Molecular cloning of APRF, a novel IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 p91-related transcription factor involved in the gp130-mediated signaling pathway

Transactivation of LAP/NF-IL6 is mediated by an acidic domain in the N-terminal part of the protein

LAP/NF-IL6 is a member of the C/EBP family of transcriptional activators and has been shown to be involved in the regulation of the acute-phase response. We have previously shown that phosphorylation of the liver-enriched transcriptional activator protein (LAP) Ser-105 enhances the activation of LAP-dependent genes. To identify the region which is important for gene activation, a series of LAP mutants were constructed, and domain swapping experiments with the DNA-binding domain of GAL4 were performed. These experiments point to an acidic region located between amino acids 21 and 105 of LAP/NF-IL6 which activates genes independent of the DNA-binding domain and the leucine zipper of LAP/NF-IL6. Computer-assisted predictions reveal two regions, a helical and a hydrophobic region in the transactivation domain, which could be important in mediating the direct interaction with the basal machinery. Site-directed mutagenesis of acidic residues in both regions demonstrates that the hydrophobic region located between amino acids 85 and 95 is the likely motif for the interaction with the basal machinery. Our results demonstrate that a hydrophobic region in the acidic transactivation domain of LAP/NF-IL6 seems to be relevant in mediating gene activation of LAP-dependent genes.

Gamma chain-associated cytokine receptors signal through distinct transducing factors

The IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 signaling pathways have been shown to utilize shared components. The receptors for these cytokines are composed of ligand-specific binding chains that associate with a shared signaling subunit, the common gamma (gamma c) chain. In addition, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 induce activation of a common set of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, Jak-1 and Jak-3. We have further investigated the signaling events induced by these cytokines and find that the gamma c-associated receptors activate distinct signal transducing factors (STFs). In addition, we show that a 94-kDa STAT-related protein (p94) is activated in response to IL-2 and IL-7, but not IL-4. These data indicate that IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 activate distinct signaling molecules which might be differentially recruited to the receptor complex by the ligand-specific units of the IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 receptors.

Distinct regions of c-Mpl cytoplasmic domain are coupled to the JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway and Shc phosphorylation

c-Mpl, a member of the hematopoietic cytokine receptor family, is the receptor for thrombopoietin. To investigate signal transduction by c-Mpl, a chimeric receptor, composed of the extracellular domain of human growth hormone receptor and the intracellular domain of c-Mpl, was introduced into the interleukin 3-dependent cell line Ba/F3. In response to growth hormone, this chimeric receptor induced growth in the absence of interleukin 3. Deletion analysis of the 123-amino acid intracellular domain indicated that the elements responsible for this effect are present within the 63 amino acids proximal to the transmembrane domain. Mutation of the recently described box 1 motif abrogated the proliferative response. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase JAK-2 and activation of STAT proteins were dependent on box 1 and sequences within 63 amino acids of the plasma membrane. STAT proteins activated by thrombopoietin in a megakaryocytic cell line were purified and shown to be STAT1 and STAT3. A separate region located at the C terminus of the c-Mpl intracellular domain was found to be required for induction of Shc phosphorylation and c-fos mRNA accumulation, suggesting involvement of the Ras signal transduction pathway. Thus, at least two distinct regions are involved in signal transduction by the c-Mpl.

Stat recruitment by tyrosine-phosphorylated cytokine receptors: an ordered reversible affinity-driven process

Herein, we demonstrate that purified Stat1 binds to its tyrosine-phosphorylated docking site on the IFN gamma receptor alpha chain in a direct, specific, and reversible manner. Using surface plasmon resonance, we determine the affinity (KD = 137 nM) and specificity of the interaction and define the minimum affinity needed for receptor-mediated Stat1 activation. In addition, we quantitate the relative ability of purified Stat1 to interact with tyrosine-phosphorylated binding sites on other Stat proteins. Finally, we describe experiments that imply that the unidirectional release of activated Stat1 from the IFN gamma receptor reflects the preference of free tyrosine-phosphorylated Stat1 monomers to form high avidity reciprocal homodimers rather than reassociating with the receptor binding site. Our results demonstrate that IFN gamma-induced Stat1 activation is an ordered and affinity-driven process and we propose that this process may serve as a paradigm for Stat activation by other cytokine receptors.

Cloning of murine Stat6 and human Stat6, Stat proteins that are tyrosine phosphorylated in responses to IL-4 and IL-3 but are not required for mitogenesis

By searching a database of expressed sequences, we identified a member of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat) family of proteins. Human and murine full-length cDNA clones were obtained and sequenced. The sequence of the human cDNA was identical to the recently published sequence for interleukin-4 (IL-4)-Stat (J. Hou, U. Schindler, W.J. Henzel, T.C. Ho, M. Brasseur, and S. L. McKnight, Science 265:1701-1706, 1994), while the murine Stat6 amino acid and nucleotide sequences were 83 and 84% identical to the human sequences, respectively. Using Stat6-specific antiserum, we demonstrated that Stat6 is rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated following stimulation of appropriate cell lines with IL-4 or IL-3 but is not detectably phosphorylated following stimulation with IL-2, IL-12, or erythropoietin. In contrast, IL-2, IL-3, and erythropoietin induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat5 while IL-12 uniquely induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat4. Inducible tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat6 requires the membrane-distal region of the IL-4 receptor alpha chain. This region of the receptor is not required for cell growth, demonstrating that Stat6 tyrosine phosphorylation does not contribute to mitogenesis.

Continuous activation of gp130, a signal-transducing receptor component for interleukin 6-related cytokines, causes myocardial hypertrophy in mice

To investigate the physiological roles of gp130 in detail and to determine the pathological consequence of abnormal activation of gp130, transgenic mice having continuously activated gp130 were created. This was carried out by mating mice from interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) transgenic lines. Offspring overexpressing both IL-6 and IL-6R showed constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation of gp130 and a downstream signaling molecule, acute phase response factor/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Surprisingly, the distinguishing feature of such offspring was hypertrophy of ventricular myocardium and consequent thickened ventricular walls of the heart, where gp130 is also expressed, in adulthood. Transgenic mice overexpressing either IL-6 or IL-6R alone did not show detectable myocardial abnormalities. Neonatal heart muscle cells from normal mice, when cultured in vitro, enlarged in response to a combination of IL-6 and a soluble form of IL-6R. The results suggest that activation of the gp130 signaling pathways leads to cardiac hypertrophy and that these signals might be involved in physiological regulation of myocardium.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonism by soluble IL-6 receptor alpha mutated in the predicted gp130-binding interface

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) triggers the formation of a high affinity receptor complex constituted by the ligand-binding subunit IL-6 receptor alpha (IL-6R alpha) and the signal-transducing beta chain gp130. Since the cytoplasmic region of IL-6R alpha is not required for signal transduction, soluble forms of IL-6R alpha (sIL-6R alpha) show agonistic properties because they are still able to originate IL-6.sIL-6R alpha complexes, which in turn associate with gp130. A three-dimensional model of the human IL-6.IL-6R alpha.gp130 complex has been constructed and verified by site-directed mutagenesis of regions in shIL-6R alpha (where "h" is human) anticipated to contact hgp130, with the final goal of generating receptor variants with antagonistic properties. In good agreement with our structural model, substitutions at Asn-230, His-280, and Asp-281 selectively impaired the capability of shIL-6R alpha to associate with hgp130 both in vitro and on the cell surface, without affecting its affinity for hIL-6. Moreover, the multiple substitution mutant A228D/N230D/H280S/D281V expressed as a soluble protein partially antagonized hIL-6 bioactivity on hepatoma cells.

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation as a mechanism which regulates cytokine activation of early response genes

Two well-defined rapid responses which occur as a consequence of growth factors binding to their cell surface receptors involve tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins and the induction of the transcription of cellular genes. Recent advances have been made in purification and cloning of Src homology 2 and 3 (SH2/SH3) domain-containing transcription factors which are required for the activation of early response genes by interferons. These transcription factors are covalently modified by tyrosine phosphorylation such that they interact with enhancers needed for interferon-stimulated gene expression. The Jak family of tyrosine kinases are also an integral component in these signalling cascades. The information gained concerning interferon signalling has now been extended to include a broad network of cytokine-regulated signalling systems which use tyrosine phosphorylation of a family of structurally related proteins to activate transcription of early response genes.

Cardiotrophin-1. Biological activities and binding to the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor/gp130 signaling complex

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is a newly isolated cytokine that was identified based on its ability to induce cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. It is a member of the family of cytokines that includes interleukins-6 and -11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), ciliary neurotrophic factor, and oncostatin M. These cytokines induce a pleiotropic set of growth and differentiation activities via receptors that use a common signaling subunit, gp130. In this work we determine the activity of CT-1 in six in vitro biological assays and examine the composition of its cell surface receptor. We find that CT-1 is inactive in stimulating the growth of the hybridoma cell line, B9 and inhibits the growth of the mouse myeloid leukemia cell line, M1. CT-1 induces a phenotypic switch in rat sympathetic neurons and promotes the survival of rat dopaminergic and chick ciliary neurons. CT-1 also inhibits the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. CT-1 and LIF cross-compete for binding to M1 cells, Kd [CT-1] approximately 0.7 nM, and this binding is inhibited by an anti-gp130 monoclonal antibody. Both ligands can be specifically cross-linked to a protein on M1 cells with the mobility of the LIF receptor (approximately 200 kDa). In addition, CT-1 binds directly to a purified, soluble form of the LIF receptor in solution (Kd approximately 2 nM). These data show that CT-1 has a wide range of hematopoietic, neuronal, and developmental activities and that it can act via the LIF receptor and the gp130 signaling subunit.

Targeted disruption of the low-affinity leukemia inhibitory factor receptor gene causes placental, skeletal, neural and metabolic defects and results in perinatal death

The low-affinity receptor for leukemia inhibitory factor (LIFR) interacts with gp130 to induce an intracellular signal cascade. The LIFR-gp130 heterodimer is implicated in the function of diverse systems. Normal placentation is disrupted in LIFR mutant animals, which leads to poor intrauterine nutrition but allows fetuses to continue to term. Fetal bone volume is reduced greater than three-fold and the number of osteoclasts is increased six-fold, resulting in severe osteopenia of perinatal bone. Astrocyte numbers are reduced in the spinal cord and brain stem. Late gestation fetal livers contain relatively high stores of glycogen, indicating a metabolic disorder. Hematologic and primordial germ cell compartments appear normal. Pleiotropic defects in the mutant animals preclude survival beyond the day of birth.

Interleukin 12 signaling in T helper type 1 (Th1) cells involves tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)3 and Stat4

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) initiates the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to T helper type 1 (Th1) cells critical for resistance to intracellular pathogens such as Leishmania major. To explore the basis of IL-12 action, we analyzed induction of nuclear factors in Th1 cells. IL-12 selectively induced nuclear DNA-binding complexes that contained Stat3 and Stat4, recently cloned members of the family of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). While Stat3 participates in signaling for several other cytokines, Stat4 was not previously known to participate in the signaling pathway for any natural ligand. The selective activation of Stat4 provides a basis for unique actions of IL-12 on Th1 development. Thus, this study presents the first identification of the early events in IL-12 signaling in T cells and of ligand activation of Stat4.

A single phosphotyrosine residue of the prolactin receptor is responsible for activation of gene transcription

Members of the cytokine/growth hormone/prolactin (PRL) receptor superfamily are associated with cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases of the Jak family. For the PRL receptor (PRLR), after PRL stimulation, both the kinase Jak2 and the receptor undergo tyrosine phosphorylation. To assess the role of tyrosine phosphorylation of the PRLR in signal transduction, several mutant forms of the PRLR in which various tyrosine residues were changed to phenylalanine were constructed and their functional properties were investigated. We identified a single tyrosine residue located at the C terminus of the PRLR to be necessary for in vivo activation of PRL-responsive gene transcription. This clearly indicates that a phosphotyrosine residue in the cytoplasmic domain of a member of the cytokine/growth hormone/PRL receptor superfamily is directly involved in signal transduction.

Mediation of growth hormone-dependent transcriptional activation by mammary gland factor/Stat 5

Previous observations have shown that binding of growth hormone to its receptor leads to activation of transcription factors via a mechanism involving phosphorylation on tyrosine residues. In order to establish whether the prolactin-activated transcription factor Stat 5 (mammary gland factor) is also activated by growth hormone, nuclear extracts were prepared from COS-7 cells transiently expressing transfected Stat 5 and growth hormone receptor cDNA. Gel electrophoresis mobility shift analyses revealed the growth hormone-dependent presence of specific DNA-binding proteins in these extracts. The complexes formed could be supershifted by polyclonal anti-Stat 5 antiserum. In other experiments nuclear extracts from growth hormone-treated Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing transfected growth hormone receptor cDNA and liver from growth hormone-treated hypophysectomized rats were used for gel electrophoresis mobility shift analyses. These also revealed the presence of specific DNA-binding proteins sharing antigenic determinants with Stat 5. Stat 5 cDNA was shown to be capable of complementing the growth hormone-dependent activation of transcription of a reporter gene in the otherwise unresponsive COS-7 cell line. This complementation was dependent on the presence of Stat 5 tyrosine 694, suggesting a role for phosphorylation of this residue in growth hormone-dependent activation of DNA-binding and transcription.

Cytokine signaling through nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases

Cytokines are a family of soluble mediators of cell-to-cell communication that includes interleukins, interferons, and colony-stimulating factors. The characteristic features of cytokines lie in their functional redundancy and pleiotropy. Most of the cytokine receptors that constitute distinct superfamilies do not possess intrinsic protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) domains, yet receptor stimulation usually invokes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins, including the receptors themselves. It is now clear that these receptors are capable of recruiting or activating (or both) a variety of nonreceptor PTKs to induce downstream signaling pathways. Thus, the intracytoplasmic structure of cytokine receptors has evolved so as to allow the combined action of different PTK family members expressed in different cell types, which may ultimately determine the activity of cytokines.

C/EBP-related sites in addition to a STAT site are necessary for ciliary neurotrophic factor-leukemia inhibitory factor-dependent transcriptional activation by the vasoactive intestinal peptide cytokine response element

The neuropoietic cytokines ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) regulate VIP gene expression through a cytokine response element (CyRE) which interacts with members of the STAT transcription factor family. The CyRE STAT site is, however, insufficient to mediate full transcriptional activation by CNTF/LIF, suggesting that other sequences and nuclear proteins are also important. As C/EBP proteins participate in the transcriptional effects of the related cytokine, interleukin-6, we investigated the role of possible C/EBP-binding sites in the response of the VIP CyRE to CNTF/LIF. Using DNase I footprinting, transactivation studies, DNA mobility shift assays, and mutational analysis, three sites within the VIP CyRE were identified as C/EBP-related binding sites and shown to be important to CNTF/LIF-mediated transcriptional activation. The CyRE C/EBP-related sites interact with nuclear proteins from the human neuroblastoma cell line, NBFL, including a novel, protein synthesis-dependent, nuclear protein complex, induced by CNTF treatment. These nuclear proteins are not, however, recognized by antisera to known C/EBP proteins. Therefore, other nuclear proteins regulated by independent pathways act in concert with the JAK-STAT pathway to mediate CNTF/LIF regulation of VIP gene expression through the CyRE.

The action of interleukin-2 receptor subunits defines a new type of signaling mechanism for hematopoietin receptors in hepatic cells and fibroblasts

The gene regulatory functions of the human IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) were reconstituted in transiently transfected hepatoma cells. The combination of IL-2R beta and -gamma mediated a strong stimulation via the cytokine response element of the alpha 1-acid glycoprotein gene and the hematopoietin receptor response element, but none via the IL-6 response element or the sis-inducible element. IL-2R alpha enhanced 10-fold the sensitivity of the IL-2R beta.gamma complex to respond to IL-2 or IL-15, but did not modify the specificity or the magnitude of maximal gene regulation. A homodimerizing chimeric receptor G-CSFR-IL-2R beta could mimic the IL-2R action. The IL-2R-mediated gene regulation was similar to that seen with receptors for IL-4 and IL-7, but differed from that for IL-6 type cytokines, thrombopoietin, erythropoietin, and growth hormone. The activation of STAT proteins by the IL-2R was assessed in transfected L-cells and COS-1 cells. Although IL-2R subunits were highly expressed in these cells, no STAT protein activation was detectable. Transient overexpression of JAK3 was unable to change the signaling specificity of the hematopoietin receptors in rat hepatoma, L-, and COS cells, but established a prominent activation of the IL-6 response elements by the IL-2R and IL-4R in HepG2 cells. The data support the model that the IL-2R and related hematopoietin receptors produce at least two separate signals which control gene expression.

Interleukin-3 signals through multiple isoforms of Stat5

The interleukin (IL)-3 family of cytokines mediates its numerous effects on myeloid growth and maturation by binding a family of related receptors. It has been shown recently that IL-3 induces the activation of two distinct cytoplasmic signal transducing factors (STFs) that are likely to mediate the induction of immediate early genes. In immature myeloid cells, IL-3 activates STF-IL-3a, which comprises two tyrosine-phosphorylated DNA binding proteins of 77 and 80 kDa. In mature myeloid cells, IL-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor activate STF-IL-3b, which consists of a 94 and 96 kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated DNA binding protein. Peptide sequence data obtained from the purified 77 and 80 kDa proteins (p77 and p80) indicate that they are closely related but are encoded by distinct genes. Both peptide and nucleotide sequence data demonstrate that these two proteins are the murine homologs of ovine mammary gland factor (MGF)/Stat5. The peptide data also indicate that p77 and p80 are phosphorylated on tyrosine 699, a position analogous to the tyrosine that is phosphorylated in Stat1 and Stat2 in response to interferon. Additionally, antiserum raised against bacterially expressed p77/p80 recognizes the 94 and 96 kDa protein components of STF-IL-3b, suggesting that these may be additional isoforms of Stat5. These studies indicate that the IL-3 family of ligands is able to activate multiple isoforms of the signal transducing protein Stat5.

Elevated levels of members of the STAT family of transcription factors in breast carcinoma nuclear extracts

The transcription factor, milk protein binding factor (MPBF/Stat5), is a member of the STAT family of signalling molecules which mediates prolactin signal transduction in lactating mammary gland by binding to GAS (gamma-interferon activation site) DNA elements. We have determined the levels of STAT factors in nuclear extracts from a variety of human breast tissues including carcinoma and normal 'resting' breast by electrophoretic mobility-shift assay. The results show that the level of STAT binding activity is low in normal 'resting' breast and benign lesions while carcinoma samples have significantly higher (P < 0.01) amounts of STAT binding activity. Supershift analysis suggests that Stat1 and possibly other members of the STAT family of signalling factors, including Stat3, are activated in breast cancer tissues.

Identification and purification of human Stat proteins activated in response to interleukin-2

A key cytokine induced during the immune response is IL-2. Following T cell activation, the genes encoding IL-2 and the various chains of its receptor are transcriptionally induced. In turn, secreted IL-2 serves to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes. Several recent studies have implicated Jak kinases in the signaling pathway induced by IL-2. Following this lead, we set out to identify transcription factors induced in response to IL-2. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were observed to contain several IL-2-inducible DNA binding activities. Similar activities were also observed in a transformed human lymphocyte line, termed YT. We have purified these activities and found that the principal IL-2-inducible component bears significant relatedness to a prolactin-induced transcription factor first identified in sheep mammary gland tissue. We hypothesize that activation of this protein, designated hStat5, helps govern the biological effects of IL-2 during the immune response.

The role of shared receptor motifs and common Stat proteins in the generation of cytokine pleiotropy and redundancy by IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-13, and IL-15

To understand the molecular bases for cytokine redundancy and pleiotropy, we have compared the Stat proteins activated in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) by cytokines with shared and distinct actions. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) rapidly activated Stat5 in fresh PBL, and Stat3 and Stat5 in preactivated PBL. IL-7 and IL-15 induced the same complexes as IL-2, a feature explained by the existence of similar tyrosine-phosphorylated motifs in the cytoplasmic domains of IL-2R beta and IL-7R that can serve as docking sites for Stat proteins. IL-13 Induced the same complexes as IL-4, a finding explained by our studies implicating IL-4R as a shared component of the receptors. These studies demonstrate that a single cytokine can activate different combinations of Stat proteins under different physiological conditions, and also indicate two mechanisms by which distinct cytokines can activate the same Stat protein.

Requirement of serine phosphorylation for formation of STAT-promoter complexes

Members of the interleukin-6 family of cytokines bind to and activate receptors that contain a common subunit, gp130. This leads to the activation of Stat3 and Stat1, two cytoplasmic signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), by tyrosine phosphorylation. Serine phosphorylation of Stat3 was constitutive and was enhanced by signaling through gp130. In cells of lymphoid and neuronal origins, inhibition of serine phosphorylation prevented the formation of complexes of DNA with Stat3-Stat3 but not with Stat3-Stat1 or Stat1-Stat1 dimers. In vitro serine dephosphorylation of Stat3 also inhibited DNA binding of Stat3-Stat3. The requirement of serine phosphorylation for Stat3-Stat3.DNA complex formation was inversely correlated with the affinity of Stat3-Stat3 for the binding site. Thus, serine phosphorylation appears to enhance or to be required for the formation of stable Stat3-Stat3.DNA complexes.

Detection of a novel transcription factor for the A alpha fibrinogen gene in response to interleukin-6

The three fibrinogen genes belong to the class II hepatic acute phase proteins that are regulated in part by members of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines and glucocorticoids. The common DNA sequence that characterizes this group of proteins is a hexanucleotide CTGGGA residing in the promoter regions of these genes. Investigations of IL-6 control of the A alpha fibrinogen gene by electrophoretic mobility shift assays using a 30-base pair DNA probe containing the CTGGGA element revealed that a novel protein is associated with this site during non-IL-6-stimulated conditions. Sensitive time-course studies of IL-6 stimulation using primary hepatocyte cultures, high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and site-directed mutagenesis show that upon IL-6 stimulation of hepatocytes, this DNA binding protein transiently leaves the CTGGGA site and binds 12 base pairs down-stream but then begins to re-associate with the original DNA site at 1 h and is completed by 2 h. A recently characterized and cloned IL-6-activated transcription factor, Stat-3, which has been reported to bind a CT-GGGAA site in the alpha-2 macroglobulin gene, another member of the class II acute phase proteins, does not bind to the CTGGGA sequence in the A alpha fibrinogen gene. These findings reveal the presence of a previously undefined IL-6-regulated event, which involves a new DNA binding protein and demonstrates for the first time additional details of the kinetics of IL-6 control of fibrinogen gene expression.

Spacing of palindromic half sites as a determinant of selective STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) DNA binding and transcriptional activity

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT proteins) bind to palindromic sequence elements related to interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) activation sites, which were first identified in the promoters of IFN-gamma-inducible genes. Although the sequences of the natural palindromic STAT-binding elements vary considerably, they conform to the general structure TT(N)5AA. We have systematically examined the effects of the spacing between the TT and AA core half sites on the binding of the STAT complexes activated by IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL) 6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and IL-4. We show that (i) as suggested earlier, a core palindromic TT--AA motif with a 5-bp spacing displays general STAT binding, (ii) a palindromic motif with a spacing of 4 bp selectively binds to complexes containing Stat3, and (iii) a motif with a 6-bp spacing selectively binds the STAT complexes activated by IL-4. We have examined natural elements in the promoters of cytokine-responsive genes that differ in half-site spacing and found that they display binding properties predicted from the synthetic binding sites. Furthermore, the observed differential selective binding characteristics for the most part correlate with the ability to mediate transcriptional activation of transfected test genes in response to the cytokines tested. Our results thus demonstrate that the specificity of STAT-directed transcription in response to particular cytokines or cytokine families depends in part on the spacing of half sites within the conserved response element sequence.

Structure, expression, and chromosomal localization of the type I human vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor gene

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and other members of the pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and secretin neuroendocrine peptide family are recognized with specificity by related G protein-coupled receptors. We report here the cloning, characterization, and chromosomal location of the gene encoding the human type I VIP receptor (HVR1), also termed the type II PACAP receptor. The gene spans approximately 22 kb and is composed of 13 exons ranging from 42 to 1400 bp and 12 introns ranging from 0.3 to 6.1 kb. Primer extension analysis with poly(A)+ RNA from human HT29 colonic adenocarcinoma cells indicated that the transcription initiation site is located at position -110 upstream of the first nucleotide (+1) of the translation start codon, and 75 nt downstream of a consensus CCAAT-box motif. The G+C-rich 5' flanking region contains potential binding sites for several nuclear factors, including Sp1, AP2, ATF, interferon regulatory factor 1, NF-IL6, acute-phase response factor, and NF-kappa B. The HVR1 gene is expressed selectively in human tissues with a relative prevalence of lung > prostate > peripheral blood leukocytes, liver, brain, small intestine > colon, heart, spleen > placenta, kidney, thymus, testis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localized the HVR1 gene to the short arm of human chromosome 3 (3p22), in a region associated with small-cell lung cancer.

Choice of STATs and other substrates specified by modular tyrosine-based motifs in cytokine receptors

Many members of the cytokine receptor superfamily initiate intracellular signaling by activating members of the Jak family of tyrosine kinases. Activation of the same Jaks by multiple cytokines raises the question of how these cytokines activate distinct intracellular signaling pathways. Selection of particular substrates--the transcriptional activator Stat3 and protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1D--that characterize responses to the ciliary neurotrophic factor-interleukin-6 cytokine family depended not on which Jak was activated, but was instead determined by specific tyrosine-based motifs in the receptor components--gp130 and LIFR--shared by these cytokines. Further, these tyrosine-based motifs were modular, because addition of a Stat3-specifying motif to another cytokine receptor, that for erythropoietin, caused it to activate Stat3 in a ligand-dependent fashion.

Role of STAT2 in the alpha interferon signaling pathway

We have isolated U6A, a mutant cell line which lacks the STAT2 subunit of the transcription factor interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3). The response of U6A cells to IFN-alpha is almost completely defective, but the response to IFN-gamma is normal. Complementation of U6A cells with a cDNA encoding STAT2 restores the IFN-alpha response, proving that STAT2 is required in this pathway. Binding of IFNs to their receptors triggers tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of the receptors, JAK family kinases, STAT1, and STAT2. In IFN-alpha-treated U6A cells, phosphorylation of the essential tyrosine kinases TYK2 and JAK1 is normal, but the phosphorylation of STAT1 is weak. A mutant STAT2 protein in which the phosphorylated tyrosine at position 690 is changed to phenylalanine does not restore normal phosphorylation of STAT1 in response to IFN-alpha. The dependence of STAT1 phosphorylation on the presence of STAT2 but not vice versa (T. Improta, C. Schindler, C. M. Horvath, I. M. Kerr, G. R. Stark, and J. E. Darnell, Jr., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:4776-4780, 1994) indicates that in the formation of ISGF3, these two proteins may be phosphorylated sequentially in response to IFN-alpha and that phosphorylated STAT2 may be required to allow unphosphorylated STAT1 to bind to the activated IFN-alpha receptor.

Activation of monocyte effector genes and STAT family transcription factors by inflammatory synovial fluid is independent of interferon gamma

Activated monocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. Blood monocytes which enter the inflamed joint become activated upon adherence to extracellular matrix and exposure to a complex inflammatory environment. We have analyzed the mechanism of monocyte activation by soluble factors present in inflammatory synovial fluid (SF). Greater than 75% of inflammatory SFs tested (a total of 22 fluids to date) increased cell surface expression and dramatically increased mRNA levels of monocyte activation markers Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RIII, and HLA-DRA. This induction was not triggered by adherence, a known activating stimulus, and several lines of evidence showed that induction was not dependent upon interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Induction was not prevented by neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma antibodies and IFN-gamma was not detected in the SFs using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The SFs also were not able to activate the IFN-gamma-activated transcription factor Stat1, thus providing further support for the absence of IFN-gamma. SFs did activate a related signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family factor, termed Stat-SF, which bound specifically to the IFN-gamma response region (GRR), a well-characterized transcription element in the Fc gamma RI promoter. Based upon DNA-binding specificity and mobilities in gel shift assays, and reactivity with specific antisera, Stat-SF likely contains Stat3, or a closely related STAT family member. Neutralization of interleukin 6, a cytokine present in SFs which is known to activate Stat3, abolished the activation of Stat-SF and inhibited the induction of Fc gamma RI expression by SFs. These results demonstrate the activation of monocytes by inflammatory SF and suggest that monocyte activation at an inflammatory site may occur in the absence of IFN-gamma through the triggering of signal transduction pathways that activate STAT transcription factors.

Decreased expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 alpha during the acute-phase response influences transthyretin gene transcription

Three distinct hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF-3) proteins (alpha, beta, and gamma) are known to regulate the transcription of numerous liver-specific genes. The HNF-3 proteins bind to DNA as monomers through a winged-helix motif, which is also utilized by a number of developmental regulators, including the Drosophila homeotic fork head (fkh) protein. We have previously characterized a strong-affinity HNF-3S site in the transthyretin (TTR) promoter region which is essential for expression in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. In the current study, we identify an activating protein 1 (AP-1) site which partially overlaps the HNF-3S sequence in the TTR promoter. We show that in HepG2 cells the AP-1 sequence confers 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate inducibility to the TTR promoter and contributes to normal TTR transcriptional activity. We also demonstrate that the HNF-3 proteins and AP-1 bind independently to the TTR AP-1-HNF-3 site, and cotransfection experiments suggest that they do not cooperate to activate an AP-1-HNF-3 reporter construct. In addition, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate exposure of HepG2 cells results in a reciprocal decrease in HNF-3 alpha and -3 gamma expression which may facilitate interaction of AP-1 with the TTR AP-1-HNF-3 site. In order to explore the role of HNF-3 in the liver, we have examined expression patterns of TTR and HNF-3 during the acute-phase response and liver regeneration. Partial hepatectomy produced minimal fluctuation in HNF-3 and TTR expression, suggesting that HNF-3 expression is not influenced by proliferative signals induced during liver regeneration. In acute-phase livers, we observed a dramatic reduction in HNF-3 alpha expression which correlates with a decrease in the expression of its target gene, the TTR gene. Furthermore, consistent with previous studies, the acute-phase livers are induced for c-jun but not c-fos expression. We propose that the reduction in TTR gene expression during the acute phase is likely due to lower HNF-3 alpha expression levels and that the induction of primarily c-jun homodimers, which are poor transcriptional activators, is insufficient to maintain normal TTR expression levels. We also discuss the role of reduced HNF-3 alpha expression in mediating decreased transcription of HNF-3 target genes which respond negatively to cytokine signalling.

Interleukin-6-induced serine phosphorylation of transcription factor APRF: evidence for a role in interleukin-6 target gene induction

The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) rapidly activates a latent cytoplasmic transcription factor, acute-phase response factor (APRF), by tyrosine phosphorylation. Activation and DNA binding of APRF are inhibited by inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases but not serine/threonine kinases. However, immediate-early gene induction by IL-6 and, as we show here, stimulation of the promoters of the genes for alpha 2-macroglobulin, Jun-B, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are blocked by the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H7. We now show that IL-6 triggers a delayed phosphorylation of APRF at serine resudues which can be reversed in vitro by protein phosphatase 2A and is also inhibited by H7. Therefore, APRF serine phosphorylation is likely to represent a crucial event in IL-6 signal transduction leading to target gene induction.

Activation of acute phase response factor (APRF)/Stat3 transcription factor by growth hormone

The mechanism by which the binding of growth hormone (GH) to its cell surface receptor elicits changes in gene transcription are largely unknown. The transcription factor Stat1/p91 has been shown to be activated by GH. Here we show that acute phase response factor or Stat3 f1p4an antigenically related protein), is also activated by GH. Stat3 has been implicated in the interleukin-6-dependent induction of acute phase response genes. GH promotes in 3T3-F442A fibroblasts the tyrosyl phosphorylation of a protein immunoprecipitated by antibodies to Stat3. This protein co-migrates with a tyrosyl phosphorylated protein from cells treated with leukemia inhibitory factor, a cytokine known to activate Stat3. Tyrosyl phosphorylated Stat3 is also observed in response to interferon-gamma. Stat3 is present in GH-inducible DNA-binding complexes that bind the sis-inducible element in the c-fos promoter and the acute phase response element in the alpha 2-macroglobulin promoter. The ability of GH to activate both Stat1 and Stat3 (i.e. increase their tyrosyl phosphorylation and ability to bind to DNA) suggests that gene regulation by GH involves multiple Stat proteins. Shared transcription factors among hormones and cytokines that activate JAK kinases provide an explanation for shared responses, while the ability of the different ligands to differentially recruit various Stat family members suggests mechanisms by which specificity in gene regulation could be achieved.

Signaling mechanisms through cytokine receptors that share signal transducing receptor components

Most of the receptors for soluble factors functioning in immune and hematopoietic systems belong to the cytokine receptor family. These receptors often share common signal transducing receptor components with other members of the same family. Such receptors and signal transducers possess no intrinsic tyrosine kinase domain but have recently been found to be associated with members of a JAK family of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. The JAK kinases become activated after ligand-induced dimerization of the receptor components. This activation appears to link the cell surface receptors to the nuclear genes through tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors called signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs).

Jaks and Stats in signaling by the cytokine receptor superfamily

Many cytokines mediate their biological effects through interaction with a distinct family of receptors termed the cytokine receptor superfamily. Although members of this family lack catalytic domains, they couple ligand binding to tyrosine phosphorylation. Recent studies have shown that a novel family of cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinases, termed the Janus kinases (Jaks), associate with the cytokine receptors and are catalytically activated after ligand binding. The activated Jaks phosphorylate and activate members of a novel family of transcription factors termed signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats). In addition, many cytokines induce the phosphorylation of SHC, Vav and the p85 subunit of PI-3 kinase. The region of the receptors proximal to the cytoplasmic membrane is required for Jak association, mitogenesis, Stat activation and Vav phosphorylation. The membrane-distal region, which contains the major sites of tyrosine phosphorylation, is required for phosphorylation of SHC and p85, not for mitogenesis, thus allowing functional dissection of the signaling pathways activated by cytokines.

Structure, characterization, and expression of the rat oxytocin receptor gene

The multiple hormonal and neurotransmitter functions of the nonapeptide oxytocin are mediated by specific oxytocin receptors (OTRs). In most target tissues, the number of OTRs is strongly regulated. Specifically, in the uterus, a dramatic OTR upregulation precedes the onset of parturition. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying OTR regulation, we have isolated and characterized recombinant bacteriophage lambda EMBL3 genomic clones containing the rat OTR gene, using sequence information derived from a human myometrial OTR cDNA. The rat OTR gene spans > 20 kb and contains three exons. A 97-bp intron is in the 5' untranslated region and a > 12-kb intron interrupts the coding region between transmembrane domains 6 and 7. The promoter region lacks an apparent TATA or CCAAT box but contains multiple putative interleukin-response elements [six NF-IL6 (C/EBP beta) and four APRF (STAT3) binding motifs], supporting the notion that interleukins may mediate labor induction via transcriptional activation of the OTR gene. The predicted amino acid sequence is 93% identical to the human OTR sequence but only 48% and 38% identical to the rat V1 and V2 vasopressin receptor sequences, respectively. At parturition, the OTR gene is highly expressed in the rat uterus and gives rise to at least three transcripts (2.9, 4.8, and 6.7 kb) which differ in the length of their 3' untranslated regions.

Regulation of HGF and HGFR gene expression

Hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor (the product of the c-met protooncogene) are believed to be necessary for the normal growth and development of many tissues and organs. This ligand/receptor system controls essential cellular responses such as cell proliferation and motility as well as morphogenesis and differentiation. HGF mRNA is expressed primarily in mesenchymal but not in epithelial cells while its receptor is predominately expressed in epithelial cells. This pattern of HGF and HGFR gene expression in combination with the unique biological effects of HGF on its target cells has led to the postulate that HGF is one of the long-sought mediators conveying cross-talk between the epithelial and stromal compartments of a given tissue. The expression of HGF and HGFR genes are unregulated in several types of human cancer; therefore, understanding the control mechanisms governing HGF and HGFR gene expression is of great clinical interest. Toward this goal, we have analyzed the effects of various physiological agents such as cytokines and hormones on the expression of HGF and the HGFR in a multitude of cell types in vitro. Moreover, we have cloned and analyzed the HGF promoter and its 5'-flanking region to uncover the basis for its inducible and cell-type specific expression at the transcriptional level. Our results indicate that HGF and HGFR gene expression is inducible and their expression is orchestrated in stromal and epithelial cells, respectively, by extracellular signals derived from steroid hormones as well as cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF alpha.

Murine B cell development: commitment and progression from multipotential progenitors to mature B lymphocytes

B lymphocytes, the cellular source of antibody, are critical components of the immune response. They develop from multipotential stem cells, progressively acquiring the traits that allow them to function as mature B lymphocytes. This developmental program is dependent on appropriate interactions with the surrounding environment. These interactions, mediated by cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, provide the growth and differentiation signals that promote progression along the developmental pathway. This chapter addresses the properties of developing B lineage cells and the nature of the environmental signals that support B lineage progression.

The Janus protein tyrosine kinase family and its role in cytokine signaling

During the past 2 years, research from quite divergent areas has converged to provide the first insights into the mechanisms by which cytokines that utilize receptors of the cytokine receptor superfamily function. On the one hand, the obscure Jak family of cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinases was independently implicated in IFN and hematopoietic growth factor signaling. Recent studies have expanded these initial observations to demonstrate that Jaks are critical to the functioning of all the receptors of the cytokine receptor superfamily. A variety of questions remain to be explored regarding the structure and function of Jaks and their interaction with receptors. It will also be important to pursue additional approaches to determine if the Jaks are necessary for various biological responses, particularly for mitogenic responses. The second major area of convergence has been the demonstration that members of the Stat family of transcription factors, initially identified in IFN-regulated gene expression, are generally involved in cytokine signaling. Clearly, a number of Stat-like activities remain to be cloned and it can be anticipated that the family contains additional members. Although a variety of genes are known to be regulated by the Stats association with IFN responses, much less is known concerning the genes regulated by the new Stats in cytokine signaling. Of particular importance is information relating to their potential contribution to mitogenic responses. From a biochemical standpoint, the Stats represent a remarkable family of proteins with regard to the ability of the modification of a single tyrosine residue to so dramatically affect cellular localization and DNA binding activity. Studies to identify the domains involved, and associated proteins that might contribute to either property, will be of considerable interest. More generally, it can hypothesized that Jaks and Stats, if important for proliferation and differentiation, may be the targets for malignant transformation. Although none of the genes map to chromosomal breakpoints that have been implicated in transformation, gain of function mutations is a likely mechanism that needs to be explored. Similarly, the Jak-Stat pathway would appear to be an excellent target for the development of drugs that affect a variety of cytokine functions.

Interferon response pathways--a paradigm for cytokine signalling?

Considerable progress has been made in the past few years elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cytokine signalling. The interferons (IFNs) have provided a singular system allowing the detailed characterization of a specific cytokine signalling pathway. Studies on the IFN signal transduction pathway have identified protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) that phosphorylate signal transducers (STATs) which then bind to DNA promoter sequences and activate gene transcription. Related work has shown that JAKs and STATs are also activated in response to a variety of the cytokines. Thus the novel type of signal transduction pathway identified for the IFNs promises to be more widely utilized than anticipated.

Trophic factors

The various neurotrophic factors influence a wide range of cell functions in the developing, mature and injured nervous system. Recent studies have provided valuable insights on the receptors that mediate these effects and on the intracellular events that follow the binding of the ligand. Although growth factors were known to be expressed by non-neuronal cells in the targets and pathways of neuronal projections, it is now clear that the neurons themselves can also be a source of these molecules. A better understanding of the mechanisms of action of trophic factors on the survival and differentiation of neurons, coupled with advances in methods for the delivery of these molecules to the nervous system have provided an impetus for exploring their use as aids to the protection and regeneration of the injured nervous system.

An interleukin-4-induced transcription factor: IL-4 Stat

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an immunomodulatory cytokine secreted by activated T lymphocytes, basophils, and mast cells. It plays an important role in modulating the balance of T helper (Th) cell subsets, favoring expansion of the Th2 lineage relative to Th1. Imbalance of these T lymphocyte subsets has been implicated in immunological diseases including allergy, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. IL-4 may mediate its biological effects, at least in part, by activating a tyrosine-phosphorylated DNA binding protein. This protein has now been purified and its encoding gene cloned. Examination of the primary amino acid sequence of this protein indicates that it is a member of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat) family of DNA binding proteins, hereby designated IL-4 Stat. Study of the inhibitory activities of phosphotyrosine-containing peptides derived from the intracellular domain of the IL-4 receptor provided evidence for direct coupling of receptor and transcription factor during the IL-4 Stat activation cycle. Such observations indicate that IL-4 Stat has the same functional domain for both receptor coupling and dimerization.

Prolactin induces phosphorylation of Tyr694 of Stat5 (MGF), a prerequisite for DNA binding and induction of transcription

Mammary gland factor (MGF) is a transcription factor discovered initially in the mammary epithelial cells of lactating animals. It confers the lactogenic hormone response to the milk protein genes. We reported recently the isolation of the cDNA encoding MGF. MGF is a novel member of the cytokine-regulated transcription factor gene family. Members of this gene family mediate interferon alpha/beta and interferon gamma induction of gene transcription, as well as the response to epidermal growth factor and interleukin-6, and have been named signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat). The name Stat5 has been assigned to MGF. We studied the mechanisms involved in the prolactin activation of Stat5 in COS cells co-transfected with cDNA encoding Stat5 and the prolactin receptor. Prolactin treatment of the transfected cells caused activation of Stat5 within 5-10 min. This activation does not require ongoing protein synthesis. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors prevent Stat5 activation in transfected COS cells. Treatment of recombinant Stat5 with a tyrosine-specific protein phosphatase in vitro abolishes its DNA binding activity. Prolactin stimulation of transfected cells induces Stat5 phosphorylation on tyrosine. Phosphorylation of in vitro transcribed and translated Stat5 with the Jak2 tyrosine kinase, but not with fyn, lyn or lck, confers DNA binding activity. The prolactin response of the beta-casein milk protein gene promoter can be observed in COS cells transfected with cDNA vectors encoding Stat5 and the long form of the prolactin receptor. The short form of the prolactin receptor is unable to promote Stat5 phosphorylation and confer transcriptional induction in COS cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytokines and growth factors signal through tyrosine phosphorylation of a family of related transcription factors

The ability of cytokines to activate distinct but overlapping sets of genes defines their characteristic biological response. We now show that IFN gamma, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, erythropoietin, EGF, and CSF-1 activate differing members of a family of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors. Although these factors have distinct physical and functional properties and exhibit different patterns of expression, they share many important features, including recognition of a related set of enhancer elements, rapid activation, tyrosine phosphorylation, and cross-reactivity to antibodies against p91, a cytoplasmic signaling protein activated by IFN alpha, IFN gamma, and IL-6. These shared features point to either parallel or common patterns of signal transduction. A general model of cytokine signal transduction is presented, in which receptor-associated tyrosine kinases activate ligand-specific members of a family of signal-transducing factors. Once activated, these factors carry their signals to the nucleus, where they bind a family of related enhancer elements.

Interleukin 4 receptor: signaling mechanisms

Achsah Keegan and colleagues consider the signaling mechanisms utilized by the interleukin 4 (IL-4) receptor and review evidence suggesting that these mechanisms can account for the known responses of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells to IL-4. Most of these data have been obtained from analyses of the ability of IL-4 to regulate the growth of IL-3-dependent myeloid cell lines. These results have implicated a pathway of activation homologous to that utilized by insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). However, it is possible that the regulation of growth responses through the IL-4 receptor (and other receptors), and the differentiative events elicited in lymphocytes, may not be mediated by the same post-receptor events.