Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

A High-throughput Cell Microarray Platform for Correlative Analysis of Cell Differentiation and Traction Forces
12:04

A High-throughput Cell Microarray Platform for Correlative Analysis of Cell Differentiation and Traction Forces

Published on: March 1, 2017

MARCKS is a downstream effector in platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell motility in activated human hepatic

Krista Rombouts1, Benedetta Lottini, Alessandra Caligiuri

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy. k.rombouts@dmi.unifi.it

Experimental Cell Research
|March 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS) is crucial for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced cell migration in activated human hepatic stellate cells (hHSC). PKCepsilon mediates PDGF-BB-induced MARCKS phosphorylation and cell motility.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS) regulates cellular processes like motility and actin cytoskeleton organization.
  • Activated human hepatic stellate cells (hHSC) are key players in hepatic fibrogenesis.
  • The role of MARCKS in the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway within hHSC is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between MARCKS and the PDGF signaling pathway in activated hHSC.
  • To elucidate the role of MARCKS in PDGF-BB-induced cell migration and chemotaxis in hHSC.

Main Methods:

  • Stimulation of activated hHSC with PDGF-BB.
  • Assessment of MARCKS phosphorylation and localization.
  • Biochemical inhibition and siRNA targeting of Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKCepsilon).
  • Immunoprecipitation to identify protein interactions.
  • Transient transfection and siRNA knockdown of MARCKS.

Main Results:

  • PDGF-BB stimulation induced MARCKS phosphorylation and bidirectional movement, associated with PKCepsilon and PKCalpha activation.
  • PKCepsilon was essential for PDGF-BB-induced MARCKS phosphorylation and hHSC migration.
  • MARCKS associated with the PDGFbeta-receptor, and PDGFbeta-receptor/PKCalpha associated with focal adhesion kinase (FAK).
  • Overexpression of MARCKS reduced cell motility, while MARCKS knockdown enhanced migration.

Conclusions:

  • MARCKS plays a significant role in PDGF-BB-induced chemotaxis in activated hHSC.
  • The PDGF signaling pathway, involving MARCKS and PKCepsilon, is critical for hHSC migration and potentially fibrogenesis.

More Related Videos

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers05:43

An In Vitro Assay to Study Platelet Migration Using RGD-Functionalized Avidin-Biotin Tethers

Published on: November 8, 2024

Methods to Study Mrp4-containing Macromolecular Complexes in the Regulation of Fibroblast Migration10:43

Methods to Study Mrp4-containing Macromolecular Complexes in the Regulation of Fibroblast Migration

Published on: May 19, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Cell Motility through Blebbing01:16

Cell Motility through Blebbing

Blebs are a type of membrane protrusion formed by the internal hydrostatic pressure of the cytoplasm. Blebs are observed in several cell types, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and single-celled organisms like the amoeba. The primary function of blebs is cell locomotion and apoptosis, but they are also found during necrosis and cell division. The life cycle of a bleb comprises an initiation phase followed by the expansion and retraction phases.
Blebbing Through the Matrix
In multicellular...
MAPK Signaling Cascades01:07

MAPK Signaling Cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
Liver Regeneration01:24

Liver Regeneration

The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Cell Migration01:09

Cell Migration

Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.