title: Effect of a plant-derived natural compound, Flavin7, on the ERK signaling pathway in immortalized mouse proximal tubule cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since MAP kinases represent an important pathway of transducing external stimuli to internal signals in cells, determining their possible role in cancer cells may offer a promising way for the treatment and prognosis of malignant diseases. Our previous experiments have shown that a flavonoid-rich solution, Flavin7, was able to diminish kidney tumor growth in vivo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Effects of Flavin 7 on the MAPK signaling pathway were determined in immortalized mouse proximal tubule cells by determining cell viability, flow cytometric analysis, luciferase assays and Western blots.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At a nontoxic dose, Flavin7 markedly reduced phosphorylation of ERK and inhibited activity of its downstream targets such as Elk1 and CREB via inhibition of the ERK-kinase MEK1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because of its ability to temporarily inhibit kidney tumor growth and activation of the MEK1/ERK pathway in vitro, further in vivo investigations may determine the potential role of Flavin7 in the treatment of malignancies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veteran HealthCare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. edit.nadasi@aok.pte.hu
authors.forename: Edit
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nádasi
authors.forename: István
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ember
authors.forename: István
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Arany
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001688:Biological Products / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D005415:Flavins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007687:Kidney Tubules, Proximal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology*; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D005415:Flavins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases