THE ROLE OF P38 MAP KINASE IN TGF-BETA-1-INDUCED SIGNAL-TRANSDUCTION IN HUMAN NEUTROPHILS

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is the strongest chemoa ttractant yet described for human neutrophils. It activates neither ph ospholipase C nor phospholipase D. It does not induce rises in intrace llular calcium, degranulation, or superoxide production. The signaling pathways utilized by TGF-beta 1 are largely unknown. This report demo nstrates that TGF-beta 1 activates p38 MAP kinase. The kinase inhibito r SB203580 blocks the chemotactic responses as well as actin polymeriz ation induced by TGF-beta 1. Potential cellular targets of the p38 MAP kinase pathway which could mediate these function are discussed. (C) 1998 Academic Press.