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At least 1,351 records · Page 75Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Pre-B cell receptor signaling mediates selective response to IL-7 at the pro-B to pre-B cell transition via an ERK/MAP kinase-dependent pathway.

B lymphocyte development is regulated at multiple checkpoints, mediated by signals originating both inside and outside the cell. Two signaling pathways known to be essential in this process are interleukin-7 (IL-7) and the pre-B cell receptor (pBCR). We have shown previously that these signaling pathways intersect functionally. Specifically, response to low concentrations of IL-7 requires pBCR expression. In this report, we identify the ERK/MAP kinase pathway as a key regulatory component of this response. We propose a molecular mechanism for the selective expansion of pBCR(+) precursors and for the culling of inappropriately rearranged pro-B cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Eph receptors and ephrins.

The Eph receptors are the largest known family of receptor tyrosine kinases. The Eph receptors and their membrane-attached ligands, ephrins, show diverse expression patterns during development. Recent studies have demonstrated that Eph receptors and ephrins play important roles in many developmental processes, including neuronal network formation, the patterning of the neural tube and the paraxial mesoderm, the guidance of cell migration, and vascular formation. In the nervous system, Eph receptors and ephrins have been shown to act as positional labels to establish topographic projections. They also play a key role in pathway finding by axons and neural crest cells. The crucial roles of Eph receptors and ephrins during development suggest involvement of these genes in congenital disorders affecting the nervous system and other tissues. It has also been suggested that Eph receptors and ephrins may be involved in carcinogenesis. It is therefore of clinical importance to further analyse the function of these molecules, as manipulation of their function may have therapeutic applications.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Gibberellin signalling pathway.

Recent molecular biological and genetical studies have identified several positive and negative regulators of gibberellin (GA) signalling pathways in higher plants. The DELLA protein functions as a negative regulator of GA signalling; its degradation through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway is a key event in the regulation of GA-stimulated processes.

Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental↗
PubMed2001

Toll-like receptors; their physiological role and signal transduction system.

Drosophila Toll protein is a transmembrane receptor whose function is to recognize the invasion of microorganisms as well as to establish dorso-ventral polarity. Recently, mammalian homologues of Toll, designated as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been discovered. So far, six members (TLR1-6) have been reported and two of these, TLR2 and TLR4, have been shown to be essential for the recognition of distinct bacterial cell wall components. TLR2 discriminates peptidoglycan (PGN), lipoprotein, lipoarabinomannan (LAM) and zymosan, whereas TLR4 recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and Taxol. Bacterial components elicit the activation of an intracellular signaling cascade via TLR in a similar way to that occurs upon ligand binding to IL-1 receptor (IL-1R). This signaling pathway leads to the activation of a transcription factor NF-kappaB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which initiate the transcription of proinflammatory cytokine genes. Particularly, analysis of knockout mice revealed a pivotal role for MyD88 in the signaling of the TLR/IL-1R family. Taken together, TLRs and the downstream signaling pathway play a key role in innate immune recognition and in subsequent activation of adaptive immunity.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed1998

Neurofibromatosis type 1: piecing the puzzle together.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) was first described in 1882 and is characterized by a diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations, including neurofibromas, café au lait spots, and Lisch nodules. NF1 is also noted for the higher risk of associated malignancies, making it the most common tumour-predisposing disease in humans. Transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner, the NF1 gene was cloned in 1990, and belongs to the family of tumour suppressor genes. Since then, there has been an explosion in our understanding of how the gene product, neurofibromin, functions in normal cellular physiology, and how its loss in NF1 relates to the wide spectrum of clinical findings, including NF1-associated tumours. Neurofibromin is a major negative regulator of a key signal transduction pathway in cells, the Ras pathway, which transmits mitogenic signals to the nucleus. Loss of neurofibromin leads to increased levels of activated Ras (bound to GTP), and thus increased downstream mitogenic signaling. Our understanding of neurofibromin's role within cells has allowed for the development of pharmacological therapies which target the specific molecular abnormalities in NF1 tumours. These include the farnesyl transferase inhibitors, which inhibit the post-translational modification of Ras, and other agents which modulate Ras-mediated signaling pathways.

Genes, Neurofibromatosis 1↗
PubMed1994

Complete chemical structure of photoactive yellow protein: novel thioester-linked 4-hydroxycinnamyl chromophore and photocycle chemistry.

The unique ability of photoactive proteins to capture and use energy from a photon of light depends on the chromophore, its linkage to the protein, and the surrounding protein environment. To understand the molecular mechanisms by which a chromophore and protein interact to undergo a light cycle, we are studying photoactive yellow protein (PYP), a 14-kDa water-soluble photoreceptor from Ectothiorhodospira halophila with a photocycle similar to that of sensory rhodopsin. Here, we report the cloning and sequencing of the pyp gene and the chemical identification of both the chromophore and its covalent linkage to the protein. Elemental composition data from high-resolution mass spectrometry of a proteolytically derived chromopeptide, pH titrations and UV-visible spectroscopy of the protein-bound and chemically released chromophore, and fragmentation mass spectrometry of the liberated chromophore amide were combined with results from the 1.4-A-resolution protein crystal structure to identify the chromophore in PYP as a 4-hydroxycinnamyl group covalently bound to the sole cysteine residue via a thioester linkage. While 4-hydroxycinnamate is a metabolic product of the phenylpropanoid pathway and a key molecule in plant stress response, this is the first report of covalent modification of a protein by this group. In the dark (yellow) state of PYP, the protein stabilizes the chromophore as the deprotonated phenolate anion. By combining our biochemical characterization of the chromophore with other published observations, we propose a chemical basis for the photocycle: following the initial absorption of a photon, the photocycle of PYP involves protonation of the chromophore to a neutral phenol form corresponding to the observed photobleached intermediate.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

Asymmetric total syntheses of (-)-antofine and (-)-cryptopleurine using (R)-(E)-4-(tributylstannyl)but-3-en-2-ol.

The asymmetric total syntheses of the representative phenanthroindolizidine and phenanthroquinolizidine alkaloids, (-)-antofine and (-)-cryptopleurine, are described. An efficient synthetic pathway to the key intermediate 12, in enantiomerically pure form, was achieved by using a chiral building block (R)-9 and the Overman rearrangement with a total transfer of chirality. The problem of constructing the pyrrolidine and piperidine rings was successfully addressed, primarily by using a ring-closing metathesis reaction and a cross-metathesis reaction, respectively.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed2000

Pairwise use of complexity-generating reactions in diversity-oriented organic synthesis.

[reaction: see text] Two pairs of complexity-generating reactions with an essential product-substrate relationship along a synthetic pathway are demonstrated. This pathway illustrates a key element in a planning algorithm for diversity-oriented synthesis. This element facilitates the efficient synthesis of structurally complex compounds, and it can be integrated with ones that provide structurally diverse compounds.

Molecular Structure↗
PubMed2003

An unusual oxidative ring transformation of purine to imidazo[1,5-c]imidazole.

[reaction: see text] Reevaluation of products derived from 3,9-dimethyluric acid in a chlorination-reductive dechlorinaton sequence has demonstrated unequivocally that they are not purines. Spectroscopic and degradative evidence, in conjunction with position-labeling NMR studies, revealed an unprecedented oxidative ring transformation pathway involving the key purine-to-imidazo[1,5-c]imidazole rearrangement.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Apoptotic action of estrogen.

Estrogen as a mitogen stimulates cell proliferation and prevents cell death in many cell types. In patients, estrogen is known to stimulate breast and uterus cancer development. Ironically, high doses of estrogen can induce regression of hormone-dependent breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The comprehensive mechanism by which estrogen induces tumor recession in breast cancer is still unknown, but activation of the Fas/FasL pathways plays a key role in this process. Laboratory studies show that the apoptotic action of estrogen is the major factor leading to cell number decreases in several cell types. The effects of estrogen are estrogen-receptor dependent. In this mini review, we will focus on the latest findings regarding estrogen apoptotic effects in several cell models, including breast cancer cells, and summarize the possible mechanisms involved in these estrogen mediated processes. New potential implications for the pharmacological control of breast cancer with estrogen in post-menopausal women are also discussed.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1999

Pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase C activity could induce apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by differential regulation of apoptosis-related genes.

The protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway plays a key role in tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Gastric cancer usually possesses a higher level of PKC activity than normal tissue. We evaluated inhibition of PKC activity in apoptosis induction of gastric cancer cells and the expression profile of apoptosis-related genes. Gastric cancer cells (AGS) were incubated with two highly specific PKC inhibitors (RO-31-8220 and chelerythrine). Cell viability and cell cycle were determined by methyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Apoptosis was characterized by acridine orange staining, DNA gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry. The expression of p53, p21(waf/cip1), c-myc, bcl-2, and bax was determined by western blot. The results showed that both PKC inhibitors hindered cell growth, arrested cells at G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis. The protein level of p53, p21(waf/cip1), c-myc, and bax was elevated while bcl-2 kept unchanged following drug exposure. In conclusion, PKC inhibitors suppress growth of gastric cancer cells through apoptosis induction and cell cycle quiescence, which may be regulated by differential expression of apoptosis-related genes.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2000

Blockade of RAGE-amphoterin signalling suppresses tumour growth and metastases.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a multi-ligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules, interacts with distinct molecules implicated in homeostasis, development and inflammation, and certain diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Engagement of RAGE by a ligand triggers activation of key cell signalling pathways, such as p21ras, MAP kinases, NF-kappaB and cdc42/rac, thereby reprogramming cellular properties. RAGE is a central cell surface receptor for amphoterin, a polypeptide linked to outgrowth of cultured cortical neurons derived from developing brain. Indeed, the co-localization of RAGE and amphoterin at the leading edge of advancing neurites indicated their potential contribution to cellular migration, and in pathologies such as tumour invasion. Here we demonstrate that blockade of RAGE-amphoterin decreased growth and metastases of both implanted tumours and tumours developing spontaneously in susceptible mice. Inhibition of the RAGE-amphoterin interaction suppressed activation of p44/p42, p38 and SAP/JNK MAP kinases; molecular effector mechanisms importantly linked to tumour proliferation, invasion and expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Re-staging mitosis: a contemporary view of mitotic progression.

The process of cell division, or mitosis, has fascinated biologists since its discovery in the late 1870s. Progress through mitosis is traditionally divided into stages that were defined over 100 years ago from analyses of fixed material from higher plants and animals. However, this terminology often leads to ambiguity, especially when comparing different systems. We therefore suggest that mitosis can be re-staged to reflect more accurately the molecular pathways that underlie key transitions.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A genomic view of immunology.

The outstanding problems facing immunology are whole system issues: curing allergic and autoimmune disease and developing vaccines to stimulate stronger immune responses against pathogenic organisms and cancer. We hope that the human genome sequence will reveal the molecular checks and balances that ensure both an effective immunogenic response against pathogenic microorganisms and a suitably tolerogenic response to self antigens and innocuous environmental antigens. Three synergistic approaches--sequence homology searches, messenger RNA expression profiling on microarrays, and mutagenesis in mice--provide the best opportunities to reveal, in the genome sequence, key proteins and pathways for targeting by new immunomodulatory treatments.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Activation of transforming growth factor-beta is inhibited in transgenic apolipoprotein(a) mice.

A HIGH concentration of serum lipoprotein(a) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein(a) consists of low-density lipoprotein with the additional protein component, apolipoprotein(a), a homologue of plasminogen. Lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein(a) enhance proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) in culture by inhibiting activation of plasminogen to plasmin, thus blocking the proteolytic activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), an autocrine inhibitor of hVSMC proliferation. The hypothesis that this pathway is a key step in atherogenesis is tested on transgenic mice expressing the human apolipoprotein(a) gene. We show here that the activation of TGF-beta is inhibited in the aortic wall and serum of mice expressing apolipoprotein(a), as a consequence of apolipoprotein(a) inhibition of plasminogen activation. These effects are closely correlated with VSMC activation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Involvement of Notch and Delta genes in spider segmentation.

It is currently debated whether segmentation in different animal phyla has a common origin and shares a common genetic mechanism. The apparent use of different genetic networks in arthropods and vertebrates has become a strong argument against a common origin of segmentation. Our knowledge of arthropod segmentation is based mainly on the insect Drosophila, in which a hierarchical cascade of transcription factors controls segmentation. The function of some of these genes seems to be conserved among arthropods, including spiders, but not vertebrates. The Notch pathway has a key role in vertebrate segmentation (somitogenesis) but is not involved in Drosophila body segmentation. Here we show that Notch and Delta genes are involved in segmentation of another arthropod, the spider Cupiennius salei. Expression patterns of Notch and Delta, coupled with RNA interference experiments, identify many similarities between spider segmentation and vertebrate somitogenesis. Our data indicate that formation of the segments in arthropods and vertebrates may have shared a genetic programme in a common ancestor and that parts of this programme have been lost in particular descendant lineages.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Somatic control of germline sexual development is mediated by the JAK/STAT pathway.

Germ cells must develop along distinct male or female paths to produce the sperm or eggs required for sexual reproduction. In both mouse and Drosophila, the sexual identity of germ cells is influenced by the sex of the surrounding somatic tissue (for example, refs 1, 2, reviewed in refs 3, 4); however, little is known about how the soma controls germline sex determination. Here we show that the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway provides a sex-specific signal from the soma to the germ line in Drosophila embryonic gonads. The somatic gonad expresses a JAK/STAT ligand, unpaired (upd), in a male-specific manner, and activates the JAK/STAT pathway in male germ cells at the time of gonad formation. Furthermore, the JAK/STAT pathway is necessary for male-specific germ cell behaviour during early gonad development, and is sufficient to activate aspects of male germ cell behaviour in female germ cells. Our findings provide direct evidence that the JAK/STAT pathway mediates a key signal from the somatic gonad that regulates male germline sexual development.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

The cytohesin Steppke is essential for insulin signalling in Drosophila.

In metazoans, the insulin signalling pathway has a key function in regulating energy metabolism and organismal growth. Its activation stimulates a highly conserved downstream kinase cascade that includes phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) and the serine-threonine protein kinase Akt. This study identifies a new component of insulin signalling in Drosophila, the steppke gene (step). step encodes a member of the cytohesin family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which have been characterized as activators for ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) GTPases. In step mutant animals both cell size and cell number are reduced, resulting in decreased body size and body weight in larvae, pupae and adults. step acts upstream of PI(3)K and is required for the proper regulation of Akt and the transcription factor FOXO. Temporally controlled interference with the GEF activity of the Step protein by feeding the chemical inhibitor SecinH3 causes a block of insulin signalling and a phenocopy of the step mutant growth defect. Step represses its own expression and the synthesis of growth inhibitors such as the translational repressor 4E-BP. Our findings indicate a crucial role of an ARF-GEF in insulin signalling that has implications for understanding insulin-related disorders, such as diabetes and obesity.

Animals↗