Sjögren’s syndrome(SS)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by oral and periocular dryness.Astragalus-Salvia(AS)and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium(OD)represent two frequently utilized herb pairs in SS treatmen...Sjögren’s syndrome(SS)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by oral and periocular dryness.Astragalus-Salvia(AS)and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium(OD)represent two frequently utilized herb pairs in SS treatment.While the combination of AS-OD herb pairs demonstrates clinical efficacy in alleviating SS symptoms,its underlying mechanism remains unclear.This investigation sought to assess the therapeutic effects and elucidate the potential mechanisms of AS-OD in non-obese diabetic(NOD)/Ltj mice with SS.The study utilized NOD/Ltj mice as SS models,administering AS-OD treatment for 10 weeks at doses of 113.1,226.2,and 339.3 mg·d−1·20 g−1.Results demonstrated that AS-OD improved SS symptoms,evidenced by enhanced salivary flow rate,decreased anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibody levels,increased swimming duration,and reduced lactate(LA)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels in NOD/Ltj mice.AS-OD reduced lymphocyte infiltration,enhanced Aquaporin-5(AQP5)expression in the submandibular gland,decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the submandibular gland,and reduced the T helper type 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg)cell ratio in the spleen.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicated AS-OD’s involvement in regulating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)and Janus kinase 3/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK1/STAT3)pathways,with inhibitory effects validated in both NOD/Ltj mice submandibular gland and A-253 cells.Furthermore,AS-OD enhanced cell viability and reduced A-253 cell apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.In A-253 cells,AS-OD reduced inflammatory cytokine levels,CXC chemokine ligand 9/10(CXCL9/10),and T-cell chemotaxis by inhibiting the JAK1/STAT3 pathway.AS-OD mitigates SS by suppressing inflammation and immune responses through the PI3K/AKT and JAK1/STAT3 pathways.展开更多
Objective The compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD), a persistent organic pollutant, is harmful to the nervous system, but its effects on the brain are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the e...Objective The compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD), a persistent organic pollutant, is harmful to the nervous system, but its effects on the brain are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TCDD on astrocytes proliferation and underlying molecular mechanism. Methods The cell proliferation was measured by EdU-based proliferation assay and PI staining by flow cytometry. Protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting. Immunofluorescence, cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions separation were used to assess the distribution of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3). Results C6 cells treated with 10 and 50 nmol/L TCDD for 24 h showed significant promotion of the proliferation of. The exposure to TCDD resulted in the upregulation in the expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt), phosphorylated STAT3, and cyclin D1 in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The inhibition of Akt expression with LY294002 or STAT3 expression with AG490 abolished the TCDD-induced cyclin D1 upregulation and cell proliferation. Furthermore, LY294002 suppressed the activation of STAT3. Finally, TCDD promoted the translocation of STAT3 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and LY294002 treatment blocked this effect. Conclusion TCDD exposure promotes the proliferation of astrocyte cells via the Akt/STAT3/cyclin D1 pathway, leading to astrogliosis.展开更多
Yu Gan Long(YGL)is a Chinese traditional herbal formula which has been reported to attenuate liver fibrosis for many years and we have explored its anti-fibrotic mechanism through blocking transforming growth factor(T...Yu Gan Long(YGL)is a Chinese traditional herbal formula which has been reported to attenuate liver fibrosis for many years and we have explored its anti-fibrotic mechanism through blocking transforming growth factor(TGF-β)in the previous study.But the mechanisms associated with platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)-BB remain obscure.In this study,we further investigated the mechanism of YGL reducing carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.Our results showed that YGL suppressed CCl4-induced upregulation of collagen IV(Col IV),type HI precollagen(PCHI),hyaluronuc acid(HA)and laminin(LN),which are implicated in liver fibrosis.Also,YGL reduced theα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression,which acts as the indicator of liver fibrosis.Furthermore,YGL decreased the serum levels of hepatic stellate cell(HSC)mitogen PDGF-BB and inflammation cytokines,including TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6.Markers involved in liver fibrosis,such as Ras,p-Raf-1,p-ERK1/2,p-JNK,p-P38,p-PI3K,p-AKT,p-JAKl,p-STAT3 were downregulated significantly after treatment with YGL.Our results indicated that YGL ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by reducing inflammation cytokines production,and suppressing Ras/ERK,PI3K/AKT,and JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathways,which provided further evidence towards elucidation of the anti-fibrotic mechanism of YGL.展开更多
Objective:Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS),extracted from rhizome of the herb Radix et Rhizoma Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen),was recently discovered to have beneficial effects against neurological d...Objective:Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS),extracted from rhizome of the herb Radix et Rhizoma Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen),was recently discovered to have beneficial effects against neurological damage.This study investigated the effects of PNS on cerebral ischemia and elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.Methods:Middle cerebral artery occlusion rats were treated with PNS (3.6 mg/100 g or 7.2 mg/100 g per day) for 7 days,the gene of LINGO-1 was measured and the expression of protein synaptophysin,postsynaptic density protein 95,LINGO-1 and p-EGFR/p-PI3K/p-AKT were investigated.The weight and mNSS score of Sprague-Dawley rats in each group were recorded every day during the 7 days.Results:PNS promoted middle cerebral artery occlusion rats' weight and the recovery of neural function.PNS significantly decreased ischemia-induced LINGO-1 protein expression.PNS also elevated EGFR/PI3K/AKT phosphorylation levels.Conclusion:PNS promoted cerebral recovery from ischemic injury by accelerating synapse reconstruction and inhibiting the neuron growth negative regulatory protein LINGO-1 and activating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vivo.展开更多
Background:Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1(IRAK1),an active serine/threonine kinase,is an indispensable mediator of inflammatory responses and innate immunity.Emerging evidence has highlighted the oncogenic...Background:Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1(IRAK1),an active serine/threonine kinase,is an indispensable mediator of inflammatory responses and innate immunity.Emerging evidence has highlighted the oncogenic role of IRAK1 in tumors.However,the role of IRAK1 in gastric cancer(GC)progression remains unclear.Methods:IRAK1 expression levels in patients with GC at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were assessed by Western blotting,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and immunohistochemistry.To elucidate the role of IRAK1 in GC pathogenesis,we established GC cells with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)mediated IRAK1 knockout and lentiviral vector-mediated IRAK1 overexpression and subsequently conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments.Additionally,we assessed the effect of IRAK1 expression levels in GC cells on the M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)via a Transwell coculture system.Functional assays were subsequently carried out to determine whether IRAK1 regulates the proliferation,invasion,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of GC cells through the induction of TAM M2 polarization and to clarify the associated regulatory mechanisms.Results:IRAK1 expression was progressively increased during GC progression.Clinicopathological feature analysis revealed that high IRAK1 expression predicted poor survival outcomes.In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that IRAK1 was highly expressed in GC cells and facilitated the proliferation,migration,invasion,and EMT of GC cells via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)pathway.More interestingly,IRAK1 affected the malignant biological behavior of GC cells by inducing M2-like polarization of macrophages.Mechanistically,coculturing M0 macrophages with IRAK1-knockout GC cells suppressed interleukin(IL)-8 secretion,thereby inhibiting Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)pathway activation in TAMs.Inactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway suppressed the M2 polarization of TAMs,ultimately inhibiting GC progression.Conclusions:IRAK1 influences the malignant biological behavior of GC cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and inducing the M2-like polarization of macrophages via the IL-8/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in TAMs.Our findings provide a novel diagnostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic strategy for GC.展开更多
Homeostasis of the skin barrier is essential for maintaining normal skin function.Gasdermin A(GSDMA)is highly expressed in the skin and associated with many skin diseases,such as melanoma and psoriasis.In mice,GSDMA i...Homeostasis of the skin barrier is essential for maintaining normal skin function.Gasdermin A(GSDMA)is highly expressed in the skin and associated with many skin diseases,such as melanoma and psoriasis.In mice,GSDMA is encoded by three gene homologues,namely Gsdma1,Gsdma2,and Gsdma3.Although Gsdma3 gain-of-function mutations cause hair loss and skin inflammation,Gsdma3-deficient mice do not show any visible phenotypes in skin and hair structures.To explore the physiological function of GSDMA,we generated conventional Gsdma1/2/3 knockout(KO)mice.These mice showed significantly alleviated epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA).Furthermore,the alleviation of epidermal hyperplasia depended on the expression of Gsdma1/2/3 specifically in keratinocytes.Mechanistically,Gsdma1/2/3 depletion downregulated epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)ligands,leading to the decreased EGFR–Stat3/Akt signalling.These results demonstrate that depletion of Gsdma1/2/3 alleviates PMA-induced epidermal hyperplasia partially by inhibiting the EGFR–Stat3/Akt pathway.展开更多
Objective The present study aimed to explore the role of P2Y1 receptor in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) production and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secretion of astrocytes under isch...Objective The present study aimed to explore the role of P2Y1 receptor in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) production and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secretion of astrocytes under ischemic insult and the related signaling pathways. Methods Using transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation for 2 h as the model of ischemic injury in vivo and in vitro, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to investigate location of P2Y1 receptor and GDNF, the expression of GFAP and GDNF, and the changes of signaling molecules. Results Blockage of P2Y1 receptor with the selective antagonist N^6-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate diammonium (MRS2179) reduced GFAP production and increased GDNF production in the antagonist group as compared with simple ischemic group both in vivo and in vitro. Oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation and blockage of P2Y1 receptor caused elevation of phosphorylated Akt and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and reduction of phosphorylated Janus kinase2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3, Ser727). After blockage of P2Y1 receptor and deprivation of oxygen-glucose-serum, AG490 (inhibitor of JAK2) reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 (Ser727) as well as expression of GFAP; LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), decreased phosphorylation of Akt and CREB; the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK 1/2) U0126, an important molecule of Ras/extracellular signal- regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, decreased the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3 (Ser727), Akt and CREB. Conclusion These results suggest that P2Y1 receptor plays a role in the production of GFAP and GDNF in astrocytes under transient ischemic condition and the related signaling pathways may be JAK2/STAT3 and PI3-K/Akt/CREB, respectively, and that crosstalk probably exists between them.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82074341).
文摘Sjögren’s syndrome(SS)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by oral and periocular dryness.Astragalus-Salvia(AS)and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium(OD)represent two frequently utilized herb pairs in SS treatment.While the combination of AS-OD herb pairs demonstrates clinical efficacy in alleviating SS symptoms,its underlying mechanism remains unclear.This investigation sought to assess the therapeutic effects and elucidate the potential mechanisms of AS-OD in non-obese diabetic(NOD)/Ltj mice with SS.The study utilized NOD/Ltj mice as SS models,administering AS-OD treatment for 10 weeks at doses of 113.1,226.2,and 339.3 mg·d−1·20 g−1.Results demonstrated that AS-OD improved SS symptoms,evidenced by enhanced salivary flow rate,decreased anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibody levels,increased swimming duration,and reduced lactate(LA)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels in NOD/Ltj mice.AS-OD reduced lymphocyte infiltration,enhanced Aquaporin-5(AQP5)expression in the submandibular gland,decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the submandibular gland,and reduced the T helper type 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg)cell ratio in the spleen.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicated AS-OD’s involvement in regulating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)and Janus kinase 3/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK1/STAT3)pathways,with inhibitory effects validated in both NOD/Ltj mice submandibular gland and A-253 cells.Furthermore,AS-OD enhanced cell viability and reduced A-253 cell apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.In A-253 cells,AS-OD reduced inflammatory cytokine levels,CXC chemokine ligand 9/10(CXCL9/10),and T-cell chemotaxis by inhibiting the JAK1/STAT3 pathway.AS-OD mitigates SS by suppressing inflammation and immune responses through the PI3K/AKT and JAK1/STAT3 pathways.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [No.21477058,81703255]Nantong Jiangsu scientific research project [MS12017014-8]
文摘Objective The compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD), a persistent organic pollutant, is harmful to the nervous system, but its effects on the brain are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of TCDD on astrocytes proliferation and underlying molecular mechanism. Methods The cell proliferation was measured by EdU-based proliferation assay and PI staining by flow cytometry. Protein expression levels were detected by Western blotting. Immunofluorescence, cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions separation were used to assess the distribution of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3). Results C6 cells treated with 10 and 50 nmol/L TCDD for 24 h showed significant promotion of the proliferation of. The exposure to TCDD resulted in the upregulation in the expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt), phosphorylated STAT3, and cyclin D1 in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The inhibition of Akt expression with LY294002 or STAT3 expression with AG490 abolished the TCDD-induced cyclin D1 upregulation and cell proliferation. Furthermore, LY294002 suppressed the activation of STAT3. Finally, TCDD promoted the translocation of STAT3 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and LY294002 treatment blocked this effect. Conclusion TCDD exposure promotes the proliferation of astrocyte cells via the Akt/STAT3/cyclin D1 pathway, leading to astrogliosis.
基金This study was supported by grants from China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2016M592320,No.2016M600670)Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.2018CFB657)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81601605).
文摘Yu Gan Long(YGL)is a Chinese traditional herbal formula which has been reported to attenuate liver fibrosis for many years and we have explored its anti-fibrotic mechanism through blocking transforming growth factor(TGF-β)in the previous study.But the mechanisms associated with platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)-BB remain obscure.In this study,we further investigated the mechanism of YGL reducing carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.Our results showed that YGL suppressed CCl4-induced upregulation of collagen IV(Col IV),type HI precollagen(PCHI),hyaluronuc acid(HA)and laminin(LN),which are implicated in liver fibrosis.Also,YGL reduced theα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression,which acts as the indicator of liver fibrosis.Furthermore,YGL decreased the serum levels of hepatic stellate cell(HSC)mitogen PDGF-BB and inflammation cytokines,including TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6.Markers involved in liver fibrosis,such as Ras,p-Raf-1,p-ERK1/2,p-JNK,p-P38,p-PI3K,p-AKT,p-JAKl,p-STAT3 were downregulated significantly after treatment with YGL.Our results indicated that YGL ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by reducing inflammation cytokines production,and suppressing Ras/ERK,PI3K/AKT,and JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathways,which provided further evidence towards elucidation of the anti-fibrotic mechanism of YGL.
基金funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.81573926 and 81173235).
文摘Objective:Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS),extracted from rhizome of the herb Radix et Rhizoma Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H.Chen),was recently discovered to have beneficial effects against neurological damage.This study investigated the effects of PNS on cerebral ischemia and elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.Methods:Middle cerebral artery occlusion rats were treated with PNS (3.6 mg/100 g or 7.2 mg/100 g per day) for 7 days,the gene of LINGO-1 was measured and the expression of protein synaptophysin,postsynaptic density protein 95,LINGO-1 and p-EGFR/p-PI3K/p-AKT were investigated.The weight and mNSS score of Sprague-Dawley rats in each group were recorded every day during the 7 days.Results:PNS promoted middle cerebral artery occlusion rats' weight and the recovery of neural function.PNS significantly decreased ischemia-induced LINGO-1 protein expression.PNS also elevated EGFR/PI3K/AKT phosphorylation levels.Conclusion:PNS promoted cerebral recovery from ischemic injury by accelerating synapse reconstruction and inhibiting the neuron growth negative regulatory protein LINGO-1 and activating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in vivo.
文摘Background:Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1(IRAK1),an active serine/threonine kinase,is an indispensable mediator of inflammatory responses and innate immunity.Emerging evidence has highlighted the oncogenic role of IRAK1 in tumors.However,the role of IRAK1 in gastric cancer(GC)progression remains unclear.Methods:IRAK1 expression levels in patients with GC at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were assessed by Western blotting,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and immunohistochemistry.To elucidate the role of IRAK1 in GC pathogenesis,we established GC cells with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)mediated IRAK1 knockout and lentiviral vector-mediated IRAK1 overexpression and subsequently conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments.Additionally,we assessed the effect of IRAK1 expression levels in GC cells on the M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)via a Transwell coculture system.Functional assays were subsequently carried out to determine whether IRAK1 regulates the proliferation,invasion,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of GC cells through the induction of TAM M2 polarization and to clarify the associated regulatory mechanisms.Results:IRAK1 expression was progressively increased during GC progression.Clinicopathological feature analysis revealed that high IRAK1 expression predicted poor survival outcomes.In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that IRAK1 was highly expressed in GC cells and facilitated the proliferation,migration,invasion,and EMT of GC cells via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)pathway.More interestingly,IRAK1 affected the malignant biological behavior of GC cells by inducing M2-like polarization of macrophages.Mechanistically,coculturing M0 macrophages with IRAK1-knockout GC cells suppressed interleukin(IL)-8 secretion,thereby inhibiting Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)pathway activation in TAMs.Inactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway suppressed the M2 polarization of TAMs,ultimately inhibiting GC progression.Conclusions:IRAK1 influences the malignant biological behavior of GC cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and inducing the M2-like polarization of macrophages via the IL-8/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in TAMs.Our findings provide a novel diagnostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic strategy for GC.
基金supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2018YFA0801100 and 2021YFF0702100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971056,31772550,and 32000513)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20181260)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(14380516 and 021414380533).
文摘Homeostasis of the skin barrier is essential for maintaining normal skin function.Gasdermin A(GSDMA)is highly expressed in the skin and associated with many skin diseases,such as melanoma and psoriasis.In mice,GSDMA is encoded by three gene homologues,namely Gsdma1,Gsdma2,and Gsdma3.Although Gsdma3 gain-of-function mutations cause hair loss and skin inflammation,Gsdma3-deficient mice do not show any visible phenotypes in skin and hair structures.To explore the physiological function of GSDMA,we generated conventional Gsdma1/2/3 knockout(KO)mice.These mice showed significantly alleviated epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA).Furthermore,the alleviation of epidermal hyperplasia depended on the expression of Gsdma1/2/3 specifically in keratinocytes.Mechanistically,Gsdma1/2/3 depletion downregulated epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)ligands,leading to the decreased EGFR–Stat3/Akt signalling.These results demonstrate that depletion of Gsdma1/2/3 alleviates PMA-induced epidermal hyperplasia partially by inhibiting the EGFR–Stat3/Akt pathway.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30500189)
文摘Objective The present study aimed to explore the role of P2Y1 receptor in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) production and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) secretion of astrocytes under ischemic insult and the related signaling pathways. Methods Using transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation for 2 h as the model of ischemic injury in vivo and in vitro, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to investigate location of P2Y1 receptor and GDNF, the expression of GFAP and GDNF, and the changes of signaling molecules. Results Blockage of P2Y1 receptor with the selective antagonist N^6-methyl-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate diammonium (MRS2179) reduced GFAP production and increased GDNF production in the antagonist group as compared with simple ischemic group both in vivo and in vitro. Oxygen-glucose-serum deprivation and blockage of P2Y1 receptor caused elevation of phosphorylated Akt and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and reduction of phosphorylated Janus kinase2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3, Ser727). After blockage of P2Y1 receptor and deprivation of oxygen-glucose-serum, AG490 (inhibitor of JAK2) reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 (Ser727) as well as expression of GFAP; LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), decreased phosphorylation of Akt and CREB; the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK 1/2) U0126, an important molecule of Ras/extracellular signal- regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, decreased the phosphorylation of JAK2, STAT3 (Ser727), Akt and CREB. Conclusion These results suggest that P2Y1 receptor plays a role in the production of GFAP and GDNF in astrocytes under transient ischemic condition and the related signaling pathways may be JAK2/STAT3 and PI3-K/Akt/CREB, respectively, and that crosstalk probably exists between them.