scholarly journals The Role of p38 MAPK and Its Substrates in Neuronal Plasticity and Neurodegenerative Disease

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sônia A. L. Corrêa ◽  
Katherine L. Eales

A significant amount of evidence suggests that the p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling cascade plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review we will discuss the cellular localisation and activation of p38 MAPK and the recent advances on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of its substrates: MAPKAPK 2 (MK2) and tau protein. In particular we will focus our attention on the understanding of the p38 MAPK-MK2 and p38 MAPK-tau activation axis in controlling neuroinflammation, actin remodelling and tau hyperphosphorylation, processes that are thought to be involved in normal ageing as well as in neurodegenerative diseases. We will also give some insight into how elucidating the precise role of p38 MAPK-MK2 and p38 MAPK-tau signalling cascades may help to identify novel therapeutic targets to slow down the symptoms observed in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 251-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela A. Lochhead ◽  
Rebecca Gilley ◽  
Simon J. Cook

The MEK5 [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase 5]/ERK5 pathway is the least well studied MAPK signalling module. It has been proposed to play a role in the pathology of cancer. In the present paper, we review the role of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway using the ‘hallmarks of cancer’ as a framework and consider how this pathway is deregulated. As well as playing a key role in endothelial cell survival and tubular morphogenesis during tumour neovascularization, ERK5 is also emerging as a regulator of tumour cell invasion and migration. Several oncogenes can stimulate ERK5 activity, and protein levels are increased by a novel amplification at chromosome locus 17p11 and by down-regulation of the microRNAs miR-143 and miR-145. Together, these finding underscore the case for further investigation into understanding the role of ERK5 in cancer.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutz Koch ◽  
Stefan Hofer ◽  
Markus A. Weigand ◽  
David Frommhold ◽  
Johannes Poeschl ◽  
...  

During Gram-negative sepsis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activates toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and induces complex responses of immune system and coagulation. However, the underlying LPS signalling mechanism on coagulation activation remains complex. To determine the role of the intracellular signalling factors p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the procoagulant response to LPS, coagulation process of human whole blood exposed to specific inhibitors was measured by thrombelastography. Samples were stimulated with LPS (100 μg/mL) after preincubation with BAY117082 (specific NF-κB inhibitor), SP600125 (specific JNK inhibitor), SB203580 (specific p38 MAPK inhibitor), or vehicle. SB203580 strongly inhibited LPS-induced coagulation activation, whereas BAY117082 and SP600125 showed no significant effect. Activation of p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and JNK and respective inhibitory effects were confirmed by Multi-Target Sandwich ELISA. In conclusion, activation of p38 MAPK is crucial for early LPS-induced activation of coagulation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (Supp. 1) ◽  
pp. 17-24
Author(s):  
Dwi Andriani ◽  
Agni Febrina Pargaputri ◽  
Kristanti Parisihni ◽  
Syamsulina Revianti

Methanolic extract from the leaves of Acanthus ilicifolius L. (A. ilicifolius L.) is a potent inhibitor of Candida albicans (C. albicans) growth and anti-inflammatory. C. albicans causes oral candidiasis in immunosuppressive condition. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling via p38 appears to discriminate between yeast and hyphal cells of C. albicans. Activation of p38 MAPK by hyphae results in the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. The p38 MAPK activation is known to impair corticosteroid action. The research was conducted to investigate the effect of methanolic extract A. ilicifolius L. treatment of oral candidiasis with the immunosuppressive condition through enhancement of p38 MAPK expression in the epithelial cells. Immunosuppressed conditions were obtained when 16 healthy male Rattus norvergicus (Wistar) was given oral administration of dexamethasone and tetracycline for 14 days and induced with C. albicans (ATCC-10231) 1 McFarland. The subjects were divided into four groups (n = 4/group): immunosuppression (IS), immunosuppression with oral candidiasis without treatment (ISC), immunosuppression with oral candidiasis and nystatin treatment (ISC+N), and immunosuppression with oral candidiasis and A. ilicifolius L. treatment (ISC+AI), and were treated for 14 days. Later, the rats were euthanised, and their tongue were biopsied. The p38 MAPK expression was subjected to immunohistochemical examination, observed under a microscope (400× magnification) and statistically analysed (one-way ANOVA, LSD-test, p < 0.05). The p38 MAPK expression of ISC+AI (36.05 ± 1.54) was higher than IS (26 ± 2.32), ISC (26.4 ± 3.71), IS+N (34.2 ± 0.99). Significant differences existed between ISC+AI and ISC+N to IS and ISC (p < 0.05). No significant differences were present between IS and ISC; ISC+AI and ISC+N (p > 0.05). Therefore, this treatment could enhance p38 MAPK expression in oral candidiasis with the immunosuppressed condition.


2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (16) ◽  
pp. 4341-4351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanesa Lafarga ◽  
Ana Cuadrado ◽  
Isabel Lopez de Silanes ◽  
Rocio Bengoechea ◽  
Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays an important role in the G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by DNA damage, but little is known about the role of this signaling pathway in the G1/S transition. Upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1 is thought to make a major contribution to the G1/S cell cycle arrest induced by γ radiation. We show here that inhibition of p38 MAPK impairs p21Cip1 accumulation and, as a result, the ability of cells to arrest in G1 in response to γ radiation. We found that p38 MAPK induces p21Cip1 mRNA stabilization, without affecting its transcription or the stability of the protein. In particular, p38 MAPK phosphorylates the mRNA binding protein HuR on Thr118, which results in cytoplasmic accumulation of HuR and its enhanced binding to the p21Cip1 mRNA. Our findings help to understand the emerging role of p38 MAPK in the cellular responses to DNA damage and reveal the existence of p53-independent networks that cooperate in modulating p21Cip1 levels at the G1/S checkpoint.


2010 ◽  
Vol 429 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cuadrado ◽  
Angel R. Nebreda

The p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathway allows cells to interpret a wide range of external signals and respond appropriately by generating a plethora of different biological effects. The diversity and specificity in cellular outcomes is achieved with an apparently simple linear architecture of the pathway, consisting of a core of three protein kinases acting sequentially. In the present review, we dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying p38 MAPK functions, with special emphasis on the activation and regulation of the core kinases, the interplay with other signalling pathways and the nature of p38 MAPK substrates as a source of functional diversity. Finally, we discuss how genetic mouse models are facilitating the identification of physiological functions for p38 MAPKs, which may impinge on their eventual use as therapeutic targets.


2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (15) ◽  
pp. 6821-6833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hun Sik Kim ◽  
Myung-Shik Lee

ABSTRACT Unlike other immune cells, activation of macrophages by stimulating agents, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), confers significant resistance to many apoptotic stimuli, but the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that LPS-induced early caspase activation is essential for macrophage survival because blocking caspase activation with a pancaspase inhibitor (zVAD [benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp]) rapidly induced death of activated macrophages. This type of death process by zVAD/LPS was principally mediated by intracellular generation of superoxide. STAT1 knockout macrophages demonstrated profoundly decreased superoxide production and were resistant to treatment with zVAD/LPS, indicating the crucial involvement of STAT1 in macrophage death by zVAD/LPS. STAT1 level and activity were reciprocally regulated by caspase activation and were associated with cell death. Activation of STAT1 was critically dependent upon serine phosphorylation induced by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) because a p38 MAPK inhibitor nullified STAT1 serine phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and macrophage death by zVAD/LPS. Conversely, p38 MAPK activation was dependent upon superoxide and was also nullified in STAT1 knockout macrophages, probably due to impaired generation of superoxide. Our findings collectively indicate that STAT1 signaling modulates intracellular oxidative stress in activated macrophages through a positive-feedback mechanism involving the p38 MAPK/STAT1/ROS pathway, which is interrupted by caspase activation. Furthermore, our study may provide significant insights in regards to the unanticipated critical role of STAT1 in the caspase-independent death pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1452-1462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Jung Lim ◽  
Seungmo Kim ◽  
Yoonjee Oh ◽  
Yongjoon Suh ◽  
Neha Kaushik ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stemlike cells (MSLCs) have been detected in many types of cancer including brain tumors and have received attention as stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying their participation in cancer progression remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to determine whether MSLCs have a tumorigenic role in brain tumors. Methods To figure out molecular and cellular mechanisms in glioma invasion, we have cultured glioma with MSLCs in a co-culture system. Results Here, we show that MSLCs in human glioblastoma (GBM) secrete complement component C5a, which is known for its role as a complement factor. MSLC-secreted C5a increases expression of zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) via activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in GBM cells, thereby enhancing the invasion of GBM cells into parenchymal brain tissue. Conclusion Our results reveal a mechanism by which MSLCs undergo crosstalk with GBM cells through the C5a/p38 MAPK/ZEB1 signaling loop and act as a booster in GBM progression. Key Points 1. MSLCs activate p38 MAPK-ZEB1 signaling in GBM cells through C5a in a paracrine manner, thereby boosting the invasiveness of GBM cells in the tumor microenvironment. 2. Neutralizing of C5a could be a potential therapeutic target for GBM by inhibition of mesenchymal phenotype.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol O’Callaghan ◽  
Liam J. Fanning ◽  
Orla P. Barry

p38δmitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a unique stress responsive protein kinase. While the p38 MAPK family as a whole has been implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, a specific role for p38δMAPK in cellular signalling and its contribution to both physiological and pathological conditions are presently lacking. Recent emerging evidence, however, provides some insights into specific p38δMAPK signalling. Importantly, these studies have helped to highlight functional similarities as well as differences between p38δMAPK and the other members of the p38 MAPK family of kinases. In this review we discuss the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying p38δMAPK activity. We outline a role for p38δMAPK in important cellular processes such as differentiation and apoptosis as well as pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and inflammatory disease. Interestingly, disparate roles for p38δMAPK in tumour development have also recently been reported. Thus, we consider evidence which characterises p38δMAPK as both a tumour promoter and a tumour suppressor. In summary, while our knowledge of p38δMAPK has progressed somewhat since its identification in 1997, our understanding of this particular isoform in many cellular processes still strikingly lags behind that of its counterparts.


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