osteoblastic Cells

Activation of the ionotropic P2RX7 nucleotide receptor by extracellular ATP has been implicated in modulating inflammatory disease progression. Continuous exposure of P2RX7 to ligand can result in apoptosis in many cell types, including monocytic cells, whereas transient activation of P2RX7 is linked to inflammatory mediator production and the promotion of cell growth. Given the rapid hydrolysis of ATP in the circulation and interstitial space, transient activation of P2RX7 appears critically important for its action, yet its effects on gene expression are unclear. The present study demonstrates that short-term stimulation of human and mouse monocytic cells as well as mouse osteoblasts with P2RX7 agonists substantially induces the expression of several activating protein-1 (AP-1) members, particularly FosB. The potent activation of FosB after P2RX7 stimulation is especially noteworthy considering that little is known concerning the role of FosB in immunological regulation. Interestingly, the magnitude of FosB activation induced by P2RX7 stimulation appears greater than that observed with other known inducers of FosB expression. In addition, we have identified a previously unrecognized role for FosB in osteoblasts with respect to nucleotide-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin biosynthesis from arachidonic acid and is critical for osteoblastic differentiation and immune behavior. The present studies are the first to link P2RX7 action to FosB/AP-1 regulation in multiple cell types, including a role in nucleotide-induced COX-2 expression, and support a role for FosB in the control of immune and osteogenic function by P2RX7.     

Thrombin-Induced Regulation of CD95(Fas) Expression in the N9 Microglial Cell Line: Evidence for Involvement of Proteinase-Activated Receptor<Subscript>1</Subscript> and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2

Microglia are the immune cells of the CNS. Brain injury triggers phenotypic changes in microglia including regulation of surface antigens. The serine proteinase α-thrombin can induce profound changes in neural cell physiology via cleavage of proteinase-activated receptors (PARs). We recently demonstrated that pharmaceutical-grade recombinant human α-thrombin (rh-thr) induces a restricted set of proteolysis-dependent changes in microglia. CD95(Fas) is a cell-death receptor that is up-regulated in microglia by inflammatory stimuli. Here we characterized the effect of rh-thr on CD95(Fas) expression in the N9 microglial cell line. Dose–response and time course studies demonstrated maximal effects at 100 U/ml and 24 h, respectively. Regulation of expression was seen at both the surface protein and steady-state mRNA levels. The rh-thr-induced effects were mimicked by PAR₁ agonist peptides and blocked by pharmacologic inhibitors selective for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2). Rh-thr also induced a rapid and sustained phosphorylation of ERK 1/2. Thrombin-induced regulation of CD95(Fas) could modulate the neuroinflammatory response in a variety of neurological disorders.