Protein kinase Calpha participates in activation of store-operated Ca2+ channels in human glomerular mesangial cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays animportant role in activating store-operated Ca²⁺ channels(SOC) in human mesangial cells (MC). The present study was performed todetermine the specific isoform(s) of conventional PKC involved inactivating SOC in MC. Fura 2 fluorescence ratiometry showed that thethapsigargin-induced Ca²⁺ entry (equivalent to SOC) wassignificantly inhibited by 1 µM Gö-6976 (a specific PKC andI inhibitor) and PKC antisense treatment (2.5 nM for 24-48h). However, LY-379196 (PKC inhibitor) and2,2',3,3',4,4'-hexahydroxy-1,1'-biphenyl-6,6'-dimethanoldimethyl ether(HBDDE; PKC and  inhibitor) failed to affect thapsigargin-evoked activation of SOC. Single-channel analysis in the cell-attached configuration revealed that Gö-6976 and PKC antisensesignificantly depressed thapsigargin-induced activation of SOC.However, LY-379196 and HBDDE did not affect the SOC responses. Ininside-out patches, application of purified PKC or I, but notII or , significantly rescued SOC from postexcision rundown.Western blot analysis revealed that thapsigargin evoked a decrease incytosolic expression with a corresponding increase in membraneexpression of PKC and . However, the translocation from cytosolto membranes was not detected for PKCI or II. These resultssuggest that PKC participates in the intracellular signaling pathwayfor activating SOC upon release of intracellular stores ofCa²⁺.

     

Protein kinase Cbeta regulates heterologous desensitization of thrombin receptor (PAR-1) in endothelial cells

We studied the effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activation onendothelial cell surface expression and function of the proteolytically activated thrombin receptor 1 (PAR-1). Cell surface PAR-1 expression was assessed by immunofluorescence (using anti-PAR-1 monoclonal antibody), and receptor activation was assessed by measuring increases in cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration inhuman dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) exposed to-thrombin or phorbol ester,12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA).Immunofluorescence showed that thrombin and TPA reduced the cellsurface expression of PAR-1. Prior exposure of HMEC to thrombin for 5 min desensitized the cells to thrombin, indicating homologous PAR-1desensitization. In contrast, prior activation of PKC with TPA produceddesensitization to thrombin and histamine, indicatingheterologous PAR-1 desensitization. Treatment of cells withstaurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, fully prevented heterologous desensitization, whereas thrombin-induced homologous desensitization persisted. Depletion of PKC isozymes(PKC_I andPKC_II) by transducing cellswith antisense cDNA of PKC_Iprevented the TPA-induced decrease in cell surface PAR-1 expression andrestored ~60% of the cytosolic Ca²⁺ signal in response tothrombin. In contrast, depletion of PKC isozymes did not affect theloss of cell surface PAR-1 and induction of homologous PAR-1desensitization by thrombin. Therefore, homologous PAR-1desensitization by thrombin occurs independently of PKC isozymes,whereas the PKC-activated pathway is important in signaling heterologous PAR-1 desensitization in endothelial cells.

     

Heterologous desensitization of response mediated by selective PKC-dependent phosphorylation of G(i-1) and G(i-2)

This study examined the ability of protein kinase C (PKC) toinduce heterologous desensitization by targeting specific G proteinsand limiting their ability to transduce signals in smooth muscle.Activation of PKC by pretreatment of intestinal smooth muscle cellswith phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, cholecystokinin octapeptide, orthe phosphatase 1 and phosphatase 2A inhibitor, calyculin A,selectively phosphorylated G_i-1 and G_i-2,but not G_i-3 or G_o, and blockedinhibition of adenylyl cyclase mediated by somatostatin receptorscoupled to G_i-1 and opioid receptors coupled toG_i-2, but not by muscarinic M₂ and adenosineA₁ receptors coupled to G_i-3. Phosphorylationof G_i-1 and G_i-2 and blockade of cyclaseinhibition were reversed by calphostin C and bisindolylmaleimide, andadditively by selective inhibitors of PKC and PKC. Blockade ofinhibition was prevented by downregulation of PKC. Phosphorylation ofG-subunits by PKC also affected responses mediated by-subunits. Pretreatment of muscle cells withcANP-(4-23), a selective agonist of the natriureticpeptide clearance receptor, NPR-C, which activates phospholipase C(PLC)-3 via the -subunits of G_i-1 andG_i-2, inhibited the PLC- response to somatostatin and[D-Pen^2,5]enkephalin. The inhibition waspartly reversed by calphostin C. Short-term activation of PKC had noeffect on receptor binding or effector enzyme (adenylyl cyclase orPLC-) activity. We conclude that selective phosphorylation ofG_i-1 and G_i-2 by PKC partly accounts forheterologous desensitization of responses mediated by the - and-subunits of both G proteins. The desensitization reflects adecrease in reassociation and thus availability of heterotrimeric G proteins.

     

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to PKC-delta blocks alpha 1-adrenergic activation of Na-K-2Cl cotransport

A role for protein kinase C (PKC)- and -isotypes in ₁-adrenergicregulation of human tracheal epithelial Na-K-2Cl cotransport wasstudied with the use of isotype-specific PKC inhibitors and antisenseoligodeoxynucleotides to PKC- or - mRNA. Rottlerin, a PKC-inhibitor, blocked 72% of basolateral-to-apical, bumetanide-sensitive ³⁶Cl flux innystatin-permeabilized cell monolayers stimulated with methoxamine, an₁-adrenergic agonist, with a50% inhibitory concentration of 2.3 µM. Methoxamine increased PKCactivity in cytosol and a particulate fraction; the response wasinsensitive to PKC- and -_IIisotype-specific inhibitors, but was blocked by general PKC inhibitorsand rottlerin. Rottlerin also inhibited methoxamine-induced PKCactivity in immune complexes of PKC-, but not PKC-. At the subcellular level, methoxamine selectively elevated cytosolic PKC-activity and particulate PKC- activity. Pretreatment of cellmonolayers with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to PKC- for 48 hreduced the amount of whole cell and cytosolic PKC-, diminished whole cell and cytosolic PKC- activity, and blockedmethoxamine-stimulated Na-K-2Cl cotransport. Sense oligodeoxynucleotideto PKC- and antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to PKC- did not altermethoxamine-induced cotransport activity. These results demonstrate theselective activation of Na-K-2Cl cotransport by cytosolic PKC-.

     

Differential translocation of protein kinase C isozymes by phorbol esters, EGF, and ANG II in rat liver WB cells

The protein kinaseC (PKC) family represents an important group of enzymes whoseactivation is associated with their translocation from the cytosol todifferent cellular membranes. In this study, the spatial distributionof PKC-, - and - in rat liver epithelial (WB) cells has beenexamined by Western blot analysis after subcellular fractionation.Cytosolic, membrane, nuclear, and cytoskeletal fractions were obtainedfrom cells stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA),angiotensin II (ANG II), or epidermal growth factor (EGF). PMA causedmost of the PKC-, - and - initially present in the cytosol tobe transported to the membrane and nuclear fractions. In contrast, bothANG II and EGF induced only a minor translocation of PKC- to themembrane fraction but caused a statistically significantmembrane-directed movement of PKC- and -. Translocation ofPKC- and - to the nucleus induced by ANG II and EGF was transient and quantitatively smaller than that induced by PMA. PKC- and -were present in the cytoskeleton of resting cells, but although PMA,ANG II, and EGF caused some changes in their content, these werevariable, suggesting that the cytoskeleton fraction was heterogeneous. PKC depletion inhibited ANG II-induced mitogenesis and the sustained activation of Raf-1 and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK).However, although PKC depletion inhibited EGF-induced mitogenesis, themaximum EGF-induced activation of the ERK pathway was only slightlyretarded. We hypothesize that PKC- and - are involved inmitogenesis via both ERK-dependent and ERK-independent mechanisms. These results support the notion that specific PKC isozymes exert spatially defined effects by virtue of their directed translocation todistinct intracellular sites.

     

Antisense oligonucleotide to PKC-epsilon alters cAMP-dependent stimulation of CFTR in Calu-3 cells

Protein kinase C(PKC) regulates cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR) channel activity but the PKC signaling mechanism is not yetknown. The goal of these studies was to identify PKC isotype(s)required for control of CFTR function. CFTR activity was measured as³⁶Cl efflux in a Chinese hamsterovary cell line stably expressing wild-type CFTR (CHO-wtCFTR) and in aCalu-3 cell line. Chelerythrine, a PKC inhibitor, delayed increasedCFTR activity induced with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or with thecAMP-generating agents ()-epinephrine or forskolin plus8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3',5'- cyclicmonophosphate. Immunoblot analysis of Calu-3 cells revealed thatPKC-, -_II, -, -, and- were expressed in confluent cell cultures. Pretreatment of cellmonolayers with Lipofectin plus antisense oligonucleotide to PKC-for 48 h prevented stimulation of CFTR with ()-epinephrine,reduced PKC- activity in unstimulated cells by 52.1%, and decreasedPKC- mass by 76.1% but did not affect hormone-activated proteinkinase A activity. Sense oligonucleotide to PKC- and antisenseoligonucleotide to PKC- and - did not alter()-epinephrine-stimulated CFTR activity. These results demonstrate the selective regulation of CFTR function by constitutively active PKC-.

     

Serine phosphorylation of p60 tumor necrosis factor receptor by PKC-delta in TNF-alpha-activated neutrophils

Tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-) triggers degranulation and oxygen radical release in adherentneutrophils. The p60TNF receptor (p60TNFR) is responsible forproinflammatory signaling, and protein kinase C (PKC) is a candidatefor the regulation of p60TNFR. Both TNF- and the PKC-activatorphorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate triggered phosphorylation of p60TNFR.Receptor phosphorylation was on both serine and threonine but not ontyrosine residues. The PKC- isotype is a candidate enzyme for serinephosphorylation of p60TNFR. Staurosporine and the PKC- inhibitorrottlerin inhibited TNF--triggered serine but not threoninephosphorylation. Serine phosphorylation was associated withreceptor desensitization, as inhibition of PKC resulted in enhanceddegranulation (elastase release). After neutrophil activation, PKC-was the only PKC isotype that associated with p60TNFR within thecorrect time frame for receptor phosphorylation. In vitro, onlyPKC-, but not the -, I-, II-, or -isotypes, wascompetent to phosphorylate the receptor, indicating that p60TNFR is adirect substrate for PKC-. These findings suggest a selective rolefor PKC- in negative regulation of the p60TNFR and ofTNF--induced signaling.

     

Inhibition of cell differentiation by Galpha q in the renal epithelial cell line LLC-PK1

LLC-PK₁, an epithelial cellline derived from the kidney proximal tubule, was used to study theability of the G protein -subunit, G_q, to regulate celldifferentiation. A constitutively active mutant protein,_qQ209L, was expressed using theLacSwitch-inducible mammalian expression system. Induction of_qQ209L expression with isopropyl--D-thiogalactopyranoside(IPTG) enhanced phospholipase C activity maximally by 6- to 7.5-fold.Increasing concentrations of IPTG progressively inhibited the activityof two differentiation markers,Na⁺-dependent hexose transport andalkaline phosphatase activity. Induction of_qQ209L expression also caused achange from an epithelial to a spindle-shaped morphology. The effectsof _qQ209L expression on celldifferentiation were similar to those observed with12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate(TPA) treatment. However, protein kinase C (PKC) levels weredownregulated in TPA-treated cells but not in_qQ209L-expressing cells,suggesting that the regulation of PKC byG_q may be different fromregulation by TPA. Interestingly, the PKC inhibitor GF-109203X did notinhibit the effect of IPTG on the development ofNa⁺-dependent hexose transport in_qQ209L-expressing cells. These data implicate PKC and PKC in the pathway used byG_q to block the development ofNa⁺-dependent hexose transport inIPTG-treated cells.

     

Regulation of epithelial transport and barrier function by distinct protein kinase C isoforms

The phorbol ester phorbol12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) inhibits Cl secretion(short-circuit current, I_sc) and decreasesbarrier function (transepithelial resistance, TER) in T84 epithelia. To elucidate the role of specific protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes inthis response, we compared PMA with two non-phorbol activators of PKC(bryostatin-1 and carbachol) and utilized three PKC inhibitors (Gö-6850, Gö-6976, and rottlerin) with different isozymeselectivity profiles. PMA sequentially inhibited cAMP-stimulatedI_sc and decreased TER, as measured byvoltage-current clamp. By subcellular fractionation and Western blot,PMA (100 nM) induced sequential membrane translocation of the novelPKC followed by the conventional PKC and activated both isozymesby in vitro kinase assay. PKC was activated by PMA but did nottranslocate. By immunofluorescence, PKC redistributed to thebasolateral domain in response to PMA, whereas PKC moved apically.Inhibition of I_sc by PMA was prevented by theconventional and novel PKC inhibitor Gö-6850 (5 µM) but not theconventional isoform inhibitor Gö-6976 (5 µM) or the PKCinhibitor rottlerin (10 µM), implicating PKC in inhibition ofCl secretion. In contrast, both Gö-6976 andGö-6850 prevented the decline of TER, suggesting involvement ofPKC. Bryostatin-1 (100 nM) translocated PKC and PKC andinhibited cAMP-elicited I_sc. However, unlikePMA, bryostatin-1 downregulated PKC protein, and the decrease in TERwas only transient. Carbachol (100 µM) translocated only PKC andinhibited I_sc with no effect on TER. Gö-6850 but not Gö-6976 or rottlerin blocked bryostatin-1and carbachol inhibition of I_sc. We concludethat basolateral translocation of PKC inhibits Clsecretion, while apical translocation of PKC decreases TER. Thesedata suggest that epithelial transport and barrier function can bemodulated by distinct PKC isoforms.

     

Carbachol-induced desensitization of PLC-beta pathway in rat myometrium: downregulation of Gqalpha /G11alpha

In the estrogen-treated rat myometrium, carbachol increased thegeneration of inositol phosphates by stimulating the muscarinic receptor-G_q/G₁₁-phospholipaseC-3 (PLC-3) cascade. Exposure to carbachol resulted in a rapidand specific (homologous) attenuation of the subsequent muscarinicresponses in terms of inositol phosphate production, PLC-3translocation to membrane, and contraction. Refractoriness wasaccompanied by a reduction of membrane muscarinic binding sites and anuncoupled state of residual receptors. Protein kinase C (PKC) alteredthe functionality of muscarinic receptors and contributed to theinitial period of desensitization. A delayed phase of the muscarinicrefractoriness was PKC independent and was associated with adownregulation ofG_q/G₁₁.Atropine failed to induce desensitization as well asG_q/G₁₁downregulation, indicating that both events involve active occupancy ofthe receptor. Prolonged exposure toAlF₄ reduced subsequent AlF₄ as well as carbachol-mediatedinositol phosphate responses and similarly induced downregulation ofG_q/G₁₁. Data suggest that a decrease in the level ofG_q/G₁₁is subsequent to its activation and may account forheterologous desensitization.

     

Distinct PKC isozymes regulate bufalin-induced differentiation and apoptosis in human monocytic cells

Bufalin, anNa⁺-K⁺-ATPase inhibitor, simultaneouslyinduced cell differentiation and apoptosis in human monocyticleukemia THP-1 cells. In this study, we investigated the regulatoryrole of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in bufalin-induced celldifferentiation and apoptosis. A PKC-specific butisozyme-nonselective inhibitor, Ro-31-8220, and a cPKC selectiveinhibitor, Gö-6976, caused significant attenuation ofbufalin-induced interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene expression, a maturemonocytic marker, indicating that cPKC participates in thebufalin-induced cell differentiation. On the other hand, cPKC- andnPKC-defective THP-1/TPA cells displayed strong resistance tothe bufalin-induced DNA ladder formation. Rottlerin, annPKC-specific inhibitor, partially attenuated preapoptotic effectsof bufalin, such as the limited proteolysis of nPKC andpoly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and the cell staining by terminaldeoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling,suggesting that nPKC is involved, at least in part, inbufalin-induced apoptosis. In contrast, Gö-6976 androttlerin significantly augmented bufalin-induced apoptosis anddifferentiation, respectively. The findings suggest thatbufalin-induced cell differentiation and apoptosis areinterlinked and that distinct PKC isozymes are involved in the fate ofthe cell.

     

Cholecystokinin induction of mob-1 chemokine expression in pancreatic acinar cells requires NF-kappa B activation

Inflammatory mediators are involved in the early phase of acutepancreatitis, but the cellular mechanisms responsible for theirgeneration within pancreatic cells are unknown. We examined the role ofnuclear factor-B (NF-B) in cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8)-induced mob-1 chemokineexpression in pancreatic acinar cells in vitro. Supraphysiological, butnot physiological, concentrations of CCK-8 increased inhibitory B(IB-) degradation, NF-B activation, andmob-1 gene expression in isolatedpancreatic acinar cells. CCK-8-induced IB- degradation wasmaximal within 1 h. Expression ofmob-1 was maximal within 2 h. Neitherbombesin nor carbachol significantly increasedmob-1 mRNA or induced IB-degradation. Thus the concentration, time, and secretagogue dependenceof mob-1 gene expression and IB-degradation were similar. Inhibition of NF-B with pharmacologicalagents or by adenovirus-mediated expression of the inhibitory proteinIB- also inhibited mob-1 geneexpression. These data indicate that the NF-B signaling pathway isrequired for CCK-8-mediated induction ofmob-1 chemokine expression inpancreatic acinar cells. This supports the hypothesis that NF-Bsignaling is of central importance in the initiation of acute pancreatitis.

     

Diacylglycerol and ceramide formation induced by dopamine D2S receptors via Gbeta gamma -subunits in Balb/c-3T3 cells

Diacylglycerol (DAG)and ceramide are important second messengers affecting cell growth,differentiation, and apoptosis. Balb/c-3T3 fibroblast cellsexpressing dopamine-D2S (short) receptors (Balb-D2S cells) provide amodel of G protein-mediated cell growth and transformation. In Balb-D2Scells, apomorphine (EC₅₀ = 10 nM) stimulated DAG and ceramide formation by 5.6- and 4.3-fold, respectively, maximal at1 h and persisting over 6 h. These actions were blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX), implicatingG_i/G_o proteins. To address which G proteins areinvolved, Balb-D2S clones expressing individual PTX-insensitiveG_i proteins were treated with PTX and tested forapomorphine-induced responses. Neither PTX-insensitive G_i2 nor G_i3 rescued D2S-induced DAG orceramide formation. Both D2S-induced DAG and ceramide signals requiredG-subunits and were blocked by inhibitors of phospholipaseC[1-(6-[([17]-3-methoxyestra-1,2,3[10]-trien- 17yl)amino]hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione(U-73122) and partially by D609]. The similar G protein specificity ofD2S-induced calcium mobilization, DAG, and ceramide formation indicatesa common G-dependent phospholipase C-mediated pathway. Both D2agonists and ceramide specifically induced mitogen-activated proteinkinase (ERK1/2), suggesting that ceramide mediates a novel pathway ofD2S-induced ERK1/2 activation, leading to cell growth.

     

NF-kappa B inactivation converts a hepatocyte cell line TNF-alpha response from proliferation to apoptosis

Toxins convertthe hepatocellular response to tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)stimulation from proliferation to cell death, suggesting thathepatotoxins somehow sensitize hepatocytes to TNF- toxicity. Becausenuclear factor-B (NF-B) activation confers resistance to TNF-cytotoxicity in nonhepatic cells, the possibility that toxin-inducedsensitization to TNF- killing results from inhibition ofNF-B-dependent gene expression was examined in the RALA rathepatocyte cell line sensitized to TNF- cytotoxicity by actinomycinD (ActD). ActD did not affect TNF--induced hepatocyte NF-Bactivation but decreased NF-B-dependent gene expression. Expressionof an IB superrepressor rendered RALA hepatocytes sensitive toTNF--induced apoptosis in the absence of ActD. Apoptosis was blockedby caspase inhibitors, and TNF- treatment led to activation ofcaspase-2, caspase-3, and caspase-8 only when NF-B activation wasblocked. Although apoptosis was blocked by the NF-B-dependent factornitric oxide (NO), inhibition of endogenous NO production did notsensitize cells to TNF--induced cytotoxicity. Thus NF-Bactivation is the critical intracellular signal that determines whetherTNF- stimulates hepatocyte proliferation or apoptosis. Althoughexogenous NO blocks RALA hepatocyte TNF- cytotoxicity, endogenousproduction of NO is not the mechanism by which NF-B activationinhibits this death pathway.

     

Inhibitory actions of ceramide upon PKC-epsilon/ERK interactions

We have previously shown that interleukin-1receptor-generated ceramide induces growth arrest in smooth musclepericytes by inhibiting an upstream kinase in the extracellularsignal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade. Here, we now report themechanism by which ceramide inhibits ERK activity. Ceramide renders thehuman embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK 293) resistant to the mitogenicactions of growth factors and activators of protein kinase C (PKC). A role for PKC to mediate ceramide inhibition of growth factor-induced ERK activity and mitogenesis is suggested, as exogenous ceramide directly inhibits both immunoprecipitated and recombinant PKC- activities. To confirm that PKC- is necessary for ceramide-inhibited ERK activity, HEK 293 cells were transfected with a dominant-negative mutant of PKC- (PKC-). These transfected cells respond toinsulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) with a significantly decreased ERKactivity that is not further reduced by ceramide treatment.Coimmunoprecipitation studies reveal that the treatment with IGF-Iinduces the association of ERK with PKC- but not with PKC-.Ceramide treatment significantly inhibits the IGF-I-induced PKC-interaction with bioactive phosphorylated ERK. Ceramide also inhibitsIGF-I-induced PKC- association with Raf-1, an upstream kinase ofERK. Together, these studies demonstrate that ceramide exertsanti-mitogenic actions by limiting the ability of PKC- to form asignaling complex with Raf-1 and ERK.

     

PKA and arachidonic acid activation of human recombinant ClC-2 chloride channels

An HEK-293 cell line stably expressing the humanrecombinant ClC-2 Cl channel was used in patch-clampstudies to study its regulation. The relative permeabilityP_x/P_Cl calculated fromreversal potentials was I > Cl = NO₃ = SCNBr. Theabsolute permeability calculated from conductance ratios wasCl = Br = NO₃  SCN > I. The channel was activatedby cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), reduced extracellular pH, oleicacid (C:18 cis9), elaidic acid (C:18trans9), arachidonic acid (AA; C:20cis5,8,11,14), and by inhibitors of AA metabolism,5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA; C:20trans5,8,11,14),-methyl-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzeneacetic acid (ibuprofen), and2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3-[2H]-one (PZ51, ebselen). ClC-2Cl channels were activated by a combination of forskolinplus IBMX and were inhibited by the cell-permeant myristoylated PKAinhibitor (mPKI). Channel activation by reduction of bath pH wasincreased by PKA and prevented by mPKI. AA activation of the ClC-2Cl channel was not inhibited by mPKI or staurosporine andwas therefore independent of PKA or protein kinase C activation.

     

Activation of p42mapk in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Work from this and other laboratories has identified a role forprotein tyrosine kinases in interleukin-1 (IL-1)- and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)-induced responses in endothelial cells. In this study, we show that activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by IL-1 leads to increased tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins including one with a molecular massof ~42 kDa. This protein was identified asp42^mapk by Western blot analysis.Tyrosine phosphorylation and catalytic activation ofp42^mapk by IL-1 was transient,reaching maximal levels after 30 min and returning to basal levels by120-300 min. Activation ofp42^mapk in HUVEC was also observedin response to TNF- or to the protein kinase C (PKC)-activatingphorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Pretreatment ofHUVEC with IL-1 or TNF- prevented reactivation ofp42^mapk by either cytokine but didnot affect subsequent activation in response to PMA. Activation ofp42^mapk by PMA was significantlyreduced by the PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220 and completely inhibited by theprotein tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Genistein, but notRo-31-8220, attenuated IL-1- and TNF--inducedp42^mapk activation. Takentogether, the results of this study demonstrate 1) thatp42^mapk is transiently activatedin HUVEC by IL-1 and TNF-, 2)that this activation is PKC independent, and3) that a genistein-inhibitable tyrosine kinase may be an upstream regulator of cytokine-induced p42^mapk activation in humanendothelium.

     

Role of PKCalpha in feedback regulation of Na(+) transport in an electrically tight epithelium

It has long been known thatNa⁺ channels in electrically tight epithelia are regulatedby homeostatic mechanisms that maintain a steady state and allow newlevels of transport to be sustained in hormonally challenged cells.Little is known about the potential pathways involved in theseprocesses. In addition to short-term effect, recent evidence alsoindicates the involvement of PKC in the long-term regulation of theepithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC) at the protein level(40). To determine whether stimulation of ENaC involvesfeedback regulation of PKC levels, we utilized Western blot analysis todetermine the distribution of PKC isoforms in polarized A6 epithelia.We found the presence of PKC isoforms in the conventional ( and), novel (, , and ), and atypical (, , and) groups. Steady-state stimulation of Na⁺ transport withaldosterone was accompanied by a specific decrease of PKC proteinlevels in both the cytoplasmic and membrane fractions. Similarly,overnight treatment with an uncharged amiloride analog (CDPC), aprocedure that through feedback regulation causes a stimulation ofNa⁺ transport, also decreased PKC levels. These effectswere additive, indicating separate mechanisms that converge at thelevel of PKC. These effects were not accompanied by changes ofPKC mRNA levels as determined by Northern blot analysis. We proposethat this may represent a novel regulatory feedback mechanism necessary for sustaining an increase of Na⁺ transport.

     

ERK signaling mediates the induction of inflammatory cytokines by bufalin in human monocytic cells

Treatment of human leukemia THP-1 cellswith bufalin, a specific inhibitor ofNa⁺-K⁺-ATPase, sequentially inducesc-fos and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1(IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) gene expressionsbefore the appearance of mature phenotypes of monocytic cells. In thisstudy we examined the signal transduction leading to bufalin-inducedgene expressions. Bufalin selectively activated extracellularsignal-regulated kinase (ERK), compared with other mitogen-activatedprotein (MAP) kinase family members. Pretreatment of THP-1 cells withPD-98059, an inhibitor of the ERK-kinase cascade, abolishedbufalin-induced c-fos and IL-1 gene expressions, indicating that the ERK-kinase cascade mediates the induction of inflammatory cytokines by bufalin. Inhibition of theNa⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger by KB-R7943 and of proteinkinase C (PKC) by Ro-31-8220 suppressed ERK activation and geneexpressions of c-fos and IL-1. These findings suggest thatNa⁺-K⁺-ATPase inhibition by bufalin inducescalcium influx and thereby activates PKC and ERK. In cells treated withan inhibitor of p38 MAP kinases, SB-203580, bufalin-mediated ERKactivation became persistent and the induction of IL-1 and TNF-expressions was significantly augmented. These results suggest thatcross talk in bufalin-mediated ERK activation is negatively regulatedby endogenous p38 MAP kinase activations.

     

CCK independently activates intracellular trypsinogen and NF-kappaB in rat pancreatic acinar cells

In the cholecystokinin (CCK)hyperstimulation model of acute pancreatitis, two early intracellularevents, activation of trypsinogen and activation of nuclear factor-B(NF-B), are thought to be important in the development of thedisease. In this study, the relationship between these two events wasinvestigated. NF-B activity was monitored by using a DNA bindingassay and mob-1 chemokine gene expression. Intracellulartrypsin activity was measured by using a fluorogenic substrate.Protease inhibitors including FUT-175, Pefabloc, and E-64d preventedCCK stimulation of intracellular trypsinogen and NF-B activation.Likewise, the NF-B inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate andN-acetyl-L-cysteine inhibited CCK stimulation ofNF-B and intracellular trypsinogen activation. These resultssuggested a possible codependency of these two events. However, CCKstimulated NF-B activation in Chinese hamster ovary-CCK_Acells, which do not express trypsinogen, indicating that trypsin is notnecessary for CCK activation of NF-B. Furthermore,adenovirus-mediated expression in acinar cells of active p65 subunitsto stimulate NF-B, or of inhibitory B- molecules to inhibitNF-B, did not affect either basal or CCK-mediated trypsinogenactivation. Thus trypsinogen and NF-B activation are independentevents stimulated by CCK.