Role of acylglycerol kinase in LPA-induced IL-8 secretion and transactivation of epidermal growth factor-receptor in human bronchial epithelial cells

LPA (lysophosphatidic acid) is a potent bioactive phospholipid, which regulates a number of diverse cellular responses through G protein-coupled LPA receptors. Intracellular LPA is generated by the phosphorylation of monoacylglycerol by acylglycerol kinase (AGK); however, the role of intracellular LPA in signaling and cellular responses remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigated signaling pathways of IL-8 secretion mediated by AGK and intracellular LPA in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpCs). Expression of AGK in HBEpCs was detected by real-time PCR, and overexpressed AGK was mainly localized in mitochondria as determined by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Overexpression of lentiviral AGK wild type increased intracellular LPA production (∼1.8-fold), enhanced LPA-mediated IL-8 secretion, and stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGF-R). Furthermore, downregulation of native AGK by AGK small interfering RNA decreased intracellular LPA levels (∼2-fold) and attenuated LPA-induced p38 MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB activation, tyrosine phosphorylation of EGF-R, and IL-8 secretion. These results suggest that native AGK regulates LPA-mediated IL-8 secretion involving MAPKs, NF-κB, and transactivation of EGF-R. Thus AGK may play an important role in innate immunity and airway remodeling during inflammation.