Role of ERK1/2 signaling in dengue virus-induced liver injury.

Abstract

The liver is considered to be an important organ of dengue virus (DENV) replication and pathogenesis. However, molecular mechanisms of hepatic injury are still poorly understood. Modulation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) was previously shown to affect DENV-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes in vitro. However, the in vivo role of ERK1/2, a member of the MAPK family, and the question whether its activation can facilitate cell survival or cell death, has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the role of ERK1/2 in a mouse model of DENV infection was examined. Our results show that DENV induces phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and increases apoptosis. Inhibition of phosphorylated ERK1/2 by the selective ERK1/2 inhibitor, FR180204, limits hepatocyte apoptosis and reduces DENV-induced liver injury. Clinical parameters, including leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, transaminases and histology, show improvements after FR180204 treatment. The expression of cell death genes was further identified using real-time PCR array and Western blot analysis. Caspase-3 was significantly decreased in FR180204 treated DENV-infected mice compared to the levels of untreated DENV-infected mice suggesting the role of ERK1/2 signaling in immune-mediated liver injury during DENV infection.

• Authors: Gopinathan Pillai Sreekanth, Aporn Chuncharunee, Aunchalee Sirimontaporn, Jutatip Panaampon, Chatchawan Srisawat, Atthapan Morchang, Shilu Malakar, Peti Thuwajit, Suwattanee Kooptiwut, Aroonroong Suttitheptumrong, Pucharee Songprakhon, Sansanee Noisakran, Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus, Thawornchai Limjindaporn
• Journal: Virus research (Virus Res) Vol. 188 Pg. 15-26 (Aug 08 2014) ISSN: 1872-7492 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 24704674 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Caspase 3

Topics

• Animals
• Apoptosis
• Blotting, Western
• Caspase 3 (analysis)
• Dengue (complications)
• Dengue Virus (physiology)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Liver Diseases (pathology, virology)
• MAP Kinase Signaling System
• Male
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction