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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Tumor necrosis factor signaling to stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Germinal center kinase couples TRAF2 to mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase kinase 1 and SAPK while receptor interacting protein associates with a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase upstream of MKK6 and p38.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) elicits a diverse array of inflammatory responses through engagement of its type-1 receptor (TNFR1). Many of these responses require de novo gene expression mediated by the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor. We investigated the mechanism by which TNFR1 recruits the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) and the p38s, two mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) families that together regulate AP-1. We show that the human SPS1 homologue germinal center kinase (GCK) can interact in vivo with the TNFR1 signal transducer TNFR-associated factor-2 (TRAF2) and with MAPK/ERK kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1), a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK) upstream of the SAPKs, thereby coupling TRAF2 to the SAPKs. Receptor interacting protein (RIP) is a second TNFR signal transducer which can bind TRAF2. We show that RIP activates both p38 and SAPK; and that TRAF2 activation of p38 requires RIP. We also demonstrate that the RIP noncatalytic intermediate domain associates in vivo with an endogenous MAPKKK that can activate the p38 pathway in vitro. Thus, TRAF2 initiates SAPK and p38 activation by binding two proximal protein kinases: GCK and RIP. GCK and RIP, in turn, signal by binding MAPKKKs upstream of the SAPKs and p38s.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1998

Differential activation of stress-activated protein kinase kinases SKK4/MKK7 and SKK1/MKK4 by the mixed-lineage kinase-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) kinase-1.

Overexpression of the protein kinases mixed-lineage kinase-2 (MLK2) or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase-1 (MEKK1) is known to trigger the activation of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Here we demonstrate that MLK2 activates SAPK kinase-1 (SKK1)/MAPK kinase 4 (MKK4) and SKK4/MKK7, the two known direct activators of SAPK1/JNK (both in transfection studies and in vitro). In contrast, MEKK1 activates SKK1/MKK4 more efficiently than MLK2, but barely activates SKK4/MKK7. Since SKK4/MKK7 (but not SKK1/MKK4) is activated by interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor in several cells and tissues, we suggest that MEKK1 does not mediate the activation of SKK4/MKK7 and SAPK1/JNK induced by these pro-inflammatory cytokines. MLK2 and MEKK1 also activated SKK2/MKK3 and SKK3/MKK6, the direct upstream activators of SAPK2a/p38.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Phosphorylation of Xenopus mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase by MAP kinase kinase kinase and MAP kinase.

Xenopus 45-kDa mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MAPKK) is a serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase, which activates MAP kinase (MAPK) by phosphorylating its threonine and tyrosine residues. MAPKK is active only when its threonine and/or serine residues are phosphorylated. We have identified from Xenopus eggs two protein kinases responsible for phosphorylation of MAPKK. The two kinases are separated by Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration chromatography. The higher molecular weight kinase phosphorylates MAPKK previously dephosphorylated and inactivated by phosphatase 2A treatment on mainly serine and slightly threonine residues, and reactivates the MAPKK, and is thus assumed to work as MAPKK kinase (MAPKKK) in vivo. The lower molecular weight kinase, identified as MAPK, phosphorylates the dephosphorylated MAPKK on mainly threonine and faintly serine residues, but does not reactivate the MAPKK activity. As Xenopus MAPKK contains a single phosphorylation consensus sequence (PXT388P) for MAPK in the C-terminal region, this T388 residue may be a major phosphorylation site catalyzed by MAPK. Thus, Xenopus MAPKK is phosphorylated in mature oocytes by not only an upstream kinase, MAPKKK, but also a downstream kinase, MAPK.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

MEK kinase 2 binds and activates protein kinase C-related kinase 2. Bifurcation of kinase regulatory pathways at the level of an MAPK kinase kinase.

MEK kinase 2 (MEKK2) is a 70-kDa protein serine/threonine kinase that has been shown to function as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase. MEKK2 has its kinase domain in the COOH-terminal moiety of the protein. The NH(2)-terminal moiety of MEKK2 has no signature motif that would suggest a defined regulatory function. Yeast two-hybrid screening was performed to identify proteins that bind MEKK2. Protein kinase C-related kinase 2 (PRK2) was found to bind MEKK2; PRK2 has been previously shown to bind RhoA and the Src homology 3 domain of Nck. PRK2 did not bind MEKK3, which is closely related to MEKK2. The MEKK2 binding site maps to amino acids 637-660 in PRK2, which is distinct from the binding sites for RhoA and Nck. This sequence is divergent in the closely related kinase PRK1, which did not bind MEKK2. In cells, MEKK2 and PRK2 are co-immunoprecipitated and PRK2 is activated by MEKK2. Similarly, purified recombinant MEKK2 activated PRK2 in vitro. MEKK2 activation of PRK2 is independent of MEKK2 regulation of the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase pathway. MEKK2 activation of PRK2 results in a bifurcation of signaling for the dual control of MAPK pathways and PRK2 regulated responses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

MAP kinase kinase kinase, MAP kinase kinase and MAP kinase.

Signal transduction pathways that respond to external signals through the MAP kinase family of protein kinases are involved in diverse responses in eukaryotic cells. MAP kinases are one element in a series of kinases that serve to connect the plasma membrane with cytoplasmic and nuclear events. MAP kinases have the unusual feature that their activation requires threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation carried out by a dual specificity protein kinase. Recent advances have shown that in two MAP kinase pathways (the mating response pathway in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and receptor tyrosine kinase signalling), the small GTP binding protein ras p21 links membrane events to kinase pathway activation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Protein kinase calpha but not p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase, p38, or c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase is required for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression mediated by interleukin-1beta: involvement of sequential activation of tyrosine kinase, nuclear factor-kappaB-inducing kinase, and IkappaB kinase 2.

IL-1beta induced an increase in ICAM-1 expression in human A549 epithelial cells and immunofluorescence staining confirmed this result. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein or tyrphostin 23) or phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C inhibitor (D609) attenuated IL-1beta-induced ICAM-1 expression. IL-1beta produced an increase in PKC activity and this effect was abolished by D609. PKC inhibitors (staurosporine, Ro 31-8220, calphostin C, or Go 6976) also inhibited IL-1beta-induced response. TPA, a PKC activator, stimulated ICAM-1 expression as well, this effect being inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Treatment of cells with IL-1beta resulted in stimulation of p44/42 MAPK, p38, and JNK. However, neither the mitogen activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD 98059 nor the p38 inhibitor SB 203580 affected IL-1beta-induced ICAM-1 expression. NF-kappaB DNA-protein binding and ICAM-1 promoter activity were enhanced by IL-1beta and these effects were inhibited by tyrphostin 23, but not by PD 98059 or SB 203580. TPA also stimulated NF-kappaB DNA-protein binding and ICAM-1 promoter activity as well, these effects being inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Dominant-negative PKCalpha, NIK, or IKK2, but not IKK1 mutant, inhibited IL-1beta- or TPA-induced ICAM-1 promoter activity. IKK activity was stimulated by either IL-1beta or TPA, and these effects were inhibited by Ro 31-8220 or tyrphostin 23. Taken together, IL-1beta activates phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C and induces activation of PKCalpha and protein tyrosine kinase, resulting in the stimulation of NIK, IKK2, and NF-kappaB in the ICAM-1 promoter, then initiation of ICAM-1 expression. However, activation of p44/42 MAPK, p38, and JNK is not involved.

Bridged-Ring Compounds↗
PubMed1997

Characterization of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4)/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 and MKK3/p38 pathways regulated by MEK kinases 2 and 3. MEK kinase 3 activates MKK3 but does not cause activation of p38 kinase in vivo.

We previously reported the isolation of cDNAs encoding two mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase kinases, designated MEKK2 and MEKK3 (Blank, J.L., Gerwins, P., Elliott, E.M., Sather, S. and Johnson, G.L. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 5361-5368). In the present study, cotransfection experiments were used to examine the regulation by MEKK2 and MEKK3 of the dual specificity MAP kinase kinases, MKK3 and MKK4. MKK3 specifically phosphorylates and activates p38, whereas MKK4 phosphorylates and activates both p38 and JNK. Coexpression of MEKK2 or MEKK3 with MKK4 in COS-7 cells resulted in activation of MKK4, as assessed by enhanced autophosphorylation and by its ability to phosphorylate and activate recombinant JNK1 or p38 in vitro. MKK3 autophosphorylation and activation of p38 was also observed following coexpression of MKK3 with MEKK3, but not with MEKK2. Consistent with these observations, immunoprecipitated MEKK2 directly activated recombinant MKK4 in vitro but failed to activate MKK3. The sites of activating phosphorylation in MKK3 and MKK4 were identified within kinase subdomains VII and VIII. Replacement of Ser189 or Thr193 in MKK3 with Ala abolished autophosphorylation and activation of MKK3 by MEKK3. Analogous mutations in MKK4 indicated that Ser221 and, to a lesser extent, Thr225 were necessary for MKK4 activation by MEKK2 and MEKK3. These data indicate that MKK3 is preferentially activated by MEKK3, whereas MKK4 is activated both by MEKK2 and MEKK3. Consistent with these observations, MEKK2 and MEKK3 also activated JNK1 in vivo. However, MEKK3 failed to activate p38 when coexpressed in either the absence or presence of MKK3, indicating that MEKK3 is not coupled to p38 activation in vivo. These observations suggest that regulation of p38 and JNK1 pathways by MEKK3 may involve distinct mechanisms to prevent p38 activation but to allow JNK1 activation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Sequential activation of Raf-1 kinase, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase, MAP kinase, and S6 kinase by hyperosmolality in renal cells.

In the renal medulla during antidiuresis, the extracellular fluid becomes hyperosmotic. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells adapt in hyperosmotic conditions and serve as a useful tissue culture model for cellular responses to hyperosmolality. We demonstrate that hyperosmolality stimulates phospholipase C, Raf-1 kinase mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase, MAP kinase, and S6 kinase activities and that it increases phosphorylation of Raf-1 kinase, and p42 MAP kinase in MDCK cells. Stimulation of these kinases is osmolality-dependent (from 300 to 600 mosm/kg H2O). The time course of activation is sequential; the peak stimulation for Raf-1 kinase is at 5 min, at 10 min for MAP kinase kinase and MAP kinase, and at 20 min for S6 kinase. The activation of Raf-1 kinase and MAP kinase is inhibited by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate pretreatment in the presence of calphostin C or H-7. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein, herbimycin) do not significantly suppress hyperosmolality-induced MAP kinase activity. The increase of Ins-1,4,5-P3 levels by hyperosmolality suggests that activation of these kinases is mediated at least partially via activation of phospholipase C. Thus, hyperosmolality stimulates the serine/threonine kinases, Raf-1 kinase, MAP kinase kinase, MAP kinase, and S6 kinase, via predominantly protein kinase C-dependent, tyrosine kinase-independent pathways in MDCK cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MEKK) can function in a yeast mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway downstream of protein kinase C.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades are conserved in fungal, plant, and metazoan species. We expressed murine MAP kinase kinase kinase (MEKK) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine whether this kinase functions as a general or specific activator of genetically and physiologically distinct MAP-kinase-dependent signaling pathways and to investigate how MEKK is regulated. Expression of MEKK failed to correct the mating deficiency of a ste11 delta mutant that lacks an MEKK homolog required for mating. MEKK expression also failed to induce expression of a reporter gene controlled by the HOG1 gene product (Hog1p), a yeast MAP kinase homolog involved in response to osmotic stress. Expression of MEKK did correct the cell lysis defect of a bck1 delta mutant that lacks an MEKK homolog required for cell-wall assembly. MEKK required the downstream MAP kinase homolog in the BCK1-dependent pathway, demonstrating that it functionally replaces the BCK1 gene product (Bck1p) rather than bypassing the pathway. MEKK therefore selectively activates one of three distinct MAP-kinase-dependent pathways. Possible explanations for this selectivity are discussed. Expression of the MEKK catalytic domain, but not the full-length molecule, corrected the cell-lysis defect of a pkc1 delta mutant that lacks a protein kinase C homolog that functions upstream of Bck1p. MEKK therefore functions downstream of the PKC1 gene product (Pkc1p). The N-terminal noncatalytic domain of MEKK, which contains several consensus protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, may, therefore, function as a negative regulatory domain. Protein kinase C phosphorylation may provide one mechanism for activating MEKK.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Activation of NF-kappa B in virus-infected macrophages is dependent on mitochondrial oxidative stress and intracellular calcium: downstream involvement of the kinases TGF-beta-activated kinase 1, mitogen-activated kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1, and I kappa B kinase.

Efficient clearance of virus infections depends on the nature of the host response raised by the infected organism. A proinflammatory cell-mediated immune response is important for elimination of many viruses, including herpesviruses. Macrophages are intimately involved in generation of a proinflammatory response, the initiation of which involves activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. However, the mechanisms of HSV-induced NF-kappaB activation are poorly understood. In this study we demonstrate that activation of NF-kappaB by HSV in macrophages is dependent on a functional viral genome and proceeds through a mechanism involving the cellular IkappaB kinase, as well as the upstream kinases TGF-beta-activated kinase 1, mitogen-activated kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1, and possibly NF-kappaB-inducing kinase. Furthermore, we show that HSV triggers NF-kappaB activation by a signaling pathway involving oxidative stress in mitochondria and intracellular calcium, because specific inhibition of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen intermediates, as well as mitochondrial calcium channels, prevented NF-kappaB activation. Together, these results point to mitochondria as cellular checkpoints able to initiate NF-kappaB activation after virus infection and also show that the cellular NF-kappaB-regulating kinases IkappaB kinase, TGF-beta-activated kinase 1, mitogen-activated kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1, and possibly NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, are essential components in the HSV-induced signaling pathway.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1996

A gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase is induced simultaneously with genes for a mitogen-activated protein kinase and an S6 ribosomal protein kinase by touch, cold, and water stress in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We describe here the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a protein kinase that has high sequence homology to members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase (MAPKKK or MEKK) family; this cDNA is named cATMEKKI (Arabidopsis thaliana MAP kinase or ERK kinase kinase 1). The catalytic domain of the putative ATMEKK1 protein shows approximately 40% identity with the amino acid sequences of the catalytic domains of MAPKKKs (such as Byr2 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Ste11 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bck1 from S. cerevisiae, MEKK from mouse, and NPK1 from tobacco). In yeast cells that overexpress ATMEKK1, the protein kinase replaces Ste11 in responding to mating pheromone. In this study, the expression of three protein kinases was examined by Northern blot analyses: ATMEKK1 (structurally related to MAPKKK), ATMPK3 (structurally related to MAPK), and ATPK19 (structurally related to ribosomal S6 kinase). The mRNA levels of these three protein kinases increased markedly and simultaneously in response to touch, cold, and salinity stress. These results suggest that MAP kinase cascades, which are thought to respond to a variety of extracellular signals, are regulated not only at the posttranslational level but also at the transcriptional level in plants and that MAP kinase cascades in plants may function in transducing signals in the presence of environmental stress.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Differential regulation of IkappaB kinase alpha and beta by two upstream kinases, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase kinase-1.

NF-kappaB is activated by various stimuli including inflammatory cytokines and stresses. A key step in the activation of NF-kappaB is the phosphorylation of its inhibitors, IkappaBs, by an IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex. Recently, two closely related kinases, designated IKKalpha and IKKbeta, have been identified to be the components of the IKK complex that phosphorylate critical serine residues of IkappaBs for degradation. A previously identified NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK), which mediates NF-kappaB activation by TNFalpha and IL-1, has been demonstrated to activate IKKalpha. Previous studies showed that mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase kinase-1 (MEKK1), which constitutes the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase pathway, also activates NF-kappaB by an undefined mechanism. Here, we show that overexpression of MEKK1 preferentially stimulates the kinase activity of IKKbeta, which resulted in phosphorylation of IkappaBs. Moreover, a catalytically inactive mutant of IKKbeta blocked the MEKK1-induced NF-kappaB activation. By contrast, overexpression of NIK stimulates kinase activities of both IKKalpha and IKKbeta comparably, suggesting a qualitative difference between NIK- and MEKK1-mediated NF-kappaB activation pathways. Collectively, these results indicate that NIK and MEKK1 independently activate the IKK complex and that the kinase activities of IKKalpha and IKKbeta are differentially regulated by two upstream kinases, NIK and MEKK1, which are responsive to distinct stimuli.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 as a putative effector of Rap2 to activate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

Little is known about the specific signaling roles of Rap2, a Ras family small GTP-binding protein. In a search for novel Rap2-interacting proteins by the yeast two-hybrid system, we isolated isoform 3 of the human mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4), a previously described but uncharacterized isoform. Other isoforms of MAP4K4 in humans and mice are known as hematopoietic progenitor kinase (HPK)/germinal center kinase (GCK)-like kinase and Nck-interacting kinase, respectively. MAP4K4 belongs to the STE20 group of protein kinases and regulates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). MAP4K4 interacted with Rap2 through its C-terminal citron homology domain but did not interact with Rap1 or Ras. Interaction with Rap2 required the intact effector region of Rap2. MAP4K4 interacted preferentially with GTP-bound Rap2 over GDP-bound Rap2 in vitro. In cultured cells, MAP4K4 colocalized with Rap2, while a mutant MAP4K4 lacking the citron homology domain failed to do so. Furthermore, Rap2 enhanced MAP4K4-induced activation of JNK. These results suggest that MAP4K4 is a putative effector of Rap2 mediating the activation of JNK by Rap2.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK-P), protein kinase of 38 kDa (p38-P), stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK-P), and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaM kinase II) are differentially expressed in tau deposits in neurons and glial cells in tauopathies.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (alpha- and beta-CaM kinase II), and phosphorylated mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK-P), phosphorylated protein kinase of 38 kDa (p38-P) and phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK-P) expression have been examined in Alzheimer disease (AD), Pick's disease (PiD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). The study was carried out to increase understanding of the signals that may regulate tau phosphorylation in tauopathies. MAPK/ERK-P was found in a subset of neurons and glial cells bearing abnormal tau deposition, but rarely in neurofibrillary tangles. Strong p38-P immunoreactivity was observed in about 50-70% of neurons with neurofibrillary tangles and in dystrophic neurites of senile plaques in AD. Strong p38-P immunoreactivity was seen in practically all Pick bodies in PiD, and in most neurons with neurofibrillary degeneration or with tau deposits (pre-tangle neurons) in PSP and CBD, as revealed with single and double-labeling immunohistochemistry to p38-P and tau. In addition, strong p38-P immunoreactivity was present in tau-positive astrocytes and in coiled bodies in PSP and CBD. Single and double-labeling immunohistochemistry to MAPK/ERK-P and p38-P disclosed that MAPK/ERK-P appeared at early stages of tau phosphorylation in neurons and glial cells in tauopathies, and that MAPK/ERK-P and p38-P co-localize only in a subset of neurons and glial cells with phosphorylated tau deposits. SAPK/JNK-P immunoreactivity was seen in a subset of neurons, including many neurons with neurofibrillary degeneration, and in glial cells accumulating abnormal tau, in AD, PiD, PSP and CBD. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry disclosed partial co-localization of SAPK/JNK-P and either MAPK/ERK-P or p-38-P immunoreactivity. These findings indicate that MAPK/ERK-P, SAPK/JNK-P and p-38-P are differentially expressed in association with tau deposits in tauopathies. Finally, CaM kinase II is present in neurons but not in glial cells, thus suggesting no role of CaM kinase II in tau phosphorylation of glial cells. These observations, together with previous results of in vitro studies, support the idea that several MAPK/ERK, SAPK/JNK, p38 and CaM kinase II may participate in tau phosphorylation in tauopathies. Lack of co-localization between MAPK/ERK-P, SAPK/JNK-P and p-38-P over-expression, and staining with the method of in situ end-labeling of nuclear DNA fragmentation in individual cells indicate that over-expression of these kinases is not linked with increased nuclear DNA vulnerability in AD, PiD, PSP and CBD.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

The fission yeast mitotic regulator win1+ encodes an MAP kinase kinase kinase that phosphorylates and activates Wis1 MAP kinase kinase in response to high osmolarity.

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe win1-1 mutant has a defect in the G2-M transition of the cell cycle. Although the defect is suppressed by wis1+ and wis4+, which are components of a stress-activated MAP kinase pathway that links stress response and cell cycle control, the molecular identity of Win1 has not been known. We show here that win1+ encodes a polypeptide of 1436 residues with an apparent molecular size of 180 kDa and demonstrate that Win1 is a MAP kinase kinase kinase that phosphorylates and activates Wis1. Despite extensive similarities between Win1 and Wis4, the two MAP kinase kinase kinases have distinct functions. Wis4 is able to compensate for loss of Win1 only under unstressed conditions to maintain basal Wis1 activity, but it fails to suppress the osmosignaling defect conferred by win1 mutations. The win1-1 mutation is a spontaneous duplication of 16 nucleotides, which leads to a frameshift and production of a truncated protein lacking the kinase domain. We discuss the cell cycle phenotype of the win1-1 cdc25-22 wee1-50 mutant and its suppression by wis genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

The 38-amino-acid form of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide induces neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells that is dependent on protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase but not on protein kinase A, nerve growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, p21(ras) G protein, and pp60(c-src) cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase.

The 38-amino-acid isoform of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP38) elicits a robust outgrowth of neurites in cultured PC12 cells. Initiation of neurite outgrowth occurs within 4-8 hr after the addition of PACAP38. Treatment with PACAP38 does not elicit collateral activation of p140(trk) nerve growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase activity, nor is it associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of suc1-associated neurotrophic factor target, a selective target of neurotrophin tyrosine kinase receptors. Coadministration of epidermal growth factor with PACAP38 elicits an enhanced response. Induction of neurites is also observed on the addition of PACAP38 to dominant negative Src and Ras PC12 cell variants. PACAP38 stimulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activity >10-fold within 5 min, and the effect is augmented by cotreatment with epidermal growth factor. Pretreatment with the cAMP-dependent protein kinase-selective inhibitor, H-89, is ineffective as an antagonist of PACAP38-induced neurite outgrowth, whereas down-regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol ester or incubation with PKC-selective inhibitors GF109203X and calphostin C effectively blocks PACAP38-stimulated neurite formation. Stimulation of Erk activity is inhibited by incubation with PD90859, a pharmacological antagonist of the threonine/tyrosine dual-specificity Erk. Inhibition of ligand-stimulated Erk activation prevents PACAP38-induced neurite outgrowth. Collectively, these findings indicate that PACAP38-stimulated neuritogenesis requires PKC and Erk activation but is independent of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, nerve growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, p21(ras) G protein, and pp60(c-src) cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Early activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in response to binding of simian immunodeficiency virus to Jurkat T cells expressing CCR5 receptor.

We have shown that the binding of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) to Jurkat T cells expressing CD4 receptor strongly induces mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and only weakly induces p38 MAP kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Similarly, T-tropic NL4-3 virus, which uses both CD4 and CXCR4 receptors for entry, stimulated in these cells the MEK/ERK MAP kinase (MAPK) pathway in a CD4 receptor-dependent manner (Popik and Pitha, 1998). In contrast, both macrophage-tropic SIVmac316 and T cell-tropic SIVmac239, which in addition to CD4 require CCR5 coreceptor for entry, significantly enhanced early MEK/ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK signaling in Jurkat cells expressing constitutively or transiently the CCR5 receptor. Together, this study provides the evidence that viruses using CXCR4 or CCR5 receptors for entry may differentially use signaling properties of their specific coreceptors to stimulate MAP kinase cascades. In addition, although SIVmac239 and SIVmac316 use different structural domains of the CCR5 receptor for entry, both viruses stimulate early phosphorylation of MEK, ERK, p38, and JNK independently of their tropism and replication.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1998

Coordinate regulation of IkappaB kinases by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 and NF-kappaB-inducing kinase.

IkappaB kinases (IKKalpha and IKKbeta) are key components of the IKK complex that mediates activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in response to extracellular stimuli such as inflammatory cytokines, viral and bacterial infection, and UV irradiation. Although NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) interacts with and activates the IKKs, the upstream kinases for the IKKs still remain obscure. We identified mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) as an immediate upstream kinase of the IKK complex. MEKK1 is activated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 and can potentiate the stimulatory effect of TNF-alpha on IKK and NF-kappaB activation. The dominant negative mutant of MEKK1, on the other hand, partially blocks activation of IKK by TNF-alpha. MEKK1 interacts with and stimulates the activities of both IKKalpha and IKKbeta in transfected HeLa and COS-1 cells and directly phosphorylates the IKKs in vitro. Furthermore, MEKK1 appears to act in parallel to NIK, leading to synergistic activation of the IKK complex. The formation of the MEKK1-IKK complex versus the NIK-IKK complex may provide a molecular basis for regulation of the IKK complex by various extracellular signals.

Animals↗