Mapping of the human genes encoding cyclin H (CCNH) and the CDK-activating kinase (CAK) assembly factor MAT1 (MNAT1) to chromosome bands 5q13.3-q14 and 14q23, respectively

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which play a key role in cell cycle control, are activated by the CDK-activating kinase (CAK), which activates cyclin-bound CDKs by phosphorylation at the specific threonine residue. Mammalian CAK contains three components: CDK7, cyclin H, and an assembly factor called MAT1. The CDK7-cyclin H-MAT1 complex is tightly associated with a multiprotein complex TFIIH, which plays a dual role in transcription and DNA repair. Here, we have determined chromosomal localizations of the human genes encoding cyclin H (CCNH) and MAT1 (HGMW-approved symbol MNAT1) to chromosome bands 5q13.3-q14 and 14q23, respectively, by using fluorescence in situ hybridization, somatic cell hybrid analyses, and mapping to the human YAC contigs.

p53 is phosphorylated by CDK7-cyclin H in a p36MAT1-dependent manner

The tumor suppressor protein p53 acts as a transcriptional activator that can mediate cellular responses to DNA damage by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. p53 is a nuclear phosphoprotein, and phosphorylation has been proposed to be a means by which the activity of p53 is regulated. The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase (CAK) was originally identified as a cellular kinase required for the activation of a CDK-cyclin complex, and CAK is comprised of three subunits: CDK7, cyclin H, and p36MAT1. CAK is part of the transcription factor IIH multiprotein complex, which is required for RNA polymerase II transcription and nucleotide excision repair. Because of the similarities between p53 and CAK in their involvement in the cell cycle, transcription, and repair, we investigated whether p53 could act as a substrate for phosphorylation by CAK. While CDK7-cyclin H is sufficient for phosphorylation of CDK2, we show that p36MAT1 is required for efficient phosphorylation of p53 by CDK7-cyclin H, suggesting that p36MAT1 can act as a substrate specificity-determining factor for CDK7-cyclin H. We have mapped a major site of phosphorylation by CAK to Ser-33 of p53 and have demonstrated as well that p53 is phosphorylated at this site in vivo. Both wild-type and tumor-derived mutant p53 proteins are efficiently phosphorylated by CAK. Furthermore, we show that p36 and p53 can interact both in vitro and in vivo. These studies reveal a potential mechanism for coupling the regulation of p53 with DNA repair and the basal transcriptional machinery.

The cyclin-dependent kinase-activating kinase (CAK) assembly factor, MAT1, targets and enhances CAK activity on the POU domains of octamer transcription factors

Octamer binding transcription factors (Oct factors) play important roles in activation of transcription of various genes but, in some cases, require cofactors that interact with the DNA binding (POU) domain. In the present study, a yeast two-hybrid screen with the Oct-1 POU domain as a bait identified MAT1 as a POU domain-binding protein. MAT1 is known to be required for the assembly of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-activating kinase (CAK), which is functionally associated with the general transcription factor IIH (TFIIH). Further analyses showed that MAT1 interacts with POU domains of Oct-1, Oct-2, and Oct-3 in vitro in a DNA-independent manner. MAT1-containing TFIIH was also shown to interact with POU domains of Oct-1 and Oct-2. MAT1 is shown to enhance the ability of a recombinant CDK7-cyclin H complex (bipartite CAK) to phosphorylate isolated POU domains, intact Oct-1, and the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, but not the originally defined substrate, CDK2. Phosphopeptide mapping indicates that the site (Ser385) of a mitosis-specific phosphorylation that inhibits Oct-1 binding to DNA is not phosphorylated by CAK. However, one CAK-phosphorylated phosphopeptide comigrates with a Cdc2-phosphorylated phosphopeptide previously shown to be mitosis-specific, suggesting that, in vitro, CAK is able to phosphorylate at least one site that is also phosphorylated in vivo. These results suggest (i) that interactions between POU domains and MAT1 can target CAK to Oct factors and result in their phosphorylation, (ii) that MAT1 not only functions as a CAK assembly factor but also acts to alter the spectrum of CAK substrates, and (iii) that a POU-MAT1 interaction may play a role in the recruitment of TFIIH to the preinitiation complex or in subsequent initiation and elongation reactions.

Mapping of amino acid residues in the p34 subunit of human single-stranded DNA-binding protein phosphorylated by DNA-dependent protein kinase and Cdc2 kinase in vitro

Human single-stranded DNA-binding protein (HSSB, also called RPA), is a heterotrimeric complex that consists of three subunits, p70, p34, and p11. HSSB is essential for the in vitro replication of SV40 DNA and nucleotide excision repair. It also has important functions in other DNA transactions, including DNA recombination, transcription, and double-stranded DNA break repair. The p34 subunit of HSSB is phosphorylated in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Both Cdc2 kinase and the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) phosphorylate HSSB-p34 in vitro. In this study, we show that efficient phosphorylation of HSSB-p34 by DNA-PK requires Ku as well as DNA. The DNA-PK phosphorylation sites in HSSB-p34 have been mapped at Thr-21 and Ser-33. Kinetic studies demonstrated that a phosphate residue is first incorporated at Thr-21 followed by the incorporation of a second phosphate residue at Ser-33. We also identified Ser-29 as the major Cdc2 kinase phosphorylation site in the p34 subunit.

Studies on the in vitro phosphorylation of HSSB-p34 and -p107 by cyclin-dependent kinases. Cyclin-substrate interactions dictate the efficiency of phosphorylation

Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are required for cell cycle progression. Two potentially significant Cdk substrates in human cells are the human single-stranded binding protein (HSSB or RPA), which plays an essential role in DNA replication, repair, and recombination, and the tumor suppressor p107 which acts to negatively regulate cell growth. In this report we describe the in vitro phosphorylation of these two proteins by Cdks in an attempt to understand how cyclin-substrate interactions direct phosphorylation efficiencies. We show that cyclin A-Cdk2 efficiently phosphorylates the p34 subunit of HSSB (HSSB-p34) alone or as a part of the heterotrimeric complex. In contrast, cyclin E-Cdk2 that is active in phosphorylating histone H1, does not support the phosphorylation of the p34 subunit of HSSB. We provide evidence that this differential phosphorylation results from a specific interaction between HSSB-p34 and cyclin A, but not cyclin E. Thus the observed cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation of HSSB-p34 at the G1 to S transition is most likely catalyzed by cyclin A-Cdk2 initiated by the direct interaction between cyclin A and the HSSB-p34 subunit. These studies are consistent with our previous observation that p107, which directly binds cyclin A, is efficiently phosphorylated by cyclin A-Cdk2 but not cyclin B-associated kinases. Here we further demonstrate that cyclin A only complexes with p107 in its unphosphorylated form. These data suggest a catalytic mechanism by which Cdk acts: substrate targeting by a cyclin-substrate interaction followed by dissociation of the Cdk upon phosphate incorporation allowing the Cdk to become available for the next cycle of phosphorylation.

Transcription-positive cofactor 4 forms complexes with HSSB (RPA) on single-stranded DNA and influences HSSB-dependent enzymatic synthesis of simian virus 40 DNA

The replication of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA in vitro requires a trimeric single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding protein called HSSB or RPA. HSSB supports the unwinding of DNA containing the SV40 origin in the presence of the viral-encoded T antigen and is required for the initiation of RNA primer synthesis as well as processive elongation of DNA catalyzed by the DNA polymerase delta holoenzyme. In this report we show that the transcription positive cofactor 4 (PC4), a ssDNA-binding protein, forms complexes with HSSB on ssDNA and markedly affects the replication functions of HSSB. PC4 supports T antigen-catalyzed unwinding of SV40 origins in lieu of HSSB but inhibits both RNA primer synthesis and polymerase delta-catalyzed DNA chain elongation reactions. These inhibitory effects can be reversed by the addition of excess HSSB. Depending on the concentration of HSSB, PC4 is capable of either inhibiting or activating SV40 DNA replication measured in both mono- and dipolymerase systems. The possible role of PC4 in the initiation of DNA replication is discussed.

Isolation and characterization of two human transcription factor IIH (TFIIH)-related complexes: ERCC2/CAK and TFIIH

Transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) is a multisubunit protein complex essential for both the initiation of RNA polymerase class II (pol II)-catalyzed transcription and nucleotide excision repair of DNA. Recent studies have shown that TFIIH copurifies with the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)-activating kinase complex (CAK) that includes cdk7, cyclin H, and p36/MAT1. Here we report the isolation of two TFIIH-related complexes: TFIIH* and ERCC2/CAK. TFIIH* consists of a subset of the TFIIH complex proteins including ERCC3 (XPB), p62, p44, p41, and p34 but is devoid of detectable levels of ERCC2 (XPD) and CAK. ERCC2/CAK was isolated as a complex that exhibits CAK activity that cosediments with the three CAK components (cdk7, cyclin H, and p36/MAT1) as well as the ERCC2 (XPD) protein. TFIIH* can support pol II-catalyzed transcription in vitro with lower efficiency compared with TFIIH. This TFIIH*-dependent transcription reaction was stimulated by ERCC2/CAK. The ERCC2/CAK and TFIIH* complexes are each active in DNA repair as shown by their ability to complement extracts prepared from ERCC2 (XPD)- and ERCC3 (XPB)-deficient cells, respectively, in supporting the excision of DNA containing a cholesterol lesion. These data suggest that TFIIH* and ERCC2/CAK interact to form the TFIIH holoenzyme capable of efficiently assembling the pol II transcription initiation complex and directly participating in excision repair reactions.

Expression of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein alters cellular calmodulin

Removal of parts of a known calmodulin binding site at the C-terminus of HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp160, can result in diminished infectivity. We investigated whether expression of full length gp160 would result in changes in intracellular calmodulin compared to expression of gp160 truncated to remove both known calmodulin binding sites. Both Western and Northern blots demonstrated that expression of gp160 led to increased calmodulin when compared to expression of truncated gp160. The induced calmodulin was associated preferentially with a particulate subcellular fraction. Confocal immunomicroscopy confirmed the increase in calmodulin and also showed that there was enhanced colocalization of calmodulin with gp160. Understanding of the role of calmodulin in the viral life-cycle may lead to new therapeutics.

Clamp loading, unloading and intrinsic stability of the PCNA, beta and gp45 sliding clamps of human, E. coli and T4 replicases

BACKGROUND

The high speed and processivity of replicative DNA polymerases reside in a processivity factor which has been shown to be a ring-shaped protein. This protein ("sliding clamp') encircles DNA and tethers the catalytic unit to the template. Although in eukaryotic, prokaryotic and bacteriophage-T4 systems, the processivity factors are ring-shaped, they assume different oligomeric states. The Escherichia coli clamp (the beta subunit) is active as a dimer while the eukaryotic and T4 phage clamps (PCNA and gp45, respectively) are active as trimers. The clamp can not assemble itself on DNA. Instead, a protein complex known as a clamp loader utilizes ATP to assemble the ring around the primer-template. This study compares properties of the human PCNA clamp with those of E. coli and T4 phage.

RESULTS

The PCNA ring is a stable trimer down to a concentration below 100 nM (Kd approximately 21 nM). On DNA, the PCNA clamp slides freely and dissociates from DNA slowly (t1/2 approximately 24 min). beta is more stable in solution (Kd < 60 PM) and on DNA (t1/2 approximately 1 h) than PCNA which may be explained by its simpler oligomeric state. The T4 gp45 clamp is a much less stable trimer than PCNA (Kd approximately 250 nM) and requires association with the polymerase to stabilize it on DNA as observed previously. The consequence of this cooperation between clamp and polymerase is that upon finishing a template and dissociation of the polymerase from DNA, the gp45 clamp spontaneously dissociates from DNA without assistance. However, the greater stability of the PCNA and beta clamps on DNA necessitates an active process for their removal. The clamp loaders (RFC and gamma complex) were also capable of unloading their respective clamps from DNA in the presence of ATP.

CONCLUSIONS

The stability of the different clamps in solution correlates with their stability on DNA. Thus, the low stability of the T4 clamp explains the inability to isolate gp45 on DNA. The stability of the PCNA and beta clamps predicts they will require an unloading factor to recycle them on and off DNA during replication. The clamp loaders of PCNA and beta double as clamp unloaders presumably for the purpose of clamp recycling.

Inhibition of nucleotide excision repair by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21

p21, a p53-induced gene product that blocks cell cycle progression at the G1 phase, interacts with both cyclin-dependent kinases and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). PCNA functions as a processivity factor for DNA polymerases delta and epsilon and is required for both DNA replication and nucleotide excision repair. Previous studies have shown that p21 inhibits simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication in HeLa cell extracts by interacting with PCNA. In this report we show that p21 blocks nucleotide excision repair of DNA that has been damaged by either ultraviolet radiation or alkylating agents, and that this inhibition can be reversed following addition of PCNA. We have determined that p21 is more effective in blocking DNA resynthesis than in inhibiting the excision step. We further show that a peptide derived from the carboxyl terminus of p21, which specifically interacts with PCNA, inhibits polymerase delta-catalyzed elongation of DNA chains almost stoichiometrically relative to the concentration of PCNA. When added at higher levels, this peptide also blocks both SV40 DNA replication and nucleotide excision repair in HeLa cell extracts. These results indicate that p21 interferes with the function of PCNA in both in vitro DNA replication and nucleotide excision repair.

Phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of human single-stranded DNA-binding protein are equally active in simian virus 40 DNA replication and in nucleotide excision repair

The trimeric human single-stranded DNA-binding protein (HSSB; also called RP-A) plays an essential role in DNA replication, nucleotide excision repair, and homologous DNA recombination. The p34 subunit of HSSB is phosphorylated at the G1/S boundary of the cell cycle or upon exposure of cells to DNA damage-inducing agents including ionizing and UV radiation. We have previously shown that the phosphorylation of p34 is catalyzed by both cyclin-dependent kinase-cyclin A complex and DNA-dependent protein kinase. In this study, we investigated the effect of phosphorylation of p34 by these kinases on the replication and repair function of HSSB. We observed no significant difference with the unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of HSSB in the simian virus 40 DNA replication or nucleotide excision repair systems reconstituted with purified proteins. The phosphorylation status of the p34 subunit of HSSB was unchanged during the reactions. We suggest that the phosphorylated HSSB has no direct effect on the basic mechanism of DNA replication and nucleotide excision repair reactions in vitro, although we cannot exclude a role of p34 phosphorylation in modulating HSSB function in vivo through a yet poorly understood control pathway in the cellular response to DNA damage and replication.

Assignment of the 36.5-kDa (RFC5), 37-kDa (RFC4), 38-kDa (RFC3), and 40-kDa (RFC2) subunit genes of human replication factor C to chromosome bands 12q24.2-q24.3, 3q27, 13q12.3-q13, and 7q11.23

Replication factor C is a multimeric primer-recognition protein consisting of five subunits (p145, p40, p38, p37, and p36.5) and is essential for the processive elongation of DNA chains catalyzed by DNA polymerase delta or epsilon in human cells. We have mapped the locations on human chromosomes of the genes coding for the four smaller subunits [p36.5 (RFC5), p37 (RFC4), p38 (RFC3), and p40 (RFC2)] using both PCR amplification from DNAs of a panel of somatic hybrids and fluorescence in situ hybridization to bands 12q24.2-q24.3, 3q27, 13q12.3-q13, and 7q11.23, respectively.

Cdk-interacting protein 1 directly binds with proliferating cell nuclear antigen and inhibits DNA replication catalyzed by the DNA polymerase delta holoenzyme

Cdk-interacting protein 1 (Cip1) is a p53-regulated 21-kDa protein that inhibits several members of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family. It was initially observed in complexes containing CDK4, cyclin D, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). PCNA, in conjunction with activator 1, acts as a processivity factor for eukaryotic DNA polymerase (pol) delta, and these three proteins constitute the pol delta holoenzyme. In this report, we demonstrate that Cip1 can also directly inhibit DNA synthesis in vitro by binding to PCNA. Cip1 efficiently inhibits simian virus 40 replication dependent upon pol alpha, activator 1, PCNA, and pol delta, and this inhibition can be overcome by additional PCNA. Simian virus 40 DNA replication, catalyzed solely by high levels of pol alpha-primase complex, is unaffected by Cip1. Using the surface plasmon resonance technique, a direct physical interaction of PCNA and Cip1 was detected. We have observed that Cip1 efficiently inhibits synthesis of long (7.2 kb) but not short (10 nt) templates, suggesting that its association with PCNA is likely to impair the processive movement of pol delta during DNA chain elongation, as opposed to blocking assembly of the pol delta holoenzyme. The implications of the Cip1-PCNA interaction with respect to regulation of DNA synthesis, cell cycle checkpoint control, and DNA repair are discussed.

Phosphorylation of the p34 subunit of human single-stranded-DNA-binding protein in cyclin A-activated G1 extracts is catalyzed by cdk-cyclin A complex and DNA-dependent protein kinase

The human single-stranded-DNA-binding protein (HSSB, also called RP-A) is a trimeric complex (p70, p34, and p14) required for multiple functions in DNA transactions. We report here that the p34 subunit of HSSB was hyperphosphorylated by kinase activities present in G1 extract (obtained from HeLa cells in G1 phase) preincubated with human cyclin A. This hyperphosphorylated HSSB product included at least four species of p34 that migrated more slowly through denaturing polyacrylamide gels than the hypophosphorylated form. Fractionation of cyclin A-activated G1 extract identified two kinases involved in the hyperphosphorylation of HSSB p34: cdk-cyclin A complex and DNA-dependent p350 protein kinase (DNA-PK). Kinetic analysis revealed that in cyclin A-activated G1 extract, p34 was first phosphorylated by cdk-cyclin A prior to the action of DNA-PK. Addition of p21cip1, a specific inhibitor of cdk-cyclin A but not DNA-PK, nearly abolished the hyperphosphorylation of HSSB p34 in G1 extract preincubated with cyclin A. This suggests a requirement of the cdk-cyclin A activity for the phosphorylation of p34 by DNA-PK in G1 extract.

Cloning of the large subunit of activator 1 (replication factor C) reveals homology with bacterial DNA ligases

We have cloned a gene encoding a DNA-binding protein by Southwestern screening of a murine cDNA library with a double-stranded oligonucleotide containing the sequence from the bidirectional promoter of the alpha 1 and alpha 2 collagen IV genes. The middle portion of this 1131-amino acid protein has a region homologous to bacterial DNA ligases, and the more carboxyl portion contains several domains homologous to p40, p38, p37, and p36.5 subunits of activator 1 (A1, also called replication factor C), a human replication protein complex. Western blotting revealed that antiserum generated against part of the recombinant protein reacted specifically with the 145-kDa component of the purified human A1 complex, indicating that it is the murine counterpart of the A1 p145. Characterization of the DNA-binding activity of the recombinant fusion protein by gel mobility-shift assay revealed that it had a preference for a run of pyrimidines on one strand. Deletion analysis using recombinant proteins revealed that the DNA ligase-like domain was required for DNA-binding activity. The finding that the region required for the binding of murine A1 p145 to DNA has similarity to a domain found in DNA ligases suggests that this region may be utilized by both proteins in recognizing DNA.

Reconstitution of cyclin-dependent cdc2 and cdk2 kinase activities in vitro

The genes that encode human cdc2 and cdk2 proteins are essential for cell cycle progression. In this report, we describe the purification of cyclin-associated cdc2 and cdk2 kinases as well as cyclin-free cdc2 and cdk2 protein preparations from HeLa cells. The cdc2-cyclin B kinase complex that we have isolated, consisting of two polypeptides of p60 (cyclin B) and p34 (cdc2), phosphorylated both the p34 and p70 subunits of the three-subunit human single-stranded DNA-binding protein (also called RP-A), a DNA replication and repair factor. We also partially purified a histone H1 kinase activity that is associated with the cdk2 and cyclin A proteins. Purified human cyclins A and B1, overproduced in bacteria, complemented a cellular fraction enriched in cdc2 and cdk2 proteins to reconstitute histone H1 kinase activity. Using this complementation system, human cdc2 and cdk2 proteins were purified and separated from one another. Glycerol gradient analyses demonstrated that the purified cdk2 (p33) protein co-sedimented with a cyclin A-dependent H1 kinase activity. Thus, cdk2 and cyclin A proteins are components that assemble to yield a kinase complex that catalyzes the phosphorylation of histone H1.

Characterization of the in vitro reconstituted cyclin A or B1-dependent cdk2 and cdc2 kinase activities

Human cyclins A and B1 were assembled with the cdk2 or cdc2 protein to reconstitute their respective kinase activities in vitro. Both cyclins complemented either cdk2 or cdc2, yielding kinase activities that supported the phosphorylation of histone H1. Activation of cdk2-catalyzed H1 kinase activity by cyclin A required a 10-min preincubation of the two components, whereas cdc2 kinase supported phosphate incorporation without a detectable time lag upon the addition of cyclin B1, suggesting a slower association rate of cdk2 with cyclin A compared with cdc2 and cyclin B1. Both cdk2 and cyclin A, as well as cdc2 and cyclin B1, formed stable complexes in the absence of ATP and substrate that could be isolated after glycerol gradient centrifugation. Incubation of the isolated complexes with ATP and histone H1 supported the phosphorylation of the substrate. Cyclin A-activated cdk2 or cdc2 phosphorylated p107, a pRB-related cellular protein, 10 times more effectively than the cyclin B1-complexed kinases. This was most likely due to a direct association of cyclin A with p107 (Ewen, M. E., Faha, B., Harlow, E., and Livingston, D. (1992) Science 255, 85-87; Faha, B., Ewen, M. E., Tsai, L.-H., Livingston, D., and Harlow, E. (1992) Science 255, 87-90). The reconstituted cdc2-cyclin B1 complex incorporated 4-5-fold more phosphate into the p34 subunit of the three-subunit (p70, p34, and p14) human single-stranded DNA-binding protein (also called RP-A), a DNA replication and DNA repair factor, than cdc2-cyclin A. No detectable phosphorylation of the p34 protein was observed with cdk2 complexed with either cyclin B1 or A. These data indicate that both cyclins as well as the catalytic subunits are important factors in controlling the rate of phosphorylation of a given substrate. The cyclin-activated cdc2 family kinases may target their cellular substrates through cyclin-mediated protein-protein interactions.

The subunits of activator 1 (replication factor C) carry out multiple functions essential for proliferating-cell nuclear antigen-dependent DNA synthesis

p37 and p40 are two cloned gene products of the five-subunit human cellular DNA replication factor activator 1 (A1) protein complex (also called replication factor C). Here, we describe the solubilization, purification, and characterization of these two proteins that were overproduced in Escherichia coli. Using a nitrocellulose filter binding assay, we demonstrated that the purified A1 p37 protein associated with DNA preferentially at the primer terminus, a property resembling that of the A1 complex. We also show that in the presence of relatively high levels of salt, the recombinant p37 protein alone activated DNA polymerase epsilon but not polymerase delta in catalyzing the elongation of DNA chains. The p40 protein specifically associated with cellular p37 and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) present in HeLa cell cytosolic extract. The addition of purified p40 protein abolished the in vitro polymerase delta-catalyzed DNA elongation reaction dependent on both PCNA and A1. However, this inhibition was reversed by excess polymerase delta, suggesting a specific interaction between the polymerase and the p40 protein. Thus, while p37 binds DNA at the primer end and has a specific affinity for pol epsilon, p40, which binds ATP, interacts with PCNA and pol delta. These activities are essential for the DNA elongation reactions that lead to the synthesis of leading-strand DNA and the maturation of Okazaki fragments.

Studies of the cloned 37-kDa subunit of activator 1 (replication factor C) of HeLa cells

The elongation of primed DNA templates by DNA polymerase delta and DNA polymerase epsilon requires the action of two accessory proteins, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and activator 1 (A1, also called replication factor C). A1 is an enzyme that contains five different subunits (145, 40, 38, 37, and 36.5 kDa). In this paper, we describe the isolation of the gene encoding the 37-kDa subunit from HeLa cells. This gene was cloned, sequenced, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence shows a high degree of homology to the 40-kDa subunit of A1; they both contain the identical ATP-binding motif, but in contrast to the bacterial expressed 40-kDa protein, the 37-kDa expressed protein did not bind ATP. Both the 37- and 40-kDa proteins share substantial homology with the phage T4 gene 44 protein and to a lesser extent with the tau and gamma subunits of the E. coli DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. Polyclonal antibodies against the bacterially expressed 37- and 40-kDa proteins do not crossreact and are specific in their interaction. Antibodies against the 37-kDa protein maximally inhibited (by 50%) the A1-dependent synthesis of DNA by DNA polymerase delta; antibodies against the 40-kDa protein quantitatively inhibited the same reaction. When A1-dependent synthesis of DNA was partially inhibited by antibodies against the 40-kDa subunit, the addition of antibodies against the 37-kDa subunit inhibited DNA synthesis to a greater extent than the anti-37-kDa antibody alone. These results suggest that both the 37- and 40-kDa subunits of A1 are required for the biological role of A1 and that they may function differently in this process.

Sequence and expression in Escherichia coli of the 40-kDa subunit of activator 1 (replication factor C) of HeLa cells

Activator 1 (A1; also called replication factor C), in conjunction with proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), is essential for the elongation of primed DNA templates by DNA polymerases delta and epsilon. A1 contains five distinct subunits of 145, 40, 38, 37, and 36.5 kDa. Here we describe the isolation, sequence, and bacterial expression of a cDNA coding for the 40-kDa subunit. In keeping with the presence of an ATP-binding motif, the bacterially expressed 40-kDa subunit binds ATP. The interaction between the 40-kDa subunit and ATP was reduced by the addition of PCNA. In addition, antibodies raised against the 40-kDa subunit abolished the A1- and PCNA-dependent synthesis of DNA catalyzed by polymerase delta. The putative amino acid sequence of the 40-kDa subunit of A1 revealed significantly homology with the bacteriophage T4 gene 44 protein and, to a lesser degree, with the tau and gamma subunits of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III holoenzyme.

IL-7 receptor mediates tyrosine phosphorylation but does not activate the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C-gamma 1 pathway

IL-7 is a glycoprotein involved in the regulation of lymphocyte precursor growth. In addition, it has a comitogenic effect on mature T cells but not on mature B cells. The exact mechanism whereby IL-7R mediates these cell growth properties remains unknown. Because many growth factor receptor systems on various cell types transduce signals by activating a tyrosine kinase, we have studied here the effect of IL-7R ligation on protein tyrosine phosphorylation. We found that human rIL-7 consistently induced tyrosine phosphorylation of five major proteins, of 175, 155, 135, 110, and 85 kDa, and five minor proteins. The effect of human rIL-7 on tyrosine phosphorylation of these substrates was concentration and time dependent. One of the known substrates that is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues after binding of growth factors to their receptors is the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. Several phospholipase C isozymes have been recently recognized; one isozyme, phospholipase C-gamma 1, was demonstrated to be phosphorylated rapidly after ligand binding to the platelet-derived growth factor receptor and the T cell Ag receptor. We show here that, in contrast to Ag receptor ligation, activation of IL-7R does not induce tyrosine phosphorylation on phospholipase C-gamma 1. Consistent with these results, human rIL-7 failed to increase phosphatidylinositol turnover and did not induce a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ in the thymocytes, mature T cells, or pre-pre-B cells. The results indicate that the IL-7R mediates the activation of the tyrosine phosphorylation pathway but does not induce the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C pathway.

IL-7 receptor mediates tyrosine phosphorylation but does not activate the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C-gamma 1 pathway

IL-7 is a glycoprotein involved in the regulation of lymphocyte precursor growth. In addition, it has a comitogenic effect on mature T cells but not on mature B cells. The exact mechanism whereby IL-7R mediates these cell growth properties remains unknown. Because many growth factor receptor systems on various cell types transduce signals by activating a tyrosine kinase, we have studied here the effect of IL-7R ligation on protein tyrosine phosphorylation. We found that human rIL-7 consistently induced tyrosine phosphorylation of five major proteins, of 175, 155, 135, 110, and 85 kDa, and five minor proteins. The effect of human rIL-7 on tyrosine phosphorylation of these substrates was concentration and time dependent. One of the known substrates that is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues after binding of growth factors to their receptors is the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. Several phospholipase C isozymes have been recently recognized; one isozyme, phospholipase C-gamma 1, was demonstrated to be phosphorylated rapidly after ligand binding to the platelet-derived growth factor receptor and the T cell Ag receptor. We show here that, in contrast to Ag receptor ligation, activation of IL-7R does not induce tyrosine phosphorylation on phospholipase C-gamma 1. Consistent with these results, human rIL-7 failed to increase phosphatidylinositol turnover and did not induce a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ in the thymocytes, mature T cells, or pre-pre-B cells. The results indicate that the IL-7R mediates the activation of the tyrosine phosphorylation pathway but does not induce the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C pathway.

Synthesis of DNA by DNA polymerase epsilon in vitro

The isolation of DNA polymerase (Pol) epsilon from extracts of HeLa cells is described. The final fractions contained two major subunits of 210 and 50 kDa which cosedimented with Pol epsilon activity, similar to those described previously (Syvaoja, J., and Linn, S. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 2489-2497). The properties of the human Pol epsilon and the yeast Pol epsilon were compared. Both enzymes elongated singly primed single-stranded circular DNA templates. Yeast Pol epsilon required the presence of a DNA binding protein (SSB) whereas human Pol epsilon required the addition of SSB, Activator 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for maximal activity. Both enzymes were totally unable to elongate primed DNA templates in the presence of salt; however, activity could be restored by the addition of Activator 1 and PCNA. Like Pol delta, Pol epsilon formed complexes with SSB-coated primed DNA templates in the presence of Activator 1 and PCNA which could be isolated by filtration through Bio-Gel A-5m columns. Unlike Pol delta, Pol epsilon bound to SSB-coated primed DNA in the absence of the auxiliary factors. In the presence of salt, Pol epsilon complexes were less stable than they were in the absence of salt. In the in vitro simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen-dependent synthesis of DNA containing the SV40 origin of replication, yeast Pol epsilon but not human Pol epsilon could substitute for yeast or human Pol delta in the generation of long DNA products. However, human Pol epsilon did increase slightly the length of DNA chains formed by the DNA polymerase alpha-primase complex in SV40 DNA synthesis. The bearing of this observation on the requirement for a PCNA-dependent DNA polymerase in the synthesis and maturation of Okazaki fragments is discussed. However, no unique role for human Pol epsilon in the in vitro SV40 DNA replication system was detected.

Studies on the activator 1 protein complex, an accessory factor for proliferating cell nuclear antigen-dependent DNA polymerase delta

Activator 1 (A1) is a multiprotein complex which is essential for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-dependent DNA polymerase delta (pol delta) activity and efficient in vitro DNA synthesis in the SV40 dipolymerase replication system. In this report, we describe the isolation of A1 from HeLa cytosolic extracts. A1 stimulated pol delta activity in singly primed phi X174 DNA or (dA)4500.oligo(dT)12-18 in reactions containing PCNA, single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB), and ATP. Using this assay, A1 has been extensively purified. Purified preparations contained five discrete subunits of 145, 40, 38, 37, and 36.5 kDa. ATP hydrolysis to ADP and Pi is essential for A1-dependent pol delta activity, and we have shown that A1 contains an intrinsic ATPase which is stimulated by DNA. The DNA-dependent hydrolysis of ATP can be stimulated by PCNA and further activated by PCNA plus the human single-stranded DNA binding protein. These stimulatory effects were observed with (dA)4500.oligo(dT)12-18, but were not detected with each poly-deoxynucleotide alone. Furthermore, A1 formed a complex with (dA)4500.oligo(dT)12-18 which could be measured by nitrocellulose binding. No complex with (dA)4500 or oligo(dT)12-18 alone was detected by this procedure. Data are also presented which indicate that A1, in conjunction with PCNA, functions as a primer-recognition factor for pol delta, increasing its ability to utilize low levels of primer ends, but it does not increase the size of the DNA products. A1 also markedly reduced the amount of PCNA required for pol delta activity on a multiply primed DNA suggesting that PCNA interacts with A1 at the primer end. These multiple effects of A1 closely resemble the properties of the multisubunit protein RF-C described by Tsurimoto and Stillman (Tsurimoto, T., and Stillman, B. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 1023-1027).