Inhibition of thyroid-restricted genes by follicular thyroglobulin involves iodinated degree

Follicular thyroglobulin (TG) reflects the storage of both iodine and thyroid hormone. This is because it is a macromolecular precursor of thyroid hormone and organic iodinated compound in follicular lumen. Thus, it may have an important feedback role in thyroid function. In this study, monolayer cells were cultured and follicles were reconstituted with primary pig thyroid cells in vitro. Reconstituted follicles were treated with iodine and methimazole (MMI), a drug that blocks iodine organification and reduces the degree of TG iodination in follicular lumen. The high degree of iodinated TG in follicular lumen was observed to inhibit thyroid-restricted gene expression. To confirm this finding, monolayer thyroid cells were treated with a different degree of TG iodination at the same concentration. These iodinated TG were extracted from reconstituted follicles of different groups. In this manner, this study provides firsthand evidence suggesting that follicular TG inhibits the expressions of thyroid-restricted genes NIS, TPO, TG, and TSHr.     

Heat stress regulates the expression of TPK1 gene at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae cAMP regulates different cellular processes through PKA. The specificity of the response of the cAMP-PKA pathway is highly regulated. Here we address the mechanism through which the cAMP-PKA pathway mediates its response to heat shock and thermal adaptation in yeast. PKA holoenzyme is composed of a regulatory subunit dimer (Bcy1) and two catalytic subunits (Tpk1, Tpk2, or Tpk3). PKA subunits are differentially expressed under certain growth conditions. Here we demonstrate the increased abundance and half-life of TPK1 mRNA and the assembly of this mRNA in cytoplasmic foci during heat shock at 37 °C. The resistance of the foci to cycloheximide-induced disassembly along with the polysome profiling analysis suggest that TPK1 mRNA is impaired for entry into translation. TPK1 expression was also evaluated during a recurrent heat shock and thermal adaptation. Tpk1 protein level is significantly increased during the recovery periods. The crosstalk of cAMP-PKA pathway and CWI signalling was also studied. Wsc3 sensor and some components of the CWI pathway are necessary for the TPK1 expression upon heat shock. The assembly in foci upon thermal stress depends on Wsc3. Tpk1 expression is lower in a wsc3? mutant than in WT strain during thermal adaptation and thus the PKA levels are also lower. An increase in Tpk1 abundance in the PKA holoenzyme in response to heat shock is presented, suggesting that a recurrent stress enhanced the fitness for the coming favourable conditions. Therefore, the regulation of TPK1 expression by thermal stress contributes to the specificity of cAMP-PKA signalling.     

Parathyroid hormone induces the nuclear orphan receptor NOR-1 in osteoblasts

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) significantly affects osteoblast function by altering gene expression. We have identified neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (NOR-1) as a PTH-induced primary gene in osteoblastic cells. NOR-1, Nurr1, and Nur77 comprise the NGFI-B nuclear orphan receptor family and Nurr1 and Nur77 are PTH-induced primary osteoblastic genes. Ten nM PTH maximally induced NOR-1 mRNA at 2h in primary mouse osteoblasts and at 1h in mouse calvariae. Cycloheximide pretreatment did not inhibit PTH-induced NOR-1 mRNA. PTH activates cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and calcium signaling. Forskolin (PKA activator) and PMA (PKC activator) mimicked PTH-induced NOR-1 mRNA. Ionomycin (calcium ionophore) and PTH(3-34), which do not activate PKA, failed to induce NOR-1 mRNA. PKA inhibition with H89 blocked PTH- and FSK-induced NOR-1 mRNA. PMA pretreatment to deplete PKC inhibited PMA-induced, but not PTH-induced, NOR-1 mRNA. We conclude that NOR-1 is a PTH-regulated primary osteoblastic gene that is induced mainly through cAMP-PKA signaling.     

Immunocytochemical studies on lipid droplet-surface proteins in adrenal cells

Perilipin and ADRP, located on the surface of intracellular lipid droplets, are proposed to be involved in adipocyte lipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PKA and PKC activities on the distribution of perilipin and ADRP in primary cultured adrenal cells, and the role of ERK in PMA- and calphostin C-induced steroidogenesis. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that in addition to p160, a capsular protein of steroidogenic lipid droplets, perilipin and ADRP were localized on the lipid droplet surface. Stimuli such as activation of PKA by db cAMP or inhibition of PKC by calphostin C, which increase corticosterone synthesis in various magnitudes, caused detachment of p160 and perilipin, but not ADRP, from the lipid droplet surface. Activation of PKC by PMA induced increase in corticosterone synthesis, however, it did not affect the distribution of perilipin, p160, or ADRP on the lipid droplet surface, suggesting the presence of mechanisms for promoting sterodiogensis other than causing detachment of lipid droplet surface proteins. We further demonstrated that ERK pathway was involved in PMA-induced steroidogenesis, since PD98059, specific inhibitor of MEK, blocked the increases in steroidogenesis and phosphorylation of ERK caused by PMA, but not by cAMP-PKA. These data indicate that p160, perilipin, and ADRP were all located on the lipid droplet surface in rat adrenal cells. On the basis of its non-responsiveness to lipolytic stimulation, ADRP may be a structural protein of the lipid droplet surface, whereas their immediate response to lipolytic stimuli suggest that perilipin and p160 are functional proteins. PKC regulates adrenal steroidogenesis through ERK cascade, whereas PKA pathway does not involve ERK.     

Cordyceps sinensis mycelium activates PKA and PKC signal pathways to stimulate steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) mycelium stimulates steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, MA-10 cells were treated with different reagents in the presence or absence of CS (10 mg/ml) for 3 h to determine the mechanisms. Results illustrated that CS activated the Gsalpha protein subunit, but not Gialpha, to induce cell steroidogenesis. Moreover, PKA inhibitors inhibited 37% of CS-stimulated steroidogenesis, which demonstrated that CS might enhance the cAMP-PKA pathway to affect MA-10 cell steroidogenesis. Because of incomplete inhibition by PKA inhibitors, we also examined the PKC pathway. PKC inhibitor, phospholipase C inhibitor, and calmodulin antagonist blocked 35-52% of CS-stimulated steroidogenesis in MA-10 cells, strongly suggesting that CS had activated the PKC pathway. Co-treatment with PKA and PKC inhibitors abolished 61% of CS-stimulated steroid production, indicating that CS simultaneously activated PKA and PKC pathways. Moreover, CS induced the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in dose- and time-dependent relationships, and PKA inhibitor, PKC inhibitor, or co-treatment with both inhibitors suppressed it. These data support that CS activates both PKA and PKC signal transduction pathways to stimulate MA-10 cell steroidogenesis.     

The forskolin-induced opening of tight junctions in Xenopus gallbladder epithelium is mediated by protein kinase C.

The effects of protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated and protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated stimulation on the tight junctions of the moderately tight Xenopus gallbladder epithelium have been investigated. Transepithelial impedance and DC voltage divider ratio measurements in Ussing-type chambers were used to calculate the cell membrane and tight junction resistances in the stimulated state. Under control conditions the TE resistance was used as a lowest estimate of tight junction resistance. Stimulation of PKA by forskolin and theophyllin as well as stimulation of PKC by phorbol dibutyrate lowered the TE resistance mainly via the reduction of the tight junctional resistance. PKA stimulation opened, in addition, an apical Cl- selective conductance. The paracellular pathway activated by PKA or PKC did not discriminate between small anions and cations. The effects of PKA stimulation could be blocked by the selective inhibition of PKA (with H89) or of PKC (with bisindolylmaleimide). By contrast the PKC-evoked effects were insensitive to H89, showing that the effects of PKA on the paracellular pathway were mediated by PKC.     

HIV-1 Tat induces TNF-alpha production by human monocytes: involvement of calcium and PKC pathways

In this study we investigated the signaling pathways triggered by Tat in human monocyte to induce TNF-alpha. In monocytes, calcium, PKA, and PKC pathways are highly implicated in the expression of cytokine genes. Our data show that (i) extracellular calcium is required for the calcium signal initiated by Tat in the monocyte and is required for TNF-alpha production, PKC pathway is also required, whereas the PKA pathway does not seem to be involved (ii) downstream from PKC, activation of NF kappa B is essential while ERK1/2 MAP kinases, even though activated by Tat, are not directly involved in the pathway signaling leading to TNF-alpha production.     

Thyrotropin-induced formation of functional follicles in primary cultures of ovine thyroid cells

In primary cultures of ovine thyroid cells, TSH induced the expression of several differentiated functions including the formation of follicles, and synthesis and storage of iodinated thyroglobulin in the follicular lumen. In the present report, these follicles were shown by transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to be intact, comprised of two or more cells and to possess numerous microvilli on the inner cell membranes facing the follicular lumen. The TSH-induced formation of follicles was reversible and dynamic, with the kinetics of formation preceding that of iodination. The follicles were further demonstrated to be functional in terms of thyroglobulin storage and iodination.     

Regulation of Na-K-ATPase Activity in the Proximal Tubule: Role of the Protein Kinase C Pathway and of Eicosanoids

To evaluate further the signal transduction mechanisms involved in the short-term modulation of Na-K-ATPase activity in the mammalian kidney, we examined the role of phospholipase C-protein kinase C (PLC-PKC) pathway and of various eicosanoids in this process, using microdissected rat proximal convoluted tubules. Dopamine (DA) and parathyroid hormone (either synthetic PTH_1-34 or PTH_3-34) inhibited Na-K-ATPase activity in dose-dependent manner; this effect was reproduced by PKC_530-558 fragment and blocked by the specific PKC inhibitor calphostin C, as well as by the PLC inhibitors neomycin and U-73122. Pump inhibition by DA, PTH, or arachidonic acid, and by PKC activators phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) or dioctanoyl glycerol (DiC8) was abolished by ethoxyresorufin, an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase pathway, but was unaffected by indomethacin or nordihydroguaiaretic acid, inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of the arachidonic acid cascade, respectively. Furthermore, each of the three monooxygenase products tested (20-HETE, 12(R)-HETE, or 11,12-DHT) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the pump. The effect of DA, PTH, PDBu or DiC8, as well as that of 20-HETE was not altered when sodium entry was blocked with the amiloride analog ethylisopropyl amiloride or increased with nystatin. We conclude that short-term regulation of proximal tubule Na-K-ATPase activity by dopamine and parathyroid hormone occurs via the PLC-PKC signal transduction pathway and is mediated by cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase products of arachidonic acid metabolism, which may interact with the pump rather than alter sodium access to it. Received: 7 January 1996/Revised: 24 April 1996     

PKC、PKA信号通路在调控体外培养人牙囊细胞VEGF表达中的作用

该文主要探讨PKC、PKA信号通路在调控体外培养人牙囊细胞VEGF表达中的作用。选取生长状态良好的第4代人牙囊细胞,采用Real-time PCR和Western blot分别检测PKC激动剂（PMA）、PKC非特异性抑制剂（G 6983）、PKC-α和γ特异性抑制剂（HBDDE）、PKC-β特异性抑制剂（LY333531）、PKA激动剂（dbcAMP）和抑制剂（KT5720）对体外培养人牙囊细胞VEGF mRNA和蛋白表达的影响。结果显示,PMA组和PMA＋HBDDE组VEGF mRNA和蛋白的表达水平明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;而PMA＋G 6983组和PMA＋LY333531组VEGF mRNA和蛋白的表达水平与对照组之间无明显差异（P〉0.05）。dbcAMP组VEGF mRNA和蛋白的表达水平明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;而dbcAMP＋KT5720组VEGF mRNA和蛋白的表达水平与对照组之间无明显差异（P〉0.05）。这表明,PKC、PKA信号通路均参与了体外培养人牙囊细胞VEGF表达的调控,其中PKC信号通路中参与调控的亚型是PKC-β。     

Contribution of protein kinase A and protein kinase C signalling pathways to the regulation of HSD11B2 expression and proliferation of MCF-7 cells

Contribution of the protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) signalling pathways to the regulation of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (HSD11B2) gene expression was investigated in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Treatment of the cells with an adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, known to stimulate the PKA pathway, resulted in an increase in HSD11B2 mRNA content. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed attenuation of the effect of forskolin by phorbol ester, tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), an activator of the PKC pathway. It was also demonstrated that specific inhibitors significantly reduced the effect of activators of the two pathways. Stimulation of the PKA pathway did not affect, whereas stimulation of the PKC pathway significantly reduced MCF-7 cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. A cell growth inhibitor, dexamethasone, at high concentrations, caused a 40% decrease in proliferation of MCF-7 cells and this effect was abolished under conditions of increased HSD11B2 expression. It was concluded that in MCF-7 cells, stimulation of the PKA signal transduction pathway results in the induction of HSD11B2 expression and that this effect is markedly reduced by activation of the PKC pathway. Activation of the PKC pathway also resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation, while activation of the PKA pathway abolished the antiproliferative effect of dexamethasone. These effects might be due to oxidation of dexamethasone by the PKA-inducible HSD11B2.     

Cooperation of adenosine and prostaglandin E<Subscript>2</Subscript> (PGE<Subscript>2</Subscript>) in amplification of cAMP–PKA signaling and immunosuppression

INTRODUCTION: We hypothesize that adenosine and PGE(2) could have a complementary immunosuppressive effect that is mediated via common cAMP-PKA signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To test this hypothesis, the effect of adenosine and PGE(2) on the cytotoxic activity and cytokine production of lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells was investigated. RESULTS: PGE(2) and adenosine inhibited LAK cells cytotoxic activity and production of INF-gamma, GM-CSF and TNF-alpha. In combination they showed substantially higher inhibition than each modality used alone. Using agonists and antagonists specific for PGE(2) and adenosine receptors we found that cooperation of PGE(2) and adenosine in their inhibitory effects are mediated via EP(2) and A(2A) receptors, respectively. LAK cells have 35-fold higher expression of EP(2) than A(2A). Combined PGE(2) and adenosine treatment resulted in augmentation of cAMP production, PKA activity, CREB phosphorylation and inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Wortmannin and LY294002 enhanced the suppressive effects of adenosine and PGE(2). In contrast, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS, an inhibitor of PKA type I blocked their immunosuppressive effects, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of PGE(2) and adenosine are mediated via common pathway with activation of cAMP-PKA and inhibition of Akt. CONCLUSION: In comparison to other immunosuppressive molecules (TGF-beta and IL-10), adenosine and PGE(2) are unique in their ability to inhibit the executive function of highly cytotoxic cells. High intratumor levels of adenosine and PGE(2) could protect tumor from immune-mediated destruction by inactivation of the tumor infiltrating functionally active immune cells.     

Protein kinase C mediates phosphorylation, desensitization, and trafficking of the D2 dopamine receptor

Previously, D2 dopamine receptors (D2 DARs) have been shown to undergo G-protein-coupled receptor kinase phosphorylation in an agonist-specific fashion. We have now investigated the ability of the second messenger-activated protein kinases, protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC), to mediate phosphorylation and desensitization of the D2 DAR. HEK293T cells were transiently transfected with the D2 DAR and then treated with intracellular activators and inhibitors of PKA or PKC. Treatment with agents that increase cAMP, and activate PKA, had no effect on the phosphorylation state of the D2 DAR, suggesting that PKA does not phosphorylate the D2 DAR in HEK293T cells. In contrast, cellular treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, resulted in an approximately 3-fold increase in D2 DAR phosphorylation. The phosphorylation was specific for PKC as the PMA effect was mimicked by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, but not by 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, active and inactive, phorbol diesters, respectively. The PMA-mediated D2 DAR phosphorylation was completely blocked by co-treatment with the PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide II, and augmented by co-transfection with PKCbetaI. In contrast, PKC inhibition had no effect on agonist-promoted phosphorylation, suggesting that PKC is not involved in this response. PKC phosphorylation of the D2 DAR was found to promote receptor desensitization as reflected by a decrease in agonist potency for inhibiting cAMP accumulation. Most interestingly, PKC phosphorylation also promoted internalization of the D2 DAR through a beta-arrestin- and dynamin-dependent pathway, a response not usually associated with PKC phosphorylation of G-protein-coupled receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments resulted in the identification of two domains of PKC phosphorylation sites within the third intracellular loop of the receptor. Both of these domains are involved in regulating sequestration of the D2 DAR, whereas only one domain is involved in receptor desensitization. These results indicate that PKC can mediate phosphorylation of the D2 DAR, resulting in both functional desensitization and receptor internalization.     

Progesterone primes zona pellucida-induced activation of phospholipase A2 during acrosomal exocytosis in guinea pig spermatozoa

We investigated, using guinea-pig spermatozoa as a model, whether phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is involved in progesterone or zona pellucida (ZP)-stimulated acrosomal exocytosis, if progesterone enhances ZP-induced activation of PLA2, and mechanisms underlying PLA2 regulation. Spermatozoa were capacitated and labeled in low Ca2+ medium with [14C]choline chloride or [14C]arachidonic acid, washed, and then exposed to millimolar Ca2+ and progesterone and/or ZP. Each agonist stimulated decrease of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and release of arachidonic acid and lysoPC, indicative of PLA2 activation. Aristolochic acid (a PLA2 inhibitor) abrogated lipid changes and exocytosis, indicating that these lipid changes are essential for exocytosis. Exposure of spermatozoa to submaximal concentrations of both progesterone and ZP resulted in a synergistic increase of arachidonic acid and lysoPC releases, and exocytosis, suggesting that, under natural conditions, both agonists interact to bring about acrosomal exocytosis. Progesterone-induced PLA2 activation appears to be mediated by a GABA(A)-like receptor, because bicuculline (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist) blocked arachidonic acid release and exocytosis. In agreement with this, GABA mimicked progesterone actions. ZP-induced activation of PLA2 seemed to be transduced via G(i) proteins because pertussis toxin blocked arachidonic acid release and acrosomal exocytosis. PLA2 may be regulated by PKC because progesterone- or ZP-induced release of arachidonic acid was blocked by the PKC inhibitors staurosporine or chelerythrine chloride. PLA2 could also be regulated by the cAMP-PKA pathway; inclusion of the PKA inhibitor 14-22 amide or H-89 led to a reduction in arachidonic acid release or exocytosis after progesterone or ZP. Taken together, these results suggest that PLA2 plays an essential role in progesterone or ZP-stimulated exocytosis with progesterone priming ZP action.     

Neuromodulation of Na+ channel slow inactivation via cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C

Neurotransmitters modulate sodium channel availability through activation of G protein-coupled receptors, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and protein kinase C (PKC). Voltage-dependent slow inactivation also controls sodium channel availability, synaptic integration, and neuronal firing. Here we show by analysis of sodium channel mutants that neuromodulation via PKA and PKC enhances intrinsic slow inactivation of sodium channels, making them unavailable for activation. Mutations in the S6 segment in domain III (N1466A,D) either enhance or block slow inactivation, implicating S6 segments in the molecular pathway for slow inactivation. Modulation of N1466A channels by PKC or PKA is increased, whereas modulation of N1466D is nearly completely blocked. These results demonstrate that neuromodulation by PKA and PKC is caused by their enhancement of intrinsic slow inactivation gating. Modulation of slow inactivation by neurotransmitters acting through G protein-coupled receptors, PKA, and PKC is a flexible mechanism of cellular plasticity controlling the firing behavior of central neurons.     

Regulation of Na+-K+-AtPase in rat aortas: pharmacological and functional evidence

Electrogenic sodium pump (Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase) maintains intracellular ionic concentration and controls membrane potential, Therefore, we analyzed the modulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity by the endothelium, cyclic AMP-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA), protein kinase C (PKC) and nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-protein kinase G (NO-cGMP-PKG) in isolated rat thoracic aortas. The potassium-induced relaxation in arteries incubated in K(+)-free solution was used as a functional indicator of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity for ounbain abolished the potassium-induced relaxation in rat aortas. Potasslium-induced relaxations after removal of the endothelium were moderately blunted in these preparations. In the presence of N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, but not indomethacin, the potassium-induced relaxation was also inhibited. Similar inhibitions of potassium-induced relaxations were observed in aortas treated with 8-bromo-cAMP and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Although inhibitors of PKA and PKC individually did not affect the potassium-induced relaxation, the combination of both inhibitors significantly potentiated that relaxation. In contrast to 8-bromo, cAMP and PMA, 8-bromo-cGMP enhanced the potassium-induced relaxation whereas 1H-[1,2,4}oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one attenuated that relaxation. These results suggested that endothelium is a functional stimulator of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. In addition, cAMP-PKA and PKC pathways inhibited the sodium pump while the NO-cGMP pathway stimulated this pump in the vascular bed.