• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권6호
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• pp.593-601
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• 2021

Primary cilia on kidney tubular cells play crucial roles in maintaining structure and physiological function. Emerging evidence indicates that the absence of primary cilia, and their length, are associated with kidney diseases. The length of primary cilia in kidney tubular epithelial cells depends, at least in part, on oxidative stress and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) activation. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is involved in antioxidant systems and the ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of H₂S in primary cilia elongation and the downstream pathway. In cultured Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells, the length of primary cilia gradually increased up to 4 days after the cells were grown to confluent monolayers. In addition, the expression of H₂S-producing enzyme increased concomitantly with primary cilia length. Treatment with NaHS, an exogenous H₂S donor, accelerated the elongation of primary cilia whereas DL-propargylglycine (a cystathionine γ-lyase inhibitor) and hydroxylamine (a cystathionine-β-synthase inhibitor) delayed their elongation. NaHS treatment increased ERK activation and Sec10 and Arl13b protein expression, both of which are involved in cilia formation and elongation. Treatment with U0126, an ERK inhibitor, delayed elongation of primary cilia and blocked the effect of NaHS-mediated primary cilia elongation and Sec10 and Arl13b upregulation. Finally, we also found that H₂S accelerated primary cilia elongation after ischemic kidney injury. These results indicate that H₂S lengthens primary cilia through ERK activation and a consequent increase in Sec10 and Arl13b expression, suggesting that H₂S and its downstream targets could be novel molecular targets for regulating primary cilia.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.276-281
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• 2009

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are considered as probiotics with immunostimulatory property. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of its immunostimulating potency on macrophages using combined preparation of LAB (cpLAB). cpLAB is able to strongly stimulate nitric oxide (NO) production as well as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression from macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. The cpLAB-induced NO release seemed to be mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but not p38 and C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), since U0126, an ERK inhibitor, clearly suppressed NO production. cpLAB significantly diminished the binding of toll like receptor (TLR)-2 antibody up to 25%, implying that cpLAB-mediated activation of macrophages may be required for the functional activation of TLR-2, but not TLR-4. Therefore, our data suggest that cpLAB may directly allow macrophages to immunostimulating potency via activation of TLR-2 and ERK.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.115-123
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• 2006

목 적: 본 연구를 통해 GnRH 의한 세포 분열의 억제는 integrin, FAK 빛 ERK를 통한 세포 내 신호전달 기전을 통하여 일어남을 규명하고자 하였다. 연구방법: 연구에 사용된 인간자궁내막암 세포주는 DMEM/F12 (10% FBS)의 조건에서 배양 하였다. GnRH-I과 -II는 실험 목적에 따라 100 nM 농도로 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30분간 또는 10 nM or 100 nM의 농도로 20분간 처리 하였다. 세포의 분열 정도는 [$^3H$] thymidine incorporation assay를 이용하여 정량적으로 측정 하였으며, Immunoblotting 방법을 이용하여 단백질의 발현을 확인 하였다. 결 과: GnRH-I과 -II 모두 HEC1A 세포의 세보분열을 억제하였으며 integrin ${\beta}3$의 발현을 증가 시켰다. GnRH-I과 -II를 처리 후 FAK 및 ERK의 안산화가 증가됨을 관찰할 수 있었다. 결 론: GnRH에 의한 세포분열의 억제는 integrin의 발현과 FAK 및 ERK의 인산화 과정을 통하여 일어남을 알 수 있었다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.2495-2499
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• 2015

Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3) is an important serine/threonine protein kinase and a member of the MAPK family. MEKK3 can effectively activate the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and promote an autocrine growth loop critical for tumor genesis, cell proliferation, terminal differentiation, apoptosis and survival. To explore the relationship between MEKK3 and cell apoptosis, clinicopathology and prognosis, we characterize the expression of MEKK3, pERK and FoxP3 in the renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC). Protein expression was detected by tissue microarray and immunochemistry in 46 cases of RCCC and 28 control cases. Expression levels of CD3+,CD3+CD4+,CD3+CD8+,CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25+ FoxP3+ were assessed by flow cytometry and analyzed for their association with pathological factors, correlation and prognosis in RCCC. Expression of MEKK3, pERK and FoxP3 was significantly up-regulated in RCCC as compared to control levels (p<0.01), associated with pathological grade (p<0.05)and clinical stage (p<0.05). CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells were also significantly increased in RCCC patients (p<0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that MEKK3, pERK expression and patholigical stage were independent prognostic factors in patients with RCCC (p<0.05). MEKK3 can be used as an important marker of early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in RCCC. It may be associated with imbalance of anti-tumor immunity and overexpression of pERK. Expression of MEKK3 and pERK are significantly increased in RCCC, with protein expression and clinical stage acting as independent prognostic factors.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제26권10호
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• pp.1182-1188
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• 2016

Membrane associated guanylate kinase inverted-3 (MAGI-3)는 세포-세포 연접의 형성을 유도하는 막단백질인 membrane associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs)의 한 종류 단백질로 140 kDa 크기를 가진다. MAGI-3는 PTEN/MMAC와 함께 협력하여 AKT/PKB의 kinase 활성을 조절하거나 MAPKs 신호전달경로로 ERK 활성을 조절로 한다. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)는 가장 일반적으로 감염된 심근 세포 사멸으로 인한 바이러스성 심근염을 일으키는 enterovirus에 속하는 인간 병원체이다. 이전 연구에서 protein kinase B (PKB, 또는 AKT)와 extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2)의 활성은 HeLa 세포에서 CVB3 복제를 위해 필수적임이 밝혀졌다. 본 연구에서 enterovirus 복제와 AKT 신호 활성조절에서 MAGI-3의 역할을 검증하였다. MAGI-3-Flag의 발현은 CVB3 감염 후에 AKT 신호 활성과 viral capsid protein VP1의 발현을 유도하였으며 이는 MAGI-3에 의한 enterovirus 증식 조절을 보여주었다. AKT 신호는 MAGI-3 발현에 의해 enterovirus 감염과 함께 유의하게 증가하고 이것은 감염 바이러스의 증식을 활발하게 유도함을 확인하였다. 이 결과는 MAGI-3의 발현은 AKT와 ERK의 활성이 증가하고, 더 나아가 바이러스 증식과 연관이 있다는 것을 입증한다. MAGI-3는 아마도 AKT 신호 조절을 통해 enterovirus 증식 조절에 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 생각된다.

• Animal cells and systems
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.155-160
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• 2010

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) play important roles in a variety of biological processes including cell growth and differentiation. We have previously reported that GAR-3 activates ERK1/2 via phospholipase C and protein kinase C, presumably through pertussis toxin (PTX)-insensitive Gq proteins, in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Here we provide evidence that GAR-3 also activates ERK1/2 through PTX-sensitive G proteins, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and Src family kinases in CHO cells. We further show that in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, epidermal growth factor receptor and Ras are required for efficient ERK1/2 activation by GAR-3. Taken together, our data indicate that GAR-3 evokes ERK1/2 activation through multiple signaling pathways in cultured mammalian cells.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.187-194
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• 2004

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) results in cell death by activation of complex signal pathways for cell death and survival. Hypothermia is a robust neuroprotectant, and its effect has often been attributed to various mechanisms, but it is not yet clear. Upstream from the cell death promoters and executioners are several enzymes that may activate several transcription factors involved in cell death and survival. In this study, we immunohistochemically examined the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 kinase during early period of the ischemic injury, following 2 hours (h) of transient MCAO. Increased phosphorylation of ERK and p38 was observed in the vessels at 3 h, neuron-like cells at 6 and 12 h and glia-like cells at 12 h. Activation of JNK was not remarkable, and a few cells showed active JNK following ischemia. Phosphorylation of Elk-1, a transcription factor, was reduced by ischemic insult. Hypothermia attenuated the activation of ERK, p38 and JNK, and inhibited reduction of Elk-1. These data suggest that signals via different MAPK family members converge on the cell damage process and hypothermia protects the brain by interfering with these pathways.

• 대한약학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한약학회 2003년도 Proceedings of the Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea Vol.2-2
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• pp.79.1-79.1
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• 2003

Aster scaber T. (Asteraceae) has been used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine to treat bruises, snakebites, headaches and dizziness. (-) 3,5-Dicaffeoyl-muco-quinic acid (DQ) isolated from Aster scaber induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. It has been reported that the activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2 (Erk 1/2) and phosphoinositide 3 (P13) kinase plays a crucial role in the NGF-induced differentiation of PC12 cells. This study showed that the effect of DQ on neurite outgrowth is mediated via the Erk 1/2 and PI3 kinase-dependent pathways like NGF. (omitted)

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.1211-1216
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• 2006

The effect of a chronic programme of either low- or moderate-to-high-intensity treadmill running on the activation of the Extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), Phosphorylated ERK 1/2(pERK1/2) and the Phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase(pJNK) pathways was determined in rat Back skin Hair follicle. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: (i) sedentary group(NE; n=10); (ii) low-intensity exercise group (Bm/min; LIE; n=10); and (iii) moderate-high-intensity exercise group(28m1min; HIE; n=10). The training regimens were planned so that animals covered the same distance and had similar utilization for both LIE and HIE exercise sessions. The report runs as follows; A single bout of LIE or HIE following 4 weeks of exercise led to a twofold increase in the phosphorylation of ERK2, pERK2 and a threefold increase in pJNKl, pERKl. ERKI phosphorylation in LIE Back skin sampled and pJNK2 in HIE Back skin sampled 48h after the last exercise bout was similar to sedentary values, while pJNK2 phosphorylation in LIE Back skin sampled was 70-80% lower than sedentary. 48h after the last exercise bout of LIE or HIE increased ERK2, pERKl and pJNKl expression, with the magnitude of this increase being independent of prior exercise intensity or duration. PERK1/2, pJNKl expression was increased Three- to fourfold in Back skin Hair follicle sampled 48h after the last exercise bout irrespective of the prior exercise programme, but ERKI expression in HIE Back skin sampled was approximately 90% lower than sedentary values. In conclusion, exercise-training of different jntensities/durations results in selective postexercise activation of intracellular signal pathways, which may be one mechanism regulating specific adaptations induced by diverse training programmes.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.238-242
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• 2015

Background: Panax ginseng has been used to prolong longevity and is believed to be useful for improving skin complexion. Ginsenosides are the most active components isolated from ginseng, and ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) in particular has been demonstrated to possess antioxidative, antitumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of G-Rg3 to inhibit melanogenesis. Methods: The effects of G-Rg3 on melanin contents and the protein levels of tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1) were evaluated. Melanogenesis-regulating signaling molecules such as Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were also examined to explore G-Rg3-induced antimelanogenic mechanisms. Results: G-Rg3 was found to significantly inhibit the synthesis of melanin in normal human epidermal melanocytes and B16F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of cellular tyrosinase and the expression of MITF, tyrosinase, and TRP1 were all reduced, whereas ERK was strongly activated. PD98059 (a specific inhibitor of ERK) attenuated the G-Rg3-induced inhibition of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. Conclusion: Taken together, these results showed that G-Rg3 induces the activation of ERK, which accounts for its antimelanogenic effects. G-Rg3 may be a promising safe skin-whitening agent, adding to the long list of uses of P. ginseng for the enhancement of skin beauty.