• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2019

Andrographolide, the main compound of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata), shows various biological properties including anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. Our previous study has shown that A. paniculata extract exerts antiaging effects by activation of stemness in epidermal stem cells (EpSCs). In this study, we investigated the effect of andrographolide as a main compound of A. paniculata on EpSCs and its mechnism of action using several in vitro assays. Andrographolide increased the proliferation of EpSCs and induced cell cycle progression. Additionally, andrographolide increased VEGF production and the expression of stem cell markers integrin ${\beta}1$ and p63. Furthermore, phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), S6 ribosomal protein (S6RP) and Akt were increased by andrographolide. Taken together, these results indicate that andrographolide-induced proliferation of EpSCs is mediated by the ERK1/2, Akt-dependent pathway with increased production of VEGF and upregulated stemness through integrin ${\beta}1$ and p63.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2002

We have previously demonstrated that phytoestrogens isolated from safflower seeds significantly attenuated bone loss in ovariectomized rats, and directly stimulated proliferation and differentiation of cultured osteoblastic cells. In an attempt to elucidate underlying cellular mechanisms, in the present study we investigated effects of $17{\beta}-estradiol\;(E_2)$ and phytoestrogens such as matairesinol and acacetin, a type of lignan and flavonoid, respectively, on activation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2, in cultured osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells. Western blot analysis with anti-MAP kinase antibody showed that a wide range concentrations $(10^{-14}\;to\;10^{-6}\;M)\;of\;E_2$ as well as both phytoestrogens induced rapid and transient activation of ERK1/2 through phosphorylation within minutes. Maximum activation of MAP kinases by $E_2$ and phytoestrogens were observed at 10 and 15 min, respectively. $E_2-induced$ phosphorylation of ERK1/2 returned to the control level at 30 min, whereas phytoestrogen-induced phosphorylation was maintained at high level until 30 min. PD-98059, a highly selective inhibitor of MAP kinase, prevented phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the cells treated either with $E_2$ or phytoestrogens. To examine a possible involvement of estrogen receptor in the activation process of MAP kinase, Western blot analysis was performed in the presence and absence of the estrogen receptor antagonists, ICI 182,780 and tamoxifen. These antagonists blocked MAP kinase phosphorylation induced not only by $E_2,$ but also by the phytoestrogens. To the best our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that phytoestrogens such as flavonoid and lignan extracted from safflower seeds produce a rapid activation of MAP kinase, at least partially via membrane estrogen receptor of the cultured osteoblastic cells.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2007

Objective : This study was performed to assess the whitening effect of Bombysis Corpus on melanin synthesis. Methods : The whitening effects of Bombysis Corpus were examined by in vitro melanin production assay. We assessed inhibitory effects of Bombysis Corpus on melanin-release from B16F10, on melanin production in B16F10, on mushroom tyrosinase activity in vitro, on tyrosinase activity in B16F10, effect of Bombysis Corpus on the expression tyrosinase, TRP-1, PKA, ERK-1 ERK-2, AKT-1, MITF in B16F10. Results : 1. Bombysis Corpus inhibited melanin-release, melanin production in B16F10. 2. Bombysis Corpus inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro and in B16F10. 3. Bombysis Corpus suppressed the expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1 in B16F10. 4. Bombysis Corpus suppressed the expression of PKA in B16F10. 5. Bombysis Corpus suppressed the expression of ERK-1, ERK-2, AKT-1 in B16F10. 6. Bombysis Corpus suppressed the expression of MITF in B16F10. Conclusion : The study shows that Bombysis Corpus inhibited melanin production on the melanogenesis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.426-434
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• 2022

Aim: This study investigates the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (GsRb1) on methamphetamine (METH)-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and METH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. It also examines whether GsRb1 can regulate these effects through the NR2B/ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with GsRb1 (20 mM and 40 mM) for 1 h, followed by METH treatment (2 mM) for 24 h. Rats were treated with METH (2 mg/kg) or saline on alternating days for 10 days to allow CPP to be examined. GsRb1 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 h before METH or saline. Western blot was used to examine the protein expression of NR2B, ERK, P-ERK, CREB, P-CREB, and BDNF in the SH-SY5Y cells and the rats' hippocampus, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results: METH dose-dependently reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. Pretreatment of cells with 40 µM of GsRb1 increased cell viability and reduced the expression of METH-induced NR2B, p-ERK, p-CREB and BDNF. GsRb1 also attenuated the expression of METH CPP in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Further, GsRb1 dose-dependently reduced the expression of METH-induced NR2B, p-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in the PFC, hippocampus, and NAc of rats. Conclusion: GsRb1 regulated METH-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and METH-induced CPP through the NR2B/ERK/CREB/BDNF regulatory pathway. GsRb1 could be a therapeutic target for treating METH-induced neurotoxicity or METH addiction.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.15
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• pp.6391-6395
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• 2014

Overexpression of aquaporins (AQPs) has been reported in several human cancers. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) are associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression and may upregulate AQP expression. In this study, we demonstrated that EGF (epidermal growth factor) induces SiHa cells migration and AQP8 expression. Wound healing results showed that cell migration was increased by 2.79-1.50-fold at 24h and 48h after EGF treatment. AQP8 expression was significantly increased (3.33-fold) at 48h after EGF treatment in SiHa cells. An EGFR kinase inhibitor, PD153035, blocked EGF-induced AQP8 expression and cell migration and AQP8 expression was decreased from 1.59-fold (EGF-treated) to 0.43-fold (PD153035-treated) in SiHa. Furthermore, the MEK (MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/Erk (extracellular signal regulated kinase)/Erk inhibitor U0126 also inhibited EGF-induced AQP8 expression and cell migration. AQP8 expression was decreased from 1.21-fold (EGF-treated) to 0.43-fold (U0126-treated). Immunofluorescence microscopy further confirmed the results. Collectively, our findings show that EGF induces AQP8 expression and cell migration in human cervical cancer SiHa cells via the EGFR/Erk1/2 signal transduction pathway.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6155-6157
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• 2012

Background: Mutations in the MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathway - EGFR/Ras/RAF/MEK have been associated with the development of several carcinomas. ERK2, a downstream target of the MAPK pathway and a founding member of the MAPK family is activated by cellular signals emanating at the cell membrane. Activated ERK2 translocates into the nucleus to transactivate genes that promote cell proliferation. MKP - a dual specific phosphatase - interacts with activated ERK2 via the common docking (CD) domain of the later to inactivate (dephosphorylate) and effectively terminate further cell proliferation. A constitutively active form of ERK2 carrying a single point mutation - E322K in its CD domain, was earlier reported by our laboratory. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of this CD domain E322K mutation in 88 well differentiated OSCC tissue samples. Materials and Method: Genomic DNA specimens isolated from 88 oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue samples were amplified with primers flanking the CD domain of the ERK2 gene. Subsequently, PCR amplicons were gel purified and subjected to direct sequencing to screen for mutations. Results: Direct sequencing of eighty eight OSCC samples identified an E322K CD domain mutation in only one (1.1%) OSCC sample. Conclusions: Our result indicates that mutation in the CD domain of ERK2 is rare in OSCC patients, which suggests the role of genetic alterations in other mitogenic genes in the development of carcinoma in the rest of the patients. Nevertheless, the finding is clinically significant, as the relatively rare prevalence of the E322K mutation in OSCC suggests that ERK2, being a common end point signal in the multi-hierarchical mitogen activated signaling pathway may be explored as a viable drug target in the treatment of OSCC.

• BMB Reports
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.468-474
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• 2003

The molecular mechanism of hypoxia-induced apoptosis has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we investigated the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK 1/2) in hypoxia-induced apoptosis using cobalt chloride in HeLa human cervical cancer cells. The cobalt chloride was used for the induction of hypoxia, and its $IC_{50}$ was $471.4\;{\mu}M$. We demonstrated the DNA fragmentation after incubation with concentrations more than $50\;{\mu}M$ cobalt chloride for 24 h, and also evidenced the morphological changes of the cells undergoing apoptosis with electron microscopy. Next, we examined the signaling pathway of cobalt chloride-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. ERK1/2 activation occurred 6 and 9 h after treatment with $600\;{\mu}M$ cobalt chloride. Meanwhile, the pretreatment of the MEK 1 inhibitor (PD98059) completely blocked the cobalt chloride-induced ERK 1/2 activation. At the same time, the activated ERK 1/2 translocated into the nucleus and phosphorylated its transcriptional factor, c-Jun. In addition, the pretreatment of PD98059 inhibited the cobalt chloride-induced DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell death. These results suggest that cobalt chloride is able to induce apoptotic activity in HeLa cells, and its apoptotic mechanism may be associated with signal transduction via ERK 1/2.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.237-246
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• 2005

Background: Little information is available on the identification and characterization of the upstream regulators of the signal transduction cascades for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tbc)-induced ERK 1/2 activation and chemokine expression. We investigated the signaling mechanisms involved in expression of CCL3 /MIP-1 and CCL4/MIP-1 in human primary monocytes infected with M. tbc. Methods: MAP kinase phosphorylation was determined using western blot analysis with specific primary antibodies (ERK 1/2, and phospho-ERK1/2), and the upstream signaling pathways were further investigated using specific inhibitors. Results: An avirulent strain, M. tbc H37Ra, induced greater and more sustained ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and higher CCL3 and CCL4 production, than did M. tbc H37Rv. Specific inhibitors for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK; U0126 and PD98059) significantly inhibited the expression of CCL3 and CCL4 in human monocytes. Mycobactetia-mediated expression of CCL3 and CCL4 was not inhibited by the Ras inhibitor manumycin A or the Raf-1 inhibitor GW 5074. On the other hand, phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor (U73122) and protein kinase C (PKC)specific inhibitors ($G\ddot{o}6976$ and Ro31-8220) significantly reduced M. tbc-induced activation of ERK 1/2 and chemokine synthesis. Conclusion: These results are the first to demonstrate that the PLC-PKC-MEK-ERK, not the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, pathway is the major signaling pathway inducing M. tbc-mediated CCL3 and CCL4 expression in human primary monocytes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6017-6022
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• 2012

Background: Resveratrol has been reported to have potential chemopreventive and apoptosis-inducing properties in a variety of tumor cell lines. Objective: In this study, to investigate the effects of resveratrol on protein kinase C (PKC) activity and apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cells, we used HT-29 cells and examined the $PKC{\alpha}$ and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Methods: To test the effects of resveratrol on the growth of HT-29 cells, the cells were exposed to varying concentrations and assessed with the the MTT cell-viability assay. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis was applieded to determine the effects of resveratrol on cell apoptosis. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein levels of $PKC{\alpha}$ and ERK1/2. In inhibition experiments, HT-29 cells were treated with G$\ddot{o}$6976 or PD98059 for 30 min, followed by exposure to $200{\mu}M$ resveratrol for 72 h. Results: Resveratrol had a significant inhibitory effect on HT-29 cell growth. FACS revealed that resveratrol induced apoptosis. Western blotting showed that e phosphorylation of $PKC{\alpha}$ and ERK1/2 was significantly increased in response to resveratrol treatment. Pre-treatment with $PKC{\alpha}$ and ERK1/2 inhibitors (G$\ddot{o}$6976 and PD98059) promoted apoptosis. Conclusion: Resveratrol has significant anti-proliferative effects on the colon cancer cell line HT-29. The PKC-ERK1/2 signaling pathway can partially mediate resveratrol-induced apoptosis of HT-29 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.242-250
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• 2011

Although insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and androgen receptor (AR) coactivators are well known effectors of skeletal muscle, the molecular mechanism by which signaling pathways integrating AR coactivators and IGF-I in skeletal muscle cells has not been previously examined. In this study, the effects of IGF-I treatment on the gene expression of AR coactivators in the absence of AR ligands and the roles of the p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in IGF-I-induced AR coactivators induction were examined. C2C12 cells were treated with 250 ng/ml of IGF-I in the presence or absence of specific inhibitors p38 MAPK (SB203580) or ERK1/2 (PD98059). Treatment of C2C12 cells with IGF-I resulted in increased in GRIP-1, SRC-1, and ARA70 protein expression. The levels of GRIP-1, SRC-1, and ARA70 mRNA were also significantly increased after 5min of IGF-I treatment. IGF-I-induced AR coactivator proteins were significantly blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways. However, there was no significant effect of those inhibitors on IGF-I-induced mRNA level of AR coactivators, suggesting that AR coactivators are post-transcriptionally regulated by IGF-I. Furthermore, the present results suggest that IGF-I stimulates the expression of AR coactivators by cooperative activation of the p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells.