Interferon-gamma induces C/EBP beta expression and activity through MEK/ERK and p38 in T84 colon epithelial cells

We investigated the role of IFN-gamma and MAPKs on the expression and activity of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-beta (C/EBP beta) in the T84 colon epithelial cell line. IFN-gamma induced the expression and activity of C/EBP beta and subsequently increased the secretion of IL-6 from these cells. Treatment with the p38 inhibitor SB-203580, the MEK1 and MEK2 inhibitor U-0126, or the translational inhibitor cycloheximide inhibited the induction of C/EBP beta and IL-6 by IFN-gamma, whereas the MEK1 inhibitor PD-98059 or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein had no effect. These results suggest a role for MEK2 and p38 in IFN-gamma-mediated signal transduction and induction of C/EBP beta expression and activity associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in colon epithelial cells.