• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.119-122
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• 2010

Interleukin-1${\beta}$ $(IL-1{\beta})$ is one of the key proinflammatory cytokines and it plays an important role for the antimycobacterial host defense mechanisms. In this study, we examined Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-stimulated induction of IL-1${\beta}$ and evaluated the associated signal transduction pathways. In PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells, MTB infection increased mRNA expression of IL-$1{\beta}$ in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of IL-1${\beta}$ mRNA began to be induced at 1.5 h after infection, and induced expression of IL-1${\beta}$ was retained for 48 h after MTB infection. The increase in expression of IL-1${\beta}$ caused by MTB was reduced in cells treated with Ro-31-8425 (an inhibitor of PK$C{\alpha}$, ${\beta}I$, ${\beta}II$, ${\gamma}$, ${\varepsilon}$) or PD98059 (an inhibitor of MEK1), meanwhile, pre-treatment with $G\ddot{o}6976$ (an inhibitor of $Ca^{2+}$ dependent PK$C{\alpha}$ and PK$C{\beta}I$) or Rottlerin (an inhibitor of PK$C{\delta}$) has no effect on MTB-induced expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA. These results show that the expression of $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA caused by MTB may be mediated via MEK1 and PKC isoforms including PK$C{\beta}II$, $PKC{\gamma}$, or $PKC{\varepsilon}$. Further studies are required to determine whether other PKC isoforms $(PKC {\eta},\;{\theta},\;{\varepsilon},\;and\;{\lambda}/{\iota})$, except $PKC{\delta}$, $PKC{\alpha}$, and $PKC{\beta}I$, are also involved in $IL-1{\beta}$ mRNA expression after mycobacterial infection.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2008

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of kinases involved in the transduction of cellular signals that promote lipid hydrolysis. PKC plays a pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to extracellular stimuli involved in proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Comparative analysis of the PKC-${\alpha},{\beta},{\varepsilon}$ isozymes of 200 recently sequenced microbial genomes was carried out using variety of bioinformatics tools. Diversity and evolution of PKC was determined by sequence alignment. The ser/thr protein kinases of Streptomyces coelicolor A3 (2), is the only bacteria to show sequence alignment score greater than 30% with all the three PKC isotypes in the sequence alignment. S.coelicolor is the subject of our interest because it is notable for the production of pharmaceutically useful compounds including anti-tumor agents, immunosupressants and over two-thirds of all natural antibiotics currently available. The comparative analysis of three human isotypes of PKC and Serine/threonine protein kinase of S.coelicolor was carried out and possible mechanism of action of PKC was derived. Our analysis indicates that Serine/ threonine protein kinase from S. coelicolor can be a good candidate for potent anti-tumor agent. The presence of three representative isotypes of the PKC super family in this organism helps us to understand the mechanism of PKC from evolutionary perspective.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.61-68
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• 2008

Purpose: Protein kinase C (PKC) is a member of a family of serine/threonine kinases that are activated by diacylglycerol (DG) and PKC stimulants. PKC play a key role in signal transduction, including muscle contraction, cell migration, apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the mechanism relating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and PKC, especially in the volume-dependent hypertensive state, remains unclear. Methods: In the present study, I investigated the relationship between PKC and MAPKs for isometric contraction, PKC translocation, and enzymatic activity from normotensive sham-operated rats (NSR) and aldosterone-analogue deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) hypertensive rats (ADHR). Results: Systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in ADHR than in NSR. Physiological salt solution (PSS)-induced resting tension and the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ([$Ca^{2+}{_i}$]) were different in the ADHR and NSR. The expression of PKC$\alpha$, PKC$\beta$II, PKC$\delta$, PKC$\varepsilon$ and PKC$\xi$ were different between the cytoplasmic and membranous fractions. However, expression of the PKC isoforms did not differ for the ADHR and NSR. The use of 12-deoxyphorbol 13-isobutyrate (DPB, a PKC stimulant) induced isometric contraction in $Ca^{2+}$-free medium, which was diminished in muscle strips from ADHR as compared to NSR. Increased vasoconstriction and phosphorylation induced by the use of 1 ${\mu}$M DPB were inhibited by treatment with 10 ${\mu}$M PD098059 and 10 ${\mu}$M SB203580, inhibitors of extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK from ADHR, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that the development of aldosterone analogue-induced hypertension is associated with an altered blood pressure, resting tension, [$Ca^{2+}{_i}$], and that the $Ca^{2+}$-independent contraction evoked by PKC stimulants is due to the activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in volume-dependent hypertension. Therefore, it is suggested that PKC activity affects volume-dependent hypertension and the need to develop cardiovascular disease-specialized physical therapy.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2002

It has been suggested that $Ca^{2+}$ sensitization mechanisms might contribute to myogenic tone, however, specific mechanisms have not yet been fully identified. Therefore, we investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC)- or RhoA-induced $Ca^{2+}$ sensitization in myogenic tone of the rabbit basilar vessel. Myogenic tone was developed by stretch of rabbit basilar artery. Fura-2 $Ca^{2+}$ signals, contractile responses, PKC immunoblots, translocation of PKC and RhoA, and phosphorylation of myosin light chains were measured. Stretch of the resting vessel evoked a myogenic contraction and an increase in the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ only in the presence of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$. Stretch evoked greater contraction than high $K^+$ at a given $[Ca^{2+}]_i.$ The stretch-induced increase in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ and contractile force were inhibited by treatment of the tissue with nifedipine, a blocker of voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channel, but not with gadolinium, a blocker of stretch-activated cation channels. The PKC inhibitors, H-7 and calphostin C, and a RhoA-activated protein kinase (ROK) inhibitor, Y-27632, inhibited the stretch-induced myogenic tone without changing $[Ca^{2+}]_i.$ Immunoblotting using isoform-specific antibodies showed the presence of $PKC_{\alpha}$ and $PKC_{\varepsilon}$ in the rabbit basilar artery. $PKC_{\alpha},$ but not $PKC_{\varepsilon},$ and RhoA were translocated from the cytosol to the cell membrane by stretch. Phosphorylation of the myosin light chains was increased by stretch and the increased phosphorylation was blocked by treatment of the tissue with H-7 and Y-27632, respectively. Our results are consistent with important roles for PKC and RhoA in the generation of myogenic tone. Furthermore, enhanced phosphorylation of the myosin light chains by activation of $PKC_{\alpha}$ and/or RhoA may be key mechanisms for the $Ca^{2+}$ sensitization associated with myogenic tone in basilar vessels.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.531-540
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• 2000

Baclgrpimd; Recent studies have suggested that the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning(IP) is closely related to glycogen depletion and attenuation of intracellular acidosis. In the present study, the authors tested this hypothesis by perfusion isolated rabbit hearts with glucose(G) is closely related to glycogen depletion and attenuation of intracellular acidosis. In the present study, the authors tested this hypothesis by perfusion isolated rabbit hearts with glucose(G)-free perfusate. Material and Method; Hearts isolated from New Zealand white rabbits(1.5~2.0 kg body weight) were perfused with Tyrode solution by Langendorff technique. After stabilization of baseline hemodynamics, the hearts were subjected to 45 min global ischemia followed by 120 min reperfusion with IP(IP group, n=13) or without IP(ischemic control group, n=10). IP was induced by single episode of 5 min global ischemia and 10 min reperfusion. In the G-free preconditioned group(n=12), G depletion was induced by perfusionwith G-free Tyrode solution for 5 min and then perfused with G-containing Tyrode solution for 10 min; and 45 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. Left ventricular functionincluding developed pressure(LVDP), dP/dt, heart rate, left ventricular end-distolic pressure(LVEDP) and coronary flow (CF) were measured. Myocardial cytosolic and membrane PKC activities were measured by 32P-${\gamma}$-ATP incorporation into PKC-specific peptide and PKC isozymes were analyzed by Western blot with monoclonal antibodies. Infarct size was determined by staining with TTC(tetrazolium salt) and planimetry. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Turkey's post-hoc test. Result ; In comparison with the ischemic control group, IP significantly enhanced functional recovery of the left ventricle; in contrast, functional significantly enhanced functional recovery of the left ventricle; in contrast, functional recovery were not significantly different between the G-free preconditioned and the ischemic control groups. However, the infarct size was significantly reduced by IP or G-free preconditioning(39$\pm$2.7% in the ischemic control, 19$\pm$1.2% in the IP, and 15$\pm$3.9% in the G-free preconditioned, p<0.05). Membrane PKC activities were increased significantly after IP (119%), IP and 45 min ischemia(145%), G-free [recpmdotopmomg (150%), and G-free preconditioning and 45 min ischemia(127%); expression of membrane PKC isozymes, $\alpha$ and $\varepsilon$, tended to be increased after IP or G-free preconditioning. Conclusion; These results suggest that in isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart model, G-free preconditioning (induced by single episode of 5 min G depletion and 10 min repletion) colud not improve post-ischemic contractile dysfunction(after 45-minute global ischemia); however, it has an infarct size-limiting effect.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.295-305
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• 2001

Protein kinase C (PKC) is known to play a pivotal role in neoplastic transformation cells and its high expression is often found in a variety of types of tumors including oral cancer. While PKC is associated with the altered signal transduction pathway of the tumor cells, it is still unclear which isoform is involved in the carcinogenesis process. Since the cellular distributions and the roles of PKC are isoform-specific, it is very important to identify the specific target molecules to improve our understanding of the carcinogenesis processes. Thus, the present study attempted to perform chemical carcinogen-induced neoplastic transformation of human epithelial cells and analyze the specific isoform of PKCs involved in the cellular transformation. The study analyzed overall PKC responses upon MNNG(N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso guanidine) exposure with [$^3H$] PDBu binding assay. PKC translocation was observed at high doses of MNNG treatment in the presence of extracellular calcium. Such effects were not observed in the absence of extracellular calcium. Translocational effects with exposure of MNNG was further enhanced in the presence of hydrocortisone. The result suggests that the type of PKC involved may be $Ca^{2+}$-dependent classical isoform and steroid hormone enhances PKC activation. Among cPKC isoforms examined, only $PKC-{\alpha}$ and r showed significant translocation of protein levels from cytosolic fraction to membrane fraction, as analyzed by immunoblot. $PKC-{\varepsilon}$ in nPKC class showed an inch·eased translocation, but other forms in this class did not show the effect. None of isoforms in aPKC class was affected by MNNG treatment. The study demonstrated that there was a certain specificity in the patterns of isoform induction follwong chemical carcinogen exposure and helped identify all the types of PKC isoforms expressed in human epithelial cells. It was revealed that PKC isoforms were activated in an early resonse to chemical carcinogen, suggesting that PKC be associated with carcinogenesis process from an early stage in this particular cell system. The study will contribute to improving our understanding of chemical-induced carcinogenesis in human cells and may provide a scientific basis to introduce the specific PKC inhibitors as an anticancer drug of epithelial cell-origin cancers including oral cancer.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.639-645
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• 2005

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes, a family of serine-threonine kinases, are important regulators of cell proliferation and malignant transformation. Phorbol esters, the prototype PKC activators, cause PKC translocation to the plasma membrane in prostate cancer cells, and trigger an apoptotic response. Studies in recent years have determined that each member of the PKC family exerts different effects on apoptotic or survival pathways. $PKC{\delta}$, one of the novel PKCs, is a key player of the apoptotic response via the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Studies using RNAi revealed that depletion of $PKC{\delta}$ totally abolishes the apoptotic effect of the phorbol ester PMA. Activation of the classical $PKC{\alpha}$ promotes the dephosphorylation and inactivation of the survival kinase Akt. Studies have assigned a pro-survival role to $PKC{\varepsilon}$, but the function of this PKC isozyme remains controversial. Recently, it has been determined that the PKC apoptotic effect in androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells is mediated by the autocrine secretion of death factors. $PKC{\delta}$ stimulates the release of $TNF{\alpha}$ from the plasma membrane, and blockade of $TNF{\alpha}$ secretion or $TNF{\alpha}$ receptors abrogates the apoptotic response of PMA. Molecular analysis indicates the requirement of the extrinsic apoptotic cascade via the activation of death receptors and caspase-8. Dissecting the pathways downstream of PKC isozymes represents a major challenge to understanding the molecular basis of phorbol ester-induced apoptosis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.139-147
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• 2013

Lysolipids such as LPA, S1P and SPC have diverse biological activities including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. We investigated signaling pathways of LPA-induced contraction in feline esophageal smooth muscle cells. We used freshly isolated smooth muscle cells and permeabilized cells from cat esophagus to measure the length of cells. Maximal contraction occurred at $10^{-6}M$ and the response peaked at 30s. To identify LPA receptor subtypes in cells, western blot analysis was performed with antibodies to LPA receptor subtypes. LPA1 and LPA3 receptor were detected at 50 kDa and 44 kDa. LPA-induced contraction was almost completely blocked by LPA receptor (1/3) antagonist KI16425. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited the contraction induced by LPA, suggesting that the contraction is mediated by a PTX-sensitive G protein. Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors U73122 and neomycin, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X also reduced the contraction. The PKC-mediated contraction may be isozyme-specific since only $PKC{\varepsilon}$ antibody inhibited the contraction. MEK inhibitor PD98059 and JNK inhibitor SP600125 blocked the contraction. However, there is no synergistic effect of PKC and MAPK on the LPA-induced contraction. In addition, RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme and ROCK inhibitor Y27632 significantly, but not completely, reduced the contraction. The present study demonstrated that LPA-induced contraction seems to be mediated by LPA receptors (1/3), coupled to PTX-sensitive G protein, resulting in activation of PLC, PKC-${\varepsilon}$ pathway, which subsequently mediates activation of ERK and JNK. The data also suggest that RhoA/ROCK are involved in the LPA-induced contraction.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.91-97
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• 2003

The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation by X-irradiation. Cultures of chick limb bud mesenchymal cells were exposed to various dose of X-ray and chondrogenesis was examined. X-irradiation inhibited accumulation of proteoglycan based on the observation of alcian blue staining and expression of chondorcyte specific-type II collagen. X-irradiation also inhibited expression of protein kinase $C{\alpha}$ while expression of $PKC{\lambda}({\iota}),\;{\varepsilon}$ was not altered. Expression of Erk-1 was not changed by X-irradiation but phosphorylation of Erk-1 was increased. In addition, inhibition of Erk-1 phosphorylation by PD98059 overcame inhibitory effect of X-irradiation on the chondrogenic differentiation. PNA staining data showed that X-irradiation inhibited cellular aggregation. Taken together, these results suggest that X-irradiation inhibits chondrogenic differentiation by inhibiting cellular aggregation and suppressing expression of $PKC{\alpha}$ and promoting phosphorylation of Erk-1. In addition to above pathway, our results also suggest that X-irradiation may exerts its inhibitory effect by another signaling pathways.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.462-467
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• 2008

TPA is known to cooperate with an activated Ras oncogene in the transformation of rodent fibroblasts, but the biochemical mechanisms responsible for this effect have not been established. In the present study we used c-fos promoter-luciferase constructs as reporters, in transient transfection assays, in NIH3T3 cells to assess the mechanism of this cooperation. We found a marked synergistic interaction between TPA and a transfected v-Ha-ras oncogene in the activation of c-fos promoter and SRE. SRE has binding sites for TCF and SRF. A dominant-negative Ras (ras-N17) inhibited the TPA-Ras synergy by blocking the PKC-MAPK-TCF pathway. Dominant-negative RhoA and Rac1 (but not Cdc42Hs) inhibited the TPA-Ras synergy by blocking the Ras-Rho-SRF signaling pathway. Constitutively active $PKC{\alpha}$ and $PKC{\varepsilon}$ showed synergy with v-Ras. These results suggest that the activation of two distinct pathways such as Ras-Raf-ERK-TCF pathway and Rho-SRF pathway are responsible for the induction of c-fos by TPA and Ras in mitogenic signaling pathways.