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Published on: May 31, 2018
Macrophage-stimulating protein and RON receptor tyrosine kinase: potential regulators of macrophage inflammatory
1Department of Medicine and Immunology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA. ming-hai.wang@uchsc.edu
Abstract:
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) is a serum protein belonging to the plasminogen-related growth factor family. The specific receptor for MSP is the RON (recepteur d'origine nantais) receptor tyrosine kinase - a member of the MET proto-oncogene family. Activation of RON by MSP exerts dual functions on macrophages. The stimulatory activities include the induction of macrophage spreading, migration and phagocytosis. However, MSP also inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammatory mediators, including inducible nitric oxide and prostaglandins. These suppressive effects are mediated by RON-transduced signals that block LPS-induced enzymatic cascades that activate nuclear factor kappa-B (NFkappaB) pathways. Recent in vivo studies demonstrated that inactivation of the RON gene results in increased inflammatory responses and susceptibility to LPS-induced septic death in mice, suggesting that RON expression is required for attenuating the extent of inflammatory responses in vivo. Thus, MSP and RON are potential regulators that control macrophage activities during bacterial infection in vivo.
Insights
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) and its receptor RON regulate macrophage responses. RON activation by MSP promotes macrophage functions but suppresses inflammation, crucial for controlling bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) is a serum protein.
- MSP binds to the RON receptor tyrosine kinase, a MET proto-oncogene family member.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dual functions of MSP-RON signaling in macrophages.
- To elucidate the role of MSP-RON in regulating inflammatory responses and bacterial infection.
Main Methods:
- Investigated macrophage activation and inflammatory mediator production.
- Utilized in vivo studies involving gene inactivation.
Main Results:
- MSP-RON signaling stimulates macrophage spreading, migration, and phagocytosis.
- MSP-RON signaling inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory mediator production by blocking NF-kappaB pathways.
- RON gene inactivation in mice led to heightened inflammatory responses and increased susceptibility to septic death.
Conclusions:
- MSP and RON are key regulators of macrophage activity.
- The MSP-RON pathway plays a critical role in attenuating inflammatory responses during bacterial infection in vivo.
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