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PAC1 phosphatase is a transcription target of p53 in signalling apoptosis and growth suppression.

p53 has a role in many cellular processes through the transcriptional regulation of target genes. PAC1 (phosphatase of activated cells 1; also known as dual specificity phosphatase 2, DUSP2) is a dual threonine/tyrosine phosphatase that specifically dephosphorylates and inactivates mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Here we show that during apoptosis, p53 activates transcription of PAC1 by binding to a palindromic site in the PAC1 promoter. PAC1 transcription is induced in response to serum deprivation and oxidative stress, which results in p53-dependent apoptosis, but not in response to gamma-irradiation, which causes cell cycle arrest. Reduction of PAC1 transcription using small interfering RNA inhibits p53-mediated apoptosis, whereas overexpression of PAC1 increases susceptibility to apoptosis and suppresses tumour formation. Moreover, activation of p53 significantly inhibits MAP kinase activity. We conclude that, under specific stress conditions, p53 regulates transcription of PAC1 through a new p53-binding site, and that PAC1 is necessary and sufficient for p53-mediated apoptosis. Identification of a palindromic motif as a p53-binding site may reveal a novel mechanism whereby p53 regulates its target genes.

Animals↗

Early gene activation in chronic leukemic B lymphocytes induced toward a plasma cell phenotype.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of lymphocytes that are arrested at an intermediate stage of B lymphocyte development. CLL B lymphocytes transform (mature) to a plasmacytic phenotype with loss of CD19 and CD20 and the appearance of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin when treated in vitro with phorbol esters. We have used array hybridization technology to describe gene expression patterns for untreated and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA)-treated CLL B cells at 5, 10, and 20 min following initial TPA exposure. Three genes, early growth response factor 1 (EGR-1), dual specificity phosphatase 2, and CD69 (early T-cell activation antigen), showed a 2.0-fold or greater increase in mRNA transcription at four or more of six time points in two studies. Upregulation of expression of these genes was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the TPA-treated cells of four CLL patients. A progressive increase in gene expression was observed during the 20-min time course for all three genes. In addition, protein expression of EGR-1 and CD69 was increased as measured by immunofluorescence cell analysis. Several genes (PKC, n-myc, jun D, and BCL-2) previously reported as overexpressed in CLL lymphocytes were overexpressed in these studies also, but were not altered by TPA treatment. Genes for proteins whose upregulation requires hours of TPA exposure (the 4F2hc component of the L-system amino acid transporter, prohibition, and hsp60) were assessed, and their later expression contrasted with the early expression of EGR-1, dual specificity phosphatase 2, and CD69. EGR-1 encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor that is induced by pokeweed mitogen and TPA and promotes B lymphocyte maturation. The dual specificity phosphatase 2 encodes an enzyme that reverses mitogen activated protein kinase cell activation by dephosphorylation. The CD69 protein is induced by TPA in thymocytes and is a type II transmembrane signaling molecule in hematopoietic cells. These findings suggest that the products of these three genes may be central to early steps in the TPA-induced evolution of CLL B cells to a plasmacytic phenotype.

Antigens, CD↗

The mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases PAC1, MKP-1, and MKP-2 have unique substrate specificities and reduced activity in vivo toward the ERK2 sevenmaker mutation.

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases can be grouped into three structural families, ERK, JNK, and p38, which are thought to carry out unique functions within cells. We demonstrate that ERK, JNK, and p38 are activated by distinct combinations of stimuli in T cells that simulate full or partial activation through the T cell receptor. These kinases are regulated by reversible phosphorylation on Tyr and Thr, and the dual specific phosphatases PAC1 and MKP-1 previously have been implicated in the in vivo inactivation of ERK or of ERK and JNK, respectively. Here we characterize a new MAP kinase phosphatase, MKP-2, that is induced in human peripheral blood T cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and is expressed in a variety of nonhematopoietic tissues as well. We show that the in vivo substrate specificities of individual phosphatases are unique. PAC1, MKP-2, and MKP-1 recognize ERK and p38, ERK and JNK, and ERK, p38, and JNK, respectively. Thus, individual MAP kinase phosphatases can differentially regulate the potential for cross-talk between the various MAP kinase pathways. A hyperactive allele of ERK2 (D319N), analogous to the Drosophila sevenmaker gain-of-function mutation, has significantly reduced sensitivity to all three MAP kinase phosphatases in vivo.

Animals↗

Gene expression in poorly differentiated papillary thyroid carcinomas.

We used cDNA microarrays to study gene expression in fresh frozen papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) specimens. Seven clinically aggressive carcinomas were included, comprising poorly differentiated PTC and tumors with extensive local invasion or synchronous distant metastases. Ten differentiated (classic) papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and non-neoplastic thyroid tissues were also investigated. TaqMan quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry verified the differential gene expression. The B-Raf gene was mutated with a T-->A transversion at nucleotide 1799 (V600E) in 8 of 10 differentiated PTC, and in 4 of 7 aggressive carcinomas. Among genes markedly and equally over-expressed in carcinomas of both the aggressive and classic PtC groups, compared to normal thyroid tissue, were CBP/p300 transactivator (CItED1), fibronectin, growth/differentiation factor 15, potassium inwardly rectifying channel KCNJ2, glutaminyl peptide cyclotransferase, WNT7A, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV. A marked upregulation in carcinomas of P-cadherin mRNA and protein concomitant with E-cadherin downregulation, indicates a possible P-E cadherin "switch" in PTC. The growth factor homologue Nel-like 2, dual specificity phosphatase 5, the serine protease kallikrein 10, and also the tight junction genes claudin 1 and claudin 16, were upregulated in classic PTC but not in aggressive tumors, which may be consistent with altered cell polarity in the dedifferentiated PtC. The aggressive, poorly differentiated PtC group was specifically characterized by marked upregulation of several genes related to cell proliferation such as cell division cycle 2 (CDC2), CDC7, kinesin-like 5, ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2C, and topoisomerase IIalpha, and by upregulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins such as seprase, extracellular matrix protein 1, and several collagens. These aggressive tumors were also characterized by overexpression of the integrin ligand periostin, and in some biopsies also of osteopontin and of the upstream Rac-regulator dedicator of cytokinesis 10 (DOCK10). These data are interpreted to be consistent with altered cell motility, extracellular matrix remodeling and increased cell proliferation, as important processes in PTC tumor progression.

Adult↗

Mechanistic studies on protein tyrosine phosphatases.

The human genome encodes approximately 100 phosphatases that belong to the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) superfamily. The hallmark for this superfamily is the active site sequence C(X)5R, also known as the PTP signature motif. The PTPs are key regulatory components in signal transduction pathways and the importance of PTPs in the control of cellular signaling is well established. Based on structure and substrate specificity, the PTP superfamily is divided into four distinct subfamilies: (1) pTyr-specific PTPs, (2) dual specificity phosphatases, (3) Cdc25 phosphatases, and (4) LMW PTPs. The PTPs have similar core structures made of a central parallel beta-sheet with flanking a-helices containing a beta-loop-alpha-loop that encompasses the PTP signature motif. Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved amino acids in the Yersinia PTP and several other phosphatases in the PTP superfamily combined with detailed kinetic and mechanistic analyses have revealed a common chemical mechanism for phosphate hydrolysis despite the differences in substrate specificity. This article reviews our current knowledge of the common features important for PTP catalysis, the nature of the enzymatic transition state, and the roles of essential residues in transition stabilization. Future mechanistic studies of PTPs will focus on the use of physiological substrates to determine the molecular basis of substrate recognition and regulation, which is essential for understanding the specific functional role of PTPs in cellular signaling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An overview of the protein tyrosine phosphatase superfamily.

The human genome encodes approximately 100 phosphatases that belong to the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) superfamily, whose substrates range from proteins to phosphoinositides and mRNAs. The hallmark for this superfamily is the active site sequence C(X)5R, also known as the PTP signature motif. The PTPs are key regulatory components in signal transduction pathways and the importance of PTPs in the control of cellular signaling is well established. Furthermore, there are compelling reasons to believe that PTP inhibitors may serve as novel medicinal agents for the treatment of various diseases. Based on structure and substrate specificity, the PTP super-family is divided into four distinct subfamilies: 1). pTyr specific PTPs, 2). dual specificity phosphatases, 3). Cdc25 phosphatases, and 4). LMW PTPs. The PTPs have similar core structures made of a central parallel beta-sheet with flanking alpha-helices containing a beta-loop-alpha loop that encompasses the PTP signature motif. Not surprisingly, they employ a common chemical mechanism for phosphate hydrolysis despite the differences in substrate specificity. Despite the conserved structural and catalytic properties, there are also sufficient differences in the active site pockets and its immediate surrounding environment among different PTPs. Further structural and mechanistic study will continue to be of considerable importance, providing a solid basis for inhibitor design.

Animals↗

Genomic organization and chromosomal localization of the DUSP2 gene, encoding a MAP kinase phosphatase, to human 2p11.2-q11.

The mitogen-induced gene, DUSP2, encodes a nuclear protein, PAC1, that acts as a dual-specific protein phosphatase with stringent substrate specificity for MAP kinase. MAP kinase phosphorylation and consequent enzymatic activation is a central and often obligatory component in signal transduction initiated by growth factor stimulation or resulting from various types of oncogenic transformation. DUSP2 downregulates intracellular signal transduction through the dephosphorylation/inactivation of MAP kinases. To facilitate assessment of the possible role of DUSP2 in growth processes, the genomic structure and chromosomal location of the gene have been determined. DUSP2 has been localized to the pericentromeric region of human chromosome 2 (2p11.2-q11) by analysis of somatic cell hybrids, in situ chromosome hybridization, and genetic linkage analysis using a single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) that has been identified in the 3' UTR of the gene. No consistent translocations or deletions at this chromosomal site have been reported in hematopoietic neoplasias or other tumors.

Base Sequence↗

Genetic and biochemical characterization of a protein phosphatase with dual substrate specificity in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).

A gene encoding a protein phosphatase (SppA) with a phosphoesterase motif, which was predicted by the genome project of the Gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), was cloned by PCR in pET32a(+) and expressed in Escherichia coli. SppA fused to thioredoxin (TRX-SppA) showed distinct heat-stable phosphatase activity toward p-nitrophenyl phosphate with optimal pH 8.0 and optimal temperature 55 degrees C. Mn2+ greatly enhanced enzyme activity, as is found with other protein Ser/Thr phosphatases. TRX-SppA was not inhibited by sodium orthovanadate or okadaic acid, both of which are known to be specific inhibitors of protein phosphatases. TRX-SppA showed phosphatase activity toward not only phosphoThr (pThr) and pTyr but also oligopeptides containing pSer, pThr, and pTyr, indicating that SppA is a protein phosphatase with dual substrate specificity. Disruption of the chromosomal sppA gene resulted in severe impairment of vegetative growth. All of these observations show that SppA, a protein phosphatase with dual specificity, plays an important, but not essential, role in vegetative growth of S. coelicolor A3(2). The presence of a single copy of sppA in all the 13 Streptomyces species examined, as determined by Southern hybridization, suggests a common role of SppA in general in Streptomyces species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure of the gene encoding the murine dual specificity tyrosine-threonine phosphatase PAC1.

The mitogen-induced early-response gene, PAC-1, encodes a nuclear 32-kDa tyrosine-threonine dual specificity phosphatase, which has been shown to specifically dephosphorylate the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases, ERK1 and ERK2. Here, we describe the structure and sequence of the murine PAC-1 gene. Transcription starts at three major sites located between 80 and 90 nucleotides upstream of the murine PAC-1 initiation codon within a highly G/C-rich region. The gene comprises three exons, with exon 1 encoding the unique N-terminal half of the protein, while exons 2 and 3 encode the C-terminus that is homologous to the closely related phosphatases, 3CH134 and VH1. The conserved catalytic domain common to all tyrosine phosphatases is encompassed by exon 3. The organization of the murine PAC-1 gene suggests that the PAC-1 N-terminus, which may serve a regulatory function, has evolved as a separate domain from the C-terminal catalytic domain.

Animals↗

New insights into the catalytic activation of the MAPK phosphatase PAC-1 induced by its substrate MAPK ERK2 binding.

PAC-1 is an inducible, nuclear-specific, dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase that has been shown recently to be a transcription target of the human tumor-suppressor protein p53 in signaling apoptosis and growth suppression. However, its substrate specificity and regulation of catalytic activity thus far remain elusive. Here, we report in vitro characterization of PAC-1 phosphatase activity with three distinct MAP kinase subfamilies. We show that the recombinant PAC-1 exists in a virtually inactive state when alone in vitro, and dephosphorylates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) but not p38alpha or c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2). ERK2 dephosphorylation by PAC-1 requires association of its amino-terminal domain with ERK2 that results in catalytic activation of the phosphatase. p38alpha also interacts with but does not activate PAC-1, whereas JNK2 does not bind to or cause catalytic activation by PAC-1. Moreover, our structure-based analysis reveals that individual mutation of the conserved Arg294 and Arg295 that likely comprise the phosphothreonine-binding pocket in PAC-1 to either alanine or lysine results in a nearly complete loss of its phosphatase activity even in the presence of ERK2. These results suggest that Arg294 and Arg295 play an important role in PAC-1 catalytic activation induced by ERK2 binding.

Animals↗

Signal transduction system in epinephrine stimulated platelets; comparison between epinephrine sensitive and insensitive platelets.

We recently reported the high prevalence of impaired platelet responsiveness only to epinephrine in healthy Japanese. This abnormality was associated with a 50% decrease in the number of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Platelets from non-responders (NR) do not undergo secondary platelet aggregation even after exposure to 100 microM epinephrine, but they can potentiate the effect of ADP to provoke platelet aggregation. To further define the nature of the defect and to delineate controversial steps of epinephrine stimulated signal transduction, a signaling pathway of epinephrine was investigated in platelets from NR and R(normal responder to epinephrine). In a unique particle counting apparatus, epinephrine initially triggered the formation of small platelet aggregates composing of 10-1000 cells from both R and NR, but the aggregates became larger (4600 > cells) only in platelets from R. Thus, platelets from NR lack the ability to form larger aggregates. A similar defect was reproduced by treating normal platelets with aspirin. In the presence of fibrinogen, platelets from NR lacked phospholipase A2 activation, determined by arachidonic acid liberation in the presence of inhibitors to cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. In the absence of fibrinogen, aggregation and phospholipase A2 activation were not evident in R and NR. The surface expression of GPIIb/IIIa was markedly decreased in platelets from NR after stimulation by epinephrine, in comparison with those from R. The resting level and epinephrine stimulated increase in cAMP were not significantly different between NR and R. Incubating R platelets with a half saturating dose of yohimbine rendered them insensitive to epinephrine. These results indicated that the impaired platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine was due to the impaired surface exposure of glycoproteins GPIIbIIIa integral to the activation of phospholipase A2, which requires the full and normal occupancy of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor by epinephrine.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Regulation of ERK2 dephosphorylation in G1-stimulated rat T lymphoblasts.

Rat T lymphoblasts arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle by interleukin-2 (IL-2) deprivation can be forced to proceed to the S phase when they are stimulated with IL-2 or the phorbol ester phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). When PDBu is used as a stimulus, extracellular regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) is activated by threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation by the dual-specificity kinase MEK. Here we have studied the regulation of ERK2 dephosphorylation as a mechanism for inactivation of this kinase. In vivo inhibition of ERK2 dephosphorylation observed after preincubation with translation or transcription inhibitors (cycloheximide or actinomycin, respectively) indicates the involvement of at least one inducible phosphatase, the best candidate for which is the dual-specificity phosphatase PAC-1. Other noninducible phosphatases must act as well, however, because sodium orthovanadate is a more effective dephosphorylation blocker than cycloheximide. In addition, the okadaic acid effect in ERK2 dephosphorylation indicates that Ser/Thr phosphatases are also involved, directly and/or indirectly.

Animals↗

Fractionated and acute irradiation induced signaling in a murine tumor.

The effect of fractionated doses of Co(60) gamma-irradiation (2 Gy per fraction over 5 days), as is delivered in cancer radiotherapy, was compared with acute doses of 10 and 2 Gy, in a serially transplanted mouse fibrosarcoma grown in Swiss mice. The aspects that were studied included the three major mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, namely p44 MAP kinase, p38 MAP kinase, and stress-activated protein (SAP) kinase, which are known to be involved in determining the cell fate following exposure to ionizing radiation. The response of dual specificity phosphatase PAC1 which is involved in the dephosphorylation of MAP kinases was also looked at. There were significant differences in the response to different dose regimens for all the factors studied. Fractionated irradiation elicited an adaptive response with a sustained activation over 7 days of prosurvival p44 MAP kinase which was balanced by the increased activation of proapoptotic p54 SAP kinase up to 1 day post-irradiation, whereas, phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase showed a decrease at most time points. PAC1 was induced following fractionated irradiation and may be acting as a feed back regulator of p44 MAP kinase. The activation of SAP kinase after fractionated irradiation may be a stress response, whereas, constitutively activated p44 MAP kinase may play an important role in the induction of radioresistance during fractionated radiotherapy of cancer and may serve as a promising target for specific inhibitors to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Animals↗

Platelet activation and restenosis after coronary stenting: flow cytometric detection of wound-induced platelet activation.

BACKGROUND: Platelet activation has been implicated in restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), but previous studies may have been confounded by factors such as elastic recoil and arterial remodelling. Restenosis after coronary stenting is unlikely to be affected by these factors. METHODS: Forty-nine patients who had stenting for acute or impending closure after PTCA were included in the study. Patients with restenosis (> or = 50% stenosis by angiography) and without restenosis were selected using a case-control design. Restenosis was determined by the caliper method. Patients were tested for platelet activation 1-4 years after their procedure while taking their usual medications (including aspirin). Reliability testing was conducted with 11 healthy subjects. Platelet activation was measured in blood leaving a bleeding-time wound (wound-induced platelet activation), using flow cytometry. Blood was collected from the wound site 1 and 2 min after the incision. Monoclonal antibodies were used to test for activation of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa (PAC-1), GPIIb/IIIa ligand binding (anti-ligand-induced binding site 1: anti-LIBS-1), and P-selectin expression (AC1.2). RESULTS: Short-term intersample reliability was very good to excellent for anti-LIBS-1 and AC1.2 (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.79-0.96), but only fair for PAC-1. Patients with restenosis (n = 25) had greater activation in all measures than patients without restenosis (n = 24); the difference was significant for GPIIb/IIIa ligand binding at 1 min (P = 0.03). The correlation between GPIIb/IIIa ligand binding at 1 min and percent stenosis at follow-up was also significant (P = 0.03). Patients taking nitrates had lower activation; after eliminating these patients, GPIIb/IIIa ligand binding was greater among patients with restenosis at both 1 and 2 min (P = 0.04 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that increased GPIIb/IIIa ligand binding may be associated with restenosis after coronary stenting. The results also suggest that the wound-induced platelet activation method is a reliable and valid measure of platelet activity.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Platelet activation as a potential mechanism of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor-induced thrombocytopenia.

The blockade of the platelet integrin glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa has proved to be an effective antiplatelet therapy. Profound thrombocytopenia has repeatedly been described as an adverse effect in patients treated with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, but its mechanism has not been elucidated yet. With use of flow cytometry, the activation status of platelets was monitored in 26 patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction who were treated with the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab alone or in combination with the fibrinolytic agent reteplase. Fibrinogen and PAC-1 (a GP IIb/IIIa activation-specific monoclonal antibody) binding, as well as P-selectin expression on unstimulated platelets were constant in 25 patients throughout a follow-up of 7 days. In 1 patient (D.F.), the percentage of platelet-binding fibrinogen increased from 2.2% to 17.8%, for PAC-1 from 2.8% to 13.2%, and for P-selectin expression from 10.2% to 58.3% 10 minutes after the start of treatment. Furthermore, D.F. had a decrease in single platelet count in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-, citrate-, and heparin-anticoagulated and native blood. Blood films revealed platelet aggregates. In vitro testing of D.F.'s blood 2 and 4 weeks after initial admission demonstrated a reinduction of fibrinogen and PAC-1 binding to platelets, an increase of P-selectin expression, and formation of platelet aggregates following exposition of platelets to abciximab in vitro. In summary, this report describes the induction of platelet activation by a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor in vivo and reinduction in vitro in direct association with thrombocytopenia. Platelet activation by GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors may be one potential mechanism for GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor-induced thrombocytopenia.

Abciximab↗

Pharmacodynamic characterization of the interaction between the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor YM337 and unfractionated heparin and aspirin in humans.

AIMS: To investigate the pharmacodynamic interaction of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and acetylic salicylic acid (ASA) on YM337, a monoclonal humanized antibody of the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor. METHODS: In a randomized, placebo-controlled study three treatment groups each with six healthy volunteers received the following medication: group 1, ASA (3 days) + UFH + YM337 (placebo); group 2, ASA (placebo) + UFH (placebo) + YM337; group 3, ASA + UFH + YM337. Assessments were made over 24 h and included bleeding time (BT), ADP (20 microm)- and collagen (5 microg ml-1)-induced platelet aggregation and PAC1 and CD62 expression measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In group 3 BT was prolonged to 35 [median, 16-45 min (1,3 quartile)] after UFH administration, increasing to 45 [median, 42-45 min (1,3 quartile)] after YM infusion (6 h). BT remained elevated to 26 [median, 14-45 min (1,3 quartile)] at 24 h, while groups 1 and 2 returned to normal values. Collagen-induced aggregation was 73% [median, 70-80% (1,3 quartile)] under YM337 alone, 79% [median, 72-80% (1,3 quartile)] under ASA + UFH and reduced only in group 3 to 24% [median, 18-29% (1,3 quartile)]. In both groups receiving active YM337, PAC1 expression showed a reduction to < 20% after 6 h of infusion. CD62 expression was not significantly affected by any treatment. CONCLUSION: UFH and YM337 have strong synergistic effects on BT, while coadministration of ASA strongly augments inhibitory effects of YM337 on collagen-induced platelet aggregation.

Adolescent↗

A filarial nematode-secreted phosphorylcholine-containing glycoprotein uncouples the B cell antigen receptor from extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mitogen-activated protein kinase by promoting the surface Ig-mediated recruitment of Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 and Pac-1 mitogen-activated kinase-phosphatase.

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms by which filarial nematodes, major human pathogens in the tropics, evade the host immune system remains an elusive goal. We have previously shown that excretory-secretory product-62 (ES-62), a homologue of phosphorylcholine-containing molecules that are secreted by human parasites and which is active in rodent models of filarial infection, is able to polyclonally activate certain protein tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activating protein kinase signal transduction elements in B lymphocytes. Such activation mediates desensitization of subsequent B cell Ag receptor (BCR) ligation-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mitogen-activated protein (ErkMAP) kinase and ultimately B cell proliferation. We now show that the desensitization is due to ES-62 targeting two major regulatory sites of B cell activation. Firstly, pre-exposure to ES-62 primes subsequent BCR-mediated recruitment of SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase to abolish recruitment of the RasErkMAP kinase cascade via the Igalphabeta-ShcGrb2Sos adaptor complex interactions. Secondly, any ongoing ErkMAP kinase signaling in ES-62-primed B cells is terminated by the MAP kinase phosphatase, Pac-1 that is activated consequently to challenge via the BCR.

Animals↗

Effects of combined therapy with clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid on platelet glycoprotein expression and aggregation.

SUMMARY: This study aimed to compare the effects of clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and the combination of both substances on platelet aggregation and expression of platelet membrane glycoproteins in patients with chronic coronary artery disease. We investigated platelet activation by flow cytometry and by platelet aggregation and disaggregation in 60 patients randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: ASA, clopidogrel, combination of clopidogrel and ASA, treated for 14 days. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced expression of P-selectin and of PAC-1 was significantly reduced after 2 wk of clopidogrel but not of ASA treatment. Treatment with clopidogrel reduced the ADP-induced platelet aggregation. The combination of clopidogrel and ASA did not increase the inhibition of platelet activation compared with clopidogrel alone. A significant increase in platelet disaggregation was observed with clopidogrel alone and was more pronounced with the combination of clopidogrel and ASA. ADP-induced platelet degranulation, activation of GPIIb/IIIa receptor, and aggregation in vivo are effectively inhibited by clopidogrel. The significantly increased disaggregation under clopidogrel and ASA suggests that the combined therapy may be superior to the monotherapy in patients with coronary artery disease and a high risk for vascular events.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗