Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

Available online 22 May 2013

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Molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in mast cells ^☆

Open Access Article 

• Emmanuel Oppong^, , 
• Nesrin Flink, 
• Andrew C.B. Cato

• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

• http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2013.05.014, How to Cite or Link Using DOI

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Highlights

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Some actions of glucocorticoids in mast cells are now known to be mediated by protein tyrosine phosphatases.

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These enzymes are able to inhibit signaling pathways involved mast cell activation because of the ability of the hormone to increase their expression.

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Although molecular mechanisms involved are still not clearly understood, this review highlights the various studies that have been carried out to gain further insights into the role protein tyrosine phosphatases play in the antiallergic action of glucocorticoids.

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Abstract

Glucocorticoids are compounds that have successfully been used over the years in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. They are known to exhibit their effects through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) that acts to downregulate the action of proinflammatory transcription factors such as AP-1 and NF-κB. The GR also exerts anti-inflammatory effects through activation of distinct genes. In addition to their anti-inflammatory actions, glucocorticoids are also potent antiallergic compounds that are widely used in conditions such as asthma and anaphylaxis. Nevertheless the mechanism of action of this hormone in these disorders is not known. In this article, we have reviewed reports on the effects of glucocorticoids in mast cells, one of the important immune cells in allergy. Building on the knowledge of the molecular action of glucocorticoids and the GR in the treatment of inflammation in other cell types, we have made suggestions as to the likely mechanisms of action of glucocorticoids in mast cells. We have further identified some important questions and research directions that need to be addressed in future studies to improve the treatment of allergic disorders.

Keywords

• Allergy; 
• Mast cells; 
• Protein tyrosine phosphatases

• • Highlights
  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Abbreviations
  • 1. Introduction
  • 
  • 2. Levels of modulation of mast cell activity by glucocorticoids
  • 2.1. Glucocorticoid-mediated regulation of mast cell signalling
  • Table 1
  • 2.2. Glucocorticoid regulation of mast cell action through activation of phosphatases
  • Table 2
  • 2.3. Glucocorticoid regulation of mast cell action through adaptor proteins
  • 2.4. Glucocorticoid-mediated regulation of mast-cell chemotactic factor
  • 3. Mechanisms of glucocorticoid action
  • 3.1. Glucocorticoid regulation of DUSP1 gene expression
  • 4. Rapid action of glucocorticoids in mast cells
  • 5. Conclusion and perspectives
  • 6. Uncited reference
  • Acknowledgements
  • References