The Nuclear Translocation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases: Molecular Mechanisms and Use as Novel Therapeutic Target

2018 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Flores ◽  
Suresh Singh Yadav ◽  
Arieh A. Katz ◽  
Rony Seger
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
Mapk Cascades ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Importin Α ◽  
Cancer And Inflammation

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central signaling pathways that play a central role in the regulation of most stimulated cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, stress response and apoptosis. Currently 4 such cascades are known, each termed by its downstream MAPK components: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and ERK5. One of the hallmarks of these cascades is the stimulated nuclear translocation of their MAPK components using distinct mechanisms. ERK1/2 are shuttled into the nucleus by importin7, JNK and p38 by a dimer of importin3 with either importin9 or importin7, and ERK5 by importin-α/β. Dysregulation of these cascades often results in diseases, including cancer and inflammation, as well as developmental and neurological disorders. Much effort has been invested over the years in developing inhibitors to the MAPK cascades to combat these diseases. Although some inhibitors are already in clinical use or clinical trials, their effects are hampered by development of resistance or adverse side-effects. Recently, our group developed 2 myristoylated peptides: EPE peptide, which inhibits the interaction of ERK1/2 with importin7, and PERY peptide, which prevents JNK/p38 interaction with either importin7 or importin9. These peptides block the nuclear translocation of their corresponding kinases, resulting in prevention of several cancers, while the PERY peptide also inhibits inflammation-induced diseases. These peptides provide a proof of concept for the use of the nuclear translocation of MAPKs as therapeutic targets for cancer and/or inflammation.

scholarly journals PPARγand MEK Interactions in Cancer

PPAR Research ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elke Burgermeister ◽  
Rony Seger
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Signaling Crosstalk ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Mapk Cascades ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) exerts multiple functions in determination of cell fate, tissue metabolism, and host immunity. Two synthetic PPARγligands (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) were approved for the therapy of type-2 diabetes mellitus and are expected to serve as novel cures for inflammatory diseases and cancer. However, PPARγand its ligands exhibit a janus-face behaviour as tumor modulators in various systems, resulting in either tumor suppression or tumor promotion. This may be in part due to signaling crosstalk to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. The genomic activity of PPARγis modulated, in addition to ligand binding, by phosphorylation of a serine residue by MAPKs, such as extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases-1/2 (ERK-1/2), or by nucleocytoplasmic compartmentalization through the ERK activators MAPK kinases-1/2 (MEK-1/2). PPARγligands themselves activate the ERK cascade through nongenomic and often PPARγ-independent signaling. In the current review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms and physiological implications of the crosstalk of PPARγwith MEK-ERK signaling and its potential as a novel drug target for cancer therapy in patients.

scholarly journals Regulation of Nuclear Translocation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 by Active Nuclear Import and Export Mechanisms

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1679-1690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunio Kondoh ◽  
Kazuya Terasawa ◽  
Hiroko Morimoto ◽  
Eisuke Nishida
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Import ◽  
Nuclear Export ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Growth Factor Signaling ◽  
Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling ◽  
Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

ABSTRACT Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, plays an important role in growth factor signaling to the nucleus. However, molecular mechanisms regulating subcellular localization of ERK5 have remained unclear. Here, we show that nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of ERK5 is regulated by a bipartite nuclear localization signal-dependent nuclear import mechanism and a CRM1-dependent nuclear export mechanism. Our results show that the N-terminal half of ERK5 binds to the C-terminal half and that this binding is necessary for nuclear export of ERK5. They further show that the activating phosphorylation of ERK5 by MEK5 results in the dissociation of the binding between the N- and C-terminal halves and thus inhibits nuclear export of ERK5, causing its nuclear import. These results reveal the mechanism by which the activating phosphorylation of ERK5 induces its nuclear import and suggest a novel example of a phosphorylation-dependent control mechanism for nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of proteins.

Arabidopsis MAPKs: a complex signalling network involved in multiple biological processes

2008 ◽  
Vol 413 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Colcombet ◽  
Heribert Hirt
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Model ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Mapk Cascades ◽  
Signal Transduction Networks ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

Many changes in environmental conditions and hormones are mediated by MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascades in all eukaryotes, including plants. Studies of MAPK pathways in genetic model organisms are especially informative in revealing the molecular mechanisms by means of which MAPK cascades are controlled and modulate cellular processes. The present review highlights recent insights into MAPK-based signalling in Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress), revealing the complexity and future challenges to understanding signal-transduction networks on a global scale.

scholarly journals Exercise-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling in skeletal muscle

2004 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Chau Long ◽  
Ulrika Widegren ◽  
Juleen R. Zierath
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Muscle Contraction ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Mapk Cascades ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mapk Signalling ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Response To Exercise

Exercise training improves glucose homeostasis through enhanced insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. Muscle contraction through physical exercise is a physiological stimulus that elicits multiple biochemical and biophysical responses and therefore requires an appropriate control network. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways constitute a network of phosphorylation cascades that link cellular stress to changes in transcriptional activity. MAPK cascades are divided into four major subfamilies, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, p38 MAPK, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5. The present review will present the current understanding of parallel MAPK signalling in human skeletal muscle in response to exercise and muscle contraction, with an emphasis on identifying potential signalling mechanisms responsible for changes in gene expression.

scholarly journals Mechanism of short-term ERK activation by electromagnetic fields at mobile phone frequencies

2007 ◽  
Vol 405 (3) ◽  
pp. 559-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Friedman ◽  
Sarah Kraus ◽  
Yirmi Hauptman ◽  
Yoni Schiff ◽  
Rony Seger
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Egf Receptor ◽  
Nadh Oxidase ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Heparin Binding ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Mapk Cascades ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

The exposure to non-thermal microwave electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones affects the expression of many proteins. This effect on transcription and protein stability can be mediated by the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascades, which serve as central signalling pathways and govern essentially all stimulated cellular processes. Indeed, long-term exposure of cells to mobile phone irradiation results in the activation of p38 as well as the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) MAPKs. In the present study, we have studied the immediate effect of irradiation on the MAPK cascades, and found that ERKs, but not stress-related MAPKs, are rapidly activated in response to various frequencies and intensities. Using signalling inhibitors, we delineated the mechanism that is involved in this activation. We found that the first step is mediated in the plasma membrane by NADH oxidase, which rapidly generates ROS (reactive oxygen species). These ROS then directly stimulate MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and allow them to cleave and release Hb-EGF [heparin-binding EGF (epidermal growth factor)]. This secreted factor activates the EGF receptor, which in turn further activates the ERK cascade. Thus this study demonstrates for the first time a detailed molecular mechanism by which electromagnetic irradiation from mobile phones induces the activation of the ERK cascade and thereby induces transcription and other cellular processes.

scholarly journals A Novel Mechanism for Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Localization

2004 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 4457-4466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Bind ◽  
Yelena Kleyner ◽  
Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk ◽  
Emily Bien ◽  
Brian David Dynlacht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Subcellular Localization ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Carboxy Terminus ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

Mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal regulated kinases (MAPKs/ERKs) are typically thought to be soluble cytoplasmic enzymes that translocate to the nucleus subsequent to their phosphorylation by their activating kinases or mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal regulated kinase kinase. We report here the first example of nuclear translocation of a MAPK that occurs via temporally regulated exit from a membranous organelle. Confocal microscopy examining the subcellular localization of ERK3 in several cell lines indicated that this enzyme was targeted to the Golgi/endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment. Deletion analysis of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-ERK3 uncovered a nuclear form that was carboxy-terminally truncated and established a Golgi targeting motif at the carboxy terminus. Immunoblot analysis of cells treated with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 further revealed two cleavage products, suggesting that in vivo, carboxy-terminal cleavage of the full-length protein controls its subcellular localization. In support of this hypothesis, we found that deletion of a small region rich in acidic residues within the carboxy terminus eliminated both the cleavage and nuclear translocation of GFP-ERK3. Finally, cell cycle synchronization studies revealed that the subcellular localization of ERK3 is temporally regulated. These data suggest a novel mechanism for the localization of an MAPK family member, ERK3, in which cell cycle-regulated, site-specific proteolysis generates the nuclear form of the protein.

scholarly journals Mip1, an MEKK2-Interacting Protein, Controls MEKK2 Dimerization and Activation

2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 5955-5964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinke Cheng ◽  
Dongyu Zhang ◽  
Kihwan Kim ◽  
Yingxin Zhao ◽  
Yingming Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Gene Activation ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Mapk Kinase ◽  
Mapk Cascades ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Molecular Aspects

ABSTRACT Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central components of the intracellular signaling networks used by eukaryotic cells to respond to a wide spectrum of extracellular stimuli. An MAPK is activated by an MAPK kinase, which in turn is activated by an MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K). However, little is known about the molecular aspects of the regulation and activation of large numbers of MAP3Ks that are crucial in relaying upstream receptor-mediated signals through the MAPK cascades to induce various physiological responses. In this study, we identified a novel MEKK2-interacting protein, Mip1, that regulates MEKK2 dimerization and activation by forming a complex with inactive and nonphosphorylated MEKK2. In particular, Mip1 prevented MEKK2 activation by blocking MEKK2 dimer formation, which in turn blocked JNKK2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5, and AP-1 reporter gene activation by MEKK2. Furthermore, we found that the endogenous Mip1-MEKK2 complex was dissociated transiently following epidermal growth factor stimulation. In contrast, the knockdown of Mip1 expression by siRNA augmented the MEKK2-mediated JNK and AP-1 reporter activation. Together, our data suggest a novel model for MEKK2 regulation and activation.

scholarly journals MAPK signalling in cardiovascular health and disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

2008 ◽  
Vol 115 (7) ◽  
pp. 203-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony J. Muslin
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Mapk Pathway ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Pharmacological Therapy ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

Intracellular MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling cascades probably play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac and vascular disease. A substantial amount of basic science research has defined many of the details of MAPK pathway organization and activation, but the role of individual signalling proteins in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases is still being elucidated. In the present review, the role of the MAPKs ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 MAPK in cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis and vascular restenosis will be examined, with attention paid to genetically modified murine model systems and to the use of pharmacological inhibitors of protein kinases. Despite the complexities of this field of research, attractive targets for pharmacological therapy are emerging.

scholarly journals Human DNA Virus Exploitation of the MAPK-ERK Cascade

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne K. DuShane ◽  
Melissa S. Maginnis
Keyword(s):  
Cellular Growth ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Erk Pathway ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Dna Viruses ◽  
Cellular Survival ◽  
Mapk Cascades ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Cell Death Mechanisms

The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) comprise a particular branch of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades (MAPK) that transmits extracellular signals into the intracellular environment to trigger cellular growth responses. Similar to other MAPK cascades, the MAPK-ERK pathway signals through three core kinases—Raf, MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK), and ERK—which drive the signaling mechanisms responsible for the induction of cellular responses from extracellular stimuli including differentiation, proliferation, and cellular survival. However, pathogens like DNA viruses alter MAPK-ERK signaling in order to access DNA replication machineries, induce a proliferative state in the cell, or even prevent cell death mechanisms in response to pathogen recognition. Differential utilization of this pathway by multiple DNA viruses highlights the dynamic nature of the MAPK-ERK pathway within the cell and the importance of its function in regulating a wide variety of cellular fates that ultimately influence viral infection and, in some cases, result in tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals Autophagy as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Piffoux ◽  
Erwan Eriau ◽  
Philippe A. Cassier
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Cellular Components

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by early metastasis and resistance to anti-cancer therapy, leading to an overall poor prognosis. Despite continued research efforts, no targeted therapy has yet shown meaningful efficacy in PDAC; mutations in the oncogene KRAS and the tumour suppressor TP53, which are the most common genomic alterations in PDAC, have so far shown poor clinical actionability. Autophagy, a conserved process allowing cells to recycle altered or unused organelles and cellular components, has been shown to be upregulated in PDAC and is implicated in resistance to both cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Autophagy is thus regarded as a potential therapeutic target in PDAC and other cancers. Although the molecular mechanisms of autophagy activation in PDAC are only beginning to emerge, several groups have reported interesting results when combining inhibitors of the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and inhibitors of autophagy in models of PDAC and other KRAS-driven cancers. In this article, we review the existing preclinical data regarding the role of autophagy in PDAC, as well as results of relevant clinical trials with agents that modulate autophagy in this cancer.

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