Sample records for ykl-39 activates phosphorylation

  1. Human YKL39 (chitinase 3-like protein 2), an osteoarthritis-associated gene, enhances proliferation and type II collagen expression in ATDC5 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miyatake, Kazumasa; Tsuji, Kunikazu, E-mail: ktsuji.gcoe@tmd.ac.jp; Yamaga, Mika

    Highlights: ► hYKL-39 expression is increased in osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes. ► To examine the molecular functions of hYKL-39 in chondrocytes, we overexpressed hYKL-39 in chondrocytic ATDC5 cells. ► hYKL-39 enhanced proliferation and colony formation in ATDC5 cells. ► hYKL-39 increased type II collagen expression in ATDC5 cells treated with chondrogenic medium. -- Abstract: Human YKL39 (chitinase 3-like protein 2/CHI3L2) is a secreted 39 kDa protein produced by articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes. Recent studies showed that hYKL-39 expression is increased in osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes suggesting the involvement of hYKL-39 in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However little is known regarding themore » molecular function of hYKL-39 in joint homeostasis. Sequence analyses indicated that hYKL-39 has significant identity with the human chitotorisidase family molecules, although it is considered that hYKL-39 has no enzymatic activity since it lacks putative chitinase catalytic motif. In this study, to examine the molecular function of hYKL-39 in chondrocytes, we overexpressed hYKL-39 in ATDC5 cells. Here we report that hYKL-39 enhances colony forming activity, cell proliferation, and type II collagen expression in these cells. These data suggest that hYKL-39 is a novel growth and differentiation factor involved in cartilage homeostasis.« less

  2. The Chitinase-like Proteins Breast Regression Protein-39 and YKL-40 Regulate Hyperoxia-induced Acute Lung Injury

    PubMed Central

    Sohn, Myung Hyun; Kang, Min-Jong; Matsuura, Hiroshi; Bhandari, Vineet; Chen, Ning-Yuan; Lee, Chun Geun; Elias, Jack A.

    2010-01-01

    Rationale: Prolonged exposure to 100% O2 causes hyperoxic acute lung injury (HALI), characterized by alveolar epithelial cell injury and death. We previously demonstrated that the murine chitinase-like protein, breast regression protein (BRP)–39 and its human homolog, YKL-40, inhibit cellular apoptosis. However, the regulation and roles of these molecules in hyperoxia have not been addressed. Objectives: We hypothesized that BRP-39 and YKL-40 (also called chitinase-3–like 1) play important roles in the pathogenesis of HALI. Methods: We characterized the regulation of BRP-39 during HALI and the responses induced by hyperoxia in wild-type mice, BRP-39–null (−/−) mice, and BRP-39−/− mice in which YKL-40 was overexpressed in respiratory epithelium. We also compared the levels of tracheal aspirate YKL-40 in premature newborns with respiratory failure. Measurements and Main Results: These studies demonstrate that hyperoxia inhibits BRP-39 in vivo in the murine lung and in vitro in epithelial cells. They also demonstrate that BRP-39−/− mice have exaggerated permeability, protein leak, oxidation, inflammatory, chemokine, and epithelial apoptosis responses, and experience premature death in 100% O2. Lastly, they demonstrate that YKL-40 ameliorates HALI, prolongs survival in 100% O2, and rescues the exaggerated injury response in BRP-39−/− animals. In accord with these findings, the levels of tracheal aspirate YKL-40 were lower in premature infants treated with hyperoxia for respiratory failure who subsequently experienced bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death compared with those that did not experience these complications. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that hyperoxia inhibits BRP-39/YKL-40, and that BRP-39 and YKL-40 are critical regulators of oxidant injury, inflammation, and epithelial apoptosis in the murine and human lung. PMID:20558631

  3. Expression of M2 macrophage markers YKL-39 and CCL18 in breast cancer is associated with the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Litviakov, Nikolai; Tsyganov, Matvey; Larionova, Irina; Ibragimova, Marina; Deryusheva, Irina; Kazantseva, Polina; Slonimskaya, Elena; Frolova, Irina; Choinzonov, Eugeniy; Cherdyntseva, Nadezhda; Kzhyshkowska, Julia

    2018-05-04

    High activity of enzyme TOP2a in tumor cells is known to be associated with sensitivity to anthracycline chemotherapy, but 20% of such patients do not show clinical response. Tumor microenvironment, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), is an essential factor defining the efficiency of chemotherapy. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of M2 macrophage markers, YKL-39 and CCL18, in tumors of breast cancer patients received anthracycline-based NAC. Patients were divided into two groups according to the level of doxorubicin sensitivity marker TOP2a: DOX-Sense and DOX-Res groups. Expression levels of TOR2a, CD68, YKL-39 and CCL18 genes were analyzed by qPCR, the amplification of TOR2a gene locus was assessed by the microarray assay. Clinical and pathological responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assessed. We found that the average level of TOP2a expression in patients of DOX-Sense group was almost 10 times higher than in patients of DOX-Res group, and the expression of CD68 was 3 times higher in the DOX-Sense group compared to DOX-Res group. We demonstrated that expression levels of M2-derived cytokines but not the amount of TAM is indicative for clinical and pathological chemotherapy efficacy in breast cancer patients. Out of 8 patients from DOX-Sense group who did not respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), 7 patients had M2+ macrophage phenotype (YKL-39 + CCL18 - or YKL-39 - CCL18 + ) and only one patient had M2- macrophage phenotype (YKL-39 - CCL18 - ). In DOX-Res group, out of 14 patients who clinically responded to NAC 9 patients had M2- phenotype and only 5 patients had M2+ macrophage phenotype. Among pathological non-responders in DOX-Sense group, 19 (82%) patients had M2+ tumor phenotype and only 4 (18%) patients had M2- phenotype. In DOX-Res group, all 5 patients who pathologically responded to NAC had M2 phenotype (YKL-39 - CCL18 - ). Unlike the clinical response to NAC, the differences in the frequency of M2+ and M2- phenotypes

  4. Circulating YKL-40‡ levels during human endotoxaemia

    PubMed Central

    Johansen, J S; Krabbe, K S; Møller, K; Pedersen, B K

    2005-01-01

    YKL-40 is secreted by macrophages and neutrophils and patients with bacterial infections have elevated circulating YKL-40. The aim was to evaluate changes in plasma YKL-40 (determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 0, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 32 h) in eight healthy volunteers after injection with Esherichia coli endotoxin or saline. Plasma YKL-40 increased after endotoxin injection from 31 µg/l (range 19–39 µg/l) to a maximum of 159 µg/l (61–552 µg/l, P < 0·01) at 24 h. The finding that plasma YKL-40 increased after endotoxin injection compared with saline (P < 0·001) suggests that YKL-40 has a functional role in infections. PMID:15807860

  5. The chitinase-like protein YKL-40 increases mucin5AC production in human bronchial epithelial cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liu, Chunyi; Li, Qi; Zhou, Xiangdong, E-mail: zxd999@263.net

    2013-11-01

    Mucus overproduction is an important feature in patients with chronic inflammatory airway diseases. However, the regulatory mechanisms that mediate excessive mucin production remain elusive. Recently, the level of YKL-40, a chitinase-like protein, has been found to be significantly increased in chronic inflammatory airway diseases and has been shown to be associated with the severity of these diseases. In this study, we sought to explore the effect of YKL-40 on mucin5AC (MUC5AC) production in chronic inflammatory airway diseases and the potential signaling pathways involved in this process. We found that elevated YKL-40 levels increased the mRNA and protein expression of MUC5ACmore » in a dose- and time-dependent manner, in association with the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), reflecting their activation. These responses were significantly suppressed by the knockdown of protease-activating receptor 2 (PAR2) with specific small interfering RNA or the inhibitors of ERK and NF-κB. YKL-40-induced MUC5AC overproduction was also effectively attenuated by the inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Taken together, these results imply that YKL-40 can stimulate excessive MUC5AC production through PAR2- and FAK-mediated mechanisms. - Highlights: • MUC5AC is the major secreted mucin in chronic inflammatory airway diseases. • YKL-40 is a prototype of the chitinase-like protein in mammals. • YKL-40 is an active player in chronic inflammatory airway diseases. • YKL-40 can increase MUC5AC production via PAR2-mediated pathway. • FAK is another candidate to mediate YKL-40-induced MUC5AC overexpression.« less

  6. Plasma YKL-40 in Inuit and Danes.

    PubMed

    Nøjgaard, Camilla; Johansen, Julia S; Bjerregaard, Peter; Bojesen, Stig E; Becker, Ulrik

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there are differences in plasma levels of YKL-40 between Inuit in Greenland and in Denmark and in Danes, as well as to study the relationship between alcohol intake, plasma YKL-40 and other factors in Inuit. Plasma YKL-40 levels were measured on 1645 people from The Greenland Population Study (a cross-sectional population study of Inuit from Denmark and West Greenland) and were compared with the plasma YKL-40 levels of 8899 people from The Copenhagen City Heart Study (a population-based, prospective study of the Danish general population). The plasma concentrations of YKL-40 were significantly (P = 0.001) lower in Inuit living in Greenland (median 46 µg/l, range 10-2164, n = 1164) compared with the plasma YKL-40 levels of Inuit living in Denmark (median 63 µg/l, range 20-2827, n = 481) and of Danes living in Denmark (median 55 µg/l, range 10-2909, n = 8899). In Inuit, increased alcohol intake was significantly associated with increased plasma YKL-40 levels (P < 0.001), and high plasma YKL-40 levels were associated with high values of alkaline phosphatase and low values of albumin. Smoking, gender and bilirubin were not associated with the plasma YKL-40 level. High levels of YKL-40 and alcohol were associated with where people lived. The plasma concentrations of YKL-40 are significantly lower in Inuit living in Greenland than Inuit and Danes living in Denmark. A number of factors, including different alcohol intake patterns, nutrition and genes may play a role in these findings. © The Author 2014. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

  7. Chitinase-3-like 1 protein (CHI3L1) locus influences cerebrospinal fluid levels of YKL-40.

    PubMed

    Deming, Yuetiva; Black, Kathleen; Carrell, David; Cai, Yefei; Del-Aguila, Jorge L; Fernandez, Maria Victoria; Budde, John; Ma, ShengMei; Saef, Benjamin; Howells, Bill; Bertelsen, Sarah; Huang, Kuan-Lin; Sutphen, Courtney L; Tarawneh, Rawan; Fagan, Anne M; Holtzman, David M; Morris, John C; Goate, Alison M; Dougherty, Joseph D; Cruchaga, Carlos

    2016-11-10

    Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology appears several years before clinical symptoms, so identifying ways to detect individuals in the preclinical stage is imperative. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Tau/Aβ 42 ratio is currently the best known predictor of AD status and cognitive decline, and the ratio of CSF levels of chitinase-3-like 1 protein (CHI3L1, YKL-40) and amyloid beta (Aβ 42 ) were reported as predictive, but individual variability and group overlap inhibits their utility for individual diagnosis making it necessary to find ways to improve sensitivity of these biomarkers. We used linear regression to identify genetic loci associated with CSF YKL-40 levels in 379 individuals (80 cognitively impaired and 299 cognitively normal) from the Charles F and Joanne Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. We tested correlations between YKL-40 and CSF Tau/Aβ 42 ratio, Aβ 42 , tau, and phosphorylated tau (ptau 181 ). We used studentized residuals from a linear regression model of the log-transformed, standardized protein levels and the additive reference allele counts from the most significant locus to adjust YKL-40 values and tested the differences in correlations with CSF Tau/Aβ 42 ratio, Aβ 42 , tau, and ptau 181 . We found that genetic variants on the CH13L1 locus were significantly associated with CSF YKL-40 levels, but not AD risk, age at onset, or disease progression. The most significant variant is a reported expression quantitative trait locus for CHI3L1, the gene which encodes YKL-40, and explained 12.74 % of the variance in CSF YKL-40 in our study. YKL-40 was positively correlated with ptau 181 (r = 0.521) and the strength of the correlation significantly increased with the addition of genetic information (r = 0.573, p = 0.006). CSF YKL-40 levels are likely a biomarker for AD, but we found no evidence that they are an AD endophenotype. YKL-40 levels are highly regulated by genetic variation, and by including genetic information the

  8. Serum YKL-40 as a potential biomarker of inflammation in psoriasis.

    PubMed

    Baran, Anna; Myśliwiec, Hanna; Szterling-Jaworowska, Malgorzata; Kiluk, Paulina; Świderska, Magdalena; Flisiak, Iwona

    2018-02-01

    YKL-40 is an inflammatory glycoprotein associated with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or metabolic syndrome which are common comorbidities in psoriasis. The aim of the study was to assess serum YKL-40 level in psoriasis and elucidate possible associations with disease activity, inflammatory or metabolic parameters and treatment. A total of 37 individuals with active plaque-type psoriasis and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before and after 2 weeks of therapy. Serum YKL-40 concentrations were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body mass index (BMI), inflammatory and biochemical markers, lipid profile and topical therapy. Median YKL-40 serum levels were significantly increased in psoriatic patients in comparison to the controls (p < .0001). No significant correlations between investigated protein and metabolic parameters as BMI (p = .19), glucose (p = .32) nor lipids levels were found. Significant positive relation with CRP (p = .003) or alanine aminotransferase (p = .04) and no correlation with PASI (p = .2) were noted. Serum YKL-40 level remained unchanged (p = .5) after topical treatment, despite clinical improvement. YKL-40 might be a biomarker of psoriasis and inflammation in psoriatic patients, but not a reliable indicator of metabolic conditions, severity of psoriasis nor efficacy of the treatment.

  9. Genetic and epigenetic regulation of YKL-40 in childhood.

    PubMed

    Guerra, Stefano; Melén, Erik; Sunyer, Jordi; Xu, Cheng-Jian; Lavi, Iris; Benet, Marta; Bustamante, Mariona; Carsin, Anne-Elie; Dobaño, Carlota; Guxens, Mònica; Tischer, Christina; Vrijheid, Martine; Kull, Inger; Bergström, Anna; Kumar, Ashish; Söderhäll, Cilla; Gehring, Ulrike; Dijkstra, Dorieke J; van der Vlies, Pieter; Wickman, Magnus; Bousquet, Jean; Postma, Dirkje S; Anto, Josep M; Koppelman, Gerard H

    2018-03-01

    Circulating levels of the chitinase-like protein YKL-40 are influenced by genetic variation in its encoding gene (chitinase 3-like 1 [CHI3L1]) and are increased in patients with several diseases, including asthma. Epigenetic regulation of circulating YKL-40 early in life is unknown. We sought to determine (1) whether methylation levels at CHI3L1 CpG sites mediate the association of CHI3L1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with YKL-40 levels in the blood and (2) whether these biomarkers (CHI3L1 SNPs, methylation profiles, and YKL-40 levels) are associated with asthma in early childhood. We used data from up to 2405 participants from the Spanish Infancia y Medio Ambiente; the Swedish Barn/Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiological survey; and the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohorts. Associations between 68 CHI3L1 SNPs, methylation levels at 14 CHI3L1 CpG sites in whole-blood DNA, and circulating YKL-40 levels at 4 years of age were tested by using correlation analysis, multivariable regression, and mediation analysis. Each of these biomarkers was also tested for association with asthma at 4 years of age by using multivariable logistic regression. YKL-40 levels were significantly associated with 7 SNPs and with methylation at 5 CpG sites. Consistent associations between these 7 SNPs (particularly rs10399931 and rs4950928) and 5 CpG sites were observed. Alleles linked to lower YKL-40 levels were associated with higher methylation levels. Participants with high YKL-40 levels (defined as the highest YKL-40 tertile) had increased odds for asthma compared with subjects with low YKL-40 levels (meta-analyzed adjusted odds ratio, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.08-3.36]). In contrast, neither SNPs nor methylation levels at CpG sites in CHI3L1 were associated with asthma. The effects of CHI3L1 genetic variation on circulating YKL-40 levels are partly mediated by methylation profiles. In our study YKL-40 levels, but not CHI3L1 SNPs or

  10. YKL-40-Induced Inhibition of miR-590-3p Promotes Interleukin-18 Expression and Angiogenesis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells

    PubMed Central

    Li, Te-Mao; Liu, Shan-Chi; Huang, Ya-Hsin; Huang, Chien-Chung; Hsu, Chin-Jung; Tsai, Chun-Hao; Wang, Shih-Wei; Tang, Chih-Hsin

    2017-01-01

    YKL-40, also known as human cartilage glycoprotein-39 or chitinase-3-like-1, is a pro-inflammatory protein that is highly expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Angiogenesis is a critical step in the pathogenesis of RA, promoting the infiltration of inflammatory cells into joints and providing oxygen and nutrients to RA pannus. In this study, we examined the effects of YKL-40 in the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18), and the stimulation of angiogenesis and accumulation of osteoblasts. We observed that YKL-40 induces IL-18 production in osteoblasts and thereby stimulates angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We found that this process occurs through the suppression of miR-590-3p via the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. YKL-40 inhibition reduced angiogenesis in in vivo models of angiogenesis: the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and Matrigel plug models. We report that YKL-40 stimulates IL-18 expression in osteoblasts and facilitates EPC angiogenesis. PMID:28448439

  11. YKL-40-Induced Inhibition of miR-590-3p Promotes Interleukin-18 Expression and Angiogenesis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Te-Mao; Liu, Shan-Chi; Huang, Ya-Hsin; Huang, Chien-Chung; Hsu, Chin-Jung; Tsai, Chun-Hao; Wang, Shih-Wei; Tang, Chih-Hsin

    2017-04-27

    YKL-40, also known as human cartilage glycoprotein-39 or chitinase-3-like-1, is a pro-inflammatory protein that is highly expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Angiogenesis is a critical step in the pathogenesis of RA, promoting the infiltration of inflammatory cells into joints and providing oxygen and nutrients to RA pannus. In this study, we examined the effects of YKL-40 in the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18), and the stimulation of angiogenesis and accumulation of osteoblasts. We observed that YKL-40 induces IL-18 production in osteoblasts and thereby stimulates angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). We found that this process occurs through the suppression of miR-590-3p via the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. YKL-40 inhibition reduced angiogenesis in in vivo models of angiogenesis: the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and Matrigel plug models. We report that YKL-40 stimulates IL-18 expression in osteoblasts and facilitates EPC angiogenesis.

  12. Diagnostic function of the neuroinflammatory biomarker YKL-40 in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

    PubMed

    Baldacci, Filippo; Lista, Simone; Cavedo, Enrica; Bonuccelli, Ubaldo; Hampel, Harald

    2017-04-01

    Neuroinflammation is a crucial mechanism in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases pathophysiology. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) YKL-40 - an indicator of microglial activation - has recently been identified by proteomic studies as a candidate biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Areas covered: We review the impact of CSF YKL-40 as a pathophysiological biomarker for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. CSF YKL-40 concentrations have been shown to predict progression from prodromal mild cognitive impairment to AD dementia. Moreover, a positive association between CSF YKL-40 and other biomarkers of neurodegeneration - particularly total tau protein - has been reported during the asymptomatic preclinical stage of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Albeit preliminary, current data do not support an association between APOE-ε4 status and CSF YKL-40 concentrations. When interpreting the diagnostic/prognostic significance of CSF YKL-40 concentrations in neurodegenerative diseases, potential confounders - including age, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, diagnostic criteria for selecting cases/controls - need to be considered. Expert opinion/commentary: CSF YKL-40 represents a pathophysiological biomarker reflecting immune/inflammatory mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, associated with tau protein pathology. Besides being associated with tau pathology, CSF YKL-40 adds to the growing array of biomarkers reflecting distinct molecular brain mechanisms potentially useful for stratifying individuals for biomarker-guided, targeted anti-inflammatory therapies emerging from precision medicine.

  13. Plasma YKL-40 during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus.

    PubMed

    Rinnov, Anders R; Rathcke, Camilla N; Bonde, Lisbeth; Vilsbøll, Tina; Knop, Filip K

    2015-11-01

    Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterised by hyperglycaemia during pregnancy. The clinical circumstances involved in the development of GDM leaves the patient at a high risk of the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes. Plasma levels of the inflammation marker YKL-40 are elevated in type 2 diabetes and correlate with fasting plasma glucose levels and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes. With the present study we aimed to determine if pregnancy (and associated insulin resistance) with or without GDM affects plasma YKL-40 levels. Plasma from women diagnosed with GDM and healthy normal glucose-tolerant pregnant women (non-GDM) was obtained at the third trimester of pregnancy and again 3-4 months following delivery, and levels of YKL-40 and interleukin 6 (IL-6; known to regulate YKL-40) were measured. Plasma YKL-40 levels were similarly low during pregnancy in both groups and increased significantly after delivery, but remained lower in the GDM group compared with the non-GDM group postpartum. In contrast, plasma IL-6 levels were not affected by pregnancy or diagnosis of GDM, Nevertheless, YKL-40 levels were associated with IL-6 levels in the non-GDM group (but not in the GDM group). Pregnancy seems to be associated with a temporary reduction in circulating YKL-40, which increases after delivery, but to a much lesser extent in women with GDM than in non-GDM women. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. The relationship between serum YKL-40 levels and arterial stiffness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

    PubMed

    Kucukali Turkyilmaz, Aysegul; Devrimsel, Gul; Serdaroglu Beyazal, Munevver; Kirbas, Aynur; Cicek, Yuksel; Capkin, Erhan; Karkucak, Murat; Gokmen, Ferhat

    2017-01-01

    Serum YKL-40 plays roles in inflammatory and vascular processes. Our aim was to evaluate serum YKL-40 levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to investigate their potential relationship with arterial stiffness based on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV). Forty-three patients with AS and 41 healthy controls with no history or current signs of cardiovascular disease were included in the study. All patients were administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and none were prescribed anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured. CF-PWV and intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT-C) were evaluated. The mean age of AS patients was 34.6 ± 10.2 years and of controls was 36.3 ± 9.0 years. CF-PWV was significantly higher in AS patients than in controls (8.2±2.7 vs.7.0±1.6 m/s, respectively; P=0.015). However, the IMT-C was not significantly different between AS patients and controls (0.6±0.3 vs. 0.5±0.2 mm, P=0.501). YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in AS patients than in controls (78.9±37.9 vs. 58.4±21.2 ng/mL, P=0.003) and were strongly correlated with CF-PWV (r=0.773, P < 0.001) and IMT-C (r=0.548, P < 0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CF-PWV could be explained by serum YKL-40 levels and IMT-C (adjusted R²= 0.707, P=0.013 and P=0.001, respectively). AS patients with a higher disease activity score had higher YKL-40 levels, IMT-C, and CF-PWV than did those with a lower disease activity score (P < 0.001, P=0.008, and P < 0.001, respectively) Conclusion: AS patients had higher serum YKL-40 levels, CF-PWV, and IMT-C than did healthy controls. Additionally, there was an association between increased CF-PWV and serum YKL-40 levels. Therefore, we conclude that CF-PWV and YKL-40 levels may be used for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis in AS patients.

  15. YKL-40 Associates with Renal Recovery in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation

    PubMed Central

    Puthumana, Jeremy; Hall, Isaac E.; Reese, Peter P.; Schröppel, Bernd; Weng, Francis L.; Thiessen-Philbrook, Heather; Doshi, Mona D.; Rao, Veena; Lee, Chun Geun; Elias, Jack A.; Cantley, Lloyd G.

    2017-01-01

    Deceased donor kidneys with AKI are often discarded for fear of poor transplant outcomes. Donor biomarkers that predict post-transplant renal recovery could improve organ selection and reduce discard. We tested whether higher levels of donor urinary YKL-40, a repair phase protein, associate with improved recipient outcomes in a prospective cohort study involving deceased kidney donors from five organ procurement organizations. We measured urinary YKL-40 concentration in 1301 donors (111 had AKI, defined as doubling of serum creatinine) and ascertained outcomes in the corresponding 2435 recipients, 756 of whom experienced delayed graft function (DGF). Donors with AKI had higher urinary YKL-40 concentration (P<0.001) and acute tubular necrosis on procurement biopsies (P=0.05). In fully adjusted analyses, elevated donor urinary YKL-40 concentration associated with reduced risk of DGF in both recipients of AKI donor kidneys (adjusted relative risk, 0.51 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.32 to 0.80] for highest versus lowest YKL-40 tertile) and recipients of non-AKI donor kidneys (adjusted relative risk, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65 to 0.97]). Furthermore, in the event of DGF, elevated donor urinary YKL-40 concentration associated with higher 6-month eGFR (6.75 [95% CI, 1.49 to 12.02] ml/min per 1.73 m2) and lower risk of graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.27 to 0.94]). These findings suggest that YKL-40 is produced in response to tubular injury and is independently associated with recovery from AKI and DGF. If ultimately validated as a prognostic biomarker, urinary YKL-40 should be considered in determining the suitability of donor kidneys for transplant. PMID:27451287

  16. Serum YKL-40 as a marker of liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

    PubMed

    Kumagai, Erina; Mano, Yohei; Yoshio, Sachiyo; Shoji, Hirotaka; Sugiyama, Masaya; Korenaga, Masaaki; Ishida, Tsuyoshi; Arai, Taeang; Itokawa, Norio; Atsukawa, Masanori; Hyogo, Hideyuki; Chayama, Kazuaki; Ohashi, Tomohiko; Ito, Kiyoaki; Yoneda, Masashi; Kawaguchi, Takumi; Torimura, Takuji; Nozaki, Yuichi; Watanabe, Sumio; Mizokami, Masashi; Kanto, Tatsuya

    2016-10-14

    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic non-viral liver disease. YKL-40, chitinase-like protein expressed in multiple tissues including liver, is involved in cell proliferation, inflammation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to assess whether serum YKL-40 levels are associated with liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Serum YKL-40 levels were quantified in 111 NAFLD patients and 23 HCC patients with NAFLD. To identify the source of YKL-40, immunofluorescence staining of liver specimens from NAFLD patients was performed. Serum YKL-40 levels in NAFLD patients increased in accordance with the progression of liver fibrosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that YKL-40 was one of the independent factors significantly associated with severe fibrosis (F3-4). We established a new predictive model for fibrosis of NAFLD, using logistic regression analysis: YKL-40 based fibrosis score = -0.0545 + type IV collagen 7s * 0.3456 + YKL-40 * 0.0024. Serum YKL-40 levels of HCC patients with non-cirrhotic NAFLD were significantly higher than those without HCC. Immunofluorescence staining showed that YKL-40 was expressed by macrophages in liver tissue of NAFLD patients. In conclusion, macrophage-derived YKL-40 is a feasible biomarker of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

  17. Immediate initiation of cART is associated with lower levels of cerebrospinal fluid YKL-40, a marker of microglial activation, in HIV-1 infection

    PubMed Central

    Peluso, Michael J.; Valcour, Victor; Phanuphak, Nittaya; Ananworanich, Jintanat; Fletcsher, James LK; Chalermchai, Thep; Krebs, Shelly J.; Robb, Merlin L.; Hellmuth, Joanna; Gisslén, Magnus; Zetterberg, Henrik; Spudich, Serena

    2018-01-01

    Objective To characterize cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) YKL-40, a unique biomarker that reflects activation of microglial cells, in acute (AHI) and chronic HIV-1 infection (CHI) and to determine the effect of treatment initiation on levels of this marker. Design Cross-sectional study of two groups of HIV-infected participants at baseline and follow-up timepoints. Methods AHI (n=33) and CHI (n=34) participants underwent CSF and blood sampling before treatment initiation with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and at follow up on cART in a subset of these individuals (6 months in AHI participants [n=24], 1 year in CHI participants [n=10]). Measured parameters were analyzed at each timepoint. Analyses employed Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlations. Results Baseline median YKL-40 was higher in CHI than AHI (96844 versus 80754 ng/L; p=0.011). Elevations in the CHI group relative to the AHI group persisted at follow-up despite treatment (87414 versus 66130 ng/L; p=0.003). In untreated CHI, YKL-40 correlated with neopterin (r=0.51, p=0.0025), chemokine (CXC-motif) ligand-10 (r=0.44, p=0.011), and neurofilament light chain (r=0.56, p=0.0008) in CSF. Conclusions This study is the first to describe the dynamics of CSF YKL-40 in two groups of HIV-infected individuals before and after cART and demonstrates the value of this marker in understanding HIV neuropathogenesis. The results suggest the utility of further exploring the prognostic value of YKL-40, particularly in individuals with early HIV infection or those initiating treatment during CHI. PMID:27819802

  18. Immediate initiation of cART is associated with lower levels of cerebrospinal fluid YKL-40, a marker of microglial activation, in HIV-1 infection.

    PubMed

    Peluso, Michael J; Valcour, Victor; Phanuphak, Nittaya; Ananworanich, Jintanat; Fletcher, James L K; Chalermchai, Thep; Krebs, Shelly J; Robb, Merlin L; Hellmuth, Joanna; Gisslén, Magnus; Zetterberg, Henrik; Spudich, Serena

    2017-01-14

    To characterize cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) YKL-40, a unique biomarker that reflects activation of microglial cells, in acute (AHI) and chronic HIV-1 infection (CHI) and to determine the effect of treatment initiation on levels of this marker. A cross-sectional study of two groups of HIV-infected participants at baseline and follow-up timepoints. AHI (n = 33) and CHI (n = 34) participants underwent CSF and blood sampling before treatment initiation with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and at follow-up on cART in a subset of these individuals [6 months in AHI participants (n = 24), 1 year in CHI participants (n = 10)]. Measured parameters were analyzed at each timepoint. Analyses employed Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlations. Baseline median YKL-40 was higher in CHI than AHI (96844 versus 80754 ng/l; P = 0.011). Elevations in the CHI group relative to the AHI group persisted at follow-up despite treatment (87414 versus 66130 ng/l; P = 0.003). In untreated CHI, YKL-40 correlated with neopterin (r = 0.51, P = 0.0025), chemokine (CXC-motif) ligand-10 (r = 0.44, P = 0.011), and neurofilament light chain (r = 0.56, P = 0.0008) in CSF. This study is the first to describe the dynamics of CSF YKL-40 in two groups of HIV-infected individuals before and after cART and demonstrates the value of this marker in understanding HIV neuropathogenesis. The results suggest the utility of further exploring the prognostic value of YKL-40, particularly in individuals with early HIV infection or those initiating treatment during CHI.

  19. YKL-40 expression in CD14+ liver cells in acute and chronic injury

    PubMed Central

    Pizano-Martínez, Oscar; Yañez-Sánchez, Irinea; Alatorre-Carranza, Pilar; Miranda-Díaz, Alejandra; Ortiz-Lazareno, Pablo C; García-Iglesias, Trinidad; Daneri-Navarro, Adrian; Mercado, Mónica Vázquez-Del; Fafutis-Morris, Mary; Delgado-Rizo, Vidal

    2011-01-01

    AIM: To demonstrate that CD14+ cells are an important source of the growth factor YKL-40 in acute and chronic liver damage. METHODS: Rats were inoculated with one dose of CCl4 to induce acute damage. Liver biopsies were obtained at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. For chronic damage, CCl4 was administered three days per week for 6 or 8 wk. Tissue samples were collected, and cellular populations were isolated by liver digestion and purified by cell sorting. YKL-40 mRNA and protein expression were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. RESULTS: Acute liver damage induced a rapid increase of YKL-40 mRNA beginning at 12 h. Expression peaked at 24 h, with a 26-fold increase over basal levels. By 72 h however, YKL-40 expression levels had nearly returned to control levels. On the other hand, chronic damage induced a sustained increase in YKL-40 expression, with 7- and 9-fold higher levels at 6 and 8 wk, respectively. The pattern of YKL-40 expression in different subpopulations showed that CD14+ cells, which include Kupffer cells, are a source of YKL-40 after acute damage at 72 h [0.09 relative expression units (REU)] as well as after chronic injury at 6 wk (0.11 REU). Hepatocytes, in turn, accounted for 0.06 and 0.01 REU after 72 h (acute) or 6 wk (chronic), respectively. The rest of the CD14- cells (including T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer and natural killer T cells) yielded 0.07 and 0.15 REU at 72 h and 6 wk, respectively. YKL-40 protein expression in liver was detected at 72 h as well as 6 and 8 wk, with the highest expression relative to controls (11-fold; P ≤ 0.05) seen at 6 wk. Macrophages were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. We demonstrate that under these conditions, these cells showed maximum expression of YKL-40 at 12 h, with P < 0.05 compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Hepatic CD14+ cells are an YKL-40 mRNA and protein source in acute and chronic liver injury, with expression patterns similar to growth factors implicated

  20. YKL-40 is differentially expressed in human embryonic stem cells and in cell progeny of the three germ layers.

    PubMed

    Brøchner, Christian B; Johansen, Julia S; Larsen, Lars A; Bak, Mads; Mikkelsen, Hanne B; Byskov, Anne Grete; Andersen, Claus Yding; Møllgård, Kjeld

    2012-03-01

    The secreted glycoprotein YKL-40 participates in cell differentiation, inflammation, and cancer progression. High YKL-40 expression is reported during early human development, but its functions are unknown. Six human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines were cultured in an atmosphere of low or high oxygen tension, in culture medium with or without basic fibroblast growth factor, and on feeder layers comprising mouse embryonic fibroblasts or human foreskin fibroblasts to evaluate whether hESCs and their progeny produced YKL-40 and to characterize YKL-40 expression during differentiation. Secreted YKL-40 protein and YKL-40 mRNA expression were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative RT-PCR. Serial-sectioned colonies were stained for YKL-40 protein and for pluripotent hESC (OCT4, NANOG) and germ layer (HNF-3β, PDX1, CD34, p63, nestin, PAX6) markers. Double-labeling showed YKL-40 expression in OCT4-positive hESCs, PAX6-positive neuroectodermal cells, and HNF-3β-positive endodermal cells. The differentiating progeny showed strong YKL-40 expression. Abrupt transition between YKL-40 and OCT4-positive hESCs and YKL-40-positive ecto- and neuroectodermal lineages was observed within the same epithelial-like layer. YKL-40-positive cells within deeper layers lacked contact with OCT4-positive cells. YKL-40 may be important in initial cell differentiation from hESCs toward ectoderm and neuroectoderm, with retained epithelial morphology, whereas later differentiation into endoderm and mesoderm involves a transition into the deeper layers of the colony.

  1. Suppression of Akt-mediated HDAC3 expression and CDK2 T39 phosphorylation by a bichalcone analog contributes to S phase retardation of cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Hung, Kuang-Chen; Lin, Meng-Liang; Hsu, Shih-Wei; Lee, Chuan-Chun; Huang, Ren-Yu; Wu, Tian-Shung; Chen, Shih-Shun

    2018-06-15

    Targeting cell cycle regulators has been a suggested mechanism for therapeutic cancer strategies. We report here that the bichalcone analog TSWU-CD4 induces S phase arrest of human cancer cells by inhibiting the formation of cyclin A-phospho (p)-cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2, threonine [Thr] 39) complexes, independent of mutant p53 expression. Ectopic expression of CDK2 (T39E), which mimics phosphorylation of the Thr 39 residue of CDK2, partially rescues the cells from TSWU-CD4-induced S phase arrest, whereas phosphorylation-deficient CDK2 (T39A) expression regulates cell growth with significant S phase arrest and enhances TSWU-CD4-triggered S phase arrest. Decreased histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) expression after TSWU-CD4 treatment was demonstrated, and TSWU-CD4 induced S phase arrest and inhibitory effects on cyclin A expression and CDK2 Thr 39 phosphorylation, while cyclin A-p-CDK2 (Thr 39) complex formation was suppressed by ectopic wild-type HDAC3 expression. The co-transfection of CDK2 (T39E) along with HDAC3 completely restored cyclin A expression, Thr 39-phosphorylated CDK2, cyclin A-p-CDK2 (Thr 39) complex formation, and the S phase population to normal levels. Protein kinase B (Akt) inactivation was required for TSWU-CD4-induced S phase cell cycle arrest, because constitutively active Akt1 blocks the induction of S phase arrest and the suppression of cyclin A and HDAC3 expression, CDK2 Thr 39 phosphorylation, and cyclin A-p-CDK2 (Thr 39) complex formation by TSWU-CD4. Taken together, our results indicate that TSWU-CD4 induces S phase arrest by inhibiting Akt-mediated HDAC3 expression and CDK2 Thr 39 phosphorylation to suppress the formation of cyclin A-p-CDK2 (Thr 39) complexes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Urinary YKL-40 as a Candidate Biomarker for Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Young Children.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hyun Hee; Chung, Mi Hae; Bin, Joong Hyun; Cho, Kyoung Soon; Lee, Juyoung; Suh, Jin Soon

    2018-01-01

    Given that YKL-40 is a known marker of inflammation, we sought to determine its association with urinary tract infection (UTI) in febrile children. In total, 44 children aged 0 to 24 months with febrile UTI and 35 age- and sex-matched controls with fever from other causes were enrolled in the study. ELISA was performed to determine the level of YKL-40 in urine collected from each child. The ratio of urinary YKL-40 to creatinine (Cr) was higher in the children with a UTI than in the controls (P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for detecting UTI was 0.88 for the urinary YKL-40/Cr ratio, 0.86 for pyuria, and 0.71 for positive nitrite on urinalysis. We applied a cut-off value of 125.23 pg/mg to urinary YKL-40/Cr for detecting UTI. Eight of nine children in the control group with pyuria had urinary YKL-40/Cr levels lower than 125.23 pg/mg, and the one child in the UTI group without pyuria or positive nitrite had a urinary YKL-40/Cr level greater than 125.23 pg/mg. Determining the levels of urinary YKL-40/Cr may help identify true cases of UTI in febrile young children, especially when they have pyuria but not nitrite, or have neither pyuria nor nitrite in the urine. © The Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine

  3. Urinary YKL-40 as a Candidate Biomarker for Febrile Urinary Tract Infection in Young Children

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Hyun Hee; Chung, Mi Hae; Bin, Joong Hyun; Cho, Kyoung Soon; Lee, Juyoung

    2018-01-01

    Background Given that YKL-40 is a known marker of inflammation, we sought to determine its association with urinary tract infection (UTI) in febrile children. Methods In total, 44 children aged 0 to 24 months with febrile UTI and 35 age- and sex-matched controls with fever from other causes were enrolled in the study. ELISA was performed to determine the level of YKL-40 in urine collected from each child. Results The ratio of urinary YKL-40 to creatinine (Cr) was higher in the children with a UTI than in the controls (P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for detecting UTI was 0.88 for the urinary YKL-40/Cr ratio, 0.86 for pyuria, and 0.71 for positive nitrite on urinalysis. We applied a cut-off value of 125.23 pg/mg to urinary YKL-40/Cr for detecting UTI. Eight of nine children in the control group with pyuria had urinary YKL-40/Cr levels lower than 125.23 pg/mg, and the one child in the UTI group without pyuria or positive nitrite had a urinary YKL-40/Cr level greater than 125.23 pg/mg. Conclusions Determining the levels of urinary YKL-40/Cr may help identify true cases of UTI in febrile young children, especially when they have pyuria but not nitrite, or have neither pyuria nor nitrite in the urine. PMID:29071817

  4. The Role of YKL-40 in Predicting Resistance to Docetaxel Chemotherapy in Prostate Cancer.

    PubMed

    Darr, Christopher; Krafft, Ulrich; Hadaschik, Boris; Tschirdewahn, Stephan; Sevcenco, Sabina; Csizmarik, Anita; Nyirady, Peter; Küronya, Zsófia; Reis, Henning; Maj-Hes, Agnieszka; Shariat, Shahrokh F; Kramer, Gero; Szarvas, Tibor

    2018-06-27

    High baseline YKL-40 serum levels are associated with drug resistance in several solid tumours. However, their role in predicting docetaxel (DOC) resistance in prostate cancer (PCa) is unknown. Pre-treatment serum levels of YKL-40 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were analyzed in 109 castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who underwent DOC-therapy. Responsive patients were retreated by repeated series of DOC. Results were compared with the clinical parameters as well as overall (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). YKL-40 but not PSA serum levels were significantly higher in patients with baseline resistance to DOC (p = 0.035). Higher YKL-40 and PSA levels were detected in patients with bone metastasis (p = 0.032; p = 0.010) and in those who were not pre-treated with radical prostatectomy (p = 0.011, p = 0.008). High YKL-40 levels were associated with shorter OS (p = 0.037) and DSS (p = 0.017) in patients who received DOC in the first-line setting. In multivariable analysis, ECOG performance status (p = 0.009), presence of any metastases (p = 0.016) and high PSA levels (p = 0.005) remained independent predictors for DSS. YKL-40 may help to identify patients with baseline resistance to DOC and therefore may help to optimize treatment decisions. In accordance, high pre-treatment YKL-40 serum levels were associated with shorter OS and DSS in patients who received DOC as first-line therapy. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  5. Elevated YKL40 is associated with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) and positively regulates invasion and migration of PCa cells

    PubMed Central

    Jeet, Varinder; Tevz, Gregor; Lehman, Melanie; Hollier, Brett; Nelson, Colleen

    2014-01-01

    Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1 or YKL40) is a secreted glycoprotein highly expressed in tumours from patients with advanced stage cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). The exact function of YKL40 is poorly understood, but it has been shown to play an important role in promoting tumour angiogenesis and metastasis. The therapeutic value and biological function of YKL40 are unknown in PCa. The objective of this study was to examine the expression and function of YKL40 in PCa. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that YKL40 was highly expressed in metastatic PCa cells when compared with less invasive and normal prostate epithelial cell lines. In addition, the expression was primarily limited to androgen receptor-positive cell lines. Evaluation of YKL40 tissue expression in PCa patients showed a progressive increase in patients with aggressive disease when compared with those with less aggressive cancers and normal controls. Treatment of LNCaP and C4-2B cells with androgens increased YKL40 expression, whereas treatment with an anti-androgen agent decreased the gene expression of YKL40 in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells. Furthermore, knockdown of YKL40 significantly decreased invasion and migration of PCa cells, whereas overexpression rendered them more invasive and migratory, which was commensurate with an enhancement in the anchorage-independent growth of cells. To our knowledge, this study characterises the role of YKL40 for the first time in PCa. Together, these results suggest that YKL40 plays an important role in PCa progression and thus inhibition of YKL40 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PCa. PMID:24981110

  6. Elevated YKL40 is associated with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) and positively regulates invasion and migration of PCa cells.

    PubMed

    Jeet, Varinder; Tevz, Gregor; Lehman, Melanie; Hollier, Brett; Nelson, Colleen

    2014-10-01

    Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1 or YKL40) is a secreted glycoprotein highly expressed in tumours from patients with advanced stage cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). The exact function of YKL40 is poorly understood, but it has been shown to play an important role in promoting tumour angiogenesis and metastasis. The therapeutic value and biological function of YKL40 are unknown in PCa. The objective of this study was to examine the expression and function of YKL40 in PCa. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that YKL40 was highly expressed in metastatic PCa cells when compared with less invasive and normal prostate epithelial cell lines. In addition, the expression was primarily limited to androgen receptor-positive cell lines. Evaluation of YKL40 tissue expression in PCa patients showed a progressive increase in patients with aggressive disease when compared with those with less aggressive cancers and normal controls. Treatment of LNCaP and C4-2B cells with androgens increased YKL40 expression, whereas treatment with an anti-androgen agent decreased the gene expression of YKL40 in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells. Furthermore, knockdown of YKL40 significantly decreased invasion and migration of PCa cells, whereas overexpression rendered them more invasive and migratory, which was commensurate with an enhancement in the anchorage-independent growth of cells. To our knowledge, this study characterises the role of YKL40 for the first time in PCa. Together, these results suggest that YKL40 plays an important role in PCa progression and thus inhibition of YKL40 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PCa. © 2014 The authors.

  7. The effect of mud pack therapy on serum YKL-40 and hsCRP levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Güngen, Gonca; Ardic, Fusun; Fındıkoğlu, Gülin; Rota, Simin

    2012-05-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with mud pack in knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine whether mud pack effects serum levels of YKL-40 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) which are reported to be biological markers for articular damage or inflammation in patients with OA. Forty-four patients with the diagnosis of knee OA assigned into two groups were treated with local natural mineral-rich mud pack or hot pack. Treatments were applied for 6 days a week for 2 weeks as a total of 12 sessions. Patients were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3 months after the treatment. VAS, range of motion, 15-m walking time, WOMAC index, Nottingham Health Profile, serum YKL-40, and hsCRP levels were the outcome measures. Pain intensity and joint stiffness decreased in both groups at all follow-ups. Physical activity status was found to persist for 3 months after treatment only in mud pack group. Serum mean YKL-40 and hsCRP levels of the patients were higher compared to healthy control group. Serum YKL-40 level increased significantly only in hot pack group 3 months after the treatment (P < 0.017). No significant change was observed in hsCRP levels in both groups during the whole follow-up periods (P > 0.05). Mud pack and hot pack therapy were both demonstrated to be effective in symptomatic treatment of knee OA until the end of the 2-week treatment period, whereas only mud pack therapy was shown to be effective in functional status over time. In the hot pack group, increased serum YKL-40 level 3 months after the treatment might indicate persistence of cartilage degradation. Maintenance of YKL-40 level in mud pack therapy seems to slow down the progression of knee OA.

  8. Serum YKL-40 and uterine artery Doppler -- a prospective cohort study, with focus on preeclampsia and small-for-gestational-age.

    PubMed

    Gybel-Brask, Dorte; Høgdall, Estrid; Johansen, Julia; Christensen, Ib Jarle; Skibsted, Lillian

    2014-08-01

    To test if serum YKL-40 is increased in women developing preeclampsia or small-for-gestational age fetuses. We also assessed the association between uterine artery pulsatility index, notching and serum YKL-40 levels. Prospective cohort study. A primary referral unit for obstetric ultrasound. A total of 1214 unselected pregnant women enrolled at nuchal translucency examination between 11(+3) and 13(+6)  weeks of gestation. All women had ultrasound and blood sample collection at the nuchal translucency scan, a 20-week malformation scan and 25-week and 32-week fetal growth examinations. Uterine artery Doppler was assessed and outcome was registered from medical records. Preeclampsia, hypertension, small-for-gestational age. Serum YKL-40 was associated with increasing maternal age (p < 0.0001), body mass index (p = 0.0002), primiparity (p = 0.0003), and hypertension (p = 0.015). Serum YKL-40 increased from 12 to 20 weeks and decreased from 20-25 and 25-32 weeks of gestation. No association was found between preeclampsia and serum YKL-40. Small-for-gestational-age at birth was significantly associated with a 5.4% increase in serum YKL-40 at 32 weeks of gestation (95% CI 1.5-9.3, p = 0.005). An association was found between uterine artery pulsatility index at 32 weeks and small-for-gestational age (p = 0.0015) but not between YKL-40 and uterine artery notching (p = 0.83). Serum YKL-40 was not associated with preeclampsia. Increasing serum YKL-40 was related to maternal age, body mass index and small-for-gestational age and may reflect an exaggerated inflammatory response. © 2014 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

  9. YKL-40/c-Met expression in rectal cancer biopsies predicts tumor regression following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a multi-institutional study.

    PubMed

    Senetta, Rebecca; Duregon, Eleonora; Sonetto, Cristina; Spadi, Rossella; Mistrangelo, Massimiliano; Racca, Patrizia; Chiusa, Luigi; Munoz, Fernando H; Ricardi, Umberto; Arezzo, Alberto; Cassenti, Adele; Castellano, Isabella; Papotti, Mauro; Morino, Mario; Risio, Mauro; Cassoni, Paola

    2015-01-01

    Neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgical resection is the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer, although complete tumor pathological regression is achieved in only up to 30% of cases. A clinicopathological and molecular predictive stratification of patients with advanced rectal cancer is still lacking. Here, c-Met and YKL-40 have been studied as putative predictors of CRT response in rectal cancer, due to their reported involvement in chemoradioresistance in various solid tumors. A multicentric study was designed to assess the role of c-Met and YKL-40 expression in predicting chemoradioresistance and to correlate clinical and pathological features with CRT response. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization for c-Met were performed on 81 rectal cancer biopsies from patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. All patients underwent standard (50.4 gy in 28 fractions + concurrent capecitabine 825 mg/m2) neoadjuvant CRT or the XELOXART protocol. CRT response was documented on surgical resection specimens and recorded as tumor regression grade (TRG) according to the Mandard criteria. A significant correlation between c-Met and YKL-40 expression was observed (R = 0.43). The expressions of c-Met and YKL-40 were both significantly associated with a lack of complete response (86% and 87% of c-Met and YKL-40 positive cases, p< 0.01 and p = 0.006, respectively). Thirty of the 32 biopsies co-expressing both markers had partial or absent tumor response (TRG 2-5), strengthening their positive predictive value (94%). The exclusive predictive role of YKL-40 and c-Met was confirmed using a multivariate analysis (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007 for YKL-40 and c-Met, respectively). TRG was the sole morphological parameter associated with poor outcome. c-Met and YKL-40 expression is a reliable predictor of partial/absent response to neoadjuvant CRT in rectal cancer. Targeted therapy protocols could take advantage of prior

  10. Assessment of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with Serum YKL-40 and ultrasonography in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Dündar, Ümit; Aşık, Gülşah; Ulaşlı, Alper Murat; Sınıcı, Şükrü; Yaman, Fatima; Solak, Özlem; Toktaş, Hasan; Eroğlu, Selma

    2016-03-01

    The use of biomarkers of osteoarthritis (OA) have potential for early diagnosis, evaluation of disease severity and monitoring treatment. Serum and synovial fluid YKL-40 levels are increased in severe knee OA. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a novel treatment method for OA. However, studies evaluating the PEMF therapy in treatment of knee OA revealed conflicting results. This study was conducted to objectively assess the effect of PEMF therapy in patients with knee OA, by using ultrasonographic measurements and a novel biomarker, YKL-40. Forty patients were randomized into two treatment groups. Both groups received conventional physical therapy, while Group 1 received additional PEMF therapy. The patients were asked to rate their pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and complete a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured, and knee effusion and cartilage degeneration level were evaluated with ultrasonography before and after treatment. Pre-treatment YKL-40 level was correlated with WOMAC pain subscale (P = 0.032, r = 0.339). VAS and WOMAC scores significantly improved in both treatment groups (P < 0.05). The effusion in the right knee significantly decreased in Group 1. The change in YKL-40 level was not correlated with the change in VAS, WOMAC scores and knee effusion. This study revealed that adjuvant PEMF therapy has no additional effect on pain in patients with knee OA. Serum YKL-40 level seems to be unuseful for monitoring the treatment in knee OA. © 2015 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  11. The Association between genetic variations of CHI3L1, levels of the encoded glycoprotein YKL-40 and the lipid profile in a Danish population.

    PubMed

    Thomsen, Stine Brinkløv; Rathcke, Camilla Noelle; Skaaby, Tea; Linneberg, Allan; Vestergaard, Henrik

    2012-01-01

    The inflammatory biomarker YKL-40 seems to play a role in atherosclerosis and is elevated in patients with obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the YKL-40 encoding gene, CHI3L1, are associated with inter-individual YKL-40 levels. One study has described an association between a promoter polymorphism of CHI3L1 and levels of low density lipoprotein. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of YKL-40 on lipid parameters by determining the association between polymorphisms of CHI3L1, serum YKL-40 and levels of the differentiated lipid profile in a Danish general population. 12 SNPs of CHI3L1 were genotyped, and serum YKL-40 and parameters of the lipid profile were measured in 2,656 Danes. Lipid profile and genotypes were available in another Danish population (n = 6,784) for replication. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased with increasing YKL-40 quartile (both p<0.0001), and YKL-40 correlated with triglyceride levels (β = 0.15, p<0.0001). Low density lipoprotein levels increased slightly from the 1(st) to the 3(rd) quartile (p = 0.006). The highest YKL-40 quartile was associated with a greater risk of hypercholesterolemia compared to the lowest YKL-40 quartile (odds ratio 1.36, p = 0.009). Minor homozygosity of rs12123883 was associated with higher triglyceride levels (p = 0.022) and a higher prevalence of low high density lipoprotein (p = 0.012), but these associations could not be confirmed in the replication population. Serum YKL-40 correlates with triglyceride levels in a representative group of the general Danish population. No consistent associations between SNPs of CHI3L1 and lipid levels could be documented.

  12. Endurance training alters YKL40, PERM1, and HSP70 skeletal muscle protein contents in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    PubMed

    Brinkmann, Christian; Kuckertz, Anika; Schiffer, Thorsten; Bloch, Wilhelm; Predel, Hans-Georg; Brixius, Klara

    2018-05-21

    The fight against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is tremendously challenging. This pilot study investigates whether endurance training (3 times per week for 3 months, moderate intensity) can change the skeletal muscle protein contents of chitinase-3-like protein-1 (YKL40), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y coactivator-1 and estrogen-related receptor-induced regulator in muscle-1 (PERM1) and heat-shock protein-70 (HSP70), which have been discussed as novel therapeutically relevant targets. Muscle biopsies were obtained from overweight/obese men with T2DM (n = 7, years = 63 ± 9) at T1 (6 weeks pre-training), T2 (1 week pre-training) and T3 (3 to 4 days post-training). The protein levels of YKL40, PERM1, and HSP70 were determined by immunohistochemistry. YKL40, PERM1, and HSP70 were significantly upregulated following endurance training (T2-T3: +103%, +61%, +89%, p = 0.012, p = 0.010, p = 0.028). There was a fiber type-specific distribution of HSP70 with increased protein contents in type I fibers. A significant change in the fiber type distribution with an increase in type I fibers and a decrease in type II fibers was observed post-training. There were no significant differences for YKL40, PERM1, HSP70, or the fiber type distribution between T1 and T2. The training-induced upregulation of YKL40, PERM1, and HSP70 could help manage the diabetic disease and reduce its complications.

  13. YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D predict mortality in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

    PubMed

    Spoorenberg, Simone M C; Vestjens, Stefan M T; Rijkers, Ger T; Meek, Bob; van Moorsel, Coline H M; Grutters, Jan C; Bos, Willem Jan W

    2017-04-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of four biomarkers, YKL-40, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18), surfactant protein-D (SP-D) and CA 15-3, in patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). These markers have been studied extensively in chronic pulmonary disease, but in acute pulmonary disease their prognostic value is unknown. A total of 289 adult patients who were hospitalized with CAP and participated in a randomized controlled trial were enrolled. Biomarker levels were measured on the day of admission. Intensive care unit admission, 30-day, 1-year and long-term mortality (median follow-up of 5.4 years, interquartile range (IQR): 4.7-6.1) were recorded as outcomes. Median YKL-40 and CCL18 levels were significantly higher and levels of SP-D were significantly lower in CAP patients compared to healthy controls. Significantly higher YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D levels were found in patients classified in pneumonia severity index classes 4-5 and with a CURB-65 score ≥2 compared to patients with less severe pneumonia. Furthermore, these three markers were significant predictors for long-term mortality in multivariate analysis and compared with C-reactive protein and procalcitonin level on admission, area under the curves were higher for 30-day, 1-year and long-term mortality. CA 15-3 levels were less predictive. YKL-40, CCL18 and SP-D levels were higher in patients with more severe pneumonia, possibly reflecting the extent of pulmonary inflammation. Of these, YKL-40 most significantly predicts mortality for CAP. © 2016 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

  14. Diagnostic and Prognostic Impact of Circulating YKL-40, IL-6, and CA 19.9 in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Schultz, Nicolai A.; Christensen, Ib J.; Werner, Jens; Giese, Nathalia; Jensen, Benny V.; Larsen, Ole; Bjerregaard, Jon K.; Pfeiffer, Per; Calatayud, Dan; Nielsen, Svend E.; Yilmaz, Mette K.; Holländer, Niels H.; Wøjdemann, Morten; Bojesen, Stig E.; Nielsen, Kaspar R.; Johansen, Julia S.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose We tested the hypothesis that high plasma YKL-40 and IL-6 associate with pancreatic cancer and short overall survival. Patients and Methods In all, 559 patients with pancreatic cancer from prospective biomarker studies from Denmark (n = 448) and Germany (n = 111) were studied. Plasma YKL-40 and IL-6 were determined by ELISAs and serum CA 19.9 by chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Results Odds ratios (ORs) for prediction of pancreatic cancer were significant for all biomarkers, with CA 19.9 having the highest AUC (CA 19.9: OR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.97 to 2.68, p<0.0001, AUC = 0.94; YKL-40: OR = 4.50, 3.99 to 5.08, p<0.0001, AUC = 0.87; IL-6: OR = 3.68, 3.08 to 4.44, p<0.0001, AUC = 0.87). Multivariate Cox analysis (YKL-40, IL-6, CA 19.9, age, stage, gender) in patients operated on showed that high preoperative IL-6 and CA 19.9 (dichotomized according to normal values) were independently associated with short overall survival (CA 19.9: HR = 2.51, 1.22–5.15, p = 0.013; IL-6: HR = 2.03, 1.11 to 3.70, p = 0.021). Multivariate Cox analysis of non-operable patients (Stage IIB-IV) showed that high pre-treatment levels of each biomarker were independently associated with short overall survival (YKL-40: HR = 1.30, 1.03 to 1.64, p = 0.029; IL-6: HR = 1.71, 1.33 to 2.20, p<0.0001; CA 19.9: HR = 1.54, 1.06 to 2.24, p = 0.022). Patients with preoperative elevation of both IL-6 and CA 19.9 had shorter overall survival (p<0.005) compared to patients with normal levels of both biomarkers (45% vs. 92% alive after 12 months). Conclusions Plasma YKL-40 and IL-6 had less diagnostic impact than CA 19.9. Combination of pretreatment YKL-40, IL-6, and CA 19.9 may have clinical value to identify pancreatic cancer patients with the poorest prognosis. PMID:23840582

  15. YKL071W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a novel aldehyde reductase for detoxification of glycolaldehyde and furfural derived from lignocellulose.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hanyu; Ouyang, Yidan; Zhou, Chang; Xiao, Difan; Guo, Yaping; Wu, Lan; Li, Xi; Gu, Yunfu; Xiang, Quanju; Zhao, Ke; Yu, Xiumei; Zou, Likou; Ma, Menggen

    2017-12-01

    Aldehydes generated as by-products during the pretreatment of lignocellulose are the key inhibitors to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is considered as the most promising microorganism for industrial production of biofuel, xylitol as well as other special chemicals from lignocellulose. S. cerevisiae has the inherent ability to in situ detoxify aldehydes to corresponding alcohols by multiple aldehyde reductases. Herein, we report that an uncharacterized open reading frame YKL071W from S. cerevisiae encodes a novel "classical" short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) protein with NADH-dependent enzymatic activities for reduction of furfural (FF), glycolaldehyde (GA), formaldehyde (FA), and benzaldehyde (BZA). This enzyme showed much better specific activities for reduction of GA and FF than FA and BZA, and displayed much higher Km and Kcat/Km but lower Vmax and Kcat for reduction of GA than FF. For this enzyme, the optimum pH was 5.5 and 6.0 for reduction of GA and FF, and the optimum temperature was 30 °C for reduction of GA and FF. Both pH and temperature affected stability of this enzyme in a similar trend for reduction of GA and FF. Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Fe 3+ had severe inhibition effects on enzyme activities of Ykl071wp for reduction of GA and FF. Transcription of YKL071W in S. cerevisiae was significantly upregulated under GA and FF stress conditions, and its transcription is most probably regulated by transcription factor genes of YAP1, CAD1, PDR3, and STB5. This research provides guidelines to identify more uncharacterized genes with reductase activities for detoxification of aldehydes derived from lignocellulose in S. cerevisiae.

  16. Diagnostic Value of Serum YKL-40 Level for Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Song, Chun-Li; Bin-Li; Diao, Hong-Ying; Wang, Jiang-Hua; Shi, Yong-fei; Lu, Yang; Wang, Guan; Guo, Zi-Yuan; Li, Yang-Xue; Liu, Jian-Gen; Wang, Jin-Peng; Zhang, Ji-Chang; Zhao, Zhuo; Liu, Yi-Hang; Li, Ying; Cai, Dan; Li, Qian

    2016-01-01

    This meta-analysis aimed to identify the value of serum YKL-40 level for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Through searching the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Library Database (Issue 12, 2013), Web of Science (1945 ∼ 2013), PubMed (1966 ∼ 2013), CINAHL (1982 ∼ 2013), EMBASE (1980 ∼ 2013), and the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM; 1982 ∼ 2013), related articles were determined without any language restrictions. STATA statistical software (Version 12.0, Stata Corporation, College Station, TX) was chosen to deal with statistical data. Standard mean difference (SMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. Eleven clinical case-control studies that recruited 1,175 CAD patients and 1,261 healthy controls were selected for statistical analysis. The main findings of our meta-analysis showed that serum YKL-40 level in CAD patients was significantly higher than that in control subjects (SMD = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.73 ∼ 3.85, P < 0.001). Ethnicity-stratified analysis indicated a higher serum YKL-40 level in CAD patients than control subjects among China, Korea, and Denmark populations (China: SMD = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.21 ∼ 4.74, P = 0.001; Korea: SMD = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.17 ∼ 1.15, P = 0.008; Denmark: SMD = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.42 ∼ 2.29, P < 0.001; respectively), but not in Turkey (SMD = 4.52, 95% CI = -2.87 ∼ 11.91, P = 0.231). The present meta-analysis suggests that an elevated serum YKL-40 level may be used as a promising diagnostic tool for early identification of CAD.

  17. Binding to serine 65-phosphorylated ubiquitin primes Parkin for optimal PINK1-dependent phosphorylation and activation

    PubMed Central

    Kazlauskaite, Agne; Martínez-Torres, R Julio; Wilkie, Scott; Kumar, Atul; Peltier, Julien; Gonzalez, Alba; Johnson, Clare; Zhang, Jinwei; Hope, Anthony G; Peggie, Mark; Trost, Matthias; van Aalten, Daan MF; Alessi, Dario R; Prescott, Alan R; Knebel, Axel; Walden, Helen; Muqit, Miratul MK

    2015-01-01

    Mutations in the mitochondrial protein kinase PINK1 are associated with autosomal recessive Parkinson disease (PD). We and other groups have reported that PINK1 activates Parkin E3 ligase activity both directly via phosphorylation of Parkin serine 65 (Ser65)—which lies within its ubiquitin-like domain (Ubl)—and indirectly through phosphorylation of ubiquitin at Ser65. How Ser65-phosphorylated ubiquitin (ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65) contributes to Parkin activation is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65 binding to Parkin dramatically increases the rate and stoichiometry of Parkin phosphorylation at Ser65 by PINK1 in vitro. Analysis of the Parkin structure, corroborated by site-directed mutagenesis, shows that the conserved His302 and Lys151 residues play a critical role in binding of ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, thereby promoting Parkin Ser65 phosphorylation and activation of its E3 ligase activity in vitro. Mutation of His302 markedly inhibits Parkin Ser65 phosphorylation at the mitochondria, which is associated with a marked reduction in its E3 ligase activity following mitochondrial depolarisation. We show that the binding of ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65 to Parkin disrupts the interaction between the Ubl domain and C-terminal region, thereby increasing the accessibility of Parkin Ser65. Finally, purified Parkin maximally phosphorylated at Ser65 in vitro cannot be further activated by the addition of ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65. Our results thus suggest that a major role of ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65 is to promote PINK1-mediated phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser65, leading to maximal activation of Parkin E3 ligase activity. His302 and Lys151 are likely to line a phospho-Ser65-binding pocket on the surface of Parkin that is critical for the ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65 interaction. This study provides new mechanistic insights into Parkin activation by ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, which could aid in the development of Parkin activators that mimic the effect of

  18. Binding to serine 65-phosphorylated ubiquitin primes Parkin for optimal PINK1-dependent phosphorylation and activation.

    PubMed

    Kazlauskaite, Agne; Martínez-Torres, R Julio; Wilkie, Scott; Kumar, Atul; Peltier, Julien; Gonzalez, Alba; Johnson, Clare; Zhang, Jinwei; Hope, Anthony G; Peggie, Mark; Trost, Matthias; van Aalten, Daan M F; Alessi, Dario R; Prescott, Alan R; Knebel, Axel; Walden, Helen; Muqit, Miratul M K

    2015-08-01

    Mutations in the mitochondrial protein kinase PINK1 are associated with autosomal recessive Parkinson disease (PD). We and other groups have reported that PINK1 activates Parkin E3 ligase activity both directly via phosphorylation of Parkin serine 65 (Ser(65))--which lies within its ubiquitin-like domain (Ubl)--and indirectly through phosphorylation of ubiquitin at Ser(65). How Ser(65)-phosphorylated ubiquitin (ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65)) contributes to Parkin activation is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65) binding to Parkin dramatically increases the rate and stoichiometry of Parkin phosphorylation at Ser(65) by PINK1 in vitro. Analysis of the Parkin structure, corroborated by site-directed mutagenesis, shows that the conserved His302 and Lys151 residues play a critical role in binding of ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65), thereby promoting Parkin Ser(65) phosphorylation and activation of its E3 ligase activity in vitro. Mutation of His302 markedly inhibits Parkin Ser(65) phosphorylation at the mitochondria, which is associated with a marked reduction in its E3 ligase activity following mitochondrial depolarisation. We show that the binding of ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65) to Parkin disrupts the interaction between the Ubl domain and C-terminal region, thereby increasing the accessibility of Parkin Ser(65). Finally, purified Parkin maximally phosphorylated at Ser(65) in vitro cannot be further activated by the addition of ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65). Our results thus suggest that a major role of ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65) is to promote PINK1-mediated phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser(65), leading to maximal activation of Parkin E3 ligase activity. His302 and Lys151 are likely to line a phospho-Ser(65)-binding pocket on the surface of Parkin that is critical for the ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65) interaction. This study provides new mechanistic insights into Parkin activation by ubiquitin(Phospho-Ser65), which could aid in the development of Parkin

  19. Ubiquitin phosphorylated at Ser57 hyper-activates parkin.

    PubMed

    George, Susanna; Wang, Sabrina M; Bi, Yumin; Treidlinger, Margot; Barber, Kathryn R; Shaw, Gary S; O'Donoghue, Patrick

    2017-11-01

    Malfunction of the ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligase, parkin, leads to defects in mitophagy and protein quality control linked to Parkinson's disease. Parkin activity is stimulated by phosphorylation of Ub at Ser65 (pUb S65 ). Since the upstream kinase is only known for Ser65 (PINK1), the biochemical function of other phosphorylation sites on Ub remain largely unknown. We used fluorescently labelled and site-specifically phosphorylated Ub substrates to quantitatively relate the position and stoichiometry of Ub phosphorylation to parkin activation. Fluorescence measurements show that pUb S65 -stimulated parkin is 5-fold more active than auto-inhibited and un-stimulated parkin, which catalyzes a basal level of auto-ubiquitination. We consistently observed a low but detectable level of parkin activity with pUb S12 . Strikingly, pUb S57 hyper-activates parkin, and our data demonstrate that parkin is able to selectively synthesize poly-pUb S57 chains, even when 90% of the Ub in the reaction is un-phosphorylated. We further found that parkin ubiquitinates its physiological substrate Miro-1 with chains solely composed of pUb S65 and more efficiently with pUb S57 chains. Parkin hyper-activation by pUb S57 demonstrates the first PINK1-independent route to active parkin, revealing the roles of multiple ubiquitin phosphorylation sites in governing parkin stimulation and catalytic activity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biochemistry of Synthetic Biology - Recent Developments" Guest Editor: Dr. Ilka Heinemann and Dr. Patrick O'Donoghue. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Activation of Escherichia coli antiterminator BglG requires its phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Rothe, Fabian M.; Bahr, Thomas; Stülke, Jörg; Rak, Bodo; Görke, Boris

    2012-01-01

    Transcriptional antiterminator proteins of the BglG family control the expression of enzyme II (EII) carbohydrate transporters of the bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS). In the PTS, phosphoryl groups are transferred from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) via the phosphotransferases enzyme I (EI) and HPr to the EIIs, which phosphorylate their substrates during transport. Activity of the antiterminators is negatively controlled by reversible phosphorylation catalyzed by the cognate EIIs in response to substrate availability and positively controlled by the PTS. For the Escherichia coli BglG antiterminator, two different mechanisms for activation by the PTS were proposed. According to the first model, BglG is activated by HPr-catalyzed phosphorylation at a site distinct from the EII-dependent phosphorylation site. According to the second model, BglG is not activated by phosphorylation, but solely through interaction with EI and HPr, which are localized at the cell pole. Subsequently BglG is released from the cell pole to the cytoplasm as an active dimer. Here we addressed this discrepancy and found that activation of BglG requires phosphorylatable HPr or the HPr homolog FruB in vivo. Further, we uniquely demonstrate that purified BglG protein becomes phosphorylated by FruB as well as by HPr in vitro. Histidine residue 208 in BglG is essential for this phosphorylation. These data suggest that BglG is in fact activated by phosphorylation and that there is no principal difference between the PTS-exerted mechanisms controlling the activities of BglG family proteins in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. PMID:22984181

  1. Functional interaction between nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl and SR-Rich protein RBM39

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mai, Sanyue; Qu, Xiuhua; Li, Ping

    RBM39, also known as splicing factor HCC1.4, acts as a transcriptional coactivator for the steroid nuclear receptors JUN/AP-1, ESR1/ER-α and ESR2/ER-β. RBM39 is involved in the regulation of the transcriptional responses of these steroid nuclear receptors and promotes transcriptional initiation. In this paper, we report that RBM39 interacts with the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl. Both the Src homology (SH) 2 and SH3 domains of c-Abl interact with RBM39. The major tyrosine phosphorylation sites on RBM39 that are phosphorylated by c-Abl are Y95 and Y99, as demonstrated by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and mutational analysis. c-Abl wasmore » shown boost the transcriptional coactivation activity of RBM39 for ERα and PRβ in a tyrosine kinase-dependent manner. The results suggest that mammalian c-Abl plays an important role in steroid hormone receptor-mediated transcription by regulating RBM39. - Highlights: • c-Abl interacts with RBM39. • RBM39 is phosphorylated by c-Abl. • c-Abl regulates transcriptional coactivation activity of RBM39 on the ERα and PRβ.« less

  2. Regulation of NADH/CoQ oxidoreductase: do phosphorylation events affect activity?

    PubMed

    Maj, Mary C; Raha, Sandeep; Myint, Tomoko; Robinson, Brian H

    2004-01-01

    We had previously suggested that phosphorylation of proteins by mitochondrial kinases regulate the activity of NADH/CoQ oxidoreductase. Initial data showed that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylate mitochondrial membrane proteins. Upon phosphorylation with crude PDK, mitochondria appeared to be deficient in NADH/cytochrome c reductase activity associated with increased superoxide production. Conversely, phosphorylation by PKA resulted in increased NADH/cytochrome c reductase activity and decreased superoxide formation. Current data confirms PKA involvement in regulating Complex I activity through phosphorylation of an 18 kDa subunit. Beef heart NADH/ cytochrome c reductase activity increases to 150% of control upon incubation with PKA and ATP-gamma-S. We have cloned the four human isoforms of PDK and purified beef heart Complex I. Incubation of mitochondria with PDK isoforms and ATP did not alter Complex I activity or superoxide production. Radiolabeling of mitochondria and purified Complex I with PDK failed to reveal phosphorylated proteins.

  3. Phosphorylation of serine-515 activates the Mammalian maintenance methyltransferase Dnmt1.

    PubMed

    Goyal, Rachna; Rathert, Philipp; Laser, Heike; Gowher, Humaira; Jeltsch, Albert

    2007-09-01

    DNA methyltransferase 1 methylates hemi-methylated CG sites generated during DNA replication. Serine 515 of this enzyme has been shown to be phosphorylated. To explore the importance of S515 phosphorylation, we generated mutants of Dnmt1 which removed the phosphorylation potential (S515A) or mimic phosphoserine (S515E), purified the proteins from insect cells and analyzed their DNA methylation activity in vitro. The S515E mutant was found to be active, while S515A mutant had severe loss in activity when compared to the wild type protein. The loss of activity of the S515A variant was not due to loss of DNA binding capacity. Furthermore, we show that a phosphorylated peptide whose sequence mimics the surrounding of Ser515 (EKIYIS(P)KIVVE) inhibited the activity of wild type Dnmt1 ten-fold more than the non-phosphorylated peptide. The inhibition was specific for Dnmt1 and for the particular peptide sequence. Our data suggest that phosphorylation of Ser515 is important for an interaction between the N-terminal domain of Dnmt1 and its catalytic domain that is necessary for activity and that this interaction is specifically disrupted by the phosphorylated peptide. We conclude that phosphorylation of Dnmt1 at Ser515 could be an important regulator of Dnmt1 activity during cell cycle and after proliferative stimuli.

  4. PINK1-Mediated Phosphorylation of Parkin Boosts Parkin Activity in Drosophila

    PubMed Central

    Shiba-Fukushima, Kahori; Inoshita, Tsuyoshi; Hattori, Nobutaka; Imai, Yuzuru

    2014-01-01

    Two genes linked to early onset Parkinson's disease, PINK1 and Parkin, encode a protein kinase and a ubiquitin-ligase, respectively. Both enzymes have been suggested to support mitochondrial quality control. We have reported that Parkin is phosphorylated at Ser65 within the ubiquitin-like domain by PINK1 in mammalian cultured cells. However, it remains unclear whether Parkin phosphorylation is involved in mitochondrial maintenance and activity of dopaminergic neurons in vivo. Here, we examined the effects of Parkin phosphorylation in Drosophila, in which the phosphorylation residue is conserved at Ser94. Morphological changes of mitochondria caused by the ectopic expression of wild-type Parkin in muscle tissue and brain dopaminergic neurons disappeared in the absence of PINK1. In contrast, phosphomimetic Parkin accelerated mitochondrial fragmentation or aggregation and the degradation of mitochondrial proteins regardless of PINK1 activity, suggesting that the phosphorylation of Parkin boosts its ubiquitin-ligase activity. A non-phosphorylated form of Parkin fully rescued the muscular mitochondrial degeneration due to the loss of PINK1 activity, whereas the introduction of the non-phosphorylated Parkin mutant in Parkin-null flies led to the emergence of abnormally fused mitochondria in the muscle tissue. Manipulating the Parkin phosphorylation status affected spontaneous dopamine release in the nerve terminals of dopaminergic neurons, the survivability of dopaminergic neurons and flight activity. Our data reveal that Parkin phosphorylation regulates not only mitochondrial function but also the neuronal activity of dopaminergic neurons in vivo, suggesting that the appropriate regulation of Parkin phosphorylation is important for muscular and dopaminergic functions. PMID:24901221

  5. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest changes in electrostatic interactions as a potential mechanism through which serine phosphorylation inhibits DNA Polymerase β's activity.

    PubMed

    Homouz, Dirar; Joyce-Tan, Kwee Hong; Shahir Shamsir, Mohd; Moustafa, Ibrahim M; Idriss, Haitham

    2018-01-01

    DNA polymerase β is a 39kDa enzyme that is a major component of Base Excision Repair in human cells. The enzyme comprises two major domains, a 31kDa domain responsible for the polymerase activity and an 8kDa domain, which bind ssDNA and has a deoxyribose phosphate (dRP) lyase activity. DNA polymerase β was shown to be phosphorylated in vitro with protein kinase C (PKC) at serines 44 and 55 (S44 and S55), resulting in loss of its polymerase enzymic activity, but not its ability to bind ssDNA. In this study, we investigate the potential phosphorylation-induced structural changes for DNA polymerase β using molecular dynamics. The simulations show drastic conformational changes of the polymerase structure as a result of S44 phosphorylation. Phosphorylation-induced conformational changes transform the closed (active) enzyme structure into an open one. Further analysis of the results points to a key hydrogen bond and newly formed salt bridges as potential drivers of these structural fluctuations. The changes observed with S44/55 and S55 phosphorylation were less dramatic than S44 and the integrity of the H-bond was not compromised. Thus the phosphorylation of S44 is likely the major contributor to structural fluctuations that lead to loss of enzymatic activity. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  6. Syntheses and insulin-like activity of phosphorylated galactose derivatives.

    PubMed

    Caro, H N; Martín-Lomas, M; Bernabé, M

    1993-02-24

    The syntheses of the poly-phosphorylated galactosides 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, and 20, isolated as sodium salts, have been performed. The non-phosphorylated disaccharide 17 and trisaccharide 21 have been prepared via glycosylation of the 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl galactosides 3 and 2, respectively, and subsequent complete deprotection. Preliminary insulin-like activity of the phosphorylated derivatives is reported.

  7. Mechanism of APC/CCDC20 activation by mitotic phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Qiao, Renping; Weissmann, Florian; Yamaguchi, Masaya; Brown, Nicholas G; VanderLinden, Ryan; Imre, Richard; Jarvis, Marc A; Brunner, Michael R; Davidson, Iain F; Litos, Gabriele; Haselbach, David; Mechtler, Karl; Stark, Holger; Schulman, Brenda A; Peters, Jan-Michael

    2016-05-10

    Chromosome segregation and mitotic exit are initiated by the 1.2-MDa ubiquitin ligase APC/C (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome) and its coactivator CDC20 (cell division cycle 20). To avoid chromosome missegregation, APC/C(CDC20) activation is tightly controlled. CDC20 only associates with APC/C in mitosis when APC/C has become phosphorylated and is further inhibited by a mitotic checkpoint complex until all chromosomes are bioriented on the spindle. APC/C contains 14 different types of subunits, most of which are phosphorylated in mitosis on multiple sites. However, it is unknown which of these phospho-sites enable APC/C(CDC20) activation and by which mechanism. Here we have identified 68 evolutionarily conserved mitotic phospho-sites on human APC/C bound to CDC20 and have used the biGBac technique to generate 47 APC/C mutants in which either all 68 sites or subsets of them were replaced by nonphosphorylatable or phospho-mimicking residues. The characterization of these complexes in substrate ubiquitination and degradation assays indicates that phosphorylation of an N-terminal loop region in APC1 is sufficient for binding and activation of APC/C by CDC20. Deletion of the N-terminal APC1 loop enables APC/C(CDC20) activation in the absence of mitotic phosphorylation or phospho-mimicking mutations. These results indicate that binding of CDC20 to APC/C is normally prevented by an autoinhibitory loop in APC1 and that its mitotic phosphorylation relieves this inhibition. The predicted location of the N-terminal APC1 loop implies that this loop controls interactions between the N-terminal domain of CDC20 and APC1 and APC8. These results reveal how APC/C phosphorylation enables CDC20 to bind and activate the APC/C in mitosis.

  8. Mechanism of APC/CCDC20 activation by mitotic phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Qiao, Renping; Weissmann, Florian; Yamaguchi, Masaya; Brown, Nicholas G.; VanderLinden, Ryan; Imre, Richard; Jarvis, Marc A.; Brunner, Michael R.; Davidson, Iain F.; Litos, Gabriele; Haselbach, David; Mechtler, Karl; Stark, Holger; Schulman, Brenda A.; Peters, Jan-Michael

    2016-01-01

    Chromosome segregation and mitotic exit are initiated by the 1.2-MDa ubiquitin ligase APC/C (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome) and its coactivator CDC20 (cell division cycle 20). To avoid chromosome missegregation, APC/CCDC20 activation is tightly controlled. CDC20 only associates with APC/C in mitosis when APC/C has become phosphorylated and is further inhibited by a mitotic checkpoint complex until all chromosomes are bioriented on the spindle. APC/C contains 14 different types of subunits, most of which are phosphorylated in mitosis on multiple sites. However, it is unknown which of these phospho-sites enable APC/CCDC20 activation and by which mechanism. Here we have identified 68 evolutionarily conserved mitotic phospho-sites on human APC/C bound to CDC20 and have used the biGBac technique to generate 47 APC/C mutants in which either all 68 sites or subsets of them were replaced by nonphosphorylatable or phospho-mimicking residues. The characterization of these complexes in substrate ubiquitination and degradation assays indicates that phosphorylation of an N-terminal loop region in APC1 is sufficient for binding and activation of APC/C by CDC20. Deletion of the N-terminal APC1 loop enables APC/CCDC20 activation in the absence of mitotic phosphorylation or phospho-mimicking mutations. These results indicate that binding of CDC20 to APC/C is normally prevented by an autoinhibitory loop in APC1 and that its mitotic phosphorylation relieves this inhibition. The predicted location of the N-terminal APC1 loop implies that this loop controls interactions between the N-terminal domain of CDC20 and APC1 and APC8. These results reveal how APC/C phosphorylation enables CDC20 to bind and activate the APC/C in mitosis. PMID:27114510

  9. Modulation of PPAR activity via phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Burns, Katherine A.; Vanden Heuvel, John P.

    2009-01-01

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors that respond to specific ligands by altering gene expression in a cell-, developmental- and sex-specific manner. Three subtypes of this receptor have been discovered (PPARα, β and γ), each apparently evolving to fulfill different biological niches. PPARs control a variety of target genes involved in lipid homeostasis, diabetes and cancer. Similar to other nuclear receptors, the PPARs are phosphoproteins and their transcriptional activity is affected by cross-talk with kinases and phosphatases. Phosphorylation by the mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK- and p38-MAPK), Protein Kinase A and C (PKA, PKC), AMP Kinase (AMPK) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) affect their activity in a ligand-dependent or -independent manner. The effects of phosphorylation depend on the cellular context, receptor subtype and residue metabolized which can be manifested at several steps in the PPAR activation sequence including ligand affinity, DNA binding, coactivator recruitment and proteasomal degradation. The review will summarize the known PPAR kinases that directly act on these receptors, the sites affected and the result of this modification on receptor activity. PMID:17560826

  10. Hydrogen peroxide-induced Akt phosphorylation regulates Bax activation.

    PubMed

    Sadidi, Mahdieh; Lentz, Stephen I; Feldman, Eva L

    2009-05-01

    Reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) are involved in many cellular processes that positively and negatively regulate cell fate. H(2)O(2), acting as an intracellular messenger, activates phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and its downstream target Akt, and promotes cell survival. The aim of the current study was to understand the mechanism by which PI3K/Akt signaling promotes survival in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. We demonstrate that PI3K/Akt mediates phosphorylation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bax. This phosphorylation suppresses apoptosis and promotes cell survival. Increased survival in the presence of H(2)O(2) was blocked by LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K activation. LY294002 prevented Bax phosphorylation and resulted in Bax translocation to the mitochondria, cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, and cell death. Collectively, these findings reveal a mechanism by which H(2)O(2)-induced activation of PI3K/Akt influences post-translational modification of Bax and inactivates a key component of the cell death machinery.

  11. Evidence for two distinct phosphorylation pathways activated by high affinity immunoglobulin E receptors.

    PubMed

    Adamczewski, M; Paolini, R; Kinet, J P

    1992-09-05

    The high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin (Ig) E on mast cells, along with the antigen receptors on T and B cells and Fc receptors for IgG, belongs to a class of receptors which lack intrinsic kinase activity, but activate non-receptor tyrosine and serine/threonine kinases. Receptor engagement triggers a chain of signaling events leading from protein phosphorylation to activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, an increase in intracellular calcium levels, and ultimately the activation of more specialized functions. IgE receptor disengagement leads to reversal of phosphorylation by undefined phosphatases and to inhibition of activation pathways. Here we show that phenylarsine oxide, a chemical which reacts with thiol groups and has been reported to inhibit tyrosine phosphatases, uncouples the IgE receptor-mediated phosphorylation signal from activation of phosphatidyl inositol metabolism, the increase in intracellular calcium levels, and serotonin release. Phenylarsine oxide inhibits neither the kinases (tyrosine and serine/threonine) phosphorylating the receptor and various cellular substrates nor, unexpectedly, the phosphatases responsible for the dephosphorylation following receptor disengagement. By contrast, it abolishes the receptor-mediated phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1, but not phospholipase C activity in vitro. Therefore the phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C likely requires a phenylarsine oxide-sensitive element. Receptor aggregation thus activates at least two distinct phosphorylation pathways: a phenylarsine oxide-insensitive pathway leading to phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the receptor and of various substrates and a sensitive pathway leading to phospholipase C-gamma 1 phosphorylation.

  12. Abscisic acid-dependent multisite phosphorylation regulates the activity of a transcription activator AREB1.

    PubMed

    Furihata, Takashi; Maruyama, Kyonoshin; Fujita, Yasunari; Umezawa, Taishi; Yoshida, Riichiro; Shinozaki, Kazuo; Yamaguchi-Shinozaki, Kazuko

    2006-02-07

    bZIP-type transcription factors AREBs/ABFs bind an abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive cis-acting element named ABRE and transactivate downstream gene expression in Arabidopsis. Because AREB1 overexpression could not induce downstream gene expression, activation of AREB1 requires ABA-dependent posttranscriptional modification. We confirmed that ABA activated 42-kDa kinase activity, which, in turn, phosphorylated Ser/Thr residues of R-X-X-S/T sites in the conserved regions of AREB1. Amino acid substitutions of R-X-X-S/T sites to Ala suppressed transactivation activity, and multiple substitution of these sites resulted in almost complete suppression of transactivation activity in transient assays. In contrast, substitution of the Ser/Thr residues to Asp resulted in high transactivation activity without exogenous ABA application. A phosphorylated, transcriptionally active form was achieved by substitution of Ser/Thr in all conserved R-X-X-S/T sites to Asp. Transgenic plants overexpressing the phosphorylated active form of AREB1 expressed many ABA-inducible genes, such as RD29B, without ABA treatment. These results indicate that the ABA-dependent multisite phosphorylation of AREB1 regulates its own activation in plants.

  13. A phosphorylation-and-ubiquitylation circuitry driving ATR activation and homologous recombination

    PubMed Central

    Dubois, Jean-Christophe; Yates, Maïlyn; Gaudreau-Lapierre, Antoine; Clément, Geneviève; Cappadocia, Laurent; Gaudreau, Luc

    2017-01-01

    Abstract RPA-coated single-stranded DNA (RPA–ssDNA), a nucleoprotein structure induced by DNA damage, promotes ATR activation and homologous recombination (HR). RPA is hyper-phosphorylated and ubiquitylated after DNA damage. The ubiquitylation of RPA by PRP19 and RFWD3 facilitates ATR activation and HR, but how it is stimulated by DNA damage is still unclear. Here, we show that RFWD3 binds RPA constitutively, whereas PRP19 recognizes RPA after DNA damage. The recruitment of PRP19 by RPA depends on PIKK-mediated RPA phosphorylation and a positively charged pocket in PRP19. An RPA32 mutant lacking phosphorylation sites fails to recruit PRP19 and support RPA ubiquitylation. PRP19 mutants unable to bind RPA or lacking ubiquitin ligase activity also fail to support RPA ubiquitylation and HR. These results suggest that RPA phosphorylation enhances the recruitment of PRP19 to RPA–ssDNA and stimulates RPA ubiquitylation through a process requiring both PRP19 and RFWD3, thereby triggering a phosphorylation-ubiquitylation circuitry that promotes ATR activation and HR. PMID:28666352

  14. Parkin is activated by PINK1-dependent phosphorylation of ubiquitin at Ser65

    PubMed Central

    Kazlauskaite, Agne; Kondapalli, Chandana; Gourlay, Robert; Campbell, David G.; Ritorto, Maria Stella; Hofmann, Kay; Alessi, Dario R.; Knebel, Axel; Trost, Matthias; Muqit, Miratul M. K.

    2014-01-01

    We have previously reported that the Parkinson's disease-associated kinase PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) is activated by mitochondrial depolarization and stimulates the Parkin E3 ligase by phosphorylating Ser65 within its Ubl (ubiquitin-like) domain. Using phosphoproteomic analysis, we identified a novel ubiquitin phosphopeptide phosphorylated at Ser65 that was enriched 14-fold in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells overexpressing wild-type PINK1 stimulated with the mitochondrial uncoupling agent CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone), to activate PINK1, compared with cells expressing kinase-inactive PINK1. Ser65 in ubiquitin lies in a similar motif to Ser65 in the Ubl domain of Parkin. Remarkably, PINK1 directly phosphorylates Ser65 of ubiquitin in vitro. We undertook a series of experiments that provide striking evidence that Ser65-phosphorylated ubiquitin (ubiquitinPhospho−Ser65) functions as a critical activator of Parkin. First, we demonstrate that a fragment of Parkin lacking the Ubl domain encompassing Ser65 (ΔUbl-Parkin) is robustly activated by ubiquitinPhospho−Ser65, but not by non-phosphorylated ubiquitin. Secondly, we find that the isolated Parkin Ubl domain phosphorylated at Ser65 (UblPhospho−Ser65) can also activate ΔUbl-Parkin similarly to ubiquitinPhospho−Ser65. Thirdly, we establish that ubiquitinPhospho−Ser65, but not non-phosphorylated ubiquitin or UblPhospho−Ser65, activates full-length wild-type Parkin as well as the non-phosphorylatable S65A Parkin mutant. Fourthly, we provide evidence that optimal activation of full-length Parkin E3 ligase is dependent on PINK1-mediated phosphorylation of both Parkin at Ser65 and ubiquitin at Ser65, since only mutation of both proteins at Ser65 completely abolishes Parkin activation. In conclusion, the findings of the present study reveal that PINK1 controls Parkin E3 ligase activity not only by phosphorylating Parkin at Ser65, but also by phosphorylating ubiquitin at Ser65

  15. A dynamic mechanism for allosteric activation of Aurora kinase A by activation loop phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Ruff, Emily F; Muretta, Joseph M; Thompson, Andrew R; Lake, Eric W; Cyphers, Soreen; Albanese, Steven K; Hanson, Sonya M; Behr, Julie M; Thomas, David D; Chodera, John D; Levinson, Nicholas M

    2018-02-21

    Many eukaryotic protein kinases are activated by phosphorylation on a specific conserved residue in the regulatory activation loop, a post-translational modification thought to stabilize the active DFG-In state of the catalytic domain. Here we use a battery of spectroscopic methods that track different catalytic elements of the kinase domain to show that the ~100 fold activation of the mitotic kinase Aurora A (AurA) by phosphorylation occurs without a population shift from the DFG-Out to the DFG-In state, and that the activation loop of the activated kinase remains highly dynamic. Instead, molecular dynamics simulations and electron paramagnetic resonance experiments show that phosphorylation triggers a switch within the DFG-In subpopulation from an autoinhibited DFG-In substate to an active DFG-In substate, leading to catalytic activation. This mechanism raises new questions about the functional role of the DFG-Out state in protein kinases. © 2018, Ruff et al.

  16. Effect of phosphorylation on antioxidant activities of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo, Lady godiva) polysaccharide.

    PubMed

    Song, Yi; Ni, Yuanying; Hu, Xiaosong; Li, Quanhong

    2015-11-01

    Phosphorylated derivatives of pumpkin polysaccharide with different degree of substitution were synthesized using POCl3 and pyridine. Antioxidant activities and cytoprotective effects of unmodified polysaccharide and phosphorylated derivatives were investigated employing various in vitro systems. Results showed that high ratio of POCl3/pyridine could increase the degree of substitution and no remarkable degradation occurred in the phosphorylation process. Characteristic absorption of phosphorylation appeared both in the IR and (31)P NMR spectrum. The df values between 2.27 and 2.55 indicated the relatively expanded conformation of the phosphorylated derivatives. All the phosphorylated polysaccharides exhibited higher antioxidant activities. H2O2-induced oxidative damages on rat thymic lymphocyte were also prevented by the derivatives. In general, phosphorylation could improve the antioxidant activities of pumpkin polysaccharide both in vitro and in a cell system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Molecular mechanism of APC/C activation by mitotic phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Alfieri, Claudio; Zhang, Ziguo; Yang, Jing; Maslen, Sarah; Skehel, Mark; Barford, David

    2016-01-01

    In eukaryotes, the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) regulates the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of specific cell cycle proteins to coordinate chromosome segregation in mitosis and entry into G1 (refs 1,2). The APC/C’s catalytic activity and ability to specify the destruction of particular proteins at different phases of the cell cycle are controlled by its interaction with two structurally related coactivator subunits (Cdc20 and Cdh1). Coactivators recognize substrate degrons3, and enhance the APC/C’s affinity for its cognate E2 (refs 4–6). During mitosis, cyclin-dependent kinase and polo kinase control Cdc20 and Cdh1-mediated activation of the APC/C. Hyper-phosphorylation of APC/C subunits, notably Apc1 and Apc3, is required for Cdc20 to activate the APC/C7–12, whereas phosphorylation of Cdh1 prevents its association with the APC/C9,13,14. Since both coactivators associate with the APC/C through their common C box15 and IR (Ile-Arg) tail motifs16,17, the mechanism underlying this differential regulation is unclear, as is the role of specific APC/C phosphorylation sites. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and biochemical analysis, we define the molecular basis of how APC/C phosphorylation allows for its control by Cdc20. An auto-inhibitory (AI) segment of Apc1 acts as a molecular switch that in apo unphosphorylated APC/C interacts with the C-box binding site and obstructs engagement of Cdc20. Phosphorylation of the AI segment displaces it from the C-box binding site. Efficient phosphorylation of the AI segment, and thus relief of auto-inhibition, requires the recruitment of Cdk-cyclin-Cks to a hyper-phosphorylated loop of Apc3. We also find that the small molecule inhibitor, tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (TAME), preferentially suppresses APC/CCdc20 rather than APC/CCdh1, and interacts with both the C-box and IR-tail binding sites. Our results reveal the mechanism for the regulation of mitotic APC/C by phosphorylation and provide a

  18. Effect of WAVE2 phosphorylation on activation of the Arp2/3 complex.

    PubMed

    Nakanishi, Osamu; Suetsugu, Shiro; Yamazaki, Daisuke; Takenawa, Tadaomi

    2007-03-01

    Members of the family of WASP-family Verprolin homologous proteins (WAVEs) activate the Arp2/3 complex to induce actin polymerization. The WAVE family comprises three proteins, namely, WAVE1, WAVE2 and WAVE3. Among them, WAVE2 is crucial for activation of the Arp2/3 complex for the formation of branched actin filaments in lamellipodia. Activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling results in the phosphorylation of the WAVE family proteins; however, which of the three WAVE proteins is phosphorylated is unclear. We found that in vitro WAVE2 is directly phosphorylated by a MAP kinase, i.e. extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2. The proline-rich region and the verprolin, cofilin and acidic (VCA) region of WAVE2 were phosphorylated. Interestingly, the phosphorylated VCA region had a higher affinity for the Arp2/3 complex. However, the phosphorylation of the VCA region resulted in reduced induction of Arp2/3-mediated actin polymerization in vitro. The role of the phosphorylation of the proline-rich region was not determined.

  19. Akt-mediated phosphorylation of CDK2 regulates its dual role in cell cycle progression and apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Maddika, Subbareddy; Ande, Sudharsana Rao; Wiechec, Emilia; Hansen, Lise Lotte; Wesselborg, Sebastian; Los, Marek

    2008-04-01

    Here, we show that CDK2, an S-phase cyclin-dependent kinase, is a novel target for Akt during cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Akt phosphorylates CDK2 at threonine 39 residue both in vitro and in vivo. Although CDK2 threonine 39 phosphorylation mediated by Akt enhances cyclin-A binding, it is dispensable for its basal binding and the kinase activity. In addition, for the first time, we report a transient nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of Akt during specific stages of the cell cycle, in particular during the late S and G2 phases. The Akt that is re-localized to the nucleus phosphorylates CDK2 and causes the temporary cytoplasmic localization of the CDK2-cyclin-A complex. The CDK2 cytoplasmic redistribution is required for cell progression from S to G2-M phase, because the CDK2 T39A mutant, which lacks the phosphorylation site and is defective in cytoplasmic localization, severely affects cell cycle progression at the transition from S to G2-M. Interestingly, we also show that the Akt/CDK2 pathway is constitutively activated by some anticancer drugs, such as methotrexate and docetaxel, and under these conditions it promotes, rather than represses, cell death. Thus, the constitutive activation of the Akt/CDK2 pathway and changed subcellular localization promotes apoptosis. By contrast, the transient, physiological Akt/CDK2 activation is necessary for cell cycle progression.

  20. PAS kinase is activated by direct SNF1-dependent phosphorylation and mediates inhibition of TORC1 through the phosphorylation and activation of Pbp1.

    PubMed

    DeMille, Desiree; Badal, Bryan D; Evans, J Brady; Mathis, Andrew D; Anderson, Joseph F; Grose, Julianne H

    2015-02-01

    We describe the interplay between three sensory protein kinases in yeast: AMP-regulated kinase (AMPK, or SNF1 in yeast), PAS kinase 1 (Psk1 in yeast), and the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1). This signaling cascade occurs through the SNF1-dependent phosphorylation and activation of Psk1, which phosphorylates and activates poly(A)- binding protein binding protein 1 (Pbp1), which then inhibits TORC1 through sequestration at stress granules. The SNF1-dependent phosphorylation of Psk1 appears to be direct, in that Snf1 is necessary and sufficient for Psk1 activation by alternate carbon sources, is required for altered Psk1 protein mobility, is able to phosphorylate Psk1 in vitro, and binds Psk1 via its substrate-targeting subunit Gal83. Evidence for the direct phosphorylation and activation of Pbp1 by Psk1 is also provided by in vitro and in vivo kinase assays, including the reduction of Pbp1 localization at distinct cytoplasmic foci and subsequent rescue of TORC1 inhibition in PAS kinase-deficient yeast. In support of this signaling cascade, Snf1-deficient cells display increased TORC1 activity, whereas cells containing hyperactive Snf1 display a PAS kinase-dependent decrease in TORC1 activity. This interplay between yeast SNF1, Psk1, and TORC1 allows for proper glucose allocation during nutrient depletion, reducing cell growth and proliferation when energy is low. © 2015 DeMille et al. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). Two months after publication it is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

  1. Protein phosphorylations in poliovirus infected cells.

    PubMed

    James, L A; Tershak, D R

    1981-01-01

    In vivo phosphorylation of proteins that are associated with polysomes of poliovirus-infected VERO (African green monkey kidney) and HeLa (Henrietta Lacks) cells differed from phosphorylations observed with uninfected cells that were fed fresh medium. With both types of cells infection stimulated phosphorylation of proteins with molecular weights of 40 000-41 000, 39 000, 34 000, 32 000, and 24 000. Similarities of phosphorylations in VERO and HeLa cells suggest that they are a specific consequence of infection and might serve a regulatory function during protein synthesis.

  2. Auto-inhibition and phosphorylation-induced activation of PLC-γ isozymes

    PubMed Central

    Hajicek, Nicole; Charpentier, Thomas H.; Rush, Jeremy R.; Harden, T. Kendall; Sondek, John

    2013-01-01

    Multiple extracellular stimuli, such as growth factors and antigens, initiate signaling cascades through tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C (PLC)-γ isozymes. Like most other PLCs, PLC-γ1 is basally auto-inhibited by its X-Y linker, which separates the X-and Y-boxes of the catalytic core. The C-terminal SH2 (cSH2) domain within the X-Y linker is the critical determinant for auto-inhibition of phospholipase activity. Release of auto-inhibition requires an intramolecular interaction between the cSH2 domain and a phosphorylated tyrosine, Tyr783, also located within the X-Y linker. The molecular mechanisms that mediate auto-inhibition and phosphorylation-induced activation have not been defined. Here, we describe structures of the cSH2 domain both alone and bound to a PLC-γ1 peptide encompassing phosphorylated Tyr783. The cSH2 domain remains largely unaltered by peptide engagement. Point mutations in the cSH2 domain located at the interface with the peptide were sufficient to constitutively activate PLC-γ1 suggesting that peptide engagement directly interferes with the capacity of the cSH2 domain to block the lipase active site. This idea is supported by mutations in a complimentary surface of the catalytic core that also enhanced phospholipase activity. PMID:23777354

  3. Auto-phosphorylation Represses Protein Kinase R Activity.

    PubMed

    Wang, Die; de Weerd, Nicole A; Willard, Belinda; Polekhina, Galina; Williams, Bryan R G; Sadler, Anthony J

    2017-03-10

    The central role of protein kinases in controlling disease processes has spurred efforts to develop pharmaceutical regulators of their activity. A rational strategy to achieve this end is to determine intrinsic auto-regulatory processes, then selectively target these different states of kinases to repress their activation. Here we investigate auto-regulation of the innate immune effector protein kinase R, which phosphorylates the eukaryotic initiation factor 2α to inhibit global protein translation. We demonstrate that protein kinase R activity is controlled by auto-inhibition via an intra-molecular interaction. Part of this mechanism of control had previously been reported, but was then controverted. We account for the discrepancy and extend our understanding of the auto-inhibitory mechanism by identifying that auto-inhibition is paradoxically instigated by incipient auto-phosphorylation. Phosphor-residues at the amino-terminus instigate an intra-molecular interaction that enlists both of the N-terminal RNA-binding motifs of the protein with separate surfaces of the C-terminal kinase domain, to co-operatively inhibit kinase activation. These findings identify an innovative mechanism to control kinase activity, providing insight for strategies to better regulate kinase activity.

  4. Phosphorylation-mediated negative regulation of RIG-I antiviral activity.

    PubMed

    Gack, Michaela U; Nistal-Villán, Estanislao; Inn, Kyung-Soo; García-Sastre, Adolfo; Jung, Jae U

    2010-04-01

    Recognition of invading viruses by the host is elicited by cellular sensors which trigger signaling cascades that lead to type I interferon (IFN) gene expression. Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) has emerged as a key receptor for the detection of viral RNA in the cytosol, inducing IFN-mediated innate immune responses to limit viral replication through its interaction with MAVS (also called IPS-1, CARDIF, or VISA). Upon the recognition of viral RNA, the Lys-172 residue of RIG-I undergoes ubiquitination induced by tripartite motif protein 25 (TRIM25), an essential protein for antiviral signal transduction. Here we demonstrate that phosphorylation represents another regulatory mechanism for RIG-I-mediated antiviral activity. Using protein purification and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified three phosphorylation sites in the amino-terminal caspase recruitment domains (CARDs) of RIG-I. One of these residues, Thr-170, is located in close proximity to Lys-172, and we speculated that its phosphorylation may affect Lys-172 ubiquitination and functional activation of RIG-I. Indeed, a RIG-I mutant carrying a phosphomimetic Glu residue in place of Thr-170 loses TRIM25 binding, Lys-172 ubiquitination, MAVS binding, and downstream signaling ability. This suggests that phosphorylation of RIG-I at Thr-170 inhibits RIG-I-mediated antiviral signal transduction. Immunoblot analysis with a phospho-specific antibody showed that the phosphorylation of the RIG-I Thr-170 residue is present under normal conditions but rapidly declines upon viral infection. Our results indicate that Thr-170 phosphorylation and TRIM25-mediated Lys-172 ubiquitination of RIG-I functionally antagonize each other. While Thr-170 phosphorylation keeps RIG-I latent, Lys-172 ubiquitination enables RIG-I to form a stable complex with MAVS, thereby inducing IFN signal transduction.

  5. Differential regulation of the transcriptional activity of the glucocorticoid receptor through site-specific phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Raj; Calhoun, William J

    2008-12-01

    Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation are known to play an important role in the gene regulation by the transcription factors including the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of which the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a member. Protein phosphorylation often switches cellular activity from one state to another. Like many other transcription factors, the GR is a phosphoprotein, and phosphorylation plays an important role in the regulation of GR activity. Cell signaling pathways that regulate phosphorylation of the GR and its associated proteins are important determinants of GR function under various physiological conditions. While the role of many phosphorylation sites in the GR is still not fully understood, the role of others is clearer. Several aspects of transcription factor function, including DNA binding affinity, interaction of transactivation domains with the transcription initiation complex, and shuttling between the cytoplasmic compartments, have all been linked to site-specific phosphorylation. All major phosphorylation sites in the human GR are located in the N-terminal domain including the major transactivation domain, AF1. Available literature clearly indicates that many of these potential phosphorylation sites are substrates for multiple kinases, suggesting the potential for a very complex regulatory network. Phosphorylated GR interacts favorably with critical coregulatory proteins and subsequently enhances transcriptional activity. In addition, the activities and specificities of coregulators may be subject to similar regulation by phosphorylation. Regulation of the GR activity due to phosphorylation appears to be site-specific and dependent upon specific cell signaling cascade. Taken together, site-specific phosphorylation and related kinase pathways play an important role in the action of the GR, and more precise mechanistic information will lead to fuller understanding of the complex nature of gene regulation by the GR- and

  6. Stretch-induced ERK2 phosphorylation requires PLA2 activity in skeletal myotubes.

    PubMed

    Burkholder, Thomas J

    2009-08-14

    Mechanical stretch rapidly activates multiple signaling cascades, including phospholipases and kinases, to stimulate protein synthesis and growth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PLA2 activation contributes to stretch-induced phosphorylation of ERK2 in skeletal muscle myotubes. Myotubes derived from neonatal C57 mice were cultured on silicone membranes and subjected to brief cyclic stretch. Inhibition of PLA2 prevented ERK2 phosphorylation, while inhibition of prostaglandin or leukotriene synthesis did not. ERK2 phosphorylation was also blocked by genistein and PD98059, implicating the canonical raf-MEK-ERK cassette. It appears that PLA2, but not further metabolism of arachidonic acid, is required for stretch-induced activation of ERK2. Exposure to exogenous arachidonic acid had no effect on ERK2 phosphorylation, but exposure to lysophosphatidylcholine, the other metabolite of PLA2, caused a dose-dependent increase in ERK2 phosphorylation. These results suggest that stretch-induced activation of ERK2 may result from an interaction between PLA2 derived lysophosphatidylcholine and membrane receptors.

  7. Stretch-induced ERK2 phosphorylation requires PLA2 activity in skeletal myotubes

    PubMed Central

    Burkholder, Thomas J.

    2009-01-01

    Mechanical stretch rapidly activates multiple signaling cascades, including phospholipases and kinases, to stimulate protein synthesis and growth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PLA2 activation contributes to stretch-induced phosphorylation of ERK2 in skeletal muscle myotubes. Myotubes derived from neonatal C57 mice were cultured on silicone membranes and subjected to brief cyclic stretch. Inhibition of PLA2 prevented ERK2 phosphorylation, while inhibition of prostaglandin or leukotriene synthesis did not. ERK2 phosphorylation was also blocked by genistein and PD98059, implicating the canonical raf-MEK-ERK cassette. It appears that PLA2, but not further metabolism of arachidonic acid, is required for stretch-induced activation of ERK2. Exposure to exogenous arachidonic acid had no effect on ERK2 phosphorylation, but exposure to lysophosphatidylcholine, the other metabolite of PLA2, caused a dose-dependent increase in ERK2 phosphorylation. These results suggest that stretch-induced activation of ERK2 may result from an interaction between PLA2 derived lysophosphatidylcholine and membrane receptors. PMID:19524551

  8. Site-specific Interaction Mapping of Phosphorylated Ubiquitin to Uncover Parkin Activation*♦

    PubMed Central

    Yamano, Koji; Queliconi, Bruno B.; Koyano, Fumika; Saeki, Yasushi; Hirokawa, Takatsugu; Tanaka, Keiji; Matsuda, Noriyuki

    2015-01-01

    Damaged mitochondria are eliminated through autophagy machinery. A cytosolic E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin, a gene product mutated in familial Parkinsonism, is essential for this pathway. Recent progress has revealed that phosphorylation of both Parkin and ubiquitin at Ser65 by PINK1 are crucial for activation and recruitment of Parkin to the damaged mitochondria. However, the mechanism by which phosphorylated ubiquitin associates with and activates phosphorylated Parkin E3 ligase activity remains largely unknown. Here, we analyze interactions between phosphorylated forms of both Parkin and ubiquitin at a spatial resolution of the amino acid residue by site-specific photo-crosslinking. We reveal that the in-between-RING (IBR) domain along with RING1 domain of Parkin preferentially binds to ubiquitin in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Furthermore, another approach, the Fluoppi (fluorescent-based technology detecting protein-protein interaction) assay, also showed that pathogenic mutations in these domains blocked interactions with phosphomimetic ubiquitin in mammalian cells. Molecular modeling based on the site-specific photo-crosslinking interaction map combined with mass spectrometry strongly suggests that a novel binding mechanism between Parkin and ubiquitin leads to a Parkin conformational change with subsequent activation of Parkin E3 ligase activity. PMID:26260794

  9. Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative combined GFAP, IGFBP-2, and YKL-40 plasma levels in patients with glioblastoma.

    PubMed

    Gállego Pérez-Larraya, Jaime; Paris, Sophie; Idbaih, Ahmed; Dehais, Caroline; Laigle-Donadey, Florence; Navarro, Soledad; Capelle, Laurent; Mokhtari, Karima; Marie, Yannick; Sanson, Marc; Hoang-Xuan, Khê; Delattre, Jean-Yves; Mallet, Alain

    2014-12-15

    Circulating proteins released by tumor cells have recently been investigated as potential single surrogate biomarkers for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The aim of the current hypothesis-generating study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of preoperative insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) plasma levels in patients with GBM, both as single markers and as a combined profile. Plasma samples from 111 patients with GBM and a subset of 40 patients with nonglial brain tumors were obtained preoperatively. Plasma from 99 healthy controls was also analyzed. IGFBP-2, YKL-40, and GFAP levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay tests. Their association with histological and radiological variables was assessed. Circulating levels of all 3 proteins were found to be significantly higher in patients with GBM compared with healthy controls (P < .01). Only YKL-40 and GFAP were found to demonstrate significant differences between patients with GBM and nonglial brain tumors (P = .04). GFAP was undetectable (<0.02 ng/mL) in all patients without GBM. A receiver operating characteristic analysis accounting for a 2-step diagnostic procedure including the 3 biomarkers afforded an area under the curve of 0.77 for differentiating patients with GBM from those with nonglial brain tumors. There was a significant correlation between tumor volume and plasma IGFBP-2 level (Spearman Rho correlation coefficient, 0.22; P = .025) and GFAP (Spearman Rho correlation coefficient, 0.36; P < .001) among patients with GBM. Preoperative plasma IGFBP-2 levels were found to be independently associated with worse overall survival among patients with GBM (hazard ratio, 1.3; P = .05). A combined profile of preoperative IGFBP-2, GFAP, and YKL-40 plasma levels could serve as an additional diagnostic tool for patients with inoperable brain lesions suggestive of GBM. In

  10. syk kinase activation by a src kinase-initiated activation loop phosphorylation chain reaction

    PubMed Central

    El-Hillal, O.; Kurosaki, T.; Yamamura, H.; Kinet, J.-P.; Scharenberg, A. M.

    1997-01-01

    Activation of the syk tyrosine kinase occurs almost immediately following engagement of many types of antigen receptors, including Fc receptors, but the mechanism through which syk is activated is currently unclear. Here we demonstrate that Fc receptor-induced syk activation occurs as the result of phosphorylation of the syk activation loop by both src family kinases and other molecules of activated syk, suggesting that syk activation occurs as the result of a src kinase-initiated activation loop phosphorylation chain reaction. This type of activation mechanism predicts that syk activation would exhibit exponential kinetics, providing a potential explanation for its rapid and robust activation by even weak antigen receptor stimuli. We propose that a similar mechanism may be responsible for generating rapid activation of other cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, such as those of the Bruton tyrosine kinase/tec family, as well. PMID:9050880

  11. Effect of scaling and root planing on gingival crevicular fluid level of YKL-40 acute phase protein in chronic periodontitis patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: A clinico-biochemical study

    PubMed Central

    Damodar, Sini; Mehta, Dhoom Singh

    2018-01-01

    Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of YKL-40 acute phase protein in chronic periodontitis (CP) with and without type 2 diabetes and also to assess the effect of periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing [SRP]) on this GCF biomarker and the clinical parameters. YKL-40 is derived from tyrosine (Y), lysine (K), and leucine (L) with a molecular weight of 40 kDa. Materials and Methods: A total of 105 individuals (30–60 years) were grouped as 35 individuals each in three groups (Group I – healthy; Group II – CP with diabetes mellitus [DM]; and Group III – CP). Clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level followed by GCF sample collection from test sites were done at baseline and 6 weeks after SRP (among Group II and Group III patients). GCF YKL-40 level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean GCF YKL-40 level at baseline was significantly lower for Group I (309.81 ± 124.93 pg/ml) as compared to Group II (924.88 ± 415.28 pg/ml) and Group III (834.08 ± 270.42 pg/ml), respectively (P < 0.001). The level reduced significantly 6 weeks after SRP for Group II (507.6 ± 265.03 pg/ml) and Group III (499.54 ± 293.38 pg/ml) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The level of GCF YKL-40 in CP patients with or without DM is higher than healthy individuals and the level reduced 6 weeks post-SRP among Group II and Group III. Hence, YKL-40 can be considered as an important biomarker in the diagnosis of CP. PMID:29568171

  12. Structural basis for Mep2 ammonium transceptor activation by phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    van den Berg, Bert; Chembath, Anupama; Jefferies, Damien; Basle, Arnaud; Khalid, Syma; Rutherford, Julian C.

    2016-01-01

    Mep2 proteins are fungal transceptors that play an important role as ammonium sensors in fungal development. Mep2 activity is tightly regulated by phosphorylation, but how this is achieved at the molecular level is not clear. Here we report X-ray crystal structures of the Mep2 orthologues from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans and show that under nitrogen-sufficient conditions the transporters are not phosphorylated and present in closed, inactive conformations. Relative to the open bacterial ammonium transporters, non-phosphorylated Mep2 exhibits shifts in cytoplasmic loops and the C-terminal region (CTR) to occlude the cytoplasmic exit of the channel and to interact with His2 of the twin-His motif. The phosphorylation site in the CTR is solvent accessible and located in a negatively charged pocket ∼30 Å away from the channel exit. The crystal structure of phosphorylation-mimicking Mep2 variants from C. albicans show large conformational changes in a conserved and functionally important region of the CTR. The results allow us to propose a model for regulation of eukaryotic ammonium transport by phosphorylation. PMID:27088325

  13. Crystal structure of B acillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA and effects of phosphorylated histidines on multimerization and activity: AtxA multimerization, phosphorylation and activity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hammerstrom, Troy G.; Horton, Lori B.; Swick, Michelle C.

    2014-12-30

    The Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA controls transcription of the anthrax toxin genes and capsule biosynthetic operon. AtxA activity is elevated during growth in media containing glucose and CO2/bicarbonate, and there is a positive correlation between the CO2/bicarbonate signal, AtxA activity and homomultimerization. AtxA activity is also affected by phosphorylation at specific histidines. We show that AtxA crystallizes as a dimer. Distinct folds associated with predicted DNA-binding domains (HTH1 and HTH2) and phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase system-regulated domains (PRD1 and PRD2) are apparent. We tested AtxA variants containing single and double phosphomimetic (HisAsp) and phosphoablative (HisAla) amino acid changes for activitymore » in B.anthracis cultures and for protein-protein interactions in cell lysates. Reduced activity of AtxA H199A, lack of multimerization and activity of AtxAH379D variants, and predicted structural changes associated with phosphorylation support a model for control of AtxA function. We propose that (i) in the AtxA dimer, phosphorylation of H199 in PRD1 affects HTH2 positioning, influencing DNA-binding; and (ii) phosphorylation of H379 in PRD2 disrupts dimer formation. The AtxA structure is the first reported high-resolution full-length structure of a PRD-containing regulator, and can serve as a model for proteins of this family, especially those that link virulence to bacterial metabolism.« less

  14. Site-specific Phosphorylation Protects Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β from Calpain-mediated Truncation of Its N and C Termini*

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Shanshan; Liu, Shaojun; Huang, Qiaoying; Xie, Bo; Lai, Bingquan; Wang, Chong; Song, Bin; Li, Mingtao

    2012-01-01

    Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a key regulator of neuronal apoptosis, is inhibited by the phosphorylation of Ser-9/Ser-389 and was recently shown to be cleaved by calpain at the N terminus, leading to its subsequent activation. In this study calpain was found to cleave GSK-3β not only at the N terminus but also at the C terminus, and cleavage sites were identified at residues Thr-38–Thr-39 and Ile-384–Gln-385. Furthermore, the cleavage of GSK-3β occurred in tandem with Ser-9 dephosphorylation during cerebellar granule neuron apoptosis. Increasing Ser-9 phosphorylation of GSK-3β by inhibiting phosphatase 1/2A or pretreating with purified active Akt inhibited calpain-mediated cleavage of GSK-3β at both N and C termini, whereas non-phosphorylatable mutant GSK-3β S9A facilitated its cleavage. In contrast, Ser-389 phosphorylation selectively inhibited the cleavage of GSK-3β at the C terminus but not the N terminus. Calpain-mediated cleavage resulted in three truncated products, all of which contained an intact kinase domain: ΔN-GSK-3β (amino acids 39–420), ΔC-GSK-3β (amino acids 1–384), and ΔN/ΔC-GSK-3β (amino acids 39–384). All three truncated products showed increased kinase and pro-apoptotic activity, with ΔN/ΔC-GSK-3β being the most active form. This observation suggests that the GSK-3β C terminus acts as an autoinhibitory domain similar to the N terminus. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that calpain-mediated cleavage activates GSK-3β by removing its N- and C-terminal autoinhibitory domains and that Ser-9 phosphorylation inhibits the cleavage of GSK-3β at both termini. In contrast, Ser-389 phosphorylation inhibits only C-terminal cleavage but not N-terminal cleavage. These findings also identify a mechanism by which site-specific phosphorylation and calpain-mediated cleavage operate in concert to regulate GSK-3β activity. PMID:22496446

  15. Site-specific phosphorylation protects glycogen synthase kinase-3β from calpain-mediated truncation of its N and C termini.

    PubMed

    Ma, Shanshan; Liu, Shaojun; Huang, Qiaoying; Xie, Bo; Lai, Bingquan; Wang, Chong; Song, Bin; Li, Mingtao

    2012-06-29

    Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a key regulator of neuronal apoptosis, is inhibited by the phosphorylation of Ser-9/Ser-389 and was recently shown to be cleaved by calpain at the N terminus, leading to its subsequent activation. In this study calpain was found to cleave GSK-3β not only at the N terminus but also at the C terminus, and cleavage sites were identified at residues Thr-38-Thr-39 and Ile-384-Gln-385. Furthermore, the cleavage of GSK-3β occurred in tandem with Ser-9 dephosphorylation during cerebellar granule neuron apoptosis. Increasing Ser-9 phosphorylation of GSK-3β by inhibiting phosphatase 1/2A or pretreating with purified active Akt inhibited calpain-mediated cleavage of GSK-3β at both N and C termini, whereas non-phosphorylatable mutant GSK-3β S9A facilitated its cleavage. In contrast, Ser-389 phosphorylation selectively inhibited the cleavage of GSK-3β at the C terminus but not the N terminus. Calpain-mediated cleavage resulted in three truncated products, all of which contained an intact kinase domain: ΔN-GSK-3β (amino acids 39-420), ΔC-GSK-3β (amino acids 1-384), and ΔN/ΔC-GSK-3β (amino acids 39-384). All three truncated products showed increased kinase and pro-apoptotic activity, with ΔN/ΔC-GSK-3β being the most active form. This observation suggests that the GSK-3β C terminus acts as an autoinhibitory domain similar to the N terminus. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that calpain-mediated cleavage activates GSK-3β by removing its N- and C-terminal autoinhibitory domains and that Ser-9 phosphorylation inhibits the cleavage of GSK-3β at both termini. In contrast, Ser-389 phosphorylation inhibits only C-terminal cleavage but not N-terminal cleavage. These findings also identify a mechanism by which site-specific phosphorylation and calpain-mediated cleavage operate in concert to regulate GSK-3β activity.

  16. AMPK is activated early in cerebellar granule cells undergoing apoptosis and influences VADC1 phosphorylation status and activity.

    PubMed

    Bobba, A; Casalino, E; Amadoro, G; Petragallo, V A; Atlante, A

    2017-09-01

    The neurodegeneration of cerebellar granule cells, after low potassium induced apoptosis, is known to be temporally divided into an early and a late phase. Voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1) protein, changing from the closed inactive state to the active open state, is central to the switch between the early and late phase. It is also known that: (i) VDAC1 can undergo phosphorylation events and (ii) AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the sensor of cellular stress, may have a role in neuronal homeostasis. In the view of this, the involvement of AMPK activation and its correlation with VDAC1 status and activity has been investigated in the course of cerebellar granule cells apoptosis. The results reported in this study show that an increased level of the phosphorylated, active, isoform of AMPK occurs in the early phase, peaks at 3 h and guarantees an increase in the phosphorylation status of VDCA1, resulting in a reduced activity of this latter. However this situation is transient in nature, since, in the late phase, AMPK activation decreases as well as the level of phosphorylated VDAC1. In a less phosphorylated status, VDAC1 fully recovers its gating activity and drives cells along the death route.

  17. Phosphorylation regulates the water channel activity of the seed-specific aquaporin alpha-TIP.

    PubMed

    Maurel, C; Kado, R T; Guern, J; Chrispeels, M J

    1995-07-03

    The vacuolar membrane protein alpha-TIP is a seed-specific protein of the Major Intrinsic Protein family. Expression of alpha-TIP in Xenopus oocytes conferred a 4- to 8-fold increase in the osmotic water permeability (Pf) of the oocyte plasma membrane, showing that alpha-TIP forms water channels and is thus a new aquaporin. alpha-TIP has three putative phosphorylation sites on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane (Ser7, Ser23 and Ser99), one of which (Ser7) has been shown to be phosphorylated. We present several lines of evidence that the activity of this aquaporin is regulated by phosphorylation. First, mutation of the putative phosphorylation sites in alpha-TIP (Ser7Ala, Ser23Ala and Ser99Ala) reduced the apparent water transport activity of alpha-TIP in oocytes, suggesting that phosphorylation of alpha-TIP occurs in the oocytes and participates in the control of water channel activity. Second, exposure of oocytes to the cAMP agonists 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, which stimulate endogenous protein kinase A (PKA), increased the water transport activity of alpha-TIP by 80-100% after 60 min. That the protein can be phosphorylated by PKA was demonstrated by phosphorylating alpha-TIP in isolated oocyte membranes with the bovine PKA catalytic subunit. Third, the integrity of the three sites at positions 7, 23 and 99 was necessary for the cAMP-dependent increase in the Pf of oocytes expressing alpha-TIP, as well as for in vitro phosphorylation of alpha-TIP. These findings demonstrate that the alpha-TIP water channel can be modulated via phosphorylation of Ser7, Ser23 and Ser99.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  18. E2 superfamily of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes: constitutively active or activated through phosphorylation in the catalytic cleft.

    PubMed

    Valimberti, Ilaria; Tiberti, Matteo; Lambrughi, Matteo; Sarcevic, Boris; Papaleo, Elena

    2015-10-14

    Protein phosphorylation is a modification that offers a dynamic and reversible mechanism to regulate the majority of cellular processes. Numerous diseases are associated with aberrant regulation of phosphorylation-induced switches. Phosphorylation is emerging as a mechanism to modulate ubiquitination by regulating key enzymes in this pathway. The molecular mechanisms underpinning how phosphorylation regulates ubiquitinating enzymes, however, are elusive. Here, we show the high conservation of a functional site in E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes. In catalytically active E2s, this site contains aspartate or a phosphorylatable serine and we refer to it as the conserved E2 serine/aspartate (CES/D) site. Molecular simulations of substrate-bound and -unbound forms of wild type, mutant and phosphorylated E2s, provide atomistic insight into the role of the CES/D residue for optimal E2 activity. Both the size and charge of the side group at the site play a central role in aligning the substrate lysine toward E2 catalytic cysteine to control ubiquitination efficiency. The CES/D site contributes to the fingerprint of the E2 superfamily. We propose that E2 enzymes can be divided into constitutively active or regulated families. E2s characterized by an aspartate at the CES/D site signify constitutively active E2s, whereas those containing a serine can be regulated by phosphorylation.

  19. Cellular progesterone receptor phosphorylation in response to ligands activating protein kinases

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rao, K.V.; Peralta, W.D.; Greene, G.L.

    1987-08-14

    Progesterone receptors were immunoprecipitated with monoclonal antibodies KD68 from lysates of human breast carcinoma T47D cells labelled to steady state specific activity with /sup 32/Pi. The 120 kDa /sup 32/P-labelled progesterone receptor band was resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified by autoradiography. Phosphoamino acid analysis revealed serine phosphorylation, but no threonine or tyrosine phosphorylation. Treatment of the /sup 32/Pi-labelled cells with EGF, TPA or dibutyryl cAMP had no significant quantitative effect on progesterone receptor phosphorylation, though the EGF receptor and the cAMP-dependent protein kinases have been reported to catalyze phosphorylation of purified avian progesterone receptor preparations in cell freemore » systems. Progesterone receptor phosphorylation on serine residues was increased by 2-fold in cells treated with 10 nM progesterone; EGF had no effect on progesterone-mediated progesterone receptor phosphorylation.« less

  20. Molecular mechanism of APC/C activation by mitotic phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Suyang; Chang, Leifu; Alfieri, Claudio; Zhang, Ziguo; Yang, Jing; Maslen, Sarah; Skehel, Mark; Barford, David

    2016-05-12

    In eukaryotes, the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C, also known as the cyclosome) regulates the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of specific cell-cycle proteins to coordinate chromosome segregation in mitosis and entry into the G1 phase. The catalytic activity of the APC/C and its ability to specify the destruction of particular proteins at different phases of the cell cycle are controlled by its interaction with two structurally related coactivator subunits, Cdc20 and Cdh1. Coactivators recognize substrate degrons, and enhance the affinity of the APC/C for its cognate E2 (refs 4-6). During mitosis, cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) and polo-like kinase (Plk) control Cdc20- and Cdh1-mediated activation of the APC/C. Hyperphosphorylation of APC/C subunits, notably Apc1 and Apc3, is required for Cdc20 to activate the APC/C, whereas phosphorylation of Cdh1 prevents its association with the APC/C. Since both coactivators associate with the APC/C through their common C-box and Ile-Arg tail motifs, the mechanism underlying this differential regulation is unclear, as is the role of specific APC/C phosphorylation sites. Here, using cryo-electron microscopy and biochemical analysis, we define the molecular basis of how phosphorylation of human APC/C allows for its control by Cdc20. An auto-inhibitory segment of Apc1 acts as a molecular switch that in apo unphosphorylated APC/C interacts with the C-box binding site and obstructs engagement of Cdc20. Phosphorylation of the auto-inhibitory segment displaces it from the C-box-binding site. Efficient phosphorylation of the auto-inhibitory segment, and thus relief of auto-inhibition, requires the recruitment of Cdk-cyclin in complex with a Cdk regulatory subunit (Cks) to a hyperphosphorylated loop of Apc3. We also find that the small-molecule inhibitor, tosyl-l-arginine methyl ester, preferentially suppresses APC/C(Cdc20) rather than APC/C(Cdh1), and interacts with the binding sites of both the C-box and Ile-Arg tail motifs. Our

  1. Phosphorylation acts positively and negatively to regulate MRTF-A subcellular localisation and activity

    PubMed Central

    Panayiotou, Richard; Miralles, Francesc; Pawlowski, Rafal; Diring, Jessica; Flynn, Helen R; Skehel, Mark; Treisman, Richard

    2016-01-01

    The myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTF-A and MRTF-B) regulate cytoskeletal genes through their partner transcription factor SRF. The MRTFs bind G-actin, and signal-regulated changes in cellular G-actin concentration control their nuclear accumulation. The MRTFs also undergo Rho- and ERK-dependent phosphorylation, but the function of MRTF phosphorylation, and the elements and signals involved in MRTF-A nuclear export are largely unexplored. We show that Rho-dependent MRTF-A phosphorylation reflects relief from an inhibitory function of nuclear actin. We map multiple sites of serum-induced phosphorylation, most of which are S/T-P motifs and show that S/T-P phosphorylation is required for transcriptional activation. ERK-mediated S98 phosphorylation inhibits assembly of G-actin complexes on the MRTF-A regulatory RPEL domain, promoting nuclear import. In contrast, S33 phosphorylation potentiates the activity of an autonomous Crm1-dependent N-terminal NES, which cooperates with five other NES elements to exclude MRTF-A from the nucleus. Phosphorylation thus plays positive and negative roles in the regulation of MRTF-A. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15460.001 PMID:27304076

  2. Phosphorylation of measles virus nucleoprotein upregulates the transcriptional activity of minigenomic RNA.

    PubMed

    Hagiwara, Kyoji; Sato, Hiroki; Inoue, Yoshihisa; Watanabe, Akira; Yoneda, Misako; Ikeda, Fusako; Fujita, Kentaro; Fukuda, Hiroyuki; Takamura, Chizuko; Kozuka-Hata, Hiroko; Oyama, Masaaki; Sugano, Sumio; Ohmi, Shinobu; Kai, Chieko

    2008-05-01

    We report the first identification of phosphorylation sites of the nucleoprotein (N) of the family Paramyxoviridae. The N protein is known to be the most abundant protein in infected cells; it constructs the N-RNA complex (nucleocapsid) and supports transcription and replication of viral genomic RNA. To determine the role of phosphorylation of the N protein, we expressed the N protein of the HL strain of measles virus (MV) in mammalian cells and purified the nucleocapsid. After separation of the C-terminal region from the core region, phosphorylated amino acids were assayed using MALDI-TOF/TOF and ESI-Q-TOF MS analyses. Two amino acids, S479 and S510, were shown to be phosphorylated by both methods of analysis. Metabolic labeling of the N protein with (32)P demonstrated that these two sites are the major phosphorylated sites within the MV-N protein. In transcriptional analysis using negative-strand minigenomic RNA containing the ORF of the luciferase gene, mutants of each phosphorylation site showed approximately 80% reduction in luciferase activity compared with the wild-type N, suggesting that the phosphorylation of N protein is important in the activation of the transcription of viral mRNA and/or replication of the genome in vivo.

  3. Phosphorylation promotes activation-induced cytidine deaminase activity at the Myc oncogene

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a mutator enzyme that targets immunoglobulin (Ig) genes to initiate antibody somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR). Off-target AID association also occurs, which causes oncogenic mutations and chromosome rearrangements. However, AID occupancy does not directly correlate with DNA damage, suggesting that factors beyond AID association contribute to mutation targeting. CSR and SHM are regulated by phosphorylation on AID serine38 (pS38), but the role of pS38 in off-target activity has not been evaluated. We determined that lithium, a clinically used therapeutic, induced high AID pS38 levels. Using lithium and an AID-S38 phospho mutant, we compared the role of pS38 in AID activity at the Ig switch region and off-target Myc gene. We found that deficient pS38 abated AID chromatin association and CSR but not mutation at Myc. Enhanced pS38 elevated Myc translocation and mutation frequency but not CSR or Ig switch region mutation. Thus, AID activity can be differentially targeted by phosphorylation to induce oncogenic lesions. PMID:29122947

  4. Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of liprinα1 mediates neuronal activity-dependent synapse development

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Huiqian; Lin, Xiaochen; Liang, Zhuoyi; Zhao, Teng; Du, Shengwang; Loy, Michael M. T.; Lai, Kwok-On; Fu, Amy K. Y.

    2017-01-01

    The experience-dependent modulation of brain circuitry depends on dynamic changes in synaptic connections that are guided by neuronal activity. In particular, postsynaptic maturation requires changes in dendritic spine morphology, the targeting of postsynaptic proteins, and the insertion of synaptic neurotransmitter receptors. Thus, it is critical to understand how neuronal activity controls postsynaptic maturation. Here we report that the scaffold protein liprinα1 and its phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) are critical for the maturation of excitatory synapses through regulation of the synaptic localization of the major postsynaptic organizer postsynaptic density (PSD)-95. Whereas Cdk5 phosphorylates liprinα1 at Thr701, this phosphorylation decreases in neurons in response to neuronal activity. Blockade of liprinα1 phosphorylation enhances the structural and functional maturation of excitatory synapses. Nanoscale superresolution imaging reveals that inhibition of liprinα1 phosphorylation increases the colocalization of liprinα1 with PSD-95. Furthermore, disruption of liprinα1 phosphorylation by a small interfering peptide, siLIP, promotes the synaptic localization of PSD-95 and enhances synaptic strength in vivo. Our findings collectively demonstrate that the Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of liprinα1 is important for the postsynaptic organization during activity-dependent synapse development. PMID:28760951

  5. PKCalpha regulates phosphorylation and enzymatic activity of cPLA2 in vitro and in activated human monocytes.

    PubMed

    Li, Qing; Subbulakshmi, Venkita; Oldfield, Claudine M; Aamir, Rozina; Weyman, Crystal M; Wolfman, Alan; Cathcart, Martha K

    2007-02-01

    Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)) are potent regulators of the inflammatory response. We have observed that Group IV cPLA(2) activity is required for the production of superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) in human monocytes [Li Q., Cathcart M.K. J. Biol. Chem. 272 (4) (1997) 2404-2411.]. We have previously identified PKCalpha as a kinase pathway required for monocyte O(2)(-) production [Li Q., Cathcart M.K. J. Biol. Chem. 269 (26) (1994) 17508-17515.]. We therefore investigated the potential interaction between PKCalpha and cPLA(2) by evaluating the requirement for specific PKC isoenzymes in the process of activating cPLA(2) enzymatic activity and protein phosphorylation upon monocyte activation. We first showed that general PKC inhibitors and antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) to the cPKC group of PKC enzymes inhibited cPLA(2) activity. To distinguish between PKCalpha and PKCbeta isoenzymes in regulating cPLA(2) protein phosphorylation and enzymatic activity, we employed our previously characterized PKCalpha or PKCbeta isoenzyme-specific antisense ODN [Li Q., Subbulakshmi V., Fields A.P., Murray, N.R., Cathcart M.K., J. Biol. Chem. 274 (6) (1999) 3764-3771]. Suppression of PKCalpha expression, but not PKCbeta expression, inhibited cPLA(2) protein phosphorylation and enzymatic activity. Additional studies ruled out a contribution by Erk1/2 to cPLA(2) phosphorylation and activation. We also found that cPLA(2) co-immunoprecipitated with PKCalpha and vice versa. In vitro studies demonstrated that PKCalpha could directly phosphorylate cPLA(2).and enhance enzymatic activity. Finally, we showed that addition of arachidonic acid restored the production of O(2)(-) in monocytes defective in either PKCalpha or cPLA(2) expression. Taken together, our data suggest that PKCalpha, but not PKCbeta, is the predominant cPKC isoenzyme required for cPLA(2) protein phosphorylation and maximal induction of cPLA(2) enzymatic activity upon activation of human monocytes. Our data also support the

  6. Locking the Active Conformation of c-Src Kinase through the Phosphorylation of the Activation Loop

    PubMed Central

    Meng, Yilin; Roux, Benoît

    2013-01-01

    Molecular dynamics umbrella sampling simulations are used to compare the relative stability of the active conformation of the catalytic domain of c-Src kinase while the tyrosine 416 in the activation loop (A-loop) is either unphosphorylated or phosphorylated. When the A-loop is unphosphorylated, there is considerable flexiblity of the kinase. While the active conformation of the kinase is not forbidden and can be visited transiently, it is not the predominant state. This is consistent with the view that c-Src displays some catalytic activity even when the A-loop is unphosphorylated. In contrast, phosphorylation of the A-loop contributes to stabilize several structural features that are critical for catalysis, such as the hydrophobic regulatory spine, the HRD motif, and the electrostatic switch. In summary, the free energy landscape calculations demonstrate that phosphorylation of tyrosine 416 in the A-loop essentially “locks” the kinase into its catalytically competent conformation. PMID:24103328

  7. Regulation of Xenopus laevis DNA topoisomerase I activity by phosphorylation in vitro

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kaiserman, H.B.; Ingebritsen, T.S.; Benbow, R.M.

    1988-05-03

    DNA topoisomerase I has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from ovaries of the frog Xenopus laevis. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the most purified fraction revealed a single major band at 110 kDa and less abundant minor bands centered at 62 kDa. Incubation of the most purified fraction with immobilized calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase abolished all DNA topoisomerase enzymatic activity in a time-dependent reaction. Treatment of the dephosphorylated X. laevis DNA topoisomerase I with a X. laevis casein kinase type II activity and ATP restored DNA topoisomerase activity to a level higher than that observed in the most purifiedmore » fraction. In vitro labeling experiments which employed the most purified DNA topoisomerase I fraction, (..gamma..-/sup 32/P)ATP, and the casein kinase type II enzyme showed that both the 110- and 62-kDa bands became phosphorylated in approximately molar proportions. Phosphoamino acid analysis showed that only serine residues became phosphorylated. Phosphorylation was accompanied by an increase in DNA topoisomerase activity in vitro. Dephosphorylation of DNA topoisomerase I appears to block formation of the initial enzyme-substrate complex on the basis of the failure of the dephosphorylated enzyme to nick DNA in the presence of camptothecin. The authors conclude that X. laevis DNA topoisomerase I is partially phosphorylated as isolated and that this phosphorylation is essential for expression of enzymatic activity in vitro. On the basis of the ability of the casein kinase type II activity to reactivate dephosphorylated DNA topoisomerase I, they speculate that this kinase may contribute to the physiological regulation of DNA topoisomerase I activity.« less

  8. Modulation of activation-loop phosphorylation by JAK inhibitors is binding mode dependent

    PubMed Central

    Bonenfant, Débora; Rubert, Joëlle; Vangrevelinghe, Eric; Scheufler, Clemens; Marque, Fanny; Régnier, Catherine H.; De Pover, Alain; Ryckelynck, Hugues; Bhagwat, Neha; Koppikar, Priya; Goel, Aviva; Wyder, Lorenza; Tavares, Gisele; Baffert, Fabienne; Pissot-Soldermann, Carole; Manley, Paul W.; Gaul, Christoph; Voshol, Hans; Levine, Ross L.; Sellers, William R.; Hofmann, Francesco; Radimerski, Thomas

    2016-01-01

    JAK inhibitors are being developed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, myeloproliferative neoplasms and leukemias. Most of these drugs target the ATP-binding pocket and stabilize the active conformation of the JAK kinases. This type-I binding mode leads to an increase in JAK activation-loop phosphorylation, despite blockade of kinase function. Here we report that stabilizing the inactive state via type-II inhibition acts in the opposite manner, leading to a loss of activation-loop phosphorylation. We used X-ray crystallography to corroborate the binding mode and report for the first time the crystal structure of the JAK2 kinase domain in an inactive conformation. Importantly, JAK inhibitor-induced activation-loop phosphorylation requires receptor interaction, as well as intact kinase and pseudokinase domains. Hence, depending on the respective conformation stabilized by a JAK inhibitor, hyperphosphorylation of the activation-loop may or may not be elicited. PMID:22684457

  9. Schisantherin A Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Activated Microglia: Role of Nrf2 Activation Through ERK Phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Li, Chuwen; Chen, Tongkai; Zhou, Hefeng; Zhang, Chao; Feng, Yu; Tang, Fan; Hoi, Maggie Pui-Man; He, Chengwei; Zheng, Ying; Lee, Simon Ming-Yuen

    2018-06-28

    In the present study, we investigated whether schisantherin A (StA) had anti-inflammatory effects under neuroinflammatory conditions. The effects of StA and its underlying mechanisms were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglial cells by ELISA, qPCR, EMSA, Western blot, and IHC. Firstly, we found that StA inhibited the inflammatory response in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia. Secondly, we found that StA suppressed LPS-induced activation of NF-κB via interfering with degradation of IκB and phosphorylation of IκB, IKK, PI3K/Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK. Thirdly, StA conferred indirect antioxidative effects via quenching ROS and promoted expression of antioxidant enzymes, including HO-1 and NQO-1, via stimulating activation of Nrf2 pathways. Finally, we demonstrated that anti-neuroinflammatory actions of StA were dependent on ERK phosphorylation-mediated Nrf2 activation. StA induced ERK phosphorylation-mediated Nrf2 activation, which contributed to its anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. The anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of StA may show preventive therapeutic potential for various neuroinflammatory disorders. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

  10. Heat-shock-specific phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of RNA polymerase II.

    PubMed

    Egyházi, E; Ossoinak, A; Lee, J M; Greenleaf, A L; Mäkelä, T P; Pigon, A

    1998-07-10

    The carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest RNA polymerase II (pol II) subunit is a target for extensive phosphorylation in vivo. Using in vitro kinase assays it was found that several different protein kinases can phosphorylate the CTD including the transcription factor IIH-associated CDK-activating CDK7 kinase (R. Roy, J. P. Adamczewski, T. Seroz, W. Vermeulen, J. P. Tassan, L. Schaeffer, E. A. Nigg, J. H. Hoeijmakers, and J. M. Egly, 1994, Cell 79, 1093-1101). Here we report the colocalization of CDK7 and the phosphorylated form of CTD (phosphoCTD) to actively transcribing genes in intact salivary gland cells of Chironomus tentans. Following a heat-shock treatment, both CDK7 and pol II staining disappear from non-heat-shock genes concomitantly with the abolishment of transcriptional activity of these genes. In contrast, the actively transcribing heat-shock genes, manifested as chromosomal puff 5C on chromosome IV (IV-5C), stain intensely for phosphoCTD, but are devoid of CDK7. Furthermore, the staining of puff IV-5C with anti-PCTD antibodies was not detectably influenced by the TFIIH kinase and transcription inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB). Following heat-shock treatment, the transcription of non-heat-shock genes was completely eliminated, while newly formed heat-shock gene transcripts emerged in a DRB-resistant manner. Thus, heat shock in these cells induces a rapid clearance of CDK7 from the non-heat-shock genes, indicating a lack of involvement of CDK7 in the induction and function of the heat-induced genes. The results taken together suggest the existence of heat-shock-specific CTD phosphorylation in living cells. This phosphorylation is resistant to DRB treatment, suggesting that not only phosphorylation but also transcription of heat-shock genes is DRB resistant and that CDK7 in heat shock cells is not associated with TFIIH.

  11. Phosphorylation Regulates NCC Stability and Transporter Activity In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Sung-Sen; Fang, Yu-Wei; Tseng, Min-Hua; Chu, Pei-Yi; Yu, I-Shing; Wu, Han-Chung; Lin, Shu-Wha; Chau, Tom; Uchida, Shinichi; Sasaki, Sei; Lin, Yuh-Feng; Sytwu, Huey-Kang

    2013-01-01

    A T60M mutation in the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) is common in patients with Gitelman’s syndrome (GS). This mutation prevents Ste20-related proline and alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)/oxidative stress responsive kinase-1 (OSR1)–mediated phosphorylation of NCC and alters NCC transporter activity in vitro. Here, we examined the physiologic effects of NCC phosphorylation in vivo using a novel Ncc T58M (human T60M) knock-in mouse model. NccT58M/T58M mice exhibited typical features of GS with a blunted response to thiazide diuretics. Despite expressing normal levels of Ncc mRNA, these mice had lower levels of total Ncc and p-Ncc protein that did not change with a low-salt diet that increased p-Spak. In contrast to wild-type Ncc, which localized to the apical membrane of distal convoluted tubule cells, T58M Ncc localized primarily to the cytosolic region and caused an increase in late distal convoluted tubule volume. In MDCK cells, exogenous expression of phosphorylation-defective NCC mutants reduced total protein expression levels and membrane stability. Furthermore, our analysis found diminished total urine NCC excretion in a cohort of GS patients with homozygous NCC T60M mutations. When Wnk4D561A/+ mice, a model of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II expressing an activated Spak/Osr1-Ncc, were crossed with NccT58M/T58M mice, total Ncc and p-Ncc protein levels decreased and the GS phenotype persisted over the hypertensive phenotype. Overall, these data suggest that SPAK-mediated phosphorylation of NCC at T60 regulates NCC stability and function, and defective phosphorylation at this residue corrects the phenotype of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II. PMID:23833262

  12. Phosphorylation regulates NCC stability and transporter activity in vivo.

    PubMed

    Yang, Sung-Sen; Fang, Yu-Wei; Tseng, Min-Hua; Chu, Pei-Yi; Yu, I-Shing; Wu, Han-Chung; Lin, Shu-Wha; Chau, Tom; Uchida, Shinichi; Sasaki, Sei; Lin, Yuh-Feng; Sytwu, Huey-Kang; Lin, Shih-Hua

    2013-10-01

    A T60M mutation in the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) is common in patients with Gitelman's syndrome (GS). This mutation prevents Ste20-related proline and alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)/oxidative stress responsive kinase-1 (OSR1)-mediated phosphorylation of NCC and alters NCC transporter activity in vitro. Here, we examined the physiologic effects of NCC phosphorylation in vivo using a novel Ncc T58M (human T60M) knock-in mouse model. Ncc(T58M/T58M) mice exhibited typical features of GS with a blunted response to thiazide diuretics. Despite expressing normal levels of Ncc mRNA, these mice had lower levels of total Ncc and p-Ncc protein that did not change with a low-salt diet that increased p-Spak. In contrast to wild-type Ncc, which localized to the apical membrane of distal convoluted tubule cells, T58M Ncc localized primarily to the cytosolic region and caused an increase in late distal convoluted tubule volume. In MDCK cells, exogenous expression of phosphorylation-defective NCC mutants reduced total protein expression levels and membrane stability. Furthermore, our analysis found diminished total urine NCC excretion in a cohort of GS patients with homozygous NCC T60M mutations. When Wnk4(D561A/+) mice, a model of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II expressing an activated Spak/Osr1-Ncc, were crossed with Ncc(T58M/T58M) mice, total Ncc and p-Ncc protein levels decreased and the GS phenotype persisted over the hypertensive phenotype. Overall, these data suggest that SPAK-mediated phosphorylation of NCC at T60 regulates NCC stability and function, and defective phosphorylation at this residue corrects the phenotype of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II.

  13. Intake of traditional Inuit diet vary in parallel with inflammation as estimated from YKL-40 and hsCRP in Inuit and non-Inuit in Greenland.

    PubMed

    Schæbel, L H; Vestergaard, H; Laurberg, P; Rathcke, C N; Andersen, S

    2013-06-01

    Chronic low-grade inflammation is involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. This was rare in pre-western Inuit who lived on a diet that consisted mainly of marine mammals rich in n-3 fatty acids. To assess the association between biomarkers of inflammation and the intake of traditional Inuit diet in addition to Inuit ethnicity. YKL-40 and hsCRP were measured in serum from 535 Inuit and non-Inuit living in the capital city Nuuk in West Greenland or in the main town or a settlement in rural East Greenland. Dietary habits were assessed by an interview-based food frequency questionnaire. The participation rate was 95%. YKL-40 was higher in Inuit than in non-Inuit (p < 0.001), in Inuit with a higher intake of traditional Inuit diet (p < 0.001), and in Inuit from rural compared to urban areas (p < 0.001). It also rose with age (p < 0.001), alcohol intake (0.019) and smoking (p < 0.001). Inuit had higher hsCRP compared to non-Inuit (p = 0.003) and hsCRP increased in parallel with intake of traditional Inuit foods (p < 0.001). Alcohol associated with a decrease in hsCRP in Inuit (p = 0.004). YKL-40 and hsCRP increased with higher intakes of traditional Inuit diet after adjusting for ethnicity, gender, age, smoking, alcohol intake and BMI. Biomarkers of inflammation vary in parallel with the intake of traditional Inuit diet. A diet based on marine mammals from the Arctic does not reduce inflammatory activity and it may be speculated that markers of inflammation reflect the disease rather than the cause of the disease. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Structure of phosphorylated UBL domain and insights into PINK1-orchestrated parkin activation.

    PubMed

    Aguirre, Jacob D; Dunkerley, Karen M; Mercier, Pascal; Shaw, Gary S

    2017-01-10

    Mutations in PARK2 and PARK6 genes are responsible for the majority of hereditary Parkinson's disease cases. These genes encode the E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin and the protein kinase PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), respectively. Together, parkin and PINK1 regulate the mitophagy pathway, which recycles damaged mitochondria following oxidative stress. Native parkin is inactive and exists in an autoinhibited state mediated by its ubiquitin-like (UBL) domain. PINK1 phosphorylation of serine 65 in parkin's UBL and serine 65 of ubiquitin fully activate ubiquitin ligase activity; however, a structural rationale for these observations is not clear. Here, we report the structure of the phosphorylated UBL domain from parkin. We find that destabilization of the UBL results from rearrangements to hydrophobic core packing that modify its structure. Altered surface electrostatics from the phosphoserine group disrupt its intramolecular association, resulting in poorer autoinhibition in phosphorylated parkin. Further, we show that phosphorylation of both the UBL domain and ubiquitin are required to activate parkin by releasing the UBL domain, forming an extended structure needed to facilitate E2-ubiquitin binding. Together, the results underscore the importance of parkin activation by the PINK1 phosphorylation signal and provide a structural picture of the unraveling of parkin's ubiquitin ligase potential.

  15. HIPK2 restricts SIRT1 activity upon severe DNA damage by a phosphorylation-controlled mechanism

    PubMed Central

    Conrad, E; Polonio-Vallon, T; Meister, M; Matt, S; Bitomsky, N; Herbel, C; Liebl, M; Greiner, V; Kriznik, B; Schumacher, S; Krieghoff-Henning, E; Hofmann, T G

    2016-01-01

    Upon severe DNA damage a cellular signalling network initiates a cell death response through activating tumour suppressor p53 in association with promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) nuclear bodies. The deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) suppresses cell death after DNA damage by antagonizing p53 acetylation. To facilitate efficient p53 acetylation, SIRT1 function needs to be restricted. How SIRT1 activity is regulated under these conditions remains largely unclear. Here we provide evidence that SIRT1 activity is limited upon severe DNA damage through phosphorylation by the DNA damage-responsive kinase HIPK2. We found that DNA damage provokes interaction of SIRT1 and HIPK2, which phosphorylates SIRT1 at Serine 682 upon lethal damage. Furthermore, upon DNA damage SIRT1 and HIPK2 colocalize at PML nuclear bodies, and PML depletion abrogates DNA damage-induced SIRT1 Ser682 phosphorylation. We show that Ser682 phosphorylation inhibits SIRT1 activity and impacts on p53 acetylation, apoptotic p53 target gene expression and cell death. Mechanistically, we found that DNA damage-induced SIRT1 Ser682 phosphorylation provokes disruption of the complex between SIRT1 and its activator AROS. Our findings indicate that phosphorylation-dependent restriction of SIRT1 activity by HIPK2 shapes the p53 response. PMID:26113041

  16. Biological role of site-specific O-glycosylation in cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of osteopontin.

    PubMed

    Oyama, Midori; Kariya, Yoshinobu; Kariya, Yukiko; Matsumoto, Kana; Kanno, Mayumi; Yamaguchi, Yoshiki; Hashimoto, Yasuhiro

    2018-05-09

    Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular glycosylated phosphoprotein that promotes cell adhesion by interacting with several integrin receptors. We previously reported that an OPN mutant lacking five O-glycosylation sites (Thr 134 /Thr 138 /Thr 143 /Thr 147 /Thr 152 ) in the threonine/proline-rich region increased cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation compared with the wild type. However, the role of O-glycosylation in cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of OPN remains to be clarified. Here, we show that site-specific O-glycosylation in the threonine/proline-rich region of OPN affects its cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation independently and/or synergistically. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that OPN mutants with substitution sets of Thr 134 /Thr 138 or Thr 143 /Thr 147 /Thr 152 had decreased and increased cell adhesion activity, respectively. In contrast, the introduction of a single mutation into the O-glycosylation sites had no effect on OPN cell adhesion activity. An adhesion assay using function-blocking antibodies against αvβ3 and β1 integrins, as well as αvβ3 integrin-overexpressing A549 cells, revealed that site-specific O-glycosylation affected the association of OPN with the two integrins. Phosphorylation analyses using phos-tag and LC-MS/MS indicated that phosphorylation levels and sites were influenced by the O-glycosylation status, although the number of O-glycosylation sites was not correlated with the phosphorylation level in OPN. Furthermore, a correlation analysis between phosphorylation level and cell adhesion activity in OPN mutants with the site-specific O-glycosylation showed that they were not always correlated. These results provide conclusive evidence of a novel regulatory mechanism of cell adhesion activity and phosphorylation of OPN by site-specific O-glycosylation. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

  17. Hydroxynonenal-stimulated activity of the uncoupling protein in Acanthamoeba castellanii mitochondria under phosphorylating conditions.

    PubMed

    Woyda-Ploszczyca, Andrzej; Jarmuszkiewicz, Wieslawa

    2013-05-01

    The influence of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a lipid peroxidation end product, on the activity of the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii uncoupling protein (AcUCP) in isolated phosphorylating mitochondria was studied. Under phosphorylating conditions, exogenously added HNE induced GTP-sensitive AcUCP-mediated mitochondrial uncoupling. The HNE-induced proton leak decreased the yield of oxidative phosphorylation in an HNE concentration-dependent manner. The present study describes how the contributions of ATP synthase and HNE-induced AcUCP in phosphorylating respiration vary when the rate of succinate oxidation is decreased by limiting succinate uptake or inhibiting complex III activity within the range of a constant membrane potential. In phosphorylating mitochondria, at a given HNE concentration (100 μM), the efficiency of AcUCP in mitochondrial uncoupling increased as the respiratory rate decreased because the AcUCP contribution remained constant while the ATP synthase contribution decreased with the respiratory rate. HNE-induced uncoupling can be inhibited by GTP only when ubiquinone is sufficiently oxidized, indicating that in phosphorylating A. castellanii mitochondria, the sensitivity of AcUCP activity to GTP depends on the redox state of the membranous ubiquinone.

  18. Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Activities of PR-39 Derived Peptides

    PubMed Central

    Veldhuizen, Edwin J. A.; Schneider, Viktoria A. F.; Agustiandari, Herfita; van Dijk, Albert; Tjeerdsma-van Bokhoven, Johanna L. M.; Bikker, Floris J.; Haagsman, Henk P.

    2014-01-01

    The porcine cathelicidin PR-39 is a host defence peptide that plays a pivotal role in the innate immune defence of the pig against infections. Besides direct antimicrobial activity, it is involved in immunomodulation, wound healing and several other biological processes. In this study, the antimicrobial- and immunomodulatory activity of PR-39, and N- and C-terminal derivatives of PR-39 were tested. PR-39 exhibited an unexpected broad antimicrobial spectrum including several Gram positive strains such as Bacillus globigii and Enterococcus faecalis. Of organisms tested, only Staphylococcus aureus was insensitive to PR-39. Truncation of PR-39 down to 15 (N-terminal) amino acids did not lead to major loss of activity, while peptides corresponding to the C-terminal part of PR-39 were hampered in their antimicrobial activity. However, shorter peptides were all much more sensitive to inhibition by salt. Active peptides induced ATP leakage and loss of membrane potential in Bacillus globigii and Escherichia coli, indicating a lytic mechanism of action for these peptides. Finally, only the mature peptide was able to induce IL-8 production in porcine macrophages, but some shorter peptides also had an effect on TNF-α production showing differential regulation of cytokine induction by PR-39 derived peptides. None of the active peptides showed high cytotoxicity highlighting the potential of these peptides for use as an alternative to antibiotics. PMID:24755622

  19. Phosphorylation of threonine 290 in the activation loop of Tpl2/Cot is necessary but not sufficient for kinase activity.

    PubMed

    Luciano, Brenda S; Hsu, Sang; Channavajhala, Padma L; Lin, Lih-Ling; Cuozzo, John W

    2004-12-10

    Cot/Tpl2/MAP3K8 is a serine/threonine kinase known to activate the ERK, p38, and JNK kinase pathways. Studies of Tpl2 knock-out mice reveal a clear defect in tumor necrosis factor-alpha production, although very little detail is known about its regulation and the signaling events involved. In the present study we demonstrated that phosphorylation of Cot was required for its maximal activity as phosphatase treatment of Cot decreased its kinase activity. The Cot sequence contains a conserved threonine at position 290 in the activation loop of the kinase domain. We found that mutation of this residue to alanine eliminated its ability to activate MEK/ERK and NF-kappaB pathways, whereas a phosphomimetic mutation to aspartic acid could rescue the ability to activate MEK. Thr-290 was also required for robust autophosphorylation of Cot. Antibody generated to phospho-Thr-290-Cot recognized both wild-type and kinase-dead Cot, suggesting that phosphorylation of Thr-290 did not occur through autophosphorylation but via another kinase. We showed that Cot was constitutively phosphorylated at Thr-290 in transfected human embryonic kidney 293T cells as well as human monocytes as this residue was phosphorylated in unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells to the same degree. Treatment with herbimycin A inhibited Cot activity in the MEK/ERK pathway but did not inhibit phosphorylation at Thr-290. Together these results showed that phosphorylation of Cot at Thr-290 is necessary but not sufficient for full kinase activity in the MEK/ERK pathway.

  20. High inorganic phosphate causes DNMT1 phosphorylation and subsequent fibrotic fibroblast activation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tan, Xiaoying; Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, Göttingen University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen; Xu, Xingbo

    Phosphate is an essential constituent of critical cellular functions including energy metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis and phosphorylation-dependent cell signaling. Increased plasma phosphate levels are an independent risk factor for lowered life-expectancy as well as for heart and kidney failure. Nevertheless, direct cellular effects of elevated phosphate concentrations within the microenvironment are poorly understood and have been largely neglected in favor of phosphor-regulatory hormones. Because interstitial fibrosis is the common determinant of chronic progressive kidney disease, and because fibroblasts are major mediators of fibrogenesis, we here explored the effect of high extracellular phosphate levels on renal fibroblasts. We demonstrate that highmore » inorganic phosphate directly induces fibrotic fibroblast activation associated with increased proliferative activity, increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin and increased synthesis of type I collagen. We further demonstrate that such fibroblast activation is dependent on phosphate influx, aberrant phosphorylation of DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 and aberrant CpG island promoter methylation. In summary, our studies demonstrate that elevated phosphate concentrations induce pro-fibrotic fibroblast activation independent of phospho-regulatory hormones. - Highlights: • We exposed human kidney fibroblasts to media containing 1 mM or 3 mM phosphate. • Increased phosphate influx causes phosphorylation of DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1. • Phosphorylated Dnmt1 causes promoter methylation and transcriptional silencing of RASAL1. • Depletion of RASAL1 causes increased intrinsic Ras-GTP activity and fibroblast activation. • Inorganic phosphate causes fibroblast activation independent of phospho-regulatory hormones.« less

  1. Combination of PKCε Activation and PTP1B Inhibition Effectively Suppresses Aβ-Induced GSK-3β Activation and Tau Phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Kanno, Takeshi; Tsuchiya, Ayako; Tanaka, Akito; Nishizaki, Tomoyuki

    2016-09-01

    Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a key element to phosphorylate tau and form neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) found in tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A current topic for AD therapy is focused upon how to prevent tau phosphorylation. In the present study, PKCε activated Akt and inactivated GSK-3β by directly interacting with each protein. Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), alternatively, caused an enhancement in the tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), allowing activation of Akt through a pathway along an IRS-1/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1)/Akt axis, to phosphorylate and inactivate GSK-3β. Combination of PKCε activation and PTP1B inhibition more sufficiently activated Akt and inactivated GSK-3β than each independent treatment, to suppress amyloid β (Aβ)-induced tau phosphorylation and ameliorate spatial learning and memory impairment in 5xFAD transgenic mice, an animal model of AD. This may represent an innovative strategy for AD therapy.

  2. Structural Characterizations of Glycerol Kinase: Unraveling Phosphorylation-Induced Long-Range Activation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yeh, Joanne I.; Kettering, Regina; Saxl, Ruth

    2009-09-11

    Glycerol metabolism provides a central link between sugar and fatty acid catabolism. In most bacteria, glycerol kinase plays a crucial role in regulating channel/facilitator-dependent uptake of glycerol into the cell. In the firmicute Enterococcus casseliflavus, this enzyme's activity is enhanced by phosphorylation of the histidine residue (His232) located in its activation loop, approximately 25 A from its catalytic cleft. We reported earlier that some mutations of His232 altered enzyme activities; we present here the crystal structures of these mutant GlpK enzymes. The structure of a mutant enzyme with enhanced enzymatic activity, His232Arg, reveals that residues at the catalytic cleft aremore » more optimally aligned to bind ATP and mediate phosphoryl transfer. Specifically, the position of Arg18 in His232Arg shifts by approximately 1 A when compared to its position in wild-type (WT), His232Ala, and His232Glu enzymes. This new conformation of Arg18 is more optimally positioned at the presumed gamma-phosphate location of ATP, close to the glycerol substrate. In addition to structural changes exhibited at the active site, the conformational stability of the activation loop is decreased, as reflected by an approximately 35% increase in B factors ('thermal factors') in a mutant enzyme displaying diminished activity, His232Glu. Correlating conformational changes to alteration of enzymatic activities in the mutant enzymes identifies distinct localized regions that can have profound effects on intramolecular signal transduction. Alterations in pairwise interactions across the dimer interface can communicate phosphorylation states over 25 A from the activation loop to the catalytic cleft, positioning Arg18 to form favorable interactions at the beta,gamma-bridging position with ATP. This would offset loss of the hydrogen bonds at the gamma-phosphate of ATP during phosphoryl transfer to glycerol, suggesting that appropriate alignment of the second substrate of glycerol

  3. Influence of phosphorylation of THR-3, SER-11, and SER-15 on deoxycytidine kinase activity and stability.

    PubMed

    Smal, C; Ntamashimikiro, S; Arts, A; Van Den Neste, E; Bontemps, F

    2010-06-01

    Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is a key enzyme in the salvage of deoxyribonucleosides and in the activation of several anticancer and antiviral nucleoside analogues. We have recently shown that dCK is a phosphoprotein. Four in vivo phosphorylation sites were identified: Thr-3, Ser-11, Ser-15, and Ser-74. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that phosphorylation of Ser-74, the major phosphorylated residue, strongly influences dCK activity in eucaryotic cells. Here, we show that phosphorylation of the three other sites, located in the N-terminal extremity of the protein, does not significantly modify dCK activity, but phosphorylation of Thr-3 could promote dCK stability.

  4. Lopinavir Impairs Protein Synthesis and Induces eEF2 Phosphorylation via the Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase

    PubMed Central

    Hong-Brown, Ly Q.; Brown, C. Randell; Huber, Danuta S.; Lang, Charles H.

    2008-01-01

    HIV anti-retroviral drugs decrease protein synthesis, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms of this process are not fully established. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the HIV protease inhibitor lopinavir (LPV) on protein metabolism. We also characterized the mechanisms that mediate the effects of this drug on elongation factor-2 (eEF2), a key component of the translational machinery. Treatment of C2C12 myocytes with LPV produced a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on protein synthesis. This effect was observed at 15 min and was maintained for at least 4 h. Mechanistically, LPV increased the phosphorylation of eEF2 and thereby decreased the activity of this protein. Increased phosphorylation of eEF2 was associated with increased activity of its upstream regulators AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and eEF2 kinase (eEF2K). Both AMPK and eEF2K directly phosphorylated eEF2 in an in vitro kinase assay suggesting two distinct paths lead to eEF2 phosphorylation. To verify this connection, myocytes were treated with the AMPK inhibitor compound C. Compound C blocked eEF2K and eEF2 phosphorylation, demonstrating that LPV affects eEF2 activity via an AMPK-eEF2K dependent pathway. In contrast, incubation of myocytes with rottlerin suppressed eEF2K, but not eEF2 phosphorylation, suggesting that eEF2 can be regulated independent of eEF2K. Finally, LPV did not affect PP2A activity when either eEF2 or peptide was used as the substrate. Collectively, these results indicate that LPV decreases protein synthesis, at least in part, via inhibition of eEF2. This appears regulated by AMPK which can act directly on eEF2 or indirectly via the action of eEF2K. PMID:18712774

  5. Light-regulated phosphorylation of maize phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase plays a vital role in its activity.

    PubMed

    Chao, Qing; Liu, Xiao-Yu; Mei, Ying-Chang; Gao, Zhi-Fang; Chen, Yi-Bo; Qian, Chun-Rong; Hao, Yu-Bo; Wang, Bai-Chen

    2014-05-01

    Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)-the major decarboxylase in PEPCK-type C4 plants-is also present in appreciable amounts in the bundle sheath cells of NADP-malic enzyme-type C4 plants, such as maize (Zea mays), where it plays an apparent crucial role during photosynthesis (Wingler et al., in Plant Physiol 120(2):539-546, 1999; Furumoto et al., in Plant Mol Biol 41(3):301-311, 1999). Herein, we describe the use of mass spectrometry to demonstrate phosphorylation of maize PEPCK residues Ser55, Thr58, Thr59, and Thr120. Western blotting indicated that the extent of Ser55 phosphorylation dramatically increases in the leaves of maize seedlings when the seedlings are transferred from darkness to light, and decreases in the leaves of seedlings transferred from light to darkness. The effect of light on phosphorylation of this residue is opposite that of the effect of light on PEPCK activity, with the decarboxylase activity of PEPCK being less in illuminated leaves than in leaves left in the dark. This inverse relationship between PEPCK activity and the extent of phosphorylation suggests that the suppressive effect of light on PEPCK decarboxylation activity might be mediated by reversible phosphorylation of Ser55.

  6. Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 Activity and Protein Stability Are Modulated by Phosphorylation of Five Conserved Serines*

    PubMed Central

    Filosto, Simone; Ashfaq, Majid; Chung, Samuel; Fry, William; Goldkorn, Tzipora

    2012-01-01

    We previously presented that the neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) is the only SMase activated in human airway epithelial (HAE) cells following exposure to oxidative stress (ox-stress), yielding ceramide accumulation and thereby inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we reported that nSMase2 is a phospho-protein in which the level of phosphorylation controls nSMase2 activation induced by ox-stress. Here we identify five specific serines that are phosphorylated in nSMase2 and demonstrate that their phosphorylation controls the nSMase2 activity upon ox-stress exposure in an interdependent manner. Furthermore, we show that the nSMase2 protein stability and thus its level of expression is also post-translationally regulated by these five serine phosphorylation sites. This study provides initial structure/function insights regarding nSMase2 phosphorylation sites and offers some new links for future studies aiming to fully elucidate nSMase2 regulatory machinery. PMID:22074919

  7. Haloperidol Regulates the State of Phosphorylation of Ribosomal Protein S6 via Activation of PKA and Phosphorylation of DARPP-32

    PubMed Central

    Valjent, Emmanuel; Bertran-Gonzalez, Jesus; Bowling, Heather; Lopez, Sébastien; Santini, Emanuela; Matamales, Miriam; Bonito-Oliva, Alessandra; Hervé, Denis; Hoeffer, Charles; Klann, Eric; Girault, Jean-Antoine; Fisone, Gilberto

    2011-01-01

    Administration of typical antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol, promotes cAMP-dependent signaling in the medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum. In this study, we have examined the effect of haloperidol on the state of phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), a component of the small 40S ribosomal subunit. We found that haloperidol increases the phosphorylation of rpS6 at the dual site Ser235/236, which is involved in the regulation of mRNA translation. This effect was exerted in the MSNs of the indirect pathway, which express specifically dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) and adenosine A2 receptors (A2ARs). The effect of haloperidol was decreased by blockade of A2ARs or by genetic attenuation of the Gαolf protein, which couples A2ARs to activation of adenylyl cyclase. Moreover, stimulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) increased Ser235/236 phosphorylation in cultured striatal neurons. The ability of haloperidol to promote rpS6 phosphorylation was abolished in knock-in mice deficient for PKA activation of the protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor, dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa. In contrast, pharmacological or genetic inactivation of p70 rpS6 kinase 1, or extracellular signal-regulated kinases did not affect haloperidol-induced rpS6 phosphorylation. These results identify PKA as a major rpS6 kinase in neuronal cells and suggest that regulation of protein synthesis through rpS6 may be a potential target of antipsychotic drugs. PMID:21814187

  8. Casein kinase 1delta activates human recombinant deoxycytidine kinase by Ser-74 phosphorylation, but is not involved in the in vivo regulation of its activity.

    PubMed

    Smal, Caroline; Vertommen, Didier; Amsailale, Rachid; Arts, Angélique; Degand, Hervé; Morsomme, Pierre; Rider, Mark H; Neste, Eric Van Den; Bontemps, Françoise

    2010-10-01

    Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) is a key enzyme in the salvage of deoxynucleosides and in the activation of several anticancer and antiviral nucleoside analogues. We recently showed that dCK was activated in vivo by phosphorylation of Ser-74. However, the protein kinase responsible was not identified. Ser-74 is located downstream a Glu-rich region, presenting similarity with the consensus phosphorylation motif of casein kinase 1 (CKI), and particularly of CKI delta. We showed that recombinant CKI delta phosphorylated several residues of bacterially overexpressed dCK: Ser-74, but also Ser-11, Ser-15, and Thr-72. Phosphorylation of dCK by CKI delta correlated with increased activity reaching at least 4-fold. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that only Ser-74 phosphorylation was involved in dCK activation by CKI delta, strengthening the key role of this residue in the control of dCK activity. However, neither CKI delta inhibitors nor CKI delta siRNA-mediated knock-down modified Ser-74 phosphorylation or dCK activity in cultured cells. Moreover, these approaches did not prevent dCK activation induced by treatments enhancing Ser-74 phosphorylation. Taken together, the data preclude a role of CKI delta in the regulation of dCK activity in vivo. Nevertheless, phosphorylation of dCK by CKI delta could be a useful tool for elucidating the influence of Ser-74 phosphorylation on the structure-activity relationships in the enzyme. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Circulating Bone-related Markers and YKL-40 Versus HER2 and TOPO2a in Bone Metastatic and Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnostic Implications.

    PubMed

    Shaker, Olfat Gamil; Helmy, Hebatullah Samy

    2018-06-01

    The bone represents one of the most common sites of metastases in breast cancer. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of several circulating markers to detect metastasis to bones in patients with breast cancer. Receptor activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa β (NF-Kβ) ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegrin (OPG), vitamin D (VIT D), Chitinase-3-like protein 1; also known as YKL-40, topoisomerase IIα (TOPO2a), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were measured in blood samples obtained from 122 patients with breast cancer and 25 healthy controls. All biomarkers were significantly elevated in patients with breast cancer with bone metastasis compared with nonmetastatic patients except YKL-40. RANKL had the highest diagnostic performance for bone metastasis detection with an area under the curve of 97.3, a sensitivity of 85%, and a specificity of 98.6%. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis resulted in a model of RANKL combined with HER2 that had even higher discriminatory power of metastasis to bones than that of RANKL alone. Overall correct classification of the model was 98.9%. We recommend that measuring RANKL together with HER2 can be routinely applied to allow early detection of bone metastases in patients with breast cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Protein phosphorylation as a mechanism for osmotic-stress activation of sucrose-phosphate synthase in spinach leaves.

    PubMed

    Toroser, D; Huber, S C

    1997-07-01

    Experiments were performed to investigated the mechanism of sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) activation by osmotic stress in darkened spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves. The activation was stable through immunopurification and was not the result of an increased SPS protein level. The previously described Ca(2+)-independent peak III kinase, obtained by ion-exchange chromatography, is confirmed to be the predominant enzyme catalyzing phosphorylation and inactivation of dephosphoserine-158-SPS. A new, Ca(2+)-dependent SPS-protein kinase activity (peak IV kinase) was also resolved and shown to phosphorylate and activate phosphoserine-158-SPS in vitro. The peak IV kinase also phosphorylated a synthetic peptide (SP29) based on the amino acid sequence surrounding serine-424, which also contains the motif described for the serine-158 regulatory phosphorylation site; i.e. basic residues at P-3 and P-6 and a hydrophobic residue at P-5. Peak IV kinase had a native molecular weight of approximately 150,000 as shown by gel filtration. The SP29 peptide was not phosphorylated by the inactivating peak III kinase. Osmotically stressed leaves showed increased peak IV kinase activity with the SP29 peptide as a substrate. Tryptic 32P-phosphopeptide analysis of SPS from excised spinach leaves fed [32P]inorganic P showed increased phosphorylation of the tryptic peptide containing serine-424. Therefore, at least part of the osmotic stress activation of SPS in dark leaves results from phosphorylation of serine-424 catalyzed by a Ca(2+)-dependent, 150-kD protein kinase.

  11. DNA-independent PARP-1 activation by phosphorylated ERK2 increases Elk1 activity: a link to histone acetylation.

    PubMed

    Cohen-Armon, Malka; Visochek, Leonid; Rozensal, Dana; Kalal, Adi; Geistrikh, Ilona; Klein, Rodika; Bendetz-Nezer, Sarit; Yao, Zhong; Seger, Rony

    2007-01-26

    PolyADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs) catalyze a posttranslational modification of nuclear proteins by polyADP-ribosylation. The catalytic activity of the abundant nuclear protein PARP-1 is stimulated by DNA strand breaks, and PARP-1 activation is required for initiation of DNA repair. Here we show that PARP-1 also acts within extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade that mediates growth and differentiation. The findings reveal an alternative mode of PARP-1 activation, which does not involve binding to DNA or DNA damage. In a cell-free system, recombinant PARP-1 was intensively activated and thereby polyADP-ribosylated by a direct interaction with phosphorylated ERK2, and the activated PARP-1 dramatically increased ERK2-catalyzed phosphorylation of the transcription factor Elk1. In cortical neurons treated with nerve growth factors and in stimulated cardiomyocytes, PARP-1 activation enhanced ERK-induced Elk1-phosphorylation, core histone acetylation, and transcription of the Elk1-target gene c-fos. These findings constitute evidence for PARP-1 activity within the ERK signal-transduction pathway.

  12. Tyrosine kinase activity of EphA2 promotes its S897 phosphorylation and glioblastoma cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Hamaoka, Yuho; Negishi, Manabu; Katoh, Hironori

    2018-05-23

    EphA2, a member of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases, has been reported to promote tumor malignancy through phosphorylation of serine 897 (S897). Here, we found that overexpression of wild-type EphA2 induced S897 phosphorylation through ERK activation without growth factors or cytokines and promoted glioblastoma cell proliferation. However, overexpression of a kinase-inactive mutant of EphA2 failed to induce ERK activation, S897 phosphorylation, and promotion of glioblastoma cell proliferation. These data suggest that when overexpressed, EphA2 induces ERK activation through its tyrosine kinase activity, leading to S897 phosphorylation and promotion of glioblastoma cell proliferation. Our findings provide a new insight into how EphA2 mediates glioblastoma progression. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity and phosphorylation at Ser(19) and Ser(40) via activation of glutamate NMDA receptors in rat striatum.

    PubMed

    Lindgren, N; Xu, Z Q; Lindskog, M; Herrera-Marschitz, M; Goiny, M; Haycock, J; Goldstein, M; Hökfelt, T; Fisone, G

    2000-06-01

    The activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of dopamine, is stimulated by phosphorylation. In this study, we examined the effects of activation of NMDA receptors on the state of phosphorylation and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase in rat striatal slices. NMDA produced a time-and concentration-dependent increase in the levels of phospho-Ser(19)-tyrosine hydroxylase in nigrostriatal nerve terminals. This increase was not associated with any changes in the basal activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, measured as DOPA accumulation. Forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase, stimulated tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation at Ser(40) and caused a significant increase in DOPA accumulation. NMDA reduced forskolin-mediated increases in both Ser(40) phosphorylation and DOPA accumulation. In addition, NMDA reduced the increase in phospho-Ser(40)-tyrosine hydroxylase produced by okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 and 2A, but not by a cyclic AMP analogue, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. These results indicate that, in the striatum, glutamate decreases tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation at Ser(40) via activation of NMDA receptors by reducing cyclic AMP production. They also provide a mechanism for the demonstrated ability of NMDA to decrease tyrosine hydroxylase activity and dopamine synthesis.

  14. Phosphorylated Nuclear Receptor CAR Forms a Homodimer To Repress Its Constitutive Activity for Ligand Activation

    PubMed Central

    Shizu, Ryota; Osabe, Makoto; Perera, Lalith; Moore, Rick; Sueyoshi, Tatsuya

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT The nuclear receptor CAR (NR1I3) regulates hepatic drug and energy metabolism as well as cell fate. Its activation can be a critical factor in drug-induced toxicity and the development of diseases, including diabetes and tumors. CAR inactivates its constitutive activity by phosphorylation at threonine 38. Utilizing receptor for protein kinase 1 (RACK1) as the regulatory subunit, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dephosphorylates threonine 38 to activate CAR. Here we demonstrate that CAR undergoes homodimer-monomer conversion to regulate this dephosphorylation. By coexpression of two differently tagged CAR proteins in Huh-7 cells, mouse primary hepatocytes, and mouse livers, coimmunoprecipitation and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that CAR can form a homodimer in a configuration in which the PP2A/RACK1 binding site is buried within its dimer interface. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was found to stimulate CAR homodimerization, thus constraining CAR in its inactive form. The agonistic ligand CITCO binds directly to the CAR homodimer and dissociates phosphorylated CAR into its monomers, exposing the PP2A/RACK1 binding site for dephosphorylation. Phenobarbital, which is not a CAR ligand, binds the EGF receptor, reversing the EGF signal to monomerize CAR for its indirect activation. Thus, the homodimer-monomer conversion is the underlying molecular mechanism that regulates CAR activation, by placing phosphorylated threonine 38 as the common target for both direct and indirect activation of CAR. PMID:28265001

  15. Delta-Secretase Phosphorylation by SRPK2 Enhances Its Enzymatic Activity, Provoking Pathogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhi-Hao; Liu, Pai; Liu, Xia; Manfredsson, Fredric P; Sandoval, Ivette M; Yu, Shan Ping; Wang, Jian-Zhi; Ye, Keqiang

    2017-09-07

    Delta-secretase, a lysosomal asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), simultaneously cleaves both APP and tau, controlling the onset of pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, how this protease is post-translationally regulated remains unclear. Here we report that serine-arginine protein kinase 2 (SRPK2) phosphorylates delta-secretase and enhances its enzymatic activity. SRPK2 phosphorylates serine 226 on delta-secretase and accelerates its autocatalytic cleavage, leading to its cytoplasmic translocation and escalated enzymatic activities. Delta-secretase is highly phosphorylated in human AD brains, tightly correlated with SRPK2 activity. Overexpression of a phosphorylation mimetic (S226D) in young 3xTg mice strongly promotes APP and tau fragmentation and facilitates amyloid plaque deposits and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation, resulting in cognitive impairment. Conversely, viral injection of the non-phosphorylatable mutant (S226A) into 5XFAD mice decreases APP and tau proteolytic cleavage, attenuates AD pathologies, and reverses cognitive defects. Our findings support that delta-secretase phosphorylation by SRPK2 plays a critical role in aggravating AD pathogenesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Phosphorylation of paxillin via the ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in EL4 thymoma cells.

    PubMed

    Ku, H; Meier, K E

    2000-04-14

    Intracellular signals can regulate cell adhesion via several mechanisms in a process referred to as "inside-out" signaling. In phorbol ester-sensitive EL4 thymoma cells, phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induces activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinases and promotes cell adhesion. In this study, clonal EL4 cell lines with varying abilities to activate ERKs in response to PMA were used to examine signaling events occurring downstream of ERK activation. Paxillin, a multifunctional docking protein involved in cell adhesion, was phosphorylated on serine/threonine residues in response to PMA treatment. This response was correlated with the extent and time course of ERK activation. PMA-induced phosphorylation of paxillin was inhibited by compounds that block the ERK activation pathway in EL4 cells, primary murine thymocytes, and primary murine splenocytes. Paxillin was phosphorylated in vitro by purified active ERK2. Two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed that PMA treatment generated a complex pattern of phosphorylated paxillin species in intact cells, some of which were generated by ERK-mediated phosphorylation in vitro. An ERK pathway inhibitor interfered with PMA-induced adhesion of sensitive EL4 cells to substrate. These findings describe a novel inside-out signaling pathway by which the ERK cascade may regulate events involved in adhesion.

  17. Regulation of Catalytic and Non-catalytic Functions of the Drosophila Ste20 Kinase Slik by Activation Segment Phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Panneton, Vincent; Nath, Apurba; Sader, Fadi; Delaunay, Nathalie; Pelletier, Ariane; Maier, Dominic; Oh, Karen; Hipfner, David R

    2015-08-21

    Protein kinases carry out important functions in cells both by phosphorylating substrates and by means of regulated non-catalytic activities. Such non-catalytic functions have been ascribed to many kinases, including some members of the Ste20 family. The Drosophila Ste20 kinase Slik phosphorylates and activates Moesin in developing epithelial tissues to promote epithelial tissue integrity. It also functions non-catalytically to promote epithelial cell proliferation and tissue growth. We carried out a structure-function analysis to determine how these two distinct activities of Slik are controlled. We find that the conserved C-terminal coiled-coil domain of Slik, which is necessary and sufficient for apical localization of the kinase in epithelial cells, is not required for Moesin phosphorylation but is critical for the growth-promoting function of Slik. Slik is auto- and trans-phosphorylated in vivo. Phosphorylation of at least two of three conserved sites in the activation segment is required for both efficient catalytic activity and non-catalytic signaling. Slik function is thus dependent upon proper localization of the kinase via the C-terminal coiled-coil domain and activation via activation segment phosphorylation, which enhances both phosphorylation of substrates like Moesin and engagement of effectors of its non-catalytic growth-promoting activity. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  18. Contribution of phospholipase C-beta3 phosphorylation to the rapid attenuation of opioid-activated phosphoinositide response.

    PubMed

    Strassheim, D; Law, P Y; Loh, H H

    1998-06-01

    Activation of the delta-opioid receptor in NG108-15 neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells results in a transient increase at the intracellular level of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]. This time course in the transient increase in the Ins(1,4,5)P3 level is distinctly different from that observed in the homologous opioid receptor desensitization as measured by the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. One probable mechanism for this rapid loss in Ins(1,4,5)P3 response is the feedback regulation of the phospholipase C activity. Regulation by protein phosphorylation was suggested by the observations that the opioid-mediated response was potentiated by calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), and was abolished by either phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, a PKC activator, or calyculin A, a protein phosphatase1/2A inhibitor. The direct phosphorylation of phospholipase C was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of PLC-beta3 from metabolically labeled NG108-15 cells challenged with the delta-selective agonist [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE). A time- and DPDPE concentration-dependent and naloxone-reversible increase in the PLC-beta3 phosphorylation can be demonstrated. This PLC-beta3 phosphorylation was mainly due to PKC activation because pretreatment of NG108-15 cells with calphostin C could block the DPDPE effect. Activation of the PLC-beta3 by DPDPE was one of the prerequisites for agonist-mediated PLC-beta3 phosphorylation because the aminosteroid phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 could block the DPDPE effect. In addition to DPDPE, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulated the PLC-beta3 phosphorylation, but bradykinin did not. Furthermore, the LPA- and DPDPE-mediated PLC-beta3 phosphorylation was additive and was much less than that observed with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. The effect of DPDPE was specific to PLC-beta3; the betagamma-insensitive phospholipase C-beta1 was not phosphorylated in the presence of either DPDPE or LPA. These results

  19. Phosphorylation of glutaminase by PKCε is essential for its enzymatic activity and critically contributes to tumorigenesis.

    PubMed

    Han, Tianyu; Zhan, Weihua; Gan, Mingxi; Liu, Fanrong; Yu, Bentong; Chin, Y Eugene; Wang, Jian-Bin

    2018-06-01

    Glutamine metabolism plays an important role in cancer development and progression. Glutaminase C (GAC), the first enzyme in glutaminolysis, has emerged as an important target for cancer therapy and many studies have focused on the mechanism of enhanced GAC expression in cancer cells. However, little is known about the post-translational modification of GAC. Here, we report that phosphorylation is a crucial post-translational modification of GAC, which is responsible for the higher glutaminase activity in lung tumor tissues and cancer cells. We identify the key Ser314 phosphorylation site on GAC that is regulated by the NF-κB-PKCε axis. Blocking Ser314 phosphorylation by the S314A mutation in lung cancer cells inhibits the glutaminase activity, triggers genetic reprogramming, and alleviates tumor malignancy. Furthermore, we find that a high level of GAC phosphorylation correlates with poor survival rate of lung cancer patients. These findings highlight a previously unappreciated mechanism for activation of GAC by phosphorylation and demonstrate that targeting glutaminase activity can inhibit oncogenic transformation.

  20. Positive regulation of deoxycytidine kinase activity by phosphorylation of Ser-74 in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia lymphocytes.

    PubMed

    Smal, Caroline; Van Den Neste, Eric; Maerevoet, Marie; Poiré, Xavier; Théate, Ivan; Bontemps, Françoise

    2007-08-08

    Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) activates several antileukaemic nucleoside analogues. We have recently reported that the activity of dCK, overexpressed in HEK 293T cells, correlates with its phosphorylation level on Ser-74. Here, we show that dCK from B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) lymphocytes can be detected by an anti-phospho-Ser-74 antibody and that interindividual variability in dCK activity is related to its phosphorylation level on Ser-74. Moreover, pharmacological intervention modified Ser-74 phosphorylation, in close parallel with changes in dCK activity. These results suggest that activation of dCK via phosphorylation of Ser-74 might constitute a new therapeutic strategy to enhance activation and efficacy of nucleoside analogues.

  1. β-Arrestin2 functions as a phosphorylation-regulated suppressor of UV-induced NF-κB activation

    PubMed Central

    Luan, Bing; Zhang, Zhenning; Wu, Yalan; Kang, Jiuhong; Pei, Gang

    2005-01-01

    NF-κB activation is an important mechanism of mammalian UV response to protect cells. UV-induced NF-κB activation depends on the casein kinase II (CK2) phosphorylation of IκBα at a cluster of C-terminal sites, but how it is regulated remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that β-arrestin2 can function as an effective suppressor of UV-induced NF-κB activation through its direct interaction with IκBα. CK2 phosphorylation of β-arrestin2 blocks its interaction with IκBα and abolishes its suppression of NF-κB activation, indicating that the β-arrestin2 phosphorylation is critical. Moreover, stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors, a representative of G-protein-coupled receptors in epidermal cells, promotes dephosphorylation of β-arrestin2 and its suppression of NF-κB activation. Consequently, the β-arrestin2 suppression leads to promotion of UV-induced cell death, which is also under regulation of β-arrestin2 phosphorylation. Thus, β-arrestin2 is identified as a phosphorylation-regulated suppressor of UV response and this may play a functional role in the response of epidermal cells to UV. PMID:16308565

  2. Collagen induces activation of DDR1 through lateral dimer association and phosphorylation between dimers

    PubMed Central

    Juskaite, Victoria; Corcoran, David S; Leitinger, Birgit

    2017-01-01

    The collagen-binding receptor tyrosine kinase DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor 1) is a drug target for a wide range of human diseases, but the molecular mechanism of DDR1 activation is poorly defined. Here we co-expressed different types of signalling-incompetent DDR1 mutants (‘receiver’) with functional DDR1 (‘donor’) and demonstrate phosphorylation of receiver DDR1 by donor DDR1 in response to collagen. Making use of enforced covalent DDR1 dimerisation, which does not affect receptor function, we show that receiver dimers are phosphorylated in trans by the donor; this process requires the kinase activity of the donor but not that of the receiver. The receiver ectodomain is not required, but phosphorylation in trans is abolished by mutation of the transmembrane domain. Finally, we show that mutant DDR1 that cannot bind collagen is recruited into DDR1 signalling clusters. Our results support an activation mechanism whereby collagen induces lateral association of DDR1 dimers and phosphorylation between dimers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25716.001 PMID:28590245

  3. Tau phosphorylation and kinase activation in familial tauopathy linked to deln296 mutation.

    PubMed

    Ferrer, I; Pastor, P; Rey, M J; Muñoz, E; Puig, B; Pastor, E; Oliva, R; Tolosa, E

    2003-02-01

    Tau phosphorylation has been examined by immunohistochemistry in the brain of a patient affected with familial tauopathy with progressive supranuclear palsy-like phenotype linked to the delN296 mutation in the tau gene. Phospho-specific tau antibodies Thr181, Ser202, Ser214, Ser396 and Ser422, and antibodies to glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha/beta (GSK-3alpha/beta) and to phosphorylated (P) mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MAPK/ERK), stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), p38 kinase (p38) and GSK-3betaSer9 have been used to gain understanding of the identification of phosphorylation sites, as well as of the specific kinases that regulate tau phosphorylation at those specific sites, in a familial tauopathy. The neuropathological examination disclosed atrophy of the right precentral gyrus and the brainstem. Neurone loss and gliosis were observed in the substantia nigra, several nuclei of the brainstem and diencephalon. Hyper-phosphorylated tau accumulated in neurones with neurofibrillary tangles and in neurones with pretangles in the substantia nigra, locus ceruleus, peri-aqueductal grey matter, reticular formation, motor nuclei of the brainstem, and thalamus, amygdala and hippocampus. tau-immunoreactive astrocytes and, particularly, oligodendrocytes with coiled bodies were widespread in the brainstem, diencephalons, cerebral white matter and cerebral cortex. Increased expression of MAPK/ERK-P, SAPK/JNK-P, p-38-P and GSK-3beta-P was observed in select subpopulations of neurones with neurofibrillary tangles and in neurones with pretangles. MAPK/ERK-P, SAPK/JNK-P, p38-P and GSK-3beta-P were also expressed in tau-containing astrocytes and in oligodendrocytes with coiled bodies. These findings show, for the first time, activation of precise kinases that regulate tau phosphorylation at specific sites in familial tauopathy.

  4. Phosphorylation of XPB helicase regulates TFIIH nucleotide excision repair activity

    PubMed Central

    Coin, Frédéric; Auriol, Jérome; Tapias, Angel; Clivio, Pascale; Vermeulen, Wim; Egly, Jean-Marc

    2004-01-01

    Nucleotide excision repair (NER) removes damage from DNA in a tightly regulated multiprotein process. The xeroderma pigmentosum group B (XPB) helicase subunit of TFIIH functions in NER and transcription. The serine 751 (S751) residue of XPB was found to be phosphorylated in vivo. This phosphorylation inhibits NER and the microinjection of a phosphomimicking XPB-S751E mutant is unable to correct the NER defect of XP-B cells. Conversely, XPB-S751 dephosphorylation or its substitution with alanine (S751A) restores NER both in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, phospho/dephosphorylation of S751 spares TFIIH-dependent transcription. Finally, the phosphorylation of XPB-S751 does not impair the TFIIH unwinding of the DNA around the lesion, but rather prevents the 5′ incision triggered by the ERCC1-XPF endonuclease. These data support an additional role for XPB in promoting the incision of the damaged fragment and reveal a point of NER regulation on TFIIH without interference in its transcription activity. PMID:15549133

  5. Biologically active leptin-related synthetic peptides activate STAT3 via phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PI-3K.

    PubMed

    Lin, Hung-Yun; Yang, Sheng-Huei; Tang, Heng-Yuan; Cheng, Guei-Yun; Davis, Paul J; Grasso, Patricia

    2014-07-01

    The effects of leptin-related synthetic peptides [d-Leu-4]-OB3 and OB3 on energy balance and glucose homeostasis in ob/ob and db/db mice have been confirmed. The molecular basis of these effects, however, remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the ability of these peptides to activate signal transduction pathways known to be involved in transduction of the leptin signal. In a specific and concentration-dependent manner, [d-Leu-4]-OB3 induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, PI-3K, Ser-727 STAT3, and Tyr-705 of STAT3. OB3 also induced activation of STAT3 via phosphorylation of ERK1/2, STAT3 Ser-727, STAT3 Tyr-705 and PI-3K p85, but to a lesser degree. Using PD98059 and LY294002, specific inhibitors of MEK and PI-3K, respectively, we were able to identify the signal transduction pathways involved in peptide-induced STAT3 activation. [d-Leu-4]-OB3 induced serine phosphorylation of STAT3 primarily through activation of ERK1/2. Tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3, however, was induced primarily through activation of PI-3K. Our data suggest that in db/db mice, [d-Leu-4]-OB3 binding to short isoforms of the leptin receptor induces intracellular signaling cascades which do not require OB-Rb activation. These signals may ultimately result in peptide effects on transcriptional and translational events associated with energy balance and glycemic regulation. In summary, we have shown for the first time that, similar to leptin, bioactive leptin-related synthetic peptide analogs activate STAT3 via phosphorylation of serine and tyrosine residues by multiple signal transduction pathways. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. UVC-induced apoptosis in Dubca cells is independent of JNK activation and p53{sup Ser-15} phosphorylation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chathoth, Shahanas; Thayyullathil, Faisal; Hago, Abdulkader

    2009-06-12

    Ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation in mammalian cell lines activates a complex signaling network that leads to apoptosis. By using Dubca cells as a model system, we report the presence of a UVC-induced apoptotic pathway that is independent of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) activation and p53 phosphorylation at Ser{sup 15}. Irradiation of Dubca cells with UVC results in a rapid JNK activation and phosphorylation of its downstream target c-Jun, as well as, phosphorylation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2). Pre-treatment with JNK inhibitor, SP600125, inhibited UVC-induced c-Jun phosphorylation without preventing UVC-induced apoptosis. Similarly, inhibition of UVC-induced p53 phosphorylation did not preventmore » Dubca cell apoptosis, suggesting that p53{sup Ser-15} phosphorylation is not associated with UVC-induced apoptosis signaling. The pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk inhibited UVC-induced PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and ultimately apoptosis of Dubca cells. Altogether, our study clearly indicates that UVC-induced apoptosis is independent of JNK and p53 activation in Dubca cells, rather, it is mediated through a caspase dependent pathway. Our findings are not in line with the ascribed critical role for JNKs activation, and downstream phosphorylation of targets such as c-Jun and ATF2 in UVC-induced apoptosis.« less

  7. Pervanadate induces Mammalian Ste20 Kinase 3 (MST3) tyrosine phosphorylation but not activation.

    PubMed

    Kan, Wei-Chih; Lu, Te-Ling; Ling, Pin; Lee, Te-Hsiu; Cho, Chien-Yu; Huang, Chi-Ying F; Jeng, Wen-Yih; Weng, Yui-Ping; Chiang, Chun-Yen; Wu, Jin Bin; Lu, Te-Jung

    2016-07-01

    The yeast Ste20 (sterile) protein kinase, which is a serine/threonine kinase, responds to the stimulation of the G proteincoupled receptor (GPCR) pheromone receptor. Ste20 protein kinase serves as the critical component that links signaling from the GPCR/G proteins to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in yeast. The yeast Ste20p functions as a MAP kinase kinase kinase kinase (MAP4K) in the pheromone response. Ste20-like kinases are structurally conserved from yeast to mammals. The mechanism by which MAP4K links GPCR to the MAPK pathway is less clearly defined in vertebrates. In addition to MAP4K, the tyrosine kinase cascade bridges G proteins and the MAPK pathway in vertebrate cells. Mammalian Ste20 Kinase 3 (MST3) has been categorized into the Ste20 family and has been reported to function in the regulation of cell polarity and migration. However, whether MST3 tyrosine phosphorylation regulates diverse signaling pathways is unknown. In this study, the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate was found to induce MST3 tyrosine phosphorylation in intact cells, and the activity of tyrosine-phosphorylated MST3 was measured. This tyrosine-directed phosphorylation was independent of MST3 activity. Parameters including protein conformation, Triton concentration and ionic concentration influenced the sensitivity of MST3 activity. Taken together, our data suggests that the serine/threonine kinase MST3 undergoes tyrosinedirected phosphorylation. The tyrosine-phosphorylated MST3 may create a docking site for the structurally conserved SH2/SH3 (Src Homology 2 and 3) domains within the Src oncoprotein. The unusual tyrosinephosphorylated MST3 may recruit MST3 to various signaling components. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  8. Phorbol ester-induced serine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor decreases its tyrosine kinase activity.

    PubMed

    Takayama, S; White, M F; Kahn, C R

    1988-03-05

    The effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the function of the insulin receptor was examined in intact hepatoma cells (Fao) and in solubilized extracts purified by wheat germ agglutinin chromatography. Incubation of ortho[32P]phosphate-labeled Fao cells with TPA increased the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor 2-fold after 30 min. Analysis of tryptic phosphopeptides from the beta-subunit of the receptor by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and determination of their phosphoamino acid composition suggested that TPA predominantly stimulated phosphorylation of serine residues in a single tryptic peptide. Incubation of the Fao cells with insulin (100 nM) for 1 min stimulated 4-fold the phosphorylation of the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor. Prior treatment of the cells with TPA inhibited the insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation by 50%. The receptors extracted with Triton X-100 from TPA-treated Fao cells and purified on immobilized wheat germ agglutinin retained the alteration in kinase activity and exhibited a 50% decrease in insulin-stimulated tyrosine autophosphorylation and phosphotransferase activity toward exogenous substrates. This was due primarily to a decrease in the Vmax for these reactions. TPA treatment also decreased the Km of the insulin receptor for ATP. Incubation of the insulin receptor purified from TPA-treated cells with alkaline phosphatase decreased the phosphate content of the beta-subunit to the control level and reversed the inhibition, suggesting that the serine phosphorylation of the beta-subunit was responsible for the decreased tyrosine kinase activity. Our results support the notion that the insulin receptor is a substrate for protein kinase C in the Fao cell and that the increase in serine phosphorylation of the beta-subunit of the receptor produced by TPA treatment inhibited tyrosine kinase activity in vivo and in vitro. These data suggest that protein kinase C may regulate the function

  9. Phosphorylation of the Activation Loop Tyrosine 823 in c-Kit Is Crucial for Cell Survival and Proliferation*

    PubMed Central

    Agarwal, Shruti; Kazi, Julhash U.; Rönnstrand, Lars

    2013-01-01

    The receptor tyrosine kinase c-Kit, also known as the stem cell factor receptor, plays a key role in several developmental processes. Activating mutations in c-Kit lead to alteration of these cellular processes and have been implicated in many human cancers such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, acute myeloid leukemia, testicular seminomas and mastocytosis. Regulation of the catalytic activity of several kinases is known to be governed by phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the activation loop of the kinase domain. However, in the case of c-Kit phosphorylation of Tyr-823 has been demonstrated to be a late event that is not required for kinase activation. However, because phosphorylation of Tyr-823 is a ligand-activated event, we sought to investigate the functional consequences of Tyr-823 phosphorylation. By using a tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutant of tyrosine 823, we investigated the impact of Tyr-823 on c-Kit signaling. We demonstrate here that Tyr-823 is crucial for cell survival and proliferation and that mutation of Tyr-823 to phenylalanine leads to decreased sustained phosphorylation and ubiquitination of c-Kit as compared with the wild-type receptor. Furthermore, the mutated receptor was, upon ligand-stimulation, quickly internalized and degraded. Phosphorylation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl was transient, followed by a substantial reduction in phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules such as Akt, Erk, p38, Shc, and Gab2. Thus, we propose that activation loop tyrosine 823 is crucial for activation of both the MAPK and PI3K pathways and that its disruption leads to a destabilization of the c-Kit receptor and decreased survival of cells. PMID:23803604

  10. Gating connexin 43 channels reconstituted in lipid vesicles by mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Kim, D Y; Kam, Y; Koo, S K; Joe, C O

    1999-02-26

    The regulation of gap junctional permeability by phosphorylation was examined in a model system in which connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junction hemichannels were reconstituted in lipid vesicles. Cx43 was immunoaffinity-purified from rat brain, and Cx43 channels were reconstituted into unilamellar phospholipid liposomes. The activities of the reconstituted channels were measured by monitoring liposome permeability. Liposomes containing the Cx43 protein were fractionated on the basis of permeability to sucrose using sedimentation in an iso-osmolar density gradient. The gradient allowed separation of the sucrose-permeable and -impermeable liposomes. Liposomes that were permeable to sucrose were also permeable to the communicating dye molecule lucifer yellow. Permeability, and therefore activity of the reconstituted Cx43 channels, were directly dependent on the state of Cx43 phosphorylation. The permeability of liposomes containing Cx43 channels was increased by treatment of liposomes with calf intestinal phosphatase. Moreover, liposomes formed with Cx43 that had been dephosphorylated by calf intestinal phosphatase treatment showed increased permeability to sucrose. The role of phosphorylation in the gating mechanism of Cx43 channels was supported further by the observation that phosphorylation of Cx43 by mitogen-activated protein kinase reversibly reduced the permeability of liposomes containing dephosphorylated Cx43. Our results show a direct correlation between gap junctional permeability and the phosphorylation state of Cx43.

  11. Conformational changes induced in the protein tyrosine kinase p72syk by tyrosine phosphorylation or by binding of phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif peptides.

    PubMed Central

    Kimura, T; Sakamoto, H; Appella, E; Siraganian, R P

    1996-01-01

    A critical event in signaling in immune cells is the interaction of Syk or ZAP-70 protein tyrosine kinases with multisubunit receptors that contain an approximately 18-amino-acid domain called the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). Tyrosine-phosphorylated Syk from activated cells was in a conformation different from that in nonstimulated cells as demonstrated by changes in immunoreactivity. The addition of tyrosine-diphosphorylated ITAM peptides resulted in a similar conformational change in Syk from nonactivated cells. The peptides based on FcepsilonRIgamma were more active than those based on Fcepsilon RIbeta. In vitro autophosphorylation of Syk was dramatically enhanced by the addition of the diphosphorylated ITAM peptides. The conformational change and the enhanced autophosphorylation required the presence of both phosphorylated tyrosines on the same molecule. These conformational changes in Syk by tyrosine phosphorylation or binding to diphosphorylated ITAM could be critical for Syk activation and downstream propagation of intracellular signals. PMID:8657120

  12. Thyroid states regulate subcellular glucose phosphorylation activity in male mice

    PubMed Central

    Martins Peçanha, Flavia Letícia; dos Santos, Reinaldo Sousa

    2017-01-01

    The thyroid hormones (THs), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are very important in organism metabolism and regulate glucose utilization. Hexokinase (HK) is responsible for the first step of glycolysis, catalyzing the conversion of glucose to glucose 6-phosphate. HK has been found in different cellular compartments, and new functions have been attributed to this enzyme. The effects of hyperthyroidism on subcellular glucose phosphorylation in mouse tissues were examined. Tissues were removed, subcellular fractions were isolated from eu- and hyperthyroid (T3, 0.25 µg/g, i.p. during 21 days) mice and HK activity was assayed. Glucose phosphorylation was increased in the particulate fraction in soleus (312.4% ± 67.1, n = 10), gastrocnemius (369.2% ± 112.4, n = 10) and heart (142.2% ± 13.6, n = 10) muscle in the hyperthyroid group compared to the control group. Hexokinase activity was not affected in brain or liver. No relevant changes were observed in HK activity in the soluble fraction for all tissues investigated. Acute T3 administration (single dose of T3, 1.25 µg/g, i.p.) did not modulate HK activity. Interestingly, HK mRNA levels remained unchanged and HK bound to mitochondria was increased by T3 treatment, suggesting a posttranscriptional mechanism. Analysis of the AKT pathway showed a 2.5-fold increase in AKT and GSK3B phosphorylation in the gastrocnemius muscle in the hyperthyroid group compared to the euthyroid group. Taken together, we show for the first time that THs modulate HK activity specifically in particulate fractions and that this action seems to be under the control of the AKT and GSK3B pathways. PMID:28483784

  13. Phosphorylation of GENOMES UNCOUPLED 4 Alters Stimulation of Mg Chelatase Activity in Angiosperms1[OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Hochheuser, Caroline; Fufezan, Christian; Heinze, Laura

    2016-01-01

    GENOMES UNCOUPLED 4 (GUN4) is a positive regulator of light-dependent chlorophyll biosynthesis. GUN4 activates Mg chelatase (MgCh) that catalyzes the insertion of an Mg2+ ion into protoporphyrin IX. We show that Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) GUN4 is phosphorylated at Ser 264 (S264), the penultimate amino acid residue at the C terminus. While GUN4 is preferentially phosphorylated in darkness, phosphorylation is reduced upon accumulation of Mg porphyrins. Expression of a phosphomimicking GUN4(S264D) results in an incomplete complementation of the white gun4-2 null mutant and a chlorotic phenotype comparable to gun4 knockdown mutants. Phosphorylated GUN4 has a reduced stimulatory effect on MgCh in vitro and in vivo but retains its protein stability and tetrapyrrole binding capacity. Analysis of GUN4 found in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms reveals the evolution of a C-terminal extension, which harbors the phosphorylation site of GUN4 expressed in angiosperms. Homologs of GUN4 from Synechocystis and Chlamydomonas lack the conserved phosphorylation site found in a C-terminal extension of angiosperm GUN4. Biochemical studies proved the importance of the C-terminal extension for MgCh stimulation and inactivation of GUN4 by phosphorylation in angiosperms. An additional mechanism regulating MgCh activity is proposed. In conjunction with the dark repression of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthesis, GUN4 phosphorylation minimizes the flow of intermediates into the Mg branch of the tetrapyrrole metabolic pathway for chlorophyll biosynthesis. PMID:27688621

  14. c-Abl phosphorylates α-synuclein and regulates its degradation: implication for α-synuclein clearance and contribution to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

    PubMed Central

    Mahul-Mellier, Anne-Laure; Fauvet, Bruno; Gysbers, Amanda; Dikiy, Igor; Oueslati, Abid; Georgeon, Sandrine; Lamontanara, Allan J.; Bisquertt, Alejandro; Eliezer, David; Masliah, Eliezer; Halliday, Glenda; Hantschel, Oliver; Lashuel, Hilal A.

    2014-01-01

    Increasing evidence suggests that the c-Abl protein tyrosine kinase could play a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. c-Abl has been shown to regulate the degradation of two proteins implicated in the pathogenesis of PD, parkin and α-synuclein (α-syn). The inhibition of parkin's neuroprotective functions is regulated by c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of parkin. However, the molecular mechanisms by which c-Abl activity regulates α-syn toxicity and clearance remain unknown. Herein, using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, in vitro enzymatic assays and cell-based studies, we established that α-syn is a bona fide substrate for c-Abl. In vitro studies demonstrate that c-Abl directly interacts with α-syn and catalyzes its phosphorylation mainly at tyrosine 39 (pY39) and to a lesser extent at tyrosine 125 (pY125). Analysis of human brain tissues showed that pY39 α-syn is detected in the brains of healthy individuals and those with PD. However, only c-Abl protein levels were found to be upregulated in PD brains. Interestingly, nilotinib, a specific inhibitor of c-Abl kinase activity, induces α-syn protein degradation via the autophagy and proteasome pathways, whereas the overexpression of α-syn in the rat midbrains enhances c-Abl expression. Together, these data suggest that changes in c-Abl expression, activation and/or c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of Y39 play a role in regulating α-syn clearance and contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. PMID:24412932

  15. Identification of in vivo phosphorylation sites on human deoxycytidine kinase. Role of Ser-74 in the control of enzyme activity.

    PubMed

    Smal, Caroline; Vertommen, Didier; Bertrand, Luc; Ntamashimikiro, Sandrine; Rider, Mark H; Van Den Neste, Eric; Bontemps, Françoise

    2006-02-24

    Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the deoxyribonucleoside salvage pathway in mammalian cells and plays a key role in the activation of numerous nucleoside analogues used in anti-cancer and antiviral chemotherapy. Although compelling evidence indicated that dCK activity might be regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, direct demonstration was lacking. Here we showed that dCK overexpressed in HEK 293T cells was labeled after incubating the cells with [32P]orthophosphate. Sorbitol, which was reported to decrease dCK activity, also decreased the labeling of dCK. These results indicated that dCK may exist as a phosphoprotein in vivo and that its activity can be correlated with its phosphorylation level. After purification of 32P-labeled dCK, digestion by trypsin, and analysis of the radioactive peptides by tandem mass spectrometry, the following four in vivo phosphorylation sites were identified: Thr-3, Ser-11, Ser-15, and Ser-74, the latter being the major phosphorylation site. Site-directed mutagenesis and use of an anti-phospho-Ser-74 antibody demonstrated that Ser-74 phosphorylation was crucial for dCK activity in HEK 293T cells, whereas phosphorylation of other identified sites did not seem essential. Phosphorylation of Ser-74 was also detected on endogenous dCK in leukemic cells, in which the Ser-74 phosphorylation state was increased by agents that enhanced dCK activity. Our study provided direct evidence that dCK activity can be controlled by phosphorylation in intact cells and highlights the importance of Ser-74 for dCK activity.

  16. PKA regulates calcineurin function through the phosphorylation of RCAN1: Identification of a novel phosphorylation site

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Seon Sook; Lee, Eun Hye; Lee, Kooyeon

    2015-04-17

    Calcineurin is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase that has been implicated in T cell activation through the induction of nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT). We have previously suggested that endogenous regulator of calcineurin (RCAN1, also known as DSCR1) is targeted by protein kinase A (PKA) for the control of calcineurin activity. In the present study, we characterized the PKA-mediated phosphorylation site in RCAN1 by mass spectrometric analysis and revealed that PKA directly phosphorylated RCAN1 at the Ser 93. PKA-induced phosphorylation and the increase in the half-life of the RCAN1 protein were prevented by the substitution of Ser 93 with Alamore » (S93A). Furthermore, the PKA-mediated phosphorylation of RCAN1 at Ser 93 potentiated the inhibition of calcineurin-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression by RCAN1. Our results suggest the presence of a novel phosphorylation site in RCAN1 and that its phosphorylation influences calcineurin-dependent inflammatory target gene expression. - Highlights: • We identify novel phosphorylation sites in RCAN1 by LC-MS/MS analysis. • PKA-dependent phosphorylation of RCAN1 at Ser 93 inhibits calcineurin-mediated intracellular signaling. • We show the immunosuppressive function of RCAN1 phosphorylation at Ser 93 in suppressing cytokine expression.« less

  17. Complementary phosphorylation sites in the adaptor protein SLP-76 promote synergistic activation of natural killer cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hun Sik; Long, Eric O

    2012-07-10

    The cytotoxic effects of natural killer (NK) cells and their ability to secrete cytokines require synergistic signals from specific pairs of co-activation receptors, such as CD314 (also known as NKG2D) and CD244 (2B4), which bind to distinct ligands present on target cells. These signals are required to overcome inhibition mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1, which promotes activation of NK cells. Here, we showed that the adaptor protein SLP-76 (Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte phosphoprotein of 76 kilodaltons) was required for this synergy and that distinct tyrosine residues in SLP-76 were phosphorylated by each member of a pair of synergistic receptors. Selective phosphorylation of tyrosine 113 or tyrosine 128 in SLP-76 enabled binding of SLP-76 to Vav1. Selective phosphorylation of SLP-76 at these residues was restricted to receptors that stimulated ligand-dependent target cell killing; antibody-dependent stimulation of the Fc receptor CD16 promoted phosphorylation at both sites. Knockdown and reconstitution experiments with SLP-76 mutant proteins showed the distinct role of each tyrosine in the synergistic mobilization of Ca2+, revealing an unexpected degree of selectivity in the phosphorylation of SLP-76 by NK cell co-activation receptors. Together, these data suggest that combined phosphorylation of separate tyrosine residues in SLP-76 forms the basis of synergistic NK cell activation.

  18. Modulation of GABAergic receptor binding by activation of calcium and calmodulin-dependent kinase II membrane phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Churn, S B; DeLorenzo, R J

    1998-10-26

    gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Because of the important role that GABA plays in the CNS, alteration of GABAA receptor function would significantly affect neuronal excitability. Protein phosphorylation is a major mechanism for regulating receptor function in the brain and has been implicated in modulating GABAA receptor function. Therefore, this study was initiated to determine the role of calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaM kinase II) membrane phosphorylation on GABAA receptor binding. Synaptosomal membrane fractions were tested for CaM kinase II activity towards endogenous substrates. In addition, muscimol binding was evaluated under equilibrium conditions in synaptosomal membrane fractions subjected to either basal (Mg2+ alone) or maximal CaM kinase II-dependent phosphorylation. Activation of endogenous CaM kinase II-dependent phosphorylation resulted in a significant enhancement of the apparent Bmax for muscimol binding without significantly altering the apparent binding affinity. The enhanced muscimol binding could be increased further by the addition of exogenous CaM kinase II to synaptosomal membrane fractions. Co-incubation with inhibitors of kinase activity during the phosphorylation reactions blocked the CaM kinase II-dependent increase in muscimol binding. The data support the hypothesis that activation of CaM kinase II-dependent phosphorylation caused an increased GABAA receptor binding and may play an important role in modulating the function of this inhibitory receptor/chloride ion channel complex. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

  19. The prokaryotic enhancer binding protein NTRC has an ATPase activity which is phosphorylation and DNA dependent.

    PubMed Central

    Austin, S; Dixon, R

    1992-01-01

    The prokaryotic activator protein NTRC binds to enhancer-like elements and activates transcription in response to nitrogen limitation by catalysing open complex formation by sigma 54 RNA polymerase holoenzyme. Formation of open complexes requires the phosphorylated form of NTRC and the reaction is ATP dependent. We find that NTRC has an ATPase activity which is activated by phosphorylation and is strongly stimulated by the presence of DNA containing specific NTRC binding sites. Images PMID:1534752

  20. Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the Pioneer Transcription Factor FoxA1 Promotes Activation of Estrogen Signaling.

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Noritaka; Shibazaki, Misato; Yamada, Chiaki; Anzai, Erina; Morii, Mariko; Nakayama, Yuji; Kuga, Takahisa; Hashimoto, Yuuki; Tomonaga, Takeshi; Yamaguchi, Naoto

    2017-06-01

    The pioneer transcription factor FoxA1 plays an important role in estrogen signaling by opening closed chromatin and promoting recruitment of the estrogen receptor to its target regions in DNA. In this study, we analyzed tyrosine phosphorylation of FoxA1 by the non-receptor-type tyrosine kinase c-Abl. c-Abl was shown to phosphorylate FoxA1 at multiple sites, especially in the N- and C-terminal regions. Tyr429 and Tyr464 were identified as the major phosphorylation sites in the FoxA1 C-terminal region. The phosphomimetic and nonphosphorylatable FoxA1 mutants were generated by glutamic acid and phenylalanine substitutions at these tyrosine residues, respectively. The phosphomimetic FoxA1 promoted the activation of estrogen signaling, whereas the nonphosphorylatable FoxA1 suppressed its activation. Stimulation with the epidermal growth factor, which activates c-Abl, enhanced the activation of estrogen signaling. In contrast, the c-Abl inhibitor imatinib reduced its activation. The phosphomimetic FoxA1 mutant showed a higher affinity toward histone H3 than the wild-type. These results suggest that c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of FoxA1 promotes the activation of estrogen signaling by inducing its binding to histones. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1453-1461, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Phosphorylation of influenza A virus NS1 protein at threonine 49 suppresses its interferon antagonistic activity.

    PubMed

    Kathum, Omer Abid; Schräder, Tobias; Anhlan, Darisuren; Nordhoff, Carolin; Liedmann, Swantje; Pande, Amit; Mellmann, Alexander; Ehrhardt, Christina; Wixler, Viktor; Ludwig, Stephan

    2016-06-01

    Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation acts as a fundamental molecular switch that alters protein function and thereby regulates many cellular processes. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza A virus is an important factor regulating virulence by counteracting cellular immune responses against viral infection. NS1 was shown to be phosphorylated at several sites; however, so far, no function has been conclusively assigned to these post-translational events yet. Here, we show that the newly identified phospho-site threonine 49 of NS1 is differentially phosphorylated in the viral replication cycle. Phosphorylation impairs binding of NS1 to double-stranded RNA and TRIM25 as well as complex formation with RIG-I, thereby switching off its interferon antagonistic activity. Because phosphorylation was shown to occur at later stages of infection, we hypothesize that at this stage other functions of the multifunctional NS1 beyond its interferon-antagonistic activity are needed. © 2016 The Authors Cellular Microbiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Phosphorylation of interleukin (IL)-24 is required for mediating its anti-cancer activity.

    PubMed

    Panneerselvam, Janani; Shanker, Manish; Jin, Jiankang; Branch, Cynthia D; Muralidharan, Ranganayaki; Zhao, Yan D; Chada, Sunil; Munshi, Anupama; Ramesh, Rajagopal

    2015-06-30

    Interleukin (IL)-24 is a tumor suppressor/cytokine gene that undergoes post-translational modifications (PTMs). Glycosylation and ubiquitination are important for IL-24 protein stabilization and degradation respectively. Little is known about IL-24 protein phosphorylation and its role in IL-24-mediated anti-tumor activities. In this study we conducted molecular studies to determine whether IL-24 phosphorylation is important for IL-24-mediated anti-cancer activity.Human H1299 lung tumor cell line that was stably transfected with a doxycycline (DOX)-inducible (Tet-on) plasmid vector carrying the cDNA of IL-24-wild-type (IL-24wt) or IL-24 with all five phosphorylation sites replaced (IL-24mt) was used in the present study. Inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion, and induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest was observed in DOX-induced IL-24wt-expressing cells but not in IL-24mt-expressing cells. Secretion of IL-24mt protein was greatly reduced compared to IL-24wt protein. Further, IL-24wt and IL-24mt proteins markedly differed in their subcellular organelle localization. IL-24wt but not IL-24mt inhibited the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. SiRNA-mediated AKT knockdown and overexpression of myristolyated AKT protein confirmed that IL-24wt but not IL-24mt mediated its anti-cancer activity by inhibiting the AKT signaling pathway.Our results demonstrate that IL-24 phosphorylation is required for inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and exerting its anti-cancer activities.

  3. Phosphorylation of deoxycytidine kinase on Ser-74: impact on kinetic properties and nucleoside analog activation in cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Amsailale, Rachid; Van Den Neste, Eric; Arts, Angélique; Starczewska, Eliza; Bontemps, Françoise; Smal, Caroline

    2012-07-01

    Deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) (EC 2.7.1.74) is a key enzyme in the activation of several therapeutic nucleoside analogs (NA). Its activity can be increased in vivo by Ser-74 phosphorylation, a property that could be used for enhancing NA activation and clinical efficacy. In line with this, studies with recombinant dCK showed that mimicking Ser-74 phosphorylation by a S74E mutation increases its activity toward pyrimidine analogs. However, purine analogs had not been investigated. Here, we show that the S74E mutation increased the k(cat) for cladribine (CdA) by 8- or 3-fold, depending on whether the phosphoryl donor was ATP or UTP, for clofarabine (CAFdA) by about 2-fold with both ATP and UTP, and for fludarabine (F-Ara-A) by 2-fold, but only with UTP. However, the catalytic efficiencies (k(cat)/Km) were not, or slightly, increased. The S74E mutation also sensitized dCK to feed-back inhibition by dCTP, regardless of the phosphoryl donor. Importantly, we did not observe an increase of endogenous dCK activity toward purine analogs after in vivo-induced increase of Ser-74 phosphorylation. Accordingly, treatment of CLL cells with aphidicolin, which enhances dCK activity through Ser-74 phosphorylation, did not modify the conversion of CdA or F-Ara-A into their active triphosphate form. Nevertheless, the same treatment enhanced activation of gemcitabine (dFdC) into dFdCTP in CLL as well as in HCT-116 cells and produced synergistic cytotoxicity. We conclude that increasing phosphorylation of dCK on Ser-74 might constitute a valuable strategy to enhance the clinical efficacy of some NA, like dFdC, but not of CdA or F-Ara-A. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Thrombin Receptor-Activating Protein (TRAP)-Activated Akt Is Involved in the Release of Phosphorylated-HSP27 (HSPB1) from Platelets in DM Patients

    PubMed Central

    Tokuda, Haruhiko; Kuroyanagi, Gen; Tsujimoto, Masanori; Matsushima-Nishiwaki, Rie; Akamatsu, Shigeru; Enomoto, Yukiko; Iida, Hiroki; Otsuka, Takanobu; Ogura, Shinji; Iwama, Toru; Kojima, Kumi; Kozawa, Osamu

    2016-01-01

    It is generally known that heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is phosphorylated through p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. We have previously reported that HSP27 is released from human platelets associated with collagen-induced phosphorylation. In the present study, we conducted an investigation into the effect of thrombin receptor-activating protein (TRAP) on the release of HSP27 in platelets in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The phosphorylated-HSP27 levels induced by TRAP were directly proportional to the aggregation of platelets. The levels of phosphorylated-HSP27 (Ser-78) were correlated with the levels of phosphorylated-p38 MAP kinase and phosphorylated-Akt in the platelets stimulated by 10 µM TRAP but not with those of phosphorylated-p44/p42 MAP kinase. The levels of HSP27 released from the TRAP (10 µM)-stimulated platelets were correlated with the levels of phosphorylated-HSP27 in the platelets. The released platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB) levels were in parallel with the HSP27 levels released from the platelets stimulated by 10 µM TRAP. Although the area under the curve (AUC) of small aggregates (9–25 µm) induced by 10 µM TRAP showed no significant correlation with the released HSP27 levels, AUC of medium aggregates (25–50 µm), large aggregates (50–70 µm) and light transmittance were significantly correlated with the released HSP27 levels. TRAP-induced phosphorylation of HSP27 was truly suppressed by deguelin, an inhibitor of Akt, in the platelets from a healthy subject. These results strongly suggest that TRAP-induced activation of Akt in addition to p38 MAP kinase positively regulates the release of phosphorylated-HSP27 from human platelets, which is closely related to the platelet hyper-aggregation in type 2 DM patients. PMID:27187380

  5. Thrombin Receptor-Activating Protein (TRAP)-Activated Akt Is Involved in the Release of Phosphorylated-HSP27 (HSPB1) from Platelets in DM Patients.

    PubMed

    Tokuda, Haruhiko; Kuroyanagi, Gen; Tsujimoto, Masanori; Matsushima-Nishiwaki, Rie; Akamatsu, Shigeru; Enomoto, Yukiko; Iida, Hiroki; Otsuka, Takanobu; Ogura, Shinji; Iwama, Toru; Kojima, Kumi; Kozawa, Osamu

    2016-05-14

    It is generally known that heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is phosphorylated through p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. We have previously reported that HSP27 is released from human platelets associated with collagen-induced phosphorylation. In the present study, we conducted an investigation into the effect of thrombin receptor-activating protein (TRAP) on the release of HSP27 in platelets in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The phosphorylated-HSP27 levels induced by TRAP were directly proportional to the aggregation of platelets. The levels of phosphorylated-HSP27 (Ser-78) were correlated with the levels of phosphorylated-p38 MAP kinase and phosphorylated-Akt in the platelets stimulated by 10 µM TRAP but not with those of phosphorylated-p44/p42 MAP kinase. The levels of HSP27 released from the TRAP (10 µM)-stimulated platelets were correlated with the levels of phosphorylated-HSP27 in the platelets. The released platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB) levels were in parallel with the HSP27 levels released from the platelets stimulated by 10 µM TRAP. Although the area under the curve (AUC) of small aggregates (9-25 µm) induced by 10 µM TRAP showed no significant correlation with the released HSP27 levels, AUC of medium aggregates (25-50 µm), large aggregates (50-70 µm) and light transmittance were significantly correlated with the released HSP27 levels. TRAP-induced phosphorylation of HSP27 was truly suppressed by deguelin, an inhibitor of Akt, in the platelets from a healthy subject. These results strongly suggest that TRAP-induced activation of Akt in addition to p38 MAP kinase positively regulates the release of phosphorylated-HSP27 from human platelets, which is closely related to the platelet hyper-aggregation in type 2 DM patients.

  6. cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates and activates nuclear Ca2+-ATPase

    PubMed Central

    Rogue, Patrick J.; Humbert, Jean-Paul; Meyer, Alphonse; Freyermuth, Solange; Krady, Marie-Marthe; Malviya, Anant N.

    1998-01-01

    A Ca2+-pump ATPase, similar to that in the endoplasmic reticulum, has been located on the outer membrane of rat liver nuclei. The effect of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) on nuclear Ca2+-ATPase (NCA) was studied by using purified rat liver nuclei. Treatment of isolated nuclei with the catalytic unit of PKA resulted in the phosphorylation of a 105-kDa band that was recognized by antibodies specific for sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase type 2b. Partial purification and immunoblotting confirmed that the 105-kDa protein band phosphorylated by PKA is NCA. The stoichiometry of phosphorylation was 0.76 mol of phosphate incorporated/mol of partially purified enzyme. Measurement of ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake into purified nuclei showed that PKA phosphorylation enhanced the Ca2+-pumping activity of NCA. We show that PKA phosphorylation of Ca2+-ATPase enhances the transport of 10-kDa fluorescent-labeled dextrans across the nuclear envelope. The findings reported in this paper are consistent with the notion that the crosstalk between the cAMP/PKA- and Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways identified at the cytoplasmic level extends to the nucleus. Furthermore, these data support a function for crosstalk in the regulation of calcium-dependent transport across the nuclear envelope. PMID:9689054

  7. Identification of Tyrosine 972 as a Novel Site of Jak2 Tyrosine Kinase Phosphorylation and its Role in Jak2 Activation

    PubMed Central

    McDoom, Issam; Ma, Xianyue; Kirabo, Annet; Lee, Kuang-Yung; Ostrov, David A.; Sayeski, Peter P.

    2013-01-01

    Jak2 is a 130 kDa tyrosine kinase that is important in a number of cellular signaling pathways. Its function is intrinsically regulated by the phosphorylation of a handful of its 49 tyrosines. Here, we report that tyrosine 972 (Y972) is a novel site of Jak2 phosphorylation, and hence auto-regulation. Specifically, we found that Y972 is phosphorylated and confirmed that this residue resides on the surface of the protein. Using expression plasmids that expressed either wild type Jak2 or a full length Jak2 cDNA containing a single Y972F substitution mutation, we investigated the consequences of losing Y972 phosphorylation on Jak2 function. We determined that the loss of Y972 phosphorylation significantly reduced both Jak2 total tyrosine phosphorylation and phosphorylation of Y1007/Y1008. Additionally, Y972 phosphorylation was shown to be important for maximal kinase function. Interestingly, in response to classical cytokine activation, the Jak2-Y972F mutant exhibited a moderately impaired level of activation when compared to wild type protein. However, when Jak2 was activated via a GPCR ligand, the ability of the Y972F mutant to activate was completely lost, therefore suggesting a differential role of Y972 in Jak2 activation. Finally, we found that phosphorylation of Y972 enhances Jak2 kinase function via a mechanism that appears to stabilize the active conformation of the protein. Collectively, our results suggest that Y972 is a novel site of Jak2 phosphorylation and plays an important differential role in ligand-dependent Jak2 activation via a mechanism that involves stabilization of the Jak2 active conformation. PMID:18636744

  8. Insulin treatment promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of PKR and inhibits polyIC induced PKR threonine phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Swetha, Medchalmi; Ramaiah, Kolluru V A

    2015-11-01

    Tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor beta (IRβ) in insulin treated HepG2 cells is inversely correlated to ser(51) phosphorylation in the alpha-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) that regulates protein synthesis. Insulin stimulates interaction between IRβ and PKR, double stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase, also known as EIF2AK2, and phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in PKR, as analyzed by immunoprecipitation and pull down assays using anti-IRβ and anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies, recombinant IRβ and immunopurified PKR. Further polyIC or synthetic double stranded RNA-induced threonine phosphorylation or activation of immunopurified and cellular PKR is suppressed in the presence of insulin treated purified IRβ and cell extracts. Acute, but not chronic, insulin treatment enhances tyrosine phosphorylation of IRβ, its interaction with PKR and tyrosine phosphorylation of PKR. In contrast, lipopolysaccharide that stimulates threonine phosphorylation of PKR and eIF2α phosphorylation and AG 1024, an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of IRβ, reduces PKR association with the receptor, IRβ in HepG2 cells. These findings therefore may suggest that tyrosine phosphorylated PKR plays a role in the regulation of insulin induced protein synthesis and in maintaining insulin sensitivity, whereas, suppression of polyIC-mediated threonine phosphorylation of PKR by insulin compromises its ability to fight against virus infection in host cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. HSP27 phosphorylation modulates TRAIL-induced activation of Src-Akt/ERK signaling through interaction with β-arrestin2.

    PubMed

    Qi, Shimei; Xin, Yinqiang; Qi, Zhilin; Xu, Yimiao; Diao, Ying; Lan, Lei; Luo, Lan; Yin, Zhimin

    2014-03-01

    Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) regulates critical cellular functions such as development, differentiation, cell growth and apoptosis. A variety of stimuli induce the phosphorylation of HSP27, which affects its cellular functions. However, most previous studies focused on the role of HSP27 protein itself in apoptosis, the particular role of its phosphorylation state in signaling transduction remains largely unclear. In the present study, we reported that HSP27 phosphorylation modulated TRAIL-triggered pro-survival signaling transduction. In HeLa cells, suppression of HSP27 phosphorylation by specific inhibitor KRIBB3 or MAPKAPK2 (MK2) knockdown and by overexpression of non-phosphorylatable HSP27(3A) mutant demonstrated that hindered HSP27 phosphorylation enhanced the TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In addition, reduced HSP27 phosphorylation by KRIBB3 treatment or MK2 knockdown attenuated the TRAIL-induced activation of Akt and ERK survival signaling through suppressing the phosphorylation of Src. By overexpression of HSP27(15A) or HSP27(78/82A) phosphorylation mutant, we further showed that phosphorylation of HSP27 at serine 78/82 residues was essential to TRAIL-triggered Src-Akt/ERK signaling transduction. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy showed that HSP27 interacted with Src and scaffolding protein β-arrestin2 in response of TRAIL stimulation and suppression of HSP27 phosphorylation apparently disrupted the TRAIL-induced interaction of HSP27 and Src or interaction of HSP27 and β-arrestin2. We further demonstrated that β-arrestin2 mediated HSP27 action on TRAIL-induced Src activation, which was achieved by recruiting signaling complex of HSP27/β-arrestin2/Src in response to TRAIL. Taken together, our study revealed that HSP27 phosphorylation modulates TRAIL-triggered activation of Src-Akt/ERK pro-survival signaling via interacting with β-arrestin2 in HeLa cells. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Sequential phosphorylation of SLP-76 at tyrosine 173 is required for activation of T and mast cells

    PubMed Central

    Sela, Meirav; Bogin, Yaron; Beach, Dvora; Oellerich, Thomas; Lehne, Johanna; Smith-Garvin, Jennifer E; Okumura, Mariko; Starosvetsky, Elina; Kosoff, Rachelle; Libman, Evgeny; Koretzky, Gary; Kambayashi, Taku; Urlaub, Henning; Wienands, Jürgen; Chernoff, Jonathan; Yablonski, Deborah

    2011-01-01

    Cooperatively assembled signalling complexes, nucleated by adaptor proteins, integrate information from surface receptors to determine cellular outcomes. In T and mast cells, antigen receptor signalling is nucleated by three adaptors: SLP-76, Gads and LAT. Three well-characterized SLP-76 tyrosine phosphorylation sites recruit key components, including a Tec-family tyrosine kinase, Itk. We identified a fourth, evolutionarily conserved SLP-76 phosphorylation site, Y173, which was phosphorylated upon T-cell receptor stimulation in primary murine and Jurkat T cells. Y173 was required for antigen receptor-induced phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) in both T and mast cells, and for consequent downstream events, including activation of the IL-2 promoter in T cells, and degranulation and IL-6 production in mast cells. In intact cells, Y173 phosphorylation depended on three, ZAP-70-targeted tyrosines at the N-terminus of SLP-76 that recruit and activate Itk, a kinase that selectively phosphorylated Y173 in vitro. These data suggest a sequential mechanism whereby ZAP-70-dependent priming of SLP-76 at three N-terminal sites triggers reciprocal regulatory interactions between Itk and SLP-76, which are ultimately required to couple active Itk to its substrate, PLC-γ1. PMID:21725281

  11. Sequential phosphorylation of SLP-76 at tyrosine 173 is required for activation of T and mast cells.

    PubMed

    Sela, Meirav; Bogin, Yaron; Beach, Dvora; Oellerich, Thomas; Lehne, Johanna; Smith-Garvin, Jennifer E; Okumura, Mariko; Starosvetsky, Elina; Kosoff, Rachelle; Libman, Evgeny; Koretzky, Gary; Kambayashi, Taku; Urlaub, Henning; Wienands, Jürgen; Chernoff, Jonathan; Yablonski, Deborah

    2011-07-01

    Cooperatively assembled signalling complexes, nucleated by adaptor proteins, integrate information from surface receptors to determine cellular outcomes. In T and mast cells, antigen receptor signalling is nucleated by three adaptors: SLP-76, Gads and LAT. Three well-characterized SLP-76 tyrosine phosphorylation sites recruit key components, including a Tec-family tyrosine kinase, Itk. We identified a fourth, evolutionarily conserved SLP-76 phosphorylation site, Y173, which was phosphorylated upon T-cell receptor stimulation in primary murine and Jurkat T cells. Y173 was required for antigen receptor-induced phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) in both T and mast cells, and for consequent downstream events, including activation of the IL-2 promoter in T cells, and degranulation and IL-6 production in mast cells. In intact cells, Y173 phosphorylation depended on three, ZAP-70-targeted tyrosines at the N-terminus of SLP-76 that recruit and activate Itk, a kinase that selectively phosphorylated Y173 in vitro. These data suggest a sequential mechanism whereby ZAP-70-dependent priming of SLP-76 at three N-terminal sites triggers reciprocal regulatory interactions between Itk and SLP-76, which are ultimately required to couple active Itk to its substrate, PLC-γ1.

  12. Attenuation of Phosphorylation-dependent Activation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) by Disease-causing Mutations at the Transmission Interface*

    PubMed Central

    Chin, Stephanie; Yang, Donghe; Miles, Andrew J.; Eckford, Paul D. W.; Molinski, Steven; Wallace, B. A.; Bear, Christine E.

    2017-01-01

    Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a multidomain membrane protein that functions as a phosphorylation-regulated anion channel. The interface between its two cytosolic nucleotide binding domains and coupling helices conferred by intracellular loops extending from the channel pore domains has been referred to as a transmission interface and is thought to be critical for the regulated channel activity of CFTR. Phosphorylation of the regulatory domain of CFTR by protein kinase A (PKA) is required for its channel activity. However, it was unclear if phosphorylation modifies the transmission interface. Here, we studied purified full-length CFTR protein using spectroscopic techniques to determine the consequences of PKA-mediated phosphorylation. Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed that purified full-length wild-type CFTR is folded and structurally responsive to phosphorylation. Intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence studies of CFTR showed that phosphorylation reduced iodide-mediated quenching, consistent with an effect of phosphorylation in burying tryptophans at the transmission interface. Importantly, the rate of phosphorylation-dependent channel activation was compromised by the introduction of disease-causing mutations in either of the two coupling helices predicted to interact with nucleotide binding domain 1 at the interface. Together, these results suggest that phosphorylation modifies the interface between the catalytic and pore domains of CFTR and that this modification facilitates CFTR channel activation. PMID:28003367

  13. Stabilization and activation of p53 are regulated independently by different phosphorylation events

    PubMed Central

    Chernov, Mikhail V.; Ramana, Chilakamarti V.; Adler, Victor V.; Stark, George R.

    1998-01-01

    Treatment of mouse or human cells with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors H7 or bisindolylmaleimide I induced an increase in the lifetime of p53, leading to its accumulation. In inhibitor-treated cells, p53 translocated to the nuclei and bound to DNA but was not competent to induce transcription. However, transactivation could be induced by subsequent DNA damage. Phorbol ester, a potent activator of PKC, significantly inhibited the accumulation of p53 after DNA damage. Therefore, constitutive PKC-dependent phosphorylation of p53 itself, or of a protein that interacts with p53, is required for the rapid degradation of p53 in untreated cells. Furthermore, an increase in the lifetime of p53 is not accompanied necessarily by its activation. Treatment with the PKC inhibitors decreased the overall level of p53 phosphorylation but led to the appearance of a phosphopeptide not seen in tryptic digests of p53 from untreated cells. Therefore, the lifetime and activities of p53 are likely to be regulated by distinct alterations of the phosphorylation pattern of p53, probably caused by the actions of different kinases. PMID:9482877

  14. Brk activates rac1 and promotes cell migration and invasion by phosphorylating paxillin.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hsin-Yi; Shen, Che-Hung; Tsai, Yuh-Tyng; Lin, Feng-Chi; Huang, Yuan-Ping; Chen, Ruey-Hwa

    2004-12-01

    Brk (for breast tumor kinase) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase containing SH3, SH2, and tyrosine kinase catalytic domains. Brk was originally identified from a human metastatic breast tumor, and its overexpression is frequently observed in breast cancer and several other cancer types. However, the molecular mechanism by which this kinase participates in tumorigenesis remains poorly characterized. In the present study, we not only identified paxillin as the binding partner and substrate of Brk but also discovered a novel signaling pathway by which Brk mediates epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced paxillin phosphorylation. We show that EGF stimulation activates the catalytic activity of Brk, which in turn phosphorylates paxillin at Y31 and Y118. These phosphorylation events promote the activation of small GTPase Rac1 via the function of CrkII. Through this pathway, Brk is capable of promoting cell motility and invasion and functions as a mediator of EGF-induced migration and invasion. In accordance with these functional roles, Brk translocates to membrane ruffles, where it colocalizes with paxillin during cell migration. Together, our findings identify novel signaling and biological roles of Brk and indicate the first potential link between Brk and metastatic malignancy.

  15. Highly effective phosphorylation by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 7 of light-activated visual pigment in cones.

    PubMed

    Tachibanaki, Shuji; Arinobu, Daisuke; Shimauchi-Matsukawa, Yoshie; Tsushima, Sawae; Kawamura, Satoru

    2005-06-28

    Cone photoreceptors show briefer photoresponses than rod photoreceptors. Our previous study showed that visual pigment phosphorylation, a quenching mechanism of light-activated visual pigment, is much more rapid in cones than in rods. Here, we measured the early time course of this rapid phosphorylation with good time resolution and directly compared it with the photoresponse time course in cones. At the time of photoresponse recovery, almost two phosphates were incorporated into a bleached cone pigment molecule, which indicated that the visual pigment phosphorylation coincides with the photoresponse recovery. The rapid phosphorylation in cones is attributed to very high activity of visual pigment kinase [G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 7] in cones. Because of this high activity, cone pigment is readily phosphorylated at very high bleach levels, which probably explains why cone photoresponses recover quickly even after a very bright light and do not saturate under intense background light. The high GRK7 activity is brought about by high content of a highly potent enzyme. The expression level of GRK7 was 10 times higher than that of rod kinase (GRK1), and the specific activity of a single GRK7 molecule was approximately 10 times higher than that of GRK1. The specific activity of GRK7 is the highest among the GRKs so far known. Our result seems to explain the response characteristics of cone photoreceptors in many aspects, including the nonsaturation of the cone responses during daylight vision.

  16. PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway Activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC Phosphorylation Cascade in Hyperinsulinemic db/db Mice

    PubMed Central

    Nishida, Hidenori; Sohara, Eisei; Nomura, Naohiro; Chiga, Motoko; Alessi, Dario R; Rai, Tatemitsu; Sasaki, Sei; Uchida, Shinichi

    2013-01-01

    Metabolic syndrome patients have insulin resistance, which causes hyperinsulinemia, which in turn causes aberrant increased renal sodium reabsorption. The precise mechanisms underlying this greater salt-sensitivity of hyperinsulinemic patients remain unclear. Abnormal activation of the recently-identified WNK kinase-OSR1/SPAK kinases-NCC transporter phosphorylation cascade results in the salt-sensitive hypertension of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II. Here, we report a study of renal WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC cascade activation in the db/db mouse model of hyperinsulinemic metabolic syndrome. Thiazide sensitivity was increased, suggesting greater activity of NCC in db/db mice. In fact, increased phosphorylation of OSR1/SPAK and NCC was observed. In both SpakT243A/+ and Osr1T185A/+ knock-in db/db mice, which carry mutations that disrupt the signal from WNK kinases, increased phosphorylation of NCC and elevated blood pressure were completely corrected, indicating that phosphorylation of SPAK and OSR1 by WNK kinases is required for the increased activation and phosphorylation of NCC in this model. Renal phosphorylated Akt was increased in db/db mice, suggesting that increased NCC phosphorylation is regulated by the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade in the kidney in response to hyperinsulinemia. A PI3K inhibitor (NVP-BEZ235) corrected the increased OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation. Another more specific PI3K inhibitor (GDC-0941) and an Akt inhibitor (MK-2206) also inhibited increased NCC phosphorylation. These results indicate that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation cascade in db/db mice. This mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension in human hyperinsulinemic conditions such as the metabolic syndrome. PMID:22949526

  17. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation cascade in hyperinsulinemic db/db mice.

    PubMed

    Nishida, Hidenori; Sohara, Eisei; Nomura, Naohiro; Chiga, Motoko; Alessi, Dario R; Rai, Tatemitsu; Sasaki, Sei; Uchida, Shinichi

    2012-10-01

    Metabolic syndrome patients have insulin resistance, which causes hyperinsulinemia, which in turn causes aberrant increased renal sodium reabsorption. The precise mechanisms underlying this greater salt sensitivity of hyperinsulinemic patients remain unclear. Abnormal activation of the recently identified with-no-lysine kinase (WNK)-oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1)/STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)-NaCl cotransporter (NCC) phosphorylation cascade results in the salt-sensitive hypertension of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II. Here, we report a study of renal WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC cascade activation in the db/db mouse model of hyperinsulinemic metabolic syndrome. Thiazide sensitivity was increased, suggesting greater activity of NCC in db/db mice. In fact, increased phosphorylation of OSR1/SPAK and NCC was observed. In both SpakT243A/+ and Osr1T185A/+ knock-in db/db mice, which carry mutations that disrupt the signal from WNK kinases, increased phosphorylation of NCC and elevated blood pressure were completely corrected, indicating that phosphorylation of SPAK and OSR1 by WNK kinases is required for the increased activation and phosphorylation of NCC in this model. Renal phosphorylated Akt was increased in db/db mice, suggesting that increased NCC phosphorylation is regulated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling cascade in the kidney in response to hyperinsulinemia. A phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (NVP-BEZ235) corrected the increased OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation. Another more specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (GDC-0941) and an Akt inhibitor (MK-2206) also inhibited increased NCC phosphorylation. These results indicate that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation cascade in db/db mice. This mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension in human hyperinsulinemic conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome.

  18. Vimentin is a target of PKCβ phosphorylation in MCP-1-activated primary human monocytes

    PubMed Central

    Thiagarajan, Praveena S.; Akbasli, Ayse C.; Kinter, Michael T.; Willard, Belinda; Cathcart, Martha K.

    2013-01-01

    Objective and design We designed a study to detect downstream phosphorylation targets of PKCβ in MCP-1-induced human monocytes. Methods 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis was performed for monocytes treated with MCP-1 in the presence or absence of PKCβ antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (AS-ODN) or a PKCβ inhibitor peptide, followed by phospho- and total protein staining. Proteins that stained less intensely with the phospho-stain, when normalized to the total protein stain, in the presence of PKCβ AS-ODN or the PKC β inhibitor peptide were sequenced. Results Of the proteins identified, vimentin was consistently identified using both experimental approaches. Upon 32P-labeling and vimentin immunoprecipitation, increased phosphorylation of vimentin was observed in MCP-1 treated monocytes as compared to the untreated monocytes. Both PKCβ AS-ODN and the PKCβ inhibitor reduced MCP-1-induced vimentin phosphorylation. IP of monocytes with anti-vimentin antibody and immunoblotting with a PKCβ antibody revealed that increased PKCβ becomes associated with vimentin upon MCP-1 activation. Upon MCP-1 treatment, monocytes were shown to secrete vimentin and secretion depended on PKCβ expression and activity. Conclusions We conclude that vimentin, a major intermediate filament protein, is a phosphorylation target of PKCβ in MCP-1-treated monocytes and that PKCβ phosphorylation is essential for vimentin secretion. Our recently published studies have implicated vimentin as a potent stimulator of the innate immune receptor Dectin-1 [1]. Taken together our findings suggest that inhibition of PKCβ regulates vimentin secretion and thereby, its interaction with Dectin-1 and downstream stimulation of superoxide anion production. Thus PKCβ phosphorylation of vimentin likely plays an important role in propagating inflammatory responses. PMID:23974215

  19. Vimentin is a target of PKCβ phosphorylation in MCP-1-activated primary human monocytes.

    PubMed

    Thiagarajan, Praveena S; Akbasli, Ayse C; Kinter, Michael T; Willard, Belinda; Cathcart, Martha K

    2013-11-01

    We designed a study to detect downstream phosphorylation targets of PKCβ in MCP-1-induced human monocytes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was performed for monocytes treated with MCP-1 in the presence or absence of PKCβ antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (AS-ODN) or a PKCβ inhibitor peptide, followed by phospho- and total protein staining. Proteins that stained less intensely with the phospho-stain, when normalized to the total protein stain, in the presence of PKCβ AS-ODN or the PKCβ inhibitor peptide, were sequenced. Of the proteins identified, vimentin was consistently identified using both experimental approaches. Upon (32)P-labeling and vimentin immunoprecipitation, increased phosphorylation of vimentin was observed in MCP-1 treated monocytes as compared to the untreated monocytes. Both PKCβ AS-ODN and the PKCβ inhibitor reduced MCP-1-induced vimentin phosphorylation. The IP of monocytes with anti-vimentin antibody and immunoblotting with a PKCβ antibody revealed that increased PKCβ becomes associated with vimentin upon MCP-1 activation. Upon MCP-1 treatment, monocytes were shown to secrete vimentin and secretion depended on PKCβ expression and activity. We conclude that vimentin, a major intermediate filament protein, is a phosphorylation target of PKCβ in MCP-1-treated monocytes and that PKCβ phosphorylation is essential for vimentin secretion. Our recently published studies have implicated vimentin as a potent stimulator of the innate immune receptor Dectin-1 as reported by Thiagarajan et al. (Cardiovasc Res 99:494-504, 2013). Taken together our findings suggest that inhibition of PKCβ regulates vimentin secretion and, thereby, its interaction with Dectin-1 and downstream stimulation of superoxide anion production. Thus, PKCβ phosphorylation of vimentin likely plays an important role in propagating inflammatory responses.

  20. Protein Kinase A Increases Type-2 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Activity by Phosphorylation of Serine 937*

    PubMed Central

    Betzenhauser, Matthew J.; Fike, Jenna L.; Wagner, Larry E.; Yule, David I.

    2009-01-01

    Protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3Rs) represents a mechanism for shaping intracellular Ca2+ signals following a concomitant elevation in cAMP. Activation of PKA results in enhanced Ca2+ release in cells that express predominantly InsP3R2. PKA is known to phosphorylate InsP3R2, but the molecular determinants of this effect are not known. We have expressed mouse InsP3R2 in DT40-3KO cells that are devoid of endogenous InsP3R and examined the effects of PKA phosphorylation on this isoform in unambiguous isolation. Activation of PKA increased Ca2+ signals and augmented the single channel open probability of InsP3R2. A PKA phosphorylation site unique to the InsP3R2 was identified at Ser937. The enhancing effects of PKA activation on this isoform required the phosphorylation of Ser937, since replacing this residue with alanine eliminated the positive effects of PKA activation. These results provide a mechanism responsible for the enhanced Ca2+ signaling following PKA activation in cells that express predominantly InsP3R2. PMID:19608738

  1. Syk-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of mule promotes TNF-induced JNK activation and cell death.

    PubMed

    Lee, C K; Yang, Y; Chen, C; Liu, J

    2016-04-14

    The transcription factor Miz1 negatively regulates TNF-induced JNK activation and cell death by suppressing TRAF2 K63-polyubiquitination; upon TNF stimulation, the suppression is relieved by Mule/ARF-BP1-mediated Miz1 ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. It is not known how Mule is activated by TNF. Here we report that TNF activates Mule by inducing the dissociation of Mule from its inhibitor ARF. ARF binds to and thereby inhibits the E3 ligase activity of Mule in the steady state. TNF induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Mule, which subsequently dissociates from ARF and becomes activated. Inhibition of Mule phosphorylation by silencing of the Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk) prevents its dissociation from ARF, thereby inhibiting Mule E3 ligase activity and TNF-induced JNK activation and cell death. Our data provides a missing link in TNF signaling pathway that leads to JNK activation and cell death.

  2. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Activated ATM-Dependent Phosphorylation of Cytoplasmic Substrates Identified by Large-Scale Phosphoproteomics Screen*

    PubMed Central

    Kozlov, Sergei V.; Waardenberg, Ashley J.; Engholm-Keller, Kasper; Arthur, Jonathan W.; Graham, Mark E.; Lavin, Martin

    2016-01-01

    Ataxia-telangiectasia, mutated (ATM) protein plays a central role in phosphorylating a network of proteins in response to DNA damage. These proteins function in signaling pathways designed to maintain the stability of the genome and minimize the risk of disease by controlling cell cycle checkpoints, initiating DNA repair, and regulating gene expression. ATM kinase can be activated by a variety of stimuli, including oxidative stress. Here, we confirmed activation of cytoplasmic ATM by autophosphorylation at multiple sites. Then we employed a global quantitative phosphoproteomics approach to identify cytoplasmic proteins altered in their phosphorylation state in control and ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) cells in response to oxidative damage. We demonstrated that ATM was activated by oxidative damage in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus and identified a total of 9,833 phosphorylation sites, including 6,686 high-confidence sites mapping to 2,536 unique proteins. A total of 62 differentially phosphorylated peptides were identified; of these, 43 were phosphorylated in control but not in A-T cells, and 19 varied in their level of phosphorylation. Motif enrichment analysis of phosphopeptides revealed that consensus ATM serine glutamine sites were overrepresented. When considering phosphorylation events, only observed in control cells (not observed in A-T cells), with predicted ATM sites phosphoSerine/phosphoThreonine glutamine, we narrowed this list to 11 candidate ATM-dependent cytoplasmic proteins. Two of these 11 were previously described as ATM substrates (HMGA1 and UIMCI/RAP80), another five were identified in a whole cell extract phosphoproteomic screens, and the remaining four proteins had not been identified previously in DNA damage response screens. We validated the phosphorylation of three of these proteins (oxidative stress responsive 1 (OSR1), HDGF, and ccdc82) as ATM dependent after H2O2 exposure, and another protein (S100A11) demonstrated ATM

  3. Endothelin-1 stimulates catalase activity through the PKCδ mediated phosphorylation of Serine 167

    PubMed Central

    Rafikov, Ruslan; Kumar, Sanjiv; Aggarwal, Saurabh; Hou, Yali; Kangath, Archana; Pardo, Daniel; Fineman, Jeffrey R.; Black, Stephen M.

    2013-01-01

    Our previous studies have shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates catalase activity in endothelial cells and lambs with acute increases in pulmonary blood flow (PBF), without altering gene expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which this occurs. Exposing pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC) to ET-1 increased catalase activity and decreased cellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. These changes correlated with an increase in serine phosphorylated catalase. Using the inhibitory peptide δV1.1, this phosphorylation was shown to be PKCδ dependent. Mass spectrometry identified serine167 as the phosphorylation site. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate a phospho-mimic (S167D) catalase. Activity assays using recombinant protein purified from E.coli or transiently transfected COS-7 cells, demonstrated that S167D-catalase had an increased ability to degrade H2O2 compared to the wildtype enzyme. Using a phospho-specific antibody, we were able to verify that pS167 catalase levels are modulated in lambs with acute increases in PBF in the presence and absence of the ET receptor antagonist, tezosentan. S167 is being located on the dimeric interface suggesting it could be involved in regulating the formation of catalase tetramers. To evaluate this possibility we utilized analytical gel-filtration to examine the multimeric structure of recombinant wildtype- and S167D-catalase. We found that recombinant wildtype catalase was present as a mixture of monomers and dimers while S167D catalase was primarily tetrameric. Further, the incubation of wildtype catalase with PKCδ was sufficient to convert wildtype catalase into a tetrameric structure. In conclusion, this is the first report indicating that the phosphorylation of catalase regulates its multimeric structure and activity. PMID:24211614

  4. 39 CFR 10.3 - Post-employment activities.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 39 Postal Service 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Post-employment activities. 10.3 Section 10.3 Postal Service UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE RULES OF CONDUCT FOR POSTAL SERVICE GOVERNORS (ARTICLE X) § 10.3 Post-employment activities. Governors are subject...

  5. Phosphorylation and activation of ubiquitin-specific protease-14 by Akt regulates the ubiquitin-proteasome system

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Daichao; Shan, Bing; Lee, Byung-Hoon; Zhu, Kezhou; Zhang, Tao; Sun, Huawang; Liu, Min; Shi, Linyu; Liang, Wei; Qian, Lihui; Xiao, Juan; Wang, Lili; Pan, Lifeng; Finley, Daniel; Yuan, Junying

    2015-01-01

    Regulation of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which controls the turnover of short-lived proteins in eukaryotic cells, is critical in maintaining cellular proteostasis. Here we show that USP14, a major deubiquitinating enzyme that regulates the UPS, is a substrate of Akt, a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase critical in mediating intracellular signaling transducer for growth factors. We report that Akt-mediated phosphorylation of USP14 at Ser432, which normally blocks its catalytic site in the inactive conformation, activates its deubiquitinating activity in vitro and in cells. We also demonstrate that phosphorylation of USP14 is critical for Akt to regulate proteasome activity and consequently global protein degradation. Since Akt can be activated by a wide range of growth factors and is under negative control by phosphoinosotide phosphatase PTEN, we suggest that regulation of UPS by Akt-mediated phosphorylation of USP14 may provide a common mechanism for growth factors to control global proteostasis and for promoting tumorigenesis in PTEN-negative cancer cells. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10510.001 PMID:26523394

  6. Cdk1 phosphorylates SPAT-1/Bora to trigger PLK-1 activation and drive mitotic entry in C. elegans embryos

    PubMed Central

    Tavernier, Nicolas; Noatynska, Anna; Panbianco, Costanza; Martino, Lisa; Van Hove, Lucie; Schwager, Françoise; Léger, Thibaut

    2015-01-01

    The molecular mechanisms governing mitotic entry during animal development are incompletely understood. Here, we show that the mitotic kinase CDK-1 phosphorylates Suppressor of Par-Two 1 (SPAT-1)/Bora to regulate its interaction with PLK-1 and to trigger mitotic entry in early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. Embryos expressing a SPAT-1 version that is nonphosphorylatable by CDK-1 and that is defective in PLK-1 binding in vitro present delays in mitotic entry, mimicking embryos lacking SPAT-1 or PLK-1 functions. We further show that phospho–SPAT-1 activates PLK-1 by triggering phosphorylation on its activator T loop in vitro by Aurora A. Likewise, we show that phosphorylation of human Bora by Cdk1 promotes phosphorylation of human Plk1 by Aurora A, suggesting that this mechanism is conserved in humans. Our results suggest that CDK-1 activates PLK-1 via SPAT-1 phosphorylation to promote entry into mitosis. We propose the existence of a positive feedback loop that connects Cdk1 and Plk1 activation to ensure a robust control of mitotic entry and cell division timing. PMID:25753036

  7. Neither Aurora B activity nor histone H3 phosphorylation is essential for chromosome condensation during meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes.

    PubMed

    Jelínková, Lucie; Kubelka, Michal

    2006-05-01

    Aurora kinase B (AURKB) is a chromosomal passenger protein that is essential for a number of processes during mitosis. Its activity is regulated by association with two other passenger proteins, INCENP and Survivin, and by phosphorylation on Thr 232. In this study, we examine expression and phosphorylation on Thr-232 of AURKB during meiotic maturation of pig oocytes in correlation with histone H3 phosphorylation and chromosome condensation. We show that histone H3 phosphorylation on Ser-10, but not on Ser-28, correlates with progressive chromosome condensation during oocyte maturation; Ser-10 phosphorylation starts around the time of the breakdown of the nuclear envelope, with the maximal activity in metaphase I, whereas Ser-28 phosphorylation does not significantly change in maturing oocytes. Treatment of oocytes with 50 microM butyrolactone I (BL-I), an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases, or cycloheximide (10 microg/ml), inhibitor of proteosynthesis, results in a block of oocytes in the germinal vesicle stage, when nuclear membrane remains intact; however, condensed chromosome fibers or highly condensed chromosome bivalents can be seen in the nucleoplasm of BL-I- or cycloheximide-treated oocytes, respectively. In these treated oocytes, no or only very weak AURKB activity and phosphorylation of histone H3 on Ser-10 can be detected after 27 h of treatment, whereas phosphorylation on Ser-28 is not influenced. These results suggest that AURKB activity and Ser-10 phosphorylation of histone H3 are not required for chromosome condensation in pig oocytes, but might be required for further processing of chromosomes during meiosis.

  8. Protein kinase Ymr291w/Tda1 is essential for glucose signaling in saccharomyces cerevisiae on the level of hexokinase isoenzyme ScHxk2 phosphorylation*.

    PubMed

    Kaps, Sonja; Kettner, Karina; Migotti, Rebekka; Kanashova, Tamara; Krause, Udo; Rödel, Gerhard; Dittmar, Gunnar; Kriegel, Thomas M

    2015-03-06

    The enzyme ScHxk2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a dual-function hexokinase that besides its catalytic role in glycolysis is involved in the transcriptional regulation of glucose-repressible genes. Relief from glucose repression is accompanied by the phosphorylation of the nuclear fraction of ScHxk2 at serine 15 and the translocation of the phosphoenzyme into the cytosol. Different studies suggest different serine/threonine protein kinases, Ymr291w/Tda1 or Snf1, to accomplish ScHxk2-S15 phosphorylation. The current paper provides evidence that Ymr291w/Tda1 is essential for that modification, whereas protein kinases Ydr477w/Snf1, Ynl307c/Mck1, Yfr014c/Cmk1, and Ykl126w/Ypk1, which are co-purified during Ymr291w/Tda1 tandem affinity purification, as well as protein kinase PKA and PKB homolog Sch9 are dispensable. Taking into account the detection of a significantly higher amount of the Ymr291w/Tda1 protein in cells grown in low-glucose media as compared with a high-glucose environment, Ymr291w/Tda1 is likely to contribute to glucose signaling in S. cerevisiae on the level of ScHxk2-S15 phosphorylation in a situation of limited external glucose availability. The evolutionary conservation of amino acid residue serine 15 in yeast hexokinases and its phosphorylation is illustrated by the finding that YMR291W/TDA1 of S. cerevisiae and the homologous KLLA0A09713 gene of Kluyveromyces lactis allow for cross-complementation of the respective protein kinase single-gene deletion strains. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  9. ATM-dependent phosphorylation of Mdm2 on serine 395: role in p53 activation by DNA damage

    PubMed Central

    Maya, Ruth; Balass, Moshe; Kim, Seong-Tae; Shkedy, Dganit; Leal, Juan-Fernando Martinez; Shifman, Ohad; Moas, Miri; Buschmann, Thomas; Ronai, Ze'ev; Shiloh, Yosef; Kastan, Michael B.; Katzir, Ephraim; Oren, Moshe

    2001-01-01

    The p53 tumor suppressor protein, a key regulator of cellular responses to genotoxic stress, is stabilized and activated after DNA damage. The rapid activation of p53 by ionizing radiation and radiomimetic agents is largely dependent on the ATM kinase. p53 is phosphorylated by ATM shortly after DNA damage, resulting in enhanced stability and activity of p53. The Mdm2 oncoprotein is a pivotal negative regulator of p53. In response to ionizing radiation and radiomimetic drugs, Mdm2 undergoes rapid ATM-dependent phosphorylation prior to p53 accumulation. This results in a decrease in its reactivity with the 2A10 monoclonal antibody. Phage display analysis identified a consensus 2A10 recognition sequence, possessing the core motif DYS. Unexpectedly, this motif appears twice within the human Mdm2 molecule, at positions corresponding to residues 258–260 and 393–395. Both putative 2A10 epitopes are highly conserved and encompass potential phosphorylation sites. Serine 395, residing within the carboxy-terminal 2A10 epitope, is the major target on Mdm2 for phosphorylation by ATM in vitro. Mutational analysis supports the conclusion that Mdm2 undergoes ATM-dependent phosphorylation on serine 395 in vivo in response to DNA damage. The data further suggests that phosphorylated Mdm2 may be less capable of promoting the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of p53 and its subsequent degradation, thereby enabling p53 accumulation. Our findings imply that activation of p53 by DNA damage is achieved, in part, through attenuation of the p53-inhibitory potential of Mdm2. PMID:11331603

  10. H2AX phosphorylation and DNA damage kinase activity are dispensable for herpes simplex virus replication.

    PubMed

    Botting, Carolyn; Lu, Xu; Triezenberg, Steven J

    2016-01-27

    Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can establish both lytic and latent infections in humans. The phosphorylation of histone H2AX, a common marker of DNA damage, during lytic infection by HSV-1 is well established. However, the role(s) of H2AX phosphorylation in lytic infection remain unclear. Following infection of human foreskin fibroblasts by HSV-1 or HSV-2, we assayed the phosphorylation of H2AX in the presence of inhibitors of transcription, translation, or viral DNA replication, or in the presence of inhibitors of ATM and ATR kinases (KU-55933 and VE-821, respectively). We also assayed viral replication in fibroblasts in the presence of the kinase inhibitors or siRNAs specific for ATM and ATR, as well as in cell lines deficient for either ATR or ATM. The expression of viral immediate-early and early proteins (including the viral DNA polymerase), but not viral DNA replication or late protein expression, were required for H2AX phosphorylation following HSV-1 infection. Inhibition of ATM kinase activity prevented HSV-stimulated H2AX phosphorylation but had only a minor effect on DNA replication and virus yield in HFF cells. These results differ from previous reports of a dramatic reduction in viral yield following chemical inhibition of ATM in oral keratinocytes or following infection of ATM(-/-) cells. Inhibition of the closely related kinase ATR (whether by chemical inhibitor or siRNA disruption) had no effect on H2AX phosphorylation and reduced viral DNA replication only moderately. During infection by HSV-2, H2AX phosphorylation was similarly dispensable but was dependent on both ATM activity and viral DNA replication. H2AX phosphorylation represents a cell type-specific and virus type-specific host response to HSV infection with little impact on viral infection.

  11. Ascorbate stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase enzyme activity by rapid modulation of its phosphorylation status

    PubMed Central

    Ladurner, Angela; Schmitt, Christoph A.; Schachner, Daniel; Atanasov, Atanas G.; Werner, Ernst R.; Dirsch, Verena M.; Heiss, Elke H.

    2012-01-01

    Long-term exposure to ascorbate is known to enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity by stabilizing the eNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). We investigated acute effects of ascorbate on eNOS function in primary (HUVEC) and immortalized human endothelial cells (EA.hy926), aiming to provide a molecular explanation for the rapid vasodilatation seen in vivo upon administration of ascorbate. Enzymatic activity of eNOS and intracellular BH4 levels were assessed by means of an arginine–citrulline conversion assay and HPLC analysis, respectively. Over a period of 4 h, ascorbate steadily increased eNOS activity, although endothelial BH4 levels remained unchanged compared to untreated control cells. Immunoblot analyses revealed that as early as 5 min after treatment ascorbate dose-dependently increased phosphorylation at eNOS-Ser1177 and concomitantly decreased phosphorylation at eNOS-Thr495, a phosphorylation pattern indicative of increased eNOS activity. By employing pharmacological inhibitors, siRNA-mediated knockdown approaches, and overexpression of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), we show that this effect was at least partly owing to reduction of PP2A activity and subsequent activation of AMP-activated kinase. In this report, we unravel a novel mechanism for how ascorbate rapidly activates eNOS independent of its effects on BH4 stabilization. PMID:22542797

  12. Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor GIV Promotes Activation of PI3K During Cell Migration

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Changsheng; Ear, Jason; Pavlova, Yelena; Mittal, Yash; Kufareva, Irina; Ghassemian, Majid; Abagyan, Ruben; Garcia-Marcos, Mikel; Ghosh, Pradipta

    2014-01-01

    GIV (Gα-interacting vesicle-associated protein; also known as Girdin), enhances Akt activation downstream of multiple growth factor– and G-protein–coupled receptors to trigger cell migration and cancer invasion. Here we demonstrate that GIV is a tyrosine phosphoprotein that directly binds to and activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Upon ligand stimulation of various receptors, GIV was phosphorylated at Tyr1764 and Tyr1798 by both receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. These phosphorylation events enabled direct binding of GIV to the N- and C-terminal SH2 domains of p85α, a regulatory subunit of PI3K, stabilized receptor association with PI3K, and enhanced PI3K activity at the plasma membrane to trigger cell migration. Tyrosine phosphorylation of GIV and its association with p85α increased during metastatic progression of a breast carcinoma. These results suggest a mechanism by which multiple receptors activate PI3K through tyrosine phosphorylation of GIV, thereby making the GIVPI3K interaction a potential therapeutic target within the PI3K-Akt pathway. PMID:21954290

  13. YAP Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Nuclear Localization in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells is Regulated by LCK and Independent of LATS Activity.

    PubMed

    Sugihara, Takaaki; Werneburg, Nathan W; Hernandez, Matthew C; Yang, Lin; Kabashima, Ayano; Hirsova, Petra; Yohanathan, Lavanya; Sosa, Carlos; Truty, Mark Joseph; Vasmatzis, George; Gores, Gregory J; Smoot, Rory L

    2018-06-14

    The hippo pathway effector, Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional co-activator implicated in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) pathogenesis. YAP is known to be regulated by a serine/threonine kinase relay module (MST1/2 - LATS1/2) culminating in phosphorylation of YAP at Serine 127 (S127) and cytoplasmic sequestration. However, YAP also undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation, and the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in YAP regulation remains unclear. Herein, YAP regulation by tyrosine phosphorylation was examined in human and mouse CCA cells, as well as patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. YAP was phosphorylated on tyrosine 357 (Y357) in CCA cell lines and PDX models. SRC family kinase (SFK) inhibition with dasatinib resulted in loss of YAPY357 phosphorylation, promoted its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and reduced YAP target gene expression; including cell lines expressing a LATS1/2-resistant YAP mutant in which all serine residues were mutated to alanine. Consistent with these observations, precluding YAPY357 phosphorylation by site-directed mutagenesis (YAPY357F) excluded YAP from the nucleus. Targeted siRNA experiments identified LCK as the SFK that most potently mediated YAPY357 phosphorylation. Likewise, inducible CRISPR/Cas9-targeted LCK deletion decreased YAPY357 phosphorylation and its nuclear localization. The importance of LCK in CCA biology was demonstrated by clinical observations suggesting LCK expression levels were associated with early tumor recurrence following resection of CCA. Finally, dasatinib displayed therapeutic efficacy in PDX models. Demonstration of targetable, LCK-mediated YAP tyrosine phosphorylation in CCA regulating YAP's nuclear retention and oncogenic activity. Copyright ©2018, American Association for Cancer Research.

  14. Tandem phosphorylation of Ser-911 and Thr-912 at the C terminus of yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase leads to glucose-dependent activation.

    PubMed

    Lecchi, Silvia; Nelson, Clark J; Allen, Kenneth E; Swaney, Danielle L; Thompson, Katie L; Coon, Joshua J; Sussman, Michael R; Slayman, Carolyn W

    2007-12-07

    In recent years there has been growing interest in the post-translational regulation of P-type ATPases by protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation. Pma1 H(+)-ATPase, which is responsible for H(+)-dependent nutrient uptake in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), is one such example, displaying a rapid 5-10-fold increase in activity when carbon-starved cells are exposed to glucose. Activation has been linked to Ser/Thr phosphorylation in the C-terminal tail of the ATPase, but the specific phosphorylation sites have not previously been mapped. The present study has used nanoflow high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray electron transfer dissociation tandem mass spectrometry to identify Ser-911 and Thr-912 as two major phosphorylation sites that are clearly related to glucose activation. In carbon-starved cells with low Pma1 activity, peptide 896-918, which was derived from the C terminus upon Lys-C proteolysis, was found to be singly phosphorylated at Thr-912, whereas in glucose-metabolizing cells with high ATPase activity, the same peptide was doubly phosphorylated at Ser-911 and Thr-912. Reciprocal (14)N/(15)N metabolic labeling of cells was used to measure the relative phosphorylation levels at the two sites. The addition of glucose to carbon-starved cells led to a 3-fold reduction in the singly phosphorylated form and an 11-fold increase in the doubly phosphorylated form. These results point to a mechanism in which the stepwise phosphorylation of two tandemly positioned residues near the C terminus mediates glucose-dependent activation of the H(+)-ATPase.

  15. Phosphorylation of Parkin at Serine65 is essential for activation: elaboration of a Miro1 substrate-based assay of Parkin E3 ligase activity

    PubMed Central

    Kazlauskaite, Agne; Kelly, Van; Johnson, Clare; Baillie, Carla; Hastie, C. James; Peggie, Mark; Macartney, Thomas; Woodroof, Helen I.; Alessi, Dario R.; Pedrioli, Patrick G. A.; Muqit, Miratul M. K.

    2014-01-01

    Mutations in PINK1 and Parkin are associated with early-onset Parkinson's disease. We recently discovered that PINK1 phosphorylates Parkin at serine65 (Ser65) within its Ubl domain, leading to its activation in a substrate-free activity assay. We now demonstrate the critical requirement of Ser65 phosphorylation for substrate ubiquitylation through elaboration of a novel in vitro E3 ligase activity assay using full-length untagged Parkin and its putative substrate, the mitochondrial GTPase Miro1. We observe that Parkin efficiently ubiquitylates Miro1 at highly conserved lysine residues, 153, 230, 235, 330 and 572, upon phosphorylation by PINK1. We have further established an E2-ubiquitin discharge assay to assess Parkin activity and observe robust discharge of ubiquitin-loaded UbcH7 E2 ligase upon phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser65 by wild-type, but not kinase-inactive PINK1 or a Parkin Ser65Ala mutant, suggesting a possible mechanism of how Ser65 phosphorylation may activate Parkin E3 ligase activity. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we report the effect of Parkin disease-associated mutations in substrate-based assays using full-length untagged recombinant Parkin. Our mutation analysis indicates an essential role for the catalytic cysteine Cys431 and reveals fundamental new knowledge on how mutations may confer pathogenicity via disruption of Miro1 ubiquitylation, free ubiquitin chain formation or by impacting Parkin's ability to discharge ubiquitin from a loaded E2. This study provides further evidence that phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser65 is critical for its activation. It also provides evidence that Miro1 is a direct Parkin substrate. The assays and reagents developed in this study will be important to uncover new insights into Parkin biology as well as aid in the development of screens to identify small molecule Parkin activators for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. PMID:24647965

  16. Hydrophobic Motif Phosphorylation Coordinates Activity and Polar Localization of the Neurospora crassa Nuclear Dbf2-Related Kinase COT1

    PubMed Central

    Maerz, Sabine; Dettmann, Anne

    2012-01-01

    Nuclear Dbf2p-related (NDR) kinases and associated proteins are recognized as a conserved network that regulates eukaryotic cell polarity. NDR kinases require association with MOB adaptor proteins and phosphorylation of two conserved residues in the activation segment and hydrophobic motif for activity and function. We demonstrate that the Neurospora crassa NDR kinase COT1 forms inactive dimers via a conserved N-terminal extension, which is also required for the interaction of the kinase with MOB2 to generate heterocomplexes with basal activity. Basal kinase activity also requires autophosphorylation of the COT1-MOB2 complex in the activation segment, while hydrophobic motif phosphorylation of COT1 by the germinal center kinase POD6 fully activates COT1 through induction of a conformational change. Hydrophobic motif phosphorylation is also required for plasma membrane association of the COT1-MOB2 complex. MOB2 further restricts the membrane-associated kinase complex to the hyphal apex to promote polar cell growth. These data support an integrated mechanism of NDR kinase regulation in vivo, in which kinase activation and cellular localization of COT1 are coordinated by dual phosphorylation and interaction with MOB2. PMID:22451488

  17. Multiple steps of phosphorylation of activated rhodopsin can account for the reproducibility of vertebrate rod single-photon responses.

    PubMed

    Hamer, R D; Nicholas, S C; Tranchina, D; Liebman, P A; Lamb, T D

    2003-10-01

    Single-photon responses (SPRs) in vertebrate rods are considerably less variable than expected if isomerized rhodopsin (R*) inactivated in a single, memoryless step, and no other variability-reducing mechanisms were available. We present a new stochastic model, the core of which is the successive ratcheting down of R* activity, and a concomitant increase in the probability of quenching of R* by arrestin (Arr), with each phosphorylation of R* (Gibson, S.K., J.H. Parkes, and P.A. Liebman. 2000. Biochemistry. 39:5738-5749.). We evaluated the model by means of Monte-Carlo simulations of dim-flash responses, and compared the response statistics derived from them with those obtained from empirical dim-flash data (Whitlock, G.G., and T.D. Lamb. 1999. Neuron. 23:337-351.). The model accounts for four quantitative measures of SPR reproducibility. It also reproduces qualitative features of rod responses obtained with altered nucleotide levels, and thus contradicts the conclusion that such responses imply that phosphorylation cannot dominate R* inactivation (Rieke, F., and D.A. Baylor. 1998a. Biophys. J. 75:1836-1857; Field, G.D., and F. Rieke. 2002. Neuron. 35:733-747.). Moreover, the model is able to reproduce the salient qualitative features of SPRs obtained from mouse rods that had been genetically modified with specific pathways of R* inactivation or Ca2+ feedback disabled. We present a theoretical analysis showing that the variability of the area under the SPR estimates the variability of integrated R* activity, and can provide a valid gauge of the number of R* inactivation steps. We show that there is a heretofore unappreciated tradeoff between variability of SPR amplitude and SPR duration that depends critically on the kinetics of inactivation of R* relative to the net kinetics of the downstream reactions in the cascade. Because of this dependence, neither the variability of SPR amplitude nor duration provides a reliable estimate of the underlying variability of

  18. Actin-binding and cell proliferation activities of angiomotin family members are regulated by Hippo pathway-mediated phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Chan, Siew Wee; Lim, Chun Jye; Guo, Fusheng; Tan, Ivan; Leung, Thomas; Hong, Wanjin

    2013-12-27

    Whether the Hippo pathway has downstream targets other than YAP and TAZ is unknown. In this report, we have identified angiomotin (Amot) family members as novel substrates of Hippo core kinases. The N-terminal regions of Amot proteins contain a conserved HXRXXS consensus site for LATS1/2-mediated phosphorylation. Phospho-specific antibodies showed that Hippo core kinases could mediate phosphorylation of endogenous as well as exogenous Amot family members. Knockdown of LATS1 and LATS2 endogenously reduced the phosphorylation of Amots detected by the phospho-specific antibodies. Mutation of the serine to alanine within this HXRXXS site in Amot and AmotL2 established that this site was essential for Hippo core kinase-mediated phosphorylation. Wild-type and non-phosphorylated Amot (Amot-S175A) were targeted to actin filaments, whereas phospho-mimic Amot (Amot-S175D) failed to be localized with actin. Overexpression of LATS2 caused dissociation of Amot from actin but not Amot-S175A. Mapping of the actin-binding site of Amot showed that serine 175 of Amot was important for the actin-binding activity. Amot-S175A promoted, whereas Amot and Amot-S175D inhibited, cell proliferation. These results collectively suggest that the Hippo pathway negatively regulates the actin-binding activity of Amot family members through direct phosphorylation.

  19. Tyrosine hydroxylase is activated and phosphorylated at different sites in rat pheochromocytoma PC 12 cells treated with phorbol ester and forskolin

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tachikawa, E.; Tank, A.W.; Weiner, D.H.

    1986-03-01

    The effects of phorbol ester (4..beta..-phorbol, 12..beta..-myristate, 13..cap alpha..-acetate; TPA), an activator of Ca/sup + +//phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PK-C), and forskolin, which stimulates adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK), on the activation and phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in rat pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells were examined. Incubation of the cells with TPA (0.01-1 ..mu..M) or forskolin (0.01-0.1 ..mu..M) produces increases in activation and phosphorylation of TH in a concentration-dependent manner. The stimulatory effects of TPA are dependent on extracellular Ca/sup + +/ and are inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with trifluoperazine (TFP). The effects of forskolin aremore » independent of Ca/sup + +/ and are not inhibited by TFP. In cells treated with forskolin, the time course of the increase in cAMP correlates with the increases in TH activity and phosphorylation. cAMP levels do not increase in cells treated with TPA. There is an increase in the phosphorylation of only one tryptic phosphopeptide derived from TH in cells treated with either forskolin or TPA. The peptide phosphorylated in TPA-treated cells exhibits different elution characteristics on HPLC from that in forskolin-treated cells. The authors conclude that TH in PC 12 cells is phosphorylated on different sites by cAMP-PK and PK-C. Phosphorylation of either of these sites is associated with enzyme activation.« less

  20. Dual Role of Protein Phosphorylation in DNA Activator/Coactivator Binding

    PubMed Central

    Dadarlat, Voichita M.; Skeel, Robert D.

    2011-01-01

    Binding free energies are calculated for the phosphorylated and unphosphorylated complexes between the kinase inducible domain (KID) of the DNA transcriptional activator cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein and the KIX domain of its coactivator, CREB-binding protein (CBP). To our knowledge, this is the first application of a method based on a potential of mean force (PMF) with restraining potentials to compute the binding free energy of protein-protein complexes. The KID:KIX complexes are chosen here because of their biological relevance to the DNA transcription process and their relatively small size (81 residues for the KIX domain of CBP, and 28 residues for KID). The results for pKID:KIX and KID:KIX are −9.55 and −4.96 kcal/mol, respectively, in good agreement with experimental estimates (−8.8 and −5.8 kcal/mol, respectively). A comparison between specific contributions to protein-protein binding for the phosphorylated and unphosphorylated complexes reveals a dual role for the phosphorylation of KID at Ser-133 in effecting a more favorable free energy of the bound system: 1), stabilization of the unbound conformation of phosphorylated KID due to favorable intramolecular interactions of the phosphate group of Ser-133 with the charged groups of an arginine-rich region spanning both α-helices, which lowers the configurational entropy; and 2), more favorable intermolecular electrostatic interactions between pSer-133 and Arg-131 of KID, and Lys-662, Tyr-658, and Glu-666 of KIX. Charge reduction through ligand phosphorylation emerges as a possible mechanism for controlling the unbound state conformation of KID and, ultimately, gene expression. This work also demonstrates that the PMF-based method with restraining potentials provides an added benefit in that important elements of the binding pathway are evidenced. Furthermore, the practicality of the PMF-based method for larger systems is validated by agreement with experiment. In addition, we provide

  1. Synaptic Activity and Muscle Contraction Increases PDK1 and PKCβI Phosphorylation in the Presynaptic Membrane of the Neuromuscular Junction.

    PubMed

    Hurtado, Erica; Cilleros, Víctor; Just, Laia; Simó, Anna; Nadal, Laura; Tomàs, Marta; Garcia, Neus; Lanuza, Maria A; Tomàs, Josep

    2017-01-01

    Conventional protein kinase C βI (cPKCβI) is a conventional protein kinase C (PKC) isoform directly involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). It is located exclusively at the nerve terminal and both synaptic activity and muscle contraction modulate its protein levels and phosphorylation. cPKCβI molecular maturation includes a series of phosphorylation steps, the first of which is mediated by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). Here, we sought to localize PDK1 in the NMJ and investigate the hypothesis that synaptic activity and muscle contraction regulate in parallel PDK1 and cPKCβI phosphorylation in the membrane fraction. To differentiate the presynaptic and postsynaptic activities, we abolished muscle contraction with μ-conotoxin GIIIB (μ-CgTx-GIIIB) in some experiments before stimulation of the phrenic nerve (1 Hz, 30 min). Then, we analyzed total and membrane/cytosol fractions of skeletal muscle by Western blotting. Results showed that PDK1 is located exclusively in the nerve terminal of the NMJ. After nerve stimulation with and without coincident muscle contraction, total PDK1 and phosphorylated PDK1 (pPDK1) protein levels remained unaltered. However, synaptic activity specifically enhanced phosphorylation of PDK1 in the membrane, an important subcellular location for PDK1 function. This increase in pPDK1 coincides with a significant increase in the phosphorylation of its substrate cPKCβI also in the membrane fraction. Moreover, muscle contraction maintains PDK1 and pPDK1 but increases cPKCβI protein levels and its phosphorylation. Thus, even though PDK1 activity is maintained, pcPKCβI levels increase in concordance with total cPKCβI. Together, these results indicate that neuromuscular activity could induce the membrane targeting of pPDK1 in the nerve terminal of the NMJ to promote the phosphorylation of the cPKCβI, which is involved in ACh release.

  2. Synaptic Activity and Muscle Contraction Increases PDK1 and PKCβI Phosphorylation in the Presynaptic Membrane of the Neuromuscular Junction

    PubMed Central

    Hurtado, Erica; Cilleros, Víctor; Just, Laia; Simó, Anna; Nadal, Laura; Tomàs, Marta; Garcia, Neus; Lanuza, Maria A.; Tomàs, Josep

    2017-01-01

    Conventional protein kinase C βI (cPKCβI) is a conventional protein kinase C (PKC) isoform directly involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). It is located exclusively at the nerve terminal and both synaptic activity and muscle contraction modulate its protein levels and phosphorylation. cPKCβI molecular maturation includes a series of phosphorylation steps, the first of which is mediated by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). Here, we sought to localize PDK1 in the NMJ and investigate the hypothesis that synaptic activity and muscle contraction regulate in parallel PDK1 and cPKCβI phosphorylation in the membrane fraction. To differentiate the presynaptic and postsynaptic activities, we abolished muscle contraction with μ-conotoxin GIIIB (μ-CgTx-GIIIB) in some experiments before stimulation of the phrenic nerve (1 Hz, 30 min). Then, we analyzed total and membrane/cytosol fractions of skeletal muscle by Western blotting. Results showed that PDK1 is located exclusively in the nerve terminal of the NMJ. After nerve stimulation with and without coincident muscle contraction, total PDK1 and phosphorylated PDK1 (pPDK1) protein levels remained unaltered. However, synaptic activity specifically enhanced phosphorylation of PDK1 in the membrane, an important subcellular location for PDK1 function. This increase in pPDK1 coincides with a significant increase in the phosphorylation of its substrate cPKCβI also in the membrane fraction. Moreover, muscle contraction maintains PDK1 and pPDK1 but increases cPKCβI protein levels and its phosphorylation. Thus, even though PDK1 activity is maintained, pcPKCβI levels increase in concordance with total cPKCβI. Together, these results indicate that neuromuscular activity could induce the membrane targeting of pPDK1 in the nerve terminal of the NMJ to promote the phosphorylation of the cPKCβI, which is involved in ACh release. PMID:28890686

  3. Synaptic Activation of Ribosomal Protein S6 Phosphorylation Occurs Locally in Activated Dendritic Domains

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pirbhoy, Patricia Salgado; Farris, Shannon; Steward, Oswald

    2016-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) induces phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) in postsynaptic neurons, but the functional significance of rpS6 phosphorylation is poorly understood. Here, we show that synaptic stimulation that induces perforant path LTP triggers phosphorylation of rpS6 (p-rpS6)…

  4. Genetic code expansion and live cell imaging reveal that Thr308 phosphorylation is irreplaceable and sufficient for Akt1 activity.

    PubMed

    Balasuriya, Nileeka; Kunkel, Maya T; Liu, Xuguang; Biggar, Kyle K; Li, Shawn S-C; Newton, Alexandra C; O'Donoghue, Patrick

    2018-05-17

    The proto-oncogene Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) is a pivotal signal transducer for growth and survival. Growth factor stimulation leads to Akt phosphorylation at two regulatory sites (Thr308, Ser473), acutely activating Akt signaling. Delineating the exact role of each regulatory site is, however, technically challenging and has remained elusive. Here, we used genetic code expansion to produce site-specifically phosphorylated Akt1 in order to dissect the contribution of each regulatory site to Akt1 activity. We achieved recombinant production of full length Akt1 containing site-specific pThr and pSer residues for the first time. Our analysis of Akt1 site-specifically phosphorylated at either or both sites revealed that phosphorylation at both sites increases the apparent catalytic rate 1500-fold relative to un-phosphorylated Akt1, an increase attributable primarily to phosphorylation at Thr308. Live imaging of COS7 cells confirmed that phosphorylation of Thr308, but not Ser473, is required for cellular activation of Akt. We found in vitro and in the cell that pThr308 function cannot be mimicked with acidic residues nor could unphosphorylated Thr308 be mimicked by an Ala mutation. An Akt1 variant with pSer308 achieved only partial enzymatic and cellular signaling activity, revealing a critical interaction between the γ-methyl group of pThr308 and Cys310 in the Akt1 active site. Thus, pThr308 is necessary and sufficient to stimulate Akt signaling in cells and the common use of phosphomimetics is not appropriate for studying the biology of Akt signaling. Our data also indicate that pThr308 should be regarded as the primary diagnostic marker of Akt activity. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  5. Complementary Phosphorylation Sites in the Adaptor Protein SLP-76 Promote Synergistic Activation of Natural Killer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Hun Sik; Long, Eric O.

    2013-01-01

    The cytotoxic effects of natural killer (NK) cells and their ability to secrete cytokines require the induction of synergistic signals from co-activation receptors, such as CD314 (NKG2D) and CD244 (2B4), which bind to ligands expressed on target cells. Synergy is required to overcome inhibition of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Vav1, a central regulator of NK cell activation, by the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl. However, the molecular basis for this synergy is unknown. Here, we showed that the adaptor protein Src homology 2 (SH2) domain–containing leukocyte phosphoprotein of 76 kD (SLP-76) was required for this synergy, and that distinct tyrosine residues in SLP-76 were phosphorylated by each receptor of a synergistic pair. Selective phosphorylation of tyrosine 113 or tyrosine 128 in SLP-76, each of which enables binding of SLP-76 to Vav1, was unique to receptors that stimulate ligand-dependent target cell killing, because antibody-dependent stimulation by Fc receptor CD16 promoted phosphorylation at both sites. Knockdown and reconstitution experiments with SLP-76 showed the distinct role of each tyrosine in the synergistic mobilization of Ca2+, revealing an unexpected degree of selectivity in the phosphorylation of SLP-76 by NK cell co-activation receptors. Together, these data suggest that complementation of separate phospho-tyrosine targets in SLP-76 forms the basis of synergistic NK cell activation. PMID:22786724

  6. Transcriptional activity and DNA binding of heat shock factor-1 involve phosphorylation on threonine 142 by CK2.

    PubMed

    Soncin, Fabrice; Zhang, Xinfeng; Chu, Boyang; Wang, Xiaozhe; Asea, Alexzander; Ann Stevenson, Mary; Sacks, David B; Calderwood, Stuart K

    2003-04-04

    Heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1) is the regulator of hsp molecular chaperone transcription, although the intracellular mechanisms involved in HSF-1 activation have not been fully elucidated. As HSF1 is activated by heat shock simultaneously with the nuclear translocation of the protein kinase CK2, we have investigated the role of CK2 in HSF1 activation. We demonstrate that HSF-1 is phosphorylated by CK2 on both serine and threonine residues and has characterized a phosphorylation site at threonine 142. Mutation of Thr-142 to alanine (T142A) inhibits trans-activation of the HSP70 gene by HSF1 and in addition inhibits the accumulation of HSF-1 competent to bind heat shock elements in the nucleus. HSF1 activation by heat is correlated with the thermal activation of nuclear CK2 and overexpression of CK2 activates HSF1. Phosphorylation by CK2 on threonine 142 may therefore be an essential step in the thermal activation of latent HSF1 by stresses.

  7. Molecular Imaging of Phosphorylation Events for Drug Development

    PubMed Central

    Chan, C. T.; Paulmurugan, R.; Reeves, R. E.; Solow-Cordero, D.; Gambhir, S. S.

    2014-01-01

    Purpose Protein phosphorylation mediated by protein kinases controls numerous cellular processes. A genetically encoded, generalizable split firefly luciferase (FL)-assisted complementation system was developed for noninvasive monitoring phosphorylation events and efficacies of kinase inhibitors in cell culture and in small living subjects by optical bioluminescence imaging. Procedures An Akt sensor (AST) was constructed to monitor Akt phosphorylation and the effect of different PI-3K and Akt inhibitors. Specificity of AST was determined using a non-phosphorylable mutant sensor containing an alanine substitution (ASA). Results The PI-3K inhibitor LY294002 and Akt kinase inhibitor perifosine led to temporal- and dose-dependent increases in complemented FL activities in 293T human kidney cancer cells stably expressing AST (293T/AST) but not in 293T/ASA cells. Inhibition of endogenous Akt phosphorylation and kinase activities by perifosine also correlated with increase in complemented FL activities in 293T/AST cells but not in 293T/ASA cells. Treatment of nude mice bearing 293T/AST xenografts with perifosine led to a 2-fold increase in complemented FL activities compared to that of 293T/ASA xenografts. Our system was used to screen a small chemical library for novel modulators of Akt kinase activity. Conclusion This generalizable approach for noninvasive monitoring of phosphorylation events will accelerate the discovery and validation of novel kinase inhibitors and modulators of phosphorylation events. PMID:19048345

  8. Essential role of the NH2-terminal WD/EPF motif in the phosphorylation-activated protective function of mammalian Hsp27.

    PubMed

    Thériault, Jimmy R; Lambert, Herman; Chávez-Zobel, Aura T; Charest, Gabriel; Lavigne, Pierre; Landry, Jacques

    2004-05-28

    Hsp27 is expressed at high levels after mild heat shock and contributes to making cells extremely resistant to subsequent treatments. The activity of the protein is regulated at the transcriptional level, but also by phosphorylation, which occurs rapidly during stress and is responsible for causing the dissociation of large 700-kDa Hsp27 oligomers into dimers. We investigated the mechanism by which phosphorylation and oligomerization modulate the protective activity of Chinese hamster Hsp27. In contrast to oligomer dissociation, which only required Ser90 phosphorylation, activation of Hsp27 thermoprotective activity required the phosphorylation of both Ser90 and Ser15. Replacement of Ser90 by Ala90, which prevented the dissociation of the oligomer upon stress, did cause a severe defect in the protective activity. Dissociation was, however, not a sufficient condition to activate the protein because replacement of Ser15 by Ala15, which caused little effect in the oligomeric organization of the protein, also yielded an inactive protein. Analyzes of mutants with short deletions in the NH2 terminus identified the Hsp27 WD/EPF or PF-rich domain as essential for protection, maintenance of the oligomeric structure, and in vitro chaperone activity of the protein. In light of a three-dimensional model of Hsp27 based on the crystallographic structure of wheat Hsp16.9, we propose that the conserved WD/EPF motif of mammalian Hsp27 mediates important intramolecular interactions with hydrophic surfaces of the alpha-crystallin domain of the protein. These interactions are destabilized by Ser90 phosphorylation, making the motif free to interact with heterologous molecular targets upon the additional phosphorylation of the nearby Ser15.

  9. Mek1 Down Regulates Rad51 Activity during Yeast Meiosis by Phosphorylation of Hed1.

    PubMed

    Callender, Tracy L; Laureau, Raphaelle; Wan, Lihong; Chen, Xiangyu; Sandhu, Rima; Laljee, Saif; Zhou, Sai; Suhandynata, Ray T; Prugar, Evelyn; Gaines, William A; Kwon, YoungHo; Börner, G Valentin; Nicolas, Alain; Neiman, Aaron M; Hollingsworth, Nancy M

    2016-08-01

    During meiosis, programmed double strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired preferentially between homologs to generate crossovers that promote proper chromosome segregation at Meiosis I. In many organisms, there are two strand exchange proteins, Rad51 and the meiosis-specific Dmc1, required for interhomolog (IH) bias. This bias requires the presence, but not the strand exchange activity of Rad51, while Dmc1 is responsible for the bulk of meiotic recombination. How these activities are regulated is less well established. In dmc1Δ mutants, Rad51 is actively inhibited, thereby resulting in prophase arrest due to unrepaired DSBs triggering the meiotic recombination checkpoint. This inhibition is dependent upon the meiosis-specific kinase Mek1 and occurs through two different mechanisms that prevent complex formation with the Rad51 accessory factor Rad54: (i) phosphorylation of Rad54 by Mek1 and (ii) binding of Rad51 by the meiosis-specific protein Hed1. An open question has been why inhibition of Mek1 affects Hed1 repression of Rad51. This work shows that Hed1 is a direct substrate of Mek1. Phosphorylation of Hed1 at threonine 40 helps suppress Rad51 activity in dmc1Δ mutants by promoting Hed1 protein stability. Rad51-mediated recombination occurring in the absence of Hed1 phosphorylation results in a significant increase in non-exchange chromosomes despite wild-type levels of crossovers, confirming previous results indicating a defect in crossover assurance. We propose that Rad51 function in meiosis is regulated in part by the coordinated phosphorylation of Rad54 and Hed1 by Mek1.

  10. Melatonin synthesis in the human ciliary body triggered by TRPV4 activation: Involvement of AANAT phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Alkozi, Hanan Awad; Perez de Lara, María J; Pintor, Jesús

    2017-09-01

    Melatonin is a substance synthesized in the pineal gland as well as in other organs. This substance is involved in many ocular functions, giving its synthesis in numerous eye structures. Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin through two enzymes, the first limiting step into the synthesis of melatonin being aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). In this current study, AANAT phosphorylation after the activation of TRPV4 was studied using human non-pigmented epithelial ciliary body cells. Firstly, it was necessary to determine the adequate time and dose of the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A to reach the maximal phosphorylation of AANAT. An increase of 72% was observed after 5 min incubation with 10 nM GSK (**p < 0.05, n = 6) with a concomitant rise in N-acetyl serotonin and melatonin synthesis. The involvement of a TRPV4 channel in melatonin synthesis was verified by antagonist and siRNA studies as a previous step to studying intracellular signalling. Studies performed on the second messengers involved in GSK induced AANAT phosphorylation were carried out by inhibiting several pathways. In conclusion, the activation of calmodulin and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II was confirmed, as shown by the cascade seen in AANAT phosphorylation (***p < 0.001, n = 4). This mechanism was also established by measuring N-acetyl serotonin and melatonin levels. In conclusion, the activation of a TRPV4 present in human ciliary body epithelial cells produced an increase in AANAT phosphorylation and a further melatonin increase by a mechanism in which Ca-calmodulin and the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II are involved. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. A Damaged Oxidative Phosphorylation Mechanism Is Involved in the Antifungal Activity of Citral against Penicillium digitatum

    PubMed Central

    OuYang, Qiuli; Tao, Nengguo; Zhang, Miaoling

    2018-01-01

    Citral exhibits strong antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum. In this study, 41 over-expressed and 84 repressed proteins in P. digitatum after 1.0 μL/mL of citral exposure for 30 min were identified by the iTRAQ technique. The proteins were closely related with oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle and RNA transport. The mitochondrial complex I, complex II, complex III, complex IV and complex V, which are involved in oxidative phosphorylation were drastically affected. Among of them, the activities of mitochondrial complex I and complex IV were apparently suppressed, whereas those of mitochondrial complex II, complex III and complex V were significantly induced. Meanwhile, citral apparently triggered a reduction in the intracellular ATP, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and glutathione content, in contrast to an increase in the glutathione S-transferase activity and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Addition of exogenous cysteine decreased the antifungal activity. In addition, cysteine maintained the basal ROS level, deferred the decrease of MMP and the membrane damage. These results indicate that citral inhibited the growth of P. digitatum by damaging oxidative phosphorylation and cell membranes through the massive accumulation of ROS. PMID:29503638

  12. A Damaged Oxidative Phosphorylation Mechanism Is Involved in the Antifungal Activity of Citral against Penicillium digitatum.

    PubMed

    OuYang, Qiuli; Tao, Nengguo; Zhang, Miaoling

    2018-01-01

    Citral exhibits strong antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum . In this study, 41 over-expressed and 84 repressed proteins in P. digitatum after 1.0 μL/mL of citral exposure for 30 min were identified by the iTRAQ technique. The proteins were closely related with oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle and RNA transport. The mitochondrial complex I, complex II, complex III, complex IV and complex V, which are involved in oxidative phosphorylation were drastically affected. Among of them, the activities of mitochondrial complex I and complex IV were apparently suppressed, whereas those of mitochondrial complex II, complex III and complex V were significantly induced. Meanwhile, citral apparently triggered a reduction in the intracellular ATP, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and glutathione content, in contrast to an increase in the glutathione S-transferase activity and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Addition of exogenous cysteine decreased the antifungal activity. In addition, cysteine maintained the basal ROS level, deferred the decrease of MMP and the membrane damage. These results indicate that citral inhibited the growth of P. digitatum by damaging oxidative phosphorylation and cell membranes through the massive accumulation of ROS.

  13. Arabidopsis Receptor of Activated C Kinase1 Phosphorylation by WITH NO LYSINE8 KINASE

    DOE PAGES

    Urano, Daisuke; Czarnecki, Olaf; Wang, Xiaoping; ...

    2014-12-08

    Receptor of activated C kinase1 (RACK1) is a versatile scaffold protein that binds to numerous proteins to regulate diverse cellular pathways in mammals. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), RACK1 has been shown to regulate plant hormone signaling, stress responses, and multiple processes of growth and development. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying these regulations. In this paper, we show that an atypical serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) protein kinase, WITH NO LYSINE8 (WNK8), phosphorylates RACK1. WNK8 physically interacted with and phosphorylated RACK1 proteins at two residues: Ser-122 and Thr-162. Genetic epistasis analysis of rack1 wnk8 double mutants indicated that RACK1more » acts downstream of WNK8 in the glucose responsiveness and flowering pathways. The phosphorylation-dead form, RACK1AS122A/T162A, but not the phosphomimetic form, RACK1AS122D/T162E, rescued the rack1a null mutant, implying that phosphorylation at Ser-122 and Thr-162 negatively regulates RACK1A function. The transcript of RACK1AS122D/T162E accumulated at similar levels as those of RACK1S122A/T162A. However, although the steady-state level of the RACK1AS122A/T162A protein was similar to wild-type RACK1A protein, the RACK1AS122D/T162E protein was nearly undetectable, suggesting that phosphorylation affects the stability of RACK1A proteins. In conclusion, these results suggest that RACK1 is phosphorylated by WNK8 and that phosphorylation negatively regulates RACK1 function by influencing its protein stability.« less

  14. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase up-regulates NF-{kappa}B transcriptional activation through RelA phosphorylation during stretch-induced myogenesis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ji, Guoping; Liu, Dongxu; Liu, Jing

    2010-01-01

    p38 MAPK and nuclear factor-B (NF-B) signaling pathways play an indispensable role in the control of skeletal myogenesis. The specific contribution of these signaling pathways to the response of myoblast to the mechanical stimulation and the molecular mechanisms underlying this response remain unresolved. Using an established in vitro model, we now show that p38 MAP kinase activity regulates the transcriptional activation of NF-{kappa}B in response to mechanical stimulation of myoblasts. Furthermore, SB203580 blocked stretch-induced NF-{kappa}B activation during myogenesis, not through down-regulation of degradation of I{kappa}B-{alpha}, and consequent translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-{kappa}B to the nucleus. It is likelymore » that stretch-induced NF-{kappa}B activation by phosphorylation of p65 NF-{kappa}B. Moreover, depletion of p38{alpha} using siRNA significantly reduces stretch-induced phosphorylation of RelA and NF-{kappa}B activity. These results provides the first evidence of a cross-talk between p38 MAPK and NF-{kappa}B signaling pathways during stretch-induced myogenesis, with phosphorylation of RelA being one of the effectors of this promyogenic mechanism. The {alpha} isoform of p38MAP kinase regulates the transcriptional activation of NF-{kappa}B following stimulation with cyclic stretch.« less

  15. AMP-activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylates Cardiac Troponin I at Ser-150 to Increase Myofilament Calcium Sensitivity and Blunt PKA-dependent Function*

    PubMed Central

    Nixon, Benjamin R.; Thawornkaiwong, Ariyoporn; Jin, Janel; Brundage, Elizabeth A.; Little, Sean C.; Davis, Jonathan P.; Solaro, R. John; Biesiadecki, Brandon J.

    2012-01-01

    AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy-sensing enzyme central to the regulation of metabolic homeostasis. In the heart AMPK is activated during cardiac stress-induced ATP depletion and functions to stimulate metabolic pathways that restore the AMP/ATP balance. Recently it was demonstrated that AMPK phosphorylates cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at Ser-150 in vitro. We sought to determine if the metabolic regulatory kinase AMPK phosphorylates cTnI at Ser-150 in vivo to alter cardiac contractile function directly at the level of the myofilament. Rabbit cardiac myofibrils separated by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing subjected to a Western blot with a cTnI phosphorylation-specific antibody demonstrates that cTnI is endogenously phosphorylated at Ser-150 in the heart. Treatment of myofibrils with the AMPK holoenzyme increased cTnI Ser-150 phosphorylation within the constraints of the muscle lattice. Compared with controls, cardiac fiber bundles exchanged with troponin containing cTnI pseudo-phosphorylated at Ser-150 demonstrate increased sensitivity of calcium-dependent force development, blunting of both PKA-dependent calcium desensitization, and PKA-dependent increases in length dependent activation. Thus, in addition to the defined role of AMPK as a cardiac metabolic energy gauge, these data demonstrate AMPK Ser-150 phosphorylation of cTnI directly links the regulation of cardiac metabolic demand to myofilament contractile energetics. Furthermore, the blunting effect of cTnI Ser-150 phosphorylation cross-talk can uncouple the effects of myofilament PKA-dependent phosphorylation from β-adrenergic signaling as a novel thin filament contractile regulatory signaling mechanism. PMID:22493448

  16. Phosphorylation of the amino terminus of maize sucrose synthase in relation to membrane association and enzyme activity.

    PubMed

    Hardin, Shane C; Winter, Heike; Huber, Steven C

    2004-04-01

    Sucrose synthase (SUS) is phosphorylated on a major, amino-terminal site located at Ser-15 (S15) in the maize (Zea mays) SUS1 protein. Site- and phospho-specific antibodies against a phosphorylated S15 (pS15) peptide allowed direct analysis of S15 phosphorylation in relation to membrane association. Immunoblots of the maize leaf elongation zone, divided into 4-cm segments, demonstrated that the abundance of soluble (s-SUS) and membrane (m-SUS) SUS protein showed distinct positional profiles. The content of m-SUS was maximal in the 4- to 8-cm segment where it represented 9% of total SUS and occurred as a peripheral membrane protein. In contrast, s-SUS was highest in the 12- to 16-cm segment. Relative to s-SUS, m-SUS was hypophosphorylated at S15 in the basal 4 cm but hyperphosphorylated in apical segments. Differing capabilities of the anti-pS15 and anti-S15 peptide antibodies to immunoprecipitate SUS suggested that phosphorylation of S15, or exposure of unphosphorylated SUS to slightly acidic pH, altered the structure of the amino terminus. These structural changes were generally coincident with the increased sucrose cleavage activity that occurs at pH values below 7.5. In vitro S15 phosphorylation of the S170A SUS protein by a maize calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) significantly increased sucrose cleavage activity at low pH. Collectively, the results suggest that (1) SUS membrane binding is controlled in vivo; (2) relative pS15 content of m-SUS depends on the developmental state of the organ; and (3) phosphorylation of S15 affects amino-terminal conformation in a way that may stimulate the catalytic activity of SUS and influence membrane association.

  17. A Variable Active Site Residue Influences the Kinetics of Response Regulator Phosphorylation and Dephosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Immormino, Robert M; Silversmith, Ruth E; Bourret, Robert B

    2016-10-04

    Two-component regulatory systems, minimally composed of a sensor kinase and a response regulator protein, are common mediators of signal transduction in microorganisms. All response regulators contain a receiver domain with conserved active site residues that catalyze the signal activating and deactivating phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions. We explored the impact of variable active site position T+1 (one residue C-terminal to the conserved Thr/Ser) on reaction kinetics and signaling fidelity, using wild type and mutant Escherichia coli CheY, CheB, and NarL to represent the three major sequence classes observed across response regulators: Ala/Gly, Ser/Thr, and Val/Ile/Met, respectively, at T+1. Biochemical and structural data together suggested that different amino acids at T+1 impacted reaction kinetics by altering access to the active site while not perturbing overall protein structure. A given amino acid at position T+1 had similar effects on autodephosphorylation in each protein background tested, likely by modulating access of the attacking water molecule to the active site. Similarly, rate constants for CheY autophosphorylation with three different small molecule phosphodonors were consistent with the steric constraints on access to the phosphorylation site arising from combination of specific phosphodonors with particular amino acids at T+1. Because other variable active site residues also influence response regulator phosphorylation biochemistry, we began to explore how context (here, the amino acid at T+2) affected the influence of position T+1 on CheY autocatalytic reactions. Finally, position T+1 affected the fidelity and kinetics of phosphotransfer between sensor kinases and response regulators but was not a primary determinant of their interaction.

  18. Cdk2 Phosphorylation on Threonine39 by AKT and Its Implication on Cyclin Binding, Cellular Localization, and Cell Cycle Progression

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-10-01

    cell cycle progression in most cell types. Mouse embryos develop normally until mid gestation without all interphase Cdks 28. Pertinent to the...Ciemerych and P. Sicinski, "Cell cycle in mouse development ," 24(17), 2877 (2005). Ref Type: Journal 5 K. Coulonval, et al., "Phosphorylations of...34 Development 135(20), 3389 (2008). Ref Type: Journal 30 J. P. Tassan, et al., "Cell cycle analysis of the activity, subcellular localization, and subunit

  19. Calcium regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscle mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Kavanagh, N I; Ainscow, E K; Brand, M D

    2000-02-24

    Activation of oxidative phosphorylation by physiological levels of calcium in mitochondria from rat skeletal muscle was analysed using top-down elasticity and regulation analysis. Oxidative phosphorylation was conceptually divided into three subsystems (substrate oxidation, proton leak and phosphorylation) connected by the membrane potential or the protonmotive force. Calcium directly activated the phosphorylation subsystem and (with sub-saturating 2-oxoglutarate) the substrate oxidation subsystem but had no effect on the proton leak kinetics. The response of mitochondria respiring on 2-oxoglutarate at two physiological concentrations of free calcium was quantified using control and regulation analysis. The partial integrated response coefficients showed that direct stimulation of substrate oxidation contributed 86% of the effect of calcium on state 3 oxygen consumption, and direct activation of the phosphorylation reactions caused 37% of the increase in phosphorylation flux. Calcium directly activated phosphorylation more strongly than substrate oxidation (78% compared to 45%) to achieve homeostasis of mitochondrial membrane potential during large increases in flux.

  20. Protein Kinase A (PKA) Phosphorylation of Shp2 Protein Inhibits Its Phosphatase Activity and Modulates Ligand Specificity

    PubMed Central

    Burmeister, Brian T.; Wang, Li; Gold, Matthew G.; Skidgel, Randal A.; O'Bryan, John P.; Carnegie, Graeme K.

    2015-01-01

    Pathological cardiac hypertrophy (an increase in cardiac mass resulting from stress-induced cardiac myocyte growth) is a major factor underlying heart failure. Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase (Shp2) is critical for cardiac function because mutations resulting in loss of Shp2 catalytic activity are associated with congenital cardiac defects and hypertrophy. We identified a novel mechanism of Shp2 inhibition that may promote cardiac hypertrophy. We demonstrate that Shp2 is a component of the protein kinase A anchoring protein (AKAP)-Lbc complex. AKAP-Lbc facilitates PKA phosphorylation of Shp2, which inhibits Shp2 phosphatase activity. We identified two key amino acids in Shp2 that are phosphorylated by PKA. Thr-73 contributes a helix cap to helix αB within the N-terminal SH2 domain of Shp2, whereas Ser-189 occupies an equivalent position within the C-terminal SH2 domain. Utilizing double mutant PKA phosphodeficient (T73A/S189A) and phosphomimetic (T73D/S189D) constructs, in vitro binding assays, and phosphatase activity assays, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of these residues disrupts Shp2 interaction with tyrosine-phosphorylated ligands and inhibits its protein-tyrosine phosphatase activity. Overall, our data indicate that AKAP-Lbc integrates PKA and Shp2 signaling in the heart and that AKAP-Lbc-associated Shp2 activity is reduced in hypertrophic hearts in response to chronic β-adrenergic stimulation and PKA activation. Therefore, although induction of cardiac hypertrophy is a multifaceted process, inhibition of Shp2 activity through AKAP-Lbc-anchored PKA is a previously unrecognized mechanism that may promote this compensatory response. PMID:25802336

  1. Protein Kinase A (PKA) Phosphorylation of Shp2 Protein Inhibits Its Phosphatase Activity and Modulates Ligand Specificity.

    PubMed

    Burmeister, Brian T; Wang, Li; Gold, Matthew G; Skidgel, Randal A; O'Bryan, John P; Carnegie, Graeme K

    2015-05-08

    Pathological cardiac hypertrophy (an increase in cardiac mass resulting from stress-induced cardiac myocyte growth) is a major factor underlying heart failure. Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase (Shp2) is critical for cardiac function because mutations resulting in loss of Shp2 catalytic activity are associated with congenital cardiac defects and hypertrophy. We identified a novel mechanism of Shp2 inhibition that may promote cardiac hypertrophy. We demonstrate that Shp2 is a component of the protein kinase A anchoring protein (AKAP)-Lbc complex. AKAP-Lbc facilitates PKA phosphorylation of Shp2, which inhibits Shp2 phosphatase activity. We identified two key amino acids in Shp2 that are phosphorylated by PKA. Thr-73 contributes a helix cap to helix αB within the N-terminal SH2 domain of Shp2, whereas Ser-189 occupies an equivalent position within the C-terminal SH2 domain. Utilizing double mutant PKA phosphodeficient (T73A/S189A) and phosphomimetic (T73D/S189D) constructs, in vitro binding assays, and phosphatase activity assays, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of these residues disrupts Shp2 interaction with tyrosine-phosphorylated ligands and inhibits its protein-tyrosine phosphatase activity. Overall, our data indicate that AKAP-Lbc integrates PKA and Shp2 signaling in the heart and that AKAP-Lbc-associated Shp2 activity is reduced in hypertrophic hearts in response to chronic β-adrenergic stimulation and PKA activation. Therefore, although induction of cardiac hypertrophy is a multifaceted process, inhibition of Shp2 activity through AKAP-Lbc-anchored PKA is a previously unrecognized mechanism that may promote this compensatory response. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  2. Syk Inhibits the Activity of Protein Kinase A by Phosphorylating Tyrosine 330 of the Catalytic Subunit*

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Shuai; Huang, He; Iliuk, Anton; Wang, Wen-Horng; Jayasundera, Keerthi B.; Tao, W. Andy; Post, Carol B.; Geahlen, Robert L.

    2013-01-01

    The Syk protein-tyrosine kinase can have multiple effects on cancer cells, acting in some as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting motility and in others as a tumor promoter by enhancing survival. Phosphoproteomic analyses identified PKA as a Syk-specific substrate. Syk catalyzes the phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit of PKA (PKAc) both in vitro and in cells on Tyr-330. Tyr-330 lies within the adenosine-binding motif in the C-terminal tail of PKAc within a cluster of acidic amino acids (DDYEEEE), which is a characteristic of Syk substrates. The phosphorylation of PKAc on Tyr-330 by Syk strongly inhibits its catalytic activity. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that this additional negative charge prevents the C-terminal tail from interacting with the substrate and the nucleotide-binding site to stabilize the closed conformation of PKAc, thus preventing catalysis from occurring. Phosphoproteomic analyses and Western blotting studies indicate that Tyr-330 can be phosphorylated in a Syk-dependent manner in MCF7 breast cancer cells and DT40 B cells. The phosphorylation of a downstream substrate of PKAc, cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB), is inhibited in cells expressing Syk but can be rescued by a selective inhibitor of Syk. Modulation of CREB activity alters the expression of the CREB-regulated gene BCL2 and modulates cellular responses to genotoxic agents. Thus, PKA is a novel substrate of Syk, and its phosphorylation on Tyr-330 inhibits its participation in downstream signaling pathways. PMID:23447535

  3. Small-Molecule Inhibition and Activation-Loop Trans-Phosphorylation of the IGF1 Receptor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wu,J.; Li, W.; Craddock, B.

    2008-01-01

    The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that has a critical role in mitogenic signalling during embryogenesis and an antiapoptotic role in the survival and progression of many human tumours. Here, we present the crystal structure of the tyrosine kinase domain of IGF1R (IGF1RK), in its unphosphorylated state, in complex with a novel compound, cis-3-[3-(4-methyl-piperazin-l-yl)-cyclobutyl]-1-(2-phenyl-quinolin-7-yl)-imidazo[1, 5-a]pyrazin-8-ylamine (PQIP), which we show is a potent inhibitor of both the unphosphorylated (basal) and phosphorylated (activated) states of the kinase. PQIP interacts with residues in the ATP-binding pocket and in the activation loop, which confers specificity for IGF1RK andmore » the highly related insulin receptor (IR) kinase. In this crystal structure, the IGF1RK active site is occupied by Tyr1135 from the activation loop of an symmetry (two-fold)-related molecule. This dimeric arrangement affords, for the first time, a visualization of the initial trans-phosphorylation event in the activation loop of an RTK, and provides a molecular rationale for a naturally occurring mutation in the activation loop of the IR that causes type II diabetes mellitus.« less

  4. Promotion of beta-glucan synthase activity in corn microsomal membranes by calcium and protein phosphorylation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Paliyath, G.; Poovaiah, B. W.

    1988-01-01

    Regulation of the activity of beta-glucan synthase was studied using microsomal preparations from corn coleoptiles. The specific activity as measured by the incorporation of glucose from uridine diphospho-D-[U-14C]glucose varied between 5 to 15 pmol (mg protein)-1 min-1. Calcium promoted beta-glucan synthase activity and the promotion was observed at free calcium concentrations as low as 1 micromole. Kinetic analysis of substrate-velocity curve showed an apparent Km of 1.92 x 10(-4) M for UDPG. Calcium increased the Vmax from 5.88 x 10(-7) mol liter-1 min-1 in the absence of calcium to 9.52 x 10(-7) mol liter-1 min-1 and 1.66 x 10(-6) mol liter-1 min-1 in the presence of 0.5 mM and 1 mM calcium, respectively. The Km values remained the same under these conditions. Addition of ATP further increased the activity above the calcium-promoted level. Sodium fluoride, a phosphoprotein phosphatase inhibitor, promoted glucan synthase activity indicating that phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are involved in the regulation of the enzyme activity. Increasing the concentration of sodium fluoride from 0.25 mM to 10 mM increased glucan synthase activity five-fold over the + calcium + ATP control. Phosphorylation of membrane proteins also showed a similar increase under these conditions. Calmodulin, in the presence of calcium and ATP stimulated glucan synthase activity substantially, indicating that calmodulin could be involved in the calcium-dependent phosphorylation and promotion of beta-glucan synthase activity. The role of calcium in mediating auxin action is discussed.

  5. Cdk1 phosphorylates the Rac activator Tiam1 to activate centrosomal Pak and promote mitotic spindle formation

    PubMed Central

    Whalley, Helen J.; Porter, Andrew P.; Diamantopoulou, Zoi; White, Gavin R. M.; Castañeda-Saucedo, Eduardo; Malliri, Angeliki

    2015-01-01

    Centrosome separation is critical for bipolar spindle formation and the accurate segregation of chromosomes during mammalian cell mitosis. Kinesin-5 (Eg5) is a microtubule motor essential for centrosome separation, and Tiam1 and its substrate Rac antagonize Eg5-dependent centrosome separation in early mitosis promoting efficient chromosome congression. Here we identify S1466 of Tiam1 as a novel Cdk1 site whose phosphorylation is required for the mitotic function of Tiam1. We find that this phosphorylation of Tiam1 is required for the activation of group I p21-activated kinases (Paks) on centrosomes in prophase. Further, we show that both Pak1 and Pak2 counteract centrosome separation in a kinase-dependent manner and demonstrate that they act downstream of Tiam1. We also show that depletion of Pak1/2 allows cells to escape monopolar arrest by Eg5 inhibition, highlighting the potential importance of this signalling pathway for the development of Eg5 inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. PMID:26078008

  6. Phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 serine 307 correlates with JNK activity in atrophic skeletal muscle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hilder, Thomas L.; Tou, Janet C L.; Grindeland, Richard E.; Wade, Charles E.; Graves, Lee M.

    2003-01-01

    c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) has been shown to negatively regulate insulin signaling through serine phosphorylation of residue 307 within the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in adipose and liver tissue. Using a rat hindlimb suspension model for muscle disuse atrophy, we found that JNK activity was significantly elevated in atrophic soleus muscle and that IRS-1 was phosphorylated on Ser(307) prior to the degradation of the IRS-1 protein. Moreover, we observed a corresponding reduction in Akt activity, providing biochemical evidence for the development of insulin resistance in atrophic skeletal muscle.

  7. Phosphorylation-independent suppression of light-activated visual pigment by arrestin in carp rods and cones.

    PubMed

    Tomizuka, Junko; Tachibanaki, Shuji; Kawamura, Satoru

    2015-04-10

    Visual pigment in photoreceptors is activated by light. Activated visual pigment (R*) is believed to be inactivated by phosphorylation of R* with subsequent binding of arrestin. There are two types of photoreceptors, rods and cones, in the vertebrate retina, and they express different subtypes of arrestin, rod and cone type. To understand the difference in the function between rod- and cone-type arrestin, we first identified the subtype of arrestins expressed in rods and cones in carp retina. We found that two rod-type arrestins, rArr1 and rArr2, are co-expressed in a rod and that a cone-type arrestin, cArr1, is expressed in blue- and UV-sensitive cones; the other cone-type arrestin, cArr2, is expressed in red- and green-sensitive cones. We quantified each arrestin subtype and estimated its concentration in the outer segment of a rod or a cone in the dark; they were ∼0.25 mm (rArr1 plus rArr2) in a rod and 0.6-0.8 mm (cArr1 or cArr2) in a cone. The effect of each arrestin was examined. In contrast to previous studies, both rod and cone arrestins suppressed the activation of transducin in the absence of visual pigment phosphorylation, and all of the arrestins examined (rArr1, rArr2, and cArr2) bound transiently to most probably nonphosphorylated R*. One rod arrestin, rArr2, bound firmly to phosphorylated pigment, and the other two, rArr1 and cArr2, once bound to phosphorylated R* but dissociated from it during incubation. Our results suggested a novel mechanism of arrestin effect on the suppression of the R* activity in both rods and cones. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  8. Phosphorylation-independent Suppression of Light-activated Visual Pigment by Arrestin in Carp Rods and Cones*

    PubMed Central

    Tomizuka, Junko; Tachibanaki, Shuji; Kawamura, Satoru

    2015-01-01

    Visual pigment in photoreceptors is activated by light. Activated visual pigment (R*) is believed to be inactivated by phosphorylation of R* with subsequent binding of arrestin. There are two types of photoreceptors, rods and cones, in the vertebrate retina, and they express different subtypes of arrestin, rod and cone type. To understand the difference in the function between rod- and cone-type arrestin, we first identified the subtype of arrestins expressed in rods and cones in carp retina. We found that two rod-type arrestins, rArr1 and rArr2, are co-expressed in a rod and that a cone-type arrestin, cArr1, is expressed in blue- and UV-sensitive cones; the other cone-type arrestin, cArr2, is expressed in red- and green-sensitive cones. We quantified each arrestin subtype and estimated its concentration in the outer segment of a rod or a cone in the dark; they were ∼0.25 mm (rArr1 plus rArr2) in a rod and 0.6–0.8 mm (cArr1 or cArr2) in a cone. The effect of each arrestin was examined. In contrast to previous studies, both rod and cone arrestins suppressed the activation of transducin in the absence of visual pigment phosphorylation, and all of the arrestins examined (rArr1, rArr2, and cArr2) bound transiently to most probably nonphosphorylated R*. One rod arrestin, rArr2, bound firmly to phosphorylated pigment, and the other two, rArr1 and cArr2, once bound to phosphorylated R* but dissociated from it during incubation. Our results suggested a novel mechanism of arrestin effect on the suppression of the R* activity in both rods and cones. PMID:25713141

  9. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) cross-talks with canonical Wnt signaling via phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin at Ser 552

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhao, Junxing; Yue, Wanfu; Zhu, Mei J.

    AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of energy metabolism; its activity is regulated by a plethora of physiological conditions, exercises and many anti-diabetic drugs. Recent studies show that AMPK involves in cell differentiation but the underlying mechanism remains undefined. Wingless Int-1 (Wnt)/{beta}-catenin signaling pathway regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through enhancing {beta}-catenin/T-cell transcription factor 1 (TCF) mediated transcription. The objective of this study was to determine whether AMPK cross-talks with Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling through phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin. C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells were used. Chemical inhibition of AMPK and the expression of a dominant negative AMPK decreased phosphorylation ofmore » {beta}-catenin at Ser 552. The {beta}-catenin/TCF mediated transcription was correlated with AMPK activity. In vitro, pure AMPK phosphorylated {beta}-catenin at Ser 552 and the mutation of Ser 552 to Ala prevented such phosphorylation, which was further confirmed using [{gamma}-{sup 32}P]ATP autoradiography. In conclusion, AMPK phosphorylates {beta}-catenin at Ser 552, which stabilizes {beta}-catenin, enhances {beta}-catenin/TCF mediated transcription, expanding AMPK from regulation of energy metabolism to cell differentiation and development via cross-talking with the Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling pathway.« less

  10. Phosphorylation of Synaptic GTPase-activating Protein (synGAP) by Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) and Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5) Alters the Ratio of Its GAP Activity toward Ras and Rap GTPases*

    PubMed Central

    Walkup, Ward G.; Washburn, Lorraine; Sweredoski, Michael J.; Carlisle, Holly J.; Graham, Robert L.; Hess, Sonja; Kennedy, Mary B.

    2015-01-01

    synGAP is a neuron-specific Ras and Rap GTPase-activating protein (GAP) found in high concentrations in the postsynaptic density (PSD) fraction from the mammalian forebrain. We have previously shown that, in situ in the PSD fraction or in recombinant form in Sf9 cell membranes, synGAP is phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), another prominent component of the PSD. Here, we show that recombinant synGAP (r-synGAP), lacking 102 residues at the N terminus, can be purified in soluble form and is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) as well as by CaMKII. Phosphorylation of r-synGAP by CaMKII increases its HRas GAP activity by 25% and its Rap1 GAP activity by 76%. Conversely, phosphorylation by CDK5 increases r-synGAP's HRas GAP activity by 98% and its Rap1 GAP activity by 20%. Thus, phosphorylation by both kinases increases synGAP activity; CaMKII shifts the relative GAP activity toward inactivation of Rap1, and CDK5 shifts the relative activity toward inactivation of HRas. GAP activity toward Rap2 is not altered by phosphorylation by either kinase. CDK5 phosphorylates synGAP primarily at two sites, Ser-773 and Ser-802. Phosphorylation at Ser-773 inhibits r-synGAP activity, and phosphorylation at Ser-802 increases it. However, the net effect of concurrent phosphorylation of both sites, Ser-773 and Ser-802, is an increase in GAP activity. synGAP is phosphorylated at Ser-773 and Ser-802 in the PSD fraction, and its phosphorylation by CDK5 and CaMKII is differentially regulated by activation of NMDA-type glutamate receptors in cultured neurons. PMID:25533468

  11. Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA and effects of phosphorylated histidines on multimerization and activity

    DOE PAGES

    Hammerstrom, Troy G.; Horton, Lori B.; Swick, Michelle C.; ...

    2014-12-30

    The Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA controls transcription of the anthrax toxin genes and capsule biosynthesis operon. AtxA activity is elevated during growth in media containing glucose and CO 2/bicarbonate, and there is a positive correlation between the CO 2/bicarbonate signal, AtxA activity, and homomultimerization. AtxA activity is also affected by phosphorylation at specific histidines. We show that AtxA crystallizes as a dimer. Distinct folds associated with predicted DNA-binding domains (HTH1 and HTH2) and phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase system-regulated domains (PRD1 and PRD2) are apparent. We tested AtxA variants containing single and double phosphomimetic (His → Asp) and phosphoablative (His →more » Ala) amino acid changes for activity in B. anthracis cultures and for protein-protein interactions in cell lysates. Reduced activity of AtxA H199A, lack of multimerization and activity of AtxAH379D variants, and predicted structural changes associated with phosphorylation support a model for control of AtxA function. We propose that (1) in the AtxA dimer, phosphorylation of H199 in PRD1 affects HTH2 positioning, influencing DNA-binding; and (2) phosphorylation of H379 in PRD2 disrupts dimer formation. In conclusion, the AtxA structure is the first reported high-resolution full-length structure of a PRD-containing regulator and can serve as a model for proteins of this family, especially those that link virulence to bacterial metabolism.« less

  12. Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA and effects of phosphorylated histidines on multimerization and activity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hammerstrom, Troy G.; Horton, Lori B.; Swick, Michelle C.

    The Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA controls transcription of the anthrax toxin genes and capsule biosynthesis operon. AtxA activity is elevated during growth in media containing glucose and CO 2/bicarbonate, and there is a positive correlation between the CO 2/bicarbonate signal, AtxA activity, and homomultimerization. AtxA activity is also affected by phosphorylation at specific histidines. We show that AtxA crystallizes as a dimer. Distinct folds associated with predicted DNA-binding domains (HTH1 and HTH2) and phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase system-regulated domains (PRD1 and PRD2) are apparent. We tested AtxA variants containing single and double phosphomimetic (His → Asp) and phosphoablative (His →more » Ala) amino acid changes for activity in B. anthracis cultures and for protein-protein interactions in cell lysates. Reduced activity of AtxA H199A, lack of multimerization and activity of AtxAH379D variants, and predicted structural changes associated with phosphorylation support a model for control of AtxA function. We propose that (1) in the AtxA dimer, phosphorylation of H199 in PRD1 affects HTH2 positioning, influencing DNA-binding; and (2) phosphorylation of H379 in PRD2 disrupts dimer formation. In conclusion, the AtxA structure is the first reported high-resolution full-length structure of a PRD-containing regulator and can serve as a model for proteins of this family, especially those that link virulence to bacterial metabolism.« less

  13. Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA and effects of phosphorylated histidines on multimerization and activity

    PubMed Central

    Hammerstrom, Troy G.; Horton, Lori B.; Swick, Michelle C.; Joachimiak, Andrzej; Osipiuk, Jerzy; Koehler, Theresa M.

    2015-01-01

    Summary The Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA controls transcription of the anthrax toxin genes and capsule biosynthesis operon. AtxA activity is elevated during growth in media containing glucose and CO2/bicarbonate, and there is a positive correlation between the CO2/bicarbonate signal, AtxA activity, and homomultimerization. AtxA activity is also affected by phosphorylation at specific histidines. We show that AtxA crystallizes as a dimer. Distinct folds associated with predicted DNA-binding domains (HTH1 and HTH2) and phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase system-regulated domains (PRD1 and PRD2) are apparent. We tested AtxA variants containing single and double phosphomimetic (His → Asp) and phosphoablative (His → Ala) amino acid changes for activity in B. anthracis cultures and for protein-protein interactions in cell lysates. Reduced activity of AtxA H199A, lack of multimerization and activity of AtxAH379D variants, and predicted structural changes associated with phosphorylation support a model for control of AtxA function. We propose that (1) in the AtxA dimer, phosphorylation of H199 in PRD1 affects HTH2 positioning, influencing DNA-binding; and (2) phosphorylation of H379 in PRD2 disrupts dimer formation. The AtxA structure is the first reported high-resolution full-length structure of a PRD-containing regulator and can serve as a model for proteins of this family, especially those that link virulence to bacterial metabolism. PMID:25402841

  14. Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA and effects of phosphorylated histidines on multimerization and activity.

    PubMed

    Hammerstrom, Troy G; Horton, Lori B; Swick, Michelle C; Joachimiak, Andrzej; Osipiuk, Jerzy; Koehler, Theresa M

    2015-02-01

    The Bacillus anthracis virulence regulator AtxA controls transcription of the anthrax toxin genes and capsule biosynthetic operon. AtxA activity is elevated during growth in media containing glucose and CO(2)/bicarbonate, and there is a positive correlation between the CO(2)/bicarbonate signal, AtxA activity and homomultimerization. AtxA activity is also affected by phosphorylation at specific histidines. We show that AtxA crystallizes as a dimer. Distinct folds associated with predicted DNA-binding domains (HTH1 and HTH2) and phosphoenolpyruvate: carbohydrate phosphotransferase system-regulated domains (PRD1 and PRD2) are apparent. We tested AtxA variants containing single and double phosphomimetic (His→Asp) and phosphoablative (His→Ala) amino acid changes for activity in B. anthracis cultures and for protein-protein interactions in cell lysates. Reduced activity of AtxA H199A, lack of multimerization and activity of AtxAH379D variants, and predicted structural changes associated with phosphorylation support a model for control of AtxA function. We propose that (i) in the AtxA dimer, phosphorylation of H199 in PRD1 affects HTH2 positioning, influencing DNA-binding; and (ii) phosphorylation of H379 in PRD2 disrupts dimer formation. The AtxA structure is the first reported high-resolution full-length structure of a PRD-containing regulator, and can serve as a model for proteins of this family, especially those that link virulence to bacterial metabolism. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. ERK2 phosphorylation of serine 77 regulates Bmf pro-apoptotic activity.

    PubMed

    Shao, Y; Aplin, A E

    2012-01-19

    B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) homology 3 (BH3)-only proteins represent a class of pro-apoptotic factors that neutralize pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins, and, in some cases, directly activate Bax. The mechanisms of control and the role of BH3-only proteins, such as Bcl-2 like protein 11 extra large and Bad are well studied. By contrast, relatively little is known about the regulation and role of Bcl-2 modifying factor (Bmf). The B-RAF oncogene is mutated in ∼8% of human tumors. We have previously shown that Bmf is upregulated at the transcript level and is required for apoptosis induced by targeting B-RAF signaling in tumor cells harboring mutant B-RAF. In this study, we show that Bmf is regulated at the post-translational level by mutant B-RAF-MEK-ERK2 signaling. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK2) directly phosphorylates Bmf on serine 74 and serine 77 residues with serine 77 being the predominant site. In addition, serine 77 phosphorylation reduces Bmf pro-apoptotic activity likely through a mechanism independent of altering Bmf localization to the mitochondria and/or interactions with dynein light chain 2 and the pro-survival proteins, B-cell lymphoma extra large, Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. These data identify a novel mode of regulation in Bmf that modulates its pro-apoptotic activity in mutant B-RAF tumor cells.

  16. Two homologous genes, DCW1 (YKL046c) and DFG5, are essential for cell growth and encode glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane proteins required for cell wall biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

    PubMed

    Kitagaki, Hiroshi; Wu, Hong; Shimoi, Hitoshi; Ito, Kiyoshi

    2002-11-01

    The cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae consists of glucan, chitin and various kinds of mannoproteins. Major parts of mannoproteins are synthesized as glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins and are then transferred to cell wall beta-1,6-glucan. A glycosyltransferase has been hypothesized to catalyse this transfer reaction. A database search revealed that the products of YKL046c and DFG5 are homologous to bacterial mannosidase. These genes are homologous to each other and have primary structures characteristic of GPI-anchored proteins. Although single disruptants of ykl046c and dfg5 were viable, ykl046cDelta was hypersensitive to a cell wall-digesting enzyme (zymolyase), suggesting that this gene is involved in cell wall biosynthesis. We therefore designated this gene as DCW1 (defective cell wall). A double disruptant of dcw1 and dfg5 was synthetically lethal, indicating that the functions of these gene products are redundant, and at least one of them is required for cell growth. Cells deficient in both Dcw1p and Dfg5p were round and large, had cell walls that contained an increased amount of chitin and secreted a major cell wall protein, Cwp1p, into the medium. Biochemical analyses showed that epitope-tagged Dcw1p is an N-glycosylated, GPI-anchored membrane protein and is localized in the membrane fraction including the cell surface. These results suggest that both Dcw1p and Dfg5p are GPI-anchored membrane proteins and are required for normal biosynthesis of the cell wall.

  17. The phosphorylated C-terminus of cAR1 plays a role in cell-type-specific gene expression and STATa tyrosine phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Briscoe, C; Moniakis, J; Kim, J Y; Brown, J M; Hereld, D; Devreotes, P N; Firtel, R A

    2001-05-01

    cAMP receptors mediate some signaling pathways via coupled heterotrimeric G proteins, while others are G-protein-independent. This latter class includes the activation of the transcription factors GBF and STATa. Within the cellular mounds formed by aggregation of Dictyostelium, micromolar levels of cAMP activate GBF function, thereby inducing the transcription of postaggregative genes and initiating multicellular differentiation. Activation of STATa, a regulator of culmination and ecmB expression, results from cAMP receptor-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear localization, also in mound-stage cells. During mound development, the cAMP receptor cAR1 is in a low-affinity state and is phosphorylated on multiple serine residues in its C-terminus. This paper addresses possible roles of cAMP receptor phosphorylation in the cAMP-mediated stimulation of GBF activity, STATa tyrosine phosphorylation, and cell-type-specific gene expression. To accomplish this, we have expressed cAR1 mutants in a strain in which the endogenous cAMP receptors that mediate postaggregative gene expression in vivo are deleted. We then examined the ability of these cells to undergo morphogenesis and induce postaggregative and cell-type-specific gene expression and STATa tyrosine phosphorylation. Analysis of cAR1 mutants in which the C-terminal tail is deleted or the ligand-mediated phosphorylation sites are mutated suggests that the cAR1 C-terminus is not essential for GBF-mediated postaggregative gene expression or STATa tyrosine phosphorylation, but may play a role in regulating cell-type-specific gene expression and morphogenesis. A mutant receptor, in which the C-terminal tail is constitutively phosphorylated, exhibits constitutive activation of STATa tyrosine phosphorylation in pulsed cells in suspension and a significantly impaired ability to induce cell-type-specific gene expression. The constitutively phosphorylated receptor also exerts a partial dominant negative effect on

  18. In vivo phosphorylation of WRKY transcription factor by MAPK.

    PubMed

    Ishihama, Nobuaki; Adachi, Hiroaki; Yoshioka, Miki; Yoshioka, Hirofumi

    2014-01-01

    Plants activate signaling networks in response to diverse pathogen-derived signals, facilitating transcriptional reprogramming through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. Identification of phosphorylation targets of MAPK and in vivo detection of the phosphorylated substrates are important processes to elucidate the signaling pathway in plant immune responses. We have identified a WRKY transcription factor, which is phosphorylated by defense-related MAPKs, SIPK and WIPK. Recent evidence demonstrated that some group I WRKY transcription factors, which contain a conserved motif in the N-terminal region, are activated by MAPK-dependent phosphorylation. In this chapter, we describe protocols for preparation of anti-phosphopeptide antibodies, detection of activated MAPKs using anti-phospho-MAPK antibody, and activated WRKY using anti-phospho-WRKY antibody, respectively.

  19. The serine 814 of TRPC6 is phosphorylated under unstimulated conditions.

    PubMed

    Bousquet, Simon M; Monet, Michael; Boulay, Guylain

    2011-03-23

    TRPC are nonselective cation channels involved in calcium entry. Their regulation by phosphorylation has been shown to modulate their routing and activity. TRPC6 activity increases following phosphorylation by Fyn, and is inhibited by protein kinase G and protein kinase C. A previous study by our group showed that TRPC6 is phosphorylated under unstimulated conditions in a human embryonic kidney cells line (HEK293). To investigate the mechanism responsible for this phosphorylation, we used a MS/MS approach combined with metabolic labeling and showed that the serine at position 814 is phosphorylated in unstimulated cells. The mutation of Ser(814) into Ala decreased basal phosphorylation but did not modify TRPC6 activity. Even though Ser(814) is within a consensus site for casein kinase II (CK2), we showed that CK2 is not involved in the phosphorylation of TRPC6 and does not modify its activity. In summary, we identified a new basal phosphorylation site (Ser(814)) on TRPC6 and showed that CK2 is not responsible for the phosphorylation of this site.

  20. The Serine 814 of TRPC6 Is Phosphorylated under Unstimulated Conditions

    PubMed Central

    Bousquet, Simon M.; Monet, Michael; Boulay, Guylain

    2011-01-01

    TRPC are nonselective cation channels involved in calcium entry. Their regulation by phosphorylation has been shown to modulate their routing and activity. TRPC6 activity increases following phosphorylation by Fyn, and is inhibited by protein kinase G and protein kinase C. A previous study by our group showed that TRPC6 is phosphorylated under unstimulated conditions in a human embryonic kidney cells line (HEK293). To investigate the mechanism responsible for this phosphorylation, we used a MS/MS approach combined with metabolic labeling and showed that the serine at position 814 is phosphorylated in unstimulated cells. The mutation of Ser814 into Ala decreased basal phosphorylation but did not modify TRPC6 activity. Even though Ser814 is within a consensus site for casein kinase II (CK2), we showed that CK2 is not involved in the phosphorylation of TRPC6 and does not modify its activity. In summary, we identified a new basal phosphorylation site (Ser814) on TRPC6 and showed that CK2 is not responsible for the phosphorylation of this site. PMID:21448286

  1. Src kinase regulation by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Roskoski, Robert

    2005-05-27

    Src and Src-family protein-tyrosine kinases are regulatory proteins that play key roles in cell differentiation, motility, proliferation, and survival. The initially described phosphorylation sites of Src include an activating phosphotyrosine 416 that results from autophosphorylation, and an inhibiting phosphotyrosine 527 that results from phosphorylation by C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) and Csk homologous kinase. Dephosphorylation of phosphotyrosine 527 increases Src kinase activity. Candidate phosphotyrosine 527 phosphatases include cytoplasmic PTP1B, Shp1 and Shp2, and transmembrane enzymes include CD45, PTP{alpha}, PTP{epsilon}, and PTP{lambda}. Dephosphorylation of phosphotyrosine 416 decreases Src kinase activity. Thus far PTP-BL, the mouse homologue of human PTP-BAS, has been shownmore » to dephosphorylate phosphotyrosine 416 in a regulatory fashion. The platelet-derived growth factor receptor protein-tyrosine kinase mediates the phosphorylation of Src Tyr138; this phosphorylation has no direct effect on Src kinase activity. The platelet-derived growth factor receptor and the ErbB2/HER2 growth factor receptor protein-tyrosine kinases mediate the phosphorylation of Src Tyr213 and activation of Src kinase activity. Src kinase is also a substrate for protein-serine/threonine kinases including protein kinase C (Ser12), protein kinase A (Ser17), and CDK1/cdc2 (Thr34, Thr46, and Ser72). Of the three protein-serine/threonine kinases, only phosphorylation by CDK1/cdc2 has been demonstrated to increase Src kinase activity. Although considerable information on the phosphoprotein phosphatases that catalyze the hydrolysis of Src phosphotyrosine 527 is at hand, the nature of the phosphatases that mediate the hydrolysis of phosphotyrosine 138 and 213, and phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues has not been determined.« less

  2. c-Abl phosphorylation of Yin Yang 1's conserved tyrosine 254 in the spacer region modulates its transcriptional activity.

    PubMed

    Daraiseh, Susan I; Kassardjian, Ari; Alexander, Karen E; Rizkallah, Raed; Hurt, Myra M

    2018-05-25

    Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional transcription factor that can activate or repress transcription depending on the promotor and/or the co-factors recruited. YY1 is phosphorylated in various signaling pathways and is critical for different biological functions including embryogenesis, apoptosis, proliferation, cell-cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. Here we report that YY1 is a substrate for c-Abl kinase phosphorylation at conserved residue Y254 in the spacer region. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Abl kinase by imatinib, nilotinib and GZD824, knock-down of c-Abl using siRNA, and the use of c-Abl kinase-dead drastically reduces tyrosine phosphorylation of YY1. Both radioactive and non-radioactive in vitro kinase assays, as well as co-immunoprecipitation in different cell lines, show that the target of c-Abl phosphorylation is tyrosine residue 254. c-Abl phosphorylation has little effect on YY1 DNA binding ability or cellular localization in asynchronous cells. However, functional studies reveal that c-Abl mediated phosphorylation of YY1 regulates YY1's transcriptional ability in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrate the novel role of c-Abl kinase in regulation of YY1's transcriptional activity, linking YY1 regulation with c-Abl tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Slack sodium-activated potassium channel membrane expression requires p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Gururaj, Sushmitha; Fleites, John; Bhattacharjee, Arin

    2016-04-01

    p38 MAPK has long been understood as an inducible kinase under conditions of cellular stress, but there is now increasing evidence to support its role in the regulation of neuronal function. Several phosphorylation targets have been identified, an appreciable number of which are ion channels, implicating the possible involvement of p38 MAPK in neuronal excitability. The KNa channel Slack is an important protein to be studied as it is highly and ubiquitously expressed in DRG neurons and is important in the maintenance of their firing accommodation. We sought to examine if the Slack channel could be a substrate of p38 MAPK activity. First, we found that the Slack C-terminus contains two putative p38 MAPK phosphorylation sites that are highly conserved across species. Second, we show via electrophysiology experiments that KNa currents and further, Slack currents, are subject to tonic modulation by p38 MAPK. Third, biochemical approaches revealed that Slack channel regulation by p38 MAPK occurs through direct phosphorylation at the two putative sites of interaction, and mutating both sites prevented surface expression of Slack channels. Based on these results, we conclude that p38 MAPK is an obligate regulator of Slack channel function via the trafficking of channels into the membrane. The present study identifies Slack KNa channels as p38 MAPK substrates. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Slack Sodium-activated Potassium Channel Membrane Expression Requires p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Gururaj, Sushmitha; Fleites, John; Bhattacharjee, Arin

    2016-01-01

    p38 MAPK has long been understood as an inducible kinase under conditions of cellular stress, but there is now increasing evidence to support its role in the regulation of neuronal function. Several phosphorylation targets have been identified, an appreciable number of which are ion channels, implicating the possible involvement of p38 MAPK in neuronal excitability. The KNa channel Slack is an important protein to be studied as it is highly and ubiquitously expressed in DRG neurons and is important in the maintenance of their firing accommodation. We sought to examine if the Slack channel could be a substrate of p38 MAPK activity. First, we found that the Slack C-terminus contains two putative p38 MAPK phosphorylation sites that are highly conserved across species. Second, we show via electrophysiology experiments that KNa currents and further, Slack currents, are subject to tonic modulation by p38 MAPK. Third, biochemical approaches revealed that Slack channel regulation by p38 MAPK occurs through direct phosphorylation at the two putative sites of interaction, and mutating both sites prevented surface expression of Slack channels. Based on these results, we conclude that p38 MAPK is an obligate regulator of Slack channel function via the trafficking of channels into the membrane. The present study identifies Slack KNa channels as p38 MAPK substrates. PMID:26721627

  5. Zn2+-dependent Activation of the Trk Signaling Pathway Induces Phosphorylation of the Brain-enriched Tyrosine Phosphatase STEP

    PubMed Central

    Poddar, Ranjana; Rajagopal, Sathyanarayanan; Shuttleworth, C. William; Paul, Surojit

    2016-01-01

    Excessive release of Zn2+ in the brain is implicated in the progression of acute brain injuries. Although several signaling cascades have been reported to be involved in Zn2+-induced neurotoxicity, a potential contribution of tyrosine phosphatases in this process has not been well explored. Here we show that exposure to high concentrations of Zn2+ led to a progressive increase in phosphorylation of the striatal-enriched phosphatase (STEP), a component of the excitotoxic-signaling pathway that plays a role in neuroprotection. Zn2+-mediated phosphorylation of STEP61 at multiple sites (hyperphosphorylation) was induced by the up-regulation of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) signaling, and activation of cAMP-dependent PKA (protein kinase A). Mutational studies further show that differential phosphorylation of STEP61 at the PKA sites, Ser-160 and Ser-221 regulates the affinity of STEP61 toward its substrates. Consistent with these findings we also show that BDNF/Trk/PKA mediated signaling is required for Zn2+-induced phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), a substrate of STEP that is involved in Zn2+-dependent neurotoxicity. The strong correlation between the temporal profile of STEP61 hyperphosphorylation and ERK2 phosphorylation indicates that loss of function of STEP61 through phosphorylation is necessary for maintaining sustained ERK2 phosphorylation. This interpretation is further supported by the findings that deletion of the STEP gene led to a rapid and sustained increase in ERK2 phosphorylation within minutes of exposure to Zn2+. The study provides further insight into the mechanisms of regulation of STEP61 and also offers a molecular basis for the Zn2+-induced sustained activation of ERK2. PMID:26574547

  6. Phosphorylated Hsp27 activates ATM-dependent p53 signaling and mediates the resistance of MCF-7 cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yimiao; Diao, Ying; Qi, Shimei; Pan, Xiaolong; Wang, Qi; Xin, Yinqiang; Cao, Xiang; Ruan, Jie; Zhao, Zhihui; Luo, Lan; Liu, Chang; Yin, Zhimin

    2013-05-01

    DNA damage activates p53 and its downstream target genes, which further leads to apoptosis or survival either by the cell cycle arrest or by DNA repair. In many tumors, the heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is expressed at high levels to provide protection against anticancer drugs. However, the roles of Hsp27 in p53-mediated cellular responses to DNA damage are controversial. Here, we investigated the interplay between the phosphorylation status of Hsp27 and p53 in kidney 293A (HEK293A) cells and found that over-expressing phosphorylated Hsp27 mimics (Hsp27-3D) activated p53/p21 in an ATM-dependent manner. In addition, incubation with doxorubicin (Dox), an anticancer drug, induced Hsp27 phosphorylation in human adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7). In contrast, inhibition of Hsp27 phosphorylation retarded both p53 induction and p21 accumulation, and led to cell apoptosis. Furthermore, phosphorylated Hsp27 increased p53 nuclear importing and its downstream target gene expression such as p21 and MDM2, while de-phosphorylated Hsp27 impeded this procession. Taken together, our data suggest that Hsp27, in its phosphorylated or de-phosphorylated status, plays different roles in regulating p53 pathway and cell survival. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Mimicking phosphorylation of Ser-74 on human deoxycytidine kinase selectively increases catalytic activity for dC and dC analogues.

    PubMed

    McSorley, Theresa; Ort, Stephan; Hazra, Saugata; Lavie, Arnon; Konrad, Manfred

    2008-03-05

    Intracellular phosphorylation of dCK on Ser-74 results in increased nucleoside kinase activity. We mimicked this phosphorylation by a Ser-74-Glu mutation in bacterially produced dCK and investigated kinetic parameters using various nucleoside substrates. The S74E mutation increases the k(cat) values 11-fold for dC, and 3-fold for the anti-cancer analogues dFdC and AraC. In contrast, the rate is decreased for the purine substrates. In HEK293 cells, we found that by comparing transiently transfected dCK(S74E)-GFP and wild-type dCK-GFP, mimicking the phosphorylation of Ser-74 has no effect on cellular localisation. We note that phosphorylation may represent a mechanism to enhance the catalytic activity of the relatively slow dCK enzyme.

  8. Mimicking phosphorylation of Ser-74 on human deoxycytidine kinase selectively increases catalytic activity for dC and dC analogues

    PubMed Central

    McSorley, Theresa; Ort, Stephan; Hazra, Saugata; Lavie, Arnon; Konrad, Manfred

    2009-01-01

    Intracellular phosphorylation of dCK on Ser-74 results in increased nucleoside kinase activity. We mimicked this phosphorylation by a Ser-74-Glu mutation in bacterially produced dCK and investigated kinetic parameters using various nucleoside substrates. The S74E mutation increases the kcat values 11-fold for dC, and 3-fold for the anti-cancer analogues dFdC and AraC. In contrast, the rate is decreased for the purine substrates. In HEK293 cells, we found that by comparing transiently transfected dCK(S74E)-GFP and wild-type dCK-GFP, mimicking the phosphorylation of Ser-74 has no effect on cellular localisation. We note that phosphorylation may represent a mechanism to enhance the catalytic activity of the relatively slow dCK enzyme. PMID:18258203

  9. AMP-activated protein kinase-mediated feedback phosphorylation controls the Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) dependence of Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase kinase β.

    PubMed

    Nakanishi, Akihiro; Hatano, Naoya; Fujiwara, Yuya; Sha'ri, Arian; Takabatake, Shota; Akano, Hiroki; Kanayama, Naoki; Magari, Masaki; Nozaki, Naohito; Tokumitsu, Hiroshi

    2017-12-01

    The Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)/5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation cascade affects various Ca 2+ -dependent metabolic pathways and cancer growth. Unlike recombinant CaMKKβ that exhibits higher basal activity (autonomous activity), activation of the CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway requires increased intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations. Moreover, the Ca 2+ /CaM dependence of CaMKKβ appears to arise from multiple phosphorylation events, including autophosphorylation and activities furnished by other protein kinases. However, the effects of proximal downstream kinases on CaMKKβ activity have not yet been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate feedback phosphorylation of CaMKKβ at multiple residues by CaMKKβ-activated AMPK in addition to autophosphorylation in vitro , leading to reduced autonomous, but not Ca 2+ /CaM-activated, CaMKKβ activity. MS analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of AMPK phosphorylation sites in CaMKKβ indicated that Thr 144 phosphorylation by activated AMPK converts CaMKKβ into a Ca 2+ /CaM-dependent enzyme as shown by completely Ca 2+ /CaM-dependent CaMKK activity of a phosphomimetic T144E CaMKKβ mutant. CaMKKβ mutant analysis indicated that the C-terminal domain (residues 471-587), including the autoinhibitory region, plays an important role in stabilizing an inactive conformation in a Thr 144 phosphorylation-dependent manner. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis with anti-phospho-Thr 144 antibody revealed phosphorylation of Thr 144 in CaMKKβ in transfected COS-7 cells that was further enhanced by exogenous expression of AMPKα. These results indicate that AMPK-mediated feedback phosphorylation of CaMKKβ regulates the CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling cascade and may be physiologically important for intracellular maintenance of Ca 2+ -dependent AMPK activation by CaMKKβ. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  10. TOC-39, a novel parenteral broad-spectrum cephalosporin with excellent activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

    PubMed Central

    Hanaki, H; Akagi, H; Masaru, Y; Otani, T; Hyodo, A; Hiramatsu, K

    1995-01-01

    TOC-39, a new parenteral cephalosporin, is a hydroxyimino-type cephem antibiotic with vinylthio-pyridyl moiety at the 3 position. TOC-39 was evaluated for antibacterial activity against various clinically isolated strains. TOC-39 had excellent activity, stronger than that of methicillin, oxacillin, the cephalosporins tested, imipenem, gentamicin, minocycline, tobramycin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and had an MIC comparable to that of vancomycin (the MICs of TOC-39 and vancomycin for 90% of the strains tested were 3.13 and 1.56 micrograms/ml, respectively). Against Enterococcus faecalis strains, which are resistant to cephalosporins, TOC-39 was twice as active as ampicillin. Against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus pneumoniae, TOC-39 was twice as active as or more active than cefotiam, ceftazidime, flomoxef, and cefpirome. Against Streptococcus pyogenes, TOC-39 was superior to cefotiam, ceftazidime, and flomoxef and was similar to cefpirome. In addition, the activity of TOC-39 was equal to or greater than that of cefotiam, ceftazidime, flomoxef, and cefpirome against Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Morganella morganii. In terms of bactericidal effect against MRSA, TOC-39 was superior to vancomycin. No mutant resistant to TOC-39 or vancomycin was obtained from susceptible MRSA strains. In murine systemic infection models, TOC-39 showed potent activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Against highly MRSA, the activity of TOC-39 was comparable to that of vancomycin. PMID:7625799

  11. LRRK2 phosphorylates pre-synaptic N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion (NSF) protein enhancing its ATPase activity and SNARE complex disassembling rate.

    PubMed

    Belluzzi, Elisa; Gonnelli, Adriano; Cirnaru, Maria-Daniela; Marte, Antonella; Plotegher, Nicoletta; Russo, Isabella; Civiero, Laura; Cogo, Susanna; Carrion, Maria Perèz; Franchin, Cinzia; Arrigoni, Giorgio; Beltramini, Mariano; Bubacco, Luigi; Onofri, Franco; Piccoli, Giovanni; Greggio, Elisa

    2016-01-13

    Lrrk2, a gene linked to Parkinson's disease, encodes a large scaffolding protein with kinase and GTPase activities implicated in vesicle and cytoskeletal-related processes. At the presynaptic site, LRRK2 associates with synaptic vesicles through interaction with a panel of presynaptic proteins. Here, we show that LRRK2 kinase activity influences the dynamics of synaptic vesicle fusion. We therefore investigated whether LRRK2 phosphorylates component(s) of the exo/endocytosis machinery. We have previously observed that LRRK2 interacts with NSF, a hexameric AAA+ ATPase that couples ATP hydrolysis to the disassembling of SNARE proteins allowing them to enter another fusion cycle during synaptic exocytosis. Here, we demonstrate that NSF is a substrate of LRRK2 kinase activity. LRRK2 phosphorylates full-length NSF at threonine 645 in the ATP binding pocket of D2 domain. Functionally, NSF phosphorylated by LRRK2 displays enhanced ATPase activity and increased rate of SNARE complex disassembling. Substitution of threonine 645 with alanine abrogates LRRK2-mediated increased ATPase activity. Given that the most common Parkinson's disease LRRK2 G2019S mutation displays increased kinase activity, our results suggest that mutant LRRK2 may impair synaptic vesicle dynamics via aberrant phosphorylation of NSF.

  12. Serum biomarkers and transient elastography as predictors of advanced liver fibrosis in a United States cohort: the Boston children's hospital experience.

    PubMed

    Lee, Christine K; Perez-Atayde, Antonio R; Mitchell, Paul D; Raza, Roshan; Afdhal, Nezam H; Jonas, Maureen M

    2013-10-01

    To evaluate and compare the ability of serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (YKL-40) values, as well as transient elastography (TE) findings, to predict advanced hepatic fibrosis in a cohort from a single pediatric center. Subjects who underwent liver biopsy analysis within 12 months before enrollment were eligible for this prospective study. HA and YKL-40 measurements were obtained within 1 month of TE. A METAVIR score of F3 or F4 was considered to indicate advanced fibrosis. A total of 128 patients (51% males) aged 1.4 months to 27.6 years (22% aged <2 years) were enrolled. Thirty-one subjects had data on only HA and YKL-40 measurements, and 97 subjects had data on both blood tests and TE. For the prediction of advanced fibrosis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values were 0.83 for TE, 0.72 for HA, and 0.52 for YKL-40. The AUC of 0.83 for TE was statistically significantly greater than the AUCs for HA (P = .03) and YKL-40 (P < .0001). Optimal cutpoints for predicting F3-F4 fibrosis were 8.6 kPa for TE (P < .0001), 43 ng/mL for HA (P < .0001), and 26.2 ng/mL for YKL-40 (P = .85). The combination of TE and HA was not better than TE alone for predicting advanced fibrosis (P = .15). In this study, which evaluated TE, HA, and YKL-40 to predict liver fibrosis in children in the US, YKL-40 had no predictive value and TE was superior to HA, but the addition of HA did not improve the performance of TE. Our data suggest that TE and HA may be useful noninvasive tools for assessing liver fibrosis in children. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. NADPH oxidase activation in neutrophils: Role of the Phosphorylation of its subunits.

    PubMed

    Belambri, Sahra A; Rolas, Loïc; Raad, Houssam; Hurtado-Nedelec, Margarita; Dang, Pham My-Chan; El-Benna, Jamel

    2018-05-14

    Neutrophils are key cells of innate immunity and during inflammation. Upon activation, they produce large amounts of superoxide anion (O 2 -. ) and ensuing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill phagocytized microbes. The enzyme responsible for O 2 -. production is called the phagocyte NADPH oxidase. This is a multicomponent enzyme system that becomes active after assembly of four cytosolic proteins (p47 phox , p67 phox , p40 phox and Rac2) with the transmembrane proteins (p22 phox and gp91 phox , which form the cytochrome b 558 ). gp91 phox represents the catalytic subunit of the NADPH oxidase and is also called NOX2. NADPH oxidase-derived ROS are essential for microbial killing and innate immunity; however, excessive ROS production induces tissue injury and prolonged inflammatory reactions that contribute to inflammatory diseases. Thus, NADPH oxidase activation must be tightly regulated in time and space in order to limit ROS production. NADPH oxidase activation is regulated by several processes such as phosphorylation of its components, exchange of GDP/GTP on Rac2 and binding of p47 phox and p40 phox to phospholipids. This review aims to provide new insights into the role of the phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase components, i.e., gp91 phox , p22 phox , p47 phox , p67 phox and p40 phox , in the activation of this enzyme. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  14. Regulation of FAK Ser-722 phosphorylation and kinase activity by GSK3 and PP1 during cell spreading and migration.

    PubMed

    Bianchi, Mariarita; De Lucchini, Stefania; Marin, Oriano; Turner, David L; Hanks, Steven K; Villa-Moruzzi, Emma

    2005-10-15

    In addition to tyrosine sites, FAK (focal adhesion kinase) is phosphorylated on multiple serine residues. In the present study, the regulation of two of these sites, Ser-722 (S1) and Ser-911 (S4), was investigated. Phosphorylation of S1 (but not S4) decreased in resuspended cells, and recovered during spreading on fibronectin, indicating adhesion-dependent regulation. GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3) inhibitors decreased S1 phosphorylation, and siRNA (short interfering RNA) silencing indicated further the involvement of GSK3beta. Furthermore, GSK3beta was found to become activated during cell spreading on fibronectin, and to physically associate with FAK. S1 phosphorylation was observed to decrease in wounded cell monolayers, while GSK3beta underwent inactivation and later was observed to increase to the original level within 24 h. Direct phosphorylation of S1, requiring pre-phosphorylation of Ser-726 in the +4 position, was demonstrated using purified GSK3 and a synthetic peptide containing FAK residues 714-730. An inhibitory role for S1 phosphorylation in FAK signalling was indicated by findings that both alanine substitution for S1 and dephosphorylation of S1 by PP1 (serine/threonine protein phosphatase type-1) resulted in an increase in FAK kinase activity; likewise, this role was also shown by cell treatment with the GSK3 inhibitor LiCl. The inhibitory role was confirmed by the finding that cells expressing FAK with alanine substitution for S1 displayed improved cell spreading and faster migration in wound-healing and trans-well assays. Finally, the finding that S1 phosphorylation increased in cells treated with the PP1 inhibitor okadaic acid indicated targeting of this site by PP1. These results indicate an additional mechanism for regulation of FAK activity during cell spreading and migration, involving Ser-722 phosphorylation modulated through the competing actions of GSK3beta and PP1.

  15. Importance of tyrosine phosphorylation in receptor kinase complexes.

    PubMed

    Macho, Alberto P; Lozano-Durán, Rosa; Zipfel, Cyril

    2015-05-01

    Tyrosine phosphorylation is an important post-translational modification that is known to regulate receptor kinase (RK)-mediated signaling in animals. Plant RKs are annotated as serine/threonine kinases, but recent work has revealed that tyrosine phosphorylation is also crucial for the activation of RK-mediated signaling in plants. These initial observations have paved the way for subsequent detailed studies on the mechanism of activation of plant RKs and the biological relevance of tyrosine phosphorylation for plant growth and immunity. In this Opinion article we review recent reports on the contribution of RK tyrosine phosphorylation in plant growth and immunity; we propose that tyrosine phosphorylation plays a major regulatory role in the initiation and transduction of RK-mediated signaling in plants. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Non-canonical Smads phosphorylation induced by the glutamate release inhibitor, riluzole, through GSK3 activation in melanoma.

    PubMed

    Abushahba, Walid; Olabisi, Oyenike O; Jeong, Byeong-Seon; Boregowda, Rajeev K; Wen, Yu; Liu, Fang; Goydos, James S; Lasfar, Ahmed; Cohen-Solal, Karine A

    2012-01-01

    Riluzole, an inhibitor of glutamate release, has shown the ability to inhibit melanoma cell xenograft growth. A phase 0 clinical trial of riluzole as a single agent in patients with melanoma resulted in involution of tumors associated with inhibition of both the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phophoinositide-3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT) pathways in 34% of patients. In the present study, we demonstrate that riluzole inhibits AKT-mediated glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) phosphorylation in melanoma cell lines. Because we have demonstrated that GSK3 is involved in the phosphorylation of two downstream effectors of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), Smad2 and Smad3, at their linker domain, our aim was to determine whether riluzole could induce GSK3β-mediated linker phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. We present evidence that riluzole increases Smad2 and Smad3 linker phosphorylation at the cluster of serines 245/250/255 and serine 204 respectively. Using GSK3 inhibitors and siRNA knock-down, we demonstrate that the mechanism of riluzole-induced Smad phosphorylation involved GSK3β. In addition, GSK3β could phosphorylate the same linker sites in vitro. The riluzole-induced Smad linker phosphorylation is mechanistically different from the Smad linker phosphorylation induced by TGFβ. We also demonstrate that riluzole-induced Smad linker phosphorylation is independent of the expression of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (GRM1), which is one of the glutamate receptors whose involvement in human melanoma has been documented. We further show that riluzole upregulates the expression of INHBB and PLAU, two genes associated with the TGFβ signaling pathway. The non-canonical increase in Smad linker phosphorylation induced by riluzole could contribute to the modulation of the pro-oncogenic functions of Smads in late stage melanomas.

  17. Non-Canonical Smads Phosphorylation Induced by the Glutamate Release Inhibitor, Riluzole, through GSK3 Activation in Melanoma

    PubMed Central

    Jeong, Byeong-Seon; Boregowda, Rajeev K.; Wen, Yu; Liu, Fang; Goydos, James S.; Lasfar, Ahmed; Cohen-Solal, Karine A.

    2012-01-01

    Riluzole, an inhibitor of glutamate release, has shown the ability to inhibit melanoma cell xenograft growth. A phase 0 clinical trial of riluzole as a single agent in patients with melanoma resulted in involution of tumors associated with inhibition of both the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phophoinositide-3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT) pathways in 34% of patients. In the present study, we demonstrate that riluzole inhibits AKT-mediated glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) phosphorylation in melanoma cell lines. Because we have demonstrated that GSK3 is involved in the phosphorylation of two downstream effectors of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), Smad2 and Smad3, at their linker domain, our aim was to determine whether riluzole could induce GSK3β-mediated linker phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. We present evidence that riluzole increases Smad2 and Smad3 linker phosphorylation at the cluster of serines 245/250/255 and serine 204 respectively. Using GSK3 inhibitors and siRNA knock-down, we demonstrate that the mechanism of riluzole-induced Smad phosphorylation involved GSK3β. In addition, GSK3β could phosphorylate the same linker sites in vitro. The riluzole-induced Smad linker phosphorylation is mechanistically different from the Smad linker phosphorylation induced by TGFβ. We also demonstrate that riluzole-induced Smad linker phosphorylation is independent of the expression of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (GRM1), which is one of the glutamate receptors whose involvement in human melanoma has been documented. We further show that riluzole upregulates the expression of INHBB and PLAU, two genes associated with the TGFβ signaling pathway. The non-canonical increase in Smad linker phosphorylation induced by riluzole could contribute to the modulation of the pro-oncogenic functions of Smads in late stage melanomas. PMID:23077590

  18. Stimulation of dihydroxyacetone and glycerol kinase activity in Streptococcus faecalis by phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation catalyzed by enzyme I and HPr of the phosphotransferase systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Deutscher, J.; Sauerwald, H.

    1986-06-01

    Recently a report was given of the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)-dependent phosphorylation of a 55-kilodalton protein of Streptococus faecalis catalyzed by enzyme I and histidine-containing protein (HPr) of the phosphotransferase system. The purified 55-kilodalton protein was found to exhibit dihydroxyacetone kinase activity. Glycerol was six times more slowly phosphorylated than dihydroxyacetone. The K/sub m/s were found to 0.7 mM for ATP, 0.45 mM for dihydroxyacetone, and 0.9 MM for glycerol. PEP-dependent phosphorylation of dihydroxyacetone kinase stimulated phosphorylation of both substrates about 10-fold. Fructose 1,6-diphosphate at concentrations higher than 2 mM inhibited the activity of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated dihydroxyacetone kinase in a noncompetitivemore » manner. The rate of PEP-dependent phosphorylation of dihydroxyacetone kinase was about 200-fold slower than the phosphorylation rate of III proteins (also called enzyme III or factor III), which so far have been considered the only phosphoryl acceptors of histidyl-phosphorylated HPr. P-Dihydroxyacetone kinase was found to be able to transfer its phosphoryl group in a backward reaction to HPr. Following (/sup 32/P)PEP-dependent phosphorylation and tryptic digestion of dihydroxyacetone kinase, the authors isolated a labeled peptide composed of 37 amino acids, as determined by amino acid analysis. The single histidyl residue of this peptide most likely carries the phosphoryl group in phosphorylated dihydroxyacetone kinase.« less

  19. MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF HUMAN NRF2 ACTIVATION AND DEGRADATION: ROLE OF SEQUENTIAL PHOSPHORYLATION BY PROTEIN KINASE CK2

    PubMed Central

    Pi, Jingbo; Bai, Yushi; Reece, Jeffrey M.; Williams, Jason; Liu, Dianxin; Freeman, Michael L.; Fahl, William E.; Shugar, David; Liu, Jie; Qu, Wei; Collins, Sheila; Waalkes, Michael P.

    2007-01-01

    Nrf2 is a key transcription factor in the cellular response to oxidative stress. In this study we first identify two phosphorylated forms of endogenous human Nrf2 after chemically-induced oxidative stress and provide evidence that protein kinase CK2-mediated sequential phosphorylation plays potential role in Nrf2 activation and degradation. Human Nrf2 has a predicted molecular mass of 66 kDa. However, immunoblots showed that two bands at 98 and 118 kDa, which are identified as phosphorylated forms, are increased in response to Nrf2 inducers. In addition, human Nrf2 was found to be a substrate for CK2 which mediated two steps of phosphorylation, resulting in two forms of Nrf2 migrating with differing Mr at 98 kDa (Nrf2–98) and 118 kDa (Nrf2–118). Our results support a role in which calmodulin binding regulates CK2 activity, in that cold (25 °C) in Ca2+-free media (cold/Ca2+-free) decreased both cellular calcium levels and CK2-calmodulin binding and induced Nrf2–118 formation, the latter of which was prevented by CK2 specific inhibitors. Gel-shift assays showed that the Nrf2–118 generated under cold/Ca2+-free conditions does not bind to the antioxidant response element, indicating that Nrf2–98 has transcriptional activity. In contrast, Nrf2–118 is more susceptible to degradation. These results provide evidence for phosphorylation by CK2 as a critical controlling factor in Nrf2-mediated cellular antioxidant response. PMID:17512459

  20. Abscisic acid-activated SNRK2 protein kinases function in the gene-regulation pathway of ABA signal transduction by phosphorylating ABA response element-binding factors.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Yuhko; Murata, Michiharu; Minami, Hideyuki; Yamamoto, Shuhei; Kagaya, Yasuaki; Hobo, Tokunori; Yamamoto, Akiko; Hattori, Tsukaho

    2005-12-01

    The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) induces gene expression via the ABA-response element (ABRE) present in the promoters of ABA-regulated genes. A group of bZIP proteins have been identified as ABRE-binding factors (ABFs) that activate transcription through this cis element. A rice ABF, TRAB1, has been shown to be activated via ABA-dependent phosphorylation. While a large number of signalling factors have been identified that are involved in stomatal regulation by ABA, relatively less is known about the ABA-signalling pathway that leads to gene expression. We have shown recently that three members of the rice SnRK2 protein kinase family, SAPK8, SAPK9 and SAPK10, are activated by ABA signal as well as by hyperosmotic stress. Here we show that transient overexpression in cultured cell protoplasts of these ABA-activated SnRK2 protein kinases leads to the activation of an ABRE-regulated promoter, suggesting that these kinases are involved in the gene-regulation pathway of ABA signalling. We further show several lines of evidence that these ABA-activated SnRK2 protein kinases directly phosphorylate TRAB1 in response to ABA. Kinetic analysis of SAPK10 activation and TRAB1 phosphorylation indicated that the latter immediately followed the former. TRAB1 was found to be phosphorylated not only in response to ABA, but also in response to hyperosmotic stress, which was interpreted as the consequence of phosphorylation of TRAB1 by hyperosmotically activated SAPKs. Physical interaction between TRAB1 and SAPK10 in vivo was demonstrated by a co-immunoprecipitation experiment. Finally, TRAB1 was phosphorylated in vitro by the ABA-activated SnRK2 protein kinases at Ser102, which is phosphorylated in vivo in response to ABA and is critical for the activation function.

  1. Disruption of Spectrin-Like Cytoskeleton in Differentiating Keratinocytes by PKCδ Activation Is Associated with Phosphorylated Adducin

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Kong-Nan; Masci, Paul P.; Lavin, Martin F.

    2011-01-01

    Spectrin is a central component of the cytoskeletal protein network in a variety of erythroid and non-erythroid cells. In keratinocytes, this protein has been shown to be pericytoplasmic and plasma membrane associated, but its characteristics and function have not been established in these cells. Here we demonstrate that spectrin increases dramatically in amount and is assembled into the cytoskeleton during differentiation in mouse and human keratinocytes. The spectrin-like cytoskeleton was predominantly organized in the granular and cornified layers of the epidermis and disrupted by actin filament inhibitors, but not by anti-mitotic drugs. When the cytoskeleton was disrupted PKCδ was activated by phosphorylation on Thr505. Specific inhibition of PKCδ(Thr505) activation with rottlerin prevented disruption of the spectrin-like cytoskeleton and the associated morphological changes that accompany differentiation. Rottlerin also inhibited specific phosphorylation of the PKCδ substrate adducin, a cytoskeletal protein. Furthermore, knock-down of endogenous adducin affected not only expression of adducin, but also spectrin and PKCδ, and severely disrupted organization of the spectrin-like cytoskeleton and cytoskeletal distribution of both adducin and PKCδ. These results demonstrate that organization of a spectrin-like cytoskeleton is associated with keratinocytes differentiation, and disruption of this cytoskeleton is mediated by either PKCδ(Thr505) phosphorylation associated with phosphorylated adducin or due to reduction of endogenous adducin, which normally connects and stabilizes the spectrin-actin complex. PMID:22163289

  2. Proteasome phosphorylation regulates cocaine-induced sensitization.

    PubMed

    Gonzales, Frankie R; Howell, Kristin K; Dozier, Lara E; Anagnostaras, Stephan G; Patrick, Gentry N

    2018-04-01

    Repeated exposure to cocaine produces structural and functional modifications at synapses from neurons in several brain regions including the nucleus accumbens. These changes are thought to underlie cocaine-induced sensitization. The ubiquitin proteasome system plays a crucial role in the remodeling of synapses and has recently been implicated in addiction-related behavior. The ATPase Rpt6 subunit of the 26S proteasome is phosphorylated by Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II alpha at ser120 which is thought to regulate proteasome activity and distribution in neurons. Here, we demonstrate that Rpt6 phosphorylation is involved in cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Cocaine concomitantly increases proteasome activity and Rpt6 S120 phosphorylation in cultured neurons and in various brain regions of wild type mice including the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. In contrast, cocaine does not increase proteasome activity in Rpt6 phospho-mimetic (ser120Asp) mice. Strikingly, we found a complete absence of cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization in the Rpt6 ser120Asp mice. Together, these findings suggest a critical role for Rpt6 phosphorylation and proteasome function in the regulation cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Scaffold Protein SLP-76 Primes PLCγ1 for Activation by ITK-Mediated Phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Devkota, Sujan; Joseph, Raji E; Min, Lie; Bruce Fulton, D; Andreotti, Amy H

    2015-08-28

    Activation of the phospholipase, PLCγ1, is critical for proper T cell signaling following antigen receptor engagement. In T cells, the Tec family kinase, interleukin-2-induced tyrosine kinase (ITK), phosphorylates PLCγ1 at tyrosine 783 (Y783) leading to activation of phospholipase function and subsequent production of the second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. In this work, we demonstrate that PLCγ1 can be primed for ITK-mediated phosphorylation on Y783 by a specific region of the adaptor protein, SLP-76. The SLP-76 phosphotyrosine-containing sequence, pY(173)IDR, does not conform to the canonical recognition motif for an SH2 domain yet binds with significant affinity to the C-terminal SH2 domain of PLCγ1 (SH2C). The SLP-76 pY(173) motif competes with the autoinhibited conformation surrounding the SH2C domain of PLCγ1 leading to exposure of the ITK recognition element on the PLCγ1 SH2 domain and release of the target tyrosine, Y783. These data contribute to the evolving model for the molecular events occurring early in the T cell activation process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Transforming growth factor-{beta}-inducible phosphorylation of Smad3.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guannan; Matsuura, Isao; He, Dongming; Liu, Fang

    2009-04-10

    Smad proteins transduce the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signal at the cell surface into gene regulation in the nucleus. Upon TGF-beta treatment, the highly homologous Smad2 and Smad3 are phosphorylated by the TGF-beta receptor at the SSXS motif in the C-terminal tail. Here we show that in addition to the C-tail, three (S/T)-P sites in the Smad3 linker region, Ser(208), Ser(204), and Thr(179) are phosphorylated in response to TGF-beta. The linker phosphorylation peaks at 1 h after TGF-beta treatment, behind the peak of the C-tail phosphorylation. We provide evidence suggesting that the C-tail phosphorylation by the TGF-beta receptor is necessary for the TGF-beta-induced linker phosphorylation. Although the TGF-beta receptor is necessary for the linker phosphorylation, the receptor itself does not phosphorylate these sites. We further show that ERK is not responsible for TGF-beta-dependent phosphorylation of these three sites. We show that GSK3 accounts for TGF-beta-inducible Ser(204) phosphorylation. Flavopiridol, a pan-CDK inhibitor, abolishes TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of Thr(179) and Ser(208), suggesting that the CDK family is responsible for phosphorylation of Thr(179) and Ser(208) in response to TGF-beta. Mutation of the linker phosphorylation sites to nonphosphorylatable residues increases the ability of Smad3 to activate a TGF-beta/Smad-target gene as well as the growth-inhibitory function of Smad3. Thus, these observations suggest that TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 linker sites inhibits its antiproliferative activity.

  5. Regulation of renal fibrosis by Smad3 Thr388 phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Qu, Xinli; Li, Xueling; Zheng, Yaowu; Ren, Yi; Puelles, Victor G; Caruana, Georgina; Nikolic-Paterson, David J; Li, Jinhua

    2014-04-01

    Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) promotes tissue fibrosis via receptor-mediated phosphorylation of the receptor-activated Smad2/3, together with Smad4. Of these, Smad3 plays a major profibrotic role in mouse models of tissue fibrosis. Transcriptional activity of the Smad3 protein is regulated by phosphorylation of residues in the C-terminal domain and the linker region. Herein, we examined the role of a novel phosphorylation site within the MH2 domain (T388) in the regulation of Smad3 activity. Confocal microscopy using an Smad3 phosphorylated T388-specific antibody identified phosphorylation of Smad3 T388 in myofibroblasts and tubular epithelial cells in human focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis and mouse models of unilateral ureteric obstruction and diabetic nephropathy, whereas phosphorylated T388 was largely absent in normal kidney. In vitro, TGF-β1 induced phosphorylation of Smad3 T388 in a biphasic pattern. A point mutation of T388/V in an Smad3 construct demonstrated that phosphorylation of T388 promotes Smad3 binding to Smad4 and CDK8, but was not necessary for nuclear translocation. Furthermore, T388 phosphorylation was required for TGF-β-induced collagen I gene promoter activity and extracellular matrix production in cultured fibroblasts. In conclusion, our study identifies phosphorylation of T388 in the Smad3 MH2 domain as an important mechanism that regulates the profibrotic TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway, which has direct relevance to human and experimental fibrotic kidney disease. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  6. Effect of resistance exercise under conditions of reduced blood insulin on AMPKα Ser485/491 inhibitory phosphorylation and AMPK pathway activation.

    PubMed

    Kido, Kohei; Yokokawa, Takumi; Ato, Satoru; Sato, Koji; Fujita, Satoshi

    2017-08-01

    Insulin stimulates skeletal muscle glucose uptake via activation of the protein kinase B/Akt (Akt) pathway. Recent studies suggest that insulin downregulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity via Ser485/491 phosphorylation of the AMPK α-subunit. Thus lower blood insulin concentrations may induce AMPK signal activation. Acute exercise is one method to stimulate AMPK activation; however, no study has examined the relationship between blood insulin levels and acute resistance exercise-induced AMPK pathway activation. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that the acute resistance exercise-induced AMPK pathway activation would be augmented by disruptions in insulin secretion through a decrease in AMPKα Ser485/491 inhibitory phosphorylation. To test the hypothesis, 10-wk-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered the toxin streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg) to destroy the insulin secreting β-cells. Three days postinjection, the right gastrocnemius muscle from STZ and control rats was subjected to resistance exercise by percutaneous electrical stimulation. Animals were killed 0, 1, or 3 h later; activation of the Akt/AMPK and downstream pathways in the muscle tissue was analyzed by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Notably, STZ rats showed a significant decrease in basal Akt and AMPKα Ser485/491 phosphorylation, but substantial exercise-induced increases in both AMPKα Thr172 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) Ser79 phosphorylation were observed. Although no significant impact on resistance exercise-induced Akt pathway activation or glucose uptake was found, resistance exercise-induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator-1 α (PGC-1α) gene expression was augmented by STZ treatment. Collectively, these data suggest that circulating insulin levels may regulate acute resistance exercise-induced AMPK pathway activation and AMPK-dependent gene expression relating to basal AMPKα Ser485/491 phosphorylation. Copyright © 2017

  7. Molecular Insights of p47phox Phosphorylation Dynamics in the Regulation of NADPH Oxidase Activation and Superoxide Production*

    PubMed Central

    Meijles, Daniel N.; Fan, Lampson M.; Howlin, Brendan J.; Li, Jian-Mei

    2014-01-01

    Phagocyte superoxide production by a multicomponent NADPH oxidase is important in host defense against microbial invasion. However inappropriate NADPH oxidase activation causes inflammation. Endothelial cells express NADPH oxidase and endothelial oxidative stress due to prolonged NADPH oxidase activation predisposes many diseases. Discovering the mechanism of NADPH oxidase activation is essential for developing novel treatment of these diseases. The p47phox is a key regulatory subunit of NADPH oxidase; however, due to the lack of full protein structural information, the mechanistic insight of p47phox phosphorylation in NADPH oxidase activation remains incomplete. Based on crystal structures of three functional domains, we generated a computational structural model of the full p47phox protein. Using a combination of in silico phosphorylation, molecular dynamics simulation and protein/protein docking, we discovered that the C-terminal tail of p47phox is critical for stabilizing its autoinhibited structure. Ser-379 phosphorylation disrupts H-bonds that link the C-terminal tail to the autoinhibitory region (AIR) and the tandem Src homology 3 (SH3) domains, allowing the AIR to undergo phosphorylation to expose the SH3 pocket for p22phox binding. These findings were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and gene transfection of p47phox−/− coronary microvascular cells. Compared with wild-type p47phox cDNA transfected cells, the single mutation of S379A completely blocked p47phox membrane translocation, binding to p22phox and endothelial O2⨪ production in response to acute stimulation of PKC. p47phox C-terminal tail plays a key role in stabilizing intramolecular interactions at rest. Ser-379 phosphorylation is a molecular switch which initiates p47phox conformational changes and NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide production by cells. PMID:24970888

  8. Decoding the phosphorylation code in Hedgehog signal transduction

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yongbin; Jiang, Jin

    2013-01-01

    Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays pivotal roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis, and its deregulation leads to numerous human disorders including cancer. Binding of Hh to Patched (Ptc), a twelve-transmembrane protein, alleviates its inhibition of Smoothened (Smo), a seven-transmembrane protein related to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), leading to Smo phosphorylation and activation. Smo acts through intracellular signaling complexes to convert the latent transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci)/Gli from a truncated repressor to a full-length activator, leading to derepression/activation of Hh target genes. Increasing evidence suggests that phosphorylation participates in almost every step in the signal relay from Smo to Ci/Gli, and that differential phosphorylation of several key pathway components may be crucial for translating the Hh morphogen gradient into graded pathway activities. In this review, we focus on the multifaceted roles that phosphorylation plays in Hh signal transduction, and discuss the conservation and difference between Drosophila and mammalian Hh signaling mechanisms. PMID:23337587

  9. Abelson-interactor-1 promotes WAVE2 membrane translocation and Abelson-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation required for WAVE2 activation.

    PubMed

    Leng, Yan; Zhang, Jinyi; Badour, Karen; Arpaia, Enrico; Freeman, Spencer; Cheung, Pam; Siu, Michael; Siminovitch, Katherine

    2005-01-25

    WAVE2 is a member of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family of cytoskeletal regulatory proteins shown to link Rac activation to actin remodeling via induction of Arp 2/3 activity. WAVE2 is thought to be regulated by its positioning in a macromolecular complex also containing the Abelson-(Abl) interactor-1 (Abi-1) adaptor, but the molecular basis and biologic relevance of WAVE2 inclusion in this complex are ill defined. Here we show that Abi-1 binding to WAVE2 is mediated by discrete motifs in the Abi-1 coiled-coil and WAVE2 WAVE-homology domains and increases markedly in conjunction with Abi-1-WAVE2 translocation and colocalization at the leading edge in B16F1 cells after fibronectin stimulation. Abi-1 also couples WAVE2 to Abl after cell stimulation, an interaction that triggers Abl membrane translocation with WAVE2, Abi-1, and activated Rac, as well as Abl-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation and WAVE2 activation. By contrast, mutation of tyrosine residue Y150, identified here as the major site of Abl-mediated WAVE2 tyrosine phosphorylation, as well as disruption of WAVE2-Abi-1 binding, impairs induction of WAVE2-driven actin polymerization and its membrane translocation in association with activated Rac. Similarly, WAVE2 tyrosine phosphorylation and induction of membrane actin rearrangement are abrogated in fibroblasts lacking the Abl family kinase. Together, these data reveal that Abi-1-mediated coupling of Abl to WAVE2 promotes Abl-evoked WAVE2 tyrosine phosphorylation required to link WAVE2 with activated Rac and with actin polymerization and remodeling at the cell periphery.

  10. SIRT2 deacetylase regulates the activity of GSK3 isoforms independent of inhibitory phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Sarikhani, Mohsen; Mishra, Sneha; Maity, Sangeeta; Kotyada, Chaithanya; Wolfgeher, Donald; Gupta, Mahesh P; Singh, Mahavir

    2018-01-01

    Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a critical regulator of diverse cellular functions involved in the maintenance of structure and function. Enzymatic activity of GSK3 is inhibited by N-terminal serine phosphorylation. However, alternate post-translational mechanism(s) responsible for GSK3 inactivation are not characterized. Here, we report that GSK3α and GSK3β are acetylated at Lys246 and Lys183, respectively. Molecular modeling and/or molecular dynamics simulations indicate that acetylation of GSK3 isoforms would hinder both the adenosine binding and prevent stable interactions of the negatively charged phosphates. We found that SIRT2 deacetylates GSK3β, and thus enhances its binding to ATP. Interestingly, the reduced activity of GSK3β is associated with lysine acetylation, but not with phosphorylation at Ser9 in hearts of SIRT2-deficient mice. Moreover, GSK3 is required for the anti-hypertrophic function of SIRT2 in cardiomyocytes. Overall, our study identified lysine acetylation as a novel post-translational modification regulating GSK3 activity. PMID:29504933

  11. Ser/Thr Phosphorylation Regulates the Fatty Acyl-AMP Ligase Activity of FadD32, an Essential Enzyme in Mycolic Acid Biosynthesis*

    PubMed Central

    Le, Nguyen-Hung; Molle, Virginie; Eynard, Nathalie; Miras, Mathieu; Stella, Alexandre; Bardou, Fabienne; Galandrin, Ségolène; Guillet, Valérie; André-Leroux, Gwenaëlle; Bellinzoni, Marco; Alzari, Pedro; Mourey, Lionel; Burlet-Schiltz, Odile; Daffé, Mamadou; Marrakchi, Hedia

    2016-01-01

    Mycolic acids are essential components of the mycobacterial cell envelope, and their biosynthetic pathway is a well known source of antituberculous drug targets. Among the promising new targets in the pathway, FadD32 is an essential enzyme required for the activation of the long meromycolic chain of mycolic acids and is essential for mycobacterial growth. Following the in-depth biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterization of FadD32, we investigated its putative regulation via post-translational modifications. Comparison of the fatty acyl-AMP ligase activity between phosphorylated and dephosphorylated FadD32 isoforms showed that the native protein is phosphorylated by serine/threonine protein kinases and that this phosphorylation induced a significant loss of activity. Mass spectrometry analysis of the native protein confirmed the post-translational modifications and identified Thr-552 as the phosphosite. Phosphoablative and phosphomimetic FadD32 mutant proteins confirmed both the position and the importance of the modification and its correlation with the negative regulation of FadD32 activity. Investigation of the mycolic acid condensation reaction catalyzed by Pks13, involving FadD32 as a partner, showed that FadD32 phosphorylation also impacts the condensation activity. Altogether, our results bring to light FadD32 phosphorylation by serine/threonine protein kinases and its correlation with the enzyme-negative regulation, thus shedding a new horizon on the mycolic acid biosynthesis modulation and possible inhibition strategies for this promising drug target. PMID:27590338

  12. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation independently of beta-arrestin- and dynamin-mediated FSH receptor internalization

    PubMed Central

    Piketty, Vincent; Kara, Elodie; Guillou, Florian; Reiter, Eric; Crepieux, Pascale

    2006-01-01

    Background The follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) is a seven transmembrane spanning receptor (7TMR) which plays a crucial role in male and female reproduction. Upon FSH stimulation, the FSH-R activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). However, the mechanisms whereby the agonist-stimulated FSH-R activates ERK are poorly understood. In order to activate ERK, some 7 TMRs require beta-arrestin-and dynamin-dependent internalization to occur, whereas some others do not. In the present study, we examined the ability of the FSH-activated FSH-R to induce ERK phosphorylation, in conditions where its beta-arrestin- and dynamin-mediated internalization was impaired. Methods Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells were transiently transfected with the rat FSH-R. Internalization of the FSH-R was manipulated by co-expression of either a beta-arrestin (319–418) dominant negative peptide, either an inactive dynamin K44A mutant or of wild-type beta-arrestin 1 or 2. The outcomes on the FSH-R internalization were assayed by measuring 125I-FSH binding at the cell surface when compared to internalized 125I-FSH binding. The resulting ERK phosphorylation level was visualized by Western blot analysis. Results In HEK 293 cells, FSH stimulated ERK phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Co-transfection of the beta- arrestin (319–418) construct, or of the dynamin K44A mutant reduced FSH-R internalization in response to FSH, without affecting ERK phosphorylation. Likewise, overexpression of wild-type beta-arrestin 1 or 2 significantly increased the FSH-R internalization level in response to FSH, without altering FSH-induced ERK phosphorylation. Conclusion From these results, we conclude that the FSH-R does not require beta-arrestin- nor dynamin-mediated internalization to initiate ERK phosphorylation in response to FSH. PMID:16787538

  13. Casein Kinase 2-Mediated Phosphorylation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Phosphoprotein P Is Essential for the Transcription Elongation Activity of the Viral Polymerase; Phosphorylation by Casein Kinase 1 Occurs Mainly at Ser215 and Is without Effect

    PubMed Central

    Dupuy, Lesley C.; Dobson, Sean; Bitko, Vira; Barik, Sailen

    1999-01-01

    The major site of in vitro phosphorylation by casein kinase 2 (CK2) was the conserved Ser232 in the P proteins of human, bovine, and ovine strains of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Enzymatic removal of this phosphate group from the P protein instantly halted transcription elongation in vitro. Transcription reconstituted in the absence of P protein or in the presence of phosphate-free P protein produced abortive initiation products but no full-length transcripts. A recombinant P protein in which Ser232 was mutated to Asp exhibited about half of the transcriptional activity of the wild-type phosphorylated protein, suggesting that the negative charge of the phosphate groups is an important contributor to P protein function. Use of a temperature-sensitive CK2 mutant yeast revealed that in yeast, phosphorylation of recombinant P by non-CK2 kinase(s) occurs mainly at Ser215. In vitro, P protein could be phosphorylated by purified CK1 at Ser215 but this phosphorylation did not result in transcriptionally active P protein. A triple mutant P protein in which Ser215, Ser232, and Ser237 were all mutated to Ala was completely defective in phosphorylation in vitro as well as ex vivo. The xanthate compound D609 inhibited CK2 but not CK1 in vitro and had a very modest effect on P protein phosphorylation and RSV yield ex vivo. Together, these results suggest a role for CK2-mediated phosphorylation of the P protein in the promoter clearance and elongation properties of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. PMID:10482589

  14. Leveraging increased cytoplasmic nucleoside kinase activity to target mtDNA and oxidative phosphorylation in AML.

    PubMed

    Liyanage, Sanduni U; Hurren, Rose; Voisin, Veronique; Bridon, Gaëlle; Wang, Xiaoming; Xu, ChangJiang; MacLean, Neil; Siriwardena, Thirushi P; Gronda, Marcela; Yehudai, Dana; Sriskanthadevan, Shrivani; Avizonis, Daina; Shamas-Din, Aisha; Minden, Mark D; Bader, Gary D; Laposa, Rebecca; Schimmer, Aaron D

    2017-05-11

    Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) biosynthesis requires replication factors and adequate nucleotide pools from the mitochondria and cytoplasm. We performed gene expression profiling analysis of 542 human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples and identified 55% with upregulated mtDNA biosynthesis pathway expression compared with normal hematopoietic cells. Genes that support mitochondrial nucleotide pools, including mitochondrial nucleotide transporters and a subset of cytoplasmic nucleoside kinases, were also increased in AML compared with normal hematopoietic samples. Knockdown of cytoplasmic nucleoside kinases reduced mtDNA levels in AML cells, demonstrating their contribution in maintaining mtDNA. To assess cytoplasmic nucleoside kinase pathway activity, we used a nucleoside analog 2'3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), which is phosphorylated to the activated antimetabolite, 2'3'-dideoxycytidine triphosphate by cytoplasmic nucleoside kinases. ddC is a selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ. ddC was preferentially activated in AML cells compared with normal hematopoietic progenitor cells. ddC treatment inhibited mtDNA replication, oxidative phosphorylation, and induced cytotoxicity in a panel of AML cell lines. Furthermore, ddC preferentially inhibited mtDNA replication in a subset of primary human leukemia cells and selectively targeted leukemia cells while sparing normal progenitor cells. In animal models of human AML, treatment with ddC decreased mtDNA, electron transport chain proteins, and induced tumor regression without toxicity. ddC also targeted leukemic stem cells in secondary AML xenotransplantation assays. Thus, AML cells have increased cytidine nucleoside kinase activity that regulates mtDNA biogenesis and can be leveraged to selectively target oxidative phosphorylation in AML. © 2017 by The American Society of Hematology.

  15. Leveraging increased cytoplasmic nucleoside kinase activity to target mtDNA and oxidative phosphorylation in AML

    PubMed Central

    Liyanage, Sanduni U.; Hurren, Rose; Voisin, Veronique; Bridon, Gaëlle; Wang, Xiaoming; Xu, ChangJiang; MacLean, Neil; Siriwardena, Thirushi P.; Gronda, Marcela; Yehudai, Dana; Sriskanthadevan, Shrivani; Avizonis, Daina; Shamas-Din, Aisha; Minden, Mark D.; Bader, Gary D.; Laposa, Rebecca

    2017-01-01

    Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) biosynthesis requires replication factors and adequate nucleotide pools from the mitochondria and cytoplasm. We performed gene expression profiling analysis of 542 human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples and identified 55% with upregulated mtDNA biosynthesis pathway expression compared with normal hematopoietic cells. Genes that support mitochondrial nucleotide pools, including mitochondrial nucleotide transporters and a subset of cytoplasmic nucleoside kinases, were also increased in AML compared with normal hematopoietic samples. Knockdown of cytoplasmic nucleoside kinases reduced mtDNA levels in AML cells, demonstrating their contribution in maintaining mtDNA. To assess cytoplasmic nucleoside kinase pathway activity, we used a nucleoside analog 2′3′-dideoxycytidine (ddC), which is phosphorylated to the activated antimetabolite, 2′3′-dideoxycytidine triphosphate by cytoplasmic nucleoside kinases. ddC is a selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ. ddC was preferentially activated in AML cells compared with normal hematopoietic progenitor cells. ddC treatment inhibited mtDNA replication, oxidative phosphorylation, and induced cytotoxicity in a panel of AML cell lines. Furthermore, ddC preferentially inhibited mtDNA replication in a subset of primary human leukemia cells and selectively targeted leukemia cells while sparing normal progenitor cells. In animal models of human AML, treatment with ddC decreased mtDNA, electron transport chain proteins, and induced tumor regression without toxicity. ddC also targeted leukemic stem cells in secondary AML xenotransplantation assays. Thus, AML cells have increased cytidine nucleoside kinase activity that regulates mtDNA biogenesis and can be leveraged to selectively target oxidative phosphorylation in AML. PMID:28283480

  16. Cardiac Protection of Valsartan on Juvenile Rats with Heart Failure by Inhibiting Activity of CaMKII via Attenuating Phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yao; Si, Feifei; Ji, Xiaojuan; Jiang, Kunfeng; Song, Sijie; Yi, Qijian

    2017-01-01

    Background . This study was undertaken to determine relative contributions of phosphorylation and oxidation to the increased activity of calcium/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase II (CaMKII) in juveniles with cardiac myocyte dysfunction due to increased pressure overload. Methods . Juvenile rats underwent abdominal aortic constriction to induce heart failure. Four weeks after surgery, rats were then randomly divided into two groups: one group given valsartan (HF + Val) and the other group given placebo (HF + PBO). Simultaneously, the sham-operated rats were randomly given valsartan (Sham + Val) or placebo (Sham + PBO). After 4 weeks of treatment, Western blot analysis was employed to quantify CaMKII and relative calcium handling proteins (RyR2 and PLN) in all groups. Results . The deteriorated cardiac function was reversed by valsartan treatment. In ventricular muscle cells of group HF + PBO, Thr287 phosphorylation of CaMKII and S2808 phosphorylation of RyR2 and PLN were increased and S16 phosphorylation of PLN was decreased compared to the other groups, while Met281 oxidation was not significantly elevated. In addition, these changes in the expression of calcium handling proteins were ameliorated by valsartan administration. Conclusions . The phosphorylation of Thr286 is associated with the early activation of CaMKII rather than the oxidation of Met281.

  17. Cardiac Protection of Valsartan on Juvenile Rats with Heart Failure by Inhibiting Activity of CaMKII via Attenuating Phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Yao; Si, Feifei; Ji, Xiaojuan; Jiang, Kunfeng; Song, Sijie

    2017-01-01

    Background. This study was undertaken to determine relative contributions of phosphorylation and oxidation to the increased activity of calcium/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase II (CaMKII) in juveniles with cardiac myocyte dysfunction due to increased pressure overload. Methods. Juvenile rats underwent abdominal aortic constriction to induce heart failure. Four weeks after surgery, rats were then randomly divided into two groups: one group given valsartan (HF + Val) and the other group given placebo (HF + PBO). Simultaneously, the sham-operated rats were randomly given valsartan (Sham + Val) or placebo (Sham + PBO). After 4 weeks of treatment, Western blot analysis was employed to quantify CaMKII and relative calcium handling proteins (RyR2 and PLN) in all groups. Results. The deteriorated cardiac function was reversed by valsartan treatment. In ventricular muscle cells of group HF + PBO, Thr287 phosphorylation of CaMKII and S2808 phosphorylation of RyR2 and PLN were increased and S16 phosphorylation of PLN was decreased compared to the other groups, while Met281 oxidation was not significantly elevated. In addition, these changes in the expression of calcium handling proteins were ameliorated by valsartan administration. Conclusions. The phosphorylation of Thr286 is associated with the early activation of CaMKII rather than the oxidation of Met281. PMID:28536695

  18. Constitutively active rhodopsin mutants causing night blindness are effectively phosphorylated by GRKs but differ in arrestin-1 binding

    PubMed Central

    Vishnivetskiy, Sergey. A.; Ostermaier, Martin K.; Singhal, Ankita; Panneels, Valerie; Homan, Kristoff T.; Glukhova, Alisa; Sligar, Stephen G.; Tesmer, John J. G.; Schertler, Gebhard F.X.; Standfuss, Joerg; Gurevich, Vsevolod V.

    2013-01-01

    The effects of activating mutations associated with night blindness on the stoichiometry of rhodopsin interactions with G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1 (GRK1) and arrestin-1 have not been reported. Here we show that the monomeric form of WT rhodopsin and its constitutively active mutants M257Y, G90D, and T94I, reconstituted into HDL particles are effectively phosphorylated by GRK1, as well as two more ubiquitously expressed subtypes, GRK2 and GRK5. All versions of arrestin-1 tested (WT, pre-activated, and constitutively monomeric mutants) bind to monomeric rhodopsin and show the same selectivity for different functional forms of rhodopsin as in native disc membranes. Rhodopsin phosphorylation by GRK1 and GRK2 promotes arrestin-1 binding to a comparable extent, whereas similar phosphorylation by GRK5 is less effective, suggesting that not all phosphorylation sites on rhodopsin are equivalent in promoting arrestin-1 binding. The binding of WT arrestin-1 to phospho-opsin is comparable to the binding to its preferred target, P-Rh*, suggesting that in photoreceptors arrestin-1 only dissociates after opsin regeneration with 11-cis-retinal, which converts phospho-opsin into inactive phospho-rhodopsin that has lower affinity for arrestin-1. Reduced binding of arrestin-1 to the phospho-opsin form of G90D mutant likely contributes to night blindness caused by this mutation in humans. PMID:23872075

  19. Constitutively active rhodopsin mutants causing night blindness are effectively phosphorylated by GRKs but differ in arrestin-1 binding.

    PubMed

    Vishnivetskiy, Sergey A; Ostermaier, Martin K; Singhal, Ankita; Panneels, Valerie; Homan, Kristoff T; Glukhova, Alisa; Sligar, Stephen G; Tesmer, John J G; Schertler, Gebhard F X; Standfuss, Joerg; Gurevich, Vsevolod V

    2013-11-01

    The effects of activating mutations associated with night blindness on the stoichiometry of rhodopsin interactions with G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1 (GRK1) and arrestin-1 have not been reported. Here we show that the monomeric form of WT rhodopsin and its constitutively active mutants M257Y, G90D, and T94I, reconstituted into HDL particles are effectively phosphorylated by GRK1, as well as two more ubiquitously expressed subtypes, GRK2 and GRK5. All versions of arrestin-1 tested (WT, pre-activated, and constitutively monomeric mutants) bind to monomeric rhodopsin and show the same selectivity for different functional forms of rhodopsin as in native disc membranes. Rhodopsin phosphorylation by GRK1 and GRK2 promotes arrestin-1 binding to a comparable extent, whereas similar phosphorylation by GRK5 is less effective, suggesting that not all phosphorylation sites on rhodopsin are equivalent in promoting arrestin-1 binding. The binding of WT arrestin-1 to phospho-opsin is comparable to the binding to its preferred target, P-Rh*, suggesting that in photoreceptors arrestin-1 only dissociates after opsin regeneration with 11-cis-retinal, which converts phospho-opsin into inactive phospho-rhodopsin that has lower affinity for arrestin-1. Reduced binding of arrestin-1 to the phospho-opsin form of G90D mutant likely contributes to night blindness caused by this mutation in humans. © 2013.

  20. Glucocorticoid-mediated activation of GSK3β promotes tau phosphorylation and impairs memory in type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Dey, Aditi; Hao, Shuai; Wosiski-Kuhn, Marlena; Stranahan, Alexis M

    2017-09-01

    Type 2 diabetes is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau has been reported in rodent models of diabetes, including db/db mice, which exhibit insulin resistance and chronically elevated glucocorticoids due to leptin receptor insufficiency. In this report, we investigated endocrine mechanisms for hippocampal tau phosphorylation in db/db and wild-type mice. By separately manipulating peripheral and intrahippocampal corticosterone levels, we determined that hippocampal corticosteroid exposure promotes tau phosphorylation and activates glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Subsequent experiments in hippocampal slice preparations revealed evidence for a nongenomic interaction between glucocorticoids and GSK3β. To examine whether GSK3β activation mediates tau phosphorylation and impairs memory in diabetes, db/db and wild-type mice received intrahippocampal infusions of TDZD-8, a non-ATP competitive thiadiazolidinone inhibitor of GSK3β. Intrahippocampal TDZD-8 blocked tau hyperphosphorylation and normalized hippocampus-dependent memory in db/db mice, suggesting that pathological synergy between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease may involve glucocorticoid-mediated activation of GSK3β. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Phosphorylation of Minichromosome Maintenance 3 (MCM3) by Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) Negatively Regulates DNA Replication and Checkpoint Activation.

    PubMed

    Han, Xiangzi; Mayca Pozo, Franklin; Wisotsky, Jacob N; Wang, Benlian; Jacobberger, James W; Zhang, Youwei

    2015-05-08

    Mechanisms controlling DNA replication and replication checkpoint are critical for the maintenance of genome stability and the prevention or treatment of human cancers. Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is a key effector protein kinase that regulates the DNA damage response and replication checkpoint. The heterohexameric minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex is the core component of mammalian DNA helicase and has been implicated in replication checkpoint activation. Here we report that Chk1 phosphorylates the MCM3 subunit of the MCM complex at Ser-205 under normal growth conditions. Mutating the Ser-205 of MCM3 to Ala increased the length of DNA replication track and shortened the S phase duration, indicating that Ser-205 phosphorylation negatively controls normal DNA replication. Upon replicative stress treatment, the inhibitory phosphorylation of MCM3 at Ser-205 was reduced, and this reduction was accompanied with the generation of single strand DNA, the key platform for ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related (ATR) activation. As a result, the replication checkpoint is activated. Together, these data provide significant insights into the regulation of both normal DNA replication and replication checkpoint activation through the novel phosphorylation of MCM3 by Chk1. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  2. A Phosphorylation Switch Regulates the Transcriptional Activation of Cell Cycle Regulator p21 by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors*

    PubMed Central

    Simboeck, Elisabeth; Sawicka, Anna; Zupkovitz, Gordin; Senese, Silvia; Winter, Stefan; Dequiedt, Franck; Ogris, Egon; Di Croce, Luciano; Chiocca, Susanna; Seiser, Christian

    2010-01-01

    Histone deacetylase inhibitors induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells and are, therefore, promising anti-cancer drugs. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 is activated in histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor-treated tumor cells, and its growth-inhibitory function contributes to the anti-tumorigenic effect of HDAC inhibitors. We show here that induction of p21 by trichostatin A involves MAP kinase signaling. Activation of the MAP kinase signaling pathway by growth factors or stress signals results in histone H3 serine 10 phosphorylation at the p21 promoter and is crucial for acetylation of the neighboring lysine 14 and recruitment of activated RNA polymerase II in response to trichostatin A treatment. In non-induced cells, the protein phosphatase PP2A is associated with the p21 gene and counteracts its activation. Induction of p21 is linked to simultaneous acetylation and phosphorylation of histone H3. The dual modification mark H3S10phK14ac at the activated p21 promoter is recognized by the phospho-binding protein 14-3-3ζ, which protects the phosphoacetylation mark from being processed by PP2A. Taken together we have revealed a cross-talk of reversible phosphorylation and acetylation signals that controls the activation of p21 by HDAC inhibitors and identify the phosphatase PP2A as chromatin-associated transcriptional repressor in mammalian cells. PMID:20952396

  3. TNFα- and IKKβ-mediated TANK/I-TRAF phosphorylation: implications for interaction with NEMO/IKKγ and NF-κB activation

    PubMed Central

    Bonif, Marianne; Meuwis, Marie-Alice; Close, Pierre; Benoit, Valérie; Heyninck, Karen; Chapelle, Jean-Paul; Bours, Vincent; Merville, Marie-Paule; Piette, Jacques; Beyaert, Rudi; Chariot, Alain

    2005-01-01

    Pro-inflammatory cytokines trigger signalling cascades leading to NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB)-dependent gene expression through IKK [IκB (inhibitory κB) kinase]-dependent phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of the IκB proteins and via induced phosphorylation of p65. These signalling pathways rely on sequentially activated kinases which are assembled by essential and non-enzymatic scaffold proteins into functional complexes. Here, we show that the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) promotes TANK [TRAF (TNF receptor-associated factor) family member associated NF-κB activator] recruitment to the IKK complex via a newly characterized C-terminal zinc finger. Moreover, we show that TANK is phosphorylated by IKKβ upon TNFα stimulation and that this modification negatively regulates TANK binding to NEMO (NF-κB essential modulator). Interestingly, reduced TANK expression by RNA interference attenuates TNFα-mediated induction of a subset of NF-κB target genes through decreased p65 transactivation potential. Therefore the scaffold protein TANK is required for the cellular response to TNFα by connecting upstream signalling molecules to the IKKs and p65, and its subsequent IKKβ-mediated phosphorylation may be a mechanism to terminate the TANK-dependent wave of NF-κB activation. PMID:16336209

  4. AMPK-Dependent Phosphorylation of GAPDH Triggers Sirt1 Activation and Is Necessary for Autophagy upon Glucose Starvation.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chunmei; Su, Hua; Zhang, Danhong; Wang, Yusha; Shen, Qiuhong; Liu, Bo; Huang, Rui; Zhou, Tianhua; Peng, Chao; Wong, Catherine C L; Shen, Han-Ming; Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer; Liu, Wei

    2015-12-17

    Eukaryotes initiate autophagy to cope with the lack of external nutrients, which requires the activation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1). However, the mechanisms underlying the starvation-induced Sirt1 activation for autophagy initiation remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a conventional glycolytic enzyme, is a critical mediator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-driven Sirt1 activation. Under glucose starvation, but not amino acid starvation, cytoplasmic GAPDH is phosphorylated on Ser122 by activated AMPK. This causes GAPDH to redistribute into the nucleus. Inside the nucleus, GAPDH interacts directly with Sirt1, displacing Sirt1's repressor and causing Sirt1 to become activated. Preventing this shift of GAPDH abolishes Sirt1 activation and autophagy, while enhancing it, through overexpression of nuclear-localized GAPDH, increases Sirt1 activation and autophagy. GAPDH is thus a pivotal and central regulator of autophagy under glucose deficiency, undergoing AMPK-dependent phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to activate Sirt1 deacetylase activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Ligand-activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling governs endocytic trafficking of unliganded receptor monomers by non-canonical phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Tomohiro; Zhou, Yue; Ozawa, Tatsuhiko; Okizono, Ryuya; Banba, Ayako; Yamamura, Tomohiro; Oga, Eiji; Muraguchi, Atsushi; Sakurai, Hiroaki

    2018-02-16

    The canonical description of transmembrane receptor function is initial binding of ligand, followed by initiation of intracellular signaling and then internalization en route to degradation or recycling to the cell surface. It is known that low concentrations of extracellular ligand lead to a higher proportion of receptor that is recycled and that non-canonical mechanisms of receptor activation, including phosphorylation by the kinase p38, can induce internalization and recycling. However, no connections have been made between these pathways; i.e. it has yet to be established what happens to unbound receptors following stimulation with ligand. Here we demonstrate that a minimal level of activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase by low levels of ligand is sufficient to fully activate downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, with most of the remaining unbound EGFR molecules being efficiently phosphorylated at intracellular serine/threonine residues by activated mitogen-activated protein kinase. This non-canonical, p38-mediated phosphorylation of the C-tail of EGFR, near Ser-1015, induces the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of the unliganded EGFR monomers, which occurs slightly later than the canonical endocytosis of ligand-bound EGFR dimers via tyrosine autophosphorylation. EGFR endocytosed via the non-canonical pathway is largely recycled back to the plasma membrane as functional receptors, whereas p38-independent populations are mainly sorted for lysosomal degradation. Moreover, ligand concentrations balance these endocytic trafficking pathways. These results demonstrate that ligand-activated EGFR signaling controls unliganded receptors through feedback phosphorylation, identifying a dual-mode regulation of the endocytic trafficking dynamics of EGFR. © 2018 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  6. Protein Phosphorylation during Coconut Zygotic Embryo Development1

    PubMed Central

    Islas-Flores, Ignacio; Oropeza, Carlos; Hernández-Sotomayor, S.M. Teresa

    1998-01-01

    Evidence was obtained on the occurrence of protein threonine, serine, and tyrosine (Tyr) kinases in developing coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) zygotic embryos, based on in vitro phosphorylation of proteins in the presence of [γ-32P]ATP, alkaline treatment, and thin-layer chromatography analysis, which showed the presence of [32P]phosphoserine, [32P]phosphothreonine, and [32P]phosphotyrosine in [32P]-labeled protein hydrolyzates. Tyr kinase activity was further confirmed in extracts of embryos at different stages of development using antiphosphotyrosine monoclonal antibodies and the synthetic peptide derived from the amino acid sequence surrounding the phosphorylation site in pp60src (RR-SRC), which is specific for Tyr kinases. Anti-phosphotyrosine western blotting revealed a changing profile of Tyr-phosphorylated proteins during embryo development. Tyr kinase activity, as assayed using RR-SRC, also changed during embryo development, showing two peaks of activity, one during early and another during late embryo development. In addition, the use of genistein, a Tyr kinase inhibitor, diminished the ability of extracts to phosphorylate RR-SRC. Results presented here show the occurrence of threonine, serine, and Tyr kinases in developing coconut zygotic embryos, and suggest that protein phosphorylation, and the possible inference of Tyr phosphorylation in particular, may play a role in the coordination of the development of embryos in this species. PMID:9733545

  7. High mobility group box-1 is phosphorylated by protein kinase C zeta and secreted in colon cancer cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Hanna; Park, Minhee; Shin, Nara

    2012-07-27

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Specific enzyme for HMGB1 phosphorylation and its secretion is proposed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Inhibition of PKC-{zeta} leads to significant reduction of the secreted HMGB1. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phosphorylation of specific site of HMGB1 redirects its secretion in cancer cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Activation of PKC-{zeta} in cancers explains the enhanced HMGB1 secretion. -- Abstract: High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), a nuclear protein, is overexpressed and secreted in cancer cells. Phosphorylation on two different nuclear localization signal regions are known to be important for the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic transport and secretion of HMGB1. However, little is known about the biochemical mechanism of HMGB1 modifications and its subsequentmore » secretion from cancer cells. To identify the specific enzyme and important sites for HMGB1 phosphorylation, we screened the protein kinase C (PKC) family in a colon cancer cell line (HCT116) for HMGB1 binding by pull-down experiments using a 3XFLAG-HMGB1 construct. Strong interactions between atypical PKCs (PKC-{zeta}, {lambda}, and {iota}) and cytoplasmic HMGB1 were observed in HCT116 cells. We further identified the most critical PKC isotype that regulates HMGB1 secretion is PKC-{zeta} by using PKC inhibitors and siRNA experiments. The serine residues at S39, S53 and S181 of HMGB1 were related to enhancing HMGB1 secretion. We also demonstrated overexpression and activation of PKC-{zeta} in colon cancer tissues. Our findings suggest that PKC-{zeta} is involved in the phosphorylation of HMGB1, and the phosphorylation of specific serine residues in the nuclear localization signal regions is related to enhanced HMGB1 secretion in colon cancer cells.« less

  8. Active inhibitor-1 maintains protein hyper-phosphorylation in aging hearts and halts remodeling in failing hearts.

    PubMed

    Pritchard, Tracy J; Kawase, Yoshiaki; Haghighi, Kobra; Anjak, Ahmad; Cai, Wenfeng; Jiang, Min; Nicolaou, Persoulla; Pylar, George; Karakikes, Ioannis; Rapti, Kleopatra; Rubinstein, Jack; Hajjar, Roger J; Kranias, Evangelia G

    2013-01-01

    Impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling and depressed contractility are key characteristics in heart failure. Defects in sarcoplasmic reticulum function are characterized by decreased SERCA2a Ca-transport that is partially attributable to dephosphorylation of its regulator phospholamban by increased protein phosphatase 1 activity. Inhibition of protein phosphatase 1 through activation of its endogenous inhibitor-1 has been shown to enhance cardiac Ca-handling and contractility as well as protect from pathological stress remodeling in young mice. In this study, we assessed the long-term effects of inducible expression of constitutively active inhibitor-1 in the adult heart and followed function and remodeling through the aging process, up to 20 months. Mice with inhibitor-1 had normal survival and similar function to WTs. There was no overt remodeling as evidenced by measures of left ventricular end-systolic and diastolic diameters and posterior wall dimensions, heart weight to tibia length ratio, and histology. Higher phosphorylation of phospholamban at both Ser16 and Thr17 was maintained in aged hearts with active inhibitor-1, potentially offsetting the effects of elevated Ser2815-phosphorylation in ryanodine receptor, as there were no increases in arrhythmias under stress conditions in 20-month old mice. Furthermore, long-term expression of active inhibitor-1 via recombinant adeno-associated virus type 9 gene transfer in rats with pressure-overload induced heart failure improved function and prevented remodeling, associated with increased phosphorylation of phospholamban at Ser16 and Thr17. Thus, chronic inhibition of protein phosphatase 1, through increases in active inhibitor-1, does not accelerate age-related cardiomyopathy and gene transfer of this molecule in vivo improves function and halts remodeling in the long term.

  9. The mitosis-regulating and protein-protein interaction activities of astrin are controlled by aurora-A-induced phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Shao-Chih; Chen, Jo-Mei Maureen; Wei, Tong-You Wade; Cheng, Tai-Shan; Wang, Ya-Hui Candice; Ku, Chia-Feng; Lian, Chiao-Hsuan; Liu, Chun-Chih Jared; Kuo, Yi-Chun; Yu, Chang-Tze Ricky

    2014-09-01

    Cells display dramatic morphological changes in mitosis, where numerous factors form regulatory networks to orchestrate the complicated process, resulting in extreme fidelity of the segregation of duplicated chromosomes into two daughter cells. Astrin regulates several aspects of mitosis, such as maintaining the cohesion of sister chromatids by inactivating Separase and stabilizing spindle, aligning and segregating chromosomes, and silencing spindle assembly checkpoint by interacting with Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein (SKAP) and cytoplasmic linker-associated protein-1α (CLASP-1α). To understand how Astrin is regulated in mitosis, we report here that Astrin acts as a mitotic phosphoprotein, and Aurora-A phosphorylates Astrin at Ser(115). The phosphorylation-deficient mutant Astrin S115A abnormally activates spindle assembly checkpoint and delays mitosis progression, decreases spindle stability, and induces chromosome misalignment. Mechanistic analyses reveal that Astrin phosphorylation mimicking mutant S115D, instead of S115A, binds and induces ubiquitination and degradation of securin, which sequentially activates Separase, an enzyme required for the separation of sister chromatids. Moreover, S115A fails to bind mitosis regulators, including SKAP and CLASP-1α, which results in the mitotic defects observed in Astrin S115A-transfected cells. In conclusion, Aurora-A phosphorylates Astrin and guides the binding of Astrin to its cellular partners, which ensures proper progression of mitosis. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

  10. Beta-catenin phosphorylated at serine 45 is spatially uncoupled from beta-catenin phosphorylated in the GSK3 domain: implications for signaling.

    PubMed

    Maher, Meghan T; Mo, Rigen; Flozak, Annette S; Peled, Ofra N; Gottardi, Cara J

    2010-04-16

    C. elegans and Drosophila generate distinct signaling and adhesive forms of beta-catenin at the level of gene expression. Whether vertebrates, which rely on a single beta-catenin gene, generate unique adhesive and signaling forms at the level of protein modification remains unresolved. We show that beta-catenin unphosphorylated at serine 37 (S37) and threonine 41 (T41), commonly referred to as transcriptionally Active beta-Catenin (ABC), is a minor nuclear-enriched monomeric form of beta-catenin in SW480 cells, which express low levels of E-cadherin. Despite earlier indications, the superior signaling activity of ABC is not due to reduced cadherin binding, as ABC is readily incorporated into cadherin contacts in E-cadherin-restored cells. Beta-catenin phosphorylated at serine 45 (S45) or threonine 41 (T41) (T41/S45) or along the GSK3 regulatory cassette S33, S37 or T41 (S33/37/T41), however, is largely unable to associate with cadherins. Beta-catenin phosphorylated at T41/S45 and unphosphorylated at S37 and T41 is predominantly nuclear, while beta-catenin phosphorylated at S33/37/T41 is mostly cytoplasmic, suggesting that beta-catenin hypophosphorylated at S37 and T41 may be more active in transcription due to its enhanced nuclear accumulation. Evidence that phosphorylation at T41/S45 can be spatially separated from phosphorylations at S33/37/T41 suggests that these phosphorylations may not always be coupled, raising the possibility that phosphorylation at S45 serves a distinct nuclear function.

  11. Phosphorylation of NHE3-S719 regulates NHE3 activity through the formation of multiple signaling complexes

    PubMed Central

    Sarker, Rafiquel; Cha, Boyoung; Kovbasnjuk, Olga; Cole, Robert; Gabelli, Sandra; Tse, Chung Ming; Donowitz, Mark

    2017-01-01

    Casein kinase 2 (CK2) binds to the NHE3 C-terminus and constitutively phosphorylates a downstream site (S719) that accounts for 40% of basal NHE3 activity. The role of CK2 in regulation of NHE3 activity in polarized Caco-2/bbe cells was further examined by mutation of NHE3-S719 to A (not phosphorylated) or D (phosphomimetic). NHE3-S719A but not -S719D had multiple changes in NHE3 activity: 1) reduced basal NHE3 activity—specifically, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT-dependent component; 2) reduced acute stimulation of NHE3 activity by LPA/LPA5R stimulation; and 3) reduced acute inhibition of NHE3 activity—specifically, elevated Ca2+ related (carbachol/Ca2+ ionophore), but there was normal inhibition by forskolin and hyperosmolarity. The S719A mutant had reduced NHE3 complex size, reduced expression in lipid rafts, increased BB mobile fraction, and reduced binding to multiple proteins that bind throughout the NHE3 intracellular C-terminus, including calcineurin homologous protein, the NHERF family and SNX27 (related PDZ domains). These studies show that phosphorylation of the NHE3 at a single amino acid in the distal part of the C-terminus affects multiple aspects of NHE3 complex formation and changes the NHE3 lipid raft distribution, which cause changes in specific aspects of basal as well as acutely stimulated and inhibited Na+/H+ exchange activity. PMID:28495796

  12. Roles of cell-cell adhesion-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab-1.

    PubMed

    Shinohara, M; Kodama, A; Matozaki, T; Fukuhara, A; Tachibana, K; Nakanishi, H; Takai, Y

    2001-06-01

    Gab-1 is a multiple docking protein that is tyrosine phosphorylated by receptor tyrosine kinases such as c-Met, hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor receptor, and epidermal growth factor receptor. We have now demonstrated that cell-cell adhesion also induces marked tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab-1 and that disruption of cell-cell adhesion results in its dephosphorylation. An anti-E-cadherin antibody decreased cell-cell adhesion-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab-1, whereas the expression of E-cadherin specifically induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab-1. A relatively selective inhibitor of Src family kinases reduced cell-cell adhesion-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab-1, whereas expression of a dominant-negative mutant of Csk increased it. Disruption of cell-cell adhesion, which reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab-1, also reduced the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt in response to cell-cell adhesion. These results indicate that E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion induces tyrosine phosphorylation by a Src family kinase of Gab-1, thereby regulating the activation of Ras/MAP kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt cascades.

  13. AKT-dependent phosphorylation of the SAM domain induces oligomerization and activation of the scaffold protein CNK1.

    PubMed

    Fischer, Adrian; Weber, Wilfried; Warscheid, Bettina; Radziwill, Gerald

    2017-01-01

    Scaffold proteins are hubs for the coordination of intracellular signaling networks. The scaffold protein CNK1 promotes several signal transduction pathway. Here we demonstrate that sterile motif alpha (SAM) domain-dependent oligomerization of CNK1 stimulates CNK1-mediated signaling in growth factor-stimulated cells. We identified Ser22 located within the SAM domain as AKT-dependent phosphorylation site triggering CNK1 oligomerization. Oligomeric CNK1 increased the affinity for active AKT indicating a positive AKT feedback mechanism. A CNK1 mutant lacking the SAM domain and the phosphorylation-defective mutant CNK1 S22A antagonizes oligomerization and prevents CNK1-driven cell proliferation and matrix metalloproteinase 14 promoter activation. The phosphomimetic mutant CNK1 S22D constitutively oligomerizes and stimulates CNK1 downstream signaling. Searching the COSMIC database revealed Ser22 as putative target for oncogenic activation of CNK1. Like the phosphomimetic mutant CNK1 S22D , the oncogenic mutant CNK1 S22F forms clusters in serum-starved cells comparable to clusters of CNK1 in growth factor-stimulated cells. CNK1 clusters induced by activating Ser22 mutants correlate with enhanced cell invasion and binding to and activation of ADP ribosylation factor 1 associated with tumor formation. Mutational analysis indicate that EGF-triggered phosphorylation of Thr8 within the SAM domain prevents AKT binding and antagonizes CNK1-mediated AKT signaling. Our findings reveal SAM domain-dependent oligomerization by AKT as switch for CNK1 activation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Methionine sulfoximine-treatment and carbon starvation elicit Snf1-independent phosphorylation of the transcription activator Gln3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

    PubMed Central

    Tate, Jennifer J.; Rai, Rajendra; Cooper, Terrance G.

    2008-01-01

    SUMMARY Tor proteins are global regulators situated at the top of a signal transduction pathway conserved from yeast to humans. Specific inhibition of the two S. cerevisiae Tor proteins by rapamycin alters many cellular processes and the expression of hundreds of genes. Among the regulated genes are those whose expression is activated by the GATA-family transcription activator, Gln3. The extent of Gln3 phosphorylation has been thought to determine its intracellular localization, with phosphorylated and dephosphorylated forms accumulating in the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively. Data presented here demonstrate that rapamycin and the glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSX), although eliciting the same outcomes with respect to Gln3-Myc13 nuclear accumulation and NCR-sensitive transcription, generate diametrically opposite effects on Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation. MSX increases Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation while rapamycin decreases it. Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation levels are regulated by at least three mechanisms: (i) one, observed during carbon starvation, depends on Snf1 kinase, (ii) another, observed during both carbon-starvation and MSX-treatment, is Snf1-independent, and (iii) the last is rapamycin-induced dephosphorylation. MSX and rapamycin act additively on Gln3-Myc13 phosphorylation, but MSX clearly predominates. These results suggest that MSX- and rapamycin-inhibited proteins are more likely to function in separate regulatory pathways than they are to function tandemly in a single pathway as previously thought. Further, Gln3 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, that we and others have detected thus far, is not a demonstrably required step in achieving Gln3 nuclear localization and NCR-sensitive transcription in response to MSX- or rapamycin-treatment. PMID:15911613

  15. Increased CD39 Nucleotidase Activity on Microparticles from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    PubMed Central

    Visovatti, Scott H.; Hyman, Matthew C.; Bouis, Diane; Neubig, Richard; McLaughlin, Vallerie V.; Pinsky, David J.

    2012-01-01

    Background Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a devastating disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, smooth muscle and endothelial cell proliferation, perivascular inflammatory infiltrates, and in situ thrombosis. Circulating intravascular ATP, ADP, AMP and adenosine activate purinergic cell signaling pathways and appear to induce many of the same pathologic processes that underlie IPAH. Extracellular dephosphorylation of ATP to ADP and AMP occurs primarily via CD39 (ENTPD1), an ectonucleotidase found on the surface of leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells [1]. Microparticles are micron-sized phospholipid vesicles formed from the membranes of platelets and endothelial cells. Objectives: Studies here examine whether CD39 is an important microparticle surface nucleotidase, and whether patients with IPAH have altered microparticle-bound CD39 activity that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. Methodology/ Principal Findings Kinetic parameters, inhibitor blocking experiments, and immunogold labeling with electron microscopy support the role of CD39 as a major nucleotidase on the surface of microparticles. Comparison of microparticle surface CD39 expression and nucleotidase activity in 10 patients with advanced IPAH and 10 healthy controls using flow cytometry and thin layer chromatograph demonstrate the following: 1) circulating platelet (CD39+CD31+CD42b+) and endothelial (CD39+CD31+CD42b−) microparticle subpopulations in patients with IPAH show increased CD39 expression; 2) microparticle ATPase and ADPase activity in patients with IPAH is increased. Conclusions/ Significance We demonstrate for the first time increased CD39 expression and function on circulating microparticles in patients with IPAH. Further research is needed to elucidate whether these findings identify an important trigger for the development of the disease, or reflect a physiologic response to IPAH. PMID:22792409

  16. Agonist-dependent phosphorylation of N-formylpeptide and activation peptide from the fifth component of C (C5a) chemoattractant receptors in differentiated HL60 cells.

    PubMed

    Tardif, M; Mery, L; Brouchon, L; Boulay, F

    1993-04-15

    Attenuation of signaling is a key step in controlling the cytotoxic potential of leukocyte responses to chemotactic factors. Antipeptide antibodies, directed against the N-formyl chemotactic peptide receptor (FPR) and the activation peptide from the fifth component of C (C5a) anaphylatoxin receptor (C5aR) of human neutrophils, were used to analyze the ability of these receptors to be phosphorylated. Our data show that, in granulocyte-like differentiated HL-60 cells, both FPR and C5aR undergo an agonist dose-dependent phosphorylation that reaches completion in less than 2 to 3 min, consistent with the rate and the dose-dependent attenuation of signaling in phagocytes. Therefore, phosphorylation might be one of the possible mechanisms involved in the desensitization process of FPR and C5aR. Addition of either C5a or the protein kinase C activator (PMA) did not appear to induce the phosphorylation of FPR in the absence of FMLP or to modulate the phosphorylation of the latter at low concentrations of agonist. In contrast, although FMLP at a saturating concentration barely stimulated the phosphorylation of unoccupied C5aR, it markedly potentiated C5aR phosphorylation in cells exposed to low concentrations of C5a. Moreover, PMA was able to induce C5aR phosphorylation in the absence of agonist, indicating that protein kinase C or protein kinase C-activated kinase(s) could be involved in the phosphorylation of C5aR. Pretreatment of cells with staurosporine, a potent but nonspecific inhibitor of protein kinase C, resulted in the partial inhibition of both FPR and C5aR phosphorylation induced by saturating concentrations of agonist, suggesting that a kinase different from protein kinase C might be mainly responsible for the phosphorylation of these chemotactic receptors.

  17. Akt-phosphorylated Mitogen-activated Kinase-activating Death Domain Protein (MADD) Inhibits TRAIL-induced Apoptosis by Blocking Fas-associated Death Domain (FADD) Association with Death Receptor 4*

    PubMed Central

    Li, Peifeng; Jayarama, Shankar; Ganesh, Lakshmy; Mordi, David; Carr, Ryan; Kanteti, Prasad; Hay, Nissim; Prabhakar, Bellur S.

    2010-01-01

    MADD plays an essential role in cancer cell survival. Abrogation of endogenous MADD expression results in significant spontaneous apoptosis and enhanced susceptibility to tumor necrosis factor α-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. However, the regulation of MADD function is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that endogenous MADD is phosphorylated at three highly conserved sites by Akt, and only the phosphorylated MADD can directly interact with the TRAIL receptor DR4 thereby preventing Fas-associated death domain recruitment. However, in cells susceptible to TRAIL treatment, TRAIL induces a reduction in MADD phosphorylation levels resulting in MADD dissociation from, and Fas-associated death domain association with DR4, which allows death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation leading to apoptosis. Thus, the pro-survival function of MADD is dependent upon its phosphorylation by Akt. Because Akt is active in most cancer cells and phosphorylated MADD confers resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, co-targeting Akt-MADD axis is likely to increase efficacy of TRAIL-based therapies. PMID:20484047

  18. Generation of Hypertension-Associated STK39 Polymorphism Knockin Cell Lines With the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 System.

    PubMed

    Mandai, Shintaro; Mori, Takayasu; Sohara, Eisei; Rai, Tatemitsu; Uchida, Shinichi

    2015-12-01

    Previous genome-wide association studies identified serine threonine kinase 39 (STK39), encoding STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase, as one of a limited number of hypertension susceptibility genes. A recent meta-analysis confirmed the association of STK39 intronic polymorphism rs3754777 with essential hypertension, among previously reported hypertension-associated STK39 polymorphisms. However, the biochemical function of this polymorphism in the mechanism responsible for hypertension is yet to be clarified. We generated rs3754777G>A knockin human cell lines with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-mediated genome engineering. Homozygous (A/A) and heterozygous (G/A) knockin human embryonic kidney cell lines were generated using a double nickase, single-guide RNAs targeting STK39 intron 5 around single-nucleotide polymorphism, and a 100-bp donor single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with sequencing analyses revealed the identical STK39 transcripts among the wild-type and both knockin cell lines. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed increased STK39 mRNA expression, and immunoblot analysis revealed increases in total and phosphorylated STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase with increased phosphorylated Na-K-Cl cotransporter isoform 1 in both knockin cell lines. The largest increases in these molecules were observed in the homozygous cell line. These findings indicated that this intronic polymorphism increases STK39 transcription, leading to activation of the STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase-solute carrier family 12A signaling cascade. Increased interactions between STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase and the target cation-chloride cotransporters may be responsible for hypertension susceptibility in individuals with this polymorphism. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

  19. Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is required for cytokinesis and progression of cell cycle in tobacco BY-2 cells.

    PubMed

    Ma, Zhaowu; Yu, Guanghui

    2010-02-15

    The role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in plant cytokinesis remains largely uncharacterized. To elucidate its role, tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells have been synchronized using a two-step procedure, and the different phases of the cell cycle identified by Histone 4 gene expression and the mitotic index. MAPK expression was analyzed by semi-quantitative (SQ) RT-PCR and protein gel blot analysis for phosphorylated MAPK during cell cycle progression. The SQ RT-PCR analysis indicated that MAPK expression is lower in mitosis than in interphase (G1, G2 and S). However, the amount of phosphorylated MAPK remained stable throughout the cell cycle, indicating that MAPK activity is predominantly regulated at the post-translational level and that phosphorylation of MAPK plays an important role in mitosis. Application of the specific MAPK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126 revealed that while U0126 treatment decreases the phosphorylation of MAPK and the progression from telophase to early cytokinesis is significantly inhibited. The formation of the phragmoplast is also negatively affected at this stage. These results demonstrate that MAPK phosphorylation is involved in the formation of the cell plate within the phragmoplast during cytokinesis and that MAPK predominantly functions during the cytokinesis stage of the cell cycle in tobacco BY-2 cells. Copyright 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  20. Constraints imposed by transmembrane domains affect enzymatic activity of membrane-associated human CD39/NTPDase1 mutants.

    PubMed

    Musi, Elgilda; Islam, Naziba; Drosopoulos, Joan H F

    2007-05-01

    Human CD39/NTPDase1 is an endothelial cell membrane-associated nucleotidase. Its large extracellular domain rapidly metabolizes nucleotides, especially ADP released from activated platelets, inhibiting further platelet activation/recruitment. Previous studies using our recombinant soluble CD39 demonstrated the importance of residues S57, D54, and D213 for enzymatic/biological activity. We now report effects of S57A, D54A, and D213A mutations on full-length (FL)CD39 function. Enzymatic activity of alanine modified FLCD39s was less than wild-type, contrasting the enhanced activity of their soluble counterparts. Furthermore, conservative substitutions D54E and D213E led to enzymes with activities greater than the alanine modified FLCD39s, but less than wild-type. Reductions in mutant activities were primarily associated with reduced catalytic rates. Differences in enzymatic activity were not attributable to gross changes in the nucleotide binding pocket or the enzyme's ability to multimerize. Thus, composition of the active site of wild-type CD39 appears optimized for ADPase function in the context of the transmembrane domains.

  1. CASEIN KINASE-MEDIATED PHOSPHORYLATION OF SERINE 839 IS NECESSARY FOR BASOLATERAL LOCALIZATION OF THE Ca2+-ACTIVATED NON-SELECTIVE CATION CHANNEL TRPM4

    PubMed Central

    Cerda, Oscar; Cáceres, Mónica; Park, Kang-Sik; Leiva-Salcedo, Elías; Romero, Aníbal; Varela, Diego

    2014-01-01

    TRPM4 is a Ca2+-activated non-selective cation channel expressed in a wide range of human tissues. TRPM4 participates in a variety of physiological processes such as T cell activation, myogenic vasoconstriction and allergic reactions. TRPM4 Ca2+ sensitivity is enhanced by calmodulin (CaM) and phosphathydilinositol 4, 5-biphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) binding, as well as, under certain conditions, PKC activation. However, information as to the mechanisms of modulation of this channel remain unknown, including direct identification of phosphorylation sites on TRPM4 and their role in channel features. Here, we use mass-spectrometric-based proteomic approaches (immunoprecipitation and tandem mass spectrometry), to unambiguously identify S839 as a phosphorylation site present on human TRPM4 expressed in a human cell line. Site-directed mutagenesis employing a serine to alanine mutation to eliminate phosphorylation, and a phospho-mimetic aspartate mutation, as well as biochemical and immunocytochemical experiments, revealed a role for S839 phosphorylation in the basolateral expression of TRPM4 channels in epithelial cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that casein kinase 1 (CK1) phosphorylates S839 and is responsible for the basolateral localization of TRPM4. PMID:25231975

  2. p38 MAPK mediates fibrogenic signal through Smad3 phosphorylation in rat myofibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Furukawa, Fukiko; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Mori, Shigeo; Tahashi, Yoshiya; Yoshida, Katsunori; Sugano, Yasushi; Yamagata, Hideo; Matsushita, Masanori; Seki, Toshihito; Inagaki, Yutaka; Nishizawa, Mikio; Fujisawa, Junichi; Inoue, Kyoichi

    2003-10-01

    Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) spontaneously transdifferentiate into myofibroblast (MFB)-phenotype on plastic dishes. This response recapitulates the features of activation in vivo. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) plays a prominent role in stimulating liver fibrogenesis by MFBs. In quiescent HSCs, TGF-beta signaling involves TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI)-mediated phosphorylation of serine residues within the conserved SSXS motif at the C-terminus of Smad2 and Smad3. The middle linker regions of Smad2 and Smad3 also are phosphorylated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). This study elucidates the change of Smad3-mediated signals during the transdifferentiation process. By using antibodies highly specific to the phosphorylated C-terminal region and the phosphorylated linker region of Smad3, we found that TGF-beta-dependent Smad3 phosphorylation at the C-terminal region decreased, but that the phosphorylation at the linker region increased in the process of transdifferentiation. TGF-beta activated the p38 MAPK pathway, further leading to Smad3 phosphorylation at the linker region in the cultured MFBs, irrespective of Smad2. The phosphorylation promoted hetero-complex formation and nuclear translocation of Smad3 and Smad4. Once combined with TbetaRI-phosphorylated Smad2, the Smad3 and Smad4 complex bound to plasminogen activator inhibitor-type I promoter could enhance the transcription. In addition, Smad3 phosphorylation mediated by the activated TbetaRI was impaired severely in MFBs during chronic liver injury, whereas Smad3 phosphorylation at the linker region was remarkably induced by p38 MAPK pathway. In conclusion, p38 MAPK-dependent Smad3 phosphorylation promoted extracellular matrix production in MFBs both in vitro and in vivo.

  3. Regulation of AMPA receptors by phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Carvalho, A L; Duarte, C B; Carvalho, A P

    2000-10-01

    The AMPA receptors for glutamate are oligomeric structures that mediate fast excitatory responses in the central nervous system. Phosphorylation of AMPA receptors is an important mechanism for short-term modulation of their function, and is thought to play an important role in synaptic plasticity in different brain regions. Recent studies have shown that phosphorylation of AMPA receptors by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and Ca2+- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) potentiates their activity, but phosphorylation of the receptor subunits may also affect their interaction with intracellular proteins, and their expression at the plasma membrane. Phosphorylation of AMPA receptor subunits has also been investigated in relation to processes of synaptic plasticity. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of regulation of AMPA receptors, and their implications in synaptic plasticity.

  4. Impact of SNPs on Protein Phosphorylation Status in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

    PubMed

    Lin, Shoukai; Chen, Lijuan; Tao, Huan; Huang, Jian; Xu, Chaoqun; Li, Lin; Ma, Shiwei; Tian, Tian; Liu, Wei; Xue, Lichun; Ai, Yufang; He, Huaqin

    2016-11-11

    Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are widely used in functional genomics and genetics research work. The high-quality sequence of rice genome has provided a genome-wide SNP and proteome resource. However, the impact of SNPs on protein phosphorylation status in rice is not fully understood. In this paper, we firstly updated rice SNP resource based on the new rice genome Ver. 7.0, then systematically analyzed the potential impact of Non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) on the protein phosphorylation status. There were 3,897,312 SNPs in Ver. 7.0 rice genome, among which 9.9% was nsSNPs. Whilst, a total 2,508,261 phosphorylated sites were predicted in rice proteome. Interestingly, we observed that 150,197 (39.1%) nsSNPs could influence protein phosphorylation status, among which 52.2% might induce changes of protein kinase (PK) types for adjacent phosphorylation sites. We constructed a database, SNP_rice, to deposit the updated rice SNP resource and phosSNPs information. It was freely available to academic researchers at http://bioinformatics.fafu.edu.cn. As a case study, we detected five nsSNPs that potentially influenced heterotrimeric G proteins phosphorylation status in rice, indicating that genetic polymorphisms showed impact on the signal transduction by influencing the phosphorylation status of heterotrimeric G proteins. The results in this work could be a useful resource for future experimental identification and provide interesting information for better rice breeding.

  5. Protein kinase D1 phosphorylates HDAC7 and induces its nuclear export after T-cell receptor activation.

    PubMed

    Parra, Maribel; Kasler, Herbert; McKinsey, Timothy A; Olson, Eric N; Verdin, Eric

    2005-04-08

    HDAC7, a class II histone deacetylase that is highly expressed in thymocytes, inhibits both transcription of the orphan steroid nuclear receptor Nur77 and induction of apoptosis in response to activation of the T-cell receptor (TCR). Here, we report that HDAC7 is exported to the cytoplasm by a calcium-independent signaling pathway after TCR activation. Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) was activated after TCR engagement, interacted with HDAC7, and phosphorylated three serines (Ser155, Ser318, and Ser448) at its N terminus, leading to its export from the nucleus. Mutation of Ser155, Ser318, and Ser448 blocked the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HDAC7 in response to TCR activation, as did overexpression of a kinase-inactive form of PKD1. Consistent with the regulatory role of HDAC7 in Nur77 expression, PKD1 activation led to the transcriptional activation of Nur77 via myocyte enhancer factor 2-binding sites in its promoter. In a mouse model of negative selection, PKD1 was activated during thymocyte activation. These observations indicate that PKD1 regulates the expression of Nur77 during thymocyte activation at least in part by phosphorylating HDAC7.

  6. Control of serotonin transporter phosphorylation by conformational state

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Yuan-Wei; Turk, Benjamin E.

    2016-01-01

    Serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for reuptake and recycling of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) after its exocytotic release during neurotransmission. Mutations in human SERT are associated with psychiatric disorders and autism. Some of these mutations affect the regulation of SERT activity by cGMP-dependent phosphorylation. Here we provide direct evidence that this phosphorylation occurs at Thr276, predicted to lie near the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane helix 5 (TM5). Using membranes from HeLa cells expressing SERT and intact rat basophilic leukemia cells, we show that agents such as Na+ and cocaine that stabilize outward-open conformations of SERT decreased phosphorylation and agents that stabilize inward-open conformations (e.g., 5-HT, ibogaine) increased phosphorylation. The opposing effects of the inhibitors cocaine and ibogaine were each reversed by an excess of the other inhibitor. Inhibition of phosphorylation by Na+ and stimulation by ibogaine occurred at concentrations that induced outward opening and inward opening, respectively, as measured by the accessibility of cysteine residues in the extracellular and cytoplasmic permeation pathways, respectively. The results are consistent with a mechanism of SERT regulation that is activated by the transport of 5-HT, which increases the level of inward-open SERT and may lead to unwinding of the TM5 helix to allow phosphorylation. PMID:27140629

  7. Control of serotonin transporter phosphorylation by conformational state.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yuan-Wei; Turk, Benjamin E; Rudnick, Gary

    2016-05-17

    Serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for reuptake and recycling of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) after its exocytotic release during neurotransmission. Mutations in human SERT are associated with psychiatric disorders and autism. Some of these mutations affect the regulation of SERT activity by cGMP-dependent phosphorylation. Here we provide direct evidence that this phosphorylation occurs at Thr276, predicted to lie near the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane helix 5 (TM5). Using membranes from HeLa cells expressing SERT and intact rat basophilic leukemia cells, we show that agents such as Na(+) and cocaine that stabilize outward-open conformations of SERT decreased phosphorylation and agents that stabilize inward-open conformations (e.g., 5-HT, ibogaine) increased phosphorylation. The opposing effects of the inhibitors cocaine and ibogaine were each reversed by an excess of the other inhibitor. Inhibition of phosphorylation by Na(+) and stimulation by ibogaine occurred at concentrations that induced outward opening and inward opening, respectively, as measured by the accessibility of cysteine residues in the extracellular and cytoplasmic permeation pathways, respectively. The results are consistent with a mechanism of SERT regulation that is activated by the transport of 5-HT, which increases the level of inward-open SERT and may lead to unwinding of the TM5 helix to allow phosphorylation.

  8. Angiotensin II stimulates calcineurin activity in proximal tubule epithelia through AT-1 receptor-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of the PLC-gamma1 isoform.

    PubMed

    Lea, Janice P; Jin, Shao G; Roberts, Brian R; Shuler, Michael S; Marrero, Mario B; Tumlin, James A

    2002-07-01

    Angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to the maintenance of extracellular fluid volume by regulating sodium transport in the nephron. In nonepithelial cells, activation of phospholipase C (PLC) by AT-1 receptors stimulates the generation of 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) and the release of intracellular calcium. Calcineurin, a serine-threonine phosphatase, is activated by calcium and calmodulin, and both PLC and calcineurin have been linked to sodium transport in the proximal tubule. An examination of whether AngII activates calcineurin in a model of proximal tubule epithelia (LLC-PK1 cells) was performed; AngII increased calcineurin activity within 30 s. An examination of whether AngII activates PLC in proximal tubule epithelia was also performed after first showing that all three families of PLC isoforms are present in LLC-PK1 cells. Application of AngII increased IP(3) generation by 60% within 15 s, which coincided with AngII-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the PLC-gamma1 isoform also observed at 15 s. AngII-induced tyrosine phosphorylation was blocked by the AT-1 receptor antagonist, Losartan. Subsequently, an inhibitor of tyrosine phosphorylation blocked the AngII-induced activation of calcineurin, as did coincubation with an inhibitor of PLC activity and with an antagonist of the AT-1 receptor. It is therefore concluded that AngII stimulates calcineurin phosphatase activity in proximal tubule epithelial cells through a mechanism involving AT-1 receptor-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of the PLC isoform.

  9. Serine Phosphorylation of the Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-1) Receptor C-terminal Tail Restrains Kinase Activity and Cell Growth*

    PubMed Central

    Kelly, Geraldine M.; Buckley, Deirdre A.; Kiely, Patrick A.; Adams, David R.; O'Connor, Rosemary

    2012-01-01

    Insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-1R) signaling is essential for cell, organ, and animal growth. The C-terminal tail of the IGF-1R exhibits regulatory function, but the mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that mutation of Ser-1248 (S1248A) enhances IGF-1R in vitro kinase activity, autophosphorylation, Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin activity, and cell growth. Ser-1248 phosphorylation is mediated by GSK-3β in a mechanism that involves a priming phosphorylation on Ser-1252. GSK-3β knock-out cells exhibit reduced IGF-1R cell surface expression, enhanced IGF-1R kinase activity, and signaling. Examination of crystallographic structures of the IGF-1R kinase domain revealed that the 1248SFYYS1252 motif adopts a conformation tightly packed against the kinase C-lobe when Ser-1248 is in the unphosphorylated state that favors kinase activity. S1248A mutation is predicted to lock the motif in this position. In contrast, phosphorylation of Ser-1248 will drive profound structural transition of the sequence, critically affecting connection of the C terminus as well as exposing potential protein docking sites. Decreased kinase activity of a phosphomimetic S1248E mutant and enhanced kinase activity in mutants of its predicted target residue Lys-1081 support this auto-inhibitory model. Thus, the SFYYS motif controls the organization of the IGF-1R C terminus relative to the kinase domain. Its phosphorylation by GSK-3β restrains kinase activity and regulates receptor trafficking and signaling. PMID:22685298

  10. Effect of ethanol on hydrogen peroxide-induced AMPK phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Liangpunsakul, Suthat; Wou, Sung-Eun; Zeng, Yan; Ross, Ruth A; Jayaram, Hiremagalur N; Crabb, David W

    2008-12-01

    AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) responds to oxidative stress. Previous work has shown that ethanol treatment of cultured hepatoma cells and of mice inhibited the activity of AMPK and reduced the amount of AMPK protein. Ethanol generates oxidative stress in the liver. Since AMPK is activated by reactive oxygen species, it seems paradoxical that ethanol would inhibit AMPK in the hepatoma cells. In an attempt to understand the mechanism whereby ethanol inhibits AMPK, we studied the effect of ethanol on AMPK activation by exogenous hydrogen peroxide. The effects of ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and inhibitors of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) [either okadaic acid or PP2A small interference RNA (siRNA)] on AMPK phosphorylation and activity were examined in rat hepatoma cells (H4IIEC3) and HeLa cells. In H4IIEC3 cells, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2), 1 mM) transiently increased the level of phospho-AMPK to 1.5-fold over control (P < 0.05). Similar findings were observed in HeLa cells, which do not express the upstream AMPK kinase, LKB1. H(2)O(2) markedly increased the phosphorylation of LKB1 in H4IIEC3 cells. Ethanol significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of PKC-zeta, LKB1, and AMPK caused by exposure to H(2)O(2). This inhibitory effect of ethanol required its metabolism. More importantly, the inhibitory effects of ethanol on H(2)O(2)-induced AMPK phosphorylation were attenuated by the presence of the PP2A inhibitor, okadaic acid, or PP2A siRNA. The inhibitory effect of ethanol on AMPK phosphorylation is exerted through the inhibition of PKC-zeta and LKB1 phosphorylation and the activation of PP2A.

  11. Phosphorylation of Nephrin Triggers Ca2+ Signaling by Recruitment and Activation of Phospholipase C-{gamma}1.

    PubMed

    Harita, Yutaka; Kurihara, Hidetake; Kosako, Hidetaka; Tezuka, Tohru; Sekine, Takashi; Igarashi, Takashi; Ohsawa, Ikuroh; Ohta, Shigeo; Hattori, Seisuke

    2009-03-27

    A specialized intercellular junction between podocytes, known as the slit diaphragm (SD), forms the essential structural frame-work for glomerular filtration in the kidney. In addition, mounting evidence demonstrates that the SD also plays a crucial role as a signaling platform in physiological and pathological states. Nephrin, the major component of the SD, is tyrosine-phosphorylated by a Src family tyrosine kinase, Fyn, in developing or injured podocytes, recruiting Nck to Nephrin via its Src homology 2 domain to regulate dynamic actin remodeling. Dysregulated Ca(2+) homeostasis has also been implicated in podocyte damage, but the mechanism of how podocytes respond to injury is largely unknown. Here we have identified phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) as a novel phospho-Nephrin-binding protein. When HEK293T cells expressing a chimeric protein consisting of CD8 and Nephrin cytoplasmic domain (CD) were treated with anti-CD8 and anti-mouse antibodies, clustering of Nephrin and phosphorylation of Nephrin-CD were induced. Upon this clustering, PLC-gamma1 was bound to phosphorylated Nephrin Tyr-1204, which induced translocation of PLC-gamma1 from cytoplasm to the CD8/Nephrin cluster on the plasma membrane. The recruitment of PLC-gamma1 to Nephrin activated PLC-gamma1, as detected by phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 Tyr-783 and increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate level. We also found that Nephrin Tyr-1204 phosphorylation triggers the Ca(2+) response in a PLC-gamma1-dependent fashion. Furthermore, PLC-gamma1 is significantly phosphorylated in injured podocytes in vivo. Given the profound effect of PLC-gamma in diverse cellular functions, regulation of the Ca(2+) signaling by Nephrin may be important in modulating the glomerular filtration barrier function.

  12. HOMEOSTATIC REGULATION OF KCC2 ACTIVITY BY THE ZINC RECEPTOR mZnR/GPR39 DURING SEIZURES

    PubMed Central

    Gilad, David; Shorer, Sharon; Ketzef, Maya; Friedman, Alon; Sekler, Israel; Aizenman, Elias; Hershfinkel, Michal

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the synaptic metabotropic zinc receptor mZnR/GPR39 in physiological adaptation to epileptic seizures. We previously demonstrated that synaptic activation of mZnR/GPR39 enhances inhibitory drive in the hippocampus by upregulating neuronal K+/Cl− co-transporter 2 (KCC2) activity. Here, we first show that mZnR/GPR39 knockout (KO) adult mice have dramatically enhanced susceptibility to seizures triggered by a single intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid, when compared to wild type (WT) littermates. Kainate also substantially enhances seizure-associated gamma oscillatory activity in juvenile mZnR/GPR39 KO hippocampal slices, a phenomenon that can be reproduced in WT tissue by extracellular Zn2+ chelation. Importantly, kainate-induced synaptic Zn2+ release enhances surface expression and transport activity of KCC2 in WT, but not mZnR/GPR39 KO hippocampal neurons. Kainate-dependent upregulation of KCC2 requires mZnR/GPR39 activation of the Gαq/phospholipase C/extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling cascade. We suggest that mZnR/GPR39-dependent upregulation of KCC2 activity provides homeostatic adaptation to an excitotoxic stimulus by increasing inhibition. As such, mZnR/GPR39 may provide a novel pharmacological target for dampening epileptic seizure activity. PMID:25562657

  13. The 29-kDa proteins phosphorylated ion thrombin-activated human platelets are forms of the estrogen receptor-related 27-kDa heat shock protein

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Mendelsohn, M.E.; Yan Zhu; O'Neill, S.

    Thrombin plays a critical role in platelet activation, hemostasis, and thrombosis. Cellular activation by thrombin leads to the phosphorylation of multiple proteins, most of which are unidentified. The authors have characterized several 29-kDa proteins that are rapidly phosphorylated following exposure of intact human platelets to thrombin. A murine monoclonal antibody raised to an unidentified estrogen receptor-related 29-kDa protein selectively recognized these proteins as well as a more basic, unphosphorylated 27-kDa protein. Cellular activation by thrombin led to a marked shift in the proportion of protein from the 27-kDa unphosphorylated form to the 29-kDa phosphoprotein species. Using this antibody, they isolatedmore » and sequenced a human cDNA clone encoding a protein that was identical to the mammalian 27-kDa heat shock protein (HSP27), a protein of uncertain function that is known to be phosphorylated to several forms and to be transcriptionally induced by estrogen. The 29-kDa proteins were confirmed to be phosphorylated forms of HSP27 by immunoprecipitation studies. Thus, the estrogen receptor-related protein is HSP27, and the three major 20-kDa proteins phosphorylated in thrombin-activated platelets are forms of HSP27. These data suggest a role for HSP27 in the signal transduction events of platelet activation.« less

  14. Combined metabolic and transcriptional profiling identifies pentose phosphate pathway activation by HSP27 phosphorylation during cerebral ischemia.

    PubMed

    Imahori, Taichiro; Hosoda, Kohkichi; Nakai, Tomoaki; Yamamoto, Yusuke; Irino, Yasuhiro; Shinohara, Masakazu; Sato, Naoko; Sasayama, Takashi; Tanaka, Kazuhiro; Nagashima, Hiroaki; Kohta, Masaaki; Kohmura, Eiji

    2017-05-04

    The metabolic pathophysiology underlying ischemic stroke remains poorly understood. To gain insight into these mechanisms, we performed a comparative metabolic and transcriptional analysis of the effects of cerebral ischemia on the metabolism of the cerebral cortex using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. Metabolic profiling by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry analysis showed clear separation between the ischemia and control group. The decreases of fructose 6-phosphate and ribulose 5-phosphate suggested enhancement of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) during cerebral ischemia (120-min MCAO) without reperfusion. Transcriptional profiling by microarray hybridization indicated that the Toll-like receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were upregulated during cerebral ischemia without reperfusion. In relation to the PPP, upregulation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) was observed in the MAPK signaling pathway and was confirmed through real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunoblotting showed a slight increase in HSP27 protein expression and a marked increase in HSP27 phosphorylation at serine 85 after 60-min and 120-min MCAO without reperfusion. Corresponding upregulation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity and an increase in the NADPH/NAD + ratio were also observed after 120-min MCAO. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase inhibitor (KU-55933) significantly reduced HSP27 phosphorylation and G6PD upregulation after MCAO, but that of protein kinase D inhibitor (CID755673) did not affect HSP27 phosphorylation. Consequently, G6PD activation via ischemia-induced HSP27 phosphorylation by ATM kinase may be part of an endogenous antioxidant defense neuroprotection mechanism during the earliest stages of ischemia. These findings have important therapeutic implications for the treatment of stroke. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All

  15. PSEA: Kinase-specific prediction and analysis of human phosphorylation substrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suo, Sheng-Bao; Qiu, Jian-Ding; Shi, Shao-Ping; Chen, Xiang; Liang, Ru-Ping

    2014-03-01

    Protein phosphorylation catalysed by kinases plays crucial regulatory roles in intracellular signal transduction. With the increasing number of kinase-specific phosphorylation sites and disease-related phosphorylation substrates that have been identified, the desire to explore the regulatory relationship between protein kinases and disease-related phosphorylation substrates is motivated. In this work, we analysed the kinases' characteristic of all disease-related phosphorylation substrates by using our developed Phosphorylation Set Enrichment Analysis (PSEA) method. We evaluated the efficiency of our method with independent test and concluded that our approach is reliable for identifying kinases responsible for phosphorylated substrates. In addition, we found that Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) families are more associated with abnormal phosphorylation. It can be anticipated that our method might be helpful to identify the mechanism of phosphorylation and the relationship between kinase and phosphorylation related diseases. A user-friendly web interface is now freely available at http://bioinfo.ncu.edu.cn/PKPred_Home.aspx.

  16. 44 CFR 208.39 - Reimbursement for personnel costs incurred during Activation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ...) Convert the annual salary of any salaried Non-Exempt System Member to its hourly equivalent for a 40-hour... Activation, the hourly wage equivalent of each Activated Non-Exempt System Member calculated under § 208.39(e)(1) of this part for the first 40 hours AND the overtime payment equivalent for each Activated Non...

  17. Differential phosphorylations of Spi-B and Spi-1 transcription factors.

    PubMed

    Mao, C; Ray-Gallet, D; Tavitian, A; Moreau-Gachelin, F

    1996-02-15

    Spi-1/PU-1 and Spi-B are hematopoietic transcription factors, which, in vitro, display similar affinities for DNA target sequences containing the consensus binding site 5'-GGAA-3'. While the role of Spi-1 in the transcriptional regulation of B cell and myeloid specific genes has been largely demonstrated, the biological function of Spi-B still remains to be elucidated. Since Spi-B and Spi-1 are very divergent in their transactivator domain, these domains might acquire functional specificity in vivo by interacting with different co-factors and/or by undergoing different phosphorylations. First, we observed that casein kinase II phosphorylates Spi-B as well as Spi-1, in vitro. Then, by affinity chromatographies and in vitro kinase assays with fusion proteins between glutathione-S-transferase and the transactivator domain of Spi-B, two kinases were identified on their ability to interact and phosphorylate this domain; the MAP kinase ERK1 and the stress activated protein kinase JNK1. The Threonine 56 was defined as the ERK1 phosphorylation site by using phosphoamino-acid analyses and a Spi-B mutant version with the substitution T56 to A56. Strikingly, ERK1 failed to phosphorylate Spi-1, in vitro, whereas JNK1, like CK II, phosphorylated Spi-B and Spi-1. In addition, other purified Spi-B-kinase activities, unidentified as yet, display similar specificity than ERK1 for Spi-B versus Spi-1. Furthermore, the evident interaction of pRb protein with the transactivator domain of Spi-B in an unphosphorylated state disappeared when this domain was first phosphorylated in vitro either by ERK1 or by the purified Spi-B-kinase activities. Our data revealed multiple phosphorylation sites within Spi-B whose some of them appeared specific for Spi-B versus Spi-1 and which may account for differential regulation of their activities.

  18. Induction of c-fos expression through JNK-mediated TCF/Elk-1 phosphorylation.

    PubMed Central

    Cavigelli, M; Dolfi, F; Claret, F X; Karin, M

    1995-01-01

    Growth factors induce c-fos transcription by stimulating phosphorylation of transcription factor TCF/Elk-1, which binds to the serum response element (SRE). Under such conditions Elk-1 could be phosphorylated by the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1 and ERK2. However, c-fos transcription and SRE activity are also induced by stimuli, such as UV irradiation and activation of the protein kinase MEKK1, that cause only an insignificant increase in ERK1/2 activity. However, both of these stimuli strongly activate two other MAPKs, JNK1 and JNK2, and stimulate Elk-1 transcriptional activity and phosphorylation. We find that the JNKs are the predominant Elk-1 activation domain kinases in extracts of UV-irradiated cells and that immunopurified JNK1/2 phosphorylate Elk-1 on the same major sites recognized by ERK1/2, that potentiate its transcriptional activity. Finally, we show that UV irradiation, but not serum or phorbol esters, stimulate translocation of JNK1 to the nucleus. As Elk-1 is most likely phosphorylated while bound to the c-fos promoter, these results suggest that UV irradiation and MEKK1 activation stimulate TCF/Elk-1 activity through JNK activation, while growth factors induce c-fos through ERK activation. Images PMID:8846788

  19. Phosphorylation of TNF-alpha converting enzyme by gastrin-releasing peptide induces amphiregulin release and EGF receptor activation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Qing; Thomas, Sufi M; Lui, Vivian Wai Yan; Xi, Sichuan; Siegfried, Jill M; Fan, Huizhou; Smithgall, Thomas E; Mills, Gordon B; Grandis, Jennifer Rubin

    2006-05-02

    G protein-coupled receptors induce EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling, leading to the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. Elucidation of the mechanism of EGFR activation by G protein-coupled receptors may identify new signaling paradigms. A gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)/GRP receptor-mediated autocrine pathway was previously described in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. In the present study, we demonstrate that TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE), a disintegrin and metalloproteinse-17, undergoes a Src-dependent phosphorylation that regulates release of the EGFR ligand amphiregulin upon GRP treatment. Further investigation reveals the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) as the intermediate of c-Src and TACE, contributing to their association and TACE phosphorylation. Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), a downstream target of PI3-K, has been identified as the previously undescribed kinase to directly phosphorylate TACE upon GRP treatment. These findings suggest a signaling cascade of GRP-Src-PI3-K-PDK1-TACE-amphiregulin-EGFR with multiple points of interaction, translocation, and phosphorylation. Furthermore, knockdown of PDK1 augmented the antitumor effects of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib, indicating PDK1 as a therapeutic target to improve the clinical response to EGFR inhibitors.

  20. [Effects of dihydroartiminisin on proliferation and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines].

    PubMed

    Tan, Xian-Jie; Plouet, Jean; Lang, Jing-He; Wu, Ming; Shen, Keng

    2008-09-01

    To determine the effect of dihydroartiminisin on the proliferation and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cell lines. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was performed to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of dihydroartiminisin in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells, and Western blot was used to determine its effect on phosphorylation level of MAPK, including extra-cell regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 protein kinase, in the two cell lines. Dihydroartiminisin inhibited the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in vitro, with a mean of 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) at 72 h of (9.0 +/- 1.4) micromol/L for SKOV3 and (5.5 +/- 1.2) micromol/L for OVCAR3 respectively. Compared to cells without dihydroartiminisin treatment, phosphorylation level of ERK 1/2 in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells treated with dihydroartiminisin decreased by 64.2% and 75.3% respectively (P < 0.05), while phosphorylation of p38 protein kinase in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 only decreased by 8.5%and 6.4%respectively (P > 0.05). Dihydroartiminisin can inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer cell in vitro, probably through down-regulation of the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in ovarian cancer cells.

  1. Histidine phosphorylation relieves copper inhibition in the mammalian potassium channel KCa3.1

    PubMed Central

    Srivastava, Shekhar; Panda, Saswati; Li, Zhai; Fuhs, Stephen R; Hunter, Tony; Thiele, Dennis J; Hubbard, Stevan R; Skolnik, Edward Y

    2016-01-01

    KCa2.1, KCa2.2, KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 constitute a family of mammalian small- to intermediate-conductance potassium channels that are activated by calcium-calmodulin. KCa3.1 is unique among these four channels in that activation requires, in addition to calcium, phosphorylation of a single histidine residue (His358) in the cytoplasmic region, by nucleoside diphosphate kinase-B (NDPK-B). The mechanism by which KCa3.1 is activated by histidine phosphorylation is unknown. Histidine phosphorylation is well characterized in prokaryotes but poorly understood in eukaryotes. Here, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of His358 activates KCa3.1 by antagonizing copper-mediated inhibition of the channel. Furthermore, we show that activated CD4+ T cells deficient in intracellular copper exhibit increased KCa3.1 histidine phosphorylation and channel activity, leading to increased calcium flux and cytokine production. These findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism for a mammalian potassium channel and for T-cell activation, and highlight a unique feature of histidine versus serine/threonine and tyrosine as a regulatory phosphorylation site. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16093.001 PMID:27542194

  2. Artemisia Extract Suppresses NLRP3 and AIM2 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibition of ASC Phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Kwak, Su-Bin; Koppula, Sushruta; In, Eun-Jung; Sun, Xiao; Kim, Young-Kyu; Kim, Myong-Ki; Lee, Kwang-Ho; Kang, Tae-Bong

    2018-01-01

    Artemisia princeps var. orientalis (Asteraceae, A. princeps ) is a well-known traditional medicinal herb used for treating various inflammatory disorders in Korea, Japan, China, and other Asian countries. In the present study, we investigated the effects of A. princeps extract (APO) on interleukin- (IL-) 1 β regulation and inflammasome activation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and monosodium urate- (MSU-) induced peritonitis mouse model in vivo . The APO treatment to BMDMs primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) attenuated the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation induced by danger signals, such as ATP, nigericin, silica crystals, and poly (dA:dT), respectively. Mechanistic study revealed that APO suppressed the ASC oligomerization and speck formation, which are required for inflammasome activation. APO treatment also reduced the ASC phosphorylation induced by the combination of LPS and a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. In vivo evaluation revealed that intraperitoneal administration of APO reduced IL-1 β levels, significantly ( p < 0.05) and dose dependently, in the MSU-induced peritonitis mouse model. In conclusion, our study is the first to report that the extract of A. princeps inhibits inflammasome activation through the modulation of ASC phosphorylation. Therefore, APO might be developed as therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammasome-mediated inflammatory disorders, such as gouty arthritis.

  3. Artemisia Extract Suppresses NLRP3 and AIM2 Inflammasome Activation by Inhibition of ASC Phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Kwak, Su-Bin; Koppula, Sushruta; In, Eun-Jung; Sun, Xiao; Kim, Young-Kyu

    2018-01-01

    Artemisia princeps var. orientalis (Asteraceae, A. princeps) is a well-known traditional medicinal herb used for treating various inflammatory disorders in Korea, Japan, China, and other Asian countries. In the present study, we investigated the effects of A. princeps extract (APO) on interleukin- (IL-) 1β regulation and inflammasome activation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and monosodium urate- (MSU-) induced peritonitis mouse model in vivo. The APO treatment to BMDMs primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) attenuated the NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation induced by danger signals, such as ATP, nigericin, silica crystals, and poly (dA:dT), respectively. Mechanistic study revealed that APO suppressed the ASC oligomerization and speck formation, which are required for inflammasome activation. APO treatment also reduced the ASC phosphorylation induced by the combination of LPS and a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. In vivo evaluation revealed that intraperitoneal administration of APO reduced IL-1β levels, significantly (p < 0.05) and dose dependently, in the MSU-induced peritonitis mouse model. In conclusion, our study is the first to report that the extract of A. princeps inhibits inflammasome activation through the modulation of ASC phosphorylation. Therefore, APO might be developed as therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammasome-mediated inflammatory disorders, such as gouty arthritis. PMID:29686531

  4. A receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase phosphorylates the host target RIN4, leading to the activation of a plant innate immune receptor.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jun; Elmore, James Mitch; Lin, Zuh-Jyh Daniel; Coaker, Gitta

    2011-02-17

    Plants have evolved sophisticated surveillance systems to recognize pathogen effectors delivered into host cells. RPM1 is an NB-LRR immune receptor that recognizes the Pseudomonas syringae effectors AvrB and AvrRpm1. Both effectors associate with and affect the phosphorylation of RIN4, an immune regulator. Although the kinase and the specific mechanisms involved are unclear, it has been hypothesized that RPM1 recognizes phosphorylated RIN4. Here, we identify RIPK as a RIN4-interacting receptor-like protein kinase that phosphorylates RIN4. In response to bacterial effectors, RIPK phosphorylates RIN4 at amino acid residues T21, S160, and T166. RIN4 phosphomimetic mutants display constitutive activation of RPM1-mediated defense responses and RIN4 phosphorylation is induced by AvrB and AvrRpm1 during P. syringae infection. RIPK knockout lines exhibit reduced RIN4 phosphorylation and blunted RPM1-mediated defense responses. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the RIPK kinase associates with and modifies an effector-targeted protein complex to initiate host immunity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. ATF3 activates Stat3 phosphorylation through inhibition of p53 expression in skin cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Hao, Zhen-Feng; Ao, Jun-Hong; Zhang, Jie; Su, You-Ming; Yang, Rong-Ya

    2013-01-01

    ATF3, a member of the ATF/CREB family of transcription factors, has been found to be selectively induced by calcineurin/NFAT inhibition and to enhance keratinocyte tumor formation, although the precise role of ATF3 in human skin cancer and possible mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, clinical analysis of 30 skin cancer patients and 30 normal donors revealed that ATF3 was accumulated in skin cancer tissues. Functional assays demonstrated that ATF3 significantly promoted skin cancer cell proliferation. Mechanically, ATF3 activated Stat3 phosphorylation in skin cancer cell through regulation of p53 expression. Moreover, the promotion effect of ATF3 on skin cancer cell proliferation was dependent on the p53-Stat3 signaling cascade. Together, the results indicate that ATF3 might promote skin cancer cell proliferation and enhance skin keratinocyte tumor development through inhibiting p53 expression and then activating Stat3 phosphorylation.

  6. Dynamic phosphorylation of Ebola virus VP30 in NP-induced inclusion bodies.

    PubMed

    Lier, Clemens; Becker, Stephan; Biedenkopf, Nadine

    2017-12-01

    Zaire Ebolavirus (EBOV) causes a severe feverish disease with high case fatality rates. Transcription of EBOV is dependent on the activity of the nucleocapsid protein VP30 which represents an essential viral transcription factor. Activity of VP30 is regulated via phosphorylation at six N-terminal serine residues. Recent data demonstrated that dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of serine residue 29 is essential for transcriptional support activity of VP30. To analyze the spatio/temporal dynamics of VP30 phosphorylation, we generated a peptide antibody recognizing specifically VP30 phosphorylated at serine 29. Using this antibody we could demonstrate that (i) the majority of VP30 molecules in EBOV-infected cells is dephosphorylated at the crucial position serine 29, (ii) both, VP30 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation take place in viral inclusion bodies that are induced by the nucleoprotein NP and (iii) NP influences the phosphorylation state of VP30. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Structural Basis for Activation of ZAP-70 by Phosphorylation of the SH2-Kinase Linker

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Qingrong; Barros, Tiago; Visperas, Patrick R.; Deindl, Sebastian; Kadlecek, Theresa A.; Weiss, Arthur

    2013-01-01

    Serial activation of the tyrosine kinases Lck and ZAP-70 initiates signaling downstream of the T cell receptor. We previously reported the structure of an autoinhibited ZAP-70 variant in which two regulatory tyrosine residues (315 and 319) in the SH2-kinase linker were replaced by phenylalanine. We now present a crystal structure of ZAP-70 in which Tyr 315 and Tyr 319 are not mutated, leading to the recognition of a five-residue sequence register error in the SH2-kinase linker of the original crystallographic model. The revised model identifies distinct roles for these two tyrosines. As seen in a recently reported structure of the related tyrosine kinase Syk, Tyr 315 of ZAP-70 is part of a hydrophobic interface between the regulatory apparatus and the kinase domain, and the integrity of this interface would be lost upon engagement of doubly phosphorylated peptides by the SH2 domains. Tyr 319 is not necessarily dislodged by SH2 engagement, which activates ZAP-70 only ∼5-fold in vitro. In contrast, phosphorylation by Lck activates ZAP-70 ∼100-fold. This difference is due to the ability of Tyr 319 to suppress ZAP-70 activity even when the SH2 domains are dislodged from the kinase domain, providing stringent control of ZAP-70 activity downstream of Lck. PMID:23530057

  8. Structural basis for activation of ZAP-70 by phosphorylation of the SH2-kinase linker.

    PubMed

    Yan, Qingrong; Barros, Tiago; Visperas, Patrick R; Deindl, Sebastian; Kadlecek, Theresa A; Weiss, Arthur; Kuriyan, John

    2013-06-01

    Serial activation of the tyrosine kinases Lck and ZAP-70 initiates signaling downstream of the T cell receptor. We previously reported the structure of an autoinhibited ZAP-70 variant in which two regulatory tyrosine residues (315 and 319) in the SH2-kinase linker were replaced by phenylalanine. We now present a crystal structure of ZAP-70 in which Tyr 315 and Tyr 319 are not mutated, leading to the recognition of a five-residue sequence register error in the SH2-kinase linker of the original crystallographic model. The revised model identifies distinct roles for these two tyrosines. As seen in a recently reported structure of the related tyrosine kinase Syk, Tyr 315 of ZAP-70 is part of a hydrophobic interface between the regulatory apparatus and the kinase domain, and the integrity of this interface would be lost upon engagement of doubly phosphorylated peptides by the SH2 domains. Tyr 319 is not necessarily dislodged by SH2 engagement, which activates ZAP-70 only ∼5-fold in vitro. In contrast, phosphorylation by Lck activates ZAP-70 ∼100-fold. This difference is due to the ability of Tyr 319 to suppress ZAP-70 activity even when the SH2 domains are dislodged from the kinase domain, providing stringent control of ZAP-70 activity downstream of Lck.

  9. PECAM1 regulates flow-mediated Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation and signaling

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Suowen; Ha, Chang Hoon; Wang, Weiye; Xu, Xiangbin; Yin, Meimei; Jin, Felix Q.; Mastrangelo, Michael; Koroleva, Marina; Fujiwara, Keigi; Jin, Zheng Gen

    2016-01-01

    Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired activation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) and ensued decrease of NO production, is a common mechanism of various cardiovascular pathologies, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Laminar blood flow-mediated specific signaling cascades modulate vascular endothelial cells (ECs) structure and functions. We have previously shown that flow-stimulated Gab1 (Grb2-associated binder-1) tyrosine phosphorylation mediates eNOS activation in ECs, which in part confers laminar flow atheroprotective action. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby flow regulates Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation and its downstream signaling events remain unclear. Here we show that platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM1), a key molecule in an endothelial mechanosensing complex, specifically mediates Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation and its downstream Akt and eNOS activation in ECs upon flow rather than hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting PECAM1 abolished flow- but not HGF-induced Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation and Akt, eNOS activation as well as Gab1 membrane translocation. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, which has been shown to interact with Gab1, was involved in flow signaling and HGF signaling, as SHP2 siRNA diminished the flow- and HGF-induced Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation, membrane localization and downstream signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K decreased flow-, but not HGF-mediated Gab1 phosphorylation and membrane localization as well as eNOS activation. Finally, we observed that flow-mediated Gab1 and eNOS phosphorylation in vivo induced by voluntary wheel running was reduced in PECAM1 knockout mice. These results demonstrate a specific role of PECAM1 in flow-mediated Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation and eNOS signaling in ECs. PMID:26706435

  10. The selective phosphorylation of a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Carlson, K.E.

    1989-01-01

    Receptor-activated signal transduction pathways regulate the responsiveness of cells to external stimuli. These transduction pathways themselves are subject to regulation, most commonly by phosphorylation. Guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G Proteins), as requisite signal transducing elements for many plasma membrane receptors, are considered likely targets for regulation by phosphorylation. Protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to phosphorylate the {alpha} subunit of G{sub i} and other G proteins in solution. However, the occurrence of the phosphorylation of G{sub 1} within intact cells in response to activation of PKC has not been rigorously demonstrated. In this thesis, the extent to which themore » {alpha} subunits of G{sub i} undergo phosphorylation within human platelets in response to activation of PKC was examined by means of radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation. Incubation of platelets with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), a potent activator of PKC, promoted the phosphorylation of several proteins within saponin-permeabilized and intact platelets incubated with ({gamma}{sup 32}P)ATP and ({sup 32}P)H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}, respectively. None of the phosphoproteins, however, were precipitated by either of two antisera containing antibodies differing in specificities for epitopes within G{sub i{alpha}}-despite precipitation of a substantial fraction of the subunit itself. In contrast, other antisera, containing antibodies specific for the recently describe G{sub z{alpha}}, or antibodies for both G{sub z{alpha}} and G{sub i{alpha}}, precipitated a 40-kDa phosphoprotein.« less

  11. Regulation of neuronal pH by the metabotropic Zn(2+)-sensing Gq-coupled receptor, mZnR/GPR39.

    PubMed

    Ganay, Thibault; Asraf, Hila; Aizenman, Elias; Bogdanovic, Milos; Sekler, Israel; Hershfinkel, Michal

    2015-12-01

    Synaptically released Zn(2+) acts as a neurotransmitter, in part, by activating the postsynaptic metabotropic Zn(2+)-sensing Gq protein-coupled receptor (mZnR/GPR39). In previous work using epithelial cells, we described crosstalk between Zn(2+) signaling and changes in intracellular pH and/or extracellular pH (pHe). As pH changes accompany neuronal activity under physiological and pathological conditions, we tested whether Zn(2+) signaling is involved in regulation of neuronal pH. Here, we report that up-regulation of a major H(+) extrusion pathway, the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE), is induced by mZnR/GPR39 activation in an extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent manner in hippocampal neurons in vitro. We also observed that changes in pHe can modulate neuronal mZnR/GPR39-dependent signaling, resulting in reduced activity at pHe 8 or 6.5. Similarly, Zn(2+)-dependent extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and up-regulation of NHE activity were absent at acidic pHe. Thus, our results suggest that when pHe is maintained within the physiological range, mZnR/GPR39 activation can up-regulate NHE-dependent recovery from intracellular acidification. During acidosis, as pHe drops, mZnR/GPR39-dependent NHE activation is inhibited, thereby attenuating further H(+) extrusion. This mechanism may serve to protect neurons from excessive decreases in pHe. Thus, mZnR/GPR39 signaling provides a homeostatic adaptive process for regulation of intracellular and extracellular pH changes in the brain. We show that the postsynaptic metabotropic Zn(2+)-sensing Gq protein-coupled receptor (mZnR/GPR39) activation induces up-regulation of a major neuronal H(+) extrusion pathway, the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE), thereby enhancing neuronal recovery from intracellular acidification. Changes in extracellular pH (pHe), however, modulate neuronal mZnR/GPR39-dependent signaling, resulting in reduced activity at pHe 8 or 6.5. This mechanism may serve to protect neurons from excessive

  12. Light-dependent activation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase by reversible phosphorylation in cluster roots of white lupin plants: diurnal control in response to photosynthate supply

    PubMed Central

    Feil, Regina; Lunn, John E.; Plaxton, William C.

    2016-01-01

    Background and Aims Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a tightly regulated enzyme that controls carbohydrate partitioning to organic acid anions (malate, citrate) excreted in copious amounts by cluster roots of inorganic phosphate (Pi)-deprived white lupin plants. Excreted malate and citrate solubilize otherwise inaccessible sources of mineralized soil Pi for plant uptake. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that (1) PEPC is post-translationally activated by reversible phosphorylation in cluster roots of illuminated white lupin plants, and (2) light-dependent phosphorylation of cluster root PEPC is associated with elevated intracellular levels of sucrose and its signalling metabolite, trehalose-6-phosphate. Methods White lupin plants were cultivated hydroponically at low Pi levels (≤1 µm) and subjected to various light/dark pretreatments. Cluster root PEPC activity and in vivo phosphorylation status were analysed to assess the enzyme’s diurnal, post-translational control in response to light and dark. Levels of various metabolites, including sucrose and trehalose-6-phosphate, were also quantified in cluster root extracts using enzymatic and spectrometric methods. Key Results During the daytime the cluster root PEPC was activated by phosphorylation at its conserved N-terminal seryl residue. Darkness triggered a progressive reduction in PEPC phosphorylation to undetectable levels, and this was correlated with 75–80 % decreases in concentrations of sucrose and trehalose-6- phosphate. Conclusions Reversible, light-dependent regulatory PEPC phosphorylation occurs in cluster roots of Pi-deprived white lupin plants. This likely facilitates the well-documented light- and sucrose-dependent exudation of Pi-solubilizing organic acid anions by the cluster roots. PEPC’s in vivo phosphorylation status appears to be modulated by sucrose translocated from CO2-fixing leaves into the non-photosynthetic cluster roots. PMID:27063365

  13. OXP1/YKL215c encodes an ATP-dependent 5-oxoprolinase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: functional characterization, domain structure and identification of actin-like ATP-binding motifs in eukaryotic 5-oxoprolinases.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Akhilesh; Bachhawat, Anand Kumar

    2010-06-01

    OXP1/YKL215c, an uncharacterized ORF of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encodes a functional ATP-dependent 5-oxoprolinase of 1286 amino acids. The yeast 5-oxoprolinase activity was demonstrated in vivo by utilization of 5-oxoproline as a source of glutamate and OTC, a 5-oxoproline sulfur analogue, as a source of sulfur in cells overexpressing OXP1. In vitro characterization by expression and purification of the recombinant protein in S. cerevisiae revealed that the enzyme exists and functions as a dimer, and has a K(m) of 159 microM and a V(max) of 3.5 nmol h(-1) microg(-1) protein. The enzyme was found to be functionally separable in two distinct domains. An 'actin-like ATPase motif' could be identified in 5-oxprolinases, and mutation of key residues within this motif led to complete loss in ATPase and 5-oxoprolinase activity of the enzyme. The results are discussed in the light of the previously postulated truncated gamma-glutamyl cycle of yeasts.

  14. Protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylates human platelet inositol trisphosphate 5/sup +/-/-phosphomonoesterase (IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase) increasing phosphatase activity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Connolly, T.M.; Majerus, P.W.

    1986-05-01

    Phosphoinositide breakdown in response to thrombin stimulation of human platelets generates messenger molecules that activate PKC (diglyceride) and mobilize Ca/sup + +/ (inositol tris-phosphates). The water soluble products of phospholipase C-mediated metabolism of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate are inositol 1,4,5 P/sub 3/ (IP/sub 3/) and inositol 1:2-cyclic 4,5 P/sub 3/ (cIP/sub 3/). A specific phosphatase, IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase, cleaves the 5 phosphate from IP/sub 3/ or cIP/sub 3/ to form IP/sub 2/ or cIP/sub 2/ and P/sub i/, none of which mobilizes Ca/sup + +/. Thus, the IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase may regulate cellular responses to IP/sub 3/ or cIP/sub 3/. The authorsmore » find that IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase isolated from human platelets is phosphorylated by rat brain PKC, resulting in a 4-fold increase in IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase activity. The authors phosphorylated IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase using ..gamma.. /sup 32/P-ATP and found that the labeled enzyme comigrated on SDS-PAGE with the previously described 40K protein phosphorylated in response to thrombin stimulation of platelets. The similarity of the PKC-phosphorylated IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase observed in vitro and the thrombin-stimulated phosphorylated 40K protein known to be phosphorylated by PKC in vivo, suggests that these proteins may be the same. These results suggest that platelet Ca/sup + +/ mobilization maybe regulated by PKC phosphorylation of the IP/sub 3/ 5'-p'tase and can explain the observation that phorbol ester treatment of intact human platelets results in decreased production of IP/sub 3/ and decreased Ca/sup + +/ mobilization upon subsequent thrombin addition.« less

  15. Endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is activated through G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) tyrosine phosphorylation and Src protein.

    PubMed

    Liu, Songling; Premont, Richard T; Rockey, Don C

    2014-06-27

    Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical regulator of vascular tone and plays an especially prominent role in liver by controlling portal blood flow and pressure within liver sinusoids. Synthesis of NO in sinusoidal endothelial cells by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is regulated in response to activation of endothelial cells by vasoactive signals such as endothelins. The endothelin B (ETB) receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor, but the mechanisms by which it regulates eNOS activity in sinusoidal endothelial cells are not well understood. In this study, we built on two previous strands of work, the first showing that G-protein βγ subunits mediated activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt to regulate eNOS and the second showing that eNOS directly bound to the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) scaffold protein, and this association stimulated NO production. Here we investigated the mechanisms by which the GIT1-eNOS complex is formed and regulated. GIT1 was phosphorylated on tyrosine by Src, and Y293F and Y554F mutations reduced GIT1 phosphorylation as well as the ability of GIT1 to bind to and activate eNOS. Akt phosphorylation activated eNOS (at Ser(1177)), and Akt also regulated the ability of Src to phosphorylate GIT1 as well as GIT1-eNOS association. These pathways were activated by endothelin-1 through the ETB receptor; inhibiting receptor-activated G-protein βγ subunits blocked activation of Akt, GIT1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and ET-1-stimulated GIT1-eNOS association but did not affect Src activation. These data suggest a model in which Src and Akt cooperate to regulate association of eNOS with the GIT1 scaffold to facilitate NO production. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  16. Genetic analysis of the relationship between activation loop phosphorylation and cyclin binding in the activation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc28p cyclin-dependent kinase.

    PubMed Central

    Cross, F R; Levine, K

    2000-01-01

    We showed recently that a screen for mutant CDC28 with improved binding to a defective Cln2p G1 cyclin yielded a spectrum of mutations similar to those yielded by a screen for intragenic suppressors of the requirement for activation loop phosphorylation (T169E suppressors). Recombination among these mutations yielded CDC28 mutants that bypassed the G1 cyclin requirement. Here we analyze further the interrelationship between T169E suppression, interaction with defective cyclin, and G1 cyclin bypass. DNA shuffling of mutations from the various screens and recombination onto a T169E-encoding 3' end yielded CDC28 mutants with strong T169E suppression. Some of the strongest T169E suppressors could suppress the defective Cln2p G1 cyclin even while retaining T169E. The strong T169E suppressors did not exhibit bypass of the G1 cyclin requirement but did so when T169E was reverted to T. These results suggested that for these mutants, activation loop phosphorylation and cyclin binding might be alternative means of activation rather than independent requirements for activation (as with wild type). These results suggest mechanistic overlap between the conformational shift induced by cyclin binding and that induced by activation loop phosphorylation. This conclusion was supported by analysis of suppressors of a mutation in the Cdk phosphothreonine-binding pocket created by cyclin binding. PMID:10747052

  17. Analysis of Phosphorylation of the Receptor-Like Protein Kinase HAESA during Arabidopsis Floral Abscission

    PubMed Central

    Taylor, Isaiah; Wang, Ying; Seitz, Kati; Baer, John; Bennewitz, Stefan; Mooney, Brian P.; Walker, John C.

    2016-01-01

    Receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) are the largest family of plant transmembrane signaling proteins. Here we present functional analysis of HAESA, an RLK that regulates floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis. Through in vitro and in vivo analysis of HAE phosphorylation, we provide evidence that a conserved phosphorylation site on a region of the HAE protein kinase domain known as the activation segment positively regulates HAE activity. Additional analysis has identified another putative activation segment phosphorylation site common to multiple RLKs that potentially modulates HAE activity. Comparative analysis suggests that phosphorylation of this second activation segment residue is an RLK specific adaptation that may regulate protein kinase activity and substrate specificity. A growing number of RLKs have been shown to exhibit biologically relevant dual specificity toward serine/threonine and tyrosine residues, but the mechanisms underlying dual specificity of RLKs are not well understood. We show that a phospho-mimetic mutant of both HAE activation segment residues exhibits enhanced tyrosine auto-phosphorylation in vitro, indicating phosphorylation of this residue may contribute to dual specificity of HAE. These results add to an emerging framework for understanding the mechanisms and evolution of regulation of RLK activity and substrate specificity. PMID:26784444

  18. Analysis of cardiac myosin binding protein-C phosphorylation in human heart muscle.

    PubMed

    Copeland, O'Neal; Sadayappan, Sakthivel; Messer, Andrew E; Steinen, Ger J M; van der Velden, Jolanda; Marston, Steven B

    2010-12-01

    A unique feature of MyBP-C in cardiac muscle is that it has multiple phosphorylation sites. MyBP-C phosphorylation, predominantly by PKA, plays an essential role in modulating contractility as part of the cellular response to β-adrenergic stimulation. In vitro studies indicate MyBP-C can be phosphorylated at Serine 273, 282, 302 and 307 (mouse sequence) but little is known about the level of MyBP-C phosphorylation or the sites phosphorylated in heart muscle. Since current methodologies are limited in specificity and are not quantitative we have investigated the use of phosphate affinity SDS-PAGE together with a total anti MyBP-C antibody and a range of phosphorylation site-specific antibodies for the main sites (Ser-273, -282 and -302). With these newly developed methods we have been able to make a detailed quantitative analysis of MyBP-C phosphorylation in heart tissue in situ. We have found that MyBP-C is highly phosphorylated in non-failing human (donor) heart or mouse heart; tris and tetra-phosphorylated species predominate and less than 10% of MyBP-C is unphosphorylated (0, 9.3 ± 1%: 1P, 13.4 ± 2.7%: 2P, 10.5 ± 3.3%: 3P, 28.7 ± 3.7%: 4P, 36.4 ± 2.7%, n=21). Total phosphorylation was 2.7 ± 0.07 mol Pi/mol MyBP-C. In contrast in failing heart and in myectomy samples from HCM patients the majority of MyBP-C was unphosphorylated. Total phosphorylation levels were 23% of normal in failing heart myofibrils (0, 60.1 ± 2.8%: 1P, 27.8 ± 2.8%: 2P, 4.8 ± 2.0%: 3P, 3.7 ± 1.2%: 4P, 2.8 ± 1.3%, n=19) and 39% of normal in myectomy samples. The site-specific antibodies showed a distinctive distribution pattern of phosphorylation sites in the multiple phosphorylation level species. We found that phosphorylated Ser-273, Ser-282 and Ser-302 were all present in the 4P band of MyBP-C but none of them were significant in the 1P band, indicating that there must be at least one other site of MyBP-C phosphorylation in human heart. The pattern of phosphorylation at the

  19. Cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulates S6 phosphorylation and induced activation of S6 protein kinase in rat pancreatic acini

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sung, C.; Okabayashi, Y.; Williams, J.

    CCK and insulin stimulate pancreatic protein synthesis at a post transcriptional step. To better understand this regulation the authors evaluated the phosphorylation state of ribosomal protein S6 and the presence of a specific S6 protein kinase in pancreatic acini from diabetic rats. Both CCK and insulin increased S6 phosphorylation by up to 400% in intact TSP-labelled acini. The phorbol ester 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate also stimulated both protein synthesis and S6 phosphorlyation suggesting a role for protein kinase C in mediating the effect of CCK. By contrast, the CaS ionophore ionomycin had no effect on either parameter. Recently, insulin has been shownmore » to activate a unique S6 kinase in various cells. To test for its presence, cytosolic extracts were prepared from acini stimulated with CCK and insulin by homogenization in US -glycerophosphate buffer and assayed for the kinase using el-TSP ATP and rat pancreatic ribosomes followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. CCK and insulin both increased S6 kinase activity which required neither CaS or phospholipid. The dose response for CCk was similar to S6 phosphorlyation in the intact acini. TPA did not stimulate the S6 kinase. Thus, CCK may induce S6 phosphorylation both via C kinase and by activation of a unique S6 kinase.« less

  20. Differential phosphorylation of azidothymidine, dideoxycytidine, and dideoxyinosine in resting and activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

    PubMed Central

    Gao, W Y; Shirasaka, T; Johns, D G; Broder, S; Mitsuya, H

    1993-01-01

    The antiviral activity of azidothymidine (AZT), dideoxycytidine (ddC), and dideoxyinosine (ddI) against HIV-1 was comparatively evaluated in PHA-stimulated PBM. The mean drug concentration which yielded 50% p24 Gag negative cultures were substantially different: 0.06, 0.2, and 6 microM for AZT, ddC, and ddI, respectively. We found that AZT was preferentially phosphorylated to its triphosphate (TP) form in PHA-PBM rather than unstimulated, resting PBM (R-PBM), producing 10- to 17-fold higher ratios of AZTTP/dTTP in PHA-PBM than in R-PBM. The phosphorylation of ddC and ddI to their TP forms was, however, much less efficient in PHA-PBM, resulting in approximately 5-fold and approximately 15-fold lower ratios of ddCTP/dCTP and ddATP/dATP, respectively, in PHA-PBM than in R-PBM. The comparative order of PHA-induced increase in cellular enzyme activities examined was: thymidine kinase > uridine kinase > deoxycytidine kinase > adenosine kinase > 5'-nucleotidase. We conclude that AZT, ddC, and ddI exert disproportionate antiviral effects depending on the activation state of the target cells, i.e., ddI and ddC exert antiviral activity more favorably in resting cells than in activated cells, while AZT preferentially protects activated cells against HIV infection. Considering that HIV-1 proviral DNA synthesis in resting lymphocytes is reportedly initiated at levels comparable with those of activated lymphocytes, the current data should have practical relevance in the design of anti-HIV chemotherapy, particularly combination chemotherapy. PMID:8387546

  1. Chronic baclofen desensitizes GABA(B)-mediated G-protein activation and stimulates phosphorylation of kinases in mesocorticolimbic rat brain.

    PubMed

    Keegan, Bradley M T; Beveridge, Thomas J R; Pezor, Jeffrey J; Xiao, Ruoyu; Sexton, Tammy; Childers, Steven R; Howlett, Allyn C

    2015-08-01

    The GABAB receptor is a therapeutic target for CNS and neuropathic disorders; however, few preclinical studies have explored effects of chronic stimulation. This study evaluated acute and chronic baclofen treatments on GABAB-activated G-proteins and signaling protein phosphorylation as indicators of GABAB signaling capacity. Brain sections from rats acutely administered baclofen (5 mg/kg, i.p.) showed no significant differences from controls in GABAB-stimulated GTPγS binding in any brain region, but displayed significantly greater phosphorylation/activation of focal adhesion kinase (pFAK(Tyr397)) in mesocorticolimbic regions (caudate putamen, cortex, hippocampus, thalamus) and elevated phosphorylated/activated glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (pGSK3β(Tyr216)) in the prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, septum, and globus pallidus. In rats administered chronic baclofen (5 mg/kg, t.i.d. for five days), GABAB-stimulated GTPγS binding was significantly diminished in the prefrontal cortex, septum, amygdala, and parabrachial nucleus compared to controls. This effect was specific to GABAB receptors: there was no effect of chronic baclofen treatment on adenosine A1-stimulated GTPγS binding in any region. Chronically-treated rats also exhibited increases in pFAK(Tyr397) and pGSK3β(Tyr216) compared to controls, and displayed wide-spread elevations in phosphorylated dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 (pDARPP-32(Thr34)) compared to acutely-treated or control rats. We postulate that those neuroadaptive effects of GABAB stimulation mediated by G-proteins and their sequelae correlate with tolerance to several of baclofen's effects, whereas sustained signaling via kinase cascades points to cross-talk between GABAB receptors and alternative mechanisms that are resistant to desensitization. Both desensitized and sustained signaling pathways should be considered in the development of pharmacotherapies targeting the GABA

  2. Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Toll-Like Receptor Signaling

    PubMed Central

    Chattopadhyay, Saurabh; Sen, Ganes C.

    2014-01-01

    There is a wealth of knowledge about how different Ser/Thr protein kinases participate in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. In many cases, we know the identities of the Ser/Thr residues of various components of the TLR-signaling pathways that are phosphorylated, the functional consequences of the phosphorylation and the responsible protein kinases. In contrast, the analysis of Tyr-phosphorylation of TLRs and their signaling proteins is currently incomplete, because several existing analyses are not systematic or they do not rely on robust experimental data. Nevertheless, it is clear that many TLRs require, for signaling, ligand-dependent phosphorylation of specific Tyr residues in their cytoplasmic domains; the list includes TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR8 and TLR9. In this article, we discuss the current status of knowledge on the effect of Tyr-phosphorylation of TLRs and their signaling proteins on their biochemical and biological functions, the possible identities of the relevant protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and the nature of regulations of PTK-mediated activation of TLR signaling pathways. PMID:25022196

  3. Site-Specific Phosphorylation of Ikaros Induced by Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Regulates Cell Cycle Progression of B Lymphoblast Through CK2 and AKT Activation.

    PubMed

    Cho, Seong-Jun; Kang, Hana; Kim, Min Young; Lee, Jung Eun; Kim, Sung Jin; Nam, Seon Young; Kim, Ji Young; Kim, Hee Sun; Pyo, Suhkneung; Yang, Kwang Hee

    2016-04-01

    To determine how low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) regulates B lympho-proliferation and its molecular mechanism related with Ikaros, transcription factor. Splenocytes and IM-9 cells were uniformly irradiated with various doses of a (137)Cs γ-source, and cell proliferation was analyzed. To determine the LDIR-specific phosphorylation of Ikaros, immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis were performed. To investigate the physiologic function of LDIR-mediatied Ikaros phosphorylation, Ikaros mutants at phosphorylation sites were generated, and cell cycle analysis was performed. First, we found that LDIR enhances B lymphoblast proliferation in an Ikaros-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that LDIR elevates the phosphorylation level of Ikaros protein. Interestingly, we showed that CK2 and AKT are involved in LDIR-induced Ikaros phosphorylation and capable of regulating DNA binding activity of Ikaros via specific phosphorylation. Finally, we identified LDIR-specific Ikaros phosphorylation sites at S391/S393 and showed that the Ikaros phosphorylations at these sites control Ikaros's ability to regulate G1/S cell cycle progression. Low-dose ionizing radiation specifically phosphorylates Ikaros protein at Ser 391/393 residues to regulate cell cycle progression in B lymphoblast. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Phosphorylation of translation factors in response to anoxia in turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans: role of the AMP-activated protein kinase and target of rapamycin signalling pathways.

    PubMed

    Rider, Mark H; Hussain, Nusrat; Dilworth, Stephen M; Storey, Kenneth B

    2009-12-01

    Long-term survival of oxygen deprivation by animals with well-developed anoxia tolerance depends on multiple biochemical adaptations including strong metabolic rate depression. We investigated whether the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could play a regulatory role in the suppression of protein synthesis that occurs when turtles experience anoxic conditions. AMPK activity and the phosphorylation state of ribosomal translation factors were measured in liver, heart, red muscle and white muscle of red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) subjected to 20 h of anoxic submergence. AMPK activity increased twofold in white muscle of anoxic turtles compared with aerobic controls but remained unchanged in liver and red muscle, whereas in heart AMPK activity decreased by 40%. Immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibodies revealed that eukaryotic elongation factor-2 phosphorylation at the inactivating Thr56 site increased six- and eightfold in red and white muscles from anoxic animals, respectively, but was unchanged in liver and heart. The phosphorylation state of the activating Thr389 site of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase was reduced under anoxia in red muscle and heart but was unaffected in liver and white muscle. Exposure to anoxia decreased 40S ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation in heart and promoted eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) dephosphorylation in red muscle, but surprisingly increased 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in white muscle. The changes in phosphorylation state of translation factors suggest that organ-specific patterns of signalling and response are involved in achieving the anoxia-induced suppression of protein synthesis in turtles.

  5. Phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK)-1/2 Is Associated with the Downregulation of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor (PPAR)-γ during Polymicrobial Sepsis

    PubMed Central

    Kaplan, Jennifer M; Hake, Paul W; Denenberg, Alvin; Nowell, Marchele; Piraino, Giovanna; Zingarelli, Basilia

    2010-01-01

    Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-γ is a ligand-activated transcription factor and regulates inflammation. Posttranslational modifications regulate the function of PPARγ, potentially affecting inflammation. PPARγ contains a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) site, and phosphorylation by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 leads to inhibition of PPARγ. This study investigated the kinetics of PPARγ expression and activation in parenchymal and immune cells in sepsis using the MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)-1 inhibitor, an upstream kinase of ERK1/2. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to polymicrobial sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Rats received intraperitoneal injection of vehicle or the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 (5 mg/kg) 30 min before cecal ligation and puncture. Rats were euthanized at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 18 h after cecal ligation and puncture. Control animals used were animals at time 0 h. Lung, plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected for biochemical assays. In vehicle-treated rats, polymicrobial sepsis resulted in significant lung injury. In the lung and PBMCs, nuclear levels of PPARγ were decreased and associated with an increase in phosphorylated PPARγ and phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels. Treatment with the MEK1 inhibitor increased the antiinflammatory plasma adipokine adiponectin, restored PPARγ expression in PBMCs and lung, and decreased lung injury. The inflammatory effects of sepsis cause changes in PPARγ expression and activation, in part, because of phosphorylation of PPARγ by ERK1/2. This phosphorylation can be reversed by ERK1/2 inhibition, thereby improving lung injury. PMID:20809049

  6. GLP-1 mediates antiapoptotic effect by phosphorylating Bad through a beta-arrestin 1-mediated ERK1/2 activation in pancreatic beta-cells.

    PubMed

    Quoyer, Julie; Longuet, Christine; Broca, Christophe; Linck, Nathalie; Costes, Safia; Varin, Elodie; Bockaert, Joël; Bertrand, Gyslaine; Dalle, Stéphane

    2010-01-15

    Strategies based on activating GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) are intensively developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The exhaustive knowledge of the signaling pathways linked to activated GLP-1R within the beta-cells is of major importance. In beta-cells, GLP-1 activates the ERK1/2 cascade by diverse pathways dependent on either Galpha(s)/cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) or beta-arrestin 1, a scaffold protein. Using pharmacological inhibitors, beta-arrestin 1 small interfering RNA, and islets isolated from beta-arrestin 1 knock-out mice, we demonstrate that GLP-1 stimulates ERK1/2 by two temporally distinct pathways. The PKA-dependent pathway mediates rapid and transient ERK1/2 phosphorylation that leads to nuclear translocation of the activated kinases. In contrast, the beta-arrestin 1-dependent pathway produces a late ERK1/2 activity that is restricted to the beta-cell cytoplasm. We further observe that GLP-1 phosphorylates the cytoplasmic proapoptotic protein Bad at Ser-112 but not at Ser-155. We find that the beta-arrestin 1-dependent ERK1/2 activation engaged by GLP-1 mediates the Ser-112 phosphorylation of Bad, through p90RSK activation, allowing the association of Bad with the scaffold protein 14-3-3, leading to its inactivation. beta-Arrestin 1 is further found to mediate the antiapoptotic effect of GLP-1 in beta-cells through the ERK1/2-p90RSK-phosphorylation of Bad. This new regulatory mechanism engaged by activated GLP-1R involving a beta-arrestin 1-dependent spatiotemporal regulation of the ERK1/2-p90RSK activity is now suspected to participate in the protection of beta-cells against apoptosis. Such signaling mechanism may serve as a prototype to generate new therapeutic GLP-1R ligands.

  7. Maintained activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3{beta} despite of its phosphorylation at serine-9 in okadaic acid-induced neurodegenerative model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lim, Yong-Whan; Yoon, Seung-Yong, E-mail: ysy@amc.seoul.kr; Institute for Biomacromolecules, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul

    2010-04-30

    Glycogen synthase kinase-3{beta} (GSK3{beta}) is recognized as one of major kinases to phosphorylate tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus lots of AD drug discoveries target GSK3{beta}. However, the inactive form of GSK3{beta} which is phosphorylated at serine-9 is increased in AD brains. This is also inconsistent with phosphorylation status of other GSK3{beta} substrates, such as {beta}-catenin and collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2) since their phosphorylation is all increased in AD brains. Thus, we addressed this paradoxical condition of AD in rat neurons treated with okadaic acid (OA) which inhibits protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) and induces tau hyperphosphorylation and cell death. Interestingly,more » OA also induces phosphorylation of GSK3{beta} at serine-9 and other substrates including tau, {beta}-catenin and CRMP2 like in AD brains. In this context, we observed that GSK3{beta} inhibitors such as lithium chloride and 6-bromoindirubin-3'-monoxime (6-BIO) reversed those phosphorylation events and protected neurons. These data suggest that GSK3{beta} may still have its kinase activity despite increase of its phosphorylation at serine-9 in AD brains at least in PP2A-compromised conditions and that GSK3{beta} inhibitors could be a valuable drug candidate in AD.« less

  8. Phosphorylation of RACK1 in plants

    DOE PAGES

    Chen, Jay -Gui

    2015-08-31

    Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) is a versatile scaffold protein that interacts with a large, diverse group of proteins to regulate various signaling cascades. RACK1 has been shown to regulate hormonal signaling, stress responses and multiple processes of growth and development in plants. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying these regulations. Recently, it has been demonstrated that Arabidopsis RACK1 is phosphorylated by an atypical serine/threonine protein kinase, WITH NO LYSINE 8 (WNK8). Furthermore, RACK1 phosphorylation by WNK8 negatively regulates RACK1 function by influencing its protein stability. In conclusion, these findings promote a new regulatory systemmore » in which the action of RACK1 is controlled by phosphorylation and subsequent protein degradation.« less

  9. Heat-shock protein-25/27 phosphorylation by the delta isoform of protein kinase C.

    PubMed Central

    Maizels, E T; Peters, C A; Kline, M; Cutler, R E; Shanmugam, M; Hunzicker-Dunn, M

    1998-01-01

    Small heat-shock proteins (sHSPs) are widely expressed 25-28 kDa proteins whose functions are dynamically regulated by phosphorylation. While recent efforts have clearly delineated a stress-responsive p38 mitogen-activated protein-kinase (MAPK)-dependent kinase pathway culminating in activation of the heat-shock (HSP)-kinases, mitogen-activated protein-kinase-activated protein kinase-2 and -3, not all sHSP phosphorylation events can be explained by the p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. The contribution of protein kinase C (PKC) to sHSP phosphorylation was suggested by early studies but later questioned on the basis of the reported poor ability of purified PKC to phosphorylate sHSP in vitro. The current study re-evaluates the role of PKC in sHSP phosphorylation in the light of the isoform complexity of the PKC family. We evaluated the sHSP phosphorylation status in rat corpora lutea obtained from two stages of pregnancy, mid-pregnancy and late-pregnancy, which express different levels of the novel PKC isoform, PKC-delta. Two-dimensional Western blot analysis showed that HSP-27 was more highly phosphorylated in vivo in corpora lutea of late pregnancy, corresponding to the developmental stage in which PKC-delta is abundant and active. Late-pregnant luteal extracts contained a lipid-sensitive HSP-kinase activity which exactly co-purified with PKC-delta using hydroxyapatite and S-Sepharose column chromatography. To determine whether there might be preferential phosphorylation of sHSP by a particular PKC isoform, purified recombinant PKC isoforms corresponding to those PKC isoforms detected in rat corpora lutea were evaluated for HSP-kinase activity in vitro. Recombinant PKC-delta effectively catalysed the phosphorylation of sHSP in vitro, and PKC-alpha was 30-50% as effective as an HSP-kinase; other PKCs tested (beta1, beta2, epsilon and zeta) were poor HSP-kinases. These results show that select PKC family members can function as direct HSP-kinases in vitro. Moreover, the

  10. Kinome Analysis of Receptor-Induced Phosphorylation in Human Natural Killer Cells

    PubMed Central

    König, Sebastian; Nimtz, Manfred; Scheiter, Maxi; Ljunggren, Hans-Gustaf; Bryceson, Yenan T.; Jänsch, Lothar

    2012-01-01

    Background Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to the defense against infected and transformed cells through the engagement of multiple germline-encoded activation receptors. Stimulation of the Fc receptor CD16 alone is sufficient for NK cell activation, whereas other receptors, such as 2B4 (CD244) and DNAM-1 (CD226), act synergistically. After receptor engagement, protein kinases play a major role in signaling networks controlling NK cell effector functions. However, it has not been characterized systematically which of all kinases encoded by the human genome (kinome) are involved in NK cell activation. Results A kinase-selective phosphoproteome approach enabled the determination of 188 kinases expressed in human NK cells. Crosslinking of CD16 as well as 2B4 and DNAM-1 revealed a total of 313 distinct kinase phosphorylation sites on 109 different kinases. Phosphorylation sites on 21 kinases were similarly regulated after engagement of either CD16 or co-engagement of 2B4 and DNAM-1. Among those, increased phosphorylation of FYN, KCC2G (CAMK2), FES, and AAK1, as well as the reduced phosphorylation of MARK2, were reproducibly observed both after engagement of CD16 and co-engagement of 2B4 and DNAM-1. Notably, only one phosphorylation on PAK4 was differentally regulated. Conclusions The present study has identified a significant portion of the NK cell kinome and defined novel phosphorylation sites in primary lymphocytes. Regulated phosphorylations observed in the early phase of NK cell activation imply these kinases are involved in NK cell signaling. Taken together, this study suggests a largely shared signaling pathway downstream of distinct activation receptors and constitutes a valuable resource for further elucidating the regulation of NK cell effector responses. PMID:22238634

  11. Recombinant production of enzymatically active male contraceptive drug target hTSSK2 - Localization of the TSKS domain phosphorylated by TSSK2.

    PubMed

    Shetty, Jagathpala; Sinville, Rondedrick; Shumilin, Igor A; Minor, Wladek; Zhang, Jianhai; Hawkinson, Jon E; Georg, Gunda I; Flickinger, Charles J; Herr, John C

    2016-05-01

    The testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 2 (TSSK2) has been proposed as a candidate male contraceptive target. Development of a selective inhibitor for this kinase first necessitates the production of highly purified, soluble human TSSK2 and its substrate, TSKS, with high yields and retention of biological activity for crystallography and compound screening. Strategies to produce full-length, soluble, biologically active hTSSK2 in baculovirus expression systems were tested and refined. Soluble preparations of TSSK2 were purified by immobilized-metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) followed by gel filtration chromatography. The biological activities of rec.hTSSK2 were verified by in vitro kinase and mobility shift assays using bacterially produced hTSKS (isoform 2), casein, glycogen synthase peptide (GS peptide) and various TSKS peptides as target substrates. Purified recombinant hTSSK2 showed robust kinase activity in the in vitro kinase assay by phosphorylating hTSKS isoform 2 and casein. The ATP Km values were similar for highly and partially purified fractions of hTSSK2 (2.2 and 2.7 μM, respectively). The broad spectrum kinase inhibitor staurosporine was a potent inhibitor of rec.hTSSK2 (IC50 = 20 nM). In vitro phosphorylation experiments carried out with TSKS (isoform 1) fragments revealed particularly strong phosphorylation of a recombinant N-terminal region representing aa 1-150 of TSKS, indicating that the N-terminus of human TSKS is phosphorylated by human TSSK2. Production of full-length enzymatically active recombinant TSSK2 kinase represents the achievement of a key benchmark for future discovery of TSSK inhibitors as male contraceptive agents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Phosphorylation at Ser-181 of oncogenic KRAS is required for tumor growth.

    PubMed

    Barceló, Carles; Paco, Noelia; Morell, Mireia; Alvarez-Moya, Blanca; Bota-Rabassedas, Neus; Jaumot, Montserrat; Vilardell, Felip; Capella, Gabriel; Agell, Neus

    2014-02-15

    KRAS phosphorylation has been reported recently to modulate the activity of mutant KRAS protein in vitro. In this study, we defined S181 as a specific phosphorylation site required to license the oncogenic function of mutant KRAS in vivo. The phosphomutant S181A failed to induce tumors in mice, whereas the phosphomimetic mutant S181D exhibited an enhanced tumor formation capacity, compared with the wild-type KRAS protein. Reduced growth of tumors composed of cells expressing the nonphosphorylatable KRAS S181A mutant was correlated with increased apoptosis. Conversely, increased growth of tumors composed of cells expressing the phosphomimetic KRAS S181D mutant was correlated with increased activation of AKT and ERK, two major downstream effectors of KRAS. Pharmacologic treatment with PKC inhibitors impaired tumor growth associated with reduced levels of phosphorylated KRAS and reduced effector activation. In a panel of human tumor cell lines expressing various KRAS isoforms, we showed that KRAS phosphorylation was essential for survival and tumorigenic activity. Furthermore, we identified phosphorylated KRAS in a panel of primary human pancreatic tumors. Taken together, our findings establish that KRAS requires S181 phosphorylation to manifest its oncogenic properties, implying that its inhibition represents a relevant target to attack KRAS-driven tumors. ©2013 AACR.

  13. Activation of the HMGB1-RAGE axis upregulates TH expression in dopaminergic neurons via JNK phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Kim, Soo Jeong; Ryu, Min Jeong; Han, Jeongsu; Jang, Yunseon; Kim, Jungim; Lee, Min Joung; Ryu, Ilhwan; Ju, Xianshu; Oh, Eungseok; Chung, Woosuk; Kweon, Gi Ryang; Heo, Jun Young

    2017-11-04

    The derangement of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity reduces dopamine synthesis and is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. However, the extracellular modulator and intracellular regulatory mechanisms of TH have yet to be identified. Recently, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was reported to be actively secreted from glial cells and is regarded as a mediator of dopaminergic neuronal loss. However, the mechanism for how HMGB1 affects TH expression, particularly through the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), has not yet been investigated. We found that recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) upregulates TH mRNA expression via simultaneous activation of JNK phosphorylation, and this induction of TH expression is blocked by inhibitors of RAGE and JNK. To investigate how TH expression levels change through the HMGB1-RAGE axis as a result of MPP + toxicity, we co-treated SN4741 dopaminergic cells with MPP + and rHMGB1. rHMGB1 blocked the reduction of TH mRNA following MPP + treatment without altering cell survival rates. Our results suggest that HMGB1 upregulates TH expression to maintain dopaminergic neuronal function via activating RAGE, which is dependent on JNK phosphorylation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Mechanochemical Phosphorylation and Solubilisation of β-D-Glucan from Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Its Biological Activities

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Feng; Shi, Jikui; Li, Yongfu

    2014-01-01

    To obtain a water-soluble β-D-glucan derivative cleanly and conveniently, a highly efficient mechanochemical method, planetary ball milling, was used to phosphorylate β-D-glucan isolated from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in solid state. Soluble β-D-glucan phosphate (GP) with a high degree of substitution (0.77–2.09) and an apparent PEAK molecular weight of 6.6–10.0 kDa was produced when β-D-glucan was co-milled with sodium hexametaphosphate at 139.5–186.0 rad/s for 12–20 min. The energy transferred was 3.03–11.98 KJ/g. The phosphorylation of GPs was demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13C and 31P Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Three GP products with different degree of substitution (DS) and degree of polymerisation (DP) were able to upregulate the functional events mediated by activated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, among which GP-2 with a DS of 1.24 and DP of 30.5 exerted the highest immunostimulating activity. Our results indicate that mechanochemical processing is an efficient method for preparing water-soluble and biologically active GP with high DS. PMID:25075740

  15. Study of phosphorylation of translation elongation factor 2 (EF-2) from wheat germ.

    PubMed

    Smailov, S K; Lee, A V; Iskakov, B K

    1993-04-26

    Phosphorylation of elongation factor 2 (EF-2) by specific Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase is considered as a possible mechanism of regulation of protein biosynthesis in animal cells at the level of polypeptide chain elongation. In this report we show that wheat germ EF-2 can be intensively phosphorylated by the rabbit reticulocyte EF-2 kinase. Phosphorylation results in inhibition of the activity of plant EF-2 in poly(U)-dependent cell-free translation system. Thus, the activity of EF-2 in plant cells can be potentially regulated by phosphorylation. However, we could not detect endogenous EF-2 kinase activity in wheat germ either in vitro or in vivo. Furthermore, EF-2 kinase activity is not displayed in different organs of wheat and other higher plants.

  16. Functional activation of mutant p53V172F by platinum analogs in cisplatin-resistant human tumor cells is dependent on serine-20 phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Xiaolei; He, Guangan; Siddik, Zahid H.

    2017-01-01

    Dysfunctionality of the p53 tumor suppressor is a major cause of therapeutic drug resistance in cancer. Recently we reported that mutant, but otherwise functional, p53V172F was inactivated in cisplatin-resistant 2780CP/Cl-16 and 2780CP/Cl-24 human ovarian tumor cells by increased recruitment of the inhibitor MDM4. The current study demonstrates that, unlike cisplatin, platinum analogs oxaliplatin and DACH-diacetato-dichloro-Pt(IV) (DAP), strongly stabilize and activate p53V172F in resistant cells, as indicated by prolonged p53 half-life and transactivation of targets p21 (CDKN1A) and MDM2. This increase in MDM2 reduced MDM4 levels in cell lysates as well as the p53 immunocomplex and prevented reversion of p53 to the inactive p53-MDM2-MDM4 bound state. Phosphorylation of p53 at Ser15 was demonstrated by all three drugs in sensitive A2780 and corresponding resistant 2780CP/Cl-16 and 2780CP/Cl-24 cell lines. However, cisplatin induced Ser20 phosphorylation in A2780 cells only, but not in resistant cells; in contrast, both DAP and oxaliplatin induced this phosphorylation in all three cell lines. The inference that Ser20 phosphorylation is more important for p53 activation was confirmed by ectopic expression of a phosphomimetic (S20D) mutant p53 that displayed reduced binding, relative to wild-type p53, to both MDM2 and MDM4 in p53-knockout A2780 cells. In consonance, temporal studies demonstrated drug-induced Ser15 phosphorylation coincided with p53 stabilization, whereas Ser20 phosphorylation coincided with p53 transactivation. Implications Cisplatin fails to activate the pathway involved in phosphorylating mutant p53V172F at Ser20 in resistant cells, but this phosphorylation is restored by oxaliplatin and DAP that reactivates p53 function and circumvents cisplatin resistance. PMID:28031409

  17. Cytokines Alter Glucocorticoid Receptor Phosphorylation in Airway Cells

    PubMed Central

    Bouazza, Belaid; Krytska, Kateryna; Debba-Pavard, Manel; Amrani, Yassine; Honkanen, Richard E.; Tran, Jennifer

    2012-01-01

    Corticosteroid insensitivity (CSI) represents a profound challenge in managing patients with asthma. We recently demonstrated that short exposure of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) to proasthmatic cytokines drastically reduced their responsiveness to glucocorticoids (GCs), an effect that was partially mediated via interferon regulatory factor-1, suggesting the involvement of additional mechanisms (Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2008;38:463–472). Although GC receptor (GR) can be phosphorylated at multiple serines in the N-terminal region, the major phosphorylation sites critical for GR transcriptional activity are serines 211 (Ser211) and 226 (Ser226). We tested the novel hypothesis that cytokine-induced CSI in ASMCs is due to an impaired GR phosphorylation. Cells were treated with TNF-α (10 ng/ml) and IFN-γ (500 UI/ml) for 6 hours and/or fluticasone (100 nm) added 2 hours before. GR was constitutively phosphorylated at Ser226 but not at Ser211 residues. Cytokines dramatically suppressed fluticasone-induced phosphorylation of GR on Ser211 but not on Ser226 residues while increasing the expression of Ser/Thr protein phosphatase (PP)5 but not that of PP1 or PP2A. Transfection studies using a reporter construct containing GC responsive elements showed that the specific small interfering RNA–induced mRNA knockdown of PP5, but not that of PP1 or PP2A, partially prevented the cytokine suppressive effects on GR-meditated transactivation activity. Similarly, cytokines failed to inhibit GC-induced GR-Ser211 phosphorylation when expression of PP5 was suppressed. We propose that the novel mechanism that proasthmatic cytokine-induced CSI in ASMCs is due, in part, to PP5-mediated impairment of GR-Ser211 phosphorylation. PMID:22592921

  18. Exercise increases TBC1D1 phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle

    PubMed Central

    Jessen, Niels; An, Ding; Lihn, Aina S.; Nygren, Jonas; Hirshman, Michael F.; Thorell, Anders

    2011-01-01

    Exercise and weight loss are cornerstones in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes, and both interventions function to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake into skeletal muscle. Studies in rodents demonstrate that the underlying mechanism for glucose uptake in muscle involves site-specific phosphorylation of the Rab-GTPase-activating proteins AS160 (TBC1D4) and TBC1D1. Multiple kinases, including Akt and AMPK, phosphorylate TBC1D1 and AS160 on distinct residues, regulating their activity and allowing for GLUT4 translocation. In contrast to extensive rodent-based studies, the regulation of AS160 and TBC1D1 in human skeletal muscle is not well understood. In this study, we determined the effects of dietary intervention and a single bout of exercise on TBC1D1 and AS160 site-specific phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle. Ten obese (BMI 33.4 ± 2.4, M-value 4.3 ± 0.5) subjects were studied at baseline and after a 2-wk dietary intervention. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the subjects in the resting (basal) state and immediately following a 30-min exercise bout (70% V̇o2 max). Muscle lysates were analyzed for AMPK activity and Akt phosphorylation and for TBC1D1 and AS160 phosphorylation on known or putative AMPK and Akt sites as follows: AS160 Ser711 (AMPK), TBC1D1 Ser231 (AMPK), TBC1D1 Ser660 (AMPK), TBC1D1 Ser700 (AMPK), and TBC1D1 Thr590 (Akt). The diet intervention that consisted of a major shift in the macronutrient composition resulted in a 4.2 ± 0.4 kg weight loss (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in insulin sensitivity (M value 5.6 ± 0.6), but surprisingly, there was no effect on expression or phosphorylation of any of the muscle-signaling proteins. Exercise increased muscle AMPKα2 activity but did not increase Akt phosphorylation. Exercise increased phosphorylation on AS160 Ser711, TBC1D1 Ser231, and TBC1D1 Ser660 but had no effect on TBC1D1 Ser700. Exercise did not increase TBC1D1 Thr590 phosphorylation or TBC1D1/AS160 PAS

  19. Phosphorylation-mediated PTEN conformational closure and deactivation revealed with protein semisynthesis

    PubMed Central

    Bolduc, David; Rahdar, Meghdad; Tu-Sekine, Becky; Sivakumaren, Sindhu Carmen; Raben, Daniel; Amzel, L Mario; Devreotes, Peter; Gabelli, Sandra B; Cole, Philip

    2013-01-01

    The tumor suppressor PIP3 phosphatase PTEN is phosphorylated on four clustered Ser/Thr on its C-terminal tail (aa 380–385) and these phosphorylations are proposed to induce a reduction in PTEN’s plasma membrane recruitment. How these phosphorylations affect the structure and enzymatic function of PTEN is poorly understood. To gain insight into the mechanistic basis of PTEN regulation by phosphorylation, we generated semisynthetic site-specifically tetra-phosphorylated PTEN using expressed protein ligation. By employing a combination of biophysical and enzymatic approaches, we have found that purified tail-phosphorylated PTEN relative to its unphosphorylated counterpart shows reduced catalytic activity and membrane affinity and undergoes conformational compaction likely involving an intramolecular interaction between its C-tail and the C2 domain. Our results suggest that there is a competition between membrane phospholipids and PTEN phospho-tail for binding to the C2 domain. These findings reveal a key aspect of PTEN’s regulation and suggest pharmacologic approaches for direct PTEN activation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00691.001 PMID:23853711

  20. Study of ATM Phosphorylation by Cdk5 in Neuronal Cells.

    PubMed

    She, Hua; Mao, Zixu

    2017-01-01

    The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-like kinase ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) plays a central role in coordinating the DNA damage responses including cell cycle checkpoint control, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Mutations of ATM cause a spectrum of defects ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer predisposition. We previously showed that Cdk5 (cyclin-dependent kinase 5) is activated by DNA damage and directly phosphorylates ATM at serine 794 in postmitotic neurons. Phosphorylation at serine 794 precedes and is required for ATM autophosphorylation at serine 1981, and activates ATM kinase activity. Cdk5-ATM pathway plays a crucial role in DNA damage-induced neuronal injury. This chapter describes protocols used in analyzing ATM phosphorylation by Cdk5 in CGNs (cerebellar granule neurons) and its effects on neuronal survival.

  1. Factor Xa Inhibitor Suppresses the Release of Phosphorylated HSP27 from Collagen-Stimulated Human Platelets: Inhibition of HSP27 Phosphorylation via p44/p42 MAP Kinase

    PubMed Central

    Tsujimoto, Masanori; Kuroyanagi, Gen; Matsushima-Nishiwaki, Rie; Kito, Yuko; Enomoto, Yukiko; Iida, Hiroki; Ogura, Shinji; Otsuka, Takanobu; Tokuda, Haruhiko; Kozawa, Osamu; Iwama, Toru

    2016-01-01

    Selective inhibitors of factor Xa (FXa) are widely recognized as useful therapeutic tools for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation or venous thrombosis. Thrombin, which is rapidly generated from pro-thrombin through the activation of factor X to FXa, acts as a potent activator of human platelets. Thus, the reduction of thrombin generation by FXa inhibitor eventually causes a suppressive effect on platelet aggregation. However, little is known whether FXa inhibitors directly affect the function of human platelets. We have previously reported that collagen induces the phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), a low-molecular weight heat shock protein via Rac-dependent activation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in human platelets, eventually resulting in the release of HSP27. In the present study, we investigated the direct effect of FXa inhibitor on the collagen-induced human platelet activation. Rivaroxaban as well as edoxaban significantly reduced the collagen-induced phosphorylation of both HSP27 and p44/p42 MAP kinase without affecting the platelet aggregation. Rivaroxaban significantly inhibited the release of phosphorylated HSP27 from collagen-stimulated platelets but not the secretion of platelet derived growth factor-AB. In patients administrated with rivaroxaban, the collagen-induced levels of phosphorylated HSP27 were markedly diminished after 2 days of administration, which failed to affect the platelet aggregation. These results strongly suggest that FXa inhibitor reduces the collagen-stimulated release of phosphorylated HSP27 from human platelets due to the inhibition of HSP27 phosphorylation via p44/p42 MAP kinase. PMID:26867010

  2. Factor Xa Inhibitor Suppresses the Release of Phosphorylated HSP27 from Collagen-Stimulated Human Platelets: Inhibition of HSP27 Phosphorylation via p44/p42 MAP Kinase.

    PubMed

    Tsujimoto, Masanori; Kuroyanagi, Gen; Matsushima-Nishiwaki, Rie; Kito, Yuko; Enomoto, Yukiko; Iida, Hiroki; Ogura, Shinji; Otsuka, Takanobu; Tokuda, Haruhiko; Kozawa, Osamu; Iwama, Toru

    2016-01-01

    Selective inhibitors of factor Xa (FXa) are widely recognized as useful therapeutic tools for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation or venous thrombosis. Thrombin, which is rapidly generated from pro-thrombin through the activation of factor X to FXa, acts as a potent activator of human platelets. Thus, the reduction of thrombin generation by FXa inhibitor eventually causes a suppressive effect on platelet aggregation. However, little is known whether FXa inhibitors directly affect the function of human platelets. We have previously reported that collagen induces the phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), a low-molecular weight heat shock protein via Rac-dependent activation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in human platelets, eventually resulting in the release of HSP27. In the present study, we investigated the direct effect of FXa inhibitor on the collagen-induced human platelet activation. Rivaroxaban as well as edoxaban significantly reduced the collagen-induced phosphorylation of both HSP27 and p44/p42 MAP kinase without affecting the platelet aggregation. Rivaroxaban significantly inhibited the release of phosphorylated HSP27 from collagen-stimulated platelets but not the secretion of platelet derived growth factor-AB. In patients administrated with rivaroxaban, the collagen-induced levels of phosphorylated HSP27 were markedly diminished after 2 days of administration, which failed to affect the platelet aggregation. These results strongly suggest that FXa inhibitor reduces the collagen-stimulated release of phosphorylated HSP27 from human platelets due to the inhibition of HSP27 phosphorylation via p44/p42 MAP kinase.

  3. The increase of cell-membranous phosphatidylcholines containing polyunsaturated fatty acid residues induces phosphorylation of p53 through activation of ATR

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Xu Hannah; Zhao, Chunying; Ma, Zhongmin Alex

    2010-01-01

    Summary The G1 phase of the cell cycle is marked by the rapid turnover of phospholipids. This turnover is regulated by CTP:phosphocholine-cytidylyltransferase (CCT) and group VIA Ca2+-independent-phospholipase A2 (iPLA2). We previously reported that inhibition of iPLA2 arrests cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle by activating the p53-p21 checkpoint. Here we further characterize the mechanism of p53 activation. We show that specific inhibition of iPLA2 induces a time dependent phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 in the absence of DNA damage. This phosphorylation requires the kinase ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad-3-related (ATR) but not the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase. Moreover, we identify in cell membranes a significant increase of phosphatidylcholines (PCs) containing chains of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease of PCs containing saturated fatty acids in response to inhibition of iPLA2. The time course of phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 correlates with increasing levels of PCs containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. We further demonstrate that the PCs with linoleic acid in their sn-2 position (18:2n6) induce phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 in an ATR-dependent manner. Our findings establish that cells can regulate the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids through iPLA2-mediated deacylation of PCs. Disruption of this regulation increases the proportions of PCs containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and activates the ATR-p53 signalling pathway. PMID:18032786

  4. The increase of cell-membranous phosphatidylcholines containing polyunsaturated fatty acid residues induces phosphorylation of p53 through activation of ATR.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xu Hannah; Zhao, Chunying; Ma, Zhongmin Alex

    2007-12-01

    The G1 phase of the cell cycle is marked by the rapid turnover of phospholipids. This turnover is regulated by CTP:phosphocholine-cytidylyltransferase (CCT) and group VIA Ca(2+)-independent-phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)). We previously reported that inhibition of iPLA(2) arrests cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle by activating the p53-p21 checkpoint. Here we further characterize the mechanism of p53 activation. We show that specific inhibition of iPLA(2) induces a time dependent phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 in the absence of DNA damage. This phosphorylation requires the kinase ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad-3-related (ATR) but not the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase. Moreover, we identify in cell membranes a significant increase of phosphatidylcholines (PCs) containing chains of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease of PCs containing saturated fatty acids in response to inhibition of iPLA(2). The time course of phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 correlates with increasing levels of PCs containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. We further demonstrate that the PCs with linoleic acid in their sn-2 position (18:2n6) induce phosphorylation of Ser15 in p53 in an ATR-dependent manner. Our findings establish that cells can regulate the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipids through iPLA(2)-mediated deacylation of PCs. Disruption of this regulation increases the proportions of PCs containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and activates the ATR-p53 signalling pathway.

  5. Phosphorylation of Rpt6 regulates synaptic strength in hippocampal neurons.

    PubMed

    Djakovic, Stevan N; Marquez-Lona, Esther M; Jakawich, Sonya K; Wright, Rebecca; Chu, Carissa; Sutton, Michael A; Patrick, Gentry N

    2012-04-11

    It has become increasingly evident that protein degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system plays a fundamental role in the development, maintenance and remodeling of synaptic connections in the CNS. We and others have recently described the activity-dependent regulation of proteasome activity and recruitment of proteasomes into spine compartments involving the phosphorylation of the 19S ATPase subunit, Rpt6, by the plasticity kinase Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II α (CaMKIIα) (Bingol and Schuman, 2006; Djakovic et al., 2009; Bingol et al, 2010). Here, we investigated the role of Rpt6 phosphorylation on proteasome function and synaptic strength. Utilizing a phospho-specific antibody we verified that Rpt6 is phosphorylated at Serine 120 (S120) by CaMKIIα. In addition, we found that Rpt6 is phosphorylated by CaMKIIα in an activity-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that a serine 120 to aspartic acid phospho-mimetic mutant of Rpt6 (S120D) increases its resistance to detergent extraction in rat hippocampal dendrites, indicating phosphorylated Rpt6 may promote the tethering of proteasomes to scaffolds and cytoskeletal components. Expression of Rpt6 S120D decreased miniature EPSC (mEPSC) amplitude, while expression of a phospho-dead mutant (S120A) increased mEPSC amplitude. Surprisingly, homeostatic scaling of mEPSC amplitude produced by chronic application of bicuculline or tetrodotoxin is both mimicked and occluded by altered Rpt6 phosphorylation. Together, these data suggest that CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of Rpt6 at S120 may be an important regulatory mechanism for proteasome-dependent control of synaptic remodeling in slow homeostatic plasticity.

  6. Phosphorylation of Rpt6 regulates synaptic strength in hippocampal neurons

    PubMed Central

    Djakovic, Stevan N.; Marquez-Lona, Esther M.; Jakawich, Sonya K.; Wright, Rebecca; Chu, Carissa; Sutton, Michael A.; Patrick, Gentry N.

    2012-01-01

    It has become increasingly evident that protein degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system plays a fundamental role in the development, maintenance and remodeling of synaptic connections in the central nervous system. We and others have recently described the activity-dependent regulation of proteasome activity (Djakovic et al., 2009) and recruitment of proteasomes into spine compartments (Bingol and Schuman, 2006) involving the phosphorylation of the 19S ATPase subunit, Rpt6, by the plasticity kinase Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II alpha CaMKIIα) (Bingol et al., 2010). Here, we investigated the role of Rpt6 phosphorylation on proteasome function and synaptic strength. Utilizing a phospho-specific antibody we verified that Rpt6 is phosphorylated at Serine 120 (S120) by CaMKIIα. In addition, we found that Rpt6 is phosphorylated by CaMKIIα in an activity-dependent manner. In addition, we showed that a serine 120 to aspartic acid phospho-mimetic mutant of Rpt6 (S120D) increases its resistance to detergent extraction in rat hippocampal dendrites, indicating phosphorylated Rpt6 may promote the tethering of proteasomes to scaffolds and cytoskeletal components. Interestingly, expression of Rpt6 S120D decreased miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) amplitude, while expression of a phospho-dead mutant (S120A) increased mEPSC amplitude. Surprisingly, homeostatic scaling of mEPSC amplitude produced by chronic application of bicuculline or tetrodotoxin is both mimicked and occluded by altered Rpt6 phosphorylation. Together these data suggest that CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of Rpt6 at S120 may be an important regulatory mechanism for proteasome-dependent control of synaptic remodeling in slow homeostatic plasticity. PMID:22496558

  7. Increases in cAMP, MAPK Activity and CREB Phosphorylation during REM Sleep: Implications for REM Sleep and Memory Consolidation

    PubMed Central

    Luo, Jie; Phan, Trongha X.; Yang, Yimei; Garelick, Michael G.; Storm, Daniel R.

    2013-01-01

    The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcriptional pathway is required for consolidation of hippocampus-dependent memory. In mice, this pathway undergoes a circadian oscillation required for memory persistence that reaches a peak during the daytime. Since mice exhibit polyphasic sleep patterns during the day, this suggested the interesting possibility that cAMP, MAPK activity and CREB phosphorylation may be elevated during sleep. Here, we report that cAMP, phospho-p44/42 MAPK and phospho-CREB are higher in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep compared to awake mice but are not elevated in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This peak of activity during REM sleep does not occur in mice lacking calmodulin-stimulated adenylyl cyclases, a mouse strain that learns but cannot consolidate hippocampus-dependent memory. We conclude that a preferential increase in cAMP, MAPK activity and CREB phosphorylation during REM sleep may contribute to hippocampus-dependent memory consolidation. PMID:23575844

  8. PROLACTIN-INDUCED TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION, ACTIVATION AND RECEPTOR ASSOCIATION OF FOCAL ADHESION KINASE (FAK) IN MAMMARY EPITHELIAL CELLS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Prolactin-Induced Tyrosine Phosphorylation, Activation and Receptor
    Association of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) in Mammary Epithelial Cells.
    Suzanne E. Fenton1 and Lewis G. Sheffield2. 1U.S. Environmental Protection
    Agency, MD-72, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, and

  9. NBS1 Phosphorylation Status Dictates Repair Choice of Dysfunctional Telomeres.

    PubMed

    Rai, Rekha; Hu, Chunyi; Broton, Cayla; Chen, Yong; Lei, Ming; Chang, Sandy

    2017-03-02

    Telomeres employ TRF2 to protect chromosome ends from activating the DNA damage sensor MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN), thereby repressing ATM-dependent DNA damage checkpoint responses. How TRF2 prevents MRN activation at dysfunctional telomeres is unclear. Here, we show that the phosphorylation status of NBS1 determines the repair pathway choice of dysfunctional telomeres. The crystal structure of the TRF2-NBS1 complex at 3.0 Å resolution shows that the NBS1 429 YQLSP 433 motif interacts specifically with the TRF2 TRFH domain. Phosphorylation of NBS1 serine 432 by CDK2 in S/G2 dissociates NBS1 from TRF2, promoting TRF2-Apollo/SNM1B complex formation and the protection of leading-strand telomeres. Classical-NHEJ-mediated repair of telomeres lacking TRF2 requires phosphorylated NBS1 S432 to activate ATM, while interaction of de-phosphorylated NBS1 S432 with TRF2 promotes alternative-NHEJ repair of telomeres lacking POT1-TPP1. Our work advances understanding of how the TRF2 TRFH domain orchestrates telomere end protection and reveals how the phosphorylation status of the NBS1 S432 dictates repair pathway choice of dysfunctional telomeres. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Regulatory Phosphorylation of Ikaros by Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Jian; Ishkhanian, Rita; Uckun, Fatih M.

    2013-01-01

    Diminished Ikaros function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. Therefore, a stringent regulation of Ikaros is of paramount importance for normal lymphocyte ontogeny. Here we provide genetic and biochemical evidence for a previously unknown function of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) as a partner and posttranslational regulator of Ikaros, a zinc finger-containing DNA-binding protein that plays a pivotal role in immune homeostasis. We demonstrate that BTK phosphorylates Ikaros at unique phosphorylation sites S214 and S215 in the close vicinity of its zinc finger 4 (ZF4) within the DNA binding domain, thereby augmenting its nuclear localization and sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Our results further demonstrate that BTK-induced activating phosphorylation is critical for the optimal transcription factor function of Ikaros. PMID:23977012

  11. Casein kinase-mediated phosphorylation of serine 839 is necessary for basolateral localization of the Ca²⁺-activated non-selective cation channel TRPM4.

    PubMed

    Cerda, Oscar; Cáceres, Mónica; Park, Kang-Sik; Leiva-Salcedo, Elías; Romero, Aníbal; Varela, Diego; Trimmer, James S; Stutzin, Andrés

    2015-08-01

    Transient receptor potential melastatin-like 4 (TRPM4) is a Ca(2+)-activated non-selective cation channel expressed in a wide range of human tissues. TRPM4 participates in a variety of physiological processes such as T cell activation, myogenic vasoconstriction, and allergic reactions. TRPM4 Ca(2+) sensitivity is enhanced by calmodulin (CaM) and phosphathydilinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) binding, as well as, under certain conditions, PKC activation. However, information as to the mechanisms of modulation of this channel remains unknown, including direct identification of phosphorylation sites on TRPM4 and their role in channel features. Here, we use mass-spectrometric-based proteomic approaches (immunoprecipitation and tandem mass spectrometry) to unambiguously identify S839 as a phosphorylation site present on human TRPM4 expressed in a human cell line. Site-directed mutagenesis employing a serine to alanine mutation to eliminate phosphorylation, and a phospho-mimetic aspartate mutation, as well as biochemical and immunocytochemical experiments, revealed a role for S839 phosphorylation in the basolateral expression of TRPM4 channels in epithelial cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that casein kinase 1 (CK1) phosphorylates S839 and is responsible for the basolateral localization of TRPM4.

  12. delta opioid receptors stimulate Akt-dependent phosphorylation of c-jun in T cells.

    PubMed

    Shahabi, Nahid A; McAllen, Kathy; Sharp, Burt M

    2006-02-01

    Activation of naive T cells markedly up-regulates the expression of delta opioid receptors (DORs). These receptors are bound by DOR peptides released by T cells, modulating T cell functions such as interleukin-2 production, cellular proliferation, and chemotaxis. Previous studies have shown that DOR agonists [e.g., [D-Ala(2)-D-Leu(5)]-enkephalin (DADLE)] modulate T cell antigen receptor signaling through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; i.e., extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2) and that DORs directly induce phosphorylation of activating transcription factor-2 (implicated in cytokine gene transcription) and its association with the MAPK c-jun1 NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). Such observations suggest that DORs may induce the phosphorylation of c-jun. These experiments were performed to test this hypothesis and determine the potential roles of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt (protein kinase B). DADLE (10(-10) to 10(-6) M) dose-dependently induced c-jun phosphorylation. This was blocked by pertussis toxin and the DOR-specific antagonist naltindole. Fluorescence flow cytometry showed that DADLE significantly stimulated c-jun phosphorylation by T cells. DADLE stimulated phosphorylation of membrane-associated Akt; wortmannin and LY294002 ([2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one]), specific inhibitors of PI3K, abolished the DADLE-induced phosphorylation of c-jun. Finally, inhibitors of Akt and JNK blocked DADLE-induced phosphorylation of c-jun. Thus, activated DORs directly stimulate c-jun phosphorylation through a PI3K-dependent pathway in T cells, apparently involving Akt. This implies that DORs activate JNK through a novel pathway dependent on PI3K and Akt, thereby regulating the function of activator protein-1 transcription complexes containing c-jun and other transcription partners.

  13. Isoform-specific and Protein Kinase C-mediated Regulation of CTP:Phosphoethanolamine Cytidylyltransferase Phosphorylation*

    PubMed Central

    Pavlovic, Zvezdan; Zhu, Lin; Pereira, Leanne; Singh, Ratnesh Kumar; Cornell, Rosemary B.; Bakovic, Marica

    2014-01-01

    CTP:phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase (Pcyt2) is the main regulatory enzyme for de novo biosynthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine by the CDP-ethanolamine pathway. There are two isoforms of Pcyt2, -α and -β; however, very little is known about their specific roles in this important metabolic pathway. We previously demonstrated increased phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis subsequent to elevated activity and phosphorylation of Pcyt2α and -β in MCF-7 breast cancer cells grown under conditions of serum deficiency. Mass spectroscopy analyses of Pcyt2 provided evidence for isoform-specific as well as shared phosphorylations. Pcyt2β was specifically phosphorylated at the end of the first cytidylyltransferase domain. Pcyt2α was phosphorylated within the α-specific motif that is spliced out in Pcyt2β and on two PKC consensus serine residues, Ser-215 and Ser-223. Single and double mutations of PKC consensus sites reduced Pcyt2α phosphorylation, activity, and phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis by 50–90%. The phosphorylation and activity of endogenous Pcyt2 were dramatically increased with phorbol esters and reduced by specific PKC inhibitors. In vitro translated Pcyt2α was phosphorylated by PKCα, PKCβI, and PKCβII. Pcyt2α Ser-215 was also directly phosphorylated with PKCα. Mapping of the Pcyt2α- and -β-phosphorylated sites to the solved structure of a human Pcyt2β showed that they clustered within and flanking the central linker region that connects the two catalytic domains and is a novel regulatory segment not present in other cytidylyltransferases. This study is the first to demonstrate differences in phosphorylation between Pcyt2 isoforms and to uncover the role of the PKC-regulated phosphorylation. PMID:24519946

  14. Smad3 linker phosphorylation attenuates Smad3 transcriptional activity and TGF-β1/Smad3-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Bae, Eunjin; Kim, Seong-Jin; Hong, Suntaek; Liu, Fang; Ooshima, Akira

    2012-10-26

    Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has a distinct role in renal fibrosis associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the renal tubules and synthesis of extracellular matrix. Smad3 plays an essential role in fibrosis initiated by EMT. Phosphorylation of Smad3 in the C-terminal SSXS motif by type I TGF-β receptor kinase is essential for mediating TGF-β response. Smad3 activity is also regulated by phosphorylation in the linker region. However, the functional role of Smad3 linker phosphorylation is not well characterized. We now show that Smad3 EPSM mutant, which mutated the four phosphorylation sites in the linker region, markedly enhanced TGF-β1-induced EMT of Smad3-deficient primary renal tubular epithelial cells, whereas Smad3 3S-A mutant, which mutated the C-terminal phosphorylation sites, was unable to induce EMT in response to TGF-β1. Furthermore, immunoblotting and RT-PCR analysis showed a marked induction of fibrogenic gene expression with a significant reduction in E-cadherin in HK2 human renal epithelial cells expressing Smad3 EPSM. TGF-β1 could not induce the expression of α-SMA, vimentin, fibronectin and PAI-1 or reduce the expression of E-cadherin in HK2 cells expressing Smad3 3S-A in response to TGF-β1. Our results suggest that Smad3 linker phosphorylation has a negative regulatory role on Smad3 transcriptional activity and TGF-β1/Smad3-induced renal EMT. Elucidation of mechanism regulating the Smad3 linker phosphorylation can provide a new strategy to control renal fibrosis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. [Changes of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in erythrocyte band 3 glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency].

    PubMed

    Yu, Guoyu; Li, Jialin; Tian, Xingya; Lin, Hong; Wang, Xiaoying

    2002-11-01

    To explore the hemolytic mechanism of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient erythrocytes in the view of phosphorylation of membrane protein. The alternation of membrane protein phosphorylation and the effect of dithiothreitol (DTT) on protein phosphorylation were analysed by Western blot technique. The activity of phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTPs) was determined by using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. Tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 protein was obviously enhanced in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes. The activity of PTPs was low compared to the normal erythrocytes. The level of phosphotyrosine in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes incubated with DTT was almost the same as in those without DTT. The results were consistent with the activity of PTPs. PTPs activity reduction and tyrosine phosphorylation enhancement induced by oxidation in G6PD deficiency play an important role in erythrocytes hemolysis. However, the alternation of thiol group is not the only factor affecting the activity of PTPs in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes.

  16. Cortactin Tyrosine Phosphorylation Promotes Its Deacetylation and Inhibits Cell Spreading

    PubMed Central

    Meiler, Eugenia; Nieto-Pelegrín, Elvira; Martinez-Quiles, Narcisa

    2012-01-01

    Background Cortactin is a classical Src kinase substrate that participates in actin cytoskeletal dynamics by activating the Arp2/3 complex and interacting with other regulatory proteins, including FAK. Cortactin has various domains that may contribute to the assembly of different protein platforms to achieve process specificity. Though the protein is known to be regulated by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and acetylation, how tyrosine phosphorylation regulates cortactin activity is poorly understood. Since the basal level of tyrosine phosphorylation is low, this question must be studied using stimulated cell cultures, which are physiologically relevant but unreliable and difficult to work with. In fact, their unreliability may be the cause of some contradictory findings about the dynamics of tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin in different processes. Methodology/Principal Findings In the present study, we try to overcome these problems by using a Functional Interaction Trap (FIT) system, which involves cotransfecting cells with a kinase (Src) and a target protein (cortactin), both of which are fused to complementary leucine-zipper domains. The FIT system allowed us to control precisely the tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin and explore its relationship with cortactin acetylation. Conclusions/Significance Using this system, we provide definitive evidence that a competition exists between acetylation and tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin and that phosphorylation inhibits cell spreading. We confirmed the results from the FIT system by examining endogenous cortactin in different cell types. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cell spreading promotes the association of cortactin and FAK and that tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin disrupts this interaction, which may explain how it inhibits cell spreading. PMID:22479425

  17. Unprecedented Abundance of Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation Modulates Shigella flexneri Virulence.

    PubMed

    Standish, Alistair James; Teh, Min Yan; Tran, Elizabeth Ngoc Hoa; Doyle, Matthew Thomas; Baker, Paul J; Morona, Renato

    2016-10-09

    Evidence is accumulating that protein tyrosine phosphorylation plays a crucial role in the ability of important human bacterial pathogens to cause disease. While most works have concentrated on its role in the regulation of a major bacterial virulence factor, the polysaccharide capsule, recent studies have suggested a much broader role for this post-translational modification. This prompted us to investigate protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the human pathogen Shigella flexneri. We first completed a tyrosine phosphoproteome, identifying 905 unique tyrosine phosphorylation sites on at least 573 proteins (approximately 15% of all proteins). This is the most tyrosine-phosphorylated sites and proteins in a single bacterium identified to date, substantially more than the level seen in eukaryotic cells. Most had not previously been identified and included proteins encoded by the virulence plasmid, which is essential for S. flexneri to invade cells and cause disease. In order to investigate the function of these phosphorylation sites in important virulence factors, phosphomimetic and ablative mutations were constructed in the type 3 secretion system ATPase Spa47 and the master virulence regulator VirB. This revealed that tyrosine residues phosphorylated in our study are critical for Spa47 and VirB activity, and tyrosine phosphorylation likely regulates their functional activity and subsequently the virulence of this major human pathogen. This study suggests that tyrosine phosphorylation plays a critical role in regulating a wide variety of virulence factors in the human pathogen S. flexneri and serves as a base for future studies defining its complete role. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Enhanced Phosphorylation-Independent Arrestins and Gene Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Gurevich, Vsevolod V.; Song, Xiufeng; Vishnivetskiy, Sergey A.; Gurevich, Eugenia V.

    2015-01-01

    A variety of heritable and acquired disorders is associated with excessive signaling by mutant or overstimulated GPCRs. Since any conceivable treatment of diseases caused by gain-of-function mutations requires gene transfer, one possible approach is functional compensation. Several structurally distinct forms of enhanced arrestins that bind phosphorylated and even non-phosphorylated active GPCRs with much higher affinity than parental wild-type proteins have the ability to dampen the signaling by hyperactive GPCR, pushing the balance closer to normal. In vivo this approach was so far tested only in rod photoreceptors deficient in rhodopsin phosphorylation, where enhanced arrestin improved the morphology and light sensitivity of rods, prolonged their survival, and accelerated photoresponse recovery. Considering that rods harbor the fastest, as well as the most demanding and sensitive GPCR-driven signaling cascade, even partial success of functional compensation of defect in rhodopsin phosphorylation by enhanced arrestin demonstrates the feasibility of this strategy and its therapeutic potential. PMID:24292828

  19. Control mechanisms in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Hroudová, Jana; Fišar, Zdeněk

    2013-02-05

    Distribution and activity of mitochondria are key factors in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity and axogenesis. The majority of energy sources, necessary for cellular functions, originate from oxidative phosphorylation located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The adenosine-5'- triphosphate production is regulated by many control mechanism-firstly by oxygen, substrate level, adenosine-5'-diphosphate level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and rate of coupling and proton leak. Recently, these mechanisms have been implemented by "second control mechanisms," such as reversible phosphorylation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes and electron transport chain complexes, allosteric inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase, thyroid hormones, effects of fatty acids and uncoupling proteins. Impaired function of mitochondria is implicated in many diseases ranging from mitochondrial myopathies to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are usually related to the ability of mitochondria to generate adenosine-5'-triphosphate in response to energy demands. Large amounts of reactive oxygen species are released by defective mitochondria, similarly, decline of antioxidative enzyme activities (e.g. in the elderly) enhances reactive oxygen species production. We reviewed data concerning neuroplasticity, physiology, and control of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species production.

  20. The G2 block induced by DNA damage: a caffeine-resistant component independent of Cdc25C, MPM-2 phosphorylation, and H1 kinase activity.

    PubMed

    Barratt, R A; Kao, G; McKenna, W G; Kuang, J; Muschel, R J

    1998-06-15

    Treatment of cells with agents that cause DNA damage often results in a delay in G2. There is convincing evidence showing that inhibition of p34cdc2 kinase activation is involved in the DNA damage-induced G2 delay. In this study, we have demonstrated the existence of an additional pathway, independent of the p34cdc2 kinase activation pathway, that leads to a G2 arrest in etoposide-treated cells. Both the X-ray-induced and the etoposide-induced G2 arrest were associated with inhibition of the p34cdc2 H1 kinase activation pathway as judged by p34cdc2 H1 kinase activity and phosphorylation of cdc25C. Caffeine treatment restored these activities after either of the treatments. However, the etoposide-treated cells did not resume cycling, revealing the presence of an alternative pathway leading to a G2 arrest. To explore the possibility that this additional pathway involved phosphorylation of the MPM-2 epitope that is shared by a large family of mitotic phosphoproteins, we monitored the phosphorylation status of the MPM-2 epitope after DNA damage and after treatment with caffeine. Phosphorylation of the MPM-2 epitope was depressed in both X-ray and etoposide-treated cells, and the depression was reversed by caffeine in both cases. The results indicate that the pathway affecting MPM-2 epitope phosphorylation is involved in the G2 delay caused by DNA damage. However, it is not part of the caffeine-insensitive pathway leading to a G2 block seen in etoposide-treated cells.

  1. Artificial phosphorylation sites modulate the activity of a voltage-gated potassium channel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ariyaratne, Amila; Zocchi, Giovanni

    2015-03-01

    The KvAP potassium channel is representative of a family of voltage-gated ion channels where the membrane potential is sensed by a transmembrane helix containing several positively charged arginines. Previous work by Wang and Zocchi [A. Wang and G. Zocchi, PLoS ONE 6, e18598 (2011), 10.1371/journal.pone.0018598] showed how a negatively charged polyelectrolyte attached in proximity to the voltage sensing element can bias the opening probability of the channel. Here we introduce three phosphorylation sites at the same location and show that the response curve of the channel shifts by about 20 mV upon phosphorylation, while other characteristics such as the single-channel conductance are unaffected. In summary, we construct an artificial phosphorylation site which confers allosteric regulation to the channel.

  2. MKP-7, a JNK phosphatase, blocks ERK-dependent gene activation by anchoring phosphorylated ERK in the cytoplasm

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Masuda, Kouhei; Katagiri, Chiaki; Division of Biochemical Oncology and Immunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo

    2010-03-05

    MAPK phosphatase-7 (MKP-7) was identified as a JNK-specific phosphatase. However, despite its high specificity for JNK, MKP-7 interacts also with ERK. We previously showed that as a physiological consequence of their interaction, activated ERK phosphorylates MKP-7 at Ser-446, and stabilizing MKP-7. In the present study, we analyzed MKP-7 function in activation of ERK. A time-course experiment showed that both MKP-7 and its phosphatase-dead mutant prolonged mitogen-induced ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that MKP-7 functions as a scaffold for ERK. An important immunohistological finding was that nuclear translocation of phospho-ERK following PMA stimulation was blocked by co-expressed MKP-7 and, moreover, that phospho-ERK co-localizedmore » with MKP-7 in the cytoplasm. Reporter gene analysis indicated that MKP-7 blocks ERK-mediated transcription. Overall, our data indicate that MKP-7 down-regulates ERK-dependent gene expression by blocking nuclear accumulation of phospho-ERK.« less

  3. Molecular basis for blue light-dependent phosphorylation of Arabidopsis cryptochrome 2

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Qing; Wang, Qin; Deng, Weixian; Wang, Xu; Piao, Mingxin; Cai, Dawei; Li, Yaxing; Barshop, William D.; Yu, Xiaolan; Zhou, Tingting; Liu, Bin; Oka, Yoshito; Wohlschlegel, James; Zuo, Zecheng; Lin, Chentao

    2017-01-01

    Plant cryptochromes undergo blue light-dependent phosphorylation to regulate their activity and abundance, but the protein kinases that phosphorylate plant cryptochromes have remained unclear. Here we show that photoexcited Arabidopsis cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) is phosphorylated in vivo on as many as 24 different residues, including 7 major phosphoserines. We demonstrate that four closely related Photoregulatory Protein Kinases (previously referred to as MUT9-like kinases) interact with and phosphorylate photoexcited CRY2. Analyses of the ppk123 and ppk124 triple mutants and amiR4k artificial microRNA-expressing lines demonstrate that PPKs catalyse blue light-dependent CRY2 phosphorylation to both activate and destabilize the photoreceptor. Phenotypic analyses of these mutant lines indicate that PPKs may have additional substrates, including those involved in the phytochrome signal transduction pathway. These results reveal a mechanism underlying the co-action of cryptochromes and phytochromes to coordinate plant growth and development in response to different wavelengths of solar radiation in nature. PMID:28492234

  4. Protein phosphorylation in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Phosphorylation of endogenous plasma membrane and cytoplasmic proteins

    PubMed Central

    Chaplin, David D.; Wedner, H. James; Parker, Charles W.

    1979-01-01

    Phosphorylation of endogenous proteins in subcellular fractions of human peripheral-blood lymphocytes was studied by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Studies using extensively purified subcellular fractions indicated that the endogenous phosphorylating activity in the particulate fractions was derived primarily from the plasma membrane. Electrophoresis of 32P-labelled subcellular fractions in two dimensions [O'Farrell (1975) J. Biol. Chem. 250, 4007–4021] provided much greater resolution of the endogenous phosphoproteins than electrophoresis in one dimension, facilitating their excision from gels for quantification of 32P content. More than 100 cytoplasmic and 20 plasma-membrane phosphorylated species were observed. Phosphorylation of more than 10 cytoplasmic proteins was absolutely dependent on cyclic AMP. In the plasma membrane, cyclic AMP-dependent phosphoproteins were observed with mol.wts. of 42000, 42000, 80000 and 90000 and pI values of 6.1, 6.3, 6.25 and 6.5 respectively. Phosphorylation of endogenous cytoplasmic and plasma-membrane proteins was rapid with t½=5–12s at 25°C. Between 40 and 70% of the 32P was recovered as phosphoserine and phosphothreonine when acid hydrolysates of isolated plasma-membrane phosphoproteins were analysed by high-voltage paper electrophoresis. The presence of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and endogenous phosphate-acceptor proteins in the plasma membranes of lymphocytes provides a mechanism by which these cells might respond to plasma-membrane pools of cyclic AMP generated in response to stimulation by mitogens or physiological modulators of lymphocyte function. ImagesFig. 1.Fig. 2.Fig. 3.Fig. 4. PMID:228657

  5. Salmonella Biofilm Development Depends on the Phosphorylation Status of RcsB

    PubMed Central

    Latasa, Cristina; García, Begoña; Echeverz, Maite; Toledo-Arana, Alejandro; Valle, Jaione; Campoy, Susana; García-del Portillo, Francisco; Solano, Cristina

    2012-01-01

    The Rcs phosphorelay pathway is a complex signaling pathway involved in the regulation of many cell surface structures in enteric bacteria. In response to environmental stimuli, the sensor histidine kinase (RcsC) autophosphorylates and then transfers the phosphate through intermediary steps to the response regulator (RcsB), which, once phosphorylated, regulates gene expression. Here, we show that Salmonella biofilm development depends on the phosphorylation status of RcsB. Thus, unphosphorylated RcsB, hitherto assumed to be inactive, is essential to activate the expression of the biofilm matrix compounds. The prevention of RcsB phosphorylation either by the disruption of the phosphorelay at the RcsC or RcsD level or by the production of a nonphosphorylatable RcsB allele induces biofilm development. On the contrary, the phosphorylation of RcsB by the constitutive activation of the Rcs pathway inhibits biofilm development, an effect that can be counteracted by the introduction of a nonphosphorylatable RcsB allele. The inhibition of biofilm development by phosphorylated RcsB is due to the repression of CsgD expression, through a mechanism dependent on the accumulation of the small noncoding RNA RprA. Our results indicate that unphosphorylated RcsB plays an active role for integrating environmental signals and, more broadly, that RcsB phosphorylation acts as a key switch between planktonic and sessile life-styles in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. PMID:22582278

  6. Cell- and virus-mediated regulation of the barrier-to-autointegration factor's phosphorylation state controls its DNA binding, dimerization, subcellular localization, and antipoxviral activity.

    PubMed

    Jamin, Augusta; Wicklund, April; Wiebe, Matthew S

    2014-05-01

    Barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) is a DNA binding protein with multiple cellular functions, including the ability to act as a potent defense against vaccinia virus infection. This antiviral function involves BAF's ability to condense double-stranded DNA and subsequently prevent viral DNA replication. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that dynamic phosphorylation involving the vaccinia virus B1 kinase and cellular enzymes is likely a key regulator of multiple BAF functions; however, the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we analyzed how phosphorylation impacts BAF's DNA binding, subcellular localization, dimerization, and antipoxviral activity through the characterization of BAF phosphomimetic and unphosphorylatable mutants. Our studies demonstrate that increased phosphorylation enhances BAF's mobilization from the nucleus to the cytosol, while dephosphorylation restricts BAF to the nucleus. Phosphorylation also impairs both BAF's dimerization and its DNA binding activity. Furthermore, our studies of BAF's antiviral activity revealed that hyperphosphorylated BAF is unable to suppress viral DNA replication or virus production. Interestingly, the unphosphorylatable BAF mutant, which is capable of binding DNA but localizes predominantly to the nucleus, was also incapable of suppressing viral replication. Thus, both DNA binding and localization are important determinants of BAF's antiviral function. Finally, our examination of how phosphatases are involved in regulating BAF revealed that PP2A dephosphorylates BAF during vaccinia infection, thus counterbalancing the activity of the B1 kinase. Altogether, these data demonstrate that phosphoregulation of BAF by viral and cellular enzymes modulates this protein at multiple molecular levels, thus determining its effectiveness as an antiviral factor and likely other functions as well. The barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) contributes to cellular genomic integrity in multiple ways

  7. Ghrelin upregulates the phosphorylation of the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor by activating GHSR1a and Fyn in the rat hippocampus.

    PubMed

    Berrout, Liza; Isokawa, Masako

    2018-01-01

    Ghrelin and its receptor GHSR1a have been shown to exert numerous physiological functions in the brain, in addition to the well-established orexigenic role in the hypothalamus. Earlier work indicated that ghrelin stimulated the phosphorylation of the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and enhanced synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. In the present study, we report that the exogenous application of ghrelin increased GluN2B phosphorylation. This increase was independent of GluN2B subunit activity or NMDAR channel activity. However, it depended on the activation of GHSR1a and Fyn as it was blocked by D-Lys3-GHRP-6 and PP2, respectively. Inhibitors for G-protein-regulated second messengers, such as Rp-cAMP, H89, TBB, ryanodine, and thapsigargin, unexpectedly enhanced GluN2B phosphorylation, suggesting that cAMP, PKA, casein kinase II, and cytosolic calcium signaling may oppose to the effect of ghrelin on the phosphorylation of GluN2B. Our findings suggest that 1) GluN2B is likely a molecular target of ghrelin and GHSR1a-driven signaling cascades, and 2) the ghrelin-mediated phosphorylation of GluN2B depends on Fyn activation under complex negative regulation by other second messengers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Phosphorylation of Mutationally Introduced Tyrosine in the Activation Loop of HER2 Confers Gain-of-Function Activity

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Zexi; Wan, Xiaobo; Hao, Rui; Zhang, Heng; Li, Li; Li, Lin; Xie, Qiang; Wang, Peng; Gao, Yibo; Chen, She; Wei, Min; Luan, Zhidong; Zhang, Aiqun; Huang, Niu; Chen, Liang

    2015-01-01

    Amplification, overexpression, and somatic mutation of the HER2 gene have been reported to play a critical role in tumorigenesis of various cancers. The HER2 H878Y mutation was recently reported in 11% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, its functional impact on the HER2 protein and its role in tumorigenesis has not been determined. Here, we show that HER2 H878Y is a gain-of-function mutation. Y878 represents a phosphorylation site, and phospho-Y878 interacts with R898 residue to stabilize the active conformation of HER2, thereby enhancing its kinase activity. H878Y mutant is transforming and the transformed cells are sensitive to HER2 kinase inhibitors. Thus, our study reveals the following novel mechanism underlying the tumorigenic function of the HER2 H878Y mutation: the introduction of a tyrosine residue into the kinase activation loop via mutagenesis modulates the conformation of the kinase, thereby enhancing its activity. PMID:25853726

  9. Odor-induced phosphorylation of olfactory cilia proteins.

    PubMed Central

    Boekhoff, I; Schleicher, S; Strotmann, J; Breer, H

    1992-01-01

    Stimulation of isolated rat olfactory cilia in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP leads to a significantly enhanced incorporation of [32P]phosphate. Depending on the type of odorants applied, the induced phosphorylation is completely blocked by specific inhibitors of either protein kinase A or protein kinase C. Time-course experiments indicate that the odor-induced modification of ciliary proteins is transient; the intensity of labeling decayed over time (1-10 sec). Separation of ciliary proteins by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography demonstrated that upon stimulation with lilial, a single polypeptide (50,000 Da) was phosphorylated; the size of the modified protein is in line with the hypothesis that odorant receptors are phosphorylated subsequent to activation by specific odors. Images PMID:1334554

  10. Muscarinic agonists and phorbol esters increase tyrosine phosphorylation of a 40-kilodalton protein in hippocampal slices

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stratton, K.R.; Worley, P.F.; Huganir, R.L.

    The authors have used the hippocampal slice preparation to investigate the regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in brain. After pharmacological treatment of intact slices, proteins were separated by electrophoresis, and levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation were assessed by immunoblotting with specific anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies. Phorbol esters, activators of the serine- and threonine-phosphorylating enzyme protein kinase C, selectively increase tyrosine phosphorylation of a soluble protein with an apparent molecular mass of approximately 40 kilodaltons. Muscarinic agonists such as carbachol and oxotremorine M that strongly activate the inositol phospholipid system also increase tyrosine phosphorylation of this protein. Neurotransmitter activation of the inositol phospholipidmore » system and protein kinase C appears to trigger a cascade leading to increased tyrosine phosphorylation.« less

  11. Structural relatedness of three ion-transport adenosine triphosphatases around their active sites of phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Walderhaug, M O; Post, R L; Saccomani, G; Leonard, R T; Briskin, D P

    1985-03-25

    Three membrane-bound adenosine triphosphatases were investigated for homology in the sequence of four amino acids about the active site of phosphorylation. The ATPases were as follows: sodium-potassium-dependent ATPase from dog kidney, Na,K-ATPase; hydrogen-potassium-dependent ATPase from hog gastric mucosa, H,K-ATPase, an ATPase similar to Na,K-ATPase; and an ATPase activity in the plasma membrane of corn, Zea mays, roots (CR-ATPase), a higher plant ATPase. A membrane preparation containing an ATPase of Acholeplasma laidlawii, a prokaryote, (AL) was also investigated. For most of the experiments, the preparations were phosphorylated from [gamma-32P]ATP, denatured in acid, and subjected to proteolytic digestion. Radioactive phosphopeptides were separated by high voltage paper electrophoresis and characterized by sensitivity to chemical reagents. In gastric H,K-ATPase, the aspartate residue at the active site was determined directly by labeling with [3H]borohydride. A common sequence around the active site was found for Na,K-ATPase, H,K-ATPase, and CR-ATPase. This sequence, -Cys-(Ser/Thr)-Asp(P)-Lys-, is similar to that in the calcium ion-transport ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum. The AL membrane preparation showed an acylphosphate that turned over rapidly after a chase of labeled membranes with unlabeled ATP. The corresponding sequence was different from that of the three ATPases. An acylphosphate was on two polypeptides with molecular weights of about 80,000 and 60,000; these appear not to correspond to subunits of a Na+-stimulated ATPase in this organism (Lewis, R. N. A. H., and McElhaney, R. N. (1983) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 735, 113-122).

  12. Cardiac ryanodine receptor phosphorylation by CaM Kinase II: keeping the balance right.

    PubMed

    Currie, Susan

    2009-06-01

    Phosphorylation of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is a key mechanism regulating sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release. Differences in opinion have arisen over the importance assigned to specific phosphorylation sites on RyR2, over the kinase (s) suggested to directly phosphorylate RyR2 and surrounding the possibility that altered phosphorylation of RyR2 is associated with contractile dysfunction observed in heart failure. Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) can phosphorylate RyR2 and modulate its activity. This phosphorylation positively modulates cardiac inotropic function but in extreme situations such as heart failure, elevated CaMKII activity can adversely increase Ca2+ release from the SR and lead to arrhythmogenesis. Although other kinases can phosphorylate RyR2, most notably cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), evidence for a key role of CaMKII in mediating RyR2-dependent Ca2+ release is emerging. Future challenges include (i) fully identifying mechanisms of CaMKII interaction with the RyR2 complex and (ii) given the ubiquitous expression of CaMKII, developing selective strategies to modulate RyR2-targeted CaMKII activity and allow improved understanding of its role in normal and diseased heart.

  13. A sequential multi-target Mps1 phosphorylation cascade promotes spindle checkpoint signaling.

    PubMed

    Ji, Zhejian; Gao, Haishan; Jia, Luying; Li, Bing; Yu, Hongtao

    2017-01-10

    The master spindle checkpoint kinase Mps1 senses kinetochore-microtubule attachment and promotes checkpoint signaling to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. The kinetochore scaffold Knl1, when phosphorylated by Mps1, recruits checkpoint complexes Bub1-Bub3 and BubR1-Bub3 to unattached kinetochores. Active checkpoint signaling ultimately enhances the assembly of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) consisting of BubR1-Bub3, Mad2, and Cdc20, which inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome bound to Cdc20 (APC/C Cdc20 ) to delay anaphase onset. Using in vitro reconstitution, we show that Mps1 promotes APC/C inhibition by MCC components through phosphorylating Bub1 and Mad1. Phosphorylated Bub1 binds to Mad1-Mad2. Phosphorylated Mad1 directly interacts with Cdc20. Mutations of Mps1 phosphorylation sites in Bub1 or Mad1 abrogate the spindle checkpoint in human cells. Therefore, Mps1 promotes checkpoint activation through sequentially phosphorylating Knl1, Bub1, and Mad1. This sequential multi-target phosphorylation cascade makes the checkpoint highly responsive to Mps1 and to kinetochore-microtubule attachment.

  14. Phosphorylation-induced changes in the energetic frustration in human Tank binding kinase 1.

    PubMed

    Husain, Shahrukh; Kumar, Vijay; Hassan, Md Imtaiyaz

    2018-07-14

    Tank binding kinase 1 (TBK-1) plays an important role in immunity, inflammation, autophagy, cell growth and proliferation. Nevertheless, a key molecular and structural detail of TBK-1 phosphorylation and activation has been largely unknown. Here we investigated the energy landscape of phosphorylated (active) and unphosphorylated (inactive) forms of human TBK-1 to characterize the interplay between phosphorylation and local frustration. By employing the algorithm equipped with energy function and implemented in Frustratometer web-server (http://www.frustratometer.tk), we quantify the role of frustration in the activation of TBK-1. Accordingly, the conformational changes were observed in phosphoregulated active and inactive TBK-1. Substantial changes in frustration, flexibility and interatomic motions were observed among different forms of TBK-1. Structurally rigid kinase domain constitutes a minimally frustrated hub in the core of the catalytic domain, and highly frustrated clusters mainly at the C-lobe might enable the conformational transitions during activation. Also, a large network of highly frustrated interactions is found in the SDD domain of TBK-1 involved in protein-protein interactions and dimerization. The contact maps of the activation loop and α-C helix of kinase domain showed significant changes upon phosphorylation. Cross correlation analysis indicate that both intra and inter subunit correlated motions increases with phosphorylation of TBK-1. Phosphorylation thus introduces subtle changes in long-range contacts that might lead to significant conformational change of TBK-1. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Toward a systems-level view of dynamic phosphorylation networks

    PubMed Central

    Newman, Robert H.; Zhang, Jin; Zhu, Heng

    2014-01-01

    To better understand how cells sense and respond to their environment, it is important to understand the organization and regulation of the phosphorylation networks that underlie most cellular signal transduction pathways. These networks, which are composed of protein kinases, protein phosphatases and their respective cellular targets, are highly dynamic. Importantly, to achieve signaling specificity, phosphorylation networks must be regulated at several levels, including at the level of protein expression, substrate recognition, and spatiotemporal modulation of enzymatic activity. Here, we briefly summarize some of the traditional methods used to study the phosphorylation status of cellular proteins before focusing our attention on several recent technological advances, such as protein microarrays, quantitative mass spectrometry, and genetically-targetable fluorescent biosensors, that are offering new insights into the organization and regulation of cellular phosphorylation networks. Together, these approaches promise to lead to a systems-level view of dynamic phosphorylation networks. PMID:25177341

  16. Effects of antibodies to phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated tau on in vitro tau phosphorylation at Serine-199: Preliminary report.

    PubMed

    Loeffler, David A; Smith, Lynnae M; Klaver, Andrea C; Martić, Sanela

    2015-07-01

    Phosphorylation of multiple amino acids on tau protein ("hyperphosphorylation") is required for the development of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Administration of anti-tau antibodies to transgenic "tauopathy mice" has been shown to reduce their tau pathology but the mechanisms responsible are unclear. To examine the effects of anti-tau antibodies on tau phosphorylation, we used western blots to study the effects of three antibodies to phosphorylated tau (pTau), namely anti-pTau S199, T231, and S396, and three antibodies to non-phosphorylated tau on in vitro phosphorylation of recombinant human tau-441 at S199. Inclusion of an anti-pTau T231 antibody in the phosphorylation reaction reduced the intensity of monomeric pTau S199 in western blots of denaturing gels, but the other antibodies had no apparent effects on this process. Surprisingly, including all three anti-phospho-tau antibodies in the reaction did not reduce the intensity of the monomer band, possibly due to steric hindrance between the antibodies. These preliminary findings suggest that anti-tau antibodies may have minimal direct effects on tau phosphorylation. Limitations of using western blots to examine the effects of anti-tau antibodies on this process were found to include between-experiment variability in pTau band densities and poor resolution of high molecular weight pTau oligomers. The presence of bands representing immunoglobulins as well as pTau may also complicate interpretation of the western blots. Further studies are indicated to examine the effects of anti-pTau antibodies on phosphorylation of other tau amino acids in addition to S199. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. A novel photoelectrochemical biosensor for protein kinase activity assay based on phosphorylated graphite-like carbon nitride.

    PubMed

    Li, Xue; Zhou, Yunlei; Xu, Yan; Xu, Huijie; Wang, Minghui; Yin, Huanshun; Ai, Shiyun

    2016-08-31

    Protein kinases are general and significant regulators in the cell signaling pathway, and it is still greatly desired to achieve simple and quick kinase detection. Herein, we develop a simple and sensitive photoelectrochemical strategy for the detection of protein kinase activity based on the bond between phosphorylated peptide and phosphorylated graphite-like carbon nitride (P-g-C3N4) conjugates triggered by Zr(4+) ion coordination. Under optimal conditions, the increased photocurrent is proportional to the protein kinase A (PKA) concentration ranging from 0.05 to 50 U/mL with a detection limit of 0.077 U/mL. Moreover, this photoelectrochemical assay can be also applied to quantitative analysis of kinase inhibition. The results indicated that the IC50 value (inhibitor concentration producing 50% inhibitor) for ellagic acid was 9.1 μM. Moreover, the developed method is further applied to detect PKA activity in real samples, which contains serum from healthy person and gastric cancer patients and breast tissue from healthy person and breast cancer patients. Therefore, the established protocol provides a new and simple tool for assay of kinase activity and its inhibitors with low cost and high sensitivity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Coincident regulation of PKCδ in human platelets by phosphorylation of Tyr311 and Tyr565 and phospholipase C signalling

    PubMed Central

    Hall, Kellie J.; Jones, Matthew L.; Poole, Alastair W.

    2007-01-01

    PKC (protein kinase C)δ plays a complex role in platelets, having effects on both positive and negative signalling functions. It is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to thrombin and collagen, and it has recently been shown that Tyr311 is phosphorylated in response to PAR (protease-activated receptor) 1 and PAR4 receptor activation. In the present study, we show that Tyr311 and Tyr565 are phosphorylated in response to thrombin, and have examined the interplay between phosphorylation and the classical lipid-mediated activation of PKCδ. Phosphorylation of both Tyr311 and Tyr565 is dependent on Src kinase and PLC (phospholipase C) activity in response to thrombin. Importantly, direct allosteric activation of PKCδ with PMA also induced phosphorylation of Tyr311 and Tyr565, and this was dependent on the activity of Src kinases, but not PLC. Membrane recruitment of PKCδ is essential for phosphorylation of this tyrosine residue, but tyrosine phosphorylation is not required for membrane recruitment of PKCδ. Both thrombin and PMA induce recruitment of PKCδ to the membrane, and for thrombin, this recruitment is a PLC-dependent process. In order to address the functional role of tyrosine residue phosphorylation of PKCδ, we demonstrate that phosphorylation can potentiate the activity of the kinase, although phosphorylation does not play a role in membrane recruitment of the kinase. PKCδ is therefore regulated in a coincident fashion, PLC-dependent signals recruiting it to the plasma membrane and by phosphorylation on tyrosine residues, potentiating its activity. PMID:17570831

  19. Phosphorylation mechanisms in dopamine transporter regulation.

    PubMed

    Foster, James D; Vaughan, Roxanne A

    2017-10-01

    The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a plasma membrane phosphoprotein that actively translocates extracellular dopamine (DA) into presynaptic neurons. The transporter is the primary mechanism for control of DA levels and subsequent neurotransmission, and is the target for abused and therapeutic drugs that exert their effects by suppressing reuptake. The transport capacity of DAT is acutely regulated by signaling systems and drug exposure, providing neurons the ability to fine-tune DA clearance in response to specific conditions. Kinase pathways play major roles in these mechanisms, and this review summarizes the current status of DAT phosphorylation characteristics and the evidence linking transporter phosphorylation to control of reuptake and other functions. Greater understanding of these processes may aid in elucidation of their possible contributions to DA disease states and suggest specific phosphorylation sites as targets for therapeutic manipulation of reuptake. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  20. Phosphorylation Regulates myo-Inositol-3-phosphate Synthase

    PubMed Central

    Deranieh, Rania M.; He, Quan; Caruso, Joseph A.; Greenberg, Miriam L.

    2013-01-01

    myo-Inositol-3-phosphate synthase (MIPS) plays a crucial role in inositol homeostasis. Transcription of the coding gene INO1 is highly regulated. However, regulation of the enzyme is not well defined. We previously showed that MIPS is indirectly inhibited by valproate, suggesting that the enzyme is post-translationally regulated. Using 32Pi labeling and phosphoamino acid analysis, we show that yeast MIPS is a phosphoprotein. Mass spectrometry analysis identified five phosphosites, three of which are conserved in the human MIPS. Analysis of phosphorylation-deficient and phosphomimetic site mutants indicated that the three conserved sites in yeast (Ser-184, Ser-296, and Ser-374) and humans (Ser-177, Ser-279, and Ser-357) affect MIPS activity. Both S296A and S296D yeast mutants and S177A and S177D human mutants exhibited decreased enzymatic activity, suggesting that a serine residue is critical at that location. The phosphomimetic mutations S184D (human S279D) and S374D (human S357D) but not the phosphodeficient mutations decreased activity, suggesting that phosphorylation of these two sites is inhibitory. The double mutation S184A/S374A caused an increase in MIPS activity, conferred a growth advantage, and partially rescued sensitivity to valproate. Our findings identify a novel mechanism of regulation of inositol synthesis by phosphorylation of MIPS. PMID:23902760

  1. Phosphorylation of αB-crystallin: Role in stress, aging and patho-physiological conditions.

    PubMed

    Bakthisaran, Raman; Akula, Kranthi Kiran; Tangirala, Ramakrishna; Rao, Ch Mohan

    2016-01-01

    αB-crystallin, once thought to be a lenticular protein, is ubiquitous and has critical roles in several cellular processes that are modulated by phosphorylation. Serine residues 19, 45 and 59 of αB-crystallin undergo phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of S45 is mediated by p44/42 MAP kinase, whereas S59 phosphorylation is mediated by MAPKAP kinase-2. Pathway involved in S19 phosphorylation is not known. The review highlights the role of phosphorylation in (i) oligomeric structure, stability and chaperone activity, (ii) cellular processes such as apoptosis, myogenic differentiation, cell cycle regulation and angiogenesis, and (iii) aging, stress, cardiomyopathy-causing αB-crystallin mutants, and in other diseases. Depending on the context and extent of phosphorylation, αB-crystallin seems to confer beneficial or deleterious effects. Phosphorylation alters structure, stability, size distribution and dynamics of the oligomeric assembly, thus modulating chaperone activity and various cellular processes. Phosphorylated αB-crystallin has a tendency to partition to the cytoskeleton and hence to the insoluble fraction. Low levels of phosphorylation appear to be protective, while hyperphosphorylation has negative implications. Mutations in αB-crystallin, such as R120G, Q151X and 464delCT, associated with inherited myofibrillar myopathy lead to hyperphosphorylation and intracellular inclusions. An ongoing study in our laboratory with phosphorylation-mimicking mutants indicates that phosphorylation of R120GαB-crystallin increases its propensity to aggregate. Phosphorylation of αB-crystallin has dual role that manifests either beneficial or deleterious consequences depending on the extent of phosphorylation and interaction with cytoskeleton. Considering that disease-causing mutants of αB-crystallin are hyperphosphorylated, moderation of phosphorylation may be a useful strategy in disease management. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Crystallin

  2. Sustained phosphorylation of mutated FGFR3 is a crucial feature of genetic dwarfism and induces apoptosis in the ATDC5 chondrogenic cell line via PLCgamma-activated STAT1.

    PubMed

    Harada, Daisuke; Yamanaka, Yoshitaka; Ueda, Koso; Nishimura, Riko; Morishima, Tsuneo; Seino, Yoshiki; Tanaka, Hiroyuki

    2007-08-01

    The most frequent type of rhizomelic dwarfism, achondroplasia (ACH), is caused by mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. Mutations in FGFR3 result in skeletal dysplasias of variable severity, including mild phenotypic effects in hypochondroplasia (HCH), severe phenotypic effects in thanatophoric dysplasia types I (TDI) and II (TDII), and severe but survivable phenotypic effects in severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans (SADDAN). To explore the molecular mechanisms that result in the different phenotypes, we investigated the kinetics of mutated versions of FGFR3. First, we assayed the phosphorylation states of the mutated FGFR3s and found that the level of phosphorylation in TDI-FGFR3 was lower than in ACH-FGFR3, although the other mutants were phosphorylated according to phenotypic severity. Second, we analyzed the duration of the phosphorylation. TDI-FGFR3 was not highly phosphorylated under ligand-free conditions, but the peak phosphorylation levels of TDI-FGFR3 and ACH-FGFR3 were maintained for 30 min after stimulation with FGF-1. Moreover, ligand-dependent phosphorylation of TDI-FGFR3, but not ACH-FGFR3, lasted for more than 8 h after FGF-1 administration. The other mutant proteins showed sustained phosphorylation independent of ligand presence. Third, we investigated the intracellular localization of the mutant proteins. Immunofluorescence analysis showed accumulations of TDII-FGFR3, SADDAN-FGFR3, and a portion of TDI-FGFR3 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Based on these data, we concluded that sustained phosphorylation of FGFR3 causes chondrodysplasia, and the phenotypic severity depends on the proportion of ER-localized mutant FGFR3. In FGFR3 signaling, the transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of chondrocytes. Here we reveal that phospholipase C gamma (PLCgamma) mediates FGFR3-induced STAT1 activation. Both

  3. The effect of phosphorylation on arrestin-rhodopsin interaction in the squid visual system.

    PubMed

    Robinson, Kelly A; Ou, Wei-Lin; Guan, Xinyu; Sugamori, Kim S; Bandyopadhyay, Abhishek; Ernst, Oliver P; Mitchell, Jane

    2015-12-01

    Invertebrate visual opsins are G protein-coupled receptors coupled to retinoid chromophores that isomerize reversibly between inactive rhodopsin and active metarhodopsin upon absorption of photons of light. The squid visual system has an arrestin protein that binds to metarhodopsin to block signaling to Gq and activation of phospholipase C. Squid rhodopsin kinase (SQRK) can phosphorylate both metarhodopsin and arrestin, a dual role that is unique among the G protein-coupled receptor kinases. The sites and role of arrestin phosphorylation by SQRK were investigated here using recombinant proteins. Arrestin was phosphorylated on serine 392 and serine 397 in the C-terminus. Unphosphorylated arrestin bound to metarhodopsin and phosphorylated metarhodopsin with similar high affinities (Kd 33 and 21 nM respectively), while phosphorylation of arrestin reduced the affinity 3- to 5-fold (Kd 104 nM). Phosphorylation of metarhodopsin slightly increased the dissociation of arrestin observed during a 1 hour incubation. Together these studies suggest a unique role for SQRK in phosphorylating both receptor and arrestin and inhibiting the binding of these two proteins in the squid visual system. Invertebrate visual systems are inactivated by arrestin binding to metarhodopsin that does not require receptor phosphorylation. Here we show that squid rhodopsin kinase phosphorylates arrestin on two serines (S392,S397) in the C-terminus and phosphorylation decreases the affinity of arrestin for squid metarhodopsin. Metarhodopsin phosphorylation has very little effect on arrestin binding but does increase arrestin dissociation. © 2015 International Society for Neurochemistry.

  4. Phosphorylation of Nanog is Essential to Regulate Bmi1 and Promote Tumorigenesis

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Xiujie; Piao, Longzhu; Cavey, Greg S.; Old, Matthew; Teknos, Theodoros N.; Mapp, Anna K; Pan, Quintin

    2014-01-01

    Emerging evidence indicates that Nanog is intimately involved in tumorigenesis in part through regulation of the cancer initiating cell population. However, the regulation and role of Nanog in tumorigenesis are still poorly understood. In this study, human Nanog was identified to be phosphorylated by human PKCε at multiple residues including T200 and T280. Our work indicated that phosphorylation at T200 and T280 modulates Nanog function through several regulatory mechanisms. Results with phosphorylation-insensitive and phosphorylation-mimetic mutant Nanog revealed that phosphorylation at T200 and T280 enhance Nanog protein stability. Moreover, phosphorylation-insensitive T200A and T280A mutant Nanog had a dominant-negative function to inhibit endogenous Nanog transcriptional activity. Inactivation of Nanog was due to impaired homodimerization, DNA binding, promoter occupancy, and p300, a transcriptional co-activator, recruitment resulting in a defect in target gene promoter activation. Ectopic expression of phosphorylation-insensitive T200A or T280A mutant Nanog reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration, and the cancer initiating cell population in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. The in vivo cancer initiating ability was severely compromised in HNSCC cells expressing phosphorylation-insensitive T200A or T280A mutant Nanog; 87.5% (14/16), 12.5% (1/8), and 0% (0/8) for control, T200A, and T280A, respectively. Nanog occupied the Bmi1 promoter to directly transactivate and regulate Bmi1. Genetic ablation and rescue experiments demonstrated that Bmi1 is a critical downstream signaling node for the pleiotropic, pro-oncogenic effects of Nanog. Taken together, our study revealed, for the first time, that post-translational phosphorylation of Nanog is essential to regulate Bmi1 and promote tumorigenesis. PMID:23708658

  5. Stimulation of skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein synthesis, p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation, and ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation by inhibition of myostatin in mature mice.

    PubMed

    Welle, Stephen; Burgess, Kerri; Mehta, Sangeeta

    2009-03-01

    Knocking out myostatin activity during development increases the rate of muscle protein synthesis. The present study was done to determine whether postdevelopmental loss of myostatin activity stimulates myofibrillar protein synthesis and the phosphorylation of some of the proteins involved in regulation of protein synthesis rate. Myostatin activity was inhibited for 4 days, in 4- to 5-mo-old male mice, with injections of an anti-myostatin antibody (JA16). The mean myofibrillar synthesis rate increased 19% (P < 0.01) relative to the mean rate in saline-treated mice, as determined by incorporation of deuterium-labeled phenylalanine. JA16 increased phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase (S6K) and ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) 1.9-fold (P < 0.05). It did not affect phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1 or Akt. Microarrays and real-time PCR analyses indicated that JA16 administration did not selectively enrich levels of mRNAs encoding myofibrillar proteins, ribosomal proteins, or translation initiation and elongation factors. Rapamycin treatment did not affect the rate of myofibrillar protein synthesis whether or not the mice received JA16 injections, although it eliminated the phosphorylation of S6K and rpS6. We conclude that the normal level of myostatin activity in mature muscle is sufficient to inhibit myofibrillar synthesis rate and phosphorylation of S6K and rpS6. Reversal of the inhibition of myofibrillar synthesis with an anti-myostatin antibody is not dependent on mTOR activation.

  6. Computational Study of Pseudo-Phosphorylation and Phosphorylation of the Microtubule Associated Protein Tau

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prokopovich, Dmitriy; Larini, Luca

    This study focuses on the effect of pseudo-phosphorylation on the aggregation of protein tau, which is very often found interacting with microtubules in the neuron. Within the axon of the neuron, tau governs the assembly of microtubules that make up the cytoskeleton. This is important for stabilization of and transport across the microtubules. One of the indications of the Alzheimer's disease is the hyper-phosphorylation and aggregation of protein tau into neurofibrillary tangles that destroy the neurons. But even experts in the field do not know if hyper-phosphorylation directly causes the aggregation of tau. In some experiments, pseudo-phosphorylation mimics the effects of phosphorylation. It does so by mutating certain residues of the protein chain into charged residues. In this computational study, we will employ a fragment of tau called PHF43. This fragment belongs to the microtubule binding region and papers published by others have indicated that it readily aggregates. Replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the pseudo-phosphorylated, phosphorylated, and dimerized PHF43. The program used to simulate and analyze PHF43 was AMBER14.

  7. Phosphorylation and mutations of Ser(16) in human phenylalanine hydroxylase. Kinetic and structural effects.

    PubMed

    Miranda, Frederico Faria; Teigen, Knut; Thórólfsson, Matthías; Svebak, Randi M; Knappskog, Per M; Flatmark, Torgeir; Martínez, Aurora

    2002-10-25

    Phosphorylation of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) at Ser(16) by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase is a post-translational modification that increases its basal activity and facilitates its activation by the substrate l-Phe. So far there is no structural information on the flexible N-terminal tail (residues 1-18), including the phosphorylation site. To get further insight into the molecular basis for the effects of phosphorylation on the catalytic efficiency and enzyme stability, molecular modeling was performed using the crystal structure of the recombinant rat enzyme. The most probable conformation and orientation of the N-terminal tail thus obtained indicates that phosphorylation of Ser(16) induces a local conformational change as a result of an electrostatic interaction between the phosphate group and Arg(13) as well as a repulsion by Glu(280) in the loop at the entrance of the active site crevice structure. The modeled reorientation of the N-terminal tail residues (Met(1)-Leu(15)) on phosphorylation is in agreement with the observed conformational change and increased accessibility of the substrate to the active site, as indicated by circular dichroism spectroscopy and the enzyme kinetic data for the full-length phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated human PAH. To further validate the model we have prepared and characterized mutants substituting Ser(16) with a negatively charged residue and found that S16E largely mimics the effects of phosphorylation of human PAH. Both the phosphorylated enzyme and the mutants with acidic side chains instead of Ser(16) revealed an increased resistance toward limited tryptic proteolysis and, as indicated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, an increased content of alpha-helical structure. In agreement with the modeled structure, the formation of an Arg(13) to Ser(16) phosphate salt bridge and the conformational change of the N-terminal tail also explain the higher stability toward limited tryptic proteolysis of the

  8. SIRT1 Activity Is Linked to Its Brain Region-Specific Phosphorylation and Is Impaired in Huntington’s Disease Mice

    PubMed Central

    Tulino, Raffaella; Benjamin, Agnesska C.; Jolinon, Nelly; Smith, Donna L.; Chini, Eduardo N.; Carnemolla, Alisia; Bates, Gillian P.

    2016-01-01

    Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which there are no disease-modifying treatments. SIRT1 is a NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase that is implicated in maintaining neuronal health during development, differentiation and ageing. Previous studies suggested that the modulation of SIRT1 activity is neuroprotective in HD mouse models, however, the mechanisms controlling SIRT1 activity are unknown. We have identified a striatum-specific phosphorylation-dependent regulatory mechanism of SIRT1 induction under normal physiological conditions, which is impaired in HD. We demonstrate that SIRT1 activity is down-regulated in the brains of two complementary HD mouse models, which correlated with altered SIRT1 phosphorylation levels. This SIRT1 impairment could not be rescued by the ablation of DBC1, a negative regulator of SIRT1, but was linked to changes in the sub-cellular distribution of AMPK-α1, a positive regulator of SIRT1 function. This work provides insights into the regulation of SIRT1 activity with the potential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. PMID:26815359

  9. The cyclolignan PPP induces activation loop-specific inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor. Link to the phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase/Akt apoptotic pathway.

    PubMed

    Vasilcanu, Daiana; Girnita, Ada; Girnita, Leonard; Vasilcanu, Radu; Axelson, Magnus; Larsson, Olle

    2004-10-14

    The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is crucial for many functions in neoplastic cells, for example, antiapoptosis. Recently, we demonstrated that the cyclolignan PPP efficiently inhibited phosphorylation of IGF-1R without interfering with insulin receptor activity. PPP preferentially reduced phosphorylated Akt, as compared to phosphorylated Erk1/2, and caused apoptosis. Now, we aimed to investigate how PPP inhibits the IGF-1R tyrosine kinase (IGF-1RTK) and the PI3K/Akt apoptotic pathway. Using a baculovirus driven IGF-1RTK we found that PPP interfered with tyrosine phosphorylation in the activation loop of the kinase domain. Specifically, it blocked phosphorylation of tyrosine (Y) 1136, while sparing the two others (Y1131 and Y1135). To explore the impact of inhibition of Y1136 on Akt phosphorylation we transfected P6 cells (overexpressing IGF-1R) and malignant melanoma cells with different IGF-1R mutants, including Y1136F (tyrosine replaced by phenylalanine). Y1136F was found to strongly decrease IGF-1 stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. Conversely, Akt phosphorylation was weakly affected in the Y1131F transfectant. Taken together, our data suggest that the preferential inhibition of phosphorylated Akt, after PPP treatment, may be due to specific inhibition of Y1136. PPP was proven not to interfere directly with Akt or any of its downstream molecules in the apoptotic pathway.

  10. Myocellular creatine and creatine transporter serine phosphorylation after starvation.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Chun-Rui; Shang, Lihong; Wang, Weiyang; Jacobs, Danny O

    2002-06-01

    Myocellular creatine, which is critically important for normal energy metabolism, increases in rat gastrocnemius muscle after starvation via unknown mechanisms. Creatine (Cr) uptake across plasma membranes is governed by a single, specific transporter (CrTr) that shares 50% amino acid sequence identity with GABA/choline/betaine transporters whose functions are modulated by phosphorylation. Gastrocnemius muscle was collected from adult male Sprague-Dawley (225-250 g) rats that were randomized to receive normal rat chow and distilled water ad libitum (CTL) or distilled water alone for 4 days (STV). Total Cr, phosphocreatine (PCr), free Cr, and ATP were measured luminometrically. CrTr protein expression and protein serine and tyrosine phosphorylation and mRNA expression were determined using immunoprecipitation and quantitative Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses, respectively. Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) activity, guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) content, creatine kinase (CK) activity, and creatinine (Crn) content were assayed luminometrically or spectrophotometrically. Creatine transporter uptake activity was also measured in skeletal muscle membrane vesicles. Data were analyzed by t test. Total Cr and free Cr increased 26 and 280% in STV (32.3 +/- 1.0 and 12.9 +/- 1.4 vs 25.7 +/- 1.1 and 3.4 +/- 0.9 micromol/g wet wt, mean +/- SEM, respectively, P < 0.01) whereas PCr content decreased 18% (18.6 +/- 0.8 vs 22.8 +/- 0.9 micromol/g wet wt, STV vs CTL P < 0.05). CrTr protein and mRNA expression, ATP, GAA, CK, GAMT, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation of CrTr were not significantly different between the two groups. However, protein serine phosphorylation of CrTr was significantly reduced by 30% (P < 0.05) and creatine uptake activity was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in starved animals. Increases in myocellular creatine content after starvation are associated with reduced serine phosphorylation of the

  11. Regulatory domain phosphorylation to distinguish the mechanistic basis underlying acute CFTR modulators

    PubMed Central

    Pyle, Louise C.; Ehrhardt, Annette; Mitchell, Lisa High; Fan, LiJuan; Ren, Aixia; Naren, Anjaparavanda P.; Li, Yao; Clancy, J. P.; Bolger, Graeme B.; Sorscher, Eric J.

    2011-01-01

    Modulator compounds intended to overcome disease-causing mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) show significant promise in clinical testing for cystic fibrosis. However, the mechanism(s) of action underlying these compounds are not fully understood. Activation of CFTR ion transport requires PKA-regulated phosphorylation of the regulatory domain (R-D) and dimerization of the nucleotide binding domains. Using a newly developed assay, we evaluated nine compounds including both CFTR potentatiators and activators discovered via various high-throughput screening strategies to acutely augment CFTR activity. We found considerable differences in the effects on R-D phosphorylation. Some (including UCCF-152) stimulated robust phosphorylation, and others had little effect (e.g., VRT-532 and VX-770). We then compared CFTR activation by UCCF-152 and VRT-532 in Ussing chamber studies using two epithelial models, CFBE41o− and Fischer rat thyroid cells, expressing various CFTR forms. UCCF-152 activated wild-type-, G551D-, and rescued F508del-CFTR currents but did not potentiate cAMP-mediated CFTR activation. In contrast, VRT-532 moderately activated CFTR short-circuit current and strongly potentiated forskolin-mediated current. Combined with the result that UCCF-152, but not VRT-532 or VX-770, acts by increasing CFTR R-D phosphorylation, these findings indicate that potentiation of endogenous cAMP-mediated activation of mutant CFTR is not due to a pathway involving augmented R-D phosphorylation. This study presents an assay useful to distinguish preclinical compounds by a crucial mechanism underlying CFTR activation, delineates two types of compound able to acutely augment CFTR activity (e.g., activators and potentiators), and demonstrates that a number of different mechanisms can be successfully employed to activate mutant CFTR. PMID:21724857

  12. A sequential multi-target Mps1 phosphorylation cascade promotes spindle checkpoint signaling

    PubMed Central

    Ji, Zhejian; Gao, Haishan; Jia, Luying; Li, Bing; Yu, Hongtao

    2017-01-01

    The master spindle checkpoint kinase Mps1 senses kinetochore-microtubule attachment and promotes checkpoint signaling to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. The kinetochore scaffold Knl1, when phosphorylated by Mps1, recruits checkpoint complexes Bub1–Bub3 and BubR1–Bub3 to unattached kinetochores. Active checkpoint signaling ultimately enhances the assembly of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) consisting of BubR1–Bub3, Mad2, and Cdc20, which inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome bound to Cdc20 (APC/CCdc20) to delay anaphase onset. Using in vitro reconstitution, we show that Mps1 promotes APC/C inhibition by MCC components through phosphorylating Bub1 and Mad1. Phosphorylated Bub1 binds to Mad1–Mad2. Phosphorylated Mad1 directly interacts with Cdc20. Mutations of Mps1 phosphorylation sites in Bub1 or Mad1 abrogate the spindle checkpoint in human cells. Therefore, Mps1 promotes checkpoint activation through sequentially phosphorylating Knl1, Bub1, and Mad1. This sequential multi-target phosphorylation cascade makes the checkpoint highly responsive to Mps1 and to kinetochore-microtubule attachment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22513.001 PMID:28072388

  13. Cell biology of Smad2/3 linker region phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle.

    PubMed

    Rezaei, Hossein B; Kamato, Danielle; Ansari, Ghazaleh; Osman, Narin; Little, Peter J

    2012-08-01

    The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily of ligands regulates a diverse set of cellular functions. Transforming growth factor-β induces its biological effects through Type I and Type II transmembrane receptors that have serine/threonine kinase activities and weak tyrosine kinase activity. In vascular smooth muscle, TGF-β binds to the TGF-β Type II receptor (TβRII) at the cell surface, recruiting the Type I receptor (TβRI) to form a heterocomplex. Consequently, after phosphorylation and activation of TβRI, the transcription factors receptor activated (R-) Smad2 and Smad3 are recruited and activated through phosphorylation of C terminal residues. Overall, Smad2/3 and co-Smad4 have similar structures consisting of three regions an N-terminal MH1 domain, a C-terminal MH2 domain and a central linker region. Phosphorylation of the Smad linker region appears to have an important role in the regulation of Smad activity and function. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, CDK2, CDK4 and calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase are the main kinases that phosphorylate sites in the linker region. The role of the linker region includes enabling the formation of Smad homo-oligomers and provision of phosphorylation sites for MAPK and other kinases. In some instances, linker region phosphorylation regulates the inhibition of the nuclear translocation of Smads. In the present review, we describe TGF-β signalling through Smad2/3 and the importance of the linker region in the regulation and expression of genes induced by TGF-β superfamily ligands in the context of vascular smooth muscle. © 2011 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  14. Extensive Crosstalk between O-GlcNAcylation and Phosphorylation Regulates Akt Signaling

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Danni; Xin, Xianliang; Pan, Qiuming; Peng, Shuying; Liang, Zhongjie; Luo, Cheng; Yang, Yiming; Jiang, Hualiang; Huang, Min; Chai, Wengang; Ding, Jian; Geng, Meiyu

    2012-01-01

    O-linked N-acetylglucosamine glycosylations (O-GlcNAc) and O-linked phosphorylations (O-phosphate), as two important types of post-translational modifications, often occur on the same protein and bear a reciprocal relationship. In addition to the well documented phosphorylations that control Akt activity, Akt also undergoes O-GlcNAcylation, but the interplay between these two modifications and the biological significance remain unclear, largely due to the technique challenges. Here, we applied a two-step analytic approach composed of the O-GlcNAc immunoenrichment and subsequent O-phosphate immunodetection. Such an easy method enabled us to visualize endogenous glycosylated and phosphorylated Akt subpopulations in parallel and observed the inhibitory effect of Akt O-GlcNAcylations on its phosphorylation. Further studies utilizing mass spectrometry and mutagenesis approaches showed that O-GlcNAcylations at Thr 305 and Thr 312 inhibited Akt phosphorylation at Thr 308 via disrupting the interaction between Akt and PDK1. The impaired Akt activation in turn resulted in the compromised biological functions of Akt, as evidenced by suppressed cell proliferation and migration capabilities. Together, this study revealed an extensive crosstalk between O-GlcNAcylations and phosphorylations of Akt and demonstrated O-GlcNAcylation as a new regulatory modification for Akt signaling. PMID:22629392

  15. Myosin Light Chain Kinase and the Role of Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation in Skeletal Muscle

    PubMed Central

    Stull, James T.; Kamm, Kristine E.; Vandenboom, Rene

    2011-01-01

    Skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase (skMLCK) is a dedicated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent serine-threonine protein kinase that phosphorylates the regulatory light chain (RLC) of sarcomeric myosin. It is expressed from the MYLK2 gene specifically in skeletal muscle fibers with most abundance in fast contracting muscles. Biochemically, activation occurs with Ca2+ binding to calmodulin forming a (Ca2+)4•calmodulin complex sufficient for activation with a diffusion limited, stoichiometic binding and displacement of a regulatory segment from skMLCK catalytic core. The N-terminal sequence of RLC then extends through the exposed catalytic cleft for Ser15 phosphorylation. Removal of Ca2+ results in the slow dissociation of calmodulin and inactivation of skMLCK. Combined biochemical properties provide unique features for the physiological responsiveness of RLC phosphorylation, including (1) rapid activation of MLCK by Ca2+/calmodulin, (2) limiting kinase activity so phosphorylation is slower than contraction, (3) slow MLCK inactivation after relaxation and (4) much greater kinase activity relative to myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). SkMLCK phosphorylation of myosin RLC modulates mechanical aspects of vertebrate skeletal muscle function. In permeabilized skeletal muscle fibers, phosphorylation-mediated alterations in myosin structure increase the rate of force-generation by myosin cross bridges to increase Ca2+-sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. Stimulation-induced increases in RLC phosphorylation in intact muscle produces isometric and concentric force potentiation to enhance dynamic aspects of muscle work and power in unfatigued or fatigued muscle. Moreover, RLC phosphorylation-mediated enhancements may interact with neural strategies for human skeletal muscle activation to ameliorate either central or peripheral aspects of fatigue. PMID:21284933

  16. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Regulates Pyruvate Kinase M2 Tyrosine Phosphorylation*

    PubMed Central

    Bettaieb, Ahmed; Bakke, Jesse; Nagata, Naoto; Matsuo, Kosuke; Xi, Yannan; Liu, Siming; AbouBechara, Daniel; Melhem, Ramzi; Stanhope, Kimber; Cummings, Bethany; Graham, James; Bremer, Andrew; Zhang, Sheng; Lyssiotis, Costas A.; Zhang, Zhong-Yin; Cantley, Lewis C.; Havel, Peter J.; Haj, Fawaz G.

    2013-01-01

    Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a physiological regulator of glucose homeostasis and adiposity and is a drug target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Here we identify pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) as a novel PTP1B substrate in adipocytes. PTP1B deficiency leads to increased PKM2 total tyrosine and Tyr105 phosphorylation in cultured adipocytes and in vivo. Substrate trapping and mutagenesis studies identify PKM2 Tyr-105 and Tyr-148 as key sites that mediate PTP1B-PKM2 interaction. In addition, in vitro analyses illustrate a direct effect of Tyr-105 phosphorylation on PKM2 activity in adipocytes. Importantly, PTP1B pharmacological inhibition increased PKM2 Tyr-105 phosphorylation and decreased PKM2 activity. Moreover, PKM2 Tyr-105 phosphorylation is regulated nutritionally, decreasing in adipose tissue depots after high-fat feeding. Further, decreased PKM2 Tyr-105 phosphorylation correlates with the development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in rodents, non-human primates, and humans. Together, these findings identify PKM2 as a novel substrate of PTP1B and provide new insights into the regulation of adipose PKM2 activity. PMID:23640882

  17. Membrane depolarization-induced RhoA/Rho-associated kinase activation and sustained contraction of rat caudal arterial smooth muscle involves genistein-sensitive tyrosine phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Mita, Mitsuo; Tanaka, Hitoshi; Yanagihara, Hayato; Nakagawa, Jun-ichi; Hishinuma, Shigeru; Sutherland, Cindy; Walsh, Michael P.; Shoji, Masaru

    2013-01-01

    Rho-associated kinase (ROK) activation plays an important role in K+-induced contraction of rat caudal arterial smooth muscle (Mita et al., Biochem J. 2002; 364: 431–40). The present study investigated a potential role for tyrosine kinase activity in K+-induced RhoA activation and contraction. The non-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein, but not the src family tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2, inhibited K+-induced sustained contraction (IC50 = 11.3 ± 2.4 µM). Genistein (10 µM) inhibited the K+-induced increase in myosin light chain (LC20) phosphorylation without affecting the Ca2+ transient. The tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor vanadate induced contraction that was reversed by genistein (IC50 = 6.5 ± 2.3 µM) and the ROK inhibitor Y-27632 (IC50 = 0.27 ± 0.04 µM). Vanadate also increased LC20 phosphorylation in a genistein- and Y-27632-dependent manner. K+ stimulation induced translocation of RhoA to the membrane, which was inhibited by genistein. Phosphorylation of MYPT1 (myosin-targeting subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase) was significantly increased at Thr855 and Thr697 by K+ stimulation in a genistein- and Y-27632-sensitive manner. Finally, K+ stimulation induced genistein-sensitive tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins of ∼55, 70 and 113 kDa. We conclude that a genistein-sensitive tyrosine kinase, activated by the membrane depolarization-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, is involved in the RhoA/ROK activation and sustained contraction induced by K+. Ca2+ sensitization, myosin light chain phosphatase, RhoA, Rho-associated kinase, tyrosine kinase PMID:24133693

  18. Inhibition of akt phosphorylation diminishes mitochondrial biogenesis regulators, tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and exacerbates recognition memory deficit in rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Shaerzadeh, Fatemeh; Motamedi, Fereshteh; Khodagholi, Fariba

    2014-11-01

    3-Methyladenine (3-MA), as a PI3K inhibitor, is widely used for inhibition of autophagy. Inhibition of PI3K class I leads to inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, a central molecule involved in diverse arrays of intracellular cascades in nervous system. Accordingly, in the present study, we aimed to determine the alterations of specific mitochondrial biogenesis markers and mitochondrial function in 3-MA-injected rats following amyloid beta (Aβ) insult. Our data revealed that inhibition of Akt phosphorylation downregulates master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). Our data also showed that decrease in PGC-1α level presumably is due to decrease in the phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding and AMP-activated kinase, two upstream activators of PGC-1α. As a consequence, the level of some mitochondrial biogenesis factors including nuclear respiratory factor-1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and Cytochrome c decreased significantly. Also, activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) enzymes such as Aconitase, a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase reduced in the presence of 3-MA with or without Aβ insult. Decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis factors and TCA enzyme activity in the rats receiving 3-MA and Aβ were more compared to the rats that received either alone; indicating the additive destructive effects of these two agents. In agreement with our molecular results, data obtained from behavioral test (using novel objective recognition test) indicated that inhibition of Akt phosphorylation with or without Aβ injection impaired novel recognition (non-spatial) memory. Our results suggest that 3-MA amplified deleterious effects of Aβ by targeting central molecule Akt.

  19. Phosphorylation of the Yeast Choline Kinase by Protein Kinase C

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Mal-Gi; Kurnov, Vladlen; Kersting, Michael C.; Sreenivas, Avula; Carman, George M.

    2005-01-01

    The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CKI1-encoded choline kinase catalyzes the committed step in phosphatidylcholine synthesis via the Kennedy pathway. The enzyme is phosphorylated on multiple serine residues, and some of this phosphorylation is mediated by protein kinase A. In this work, we examined the hypothesis that choline kinase is also phosphorylated by protein kinase C. Using choline kinase as a substrate, protein kinase C activity was dose- and time-dependent, and dependent on the concentrations of choline kinase (Km = 27 μg/ml) and ATP (Km = 15 μM). This phosphorylation, which occurred on a serine residue, was accompanied by a 1.6-fold stimulation of choline kinase activity. The synthetic peptide SRSSS25QRRHS (Vmax/Km = 17.5 mM-1 μmol min-1 mg-1) that contains the protein kinase C motif for Ser25 was a substrate for protein kinase C. A Ser25 to Ala (S25A) mutation in choline kinase resulted in a 60% decrease in protein kinase C phosphorylation of the enzyme. Phosphopeptide mapping analysis of the S25A mutant enzyme confirmed that Ser25 was a protein kinase C target site. In vivo, the S25A mutation correlated with a decrease (55%) in phosphatidylcholine synthesis via the Kennedy pathway whereas an S25D phosphorylation site mimic correlated with an increase (44%) in phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Whereas the S25A (protein kinase C site) mutation did not affect the phosphorylation of choline kinase by protein kinase A, the S30A (protein kinase A site) mutation caused a 46% reduction in enzyme phosphorylation by protein kinase C. A choline kinase synthetic peptide (SQRRHS30LTRQ) containing Ser30 was a substrate (Vmax/Km = 3.0 mM−1 μmol min−1 mg−1) for protein kinase C. Comparison of phosphopeptide maps of the wild type and S30A mutant choline kinase enzymes phosphorylated by protein kinase C confirmed that Ser30 was also a target site for protein kinase C. PMID:15919656

  20. Phosphorylation of sucrose synthase at serine 170: occurrence and possible role as a signal for proteolysis.

    PubMed

    Hardin, Shane C; Tang, Guo-Qing; Scholz, Anke; Holtgraewe, Daniela; Winter, Heike; Huber, Steven C

    2003-09-01

    Sequence analysis identified serine 170 (S170) of the maize (Zea mays L.) SUS1 sucrose synthase (SUS) protein as a possible, second phosphorylation site. Maize leaves contained two calcium-dependent protein kinase activities and a calcium-independent kinase activity with characteristics of an sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-related protein kinase. Phosphorylation of the novel S170 and the known serine 15 (S15) site by these protein kinases was determined in peptide substrates and detected in SUS1 protein substrates utilizing sequence- and phosphorylation-specific antibodies. We demonstrate phosphorylation of S170 in vitro and in vivo. The calcium-dependent protein kinases phosphorylated both S170 and S15, whereas SNF1-related protein kinase activity was restricted to S15. Calcium-dependent protein-kinase-mediated S170 and S15 phosphorylation kinetics were determined in wild-type and mutant SUS1 substrates. These analyses revealed that kinase specificity for S170 was threefold lower than that for S15, and that phosphorylation of S170 was stimulated by prior phosphorylation at the S15 site. The SUS-binding peptides encoded by early nodulin 40 (ENOD40) specifically antagonized S170 phosphorylation in vitro. A model wherein S170 phosphorylation functions as part of a mechanism targeting SUS for proteasome-mediated degradation is supported by the observations that SUS proteolytic fragments: (i) were detected and possessed relatively high phosphorylated-S170 (pS170) stoichiometry; (ii) were spatially coincident with proteasome activity within developing leaves; and (iii) co-sedimented with proteasome activity. In addition, full-length pS170-SUS protein was less stable than S170-SUS in cultured leaf segments and was stabilized by proteasome inhibition. Post-translational control of SUS protein level through pS170-promoted proteolysis may explain the specific and significant decrease in SUS abundance that accompanies the sink-to-source transition in developing maize leaves.

  1. mTORC1 promotes T-bet phosphorylation to regulate Th1 differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Chornoguz, Olesya; Hagan, Robert S.; Haile, Azeb; Arwood, Matthew L.; Gamper, Christopher J.; Banerjee, Arnob; Powell, Jonathan D.

    2017-01-01

    CD4+ T cells lacking the mTORC1 activator Rheb fail to secrete IFNγ under Th1 polarizing conditions. We hypothesized that this phenotype is due to defects in regulation of the canonical Th1 transcription factor T-bet at the level of protein phosphorylation downstream of mTORC1. To test this hypothesis, we employed targeted mass-spectrometry proteomic analysis – multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). We used MRM-MS to detect and quantify predicted phospho-peptides derived from T-bet. By analyzing activated murine WT and Rheb deficient CD4+ T cells, as well as murine CD4+ T cells activated in the presence of rapamycin, a pharmacologic inhibitor of mTORC1, we were able to identify 6 T-bet phosphorylation sites. Five of these are novel, and 4 sites are consistently dephosphorylated in both Rheb deficient CD4+ T-cells and T-cells treated with rapamycin, suggesting mTORC1 signaling controls their phosphorylation. Alanine mutagenesis of each of the 6 phosphorylation sites was tested for the ability to impair IFNγ expression. Single phosphorylation site mutants still support induction of IFNγ expression, however simultaneous mutation of 3 of the mTORC1-dependent sites results in significantly reduced IFNγ expression. The reduced activity of the triple mutant T-bet is associated with its failure to recruit chromatin remodeling complexes to the Ifng gene promoter. These results establish a novel mechanism by which mTORC1 regulates Th1 differentiation, through control of T-bet phosphorylation. PMID:28424242

  2. Endogenous overexpression of an active phosphorylated form of DNA polymerase β under oxidative stress in Trypanosoma cruzi.

    PubMed

    Rojas, Diego A; Urbina, Fabiola; Moreira-Ramos, Sandra; Castillo, Christian; Kemmerling, Ulrike; Lapier, Michel; Maya, Juan Diego; Solari, Aldo; Maldonado, Edio

    2018-02-01

    Trypanosoma cruzi is exposed during its life to exogenous and endogenous oxidative stress, leading to damage of several macromolecules such as DNA. There are many DNA repair pathways in the nucleus and mitochondria (kinetoplast), where specific protein complexes detect and eliminate damage to DNA. One group of these proteins is the DNA polymerases. In particular, Tc DNA polymerase β participates in kinetoplast DNA replication and repair. However, the mechanisms which control its expression under oxidative stress are still unknown. Here we describe the effect of oxidative stress on the expression and function of Tc DNA polymerase β To this end parasite cells (epimastigotes and trypomastigotes) were exposed to peroxide during short periods of time. Tc DNA polymerase β which was associated physically with kinetoplast DNA, showed increased protein levels in response to peroxide damage in both parasite forms analyzed. Two forms of DNA polymerase β were identified and overexpressed after peroxide treatment. One of them was phosphorylated and active in DNA synthesis after renaturation on polyacrylamide electrophoresis gel. This phosphorylated form showed 3-4-fold increase in both parasite forms. Our findings indicate that these increments in protein levels are not under transcriptional control because the level of Tc DNA polymerase β mRNA is maintained or slightly decreased during the exposure to oxidative stress. We propose a mechanism where a DNA repair pathway activates a cascade leading to the increment of expression and phosphorylation of Tc DNA polymerase β in response to oxidative damage, which is discussed in the context of what is known in other trypanosomes which lack transcriptional control.

  3. ABA Renewal Involves Enhancements in Both GluA2-Lacking AMPA Receptor Activity and GluA1 Phosphorylation in the Lateral Amygdala

    PubMed Central

    Park, Sungmo; Kim, Jihye; An, Bobae; Lee, Hyun Woo; Lee, Seungbok; Kim, Hyun; Lee, Justin C.; Lee, Sukwon; Choi, Sukwoo

    2014-01-01

    Fear renewal, the context-specific relapse of fear following fear extinction, is a leading animal model of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and fear-related disorders. Although fear extinction can diminish fear responses, this effect is restricted to the context where the extinction is carried out, and the extinguished fear strongly relapses when assessed in the original acquisition context (ABA renewal) or in a context distinct from the conditioning and extinction contexts (ABC renewal). We have previously identified Ser831 phosphorylation of GluA1 subunit in the lateral amygdala (LA) as a key molecular mechanism for ABC renewal. However, molecular mechanisms underlying ABA renewal remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that both the excitatory synaptic efficacy and GluA2-lacking AMPAR activity at thalamic input synapses onto the LA (T-LA synapses) were enhanced upon ABA renewal. GluA2-lacking AMPAR activity was also increased during low-threshold potentiation, a potential cellular substrate of renewal, at T-LA synapses. The microinjection of 1-naphtylacetyl-spermine (NASPM), a selective blocker of GluA2-lacking AMPARs, into the LA attenuated ABA renewal, suggesting a critical role of GluA2-lacking AMPARs in ABA renewal. We also found that Ser831 phosphorylation of GluA1 in the LA was increased upon ABA renewal. We developed a short peptide mimicking the Ser831-containing C-tail region of GluA1, which can be phosphorylated upon renewal (GluA1S); thus, the phosphorylated GluA1S may compete with Ser831-phosphorylated GluA1. This GluA1S peptide blocked the low-threshold potentiation when dialyzed into a recorded neuron. The microinjection of a cell-permeable form of GluA1S peptide into the LA attenuated ABA renewal. In support of the GluA1S experiments, a GluA1D peptide (in which the serine at 831 is replaced with a phosphomimetic amino acid, aspartate) attenuated ABA renewal when microinjected into the LA. These findings suggest that enhancements in both the

  4. ABA renewal involves enhancements in both GluA2-lacking AMPA receptor activity and GluA1 phosphorylation in the lateral amygdala.

    PubMed

    Park, Kyungjoon; Song, Beomjong; Kim, Jeongyeon; Hong, Ingie; Song, Sangho; Lee, Junuk; Park, Sungmo; Kim, Jihye; An, Bobae; Lee, Hyun Woo; Lee, Seungbok; Kim, Hyun; Lee, Justin C; Lee, Sukwon; Choi, Sukwoo

    2014-01-01

    Fear renewal, the context-specific relapse of fear following fear extinction, is a leading animal model of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and fear-related disorders. Although fear extinction can diminish fear responses, this effect is restricted to the context where the extinction is carried out, and the extinguished fear strongly relapses when assessed in the original acquisition context (ABA renewal) or in a context distinct from the conditioning and extinction contexts (ABC renewal). We have previously identified Ser831 phosphorylation of GluA1 subunit in the lateral amygdala (LA) as a key molecular mechanism for ABC renewal. However, molecular mechanisms underlying ABA renewal remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that both the excitatory synaptic efficacy and GluA2-lacking AMPAR activity at thalamic input synapses onto the LA (T-LA synapses) were enhanced upon ABA renewal. GluA2-lacking AMPAR activity was also increased during low-threshold potentiation, a potential cellular substrate of renewal, at T-LA synapses. The microinjection of 1-naphtylacetyl-spermine (NASPM), a selective blocker of GluA2-lacking AMPARs, into the LA attenuated ABA renewal, suggesting a critical role of GluA2-lacking AMPARs in ABA renewal. We also found that Ser831 phosphorylation of GluA1 in the LA was increased upon ABA renewal. We developed a short peptide mimicking the Ser831-containing C-tail region of GluA1, which can be phosphorylated upon renewal (GluA1S); thus, the phosphorylated GluA1S may compete with Ser831-phosphorylated GluA1. This GluA1S peptide blocked the low-threshold potentiation when dialyzed into a recorded neuron. The microinjection of a cell-permeable form of GluA1S peptide into the LA attenuated ABA renewal. In support of the GluA1S experiments, a GluA1D peptide (in which the serine at 831 is replaced with a phosphomimetic amino acid, aspartate) attenuated ABA renewal when microinjected into the LA. These findings suggest that enhancements in both the

  5. Maize plasma membrane aquaporins belonging to the PIP1 and PIP2 subgroups are in vivo phosphorylated.

    PubMed

    Van Wilder, Valérie; Miecielica, Urszula; Degand, Hervé; Derua, Rita; Waelkens, Etienne; Chaumont, François

    2008-09-01

    Aquaporins are channel proteins that facilitate transmembrane water movement. In this study, we showed that plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) from maize shoots are in vitro and in vivo phosphorylated on serine residues by a calcium-dependent kinase associated with the membrane fraction. Mass spectrometry identified phosphorylated peptides corresponding to the C-terminal region of (i) ZmPIP2;1, ZmPIP2;2 and/or ZmPIP2;7; (ii) ZmPIP2;3 and/or ZmPIP2;4; (iii) ZmPIP2;6; together with (iv) a phosphorylated peptide located in the N-terminal region of ZmPIP1;1, ZmPIP1;2, ZmPIP1;3 and/or ZmPIP1;4. The role of phosphorylation in the water channel activity of wild-type and mutant ZmPIP2;1 was studied in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Activation of endogenous protein kinase A increased the osmotic water permeability coefficient of ZmPIP2;1-expressing oocytes, suggesting that phosphorylation activates its channel activity. Mutation of S126 or S203, putative phosphorylated serine residues conserved in all plant PIPs, to alanine decreased ZmPIP2;1 activity by 30-50%, without affecting its targeting to the plasma membrane. Mutation of S285, which is phosphorylated in planta, to alanine or glutamate did not affect the water channel activity. These results indicate that, in oocytes, S126 and S203 play an important role in ZmPIP2;1 activity and that phosphorylation of S285 is not required for its activity.

  6. Phosphorylation of Synaptojanin Differentially Regulates Endocytosis of Functionally Distinct Synaptic Vesicle Pools

    PubMed Central

    Geng, Junhua; Wang, Liping; Lee, Joo Yeun; Chen, Chun-Kan

    2016-01-01

    The rapid replenishment of synaptic vesicles through endocytosis is crucial for sustaining synaptic transmission during intense neuronal activity. Synaptojanin (Synj), a phosphoinositide phosphatase, is known to play an important role in vesicle recycling by promoting the uncoating of clathrin following synaptic vesicle uptake. Synj has been shown to be a substrate of the minibrain (Mnb) kinase, a fly homolog of the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A); however, the functional impacts of Synj phosphorylation by Mnb are not well understood. Here we identify that Mnb phosphorylates Synj at S1029 in Drosophila. We find that phosphorylation of Synj at S1029 enhances Synj phosphatase activity, alters interaction between Synj and endophilin, and promotes efficient endocytosis of the active cycling vesicle pool (also referred to as exo-endo cycling pool) at the expense of reserve pool vesicle endocytosis. Dephosphorylated Synj, on the other hand, is deficient in the endocytosis of the active recycling pool vesicles but maintains reserve pool vesicle endocytosis to restore total vesicle pool size and sustain synaptic transmission. Together, our findings reveal a novel role for Synj in modulating reserve pool vesicle endocytosis and further indicate that dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of Synj differentially maintain endocytosis of distinct functional synaptic vesicle pools. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic vesicle endocytosis sustains communication between neurons during a wide range of neuronal activities by recycling used vesicle membrane and protein components. Here we identify that Synaptojanin, a protein with a known role in synaptic vesicle endocytosis, is phosphorylated at S1029 in vivo by the Minibrain kinase. We further demonstrate that the phosphorylation status of Synaptojanin at S1029 differentially regulates its participation in the recycling of distinct synaptic vesicle pools. Our results reveal a new role for

  7. Neuromedin B receptor activation causes tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK by a phospholipase C independent mechanism which requires p21rho and integrity of the actin cytoskeleton.

    PubMed

    Tsuda, T; Kusui, T; Jensen, R T

    1997-12-23

    Recent studies show that tyrosine phosphorylation by a number of neuropeptides may be an important intracellular pathway in mediating changes in cell function, particularly related to growth. Neuromedin B (NMB), a mammalian bombesin related peptide, functions through a distinct receptor, the neuromedin B receptor (NMB-R), of which little is known about its cellular basis of action. In the present study we explored the ability of NMB-R activation to cause tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (p125(FAK)), an important substrate for tyrosine phosphorylation by other neuropeptides. NMB caused rapid increases in p125(FAK) phosphorylation which reached maximum at 2 min in both rat C6 glioblastoma cells which possess native NMB-Rs and rat neuromedin B receptor (rNMR-R) transfected BALB 3T3 cells. NMB had a half-maximal effect was at 0.4 nM and was 30-fold more potent than gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). The stoichiometric relationships between increased p125(FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation and other cellular processes was similar in both C6 cells and rNMB-R transfected cells. TPA (1 microM) caused 45% and the calcium ionophore, A23187, 11% of maximal tyrosine phosphorylation of p125(FAK) seen with NMB. A23187 potentiated the effect of TPA. Pretreatment with the selective PKC inhibitor, GF109203X, inhibited TPA-induced p125(FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation, but it had no effect on the NMB stimulation. Pretreatment with thapsigargin completely inhibited NMB-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i, but had no effect on NMB-stimulation of p125(FAK) phosphorylation either alone or with GF109203X. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin A25, inhibited NMB-induced phosphorylation of p125(FAK) by 52%. However, tyrphostin A25 did not inhibit NMB-stimulated increases in [3H]inositol phosphates. Cytochalasin D, an agent which disrupts actin microfilaments, inhibited BN- and TPA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p125(FAK) completely. In contrast, colchicine, an agent which

  8. Microgravity alters protein phosphorylation changes during initiation of sea urchin sperm motility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tash, J. S.; Bracho, G. E.

    1999-01-01

    European Space Agency (ESA) studies demonstrated that bull sperm swim with higher velocity in microgravity (microG) than at 1 G. Coupling between protein phosphorylation and sperm motility during activation in microG and at 1 G was examined in the ESA Biorack on two space shuttle missions. Immotile sperm were activated to swim (86-90% motility) at launch +20 h by dilution into artificial seawater (ASW). Parallel ground controls were performed 2 h after the flight experiment. Activation after 0, 30, and 60 s was terminated with electrophoresis sample buffer and samples analyzed for phosphoamino acids by Western blotting. Phosphorylation of a 130-kDa phosphothreonine-containing protein (FP130) occurred three to four times faster in microG than at 1 G. A 32-kDa phosphoserine-containing protein was significantly stimulated at 30 s but returned to 1 G control levels at 60 s. The rate of FP130 phosphorylation in microG was attenuated by D2O, suggesting that changes in water properties participate in altering signal transduction. Changes in FP130 phosphorylation triggered by the egg peptide speract were delayed in microG. These results demonstrate that previously observed effects of microG on sperm motility are coupled to changes in phosphorylation of specific flagellar proteins and that early events of sperm activation and fertilization are altered in microG.

  9. Phosphorylation and ubiquitination of the IkappaB kinase complex by two distinct signaling pathways.

    PubMed

    Shambharkar, Prashant B; Blonska, Marzenna; Pappu, Bhanu P; Li, Hongxiu; You, Yun; Sakurai, Hiroaki; Darnay, Bryant G; Hara, Hiromitsu; Penninger, Josef; Lin, Xin

    2007-04-04

    The IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex serves as the master regulator for the activation of NF-kappaB by various stimuli. It contains two catalytic subunits, IKKalpha and IKKbeta, and a regulatory subunit, IKKgamma/NEMO. The activation of IKK complex is dependent on the phosphorylation of IKKalpha/beta at its activation loop and the K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO. However, the molecular mechanism by which these inducible modifications occur remains undefined. Here, we demonstrate that CARMA1, a key scaffold molecule, is essential to regulate NEMO ubiquitination upon T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. However, the phosphorylation of IKKalpha/beta activation loop is independent of CARMA1 or NEMO ubiquitination. Further, we provide evidence that TAK1 is activated and recruited to the synapses in a CARMA1-independent manner and mediate IKKalpha/beta phosphorylation. Thus, our study provides the biochemical and genetic evidence that phosphorylation of IKKalpha/beta and ubiquitination of NEMO are regulated by two distinct pathways upon TCR stimulation.

  10. AMPK regulates autophagy by phosphorylating BECN1 at threonine 388.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Deyi; Wang, Wei; Sun, Xiujie; Xu, Daqian; Wang, Chenyao; Zhang, Qian; Wang, Huafei; Luo, Wenwen; Chen, Yan; Chen, Huaiyong; Liu, Zhixue

    2016-09-01

    Macroautophagy/autophagy is a conserved catabolic process that recycles cytoplasmic material during low energy conditions. BECN1/Beclin1 (Beclin 1, autophagy related) is an essential protein for function of the class 3 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns3K) complexes that play a key role in autophagy nucleation and elongation. Here, we show that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates autophagy by phosphorylating BECN1 at Thr388. Phosphorylation of BECN1 is required for autophagy upon glucose withdrawal. BECN1(T388A), a phosphorylation defective mutant, suppresses autophagy through decreasing the interaction between PIK3C3 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3) and ATG14 (autophagy-related 14). The BECN1(T388A) mutant has a higher affinity for BCL2 than its wild-type counterpart; the mutant is more prone to dimer formation. Conversely, a BECN1 phosphorylation mimic mutant, T388D, has stronger binding to PIK3C3 and ATG14, and promotes higher autophagy activity than the wild-type control. These findings uncover a novel mechanism of autophagy regulation.

  11. Chronic Metabolic Acidosis Activates Renal Tubular Sodium Chloride Cotransporter through Angiotension II-dependent WNK4-SPAK Phosphorylation Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Fang, Yu-Wei; Yang, Sung-Sen; Cheng, Chih-Jen; Tseng, Min-Hua; Hsu, Hui-Min; Lin, Shih-Hua

    2016-01-01

    The mechanism by which chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) regulates sodium (Na+)-chloride (Cl−) cotransporter (NCC) in the renal distal convoluted tubules remains unexplored. We examined the role of STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and with-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) on expression of NCC in mouse models of CMA. CMA was induced by NH4Cl in wild type mice (WTA mice), SPAK, and WNK4 knockout mice. The quantities of Ncc mRNA, expression of total NCC, phosphorylated (p)-NCC, SPAK and WNK4 in the kidneys as well as NCC inhibition with hydrochlorothiazide and Na+ balance were evaluated. Relative to WT mice, WTA mice had similar levels of Ncc mRNA, but increased expression of total and p-NCC, SPAK, and WNK4 and an exaggerated response to hydrochlorothiazide which could not be observed in SPAK or WNK4 knockout mice with CMA. In WTA mice, increased plasma renin activity, aldosterone and angiotensin II concentrations accompanied by a significantly negative Na+ balance. High Na+ diet abolished the enhanced NCC expression in WTA mice. Furthermore, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker rather than a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist exerted a marked inhibition on Na+ reabsorption and NCC phosphorylation in WTA mice. CMA increases WNK4-SPAK-dependent NCC phosphorylation and appears to be secondary to previous natriuresis with volume-dependent angiotensin II activation. PMID:26728390

  12. Phosphorylation of PPP(S/T)P motif of the free LRP6 intracellular domain is not required to activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and attenuate GSK3beta activity.

    PubMed

    Beagle, Brandon; Mi, Kaihong; Johnson, Gail V W

    2009-11-01

    The canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. LRP6 is an essential co-receptor for Wnt/beta-catenin signaling; as transduction of the Wnt signal is strongly dependent upon GSK3beta-mediated phosphorylation of multiple PPP(S/T)P motifs within the membrane-anchored LRP6 intracellular domain. Previously, we showed that the free LRP6 intracellular domain (LRP6-ICD) can activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in a beta-catenin and TCF/LEF-1 dependent manner, as well as interact with and attenuate GSK3beta activity. However, it is unknown if the ability of LRP6-ICD to attenuate GSK3beta activity and modulate activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway requires phosphorylation of the LRP6-ICD PPP(S/T)P motifs, in a manner similar to the membrane-anchored LRP6 intracellular domain. Here we provide evidence that the LRP6-ICD does not have to be phosphorylated at its PPP(S/T)P motif by GSK3beta to stabilize endogenous cytosolic beta-catenin resulting in activation of TCF/LEF-1 and the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. LRP6-ICD and a mutant in which all 5 PPP(S/T)P motifs were changed to PPP(A)P motifs equivalently interacted with and attenuated GSK3beta activity in vitro, and both constructs inhibited the in situ GSK3beta-mediated phosphorylation of beta-catenin and tau to the same extent. These data indicate that the LRP6-ICD attenuates GSK3beta activity similar to other GSK3beta binding proteins, and is not a result of it being a GSK3beta substrate. Our findings suggest the functional and regulatory mechanisms governing the free LRP6-ICD may be distinct from membrane-anchored LRP6, and that release of the LRP6-ICD may provide a complimentary signaling cascade capable of modulating Wnt-dependent gene expression. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  13. Inflammation kinase PKR phosphorylates α-synuclein and causes α-synuclein-dependent cell death.

    PubMed

    Reimer, Lasse; Vesterager, Louise Buur; Betzer, Cristine; Zheng, Jin; Nielsen, Lærke Dalsgaard; Kofoed, Rikke Hahn; Lassen, Louise Berkhoudt; Bølcho, Ulrik; Paludan, Søren Riis; Fog, Karina; Jensen, Poul Henning

    2018-07-01

    Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy comprise a group of neurodegenerative diseases termed synucleinopathies. Synucleinopathie are, characterized by presence of inclusion bodies in degenerating brain cells which contain aggregated α-synuclein phosphorylated on Ser129. Although the inflammation-associated serine-threonine kinase, PKR (EIF2AK2), promotes cellular protection against infection, we demonstrate a pro-degenerative role of activated PKR in an α-synuclein-dependent cell model of multiple system atrophy, where inhibition and silencing of PKR decrease cellular degeneration. In vitro phosphorylation demonstrates that PKR can directly bind and phosphorylate monomeric and filamenteous α-synuclein on Ser129. Inhibition and knockdown of PKR reduce Ser129 phosphorylation in different models (SH-SY5Y ASYN cells, OLN-AS7 cells, primary mouse hippocampal neurons, and acute brain slices), while overexpression of constitutively active PKR increases Ser129 α-syn phosphorylation. Treatment with pre-formed α-synuclein fibrils, proteostatic stress-promoting MG-132 and known PKR activators, herpes simplex virus-1-∆ICP34.5 and LPS, as well as PKR inducer, IFN-β-1b, lead to increased levels of phosphorylated Ser129 α-synuclein that is completely blocked by simultaneous PKR inhibition. These results reveal a direct link between PKR and the phosphorylation and toxicity of α-synuclein, and they support that neuroinflammatory processes play a role in modulating the pathogenicity of α-synuclein. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. AMPK Phosphorylation Modulates Pain by Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome

    PubMed Central

    Bullón, Pedro; Alcocer-Gómez, Elísabet; Carrión, Angel M.; Marín-Aguilar, Fabiola; Garrido-Maraver, Juan; Román-Malo, Lourdes; Ruiz-Cabello, Jesus; Culic, Ognjen; Ryffel, Bernhard; Apetoh, Lionel; Ghiringhelli, François; Battino, Maurizio; Sánchez-Alcazar, José Antonio

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Aims: Impairment in adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation are associated with several metabolic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in the molecular mechanism underlying pain perception. Results: Impairment in AMPK activation induced by compound C or sunitinib, two AMPK inhibitors, provoked hyperalgesia in mice (p<0.001) associated with marked NLRP3 inflammasome protein activation and increased serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (24.56±0.82 pg/ml) and IL-18 (23.83±1.882 pg/ml) compared with vehicle groups (IL-1β: 8.15±0.44; IL-18: 4.92±0.4). This effect was rescued by increasing AMPK phosphorylation via metformin treatment (p<0.001), caloric restriction diet (p<0.001), or NLRP3 inflammasome genetic inactivation using NLRP3 knockout (nlrp3−/−) mice (p<0.001). Deficient AMPK activation and overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome axis were also observed in blood cells from patients with fibromyalgia (FM), a prevalent human chronic pain disease. In addition, metformin treatment (200 mg/daily), which increased AMPK activation, restored all biochemical alterations examined by us in blood cells and significantly improved clinical symptoms, such as, pain, fatigue, depression, disturbed sleep, and tender points, in patients with FM. Innovation and Conclusions: These data suggest that AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome axis participates in chronic pain and that NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition by AMPK modulation may be a novel therapeutic target to fight against chronic pain and inflammatory diseases as FM. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 157–170. PMID:26132721

  15. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis

    PubMed Central

    Bissel, Stephanie J.; Kofler, Julia; Nyaundi, Julia; Murphey-Corb, Michael; Wisniewski, Stephen R.; Wiley, Clayton A.

    2016-01-01

    Antiretroviral therapy has led to increased survival of HIV-infected patients but also increased prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. We previously identified YKL40 as a potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker of lentiviral central nervous system (CNS) disease in HIV-infected patients and in the macaque model of HIV encephalitis. The aim of this study was to define the specificity and sensitivity along with the predictive value of YKL40 as a biomarker of encephalitis and to assess its relationship to CSF viral load. CSF YKL40 and SIV RNA concentrations were analyzed over the course of infection in 19 SIV-infected pigtailed macaques and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship to encephalitis. Using these relationships, CSF alterations of 31 neuroimmune markers were studied pre-infection, during acute and asymptomatic infection, at the onset of encephalitis, and at necropsy. YKL40 CSF concentrations above 1122 ng/ml were found to be a specific and sensitive biomarker for the presence of encephalitis and were highly correlated with CSF viral load. Macaques that developed encephalitis had evidence of chronic CNS immune activation during early, asymptomatic, and end stages of infection. At the onset of encephalitis, CSF demonstrated a rise of neuroimmune markers associated with macrophage recruitment, activation and interferon response. CSF YKL40 concentration and viral load are valuable biomarkers to define the onset of encephalitis. Chronic CNS immune activation precedes the development of encephalitis while some responses suggest protection from CNS lentiviral disease. PMID:27059917

  16. Pr-specific phytochrome phosphorylation in vitro by a protein kinase present in anti-phytochrome maize immunoprecipitates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Biermann, B. J.; Pao, L. I.; Feldman, L. J.

    1994-01-01

    Protein kinase activity has repeatedly been found to co-purify with the plant photoreceptor phytochrome, suggesting that light signals received by phytochrome may be transduced or modulated through protein phosphorylation. In this study immunoprecipitation techniques were used to characterize protein kinase activity associated with phytochrome from maize (Zea mays L.). A protein kinase that specifically phosphorylated phytochrome was present in washed anti-phytochrome immunoprecipitates of etiolated coleoptile proteins. No other substrate tested was phosphorylated by this kinase. Adding salts or detergents to disrupt low-affinity protein interactions reduced background phosphorylation in immunoprecipitates without affecting phytochrome phosphorylation, indicating that the protein kinase catalytic activity is either intrinsic to the phytochrome molecule or associated with it by high-affinity interactions. Red irradiation (of coleoptiles or extracts) sufficient to approach photoconversion saturation reduced phosphorylation of immunoprecipitated phytochrome. Subsequent far-red irradiation reversed the red-light effect. Phytochrome phosphorylation was stimulated about 10-fold by a co-immunoprecipitated factor. The stimulatory factor was highest in immunoprecipitates when Mg2+ was present in immunoprecipitation reactions but remained in the supernatant in the absence of Mg2+. These observations provide strong support for the hypothesis that phytochrome-associated protein kinase modulates light responses in vivo. Since only phytochrome was found to be phosphorylated, the co-immunoprecipitated protein kinase may function to regulate receptor activity.

  17. A rapid, PPAR-gamma-dependent effect of pioglitazone on the phosphorylation of MYPT.

    PubMed

    Atkins, Kevin B; Irey, Brittany; Xiang, Nan; Brosius, Frank C

    2009-05-01

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma ligands, thiazolidinediones, have been demonstrated to regulate vascular reactivity. We examined the effect of pioglitazone (PIO; 20 muM) in rat primary cultured aortic smooth muscle cells on constitutive phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of myosin phosphatase (MYPT). PIO decreased the phosphorylation of Thr(697) on MYPT within 15 min, and the inhibition was maintained up to 6 h. The PPAR-gamma antagonist GW-9662 (5 microM) abrogated the inhibition of Thr(697) phosphorylation mediated by PIO. Because longer-term PIO treatment inhibits RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling and Thr(697) phosphorylation, we tested the effect of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 (10 muM) on the inhibition of Thr(697) phosphorylation by PIO. Y-27632 alone inhibited Thr(697) phosphorylation, and there was an additive effect with PIO. In addition, up to 1 h of PIO treatment did not affect RhoA localization or decrease ROCK-dependent phosphorylation of Thr(855). These results suggest that the effect of PIO is independent of inhibition of RhoA/ROCK. PIO increased the phosphorylation of Ser(696) in the same time course as its effect on Thr(697). Ser(696) has been shown to be phosphorylated by PKA and PKG. PKA inhibitor H-89 (10 microM) and PKG inhibitor KT-5823 (0.5 microM) abrogated the effect of PIO on both Thr(697) and Ser(696) phosphorylation. The constitutive turnover of phosphorylation of Thr(697) is rapid, suggesting that the decreased phosphorylation of Thr(697) by PIO is due to enhanced phosphorylation of Ser(696). This is supported by the finding that PIO blocks ANG II-stimulated phosphorylation of Thr(697) but not ANG II-stimulated RhoA translocation. Therefore, the effect of shorter-term PIO apparently is to increase myosin light chain phosphatase activity, thereby desensitizing the vascular smooth muscle to agonist signaling.

  18. Phosphorylation of p53 modifies sensitivity to ionizing radiation.

    PubMed

    Okaichi, Kumio; Nose, Kanako; Kotake, Takako; Izumi, Nanaka; Kudo, Takashi

    2011-06-01

    Phosphorylation is an important modification involved in the control of p53 activity. We examined the relationship between p53 phosphorylation and cell radiosensitivity. We prepared H1299 cells (p53-null) with various mutations of p53 at three sites (serine 15, 20 and 46) and examined the radiosensitivity of the cells. In three mutant forms of p53--S15A, S20A and S46A--serine was converted to alanine at these sites to prevent phosphorylation, and in two other mutant forms, S15D and S20D, serine was converted to aspartic acid to mimic phosphorylation. H1299 cells were more radioresistant than cells with wild-type p53. Cells with the S15A and S46A mutant forms of p53 were radiosensitive, whereas those with the S15D, S20A and S20D forms showed medium radiosensitivity. Thus the sensitivity of cells to ionizing radiation varies according to the site of phosphorylation of p53.

  19. Phosphorylated (pT371)TRF1 is recruited to sites of DNA damage to facilitate homologous recombination and checkpoint activation

    PubMed Central

    McKerlie, Megan; Walker, John R.; Mitchell, Taylor R. H.; Wilson, Florence R.; Zhu, Xu-Dong

    2013-01-01

    TRF1, a duplex telomeric DNA-binding protein, plays an important role in telomere metabolism. We have previously reported that a fraction of endogenous TRF1 can stably exist free of telomere chromatin when it is phosphorylated at T371 by Cdk1; however, the role of this telomere-free (pT371)TRF1 has yet to be fully characterized. Here we show that phosphorylated (pT371)TRF1 is recruited to sites of DNA damage, forming damage-induced foci in response to ionizing radiation (IR), etoposide and camptothecin. We find that IR-induced (pT371)TRF1 foci formation is dependent on the ATM- and Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1-mediated DNA damage response. While loss of functional BRCA1 impairs the formation of IR-induced (pT371)TRF1 foci, depletion of either 53BP1 or Rif1 stimulates IR-induced (pT371)TRF1 foci formation. In addition, we show that TRF1 depletion or the lack of its phosphorylation at T371 impairs DNA end resection and repair of nontelomeric DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination. The lack of TRF1 phosphorylation at T371 also hampers the activation of the G2/M checkpoint and sensitizes cells to PARP inhibition, IR and camptothecin. Collectively, these results reveal a novel but important function of phosphorylated (pT371)TRF1 in facilitating DNA double-strand break repair and the maintenance of genome integrity. PMID:23997120

  20. Aluminum interaction with human brain tau protein phosphorylation by various kinases

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    El-Sebae; Abou Zeid, M.M.; Saleh, M.A.

    1993-01-01

    Phosphorylation is an indispensable process for energy and signal transduction in biological systems. AlCl[sub 3] at 10 nM to 10 [mu]M range activated in-vitro [[gamma][sup [minus]32]P]ATP phosphorylation of the brain ([tau]) [Gamma] protein in both normal human or E.coli expressed [Gamma] forms; in the presence of the kinases P34,PKP, and PKC. However, higher concentrations of AlCl[sub 3] inhibited the [Gamma] phosphorylation with P34, PKP, and PKC to a maximum at 1 mM level. AlCl[sub 3] at 100 [mu]M to 500 [mu]M range induced non-enzymatic phosphorylation of [Gamma] with [gamma]-ATP, [gamma]-GTP, and [alpha]-GRP. AlCl[sub 3] activated histone phosphorylation by P34 inmore » a similar pattern. The hyperphosphorylation of [Gamma] by Al[sup 3+] was accompanied in molecular shift and mobility retardation in SDS-PAGE. This may demonstrate the mechanism of the long term neurological effect of Al[sub 3+] in human brain leading to the formation of the neutrofibrillary tangles related to Alzeheimer's disease.« less

  1. Coordinated Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase activation by translocation and phosphorylation determines flow-induced NO production in resistance vessels

    PubMed Central

    Figueroa, Xavier F.; González, Daniel R.; Puebla, Mariela; Acevedo, Juan P.; Rojas-Libano, Daniel; Durán, Walter N.; Boric, Mauricio P.

    2013-01-01

    Background/Aims Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is associated with caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in plasma membrane. We tested the hypothesis that eNOS activation by shear stress in resistance vessels depends on synchronized phosphorylation, dissociation from Cav-1 and translocation of the membrane-bound enzyme to Golgi and cytosol. Methods In isolated, perfused rat arterial mesenteric beds, we evaluated the effect of changes in flow rate (2–10 mL/min), on NO production, eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177, eNOS subcellular distribution and co-immunoprecipitation with Cav-1, in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+. Results Increases in flow induced a biphasic rise in NO production: a rapid transient phase (3–5-min) that peaked during the first 15-sec, followed by a sustained phase, which lasted until the end of stimulation. Concomitantly, flow caused a rapid translocation of eNOS from the microsomal compartment to the cytosol and Golgi, paralleled by an increase in eNOS phosphorylation and a reduction in eNOS-Cav-1 association. Transient NO production, eNOS translocation, and dissociation from Cav-1 depended on extracellular Ca2+, while sustained NO production was abolished by the PI3K-Akt blocker wortmannin. Conclusions In intact resistance vessels, changes in flow induce NO production by transient Ca2+-dependent eNOS translocation from membrane to intracellular compartments and sustained Ca2+-independent PI3K-Akt-mediated phosphorylation. PMID:24217770

  2. How Phosphotransferase System-Related Protein Phosphorylation Regulates Carbohydrate Metabolism in Bacteria†

    PubMed Central

    Deutscher, Josef; Francke, Christof; Postma, Pieter W.

    2006-01-01

    The phosphoenolpyruvate(PEP):carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is found only in bacteria, where it catalyzes the transport and phosphorylation of numerous monosaccharides, disaccharides, amino sugars, polyols, and other sugar derivatives. To carry out its catalytic function in sugar transport and phosphorylation, the PTS uses PEP as an energy source and phosphoryl donor. The phosphoryl group of PEP is usually transferred via four distinct proteins (domains) to the transported sugar bound to the respective membrane component(s) (EIIC and EIID) of the PTS. The organization of the PTS as a four-step phosphoryl transfer system, in which all P derivatives exhibit similar energy (phosphorylation occurs at histidyl or cysteyl residues), is surprising, as a single protein (or domain) coupling energy transfer and sugar phosphorylation would be sufficient for PTS function. A possible explanation for the complexity of the PTS was provided by the discovery that the PTS also carries out numerous regulatory functions. Depending on their phosphorylation state, the four proteins (domains) forming the PTS phosphorylation cascade (EI, HPr, EIIA, and EIIB) can phosphorylate or interact with numerous non-PTS proteins and thereby regulate their activity. In addition, in certain bacteria, one of the PTS components (HPr) is phosphorylated by ATP at a seryl residue, which increases the complexity of PTS-mediated regulation. In this review, we try to summarize the known protein phosphorylation-related regulatory functions of the PTS. As we shall see, the PTS regulation network not only controls carbohydrate uptake and metabolism but also interferes with the utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus and the virulence of certain pathogens. PMID:17158705

  3. Identification of Bombyx mori Akt and its phosphorylation by bombyxin stimulation.

    PubMed

    Nagata, Shinji; Hakuno, Fumihiko; Takahashi, Shin-Ichiro; Nagasawa, Hiromichi

    2008-11-01

    Akt, a Ser/Thr protein kinase involved in insulin signaling, was identified from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Bombyx Akt (BomAkt) is composed of 493 amino acid residues including regions conserved in other Akts: the Pleckstrin homology and kinase domains, and a dual phosphorylation site essential for kinase activation. Commercially available antibodies against mammalian Akt and phosphoAkt were able to recognize BomAkt and phosphorylated BomAkt in HEK293 cells expressing BomAkt. Additionally, phosphorylation of BomAkt was detectable in insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I stimulated-HEK293 cells expressing BomAkt. RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses revealed that BomAkt is expressed ubiquitously in Bombyx larvae. Phosphorylation of BomAkt was observed both in the isolated fat body after exposure to bombyxin, an endogenous insulin-like peptide, and in the larval fat body by refeeding a diet after starvation. These results suggest that dietary intake may activate the insulin signaling pathway, including Akt, through bombyxin action in B. mori.

  4. Specific Cx43 phosphorylation events regulate gap junction turnover in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Solan, Joell L.; Lampe, Paul D.

    2014-01-01

    Gap junctions, composed of proteins from the connexin gene family, are highly dynamic structures that are regulated by kinase-mediated signaling pathways and interactions with other proteins. Phosphorylation of Connexin43 (Cx43) at different sites controls gap junction assembly, gap junction size and gap junction turnover. Here we present a model describing how Akt, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and src kinase coordinate to regulate rapid turnover of gap junctions. Specifically, Akt phosphorylates Cx43 at S373 eliminating interaction with zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) allowing gap junctions to enlarge. Then MAPK and src phosphorylate Cx43 to initiate turnover. We integrate published data with new data to test and refine this model. Finally, we propose that differential coordination of kinase activation and Cx43 phosphorylation controls the specific routes of disassembly, e.g., annular junction formation or gap junctions can potentially “unzip” and be internalized/endocytosed into the cell that produced each connexin. PMID:24508467

  5. Phosphorylation of Cytochrome c Threonine 28 Regulates Electron Transport Chain Activity in Kidney

    PubMed Central

    Mahapatra, Gargi; Varughese, Ashwathy; Ji, Qinqin; Lee, Icksoo; Liu, Jenney; Vaishnav, Asmita; Sinkler, Christopher; Kapralov, Alexandr A.; Moraes, Carlos T.; Sanderson, Thomas H.; Stemmler, Timothy L.; Grossman, Lawrence I.; Kagan, Valerian E.; Brunzelle, Joseph S.; Salomon, Arthur R.; Edwards, Brian F. P.; Hüttemann, Maik

    2017-01-01

    Mammalian cytochrome c (Cytc) plays a key role in cellular life and death decisions, functioning as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain and as a trigger of apoptosis when released from the mitochondria. However, its regulation is not well understood. We show that the major fraction of Cytc isolated from kidneys is phosphorylated on Thr28, leading to a partial inhibition of respiration in the reaction with cytochrome c oxidase. To further study the effect of Cytc phosphorylation in vitro, we generated T28E phosphomimetic Cytc, revealing superior behavior regarding protein stability and its ability to degrade reactive oxygen species compared with wild-type unphosphorylated Cytc. Introduction of T28E phosphomimetic Cytc into Cytc knock-out cells shows that intact cell respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and ROS levels are reduced compared with wild type. As we show by high resolution crystallography of wild-type and T28E Cytc in combination with molecular dynamics simulations, Thr28 is located at a central position near the heme crevice, the most flexible epitope of the protein apart from the N and C termini. Finally, in silico prediction and our experimental data suggest that AMP kinase, which phosphorylates Cytc on Thr28 in vitro and colocalizes with Cytc to the mitochondrial intermembrane space in the kidney, is the most likely candidate to phosphorylate Thr28 in vivo. We conclude that Cytc phosphorylation is mediated in a tissue-specific manner and leads to regulation of electron transport chain flux via “controlled respiration,” preventing ΔΨm hyperpolarization, a known cause of ROS and trigger of apoptosis. PMID:27758862

  6. Conserved phosphoryl transfer mechanisms within kinase families and the role of the C8 proton of ATP in the activation of phosphoryl transfer

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background The kinome is made up of a large number of functionally diverse enzymes, with the classification indicating very little about the extent of the conserved kinetic mechanisms associated with phosphoryl transfer. It has been demonstrated that C8-H of ATP plays a critical role in the activity of a range of kinase and synthetase enzymes. Results A number of conserved mechanisms within the prescribed kinase fold families have been identified directly utilizing the C8-H of ATP in the initiation of phosphoryl transfer. These mechanisms are based on structurally conserved amino acid residues that are within hydrogen bonding distance of a co-crystallized nucleotide. On the basis of these conserved mechanisms, the role of the nucleotide C8-H in initiating the formation of a pentavalent intermediate between the γ-phosphate of the ATP and the substrate nucleophile is defined. All reactions can be clustered into two mechanisms by which the C8-H is induced to be labile via the coordination of a backbone carbonyl to C6-NH2 of the adenyl moiety, namely a "push" mechanism, and a "pull" mechanism, based on the protonation of N7. Associated with the "push" mechanism and "pull" mechanisms are a series of proton transfer cascades, initiated from C8-H, via the tri-phosphate backbone, culminating in the formation of the pentavalent transition state between the γ-phosphate of the ATP and the substrate nucleophile. Conclusions The "push" mechanism and a "pull" mechanism are responsible for inducing the C8-H of adenyl moiety to become more labile. These mechanisms and the associated proton transfer cascades achieve the proton transfer via different family-specific conserved sets of amino acids. Each of these mechanisms would allow for the regulation of the rate of formation of the pentavalent intermediate between the ATP and the substrate nucleophile. Phosphoryl transfer within kinases is therefore a specific event mediated and regulated via the coordination of the adenyl moiety

  7. Membrane androgen receptor characteristics of human ZIP9 (SLC39A) zinc transporter in prostate cancer cells: Androgen-specific activation and involvement of an inhibitory G protein in zinc and MAP kinase signaling.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Peter; Pang, Yefei; Dong, Jing

    2017-05-15

    Characteristics of novel human membrane androgen receptor (mAR), ZIP9 (SLC39A9), were investigated in ZIP9-transfected PC-3 cells (PC3-ZIP9). Ligand blot analysis showed plasma membrane [ 3 H]-T binding corresponds to the position of ZIP9 on Western blots which suggests ZIP9 can bind [ 3 H]-T alone, without a protein partner. Progesterone antagonized testosterone actions, blocking increases in zinc, Erk phosphorylation and apoptosis, further evidence that ZIP9 is specifically activated by androgens. Pre-treatment with GTPγS and pertussis toxin decreased plasma membrane [ 3 H]-T binding and blocked testosterone-induced increases in Erk phosphorylation and intracellular zinc, indicating ZIP9 is coupled to an inhibitory G protein (Gi) that mediates both MAP kinase and zinc signaling. Testosterone treatment of nuclei and mitochondria which express ZIP9 decreased their zinc contents, suggesting ZIP9 also regulates free zinc through releasing it from these intracellular organelles. The results show ZIP9 is a specific Gi coupled-mAR mediating testosterone-induced MAP kinase and zinc signaling in PC3-ZIP9 cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Effect of Calcium on the Oxidative Phosphorylation Cascade in Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria

    PubMed Central

    Glancy, Brian; Willis, Wayne T; Chess, David J; Balaban, Robert S

    2014-01-01

    Calcium is believed to regulate mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thereby contributing to the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. Skeletal muscle, with an energy conversion dynamic range of up to 100-fold, is an extreme case for evaluating the cellular balance of ATP production and consumption. This study examined the role of Ca2+ on the entire oxidative phosphorylation reaction network in isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria and attempted to extrapolate these results back to the muscle, in vivo. Kinetic analysis was conducted to evaluate the dose response effect of Ca2+ on the maximum velocity of oxidative phosphorylation (VmaxO) and the ADP affinity. Force-flow analysis evaluated the interplay between energetic driving forces and flux to determine the conductance, or effective activity, of individual steps within oxidative phosphorylation. Measured driving forces (extramitochondrial phosphorylation potential (ΔGATP), membrane potential, and redox states of NADH and cytochromes bH, bL, c1, c, and a,a3) were compared with flux (oxygen consumption) at 37°C. 840 nM Ca2+ generated a ∼2 fold increase in VmaxO with no change in ADP affinity (∼43 μM). Force-flow analysis revealed that Ca2+ activation of VmaxO was distributed throughout the oxidative phosphorylation reaction sequence. Specifically, Ca2+ increased the conductance of Complex IV (2.3-fold), Complexes I+III (2.2-fold), ATP production/transport (2.4-fold), and fuel transport/dehydrogenases (1.7-fold). These data support the notion that Ca2+ activates the entire muscle oxidative phosphorylation cascade, while extrapolation of these data to the exercising muscle predicts a significant role of Ca2+ in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. PMID:23547908

  9. Phosphorylation of Mitochondrial Polyubiquitin by PINK1 Promotes Parkin Mitochondrial Tethering

    PubMed Central

    Shiba-Fukushima, Kahori; Arano, Taku; Matsumoto, Gen; Inoshita, Tsuyoshi; Yoshida, Shigeharu; Ishihama, Yasushi; Ryu, Kwon-Yul; Nukina, Nobuyuki; Hattori, Nobutaka; Imai, Yuzuru

    2014-01-01

    The kinase PINK1 and the E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase Parkin participate in mitochondrial quality control. The phosphorylation of Ser65 in Parkin's ubiquitin-like (UBl) domain by PINK1 stimulates Parkin activation and translocation to damaged mitochondria, which induces mitophagy generating polyUb chain. However, Parkin Ser65 phosphorylation is insufficient for Parkin mitochondrial translocation. Here we report that Ser65 in polyUb chain is also phosphorylated by PINK1, and that phosphorylated polyUb chain on mitochondria tethers Parkin at mitochondria. The expression of Tom70MTS-4xUb SE, which mimics phospho-Ser65 polyUb chains on the mitochondria, activated Parkin E3 activity and its mitochondrial translocation. An E3-dead form of Parkin translocated to mitochondria with reduced membrane potential in the presence of Tom70MTS-4xUb SE, whereas non-phospho-polyUb mutant Tom70MTS-4xUb SA abrogated Parkin translocation. Parkin binds to the phospho-polyUb chain through its RING1-In-Between-RING (IBR) domains, but its RING0-linker is also required for mitochondrial translocation. Moreover, the expression of Tom70MTS-4xUb SE improved mitochondrial degeneration in PINK1-deficient, but not Parkin-deficient, Drosophila. Our study suggests that the phosphorylation of mitochondrial polyUb by PINK1 is implicated in both Parkin activation and mitochondrial translocation, predicting a chain reaction mechanism of mitochondrial phospho-polyUb production by which rapid translocation of Parkin is achieved. PMID:25474007

  10. Loss of Activity-Induced Phosphorylation of MeCP2 Enhances Synaptogenesis, LTP, and Spatial Memory

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hongda; Zhong, Xiaofen; Chau, Kevin Fongching; Williams, Emily Cunningham; Chang, Qiang

    2012-01-01

    DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanisms underlie the development and function of the mammalian brain. MeCP2 expresses highly in neurons, and functions as a molecular linker between DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and transcription regulation. Previous in vitro studies showed neuronal activity-induced phosphorylation (NAIP) of MeCP2 precedes its release from the Bdnf promoter and the ensuing Bdnf transcription. However, the in vivo function of this phosphorylation event remains elusive. We generated knockin mice that lack NAIP of MeCP2, and show here the Mecp2 phospho-mutant mice perform better in hippocampus-dependent memory tests, present enhanced LTP at two synapses in the hippocampus, and show increased excitatory synaptogenesis. At the molecular level, the phospho-mutant MeCP2 protein binds more tightly to several MeCP2 target gene promoters and alters the expression of these genes. Our results supply the first genetic evidence that NAIP of MeCP2 is required in modulating dynamic functions of the adult mouse brain. PMID:21765426

  11. Loss of activity-induced phosphorylation of MeCP2 enhances synaptogenesis, LTP and spatial memory.

    PubMed

    Li, Hongda; Zhong, Xiaofen; Chau, Kevin Fongching; Williams, Emily Cunningham; Chang, Qiang

    2011-07-17

    DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanisms underlie the development and function of the mammalian brain. MeCP2 is highly expressed in neurons and functions as a molecular linker between DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and transcription regulation. Previous in vitro studies have shown that neuronal activity-induced phosphorylation (NAIP) of methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) precedes its release from the Bdnf promoter and the ensuing Bdnf transcription. However, the in vivo function of this phosphorylation event remains elusive. We generated knock-in mice that lack NAIP of MeCP2 and found that they performed better in hippocampus-dependent memory tests, presented enhanced long-term potentiation at two synapses in the hippocampus and showed increased excitatory synaptogenesis. At the molecular level, the phospho-mutant MeCP2 protein bound more tightly to several MeCP2 target gene promoters and altered the expression of these genes. Our results suggest that NAIP of MeCP2 is required for modulating dynamic functions of the adult mouse brain.

  12. Cyclin-dependent Kinases Phosphorylate the Cytomegalovirus RNA Export Protein pUL69 and Modulate Its Nuclear Localization and Activity*S⃞

    PubMed Central

    Rechter, Sabine; Scott, Gillian M.; Eickhoff, Jan; Zielke, Katrin; Auerochs, Sabrina; Müller, Regina; Stamminger, Thomas; Rawlinson, William D.; Marschall, Manfred

    2009-01-01

    Replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is subject to regulation by cellular protein kinases. Recently, we and others reported that inhibition of cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) or the viral CDK ortholog pUL97 can induce intranuclear speckled aggregation of the viral mRNA export factor, pUL69. Here we provide the first evidence for a direct regulatory role of CDKs on pUL69 functionality. Although replication of all HCMV strains was dependent on CDK activity, we found strain-specific differences in the amount of CDK inhibitor-induced pUL69 aggregate formation. In all cases analyzed, the inhibitor-induced pUL69 aggregates were clearly localized within viral replication centers but not subnuclear splicing, pore complex, or aggresome structures. The CDK9 and cyclin T1 proteins colocalized with these pUL69 aggregates, whereas other CDKs behaved differently. Phosphorylation analyses in vivo and in vitro demonstrated pUL69 was strongly phosphorylated in HCMV-infected fibroblasts and that CDKs represent a novel class of pUL69-phosphorylating kinases. Moreover, the analysis of CDK inhibitors in a pUL69-dependent nuclear mRNA export assay provided evidence for functional impairment of pUL69 under suppression of CDK activity. Thus, our data underline the crucial importance of CDKs for HCMV replication, and indicate a direct impact of CDK9-cyclin T1 on the nuclear localization and activity of the viral regulator pUL69. PMID:19179338

  13. Epidermal growth factor-stimulated protein phosphorylation in rat hepatocytes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Connelly, P.A.; Sisk, R.B.; Johnson, R.M.

    1987-05-01

    Epidermal growth factor (EGF) causes a 6-fold increase in the phosphorylation state of a cytosolic protein (pp36, M/sub r/ = 36,000, pI = 5.5) in hepatocytes isolated from fasted, male, Wistar rats. Stimulation of /sup 32/P incorporation is observed as early as 1 min following treatment of hepatocytes with EGF and is still present at 30 min after exposure to the growth factor. The phosphate incorporated into pp36 in response to EGF is located predominantly in serine but not tyrosine residues. Phosphorylation of pp36 does not occur in response to insulin or to agents which specifically activate the cAMP-dependent proteinmore » kinase (S/sub p/ -cAMPS), protein kinase C (PMA) or Ca/sup 2 +//calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (A23187) in these cells. Prior treatment of hepatocytes with the cAMP analog, S/sub p/-cAMPS, or ADP-ribosylation of N/sub i/, the inhibitory GTP-binding protein of the adenylate cyclase complex, does not prevent EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of pp36. However, as seen in other cell types, pretreatment of hepatocytes with PMA abolishes all EGF-mediated responses including phosphorylation of pp36. These results suggest that EGP specifically activates an uncharacterized, serine protein kinase in hepatocytes that is distal to the intrinsic EGF receptor tyrosine protein kinase. The rapid activation of this kinase suggests that it may play an important role in the early response of the cell to EGF.« less

  14. Activation of the yeast Hippo pathway by phosphorylation-dependent assembly of signaling complexes.

    PubMed

    Rock, Jeremy M; Lim, Daniel; Stach, Lasse; Ogrodowicz, Roksana W; Keck, Jamie M; Jones, Michele H; Wong, Catherine C L; Yates, John R; Winey, Mark; Smerdon, Stephen J; Yaffe, Michael B; Amon, Angelika

    2013-05-17

    Scaffold-assisted signaling cascades guide cellular decision-making. In budding yeast, one such signal transduction pathway called the mitotic exit network (MEN) governs the transition from mitosis to the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The MEN is conserved and in metazoans is known as the Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway. We found that signaling through the MEN kinase cascade was mediated by an unusual two-step process. The MEN kinase Cdc15 first phosphorylated the scaffold Nud1. This created a phospho-docking site on Nud1, to which the effector kinase complex Dbf2-Mob1 bound through a phosphoserine-threonine binding domain, in order to be activated by Cdc15. This mechanism of pathway activation has implications for signal transmission through other kinase cascades and might represent a general principle in scaffold-assisted signaling.

  15. Differential phosphorylation signals control endocytosis of GPR15

    PubMed Central

    Okamoto, Yukari; Shikano, Sojin

    2017-01-01

    GPR15 is an orphan G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) that serves for an HIV coreceptor and was also recently found as a novel homing receptor for T-cells implicated in colitis. We show that GPR15 undergoes a constitutive endocytosis in the absence of ligand. The endocytosis was clathrin dependent and partially dependent on β-arrestin in HEK293 cells, and nearly half of the internalized GPR15 receptors were recycled to the plasma membrane. An Ala mutation of the distal C-terminal Arg-354 or Ser-357, which forms a consensus phosphorylation site for basophilic kinases, markedly reduced the endocytosis, whereas phosphomimetic mutation of Ser-357 to Asp did not. Ser-357 was phosphorylated in vitro by multiple kinases, including PKA and PKC, and pharmacological activation of these kinases enhanced both phosphorylation of Ser-357 and endocytosis of GPR15. These results suggested that Ser-357 phosphorylation critically controls the ligand-independent endocytosis of GPR15. The functional role of Ser-357 in endocytosis was distinct from that of a conserved Ser/Thr cluster in the more proximal C-terminus, which was responsible for the β-arrestin– and GPCR kinase–dependent endocytosis of GPR15. Thus phosphorylation signals may differentially control cell surface density of GPR15 through endocytosis. PMID:28615320

  16. IGF1 regulates PKM2 function through Akt phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Salani, Barbara; Ravera, Silvia; Amaro, Adriana; Salis, Annalisa; Passalacqua, Mario; Millo, Enrico; Damonte, Gianluca; Marini, Cecilia; Pfeffer, Ulrich; Sambuceti, Gianmario; Cordera, Renzo; Maggi, Davide

    2015-01-01

    Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) acts at the crossroad of growth and metabolism pathways in cells. PKM2 regulation by growth factors can redirect glycolytic intermediates into key biosynthetic pathway. Here we show that IGF1 can regulate glycolysis rate, stimulate PKM2 Ser/Thr phosphorylation and decrease cellular pyruvate kinase activity. Upon IGF1 treatment we found an increase of the dimeric form of PKM2 and the enrichment of PKM2 in the nucleus. This effect was associated to a reduction of pyruvate kinase enzymatic activity and was reversed using metformin, which decreases Akt phosphorylation. IGF1 induced an increased nuclear localization of PKM2 and STAT3, which correlated with an increased HIF1α, HK2, and GLUT1 expression and glucose entrapment. Metformin inhibited HK2, GLUT1, HIF-1α expression and glucose consumption. These findings suggest a role of IGFIR/Akt axis in regulating glycolysis by Ser/Thr PKM2 phosphorylation in cancer cells. PMID:25790097

  17. TGF-beta and HGF transmit the signals through JNK-dependent Smad2/3 phosphorylation at the linker regions.

    PubMed

    Mori, Shigeo; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Yoshida, Katsunori; Furukawa, Fukiko; Tahashi, Yoshiya; Yamagata, Hideo; Sekimoto, Go; Seki, Toshihito; Matsui, Hirofumi; Nishizawa, Mikio; Fujisawa, Jun-ichi; Okazaki, Kazuichi

    2004-09-23

    Although hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can act synergistically or antagonistically with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling, molecular mechanism of their crosstalk remains unknown. Using antibodies which selectively distinguished receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) phosphorylated at linker regions from those at C-terminal regions, we herein showed that either HGF or TGF-beta treatment of normal stomach-origin cells activated the JNK pathway, thereafter inducing endogenous R-Smads phosphorylation at linker regions. However, the phosphorylation at their C-terminal regions was not induced by HGF treatment. The activated JNK could directly phosphorylate R-Smads in vitro at the same sites that were phosphorylated in response to TGF-beta or HGF in vivo. Thus, the linker regions of R-Smads were the common phosphorylation sites for HGF and TGF-beta signaling pathways. The phosphorylation induced by simultaneous treatment with HGF and TGF-beta allowed R-Smads to associate with Smad4 and to translocate into the nucleus. JNK pathway involved HGF and TGF-beta-mediated infiltration potency since a JNK inhibitor SP600125 caused the reduction of invasive capacity induced by HGF and TGF-beta signals. Moreover, a combined treatment with HGF and TGF-beta led to a potent increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 transcriptional activity through Smad3 phosphorylation at the linker region. In contrast, HGF treatment reduced TGF-beta-dependent activation of p15INK4B promoter, in which Smad3 phosphorylation at the C-terminal region was involved. In conclusion, HGF and TGF-beta transmit the signals through JNK-mediated R-Smads phosphorylation at linker regions.

  18. PHOSPHORYLATION BY EXTRACTS OF NITROSOMONAS EUROPAEA

    PubMed Central

    Burge, W. D.; Malavolta, E.; Delwiche, C. C.

    1963-01-01

    Burge, W. D. (University of California, Berkeley), E. Malavolta, and C. C. Delwiche. Phosphorylation by extracts of Nitrosomonas europaea. J. Bacteriol. 85:106–110. 1963.—Cellfree preparations of Nitrosomonas europaea are capable of oxidizing hydroxylamine, but not ammonium ion, to nitrite. The quantity of nitrite formed by our preparations was, at most, equivalent to only 70% of the hydroxylamine added. Although the preparations had a strong phosphatase activity, resulting in a net loss of organic phosphate during the experimental period, P32-labeled inorganic phosphate was found to be incorporated into the organic fraction, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The provision of hydroxylamine as substrate resulted in the formation of nitrite and an increased incorporation of P32 into the organic fraction. It is concluded that the chemosynthetic autotroph Nitrosomonas, in common with certain other autotrophic organisms and heterotrophs, is capable of converting energy released in the oxidation of its inorganic substrate into high-energy phosphate units (ATP and ADP) for the mediation of other energy-requiring reactions. The simultaneous formation of ATP and ADP is interpreted as evidence for an adenylate kinase activity. The preparations used exhibited a considerable endogenous incorporation of P32 into organic phosphate in the absence of added hydroxylamine. Cyanide inhibited both phosphorylation and the oxidation of hydroxylamine. Both the supernatant and particulate fractions of a Nitrosomonas extract subjected to centrifugal fields of 100,000 × g were active in phosphorylation and nitrite formation, but these activities appeared to be uncoupled in the particulate fraction and only partially coupled in the supernatant solution. This most likely reflects a significant endogenous respiration, and not a real lack of coupling between the two reactions. PMID:14016952

  19. Endogenous overexpression of an active phosphorylated form of DNA polymerase β under oxidative stress in Trypanosoma cruzi

    PubMed Central

    Moreira-Ramos, Sandra; Castillo, Christian; Kemmerling, Ulrike; Lapier, Michel; Maya, Juan Diego; Solari, Aldo

    2018-01-01

    Trypanosoma cruzi is exposed during its life to exogenous and endogenous oxidative stress, leading to damage of several macromolecules such as DNA. There are many DNA repair pathways in the nucleus and mitochondria (kinetoplast), where specific protein complexes detect and eliminate damage to DNA. One group of these proteins is the DNA polymerases. In particular, Tc DNA polymerase β participates in kinetoplast DNA replication and repair. However, the mechanisms which control its expression under oxidative stress are still unknown. Here we describe the effect of oxidative stress on the expression and function of Tc DNA polymerase β To this end parasite cells (epimastigotes and trypomastigotes) were exposed to peroxide during short periods of time. Tc DNA polymerase β which was associated physically with kinetoplast DNA, showed increased protein levels in response to peroxide damage in both parasite forms analyzed. Two forms of DNA polymerase β were identified and overexpressed after peroxide treatment. One of them was phosphorylated and active in DNA synthesis after renaturation on polyacrylamide electrophoresis gel. This phosphorylated form showed 3-4-fold increase in both parasite forms. Our findings indicate that these increments in protein levels are not under transcriptional control because the level of Tc DNA polymerase β mRNA is maintained or slightly decreased during the exposure to oxidative stress. We propose a mechanism where a DNA repair pathway activates a cascade leading to the increment of expression and phosphorylation of Tc DNA polymerase β in response to oxidative damage, which is discussed in the context of what is known in other trypanosomes which lack transcriptional control. PMID:29432450

  20. Dynamic Phosphorylation of VP30 Is Essential for Ebola Virus Life Cycle.

    PubMed

    Biedenkopf, Nadine; Lier, Clemens; Becker, Stephan

    2016-05-15

    Ebola virus is the causative agent of a severe fever with high fatality rates in humans and nonhuman primates. The regulation of Ebola virus transcription and replication currently is not well understood. An important factor regulating viral transcription is VP30, an Ebola virus-specific transcription factor associated with the viral nucleocapsid. Previous studies revealed that the phosphorylation status of VP30 impacts viral transcription. Together with NP, L, and the polymerase cofactor VP35, nonphosphorylated VP30 supports viral transcription. Upon VP30 phosphorylation, viral transcription ceases. Phosphorylation weakens the interaction between VP30 and the polymerase cofactor VP35 and/or the viral RNA. VP30 thereby is excluded from the viral transcription complex, simultaneously leading to increased viral replication which is supported by NP, L, and VP35 alone. Here, we use an infectious virus-like particle assay and recombinant viruses to show that the dynamic phosphorylation of VP30 is critical for the cotransport of VP30 with nucleocapsids to the sites of viral RNA synthesis, where VP30 is required to initiate primary viral transcription. We further demonstrate that a single serine residue at amino acid position 29 was sufficient to render VP30 active in primary transcription and to generate a recombinant virus with characteristics comparable to those of wild-type virus. In contrast, the rescue of a recombinant virus with a single serine at position 30 in VP30 was unsuccessful. Our results indicate critical roles for phosphorylated and dephosphorylated VP30 during the viral life cycle. The current Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has caused more than 28,000 cases and 11,000 fatalities. Very little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms of how the Ebola virus transcribes and replicates its genome. Previous investigations showed that the transcriptional support activity of VP30 is activated upon VP30 dephosphorylation. The current study reveals that

  1. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit modulates benzodiazepine binding.

    PubMed

    Churn, Severn B; Rana, Aniruddha; Lee, Kangmin; Parsons, J Travis; De Blas, Angel; Delorenzo, Robert J

    2002-09-01

    gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary neurotransmitter that is responsible for the fast inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. A major post-translational mechanism that can rapidly regulate GABAAR function is receptor phosphorylation. This study was designed to test the effect of endogenous calcium and calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaM kinase II) activation on both allosteric modulator binding and GABAA receptor subunit phosphorylation. Endogenous CaM kinase II activity was stimulated, and GABAA receptors were subsequently analyzed for bothallosteric modulator binding properties and immunoprecipitated and analyzed for subunit phosphorylation levels. A significant increase in allosteric-modulator binding of the GABAAR was observed under conditions maximal for CaM kinase II activation. In addition, CaM kinase II activation resulted in a direct increase in phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit. The data suggest that the CaM kinase II-dependent phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit modulated allosteric modulator binding to the GABAA receptor.

  2. Parkin-catalyzed Ubiquitin-Ester Transfer Is Triggered by PINK1-dependent Phosphorylation*

    PubMed Central

    Iguchi, Masahiro; Kujuro, Yuki; Okatsu, Kei; Koyano, Fumika; Kosako, Hidetaka; Kimura, Mayumi; Suzuki, Norihiro; Uchiyama, Shinichiro; Tanaka, Keiji; Matsuda, Noriyuki

    2013-01-01

    PINK1 and PARKIN are causal genes for autosomal recessive familial Parkinsonism. PINK1 is a mitochondrial Ser/Thr kinase, whereas Parkin functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Under steady-state conditions, Parkin localizes to the cytoplasm where its E3 activity is repressed. A decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential triggers Parkin E3 activity and recruits it to depolarized mitochondria for ubiquitylation of mitochondrial substrates. The molecular basis for how the E3 activity of Parkin is re-established by mitochondrial damage has yet to be determined. Here we provide in vitro biochemical evidence for ubiquitin-thioester formation on Cys-431 of recombinant Parkin. We also report that Parkin forms a ubiquitin-ester following a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in cells, and that this event is essential for substrate ubiquitylation. Importantly, the Parkin RING2 domain acts as a transthiolation or acyl-transferring domain rather than an E2-recruiting domain. Furthermore, formation of the ubiquitin-ester depends on PINK1 phosphorylation of Parkin Ser-65. A phosphorylation-deficient mutation completely inhibited formation of the Parkin ubiquitin-ester intermediate, whereas phosphorylation mimics, such as Ser to Glu substitution, enabled partial formation of the intermediate irrespective of Ser-65 phosphorylation. We propose that PINK1-dependent phosphorylation of Parkin leads to the ubiquitin-ester transfer reaction of the RING2 domain, and that this is an essential step in Parkin activation. PMID:23754282

  3. Single-well monitoring of protein-protein interaction and phosphorylation-dephosphorylation events.

    PubMed

    Arcand, Mathieu; Roby, Philippe; Bossé, Roger; Lipari, Francesco; Padrós, Jaime; Beaudet, Lucille; Marcil, Alexandre; Dahan, Sophie

    2010-04-20

    We combined oxygen channeling assays with two distinct chemiluminescent beads to detect simultaneously protein phosphorylation and interaction events that are usually monitored separately. This novel method was tested in the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway. It was first used to directly monitor dissociation of MAP kinase ERK2 from MEK1 upon phosphorylation and to evaluate MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) selectivity and mechanism of action. In addition, MEK1 and ERK2 were probed with an ATP competitor and an allosteric MEK1 inhibitor, which generated distinct phosphorylation-interaction patterns. Simultaneous monitoring of protein-protein interactions and substrate phosphorylation can provide significant mechanistic insight into enzyme activity and small molecule action.

  4. Histone phosphorylation: its role during cell cycle and centromere identity in plants.

    PubMed

    Zhang, B; Dong, Q; Su, H; Birchler, J A; Han, F

    2014-01-01

    As the main protein components of chromatin, histones can alter the structural/functional capabilities of chromatin by undergoing extensive post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and so on. These PTMs are thought to transmit signals from the chromatin to the cell machinery to regulate various processes. Histone phosphorylation is associated with chromosome condensation/segregation, activation of transcription, and DNA damage repair. In this review, we focus on how different histone phosphorylations mark for chromatin change during the cell cycle, the relationship between histone phosphorylation and functional centromeres, and the candidate kinases that trigger and the phosphatase or kinase inhibitors that alter histone phosphorylation. Finally, we review the crosstalk between different PTMs. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  5. 28 CFR 39.160 - Communications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Communications. 39.160 Section 39.160... PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE § 39.160 Communications. (a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of...

  6. 28 CFR 39.160 - Communications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Communications. 39.160 Section 39.160... PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE § 39.160 Communications. (a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of...

  7. 28 CFR 39.160 - Communications.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Communications. 39.160 Section 39.160... PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE § 39.160 Communications. (a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of...

  8. Phosphorylation regulates the Star-PAP-PIPKIα interaction and directs specificity toward mRNA targets

    PubMed Central

    Mohan, Nimmy; AP, Sudheesh; Francis, Nimmy; Anderson, Richard; Laishram, Rakesh S.

    2015-01-01

    Star-PAP is a nuclear non-canonical poly(A) polymerase (PAP) that shows specificity toward mRNA targets. Star-PAP activity is stimulated by lipid messenger phosphatidyl inositol 4,5 bisphoshate (PI4,5P2) and is regulated by the associated Type I phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase that synthesizes PI4,5P2 as well as protein kinases. These associated kinases act as coactivators of Star-PAP that regulates its activity and specificity toward mRNAs, yet the mechanism of control of these interactions are not defined. We identified a phosphorylated residue (serine 6, S6) on Star-PAP in the zinc finger region, the domain required for PIPKIα interaction. We show that S6 is phosphorylated by CKIα within the nucleus which is required for Star-PAP nuclear retention and interaction with PIPKIα. Unlike the CKIα mediated phosphorylation at the catalytic domain, Star-PAP S6 phosphorylation is insensitive to oxidative stress suggesting a signal mediated regulation of CKIα activity. S6 phosphorylation together with coactivator PIPKIα controlled select subset of Star-PAP target messages by regulating Star-PAP-mRNA association. Our results establish a novel role for phosphorylation in determining Star-PAP target mRNA specificity and regulation of 3′-end processing. PMID:26138484

  9. CD39 is incorporated into plasma microparticles where it maintains functional properties and impacts endothelial activation.

    PubMed

    Banz, Yara; Beldi, Guido; Wu, Yan; Atkinson, Ben; Usheva, Anny; Robson, Simon C

    2008-08-01

    Plasma microparticles (MPs, <1.5 mum) originate from platelet and cell membrane lipid rafts and possibly regulate inflammatory responses and thrombogenesis. These actions are mediated through their phospholipid-rich surfaces and associated cell-derived surface molecules. The ectonucleotidase CD39/ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase1 (E-NTPDase1) modulates purinergic signalling through pericellular ATP and ADP phosphohydrolysis and is localized within lipid rafts in the membranes of endothelial- and immune cells. This study aimed to determine whether CD39 associates with circulating MPs and might further impact phenotype and function. Plasma MPs were found to express CD39 and exhibited classic E-NTPDase ecto-enzymatic activity. Entpd1 (Cd39) deletion in mice produced a pro-inflammatory phenotype associated with quantitative and qualitative differences in the MP populations, as determined by two dimensional-gel electrophoresis, western blot and flow cytometry. Entpd1-null MPs were also more abundant, had significantly higher proportions of platelet- and endothelial-derived elements and decreased levels of interleukin-10, tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 2. Consequently, Cd39-null MP augment endothelial activation, as determined by inflammatory cytokine release and upregulation of adhesion molecules in vitro. In conclusion, CD39 associates with circulating MP and may directly or indirectly confer functional properties. Our data also suggest a modulatory role for CD39 within MP in the exchange of regulatory signals between leucocytes and vascular cells.

  10. Myosin 3A kinase activity is regulated by phosphorylation of the kinase domain activation loop.

    PubMed

    Quintero, Omar A; Unrath, William C; Stevens, Stanley M; Manor, Uri; Kachar, Bechara; Yengo, Christopher M

    2013-12-27

    Class III myosins are unique members of the myosin superfamily in that they contain both a motor and kinase domain. We have found that motor activity is decreased by autophosphorylation, although little is known about the regulation of the kinase domain. We demonstrate by mass spectrometry that Thr-178 and Thr-184 in the kinase domain activation loop and two threonines in the loop 2 region of the motor domain are autophosphorylated (Thr-908 and Thr-919). The kinase activity of MYO3A 2IQ with the phosphomimic (T184E) or phosphoblock (T184A) mutations demonstrates that kinase activity is reduced 30-fold as a result of the T184A mutation, although the Thr-178 site only had a minor impact on kinase activity. Interestingly, the actin-activated ATPase activity of MYO3A 2IQ is slightly reduced as a result of the T178A and T184A mutations suggesting coupling between motor and kinase domains. Full-length GFP-tagged T184A and T184E MYO3A constructs transfected into COS7 cells do not disrupt the ability of MYO3A to localize to filopodia structures. In addition, we demonstrate that T184E MYO3A reduces filopodia elongation in the presence of espin-1, whereas T184A enhances filopodia elongation in a similar fashion to kinase-dead MYO3A. Our results suggest that as MYO3A accumulates at the tips of actin protrusions, autophosphorylation of Thr-184 enhances kinase activity resulting in phosphorylation of the MYO3A motor and reducing motor activity. The differential regulation of the kinase and motor activities allows for MYO3A to precisely self-regulate its concentration in the actin bundle-based structures of cells.

  11. Myosin 3A Kinase Activity Is Regulated by Phosphorylation of the Kinase Domain Activation Loop*

    PubMed Central

    Quintero, Omar A.; Unrath, William C.; Stevens, Stanley M.; Manor, Uri; Kachar, Bechara; Yengo, Christopher M.

    2013-01-01

    Class III myosins are unique members of the myosin superfamily in that they contain both a motor and kinase domain. We have found that motor activity is decreased by autophosphorylation, although little is known about the regulation of the kinase domain. We demonstrate by mass spectrometry that Thr-178 and Thr-184 in the kinase domain activation loop and two threonines in the loop 2 region of the motor domain are autophosphorylated (Thr-908 and Thr-919). The kinase activity of MYO3A 2IQ with the phosphomimic (T184E) or phosphoblock (T184A) mutations demonstrates that kinase activity is reduced 30-fold as a result of the T184A mutation, although the Thr-178 site only had a minor impact on kinase activity. Interestingly, the actin-activated ATPase activity of MYO3A 2IQ is slightly reduced as a result of the T178A and T184A mutations suggesting coupling between motor and kinase domains. Full-length GFP-tagged T184A and T184E MYO3A constructs transfected into COS7 cells do not disrupt the ability of MYO3A to localize to filopodia structures. In addition, we demonstrate that T184E MYO3A reduces filopodia elongation in the presence of espin-1, whereas T184A enhances filopodia elongation in a similar fashion to kinase-dead MYO3A. Our results suggest that as MYO3A accumulates at the tips of actin protrusions, autophosphorylation of Thr-184 enhances kinase activity resulting in phosphorylation of the MYO3A motor and reducing motor activity. The differential regulation of the kinase and motor activities allows for MYO3A to precisely self-regulate its concentration in the actin bundle-based structures of cells. PMID:24214986

  12. Thermodynamic study of the native and phosphorylated regulatory domain of the CFTR

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Marasini, Carlotta, E-mail: marasini@ge.ibf.cnr.it; Galeno, Lauretta; Moran, Oscar

    2012-07-06

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CFTR mutations produce cystic fibrosis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Chloride transport depends on the regulatory domain phosphorylation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Regulatory domain is intrinsically disordered. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Secondary structure and protein stability change upon phosphorylation. -- Abstract: The regulatory domain (RD) of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the defective protein in cystic fibrosis, is the region of the channel that regulates the CFTR activity with multiple phosphorylation sites. This domain is an intrinsically disordered protein, characterized by lack of stable or unique tertiary structure. The disordered character of a protein is directly correlated with its function. The flexibility of RD may bemore » important for its regulatory role: the continuous conformational change may be necessary for the progressive phosphorylation, and thus activation, of the channel. However, the lack of a defined and stable structure results in a considerable limitation when trying to in build a unique molecular model for the RD. Moreover, several evidences indicate significant structural differences between the native, non-phosphorylated state, and the multiple phosphorylated state of the protein. The aim of our work is to provide data to describe the conformations and the thermodynamic properties in these two functional states of RD. We have done the circular dichroism (CD) spectra in samples with a different degree of phosphorylation, from the non-phosphorylated state to a bona fide completely phosphorylated state. Analysis of CD spectra showed that the random coil and {beta}-sheets secondary structure decreased with the polypeptide phosphorylation, at expenses of an increase of {alpha}-helix. This observation lead to interpret phosphorylation as a mechanism favoring a more structured state. We also studied the thermal denaturation curves of the protein in the

  13. SRC-DEPENDENT PHOSPHORYLATION OF THE EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR ON TYROSINE 845 IS REQUIRED FOR ZINC-INDUCED RAS ACTIVATION

    EPA Science Inventory

    Src-dependent Phosphorylation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor on Tyrosine 845 Is Required for Zinc-induced Ras Activation
    Weidong Wu 1 , Lee M. Graves 2 , Gordon N. Gill 3 , Sarah J. Parsons 4 , and James M. Samet 5
    1 Center for Environmental Medicine and Lung Biolo...

  14. Effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the bovine oviduct in vitro: Alteration by heat stress.

    PubMed

    Wijayagunawardane, Missaka P B; Hambruch, Nina; Haeger, Jan-Dirk; Pfarrer, Christiane

    2015-01-01

    Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to be involved in control of the oviductal microenvironment. To elucidate the potential mechanisms responsible for the detrimental effect of heat stress and to identify the relation with the endocrine status, the effects of EGF on the level of phosphorylated mitogen-activated-protein kinase (MAPK) and proliferation of bovine oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) exposed to different cyclic ovarian steroidal environments (luteal phase (LP), follicular phase (FP) and postovulatory phase (PO)) and temperatures (mild heat stress (40 C) and severe heat stress (43 C)) were investigated. Western blot was performed to evaluate phosphorylated MAPK, while proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. Stimulation of OECs with EGF alone or with EGF in the PO and FP environments significantly increased the amount of phosphorylated MAPK, with MAPK 44 phosphorylation being highest during exposure to PO conditions. These effects were not observed in the LP. Heat treatment completely blocked effects of EGF on phosphorylated MAPK. Additionally, severe heat stress led to a significantly lower basal level of phosphorylated MAPK. PD98059 (MAPK inhibitor) completely abolished EGF-stimulated MAPK phosphorylation and OECs proliferation. Overall the results indicate that EGF has the potential to increase the amount of phosphorylated MAPK in OECs and therefore could be involved in regulation of the bovine oviductal microenvironment. However, these regulatory mechanisms may be compromised in the presence of heat stress (high ambient temperature), leading to low fertility rates and impaired embryo survival.

  15. Effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the bovine oviduct in vitro: Alteration by heat stress

    PubMed Central

    WIJAYAGUNAWARDANE, Missaka P. B.; HAMBRUCH, Nina; HAEGER, Jan-Dirk; PFARRER, Christiane

    2015-01-01

    Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to be involved in control of the oviductal microenvironment. To elucidate the potential mechanisms responsible for the detrimental effect of heat stress and to identify the relation with the endocrine status, the effects of EGF on the level of phosphorylated mitogen-activated-protein kinase (MAPK) and proliferation of bovine oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) exposed to different cyclic ovarian steroidal environments (luteal phase (LP), follicular phase (FP) and postovulatory phase (PO)) and temperatures (mild heat stress (40 C) and severe heat stress (43 C)) were investigated. Western blot was performed to evaluate phosphorylated MAPK, while proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. Stimulation of OECs with EGF alone or with EGF in the PO and FP environments significantly increased the amount of phosphorylated MAPK, with MAPK 44 phosphorylation being highest during exposure to PO conditions. These effects were not observed in the LP. Heat treatment completely blocked effects of EGF on phosphorylated MAPK. Additionally, severe heat stress led to a significantly lower basal level of phosphorylated MAPK. PD98059 (MAPK inhibitor) completely abolished EGF-stimulated MAPK phosphorylation and OECs proliferation. Overall the results indicate that EGF has the potential to increase the amount of phosphorylated MAPK in OECs and therefore could be involved in regulation of the bovine oviductal microenvironment. However, these regulatory mechanisms may be compromised in the presence of heat stress (high ambient temperature), leading to low fertility rates and impaired embryo survival. PMID:26050642

  16. Oncogenic Receptor Tyrosine Kinases Directly Phosphorylate Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) as a Resistance Mechanism to FAK-Kinase Inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Marlowe, Timothy A; Lenzo, Felicia L; Figel, Sheila A; Grapes, Abigail T; Cance, William G

    2016-12-01

    Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a major drug target in cancer and current inhibitors targeted to the ATP-binding pocket of the kinase domain have entered clinical trials. However, preliminary results have shown limited single-agent efficacy in patients. Despite these unfavorable data, the molecular mechanisms that drive intrinsic and acquired resistance to FAK-kinase inhibitors are largely unknown. We have demonstrated that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) can directly bypass FAK-kinase inhibition in cancer cells through phosphorylation of FAK's critical tyrosine 397 (Y397). We also showed that HER2 forms a direct protein-protein interaction with the FAK-FERM-F1 lobe, promoting direct phosphorylation of Y397. In addition, FAK-kinase inhibition induced two forms of compensatory RTK reprogramming: (i) the rapid phosphorylation and activation of RTK signaling pathways in RTK High cells and (ii) the long-term acquisition of RTKs novel to the parental cell line in RTK Low cells. Finally, HER2 +: cancer cells displayed resistance to FAK-kinase inhibition in 3D growth assays using a HER2 isogenic system and HER2 + cancer cell lines. Our data indicate a novel drug resistance mechanism to FAK-kinase inhibitors whereby HER2 and other RTKs can rescue and maintain FAK activation (pY397) even in the presence of FAK-kinase inhibition. These data may have important ramifications for existing clinical trials of FAK inhibitors and suggest that individual tumor stratification by RTK expression would be important to predict patient response to FAK-kinase inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 3028-39. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  17. A mathematical model of phosphorylation AKT in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adi, Y. A.; Kusumo, F. A.; Aryati, L.; Hardianti, M. S.

    2016-04-01

    In this paper we consider a mathematical model of PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in phosphorylation AKT. PI3K/AKT pathway is an important mediator of cytokine signaling implicated in regulation of hematopoiesis. Constitutive activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway has been observed in Acute Meyloid Leukemia (AML) it caused by the mutation of Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase 3 in internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), the most common molecular abnormality associated with AML. Depending upon its phosphorylation status, protein interaction, substrate availability, and localization, AKT can phosphorylate or inhibite numerous substrates in its downstream pathways that promote protein synthesis, survival, proliferation, and metabolism. Firstly, we present a mass action ordinary differential equation model describing AKT double phosphorylation (AKTpp) in a system with 11 equations. Finally, under the asumtion enzyme catalyst constant and steady state equilibrium, we reduce the system in 4 equation included Michaelis Menten constant. Simulation result suggested that a high concentration of PI3K and/or a low concentration of phospatase increased AKTpp activation. This result also indicates that PI3K is a potential target theraphy in AML.

  18. Src-dependent Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Non-muscle Myosin Heavy Chain-IIA Restricts Listeria monocytogenes Cellular Infection*

    PubMed Central

    Almeida, Maria Teresa; Mesquita, Francisco S.; Cruz, Rui; Osório, Hugo; Custódio, Rafael; Brito, Cláudia; Vingadassalom, Didier; Martins, Mariana; Leong, John M.; Holden, David W.; Cabanes, Didier; Sousa, Sandra

    2015-01-01

    Bacterial pathogens often interfere with host tyrosine phosphorylation cascades to control host responses and cause infection. Given the role of tyrosine phosphorylation events in different human infections and our previous results showing the activation of the tyrosine kinase Src upon incubation of cells with Listeria monocytogenes, we searched for novel host proteins undergoing tyrosine phosphorylation upon L. monocytogenes infection. We identify the heavy chain of the non-muscle myosin IIA (NMHC-IIA) as being phosphorylated in a specific tyrosine residue in response to L. monocytogenes infection. We characterize this novel post-translational modification event and show that, upon L. monocytogenes infection, Src phosphorylates NMHC-IIA in a previously uncharacterized tyrosine residue (Tyr-158) located in its motor domain near the ATP-binding site. In addition, we found that other intracellular and extracellular bacterial pathogens trigger NMHC-IIA tyrosine phosphorylation. We demonstrate that NMHC-IIA limits intracellular levels of L. monocytogenes, and this is dependent on the phosphorylation of Tyr-158. Our data suggest a novel mechanism of regulation of NMHC-IIA activity relying on the phosphorylation of Tyr-158 by Src. PMID:25635050

  19. Phosphorylation of Synaptojanin Differentially Regulates Endocytosis of Functionally Distinct Synaptic Vesicle Pools.

    PubMed

    Geng, Junhua; Wang, Liping; Lee, Joo Yeun; Chen, Chun-Kan; Chang, Karen T

    2016-08-24

    The rapid replenishment of synaptic vesicles through endocytosis is crucial for sustaining synaptic transmission during intense neuronal activity. Synaptojanin (Synj), a phosphoinositide phosphatase, is known to play an important role in vesicle recycling by promoting the uncoating of clathrin following synaptic vesicle uptake. Synj has been shown to be a substrate of the minibrain (Mnb) kinase, a fly homolog of the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A); however, the functional impacts of Synj phosphorylation by Mnb are not well understood. Here we identify that Mnb phosphorylates Synj at S1029 in Drosophila We find that phosphorylation of Synj at S1029 enhances Synj phosphatase activity, alters interaction between Synj and endophilin, and promotes efficient endocytosis of the active cycling vesicle pool (also referred to as exo-endo cycling pool) at the expense of reserve pool vesicle endocytosis. Dephosphorylated Synj, on the other hand, is deficient in the endocytosis of the active recycling pool vesicles but maintains reserve pool vesicle endocytosis to restore total vesicle pool size and sustain synaptic transmission. Together, our findings reveal a novel role for Synj in modulating reserve pool vesicle endocytosis and further indicate that dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of Synj differentially maintain endocytosis of distinct functional synaptic vesicle pools. Synaptic vesicle endocytosis sustains communication between neurons during a wide range of neuronal activities by recycling used vesicle membrane and protein components. Here we identify that Synaptojanin, a protein with a known role in synaptic vesicle endocytosis, is phosphorylated at S1029 in vivo by the Minibrain kinase. We further demonstrate that the phosphorylation status of Synaptojanin at S1029 differentially regulates its participation in the recycling of distinct synaptic vesicle pools. Our results reveal a new role for Synaptojanin in

  20. Hydrophobic motif site-phosphorylated protein kinase CβII between mTORC2 and Akt regulates high glucose-induced mesangial cell hypertrophy.

    PubMed

    Das, Falguni; Ghosh-Choudhury, Nandini; Mariappan, Meenalakshmi M; Kasinath, Balakuntalam S; Choudhury, Goutam Ghosh

    2016-04-01

    PKCβII controls the pathologic features of diabetic nephropathy, including glomerular mesangial cell hypertrophy. PKCβII contains the COOH-terminal hydrophobic motif site Ser-660. Whether this hydrophobic motif phosphorylation contributes to high glucose-induced mesangial cell hypertrophy has not been determined. Here we show that, in mesangial cells, high glucose increased phosphorylation of PKCβII at Ser-660 in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)-dependent manner. Using siRNAs to downregulate PKCβII, dominant negative PKCβII, and PKCβII hydrophobic motif phosphorylation-deficient mutant, we found that PKCβII regulates activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mesangial cell hypertrophy by high glucose. PKCβII via its phosphorylation at Ser-660 regulated phosphorylation of Akt at both catalytic loop and hydrophobic motif sites, resulting in phosphorylation and inactivation of its substrate PRAS40. Specific inhibition of mTORC2 increased mTORC1 activity and induced mesangial cell hypertrophy. In contrast, inhibition of mTORC2 decreased the phosphorylation of PKCβII and Akt, leading to inhibition of PRAS40 phosphorylation and mTORC1 activity and prevented mesangial cell hypertrophy in response to high glucose; expression of constitutively active Akt or mTORC1 restored mesangial cell hypertrophy. Moreover, constitutively active PKCβII reversed the inhibition of high glucose-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and mesangial cell hypertrophy induced by suppression of mTORC2. Finally, using renal cortexes from type 1 diabetic mice, we found that increased phosphorylation of PKCβII at Ser-660 was associated with enhanced Akt phosphorylation and mTORC1 activation. Collectively, our findings identify a signaling route connecting PI3-kinase to mTORC2 to phosphorylate PKCβII at the hydrophobic motif site necessary for Akt phosphorylation and mTORC1 activation, leading to mesangial cell hypertrophy.

  1. Hydrophobic motif site-phosphorylated protein kinase CβII between mTORC2 and Akt regulates high glucose-induced mesangial cell hypertrophy

    PubMed Central

    Das, Falguni; Mariappan, Meenalakshmi M.; Kasinath, Balakuntalam S.; Choudhury, Goutam Ghosh

    2016-01-01

    PKCβII controls the pathologic features of diabetic nephropathy, including glomerular mesangial cell hypertrophy. PKCβII contains the COOH-terminal hydrophobic motif site Ser-660. Whether this hydrophobic motif phosphorylation contributes to high glucose-induced mesangial cell hypertrophy has not been determined. Here we show that, in mesangial cells, high glucose increased phosphorylation of PKCβII at Ser-660 in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)-dependent manner. Using siRNAs to downregulate PKCβII, dominant negative PKCβII, and PKCβII hydrophobic motif phosphorylation-deficient mutant, we found that PKCβII regulates activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mesangial cell hypertrophy by high glucose. PKCβII via its phosphorylation at Ser-660 regulated phosphorylation of Akt at both catalytic loop and hydrophobic motif sites, resulting in phosphorylation and inactivation of its substrate PRAS40. Specific inhibition of mTORC2 increased mTORC1 activity and induced mesangial cell hypertrophy. In contrast, inhibition of mTORC2 decreased the phosphorylation of PKCβII and Akt, leading to inhibition of PRAS40 phosphorylation and mTORC1 activity and prevented mesangial cell hypertrophy in response to high glucose; expression of constitutively active Akt or mTORC1 restored mesangial cell hypertrophy. Moreover, constitutively active PKCβII reversed the inhibition of high glucose-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and mesangial cell hypertrophy induced by suppression of mTORC2. Finally, using renal cortexes from type 1 diabetic mice, we found that increased phosphorylation of PKCβII at Ser-660 was associated with enhanced Akt phosphorylation and mTORC1 activation. Collectively, our findings identify a signaling route connecting PI3-kinase to mTORC2 to phosphorylate PKCβII at the hydrophobic motif site necessary for Akt phosphorylation and mTORC1 activation, leading to mesangial cell hypertrophy. PMID:26739493

  2. Suppression of type I and type III IFN signalling by NSs protein of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus through inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation and activation.

    PubMed

    Chaudhary, Vidyanath; Zhang, Shuo; Yuen, Kit-San; Li, Chuan; Lui, Pak-Yin; Fung, Sin-Yee; Wang, Pei-Hui; Chan, Chi-Ping; Li, Dexin; Kok, Kin-Hang; Liang, Mifang; Jin, Dong-Yan

    2015-11-01

    Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne pathogen causing significant morbidity and mortality in Asia. NSs protein of SFTSV is known to perturb type I IFN induction and signalling, but the mechanism remains to be fully understood. Here, we showed the suppression of both type I and type III IFN signalling by SFTSV NSs protein is mediated through inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation and activation. Infection with live SFTSV or expression of NSs potently suppressed IFN-stimulated genes but not NFkB activation. NSs was capable of counteracting the activity of IFN-α1, IFN-β, IFN-λ1 and IFN-λ2. Mechanistically, NSs associated with STAT1 and STAT2, mitigated IFN-β-induced phosphorylation of STAT1 at S727, and reduced the expression and activity of STAT1 protein in IFN-β-treated cells, resulting in the inhibition of STAT1 and STAT2 recruitment to IFNstimulated promoters. Taken together, SFTSV NSs protein is an IFN antagonist that suppresses phosphorylation and activation of STAT1.

  3. 28 CFR 39.102 - Application.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Application. 39.102 Section 39.102 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE § 39.102 Application. This part applies to...

  4. Tumor promoters alter gene expression and protein phosphorylation in avian cells in culture

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Laszlo, A.; Radke, K.; Chin, S.

    1981-10-01

    We have investigated the effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) on the synthesis and modification of polypeptides in normal avian cells and cells infected by wild-type and temperature-sensitive Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we have detected alterations in both the abundance of cellular polypeptides and in their phosphorylation that seem unique to TPA treatment. However, the state of phosphorylation of the major putative substrate for the action of the src gene-associated protein kinase, the 34- to 36-kilodalton protein, was not altered. Moreover, examination of the phosphorylated amino acid content of total cellular phosphoproteins revealed that the response tomore » TPA was not associated with detectable increases in their phosphotyrosine content. These results make it unlikely that TPA acts by the activation of the phosphorylating activity of the cellular proto-src gene or by the activation of other cellular phosphotyrosine-specific kinases. We have shown previously that temperature-sensitive RSV-infected cells at nonpermissive temperature demonstrate an increased sensitivity to TPA treatment (Bissell, M.J., Hatie, C. and Calfin, M. (1979) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 76, 348-352). Our present results indicate that this is not due to reactivation of the phosphorylating activity of the defective src gene product or to its leakiness, and they lend support to the notion of multistep viral carcinogenesis.« less

  5. Human Cdc14A regulates Wee1 stability by counteracting CDK-mediated phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Ovejero, Sara; Ayala, Patricia; Bueno, Avelino; Sacristán, María P.

    2012-01-01

    The activity of Cdk1–cyclin B1 mitotic complexes is regulated by the balance between the counteracting activities of Wee1/Myt1 kinases and Cdc25 phosphatases. These kinases and phosphatases must be strictly regulated to ensure proper mitotic timing. One masterpiece of this regulatory network is Cdk1, which promotes Cdc25 activity and suppresses inhibitory Wee1/Myt1 kinases through direct phosphorylation. The Cdk1-dependent phosphorylation of Wee1 primes phosphorylation by additional kinases such as Plk1, triggering Wee1 degradation at the onset of mitosis. Here we report that Cdc14A plays an important role in the regulation of Wee1 stability. Depletion of Cdc14A results in a significant reduction in Wee1 protein levels. Cdc14A binds to Wee1 at its amino-terminal domain and reverses CDK-mediated Wee1 phosphorylation. In particular, we found that Cdc14A inhibits Wee1 degradation through the dephosphorylation of Ser-123 and Ser-139 residues. Thus the lack of phosphorylation of these two residues prevents the interaction with Plk1 and the consequent efficient Wee1 degradation at the onset of mitosis. These data support the hypothesis that Cdc14A counteracts Cdk1–cyclin B1 activity through Wee1 dephosphorylation. PMID:23051732

  6. Alteration of O-GlcNAcylation affects serine phosphorylation and regulates gene expression and activity of pyruvate kinase M2 in colorectal cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Chaiyawat, Parunya; Chokchaichamnankit, Daranee; Lirdprapamongkol, Kriengsak; Srisomsap, Chantragan; Svasti, Jisnuson; Champattanachai, Voraratt

    2015-10-01

    O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic post-translational modification that has extensive crosstalk with phosphorylation either at the same or adjacent sites of various proteins. We have previously reported that O-GlcNAcylation level was increased in primary breast and colorectal cancer, but the interplay of the two modifications remains unclear. Therefore, we explored crosstalk of the modifications by RNA interference against O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) in colorectal cancer cells. Two-dimensional immunoblotting and mass spectrometric analysis showed that the levels of O-GlcNAc and serine phosphorylation of many proteins including serine hydroxymethyltransferase, cytokeratin-8, pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L, and lamin-B1, were reduced in siOGT cells compared to siScramble cells. In HT29 cells, immunoprecipitated PKM2 revealed decreased O-GlcNAc and serine phosphorylation levels after siOGT knockdown, but increased levels after treatment with Thiamet-G, an inhibitor of O-GlcNAcase (OGA). In addition, when global O-GlcNAcylation was enhanced by treating cells with Thiamet-G, PKM2 expression level was upregulated, but PKM2-specific activity was decreased. On the other hand, in OGT knockdown cells, PKM2 expression level was downregulated, but PKM2-specific activity was increased. Moreover, the metastatic colorectal cancer cells, SW620, had more O-GlcNAc-PKM2 and showed lower PKM2-specific activity compared to the non-metastatic colorectal cancer SW480 cells. These results suggested roles of O-GlcNAcylation in modulating serine phosphorylation, as well as in regulating PKM2 activity and expression. Interfering levels of O-GlcNAcylation of PKM2 may be a novel target in controlling cancer metabolism and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer.

  7. Deciphering the role of the signal- and Sty1 kinase-dependent phosphorylation of the stress-responsive transcription factor Atf1 on gene activation.

    PubMed

    Salat-Canela, Clàudia; Paulo, Esther; Sánchez-Mir, Laura; Carmona, Mercè; Ayté, José; Oliva, Baldo; Hidalgo, Elena

    2017-08-18

    Adaptation to stress triggers the most dramatic shift in gene expression in fission yeast ( Schizosaccharomyces pombe ), and this response is driven by signaling via the MAPK Sty1. Upon activation, Sty1 accumulates in the nucleus and stimulates expression of hundreds of genes via the nuclear transcription factor Atf1, including expression of atf1 itself. However, the role of stress-induced, Sty1-mediated Atf1 phosphorylation in transcriptional activation is unclear. To this end, we expressed Atf1 phosphorylation mutants from a constitutive promoter to uncouple Atf1 activity from endogenous, stress-activated Atf1 expression. We found that cells expressing a nonphosphorylatable Atf1 variant are sensitive to oxidative stress because of impaired transcription of a subset of stress genes whose expression is also controlled by another transcription factor, Pap1. Furthermore, cells expressing a phospho-mimicking Atf1 mutant display enhanced stress resistance, and although expression of the Pap1-dependent genes still relied on stress induction, another subset of stress-responsive genes was constitutively expressed in these cells. We also observed that, in cells expressing the phospho-mimicking Atf1 mutant, the presence of Sty1 was completely dispensable, with all stress defects of Sty1-deficient cells being suppressed by expression of the Atf1 mutant. We further demonstrated that Sty1-mediated Atf1 phosphorylation does not stimulate binding of Atf1 to DNA but, rather, establishes a platform of interactions with the basal transcriptional machinery to facilitate transcription initiation. In summary, our results provide evidence that Atf1 phosphorylation by the MAPK Sty1 is required for oxidative stress responses in fission yeast cells by promoting transcription initiation. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  8. Polo-like Kinase 1 Regulates Vimentin Phosphorylation at Ser-56 and Contraction in Smooth Muscle*

    PubMed Central

    Li, Jia; Wang, Ruping; Gannon, Olivia J.; Rezey, Alyssa C.; Jiang, Sixin; Gerlach, Brennan D.; Liao, Guoning

    2016-01-01

    Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that has been implicated in mitosis, cytokinesis, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. The role of Plk1 in smooth muscle contraction has not been investigated. Here, stimulation with acetylcholine induced Plk1 phosphorylation at Thr-210 (an indication of Plk1 activation) in smooth muscle. Contractile stimulation also activated Plk1 in live smooth muscle cells as evidenced by changes in fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal of a Plk1 sensor. Moreover, knockdown of Plk1 in smooth muscle attenuated force development. Smooth muscle conditional knock-out of Plk1 also diminished contraction of mouse tracheal rings. Plk1 knockdown inhibited acetylcholine-induced vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56 without affecting myosin light chain phosphorylation. Expression of T210A Plk1 inhibited the agonist-induced vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56 and contraction in smooth muscle. However, myosin light chain phosphorylation was not affected by T210A Plk1. Ste20-like kinase (SLK) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase that has been implicated in spindle orientation and microtubule organization during mitosis. In this study knockdown of SLK inhibited Plk1 phosphorylation at Thr-210 and activation. Finally, asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, which largely stems from airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity. Here, smooth muscle conditional knock-out of Plk1 attenuated airway resistance and airway smooth muscle hyperreactivity in a murine model of asthma. Taken together, these findings suggest that Plk1 regulates smooth muscle contraction by modulating vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56. Plk1 activation is regulated by SLK during contractile activation. Plk1 contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma. PMID:27662907

  9. 28 CFR 39.140 - Employment.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Employment. 39.140 Section 39.140... PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE § 39.140 Employment. No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or...

  10. Metformin, an AMPK activator, stimulates the phosphorylation of aquaporin 2 and urea transporter A1 in inner medullary collecting ducts.

    PubMed

    Klein, Janet D; Wang, Yanhua; Blount, Mitsi A; Molina, Patrick A; LaRocque, Lauren M; Ruiz, Joseph A; Sands, Jeff M

    2016-05-15

    Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterized by production of very large quantities of dilute urine due to an inability of the kidney to respond to vasopressin. Congenital NDI results from mutations in the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) in ∼90% of families. These patients do not have mutations in aquaporin-2 (AQP2) or urea transporter UT-A1 (UT-A1). We tested adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) since it is known to phosphorylate another vasopressin-sensitive transporter, NKCC2 (Na-K-2Cl cotransporter). We found AMPK expressed in rat inner medulla (IM). AMPK directly phosphorylated AQP2 and UT-A1 in vitro. Metformin, an AMPK activator, increased phosphorylation of both AQP2 and UT-A1 in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). Metformin increased the apical plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2, but not UT-A1, in rat IM. Metformin increased both osmotic water permeability and urea permeability in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. These findings suggest that metformin increases osmotic water permeability by increasing AQP2 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane but increases urea permeability by activating UT-A1 already present in the membrane. Lastly, metformin increased urine osmolality in mice lacking a V2R, a mouse model of congenital NDI. We conclude that AMPK activation by metformin mimics many of the mechanisms by which vasopressin increases urine-concentrating ability. These findings suggest that metformin may be a novel therapeutic option for congenital NDI due to V2R mutations. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  11. Metformin, an AMPK activator, stimulates the phosphorylation of aquaporin 2 and urea transporter A1 in inner medullary collecting ducts

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yanhua; Blount, Mitsi A.; Molina, Patrick A.; LaRocque, Lauren M.; Ruiz, Joseph A.

    2016-01-01

    Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterized by production of very large quantities of dilute urine due to an inability of the kidney to respond to vasopressin. Congenital NDI results from mutations in the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) in ∼90% of families. These patients do not have mutations in aquaporin-2 (AQP2) or urea transporter UT-A1 (UT-A1). We tested adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) since it is known to phosphorylate another vasopressin-sensitive transporter, NKCC2 (Na-K-2Cl cotransporter). We found AMPK expressed in rat inner medulla (IM). AMPK directly phosphorylated AQP2 and UT-A1 in vitro. Metformin, an AMPK activator, increased phosphorylation of both AQP2 and UT-A1 in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). Metformin increased the apical plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2, but not UT-A1, in rat IM. Metformin increased both osmotic water permeability and urea permeability in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. These findings suggest that metformin increases osmotic water permeability by increasing AQP2 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane but increases urea permeability by activating UT-A1 already present in the membrane. Lastly, metformin increased urine osmolality in mice lacking a V2R, a mouse model of congenital NDI. We conclude that AMPK activation by metformin mimics many of the mechanisms by which vasopressin increases urine-concentrating ability. These findings suggest that metformin may be a novel therapeutic option for congenital NDI due to V2R mutations. PMID:26962099

  12. Direct evidence for activity-dependent glucose phosphorylation in neurons with implications for the astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Anant B.; Lai, James C. K.; Chowdhury, Golam M. I.; Hyder, Fahmeed; Rothman, Douglas L.; Shulman, Robert G.; Behar, Kevin L.

    2014-01-01

    Previous 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments have shown that over a wide range of neuronal activity, approximately one molecule of glucose is oxidized for every molecule of glutamate released by neurons and recycled through astrocytic glutamine. The measured kinetics were shown to agree with the stoichiometry of a hypothetical astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle model, which predicted negligible functional neuronal uptake of glucose. To test this model, we measured the uptake and phosphorylation of glucose in nerve terminals isolated from rats infused with the glucose analog, 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) in vivo. The concentrations of phosphorylated FDG (FDG6P), normalized with respect to known neuronal metabolites, were compared in nerve terminals, homogenate, and cortex of anesthetized rats with and without bicuculline-induced seizures. The increase in FDG6P in nerve terminals agreed well with the increase in cortical neuronal glucose oxidation measured previously under the same conditions in vivo, indicating that direct uptake and oxidation of glucose in nerve terminals is substantial under resting and activated conditions. These results suggest that neuronal glucose-derived pyruvate is the major oxidative fuel for activated neurons, not lactate-derived from astrocytes, contradicting predictions of the original astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle model under the range of study conditions. PMID:24706914

  13. Direct evidence for activity-dependent glucose phosphorylation in neurons with implications for the astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle.

    PubMed

    Patel, Anant B; Lai, James C K; Chowdhury, Golam M I; Hyder, Fahmeed; Rothman, Douglas L; Shulman, Robert G; Behar, Kevin L

    2014-04-08

    Previous (13)C magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments have shown that over a wide range of neuronal activity, approximately one molecule of glucose is oxidized for every molecule of glutamate released by neurons and recycled through astrocytic glutamine. The measured kinetics were shown to agree with the stoichiometry of a hypothetical astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle model, which predicted negligible functional neuronal uptake of glucose. To test this model, we measured the uptake and phosphorylation of glucose in nerve terminals isolated from rats infused with the glucose analog, 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) in vivo. The concentrations of phosphorylated FDG (FDG6P), normalized with respect to known neuronal metabolites, were compared in nerve terminals, homogenate, and cortex of anesthetized rats with and without bicuculline-induced seizures. The increase in FDG6P in nerve terminals agreed well with the increase in cortical neuronal glucose oxidation measured previously under the same conditions in vivo, indicating that direct uptake and oxidation of glucose in nerve terminals is substantial under resting and activated conditions. These results suggest that neuronal glucose-derived pyruvate is the major oxidative fuel for activated neurons, not lactate-derived from astrocytes, contradicting predictions of the original astrocyte-to-neuron lactate shuttle model under the range of study conditions.

  14. Atorvastatin reduces lipid accumulation in the liver by activating protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation of perilipin 5.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xing; Nan, Yang; Zhao, Yuanlin; Yuan, Yuan; Ren, Bincheng; Sun, Chao; Cao, Kaiyu; Yu, Ming; Feng, Xuyang; Ye, Jing

    2017-12-01

    Statins have been proven to be effective in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, it was reported that statins decreased the hepatic expression of perilipin 5 (Plin5), a lipid droplet (LD)-associated protein, which plays critical roles in regulating lipid accumulation and lipolysis in liver. However, the function and regulation mechanism of Plin5 have not yet been well-established in NAFLD treatment with statins. In this study, we observed that atorvastatin moderately reduced the expression of Plin5 in livers without changing the protein level of Plin5 in the hepatic LD fraction of mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Intriguingly, atorvastatin stimulated the PKA-mediated phosphorylation of Plin5 and reduced the triglyceride (TG) accumulation in hepatocytes with overexpression of wide type (Plin5-WT) compared to serine-155 mutant Plin5 (Plin5-S155A). Moreover, PKA-stimulated FA release of purified LDs carrying Plin5-WT but not Plin5-S155A. Glucagon, a PKA activator, stimulated the phosphorylation of Plin5-WT and inhibited its interaction with CGI-58. The results indicated that atorvastatin promoted lipolysis and reduced TG accumulation in the liver by increasing PKA-mediated phosphorylation of Plin5. This new mechanism of lipid-lowering effects of atorvastatin might provide a new strategy for NAFLD treatment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  15. WAVE2 is regulated by multiple phosphorylation events within its VCA domain.

    PubMed

    Pocha, Shirin M; Cory, Giles O

    2009-01-01

    The (Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein)-family verprolin homologous protein (WAVE) family of proteins occupies a pivotal position in the cell, converting extracellular signals into the formation of branched filamentous (F) actin structures. WAVE proteins contain a verprolin central acidic (VCA) domain at their C-terminus, responsible for binding to and activating the Arp2/3 complex, which in-turn nucleates the formation of new actin filaments. Here we identify five Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylation sites within the VCA domain of WAVE2, serines 482, 484, 488, 489, and 497. Phosphorylation of these sites is required for a high affinity interaction with the Arp2/3 complex. Phosphorylation of ser 482 and 484 specifically inhibits the activation of the Arp2/3 complex by the WAVE2 VCA domain, but has no effect on the affinity for the Arp2/3 complex when the other phosphorylation sites are occupied. We demonstrate phosphorylation of all five sites on endogenous WAVE2 and show that their mutation to non-phosphorylatable alanine residues inhibits WAVE2 function in vivo, inhibiting cell ruffling and disrupting the integrity of the leading edge of migrating cells. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  16. Phosphorylation of Puma modulates its apoptotic function by regulating protein stability

    PubMed Central

    Fricker, M; O'Prey, J; Tolkovsky, A M; Ryan, K M

    2010-01-01

    Puma is a potent BH3-only protein that antagonises anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, promotes Bax/Bak activation and has an essential role in multiple apoptotic models. Puma expression is normally kept very low, but can be induced by several transcription factors including p53, p73, E2F1 and FOXO3a, whereby it can induce an apoptotic response. As Puma can to bind and inactivate all anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family, its activity must be tightly controlled. We report here, for the first time, evidence that Puma is subject to post-translational control through phosphorylation. We show that Puma is phosphorylated at multiple sites, with the major site of phosphorylation being serine 10. Replacing serine 10 with alanine causes reduced Puma turnover and enhanced cell death. Interestingly, Puma turnover occurs through the proteasome, and substitution of serine 10 causes elevated Puma levels independently of macroautophagy, Bcl-2 family member binding, caspase activity and apoptotic death. We conclude, therefore, that phosphorylation of Puma at serine 10 promotes Puma turnover, represses Puma's cell death potential and promotes cell survival. Owing to the highly pro-apoptotic nature of Puma, these studies highlight an important additional regulatory step in the determination of cellular life or death. PMID:21364664

  17. In vivo roles for myosin phosphatase targeting subunit-1 phosphorylation sites T694 and T852 in bladder smooth muscle contraction

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Cai-Ping; Chen, Xin; Qiao, Yan-Ning; Wang, Pei; He, Wei-Qi; Zhang, Cheng-Hai; Zhao, Wei; Gao, Yun-Qian; Chen, Chen; Tao, Tao; Sun, Jie; Wang, Ye; Gao, Ning; Kamm, Kristine E; Stull, James T; Zhu, Min-Sheng

    2015-01-01

    Force production and maintenance in smooth muscle is largely controlled by different signalling modules that fine tune myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation, which relies on a balance between Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activities. To investigate the regulation of MLCP activity in vivo, we analysed the role of two phosphorylation sites on MYPT1 (regulatory subunit of MLCP) that biochemically inhibit MLCP activity in vitro. MYPT1 is constitutively phosphorylated at T694 by unidentified kinases in vivo, whereas the T852 site is phosphorylated by RhoA-associated protein kinase (ROCK). We established two mouse lines with alanine substitution of T694 or T852. Isolated bladder smooth muscle from T852A mice displayed no significant changes in RLC phosphorylation or force responses, but force was inhibited with a ROCK inhibitor. In contrast, smooth muscles containing the T694A mutation showed a significant reduction of force along with reduced RLC phosphorylation. The contractile responses of T694A mutant smooth muscle were also independent of ROCK activation. Thus, phosphorylation of MYPT1 T694, but not T852, is a primary mechanism contributing to inhibition of MLCP activity and enhancement of RLC phosphorylation in vivo. The constitutive phosphorylation of MYPT1 T694 may provide a mechanism for regulating force maintenance of smooth muscle. Key points Force production and maintenance in smooth muscle is largely controlled by myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation, which relies on a balance between Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activities. MYPT1 is the regulatory subunit of MLCP that biochemically inhibits MLCP activity via T694 or T852 phosphorylation in vitro. Here we separately investigated the contribution of these two phosphorylation sites in bladder smooth muscles by establishing two single point

  18. 8-Prenylnaringenin promotes recovery from immobilization-induced disuse muscle atrophy through activation of the Akt phosphorylation pathway in mice.

    PubMed

    Mukai, Rie; Horikawa, Hitomi; Lin, Pei-Yi; Tsukumo, Nao; Nikawa, Takeshi; Kawamura, Tomoyuki; Nemoto, Hisao; Terao, Junji

    2016-12-01

    8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN) is a prenylflavonoid that originates from hop extracts and is thought to help prevent disuse muscle atrophy. We hypothesized that 8-PN affects muscle plasticity by promoting muscle recovery under disuse muscle atrophy. To test the promoting effect of 8-PN on muscle recovery, we administered an 8-PN mixed diet to mice that had been immobilized with a cast to one leg for 14 days. Intake of the 8-PN mixed diet accelerated recovery from muscle atrophy, and prevented reductions in Akt phosphorylation. Studies on cell cultures of mouse myotubes in vitro demonstrated that 8-PN activated the PI3K/Akt/P70S6K1 pathway at physiological concentrations. A cell-culture study using an inhibitor of estrogen receptors and an in vivo experiment with ovariectomized mice suggested that the estrogenic activity of 8-PN contributed to recovery from disuse muscle atrophy through activation of an Akt phosphorylation pathway. These data strongly suggest that 8-PN is a naturally occurring compound that could be used as a nutritional supplement to aid recovery from disuse muscle atrophy. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  19. Prostaglandin F(2alpha) stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma1.

    PubMed

    Husain, Shahid; Jafri, Farahdiba

    2002-10-11

    In this study, we investigated the ability of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) in cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (CISM) cells. PGF(2alpha)(1 microM) stimulated PLC-gamma1 tyrosine phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner with a maximum increase of 3-fold at 0.5min. The protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein, and tyrphostin A-25, blocked the stimulatory effects of PGF(2alpha), suggesting involvement of protein tyrosine kinase activity in the physiological actions of the PGF(2alpha). Furthermore, PGF(2alpha)-induced p42/p44 MAP kinase activation was also completely blocked by protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In summary, these findings show that PGF(2alpha) stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 in CISM cells and indicate that PGF(2alpha)-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation is responsible for an early signal transduction event.

  20. Dual control by Cdk1 phosphorylation of the budding yeast APC/C ubiquitin ligase activator Cdh1.

    PubMed

    Höckner, Sebastian; Neumann-Arnold, Lea; Seufert, Wolfgang

    2016-07-15

    The antagonism between cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) and the ubiquitin ligase APC/C-Cdh1 is central to eukaryotic cell cycle control. APC/C-Cdh1 targets cyclin B and other regulatory proteins for degradation, whereas Cdks disable APC/C-Cdh1 through phosphorylation of the Cdh1 activator protein at multiple sites. Budding yeast Cdh1 carries nine Cdk phosphorylation sites in its N-terminal regulatory domain, most or all of which contribute to inhibition. However, the precise role of individual sites has remained unclear. Here, we report that the Cdk phosphorylation sites of yeast Cdh1 are organized into autonomous subgroups and act through separate mechanisms. Cdk sites 1-3 had no direct effect on the APC/C binding of Cdh1 but inactivated a bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and thereby controlled the partitioning of Cdh1 between cytoplasm and nucleus. In contrast, Cdk sites 4-9 did not influence the cell cycle-regulated localization of Cdh1 but prevented its binding to the APC/C. Cdk sites 4-9 reside near two recently identified APC/C interaction motifs in a pattern conserved with the human Cdh1 orthologue. Thus a Cdk-inhibited NLS goes along with Cdk-inhibited APC/C binding sites in yeast Cdh1 to relay the negative control by Cdk1 phosphorylation of the ubiquitin ligase APC/C-Cdh1. © 2016 Höckner et al. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). Two months after publication it is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

  1. Phosphorylation of ORF1p is required for L1 retrotransposition.

    PubMed

    Cook, Pamela R; Jones, Charles E; Furano, Anthony V

    2015-04-07

    Although members of the L1 (LINE-1) clade of non-LTR retrotransposons can be deleterious, the L1 clade has remained active in most mammals for ∼100 million years and generated almost 40% of the human genome. The details of L1-host interaction are largely unknown, however. Here we report that L1 activity requires phosphorylation of the protein encoded by the L1 ORF1 (ORF1p). Critical phospho-acceptor residues (two serines and two threonines) reside in four conserved proline-directed protein kinase (PDPK) target sites. The PDPK family includes mitogen-activated protein kinases and cyclin-dependent kinases. Mutation of any PDPK phospho-acceptor inhibits L1 retrotransposition. The phosphomimetic aspartic acid can restore activity at the two serine sites, but not at either threonine site, where it is strongly inhibitory. ORF1p also contains conserved PDPK docking sites, which promote specific interaction of PDPKs with their targets. As expected, mutations in these sites also inhibit L1 activity. PDPK mutations in ORF1p that inactivate L1 have no significant effect on the ability of ORF1p to anneal RNA in vitro, an important biochemical property of the protein. We show that phosphorylated PDPK sites in ORF1p are required for an interaction with the peptidyl prolyl isomerase 1 (Pin1), a critical component of PDPK-mediated regulation. Pin1 acts via isomerization of proline side chains at phosphorylated PDPK motifs, thereby affecting substrate conformation and activity. Our demonstration that L1 activity is dependent on and integrated with cellular phosphorylation regulatory cascades significantly increases our understanding of interactions between L1 and its host.

  2. AP39, a mitochondria‐targeting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, protects against myocardial reperfusion injury independently of salvage kinase signalling

    PubMed Central

    Karwi, Qutuba G; Bornbaum, Julia; Boengler, Kerstin; Torregrossa, Roberta; Whiteman, Matthew; Wood, Mark E; Schulz, Rainer

    2017-01-01

    Background and Purpose H2S protects myocardium against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. This protection may involve the cytosolic reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway, but direct effects on mitochondrial function are possible. Here, we investigated the potential cardioprotective effect of a mitochondria‐specific H2S donor, AP39, at reperfusion against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Experimental Approach Anaesthetized rats underwent myocardial ischaemia (30 min)/reperfusion (120 min) with randomization to receive interventions before reperfusion: vehicle, AP39 (0.01, 0.1, 1 μmol·kg−1), or control compounds AP219 and ADT‐OH (1 μmol·kg−1). LY294002, L‐NAME or ODQ were used to investigate the involvement of the RISK pathway. Myocardial samples harvested 5 min after reperfusion were analysed for RISK protein phosphorylation and isolated cardiac mitochondria were used to examine the direct mitochondrial effects of AP39. Key Results AP39, dose‐dependently, reduced infarct size. Inhibition of either PI3K/Akt, eNOS or sGC did not affect this effect of AP39. Western blot analysis confirmed that AP39 did not induce phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS, GSK‐3β or ERK1/2. In isolated subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria, AP39 significantly attenuated mitochondrial ROS generation without affecting respiratory complexes I or II. Furthermore, AP39 inhibited mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) opening and co‐incubation of mitochondria with AP39 and cyclosporine A induced an additive inhibitory effect on the PTP. Conclusion and Implications AP39 protects against reperfusion injury independently of the cytosolic RISK pathway. This cardioprotective effect could be mediated by inhibiting PTP via a cyclophilin D‐independent mechanism. Thus, selective delivery of H2S to mitochondria may be therapeutically applicable for employing the cardioprotective utility of H2S. PMID:27930802

  3. Crystal Structure of Human Dual-Specificity Tyrosine-Regulated Kinase 3 Reveals New Structural Features and Insights into its Auto-phosphorylation.

    PubMed

    Kim, Kuglae; Cha, Jeong Seok; Cho, Yong-Soon; Kim, Hoyoung; Chang, Nienping; Kim, Hye-Jung; Cho, Hyun-Soo

    2018-05-11

    Dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinases (DYRKs) auto-phosphorylate a critical tyrosine residue in their activation loop and phosphorylate their substrate on serine and threonine residues. The auto-phosphorylation occurs intramolecularly and is a one-off event. DYRK3 is selectively expressed at a high level in hematopoietic cells and attenuates erythroblast development, leading to anemia. In the present study, we determined the crystal structure of the mature form of human DYRK3 in complex with harmine, an ATP competitive inhibitor. The crystal structure revealed a phosphorylation site, residue S350, whose phosphorylation increases the stability of DYRK3 and enhances its kinase activity. In addition, our structural and biochemical assays suggest that the N-terminal auto-phosphorylation accessory domain stabilizes the DYRK3 protein, followed by auto-phosphorylation of the tyrosine of the activation loop, which is important for kinase activity. Finally, our docking analysis provides information for the design of novel and potent therapeutics to treat anemia. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. BDNF-TrkB Signaling Coupled to nPKCε and cPKCβI Modulate the Phosphorylation of the Exocytotic Protein Munc18-1 During Synaptic Activity at the Neuromuscular Junction.

    PubMed

    Simó, Anna; Just-Borràs, Laia; Cilleros-Mañé, Víctor; Hurtado, Erica; Nadal, Laura; Tomàs, Marta; Garcia, Neus; Lanuza, Maria A; Tomàs, Josep

    2018-01-01

    Munc18-1, a neuron-specific member of the Sec1/Munc18 family, is involved in neurotransmitter release by binding tightly to syntaxin. Munc18-1 is phosphorylated by PKC on Ser-306 and Ser-313 in vitro which reduces the amount of Munc18-1 able to bind syntaxin. We have previously identified that PKC is involved in neurotransmitter release when continuous electrical stimulation imposes a moderate activity on the NMJ and that muscle contraction through TrkB has an important impact on presynaptic PKC isoforms levels, specifically cPKCβI and nPKCε. Therefore, the present study was designed to understand how Munc18-1 phosphorylation is affected by (1) synaptic activity at the neuromuscular junction, (2) nPKCε and cPKCβI isoforms activity, (3) muscle contraction per se , and (4) the BDNF/TrkB signaling in a neuromuscular activity-dependent manner. We performed immunohistochemistry and confocal techniques to evidence the presynaptic location of Munc18-1 in the rat diaphragm muscle. To study synaptic activity, we stimulated the phrenic nerve (1 Hz, 30 min) with or without contraction (abolished by μ-conotoxin GIIIB). Specific inhibitory reagents were used to block nPKCε and cPKCβI activity and to modulate the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). Main results obtained from Western blot experiments showed that phosphorylation of Munc18-1 at Ser-313 increases in response to a signaling mechanism initiated by synaptic activity and directly mediated by nPKCε. Otherwise, cPKCβI and TrkB activities work together to prevent this synaptic activity-induced Munc18-1 phosphorylation by a negative regulation of cPKCβI over nPKCε. Therefore, a balance between the activities of these PKC isoforms could be a relevant cue in the regulation of the exocytotic apparatus. The results also demonstrate that muscle contraction prevents the synaptic activity-induced Munc18-1 phosphorylation through a mechanism that opposes the TrkB/cPKCβI/nPKCε signaling.

  5. SRF phosphorylation by glycogen synthase kinase-3 promotes axon growth in hippocampal neurons.

    PubMed

    Li, Cong L; Sathyamurthy, Aruna; Oldenborg, Anna; Tank, Dharmesh; Ramanan, Narendrakumar

    2014-03-12

    The growth of axons is an intricately regulated process involving intracellular signaling cascades and gene transcription. We had previously shown that the stimulus-dependent transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF), plays a critical role in regulating axon growth in the mammalian brain. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying SRF-dependent axon growth remains unknown. Here we report that SRF is phosphorylated and activated by GSK-3 to promote axon outgrowth in mouse hippocampal neurons. GSK-3 binds to and directly phosphorylates SRF on a highly conserved serine residue. This serine phosphorylation is necessary for SRF activity and for its interaction with MKL-family cofactors, MKL1 and MKL2, but not with TCF-family cofactor, ELK-1. Axonal growth deficits caused by GSK-3 inhibition could be rescued by expression of a constitutively active SRF. The SRF target gene and actin-binding protein, vinculin, is sufficient to overcome the axonal growth deficits of SRF-deficient and GSK-3-inhibited neurons. Furthermore, short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of vinculin also attenuated axonal growth. Thus, our findings reveal a novel phosphorylation and activation of SRF by GSK-3 that is critical for SRF-dependent axon growth in mammalian central neurons.

  6. Trichinella spiralis infection enhances protein kinase C phosphorylation in guinea pig alveolar macrophages.

    PubMed

    Dzik, J M; Zieliński, Z; Cieśla, J; Wałajtys-Rode, E

    2010-03-01

    To learn more about the signalling pathways involved in superoxide anion production in guinea pig alveolar macrophages, triggered by Trichinella spiralis infection, protein level and phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases and protein kinase C (PKC) were investigated. Infection with T. spiralis, the nematode having 'lung phase' during colonization of the host, enhances PKC phosphorylation in guinea pig alveolar macrophages. Isoenzymes beta and delta of PKC have been found significantly phosphorylated, although their location was not changed as a consequence of T. spiralis infection. Neither in macrophages from T. spiralis-infected guinea pig nor in platelet-activating factor (PAF)-stimulated macrophages from uninfected animals, participation of MAP kinases in respiratory burst activation was statistically significant. The parasite antigens seem to act through macrophage PAF receptors, transducing a signal for enhanced NADPH oxidase activity, as stimulating effect of newborn larvae homogenate on respiratory burst was abolished by specific PAF receptor antagonist CV 6209. A suppressive action of T. spiralis larvae on host alveolar macrophage innate immunological response was reflected by diminished protein level of ERK2 kinase and suppressed superoxide anion production, in spite of high level of PKC phosphorylation.

  7. Identification of Ser-543 as the major regulatory phosphorylation site in spinach leaf nitrate reductase

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bachmann, M.; Shiraishi, N.; Campbell, W. H.; Yoo, B. C.; Harmon, A. C.; Huber, S. C.; Davies, E. (Principal Investigator)

    1996-01-01

    Spinach leaf NADH:nitrate reductase (NR) responds to light/dark signals and photosynthetic activity in part as a result of rapid regulation by reversible protein phosphorylation. We have identified the major regulatory phosphorylation site as Ser-543, which is located in the hinge 1 region connecting the cytochrome b domain with the molybdenum-pterin cofactor binding domain of NR, using recombinant NR fragments containing or lacking the phosphorylation site sequence. Studies with NR partial reactions indicated that the block in electron flow caused by phosphorylation also could be localized to the hinge 1 region. A synthetic peptide (NR6) based on the phosphorylation site sequence was phosphorylated readily by NR kinase (NRk) in vitro. NR6 kinase activity tracked the ATP-dependent inactivation of NR during several chromatographic steps and completely inhibited inactivation/phosphorylation of native NR in vitro. Two forms of NRk were resolved by using anion exchange chromatography. Studies with synthetic peptide analogs indicated that both forms of NRk had similar specificity determinants, requiring a basic residue at P-3 (i.e., three amino acids N-terminal to the phosphorylated serine) and a hydrophobic residue at P-5. Both forms are strictly calcium dependent but belong to distinct families of protein kinases because they are distinct immunochemically.

  8. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation regulate APC/CCdh1 substrate degradation

    PubMed Central

    Simpson-Lavy, Kobi J; Zenvirth, Drora; Brandeis, Michael

    2015-01-01

    The Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase activated by its G1 specific adaptor protein Cdh1 is a major regulator of the cell cycle. The APC/CCdh1 mediates degradation of dozens of proteins, however, the kinetics and requirements for their degradation are largely unknown. We demonstrate that overexpression of the constitutive active CDH1m11 mutant that is not inhibited by phosphorylation results in mitotic exit in the absence of the FEAR and MEN pathways, and DNA re-replication in the absence of Cdc7 activity. This mode of mitotic exit also reveals additional requirements for APC/CCdh1 substrate degradation, which for some substrates such as Pds1 or Clb5 is dephosphorylation, but for others such as Cdc5 is phosphorylation. PMID:26252546

  9. A new TAO kinase inhibitor reduces tau phosphorylation at sites associated with neurodegeneration in human tauopathies.

    PubMed

    Giacomini, Caterina; Koo, Chuay-Yeng; Yankova, Natalia; Tavares, Ignatius A; Wray, Selina; Noble, Wendy; Hanger, Diane P; Morris, Jonathan D H

    2018-05-07

    In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies, the microtubule-associated protein tau is highly phosphorylated and aggregates to form neurofibrillary tangles that are characteristic of these neurodegenerative diseases. Our previous work has demonstrated that the thousand-and-one amino acid kinases (TAOKs) 1 and 2 phosphorylate tau on more than 40 residues in vitro. Here we show that TAOKs are phosphorylated and active in AD brain sections displaying mild (Braak stage II), intermediate (Braak stage IV) and advanced (Braak stage VI) tau pathology and that active TAOKs co-localise with both pre-tangle and tangle structures. TAOK activity is also enriched in pathological tau containing sarkosyl-insoluble extracts prepared from AD brain. Two new phosphorylated tau residues (T123 and T427) were identified in AD brain, which appear to be targeted specifically by TAOKs. A new small molecule TAOK inhibitor (Compound 43) reduced tau phosphorylation on T123 and T427 and also on additional pathological sites (S262/S356 and S202/T205/S208) in vitro and in cell models. The TAOK inhibitor also decreased tau phosphorylation in differentiated primary cortical neurons without affecting markers of synapse and neuron health. Notably, TAOK activity also co-localised with tangles in post-mortem frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) brain tissue. Furthermore, the TAOK inhibitor decreased tau phosphorylation in induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons from FTLD patients, as well as cortical neurons from a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy (Tau35 mice). Our results demonstrate that abnormal TAOK activity is present at pre-tangles and tangles in tauopathies and that TAOK inhibition effectively decreases tau phosphorylation on pathological sites. Thus, TAOKs may represent a novel target to reduce or prevent tau-associated neurodegeneration in tauopathies.

  10. p38 phosphorylation in medullary microglia mediates ectopic orofacial inflammatory pain in rats.

    PubMed

    Kiyomoto, Masaaki; Shinoda, Masamichi; Honda, Kuniya; Nakaya, Yuka; Dezawa, Ko; Katagiri, Ayano; Kamakura, Satoshi; Inoue, Tomio; Iwata, Koichi

    2015-08-12

    Orofacial inflammatory pain is likely to accompany referred pain in uninflamed orofacial structures. The ectopic pain precludes precise diagnosis and makes treatment problematic, because the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Using the established ectopic orofacial pain model induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection into trapezius muscle, we analyzed the possible role of p38 phosphorylation in activated microglia in ectopic orofacial pain. Mechanical allodynia in the lateral facial skin was induced following trapezius muscle inflammation, which accompanied microglial activation with p38 phosphorylation and hyperexcitability of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc). Intra-cisterna successive administration of a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase selective inhibitor, SB203580, suppressed microglial activation and its phosphorylation of p38. Moreover, SB203580 administration completely suppressed mechanical allodynia in the lateral facial skin and enhanced WDR neuronal excitability in Vc. Microglial interleukin-1β over-expression in Vc was induced by trapezius muscle inflammation, which was significantly suppressed by SB203580 administration. These findings indicate that microglia, activated via p38 phosphorylation, play a pivotal role in WDR neuronal hyperexcitability, which accounts for the mechanical hypersensitivity in the lateral facial skin associated with trapezius muscle inflammation.

  11. Phosphorylation regulates the Star-PAP-PIPKIα interaction and directs specificity toward mRNA targets.

    PubMed

    Mohan, Nimmy; Sudheesh, A P; Francis, Nimmy; Anderson, Richard; Laishram, Rakesh S

    2015-08-18

    Star-PAP is a nuclear non-canonical poly(A) polymerase (PAP) that shows specificity toward mRNA targets. Star-PAP activity is stimulated by lipid messenger phosphatidyl inositol 4,5 bisphoshate (PI4,5P2) and is regulated by the associated Type I phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase that synthesizes PI4,5P2 as well as protein kinases. These associated kinases act as coactivators of Star-PAP that regulates its activity and specificity toward mRNAs, yet the mechanism of control of these interactions are not defined. We identified a phosphorylated residue (serine 6, S6) on Star-PAP in the zinc finger region, the domain required for PIPKIα interaction. We show that S6 is phosphorylated by CKIα within the nucleus which is required for Star-PAP nuclear retention and interaction with PIPKIα. Unlike the CKIα mediated phosphorylation at the catalytic domain, Star-PAP S6 phosphorylation is insensitive to oxidative stress suggesting a signal mediated regulation of CKIα activity. S6 phosphorylation together with coactivator PIPKIα controlled select subset of Star-PAP target messages by regulating Star-PAP-mRNA association. Our results establish a novel role for phosphorylation in determining Star-PAP target mRNA specificity and regulation of 3'-end processing. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

  12. Revisiting Frank-Starling: regulatory light chain phosphorylation alters the rate of force redevelopment (ktr ) in a length-dependent fashion.

    PubMed

    Toepfer, Christopher N; West, Timothy G; Ferenczi, Michael A

    2016-09-15

    Regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation has been shown to alter the ability of muscle to produce force and power during shortening and to alter the rate of force redevelopment (ktr ) at submaximal [Ca(2+) ]. Increasing RLC phosphorylation ∼50% from the in vivo level in maximally [Ca(2+) ]-activated cardiac trabecula accelerates ktr . Decreasing RLC phosphorylation to ∼70% of the in vivo control level slows ktr and reduces force generation. ktr is dependent on sarcomere length in the physiological range 1.85-1.94 μm and RLC phosphorylation modulates this response. We demonstrate that Frank-Starling is evident at maximal [Ca(2+) ] activation and therefore does not necessarily require length-dependent change in [Ca(2+) ]-sensitivity of thin filament activation. The stretch response is modulated by changes in RLC phosphorylation, pinpointing RLC phosphorylation as a modulator of the Frank-Starling law in the heart. These data provide an explanation for slowed systolic function in the intact heart in response to RLC phosphorylation reduction. Force and power in cardiac muscle have a known dependence on phosphorylation of the myosin-associated regulatory light chain (RLC). We explore the effect of RLC phosphorylation on the ability of cardiac preparations to redevelop force (ktr ) in maximally activating [Ca(2+) ]. Activation was achieved by rapidly increasing the temperature (temperature-jump of 0.5-20ºC) of permeabilized trabeculae over a physiological range of sarcomere lengths (1.85-1.94 μm). The trabeculae were subjected to shortening ramps over a range of velocities and the extent of RLC phosphorylation was varied. The latter was achieved using an RLC-exchange technique, which avoids changes in the phosphorylation level of other proteins. The results show that increasing RLC phosphorylation by 50% accelerates ktr by ∼50%, irrespective of the sarcomere length, whereas decreasing phosphorylation by 30% slows ktr by ∼50%, relative to the ktr obtained

  13. Phosphorylation-Dependent Regulation of Ryanodine Receptors

    PubMed Central

    Marx, Steven O.; Reiken, Steven; Hisamatsu, Yuji; Gaburjakova, Marta; Gaburjakova, Jana; Yang, Yi-Ming; Rosemblit, Nora; Marks, Andrew R.

    2001-01-01

    Ryanodine receptors (RyRs), intracellular calcium release channels required for cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction, are macromolecular complexes that include kinases and phosphatases. Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation plays a key role in regulating the function of many ion channels, including RyRs. However, the mechanism by which kinases and phosphatases are targeted to ion channels is not well understood. We have identified a novel mechanism involved in the formation of ion channel macromolecular complexes: kinase and phosphatase targeting proteins binding to ion channels via leucine/isoleucine zipper (LZ) motifs. Activation of kinases and phosphatases bound to RyR2 via LZs regulates phosphorylation of the channel, and disruption of kinase binding via LZ motifs prevents phosphorylation of RyR2. Elucidation of this new role for LZs in ion channel macromolecular complexes now permits: (a) rapid mapping of kinase and phosphatase targeting protein binding sites on ion channels; (b) predicting which kinases and phosphatases are likely to regulate a given ion channel; (c) rapid identification of novel kinase and phosphatase targeting proteins; and (d) tools for dissecting the role of kinases and phosphatases as modulators of ion channel function. PMID:11352932

  14. C. elegans STK39/SPAK ortholog-mediated inhibition of ClC anion channel activity is regulated by WNK-independent ERK kinase signaling

    PubMed Central

    Falin, Rebecca A.; Miyazaki, Hiroaki

    2011-01-01

    Mammalian Ste20-like proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress-responsive 1 (OSR1) kinases phosphorylate and regulate cation-coupled Cl− cotransporter activity in response to cell volume changes. SPAK and OSR1 are activated via phosphorylation by upstream with-no-lysine (WNK) kinases. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the SPAK/OSR1 ortholog germinal center kinase (GCK)-3 binds to and regulates the activity of the cell volume- and meiotic cell cycle-dependent ClC anion channel CLH-3b. We tested the hypothesis that WNK kinases function in the GCK-3/CLH-3b signaling cascade. CLH-3b heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells was unaffected by coexpression with the single C. elegans WNK kinase, WNK-1, or kinase-dead WNK-1 dominant-negative mutants. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of the single Drosophila WNK kinase had no effect on the activity of CLH-3b expressed in Drosophila S2 cells. Similarly, RNAi silencing of C. elegans WNK-1 had no effect on basal or cell volume-sensitive activity of CLH-3b expressed endogenously in worm oocytes. Previous yeast 2-hybrid studies suggested that ERK kinases may function upstream of GCK-3. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK signaling disrupted CLH-3b activity in HEK cells in a GCK-3-dependent manner. RNAi silencing of the C. elegans ERK kinase MPK-1 or the ERK phosphorylating/activating kinase MEK-2 constitutively activated native CLH-3b. MEK-2 and MPK-1 play important roles in regulating the meiotic cell cycle in C. elegans oocytes. Cell cycle-dependent changes in MPK-1 correlate with the pattern of CLH-3b activation observed during oocyte meiotic maturation. We postulate that MEK-2/MPK-1 functions upstream from GCK-3 to regulate its activity during cell volume and meiotic cell cycle changes. PMID:21160027

  15. Cadmium inhibits mouse sperm motility through inducing tyrosine phosphorylation in a specific subset of proteins.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lirui; Li, Yuhua; Fu, Jieli; Zhen, Linqing; Zhao, Na; Yang, Qiangzhen; Li, Sisi; Li, Xinhong

    2016-08-01

    Cadmium (Cd) has been reported to impair male fertility, primarily by disrupting sperm motility, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we investigated the effects of Cd on sperm motility, tyrosine phosphorylation, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity, and ATP levels in vitro. Our results demonstrated that Cd inhibited sperm motility, GAPDH activity, AMPK activity and ATP production, and induced tyrosine phosphorylation of 55-57KDa proteins. Importantly, all the parameters affected by Cd were restored to normal levels when incubated with 10μM Cd in the presence of 30μM ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Interestingly, changes of tyrosine phosphorylation levels of 55-57KDa proteins are completely contrary to that of other parameters. These results suggest that Cd-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of 55-57KDa proteins might act as an engine to block intracellular energy metabolism and thus decrease sperm motility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Novel STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitors exhibit potent growth suppressive activity in pancreatic and breast cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Li; Hutzen, Brian; Zuo, Mingxin; Ball, Sarah; Deangelis, Stephanie; Foust, Elizabeth; Pandit, Bulbul; Ihnat, Michael A.; Shenoy, Satyendra S.; Kulp, Samuel; Li, Pui-Kai; Li, Chenglong; Fuchs, James; Lin, Jiayuh

    2010-01-01

    The constitutive activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is frequently detected in most types of human cancer where it plays important roles in survival, drug-resistance, angiogenesis, and other functions. Targeting constitutive STAT3 signaling is thus an attractive therapeutic approach for these cancers. We have recently developed novel small molecule STAT3 inhibitors known as FLLL31 and FLLL32, which are derived from curcumin (the primary bioactive compound of turmeric). These compounds are designed to bind selectively to Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) and the STAT3 SH2 domain, which serves crucial roles in STAT3 dimerization and signal transduction. Here we show that FLLL31 and FLLL32 are effective inhibitors of STAT3 phosphorylation, DNA binding activity, and transactivation in vitro, leading to the impediment of multiple oncogenic processes and the induction of apoptosis in pancreatic and breast cancer cell lines. FLLL31 and FLLL32 also inhibit colony formation in soft agar, cell invasion, and exhibit synergy with the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin against breast cancer cells. In addition, we show that FLLL32 can inhibit the induction of STAT3 phosphorylation by Interferon-α (IFNα) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in breast cancer cells. We also demonstrate that administration of FLLL32 can inhibit tumor growth and vascularity in chicken embryo xenografts as well as substantially reduce tumor volumes in mouse xenografts. Our findings highlight the potential of these new compounds and their efficacy in targeting pancreatic and breast cancers that exhibit constitutive STAT3 signaling. PMID:20215512

  17. Huntingtin-Interacting Protein 1 Phosphorylation by Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

    PubMed Central

    Ames, Heather M.; Wang, Anmin A.; Coughran, Alanna; Evaul, Kristen; Huang, Sha; Graves, Chiron W.; Soyombo, Abigail A.

    2013-01-01

    Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) binds inositol lipids, clathrin, actin, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). HIP1 is elevated in many tumors, and its expression is prognostic in prostate cancer. HIP1 overexpression increases levels of the RTK epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforms fibroblasts. Here we report that HIP1 is tyrosine phosphorylated in the presence of EGFR and platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) as well as the oncogenic derivatives EGFRvIII, HIP1/PDGFβR (H/P), and TEL/PDGFβR (T/P). We identified a four-tyrosine “HIP1 phosphorylation motif” (HPM) in the N-terminal region of HIP1 that is required for phosphorylation mediated by both EGFR and PDGFβR but not by the oncoproteins H/P and T/P. We also identified a tyrosine residue (Y152) within the HPM motif of HIP1 that inhibits HIP1 tyrosine phosphorylation. The HPM tyrosines are conserved in HIP1's only known mammalian relative, HIP1-related protein (HIP1r), and are also required for HIP1r phosphorylation. Tyrosine-to-phenylalanine point mutations in the HPM of HIP1 result in proapoptotic activity, indicating that an intact HPM may be necessary for HIP1's role in cellular survival. These data suggest that phosphorylation of HIP1 by RTKs in an N-terminal region contributes to the promotion of cellular survival. PMID:23836884

  18. Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 phosphorylation by receptor tyrosine kinases.

    PubMed

    Ames, Heather M; Wang, Anmin A; Coughran, Alanna; Evaul, Kristen; Huang, Sha; Graves, Chiron W; Soyombo, Abigail A; Ross, Theodora S

    2013-09-01

    Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) binds inositol lipids, clathrin, actin, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). HIP1 is elevated in many tumors, and its expression is prognostic in prostate cancer. HIP1 overexpression increases levels of the RTK epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforms fibroblasts. Here we report that HIP1 is tyrosine phosphorylated in the presence of EGFR and platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) as well as the oncogenic derivatives EGFRvIII, HIP1/PDGFβR (H/P), and TEL/PDGFβR (T/P). We identified a four-tyrosine "HIP1 phosphorylation motif" (HPM) in the N-terminal region of HIP1 that is required for phosphorylation mediated by both EGFR and PDGFβR but not by the oncoproteins H/P and T/P. We also identified a tyrosine residue (Y152) within the HPM motif of HIP1 that inhibits HIP1 tyrosine phosphorylation. The HPM tyrosines are conserved in HIP1's only known mammalian relative, HIP1-related protein (HIP1r), and are also required for HIP1r phosphorylation. Tyrosine-to-phenylalanine point mutations in the HPM of HIP1 result in proapoptotic activity, indicating that an intact HPM may be necessary for HIP1's role in cellular survival. These data suggest that phosphorylation of HIP1 by RTKs in an N-terminal region contributes to the promotion of cellular survival.

  19. Cell Cycle-Dependent Phosphorylation of Theileria annulata Schizont Surface Proteins

    PubMed Central

    von Schubert, Conrad; Wastling, Jonathan M.; Heussler, Volker T.; Woods, Kerry L.

    2014-01-01

    The invasion of Theileria sporozoites into bovine leukocytes is rapidly followed by the destruction of the surrounding host cell membrane, allowing the parasite to establish its niche within the host cell cytoplasm. Theileria infection induces host cell transformation, characterised by increased host cell proliferation and invasiveness, and the activation of anti-apoptotic genes. This process is strictly dependent on the presence of a viable parasite. Several host cell kinases, including PI3-K, JNK, CK2 and Src-family kinases, are constitutively activated in Theileria-infected cells and contribute to the transformed phenotype. Although a number of host cell molecules, including IkB kinase and polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), are recruited to the schizont surface, very little is known about the schizont molecules involved in host-parasite interactions. In this study we used immunofluorescence to detect phosphorylated threonine (p-Thr), serine (p-Ser) and threonine-proline (p-Thr-Pro) epitopes on the schizont during host cell cycle progression, revealing extensive schizont phosphorylation during host cell interphase. Furthermore, we established a quick protocol to isolate schizonts from infected macrophages following synchronisation in S-phase or mitosis, and used mass spectrometry to detect phosphorylated schizont proteins. In total, 65 phosphorylated Theileria proteins were detected, 15 of which are potentially secreted or expressed on the surface of the schizont and thus may be targets for host cell kinases. In particular, we describe the cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation of two T. annulata surface proteins, TaSP and p104, both of which are highly phosphorylated during host cell S-phase. TaSP and p104 are involved in mediating interactions between the parasite and the host cell cytoskeleton, which is crucial for the persistence of the parasite within the dividing host cell and the maintenance of the transformed state. PMID:25077614

  20. p39, the Primary Activator for Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 (Cdk5) in Oligodendroglia, Is Essential for Oligodendroglia Differentiation and Myelin Repair*

    PubMed Central

    Bankston, Andrew N.; Li, Wenqi; Zhang, Hui; Ku, Li; Liu, Guanglu; Papa, Filomena; Zhao, Lixia; Bibb, James A.; Cambi, Franca; Tiwari-Woodruff, Seema K.; Feng, Yue

    2013-01-01

    Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) plays key roles in normal brain development and function. Dysregulation of Cdk5 may cause neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Besides the well demonstrated role of Cdk5 in neurons, emerging evidence suggests the functional requirement of Cdk5 in oligodendroglia (OL) and CNS myelin development. However, whether neurons and OLs employ similar or distinct mechanisms to regulate Cdk5 activity remains elusive. We report here that in contrast to neurons that harbor high levels of two Cdk5 activators, p35 and p39, OLs express abundant p39 but negligible p35. In addition, p39 is selectively up-regulated in OLs during differentiation along with elevated Cdk5 activity, whereas p35 expression remains unaltered. Specific knockdown of p39 by siRNA significantly attenuates Cdk5 activity and OL differentiation without affecting p35. Finally, expression of p39, but not p35, is increased during myelin repair, and remyelination is impaired in p39−/− mice. Together, these results reveal that neurons and OLs harbor distinct preference of Cdk5 activators and demonstrate important functions of p39-dependent Cdk5 activation in OL differentiation during de novo myelin development and myelin repair. PMID:23645679