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A cell-based reporter assay for the identification of protein kinase C activators and inhibitors

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Abstract

Transmission of extra cellular signals across biological membranes results in the generation of lipid metabolites which in turn influence specific cellular events such as cell growth or differentiation. Many of these lipid messengers can activate protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes of which one function is to perpetuate the extracellular signals to the nucleus by phosphorylating other targets proteins. We have engineered mammalian cell lines to identify and evaluate activators and inhibitors of PKC-dependent and independent signal transduction pathways. The A31 mouse fibroblast cell line, has been stably transfected with a construct containing a triplet repeat of the TPA response element (TRE) upstream of a thymidine kinase promoter fused to the human growth hormone (hGH) gene. A31 cells containing this reporter construct exhibit significant increases in hGH secretion following stimulation by phorbol esters or other mitogens. The levels of hGH secretion are modulated in this system using different pharmacological agents. We demonstrate that this assay can be used to identify specific and general inhibitors as well as activators of the signal transduction pathway mediated by PKC isozymes. (Mol Cell Biochem141: 129–134, 1994)

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Author notes

  1. Prakash Sista

    Present address: Trimeris Incorporated, 2 University Place, 27707, Durham, NC, USA

  2. Sharon Edmiston

    Present address: Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 27599, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

  3. Simon Robinson

    Present address: Department of Oncology, BASF Biosearch Corporation, 01605, Boston, MA, USA

  4. David J. Burns

    Present address: New Lead Discovery, Aboott Labs, 60064, Abbott Park, IL, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sphinx Pharmaceuticals Corporation, P.O. Box 52330, 27717, Durham, NC, USA

    Prakash Sista, Sharon Edmiston, James W. Darges, Simon Robinson & David J. Burns

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  1. Prakash Sista
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  2. Sharon Edmiston
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  4. Simon Robinson
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  5. David J. Burns
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Sista, P., Edmiston, S., Darges, J.W. et al. A cell-based reporter assay for the identification of protein kinase C activators and inhibitors. Mol Cell Biochem 141, 129–134 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00926176

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00926176

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