scholarly journals Melatonin Sensitizes Human Myometrial Cells to Oxytocin in a Protein Kinase Cα/Extracellularly Regulated Kinase-Dependent Manner

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1106-1106
Author(s):  
James T. Sharkey ◽  
Casey Cable ◽  
James Olcese
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Phospholipase C ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Human Myometrium ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Uterine Contractility ◽  
Myometrial Cells

abstract Context: Studies have shown that labor occurs primarily in the night/morning hours. Recently, we identified the human myometrium as a target for melatonin (MEL), the neuroendocrine output signal coding for circadian night. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the signaling pathway underlying the effects of MEL on contractility and the contractile machinery in immortalized human myometrial cells. Design: To ascertain the signaling pathway of MEL leading to its effects on myometrial contractility in vitro, we performed gel retraction assays with cells exposed to iodo-MEL (I-MEL) with or without oxytocin and the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632. I-MEL effects on inositol trisphosphate (IP3)/diacylglycerol (DAG)/protein kinase C (PKC) signaling were also investigated. Additionally, we assayed for caldesmon phosphorylation and ERK1/2 activation. Results: I-MEL was found to activate PKCα via the phospholipase C/IP3/DAG signaling pathway, which was confirmed by PKC enzyme assay. I-MEL did not affect myosin light chain phosphatase activity, and its effects on contractility were insensitive to Rho kinase inhibition. I-MEL did increase phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and caldesmon, which was inhibited by the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059 or the PKC inhibitor C1. Conclusions: MEL sensitizes myometrial cells to subsequent procontractile signals in vitro through activation of the phospholipase C/IP3/DAG signaling pathway, resulting in specific activation of PKCα and ERK1/2, thereby phosphorylating caldesmon, which increases actin availability for myosin binding and cross-bridging. In vivo, this sensitization would provide a mechanism for the increased nocturnal uterine contractility and labor that has been observed in late-term human pregnancy.

scholarly journals In Vitro Effects of Propofol on Gravid Human Myometrium

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 802-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Thind ◽  
R. J. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Isometric Tension ◽  
Human Myometrium ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Uterine Contractility ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Lower Segment Caesarean Section ◽  
Uterine Muscle ◽  
In Vitro Effects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct effect of propofol (di-isopropyl phenol) on the contractile properties of gravid human uterine muscle. Six specimens of uterine muscle were obtained from term parturients undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section. Small strips (1 × 2 x 12 mm) of muscle were prepared and suspended in an organ bath containing oxygenated Kreb's solution at 36.5°C. Following preparation, spontaneous regular contractions developed at a rate of one contraction every six to 10 minutes. Force of contraction was recorded continuously using an isometric tension transducer. Following baseline measurements, propofol was introduced into the bath at concentrations corresponding to 2 /μg/ml, 5 /μg/ml and 8 /μg/ml. The specimens were also exposed to intralipid in concentrations equivalent to that found in the 8 μ/ml solution of propofol to determine whether this additive influenced uterine contractility. Contractility (defined as area under the tension/time curve) was decreased to 89 ± 6.5% of control at 2 μg/ml 53±4.3% at 5 μ/ml and 45 ± 4.1% at 8 μg/ml. This decrease in contractility was statistically significant at concentrations >2 μg/ml. Intralipid did not significantly affect uterine contractility. The results of this study show that propofol decreases isolated human uterine muscle contractility in a dose-dependent manner.

Animal model for angiotensin II effects in the internal anal sphincter smooth muscle: mechanism of action

2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (3) ◽  
pp. G461-G469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Ping Fan ◽  
Rajinder N. Puri ◽  
Satish Rattan
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Rho Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Isolated Smooth Muscle Cells

Effect of ANG II was investigated in in vitro smooth muscle strips and in isolated smooth muscle cells (SMC). Among different species, rat internal and sphincter (IAS) smooth muscle showed significant and reproducible contraction that remained unmodified by different neurohumoral inhibitors. The AT1antagonist losartan but not AT2 antagonist PD-123319 antagonized ANG II-induced contraction of the IAS smooth muscle and SMC. ANG II-induced contraction of rat IAS smooth muscle and SMC was attenuated by tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor H-7, Ca2+ channel blocker nicardipine, Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 or p44/42mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK44/42) inhibitor PD-98059. Combinations of nicardipine and H-7, Y-27632, and PD-98059 caused further attenuation of the ANG II effects. Western blot analyses revealed the presence of both AT1 and AT2receptors. We conclude that ANG II causes contraction of rat IAS smooth muscle by the activation of AT1 receptors at the SMC and involves multiple intracellular pathways, influx of Ca2+, and activation of PKC, Rho kinase, and MAPK44/42.

Activation of Rho/Rho kinase signaling pathway by reactive oxygen species in rat aorta

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (4) ◽  
pp. H1495-H1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liming Jin ◽  
Zhekang Ying ◽  
R. Clinton Webb
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Isometric Force ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Kinase Signaling ◽  
Kinase Signaling Pathway

Evidence indicates that both the Rho/Rho kinase signaling pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and H2O2 are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This study aimed to determine whether ROS-induced vascular contraction is mediated through activation of Rho/Rho kinase. Rat aortic rings (endothelium denuded) were isolated and placed in organ chambers for measurement of isometric force development. ROS were generated by a xanthine (X)-xanthine oxidase (XO) mixture. The antioxidants tempol (3 mM) and catalase (1,200 U/ml) or the XO inhibitor allopurinol (400 μM) significantly reduced X/XO-induced contraction. A Rho kinase inhibitor, (+)-( R)- trans-4-(1-aminoethyl- N-4-pyridil)cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride (Y-27632), decreased the contraction in a concentration-dependent manner; however, the Ca2+-independent protein kinase C inhibitor rottlerin did not have an effect on X/XO-induced contraction. Phosphorylation of the myosin light chain phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1) was increased by ROS, and preincubation with Y-27632 blocked this increased phosphorylation. Western blotting for cytosolic and membrane-bound fractions of Rho showed that Rho was increased in the membrane fraction by ROS, suggesting activation of Rho. These observations demonstrate that ROS-induced Ca2+ sensitization is through activation of Rho and a subsequent increase in Rho kinase activity but not Ca2+-independent PKC.

scholarly journals G-protein βγ subunits antagonize protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation and inhibition of phospholipase C-β1

1997 ◽  
Vol 326 (3) ◽  
pp. 701-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene LITOSCH
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Phospholipase C ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Negative Feedback Regulation ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Stimulation Of

Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms phosphorylated phospholipase C-β1 (PLC-β1) in vitro as follows: PKCα ≫ PKCϵ; not PKCζ. PLC-β3 was not phosphorylated by PKCα. G-protein βγ subunits inhibited the PKCα phosphorylation of PLC-β1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Half-maximal inhibition occurred with 500 nM βγ. G-protein βγ subunits also antagonized the PKCα-mediated inhibition of PLC-β1 enzymic activity. PKCα, in turn, inhibited the stimulation of PLC-β1 activity by βγ. There was little effect of PKCα on the stimulation of PLC-β1 by αq/11–guanosine 5′[γ-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]). These findings demonstrate that G protein βγ subunits antagonize PKCα regulation of PLC-β1. Thus βγ subunits might have a role in modulating the negative feedback regulation of this signalling system by PKC.

scholarly journals Stimulation of Cortisol Release by the N Terminus of Teleost Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein in Interrenal Cells in Vitro

Endocrinology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rotllant ◽  
P. M. Guerreiro ◽  
L. Anjos ◽  
B. Redruello ◽  
A. V. M. Canario ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Adenylyl Cyclase ◽  
Phospholipase C ◽  
Inositol Phosphate ◽  
Sea Bream ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Maximum Increase ◽  
Parathyroid Hormone Related Protein ◽  
Sparus Auratus

The mode of action of PTHrP in the regulation of sea bream (Sparus auratus) interrenal cortisol production was studied in vitro using a dynamic superfusion system. Piscine (1–34)PTHrP (10−6–10−11m) stimulated cortisol production in a dose-dependent manner. The ED50 of (1–34)PTHrP was 2.8 times higher than that of (1–39)ACTH, and maximum increase in cortisol production in response to 10−8m of (1–34)PTHrP was approximately 7-fold lower than for 10−8m of (1–39)ACTH. In contrast to (1–34)PTHrP, piscine (10–20)PTHrP, (79–93)PTHrP, and (100–125)PTHrP (10−9–10−7m) did not stimulate cortisol production. The effect of piscine (1–34)PTHrP on cortisol production was abolished by N-terminal peptides in which the first amino acid (Ser) was absent and by simultaneous addition of inhibitors of the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A and phospholipase C-protein kinase C intracellular pathways but not by each separately. The PTHrP-induced signal transduction was further investigated by measurements of cAMP production and [H3]myo-inositol incorporation in an interrenal cell suspension. Piscine (1–34)PTHrP increased cAMP and total inositol phosphate accumulation, which is indicative that the mechanism of action of PTHrP in interrenal tissue involves the activation of both the adenylyl cyclase-cAMP and phospholipase C-inositol phosphate signaling pathways. These results, together with the expression of mRNA for PTHrP and for PTH receptor (PTHR) type 1 and PTHR type 3 receptors in sea bream interrenal tissue, suggest a specific paracrine or autocrine steroidogenic action of PTHrP mediated by the PTHRs.

scholarly journals Transcriptional Inhibition of Oxytocin Receptor Expression in Human Myometrial Cells by Melatonin Involves Protein Kinase C Signaling

2007 ◽  
Vol 92 (10) ◽  
pp. 4015-4019 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Sharkey ◽  
James Olcese
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Phospholipase C ◽  
Gene Transcription ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Oxytocin Receptor ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Human Myometrium ◽  
Myometrial Cells ◽  
Kinase C

Abstract Context: Our laboratory recently characterized the expression of the melatonin receptors in the human myometrium and showed that the expression of these receptors is suppressed during late pregnancy. Objective: In an effort to understand better the significance of melatonin in the human myometrium, we explored the mechanisms through which this hormone influences the expression of the oxytocin receptor in vitro. Design: The stable melatonin analog iodomelatonin was presented to cultured telomerase-immortalized myometrial cells of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase line under physiological doses and durations. Pharmacological inhibitors of melatonin binding, gene transcription, phospholipase C, and protein kinase C signaling were used to define the mechanism of melatonin action. Results: Our results reveal that melatonin significantly inhibits oxytocin receptor mRNA expression primarily via the melatonin 2 receptor. The melatonin-dependent decrease in oxytocin receptor transcripts involves suppression of gene transcription rather than enhanced rates of transcript degradation. Melatonin effects were abolished by pretreating the cells with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 or the protein kinase C inhibitor C1. Conclusions: Melatonin, like oxytocin, can negatively regulate oxytocin receptor transcription in human myometrial cells via modulation of protein kinase C signaling. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the reduced melatonin receptor expression during late pregnancy, which occurs at a time when oxytocin receptors are up-regulated, may be physiologically important for the subsequent timing of labor.

Rho kinase mediates serum-induced contraction in fibroblast fibers independent of myosin LC20 phosphorylation

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (3) ◽  
pp. C599-C606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromi Nobe ◽  
Koji Nobe ◽  
Fabeha Fazal ◽  
Primal de Lanerolle ◽  
Richard J. Paul
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Fiber Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Sustained Contraction ◽  
Kinase C

Fibroblasts form fibers when grown in culture medium containing native type 1 collagen. The contractile forces generated can be precisely quantified and used to analyze the signal transduction pathways regulating fibroblast contraction. Calf serum (30%) induces a sustained contraction that is accompanied by a transient increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). W-7, a calmodulin inhibitor, KN-62, an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and ML-7, a myosin light-chain kinase inhibitor, had no effects on either the contraction or the [Ca2+]i responses. Neither genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nor calphostin C, a protein kinase C inhibitor, had major effects on force or [Ca2+]i. In contrast, the Rho kinase inhibitors (R)-(+)- trans-N-(4-pyridyl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxamide (Y-27632) and HA1077 depressed the contraction in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the [Ca2+]iresponse. Stress fiber formation was also suppressed by Y-27632. Surprisingly, calf serum, Y-27632, and calf serum plus Y-27632 did not alter mono- or diphosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC) compared with control untreated fibers. These results suggest that the sustained contraction of NIH 3T3 fibroblast fibers induced by calf serum is mediated by Rho kinase but is independent of a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i, calcium/calmodulin- or protein kinase C-dependent pathways, or increases in MRLC phosphorylation.

scholarly journals Apatinib Inhibits Angiogenesis Via Suppressing Akt/GSK3β/ANG Signaling Pathway in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 1471-1484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijian Jin ◽  
Xi Cheng ◽  
Haoran Feng ◽  
Jie Kuang ◽  
Weiping Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Akt Inhibitor ◽  
Advanced Gastric Carcinoma

Background/Aims: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies, and there is no efficient method to slow its process. Apatinib, a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has been confirmed for its efficacy and safety in the treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma patients. However, the effects of Apatinib in ATC are still unknown. Methods: In this study, we explored the effects and mechanisms of Apatinib on tumor growth and angiogenesis in vitro and in vitro in ATC cells. Angiogenesis antibodies array was utilized to detect the expression of angiogenesis-related genes after Apatinib treatment in ATC cells. In addition, we used Akt activator, Akt inhibitor and GSK3β inhibitor to further study the mechanism for how Apatinib suppressed angiogenesis. Results: Apatinib treatment could suppress the growth of ATC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner via inducing apoptosis and blocking cell cycle progression at G0/G1 phase. Moreover, Apatinib treatment decreased the expression of angiogenin (ANG) and inhibited angiogenesis of ATC cells in vitro and in vitro. We further confirmed that recombinant human ANG (rhANG) significantly abrogated Apatinib-mediated anti-angiogenic ability in ATC cells. Additionally, Apatinib treatment decreased the level of p-Akt and p-GSK3β. Moreover, the Apatinib-mediated decrease of ANG and anti-angiogenic ability were partly reversed when an Akt activator, SC79, was administered. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenic ability of Apatinib can be enhanced in the presence of Akt inhibitor, and the inhibition of GSK3β attenuated the anti-angiogenic ability of Apatinib. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that Apatinib treatment inhibited tumor growth, and Apatinib-induced suppression of Akt/GSK3β/ANG signaling pathway may play an important role in the inhibition of angiogenesis in ATC, supporting a potential therapeutic approach for using Apatinib in the treatment of ATC.

Protein kinase C–catalyzed phosphorylation of an inhibitory phosphoprotein of myosin phosphatase is involved in human platelet secretion

Blood ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 97 (12) ◽  
pp. 3798-3805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuyuki Watanabe ◽  
Masaaki Ito ◽  
Yoshiyuki Kataoka ◽  
Hideo Wada ◽  
Mutsumi Koyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Myosin Phosphatase ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Atp Secretion ◽  
Mlc20 Phosphorylation ◽  
Platelet Secretion

Protein kinase C (PKC)–potentiated inhibitory phosphoprotein of myosin phosphatase (CPI) was detected in human platelets. Like smooth muscle CPI-17, in vitro phosphorylation of platelet CPI by PKC inhibited the activity of myosin phosphatase containing the PP1δ catalytic subunit and the 130-kd myosin-binding subunit (MBS). Treatment of intact platelets with thrombin or the stable thromboxane A2 analog STA2 resulted in increased phosphorylation of both CPI and MBS at Thr-696, whereas phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and the Ca++ ionophore ionomycin only induced CPI phosphorylation. PMA induced slow adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion of fura 2–loaded platelets with no change in cytosolic Ca++. The PMA-induced increase in CPI phosphorylation preceded phosphorylation of 20-kd myosin light chain (MLC20) at Ser-19 and ATP secretion. The PKC inhibitor, GF109203X, inhibited PMA-induced phosphorylation of CPI and MLC20 with similar IC50 values. These findings suggest that the activation of PKC by PMA induces MLC20phosphorylation by inhibiting myosin phosphatase through phosphorylation of CPI. STA2-induced MLC20phosphorylation was also diminished but not abolished by GF109203X, even at high concentrations that completely inhibited STA2-induced CPI phosphorylation. A combination of the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 and GF109203X led to a further decrease in STA2-induced MLC20 phosphorylation, mainly because of a significant inhibition of MBS phosphorylation at Thr-696. Inhibition of STA2-induced ATP release by Y-27632, GF109203X, or both appeared to correlate with the extent of MLC20 phosphorylation. Thus, CPI phosphorylation by PKC may participate in inhibiting myosin phosphatase, in addition to the Rho-kinase–mediated regulation of myosin phosphatase, during agonist-induced platelet secretion.

scholarly journals Fine-tuning of ABA responses by the protein kinase WNK8

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Waadt ◽  
Kenji Hashimoto ◽  
Esther Jawurek ◽  
Melanie Krebs ◽  
Martin Scholz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abscisic Acid ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
In Planta ◽  
Young Seedling

SUMMARYThe phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates various growth- and developmental processes in response to limiting water conditions. ABA functions through an established signaling pathway consisting of PYR1/PYL/RCAR ABA receptors that inhibit group A type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) in an ABA-dependent manner. Inhibition of PP2Cs enables the activation of SnRK2-type protein kinases that phosphorylate downstream targets including transcription factors and ion channels. However, ABA-dependent signals have to be integrated into other growth- and developmental programs to ensure a successful life cycle. Here, we have characterized the role of the protein kinase WNK8 in the ABA signalling pathway. Two T-DNA insertion alleles wnk8-1 and wnk8-4 exhibited contrasting ABA responses during seed germination and young seedling growth. However, reciprocal crossings with wild type plants suggested that wnk8-1 that still expressed the WNK8 kinase domain functioned in a hypermorphic and dominant manner. WNK8 directly interacted with the PP2C PP2CA in planta and was negatively regulated by this phosphatase in vitro. WNK8 also phosphorylated the ABA receptor PYR1 in vitro. Double mutant analyses revealed that the dominant allele wnk8-1 suppressed the ABA- and glucose hypersensitivity of the pp2ca-1 T-DNA allele. In transient protoplast assays WNK8 suppressed ABA-induced reporter gene expression that was dependent on a functional kinase. In summary, we have identified the protein kinase WNK8 as a negative regulator of ABA responses during young seedling establishment through its direct interaction with core ABA signaling components.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe phytohormone abscisic acid regulates the water household of plants through a defined core signaling pathway. Here we have identified the protein kinase WNK8 as a direct interactor of core abscisic acid signalling components and as a negative modulator of abscisic acid responses during young seedling development in Arabidopsis.

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