Evidence for two distinct phosphatidylinositol kinases in fibroblasts. Implications for cellular regulation

Tyrosine phosphorylation of connexin 43 by v-Src is mediated by SH2 and SH3 domain interactions

Reduction of gap junctional communication in v-src transformed cells is accompanied by tyrosine phosphorylation of the gap junction protein, connexin 43 (Cx43). Cx43 is phosphorylated on tyrosine by v-Src. The Src homology 3 (SH3) and Src homology 2 (SH2) domains of v-Src mediate interactions with substrate proteins. SH3 domains interact with proline-rich peptide motifs. SH2 domains associate with short amino acid sequences containing phosphotyrosine. We present evidence that the SH3 and SH2 domains of v-Src bind to proline-rich motifs and a phosphorylated tyrosine residue in the C-terminal tail of Cx43. Cx43 bound to the SH3 domain of v-Src, but not c-Src, in vitro. Tyrosine-phosphorylated Cx43 bound to the SH2 domain of v-Src in vitro. v-Src coprecipitated with Cx43 from v-src-transformed Rat-1 fibroblasts. Mutations in the SH3 and SH2 domains of v-Src, and in the proline-rich region or tyrosine 265 of Cx43, reduced interactions between v-Src and Cx43 in vivo. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Cx43 was dependent on the association of v-Src and Cx43. These results provide further evidence for the direct involvement of v-Src in tyrosine phosphorylation of Cx43 and inhibition of gap junctional communication in v-src-transformed cells.

Cloning and characterization of a wortmannin-sensitive human phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 4-kinases catalyze the synthesis of PtdIns-4-P, the immediate precursor of PtdIns-4,5-P2. Here we report the cloning of a novel, ubiquitously expressed PtdIns 4-kinase (PI4Kbeta). The 2.4-kilobase pair cDNA encodes a putative translation product of 801 amino acids which shows greatest homology to the yeast PIK1 gene. The recombinant protein exhibits lipid kinase activity when expressed in Escherichia coli, and specific antibodies recognize a 110-kDa PtdIns 4-kinase in cell lysates. The biochemical properties of PI4Kbeta are characteristic of a type III enzyme. Interestingly, both recombinant PI4Kbeta and the endogenous protein are inhibited by 150 nM wortmannin, suggesting that we have cloned the previously described PtdIns 4-kinase that is responsible for regulating the synthesis of agonist-sensitive pools of polyphosphoinositides (Nakanishi, S., Catt, J. K., and Balla, T. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 92, 5317-5321).

The E5 gene product of rhesus papillomavirus is an activator of endogenous Ras and phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase in NIH 3T3 cells

We examined the effect of two rhesus papillomavirus 1 (RhPV) oncogenes on cytokine-induced signal transduction pathways leading to the possible activation of Ras protein (p21ras) and phosphatidylinositol kinase. p21ras in both the activated (GTP-bound) and inactivated (GDP-bound) states were quantitated. NIH 3T3 cell lines expressing the RhPV 1 E5 gene or epidermal growth factor receptor cDNA had about a sixfold higher ratio of p21ras-bound GTP to p21ras-bound GDP as compared with parental NIH 3T3 cells or a cell line expressing the RhPV 1 E7 gene under normal culture conditions, yet expressed similar levels of p21ras. Quiescent cells had dramatically reduced levels of activated p21ras, except those containing RhPV 1 E7. Levels were restored by stimulation with epidermal growth factor or platelet-derived growth factor. Both epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor of RhPV 1 E5- and E7-containing cells responded to cytokine stimulation. Endogenous phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase was up-regulated in NIH 3T3 cells transformed with the E5 genes of RhPV 1 and bovine papillomavirus 1. These results suggest that E5 genes of papillomaviruses play a major role in the regulation of transduction pathways.

Cytoplasmic and nuclear localization sites of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in human osteosarcoma sensitive and multidrug-resistant Saos-2 cells

The intracellular localization of phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) has been analyzed by western blotting, confocal, and electron microscopy immunocytochemistry in human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells. By western blotting, the enzyme appears to be present in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear subfractions. By confocal microscope immunocytochemistry, the cytoplasmic fluorescence is localized in the perinuclear region and on a network of filaments, while a diffused signal is present in the nucleus, except for the nucleolar areas. Ultrastructural analyses on whole cells and on in situ matrix preparations reveal that nuclear PI 3-kinase is localized in interchromatin domains, in stable association with inner nuclear matrix components, while the enzyme diffused in the cytosol is partly associated with the cytoskeletal filaments. Quantitative evaluations indicate that, in a multidrug-resistant variant obtained by continuous exposure of Saos-2 cells to doxorubicin, the amount of nuclear and cytoplasmic PI 3-kinase is significantly lower than in the sensitive parental cell line. The nuclear localization of PI 3-kinase and its variation in multidrug-resistant cells, characterized by a reduced mitotic index, are consistent with the data on the existence of a nuclear inositol lipid cycle, which could also utilize 3-phosphorylated inositides to modulate signal transduction for the control of some key functional activities.

Evidence of the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the migration, actin stress fiber formation, and alpha v beta 3-integrin-mediated adherence of human melanoma cells

Tumor invasion and formation of metastases are major obstacles for a successful therapy of melanomas. Metastasis is thought to require multiple steps such as alpha v beta 3-integrin-mediated adhesion, proteolytic digestion of extracellular matrix by metalloproteinase-2, and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. To analyze the functional role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in these processes, melanoma cells were treated with the fungal metabolite wortmannin. Wortmannin inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity in melanoma cells and migration in an equally concentration-dependent fashion. Flow cytometric analysis of N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)phallacidin-stained actin network indicated reduction of actin filaments by wortmannin. Fluorescence laser confocal microscopy experiments revealed breakdown of actin stress fibers. In addition, wortmannin inhibited alpha v beta 3-integrin-mediated adhesion of melanoma cells to vitronectin. Since flow cytometric measurements did not show altered expression of the alpha v beta 3-integrin at the cell surface, avidity changes of the alpha v beta 3-integrin by wortmannin are suggested. In contrast to the actin analysis and adhesion assays, wortmannin had no influence on mRNA expression or on protein secretion of metalloproteinase-2. These data provide evidence that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is an essential signal transduction protein required for migration of melanoma cells, regulating formation of the actin stress fiber as well as alpha v beta 3-integrin-mediated adhesion.

Platelet-derived growth factor-induced formation of tensin and phosphoinositide 3-kinase complexes

Tensin is an SH2 domain-containing cytoskeletal protein that binds to and caps actin filaments. Investigation of signal transduction mechanisms associated with tensin revealed the presence of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity in tensin immunoprecipitates from platelet-derived growth factor-treated cells. Association of PI 3-kinase activity with tensin was transitory, and the amount of activity was approximately 1% of the total PI 3-kinase activity found in anti-phosphotyrosine (anti-pY) immunoprecipitates. In vitro, PI 3-kinase activity associated with the SH2 domain of tensin in a platelet-derived growth factor-dependent manner. The optimal phosphopeptide binding specificity of the SH2 domain of tensin was determined to be phospho-Y (E or D), N, (I, V, or F). Synthetic phosphopeptides containing the sequence YENI could specifically block the association of PI 3-kinase activity with tensin in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that PI 3-kinase interacts with the cytoskeleton via the SH2 domain of tensin and may play an important role in platelet-derived growth factor-induced cytoskeletal reorganization that is concomitant with cell migration and proliferation.

Phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase is not required for mitogenesis or internalization of the Flt3/Flk2 receptor tyrosine kinase

Flt3/Flk2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed on early hematopoietic progenitor cells. Flt3/Flk2 belongs to a family of receptors, including Kit and colony-stimulating factor-1R, which support growth and differentiation within the hematopoietic system. The Flt3/Flk2 ligand, in combination with other growth factors, stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors of both lymphoid and myeloid lineages in vitro. We report that phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) binds to a unique site in the carboxy tail of murine Flt3/Flk2. In distinction to Kit and colony-stimulating factor-1R, mutant receptors unable to couple to PI3K and expressed in rodent fibroblasts or in the interleukin 3-dependent cell line Ba/F3 provide a mitogenic signal comparable to wild-type receptors. Flt3/Flk2 receptors that do not bind to PI3K also normally down-regulate, a function ascribed to PI3K in the context of other receptor systems. These data point to the existence of other unidentified pathways that, alone or in combination with PI3K, transduce these cellular responses following the activation of Flt3/Flk2.

Insulin regulated PKC isoform mRNA in rat adipocytes

Insulin and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induce both glucose uptake and translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) from cytosol to membrane in insulin-sensitive tissues as previously reported by several investigators. We examined insulin-mediated PKC beta I, beta II, and epsilon translocation from cytosol to cytoskeleton, and expression of PKC alpha, beta I, beta II, gamma, and epsilon isoforms using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method during treatment with insulin for 240 min in rat adipocytes. Insulin-induced increases in PKC beta I, beta II, and epsilon were greater in the cytoskeleton fraction than those in the membrane fraction. Insulin induced time-dependent increases in PKC alpha, gamma, epsilon and zeta mRNA levels for up to 240 min (555%, 117%, 236% and 138% increase, respectively). TPA also induced time-dependent increases in PKC alpha and gamma (34% and 500% increase, respectively) but not in PKC zeta. However, PKC beta I mRNA was decreased for up to 60 min and then maintained at under the basal level during stimulation with insulin and TPA. On the other hand, PKC beta II mRNA was markedly increased for up to 240 min. These results suggest that insulin-regulated PKC alpha, gamma and epsilon mRNA levels and PKC beta mRNA alternative splicing may occur in rat adipocytes.

Activation of human pp60c-src

pp60c-src and the structurally related members of the Src family are non-receptor tyrosine kinases that reside within the cell associated with cell membranes and appear to transduce signals from transmembrane receptors to the cell interior. Many intracellular pathways can be stimulated upon Src activation, and a variety of cellular consequences can result, including morphological changes and cell proliferation. pp60c-src activity is normally suppressed by phosphorylation on its carboxy-terminal tail by an enzyme known as CSK. Various cellular stimuli or mutations within pp60c-src can activate its endogenous kinase activity. In this paper, we review aspects of pp60c-src activation and regulation and discuss results obtained in our laboratory in two experimental systems: (i) in melanoma cell lines and primary pigmented normal human melanocytes and (ii) using activated mutant forms of purified human pp60c-src protein.

Identification of a 200 kDa polypeptide as type 3 phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase from bovine brain by partial protein and cDNA sequencing

Two phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase isozymes, type 3 and type 2, have been separated on hydroxylapatite after solubilizing bovine brain microsomes with Triton X-114. Employing a newly developed renaturation procedure following SDS-PAGE, we demonstrate that a 200 kDa polypeptide carries the enzyme activity of this type 3 isoform. Chromatography on hydroxylapatite, Heparin-Sepharose, Superdex 200 and finally SDS-PAGE results in an approximately 30,000-fold purification. Tryptic peptides generated from the 200 kDa polypeptide after SDS-PAGE have been sequenced and the obtained data have been used for constructing and synthesizing degenerated oligonucleotides. Polymerase chain reaction as well as screening of cDNA libraries allowed several clones to be isolated from which a 4.7 kb contiguous sequence can be built up. The open reading frame covers 4.4 kb with a 0.3 kb untranslated 3' end which yields a deduced amino acid sequence of 1,467 amino acids. The C-terminal part of ca. 300 amino acids represents the catalytic domain. Sequence alignment of this domain with the mammalian counterpart, the human type 2 phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, the yeast kinases STT4 and PIK1, as well as with the catalytic domains of bovine, human, mouse and yeast phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases reveals a high degree of identity: 26 of these approximately 300 amino acids are invariable in all of these eight catalytic domains. Five motifs indicate nuclear localization and DNA binding properties of the enzyme. Two leucine zipper motifs (amino acids 358-386, 862-882) are detectable. Furthermore, a helix loop helix motif (amino acids 716-729) as well as two nuclear localization signals (amino acids 838-854, 345-349) indicate the presence of the type 3 isoform in the nucleus.

HIV induces activation of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase by interacting with T cell CD4 surface molecules

T cell surface CD4 molecules act as co-receptors that amplify the T cell receptor (TcR)/CD3-induced signal transduction by a mechanism that requires the interaction of CD4 with p56lck tyrosine kinase (Veillette et al.; Nature 1989 338:257). Here, we demonstrate that in the absence of TcR signaling, heat-inactivated HIV-1 (HIV-HI) also elicits a cascade of events generally considered to convey a positive signal, such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. These results contribute to understand better the control that HIV may exert on its own replication or on T cell apoptosis by modulating the activation status of its target cells through its interaction with T cell surface CD4 molecules.

EGF or PDGF receptors activate atypical PKClambda through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Overexpression of a TPA-insensitive PKC member, an atypical protein kinase C (aPKClambda), results in an enhancement of the transcriptional activation of TPA response element (TRE) in cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). EGF or PDGF also caused a transient increase in the in vivo phosphorylation level and a change in the intracellular localization of aPKClambda from the nucleus to the cytosol, indicating the activation of aPKClambda in response to this growth factor stimulation. These immediate signal-dependent changes in aKPClambda were observed for a PDGF receptor add-back mutant (Y40/51) that possesses only two of the five major autophosphorylation sites and binds PI3-kinase, and were inhibited by wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3-kinase. Furthermore, an N-terminal fragment of the catalytic subunit of PI3-kinase, p110alpha, inhibited aPKClambda-dependent activation of TRE in Y40/51 cells stimulated with PDGF. Overexpression of p110alpha resulted in an enhancement of TRE expression in response to PDGF and the regulatory domain of aPKClambda inhibited this TRE activation in Y40/51 cells. These results provide the first in vivo evidence supporting the presence of a novel signalling pathway from receptor tyrosine kinases to aPKClambda through PI3-kinase.

Biochemical and pharmacological studies with KT7692 and LY294002 on the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in Fc epsilon RI-mediated signal transduction

Wortmannin inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (P13-kinase) and Fc epsilon RI-mediated histamine secretion in RBL-2H3 cells to a similar degree, with IC50 values of 3 and 2 nM, respectively. Although P13-kinase is an acknowledged regulator of intracellular trafficking and secretion, wortmannin has proved to be a difficult drug to use in assessing the role of P13-kinase because it inhibits another important enzyme, myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK; IC50 = 200 nM). In the present study we synthesized a unique derivative of wortmannin, O-acetyl-delta 16-wortmannin-17-ol (KT7692), that has an inhibitory potency against PI3-kinase one-hundredth that of wortmannin, but retains a similar potency to wortmannin against MLCK. Histamine secretion was influenced 100-fold more by wortmannin than by KT7692.2-(4-Morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002), a structurally different PI3-kinase inhibitor from wortmannin, inhibited PI3-kinase with an IC50 of 2 microM but had little effect on MLCK activity in this concentration range. LY294002 also inhibited histamine secretion in RBL-2H3 cells with an IC50 of 5 microM. These results provide further evidence that PI3-kinase is involved in the signal transduction pathway responsible for histamine secretion after stimulation of Fc epsilon RI. Furthermore KT7692 in combination with wortmannin and LY294002 would be a powerful tool for clarifying the involvement of PI3-kinase as distinct from that of MLCK in signal transduction systems of various cellular responses.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) stimulate GLUT4 glucose transporter translocation in Xenopus oocytes

1. The heterologous expression of glucose transporters GLUT4 and GLUT1 in Xenopus oocytes has been shown to cause a differential targeting of these glucose-carrier isoforms to cellular membranes and a distinct induction of glucose transport activity. In this study we have evaluated the effect of insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on glucose uptake and glucose transporter distribution in Xenopus oocytes expressing mammalian GLUT4 and GLUT1 glucose carriers. 2. Insulin and IGF-I stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake in GLUT4-expressing oocytes, but not in GLUT1-expressing oocytes or in water-injected oocytes. The stimulatory effect of insulin and IGF-I on 2-deoxyglucose uptake in GLUT4-expressing oocytes occurred via activation of the IGF-I receptor. 3. Subcellular-fractionation studies indicated that insulin and IGF-I stimulated translocation of GLUT4 to the cell surface of the oocyte. 4. Incubation of intact oocytes with insulin stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, an effect that was blocked by the additional presence of wortmannin. Furthermore, wortmannin totally abolished the insulin-induced stimulation of 2-deoxyglucose uptake in GLUT4-expressing oocytes. 5. In this study, both the insulin-induced GLUT4 carrier translocation and GLUT4-dependent insulin-stimulated glucose transport have been reconstituted in the Xenopus oocyte. These observations, together with the fact that wortmannin, as found in adipocytes, inhibits insulin-stimulated glucose transport in oocytes, suggest that the heterologous expression of GLUT4 in oocytes is a useful experimental model by which to study the cell biology of insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation.

Effects of wortmannin on glucose uptake and protein kinase C activity in rat adipocytes

Wortmannin is known to be an inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) (J. Biol. Chem. 268, 25846, 1993). We studied the effects of wortmannin on insulin- and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced glucose uptake, purified PKC activity and in vitro 80 kDa protein phosphorylation to elucidate the relationship between insulin-induced PI 3-kinase and PKC activations. Pretreatment with 10(-12)-10(-6) M wortmannin for 60 min resulted in a dose-responsive reduction of 10 nM insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in rat adipocytes. Pretreatment with 10(-6) M wortmannin resulted in 80% and 20% decreases of glucose uptake stimulated by insulin and TPA, respectively. Partially purified rat brain PKC activity and 80 kDa protein in vitro phosphorylation of rat adipocyte cytosol by addition of Ca2+ and phospholipid were dose-dependently decreased by 10(-8)-10(-6) M wortmannin; 20% decrease of PKC activity and 50% decrease of 80 kDa protein phosphorylation by 10(-6) M wortmannin were observed. These results suggest that wortmannin has a potent inhibitory effect on PI 3-kinase and a weak inhibitory effect on PKC activity, and both effects cause a significant inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in rat adipocytes.

Thrombin receptor ligation and activated Rac uncap actin filament barbed ends through phosphoinositide synthesis in permeabilized human platelets

Cells respond to diverse external stimuli by polymerizing cytoplasmic actin, and recent evidence indicates that GTPases can specify where this polymerization takes place. Actin assembly in stimulated blood platelets occurs where sequestered monomers add onto the fast-growing (barbed) ends of actin filaments (F-actin), which are capped in the resting cells. We report that D3 and D4 polyphosphoinositides, Pl(4)P, Pl(4,5)P2, Pl(3,4)P2, and Pl(3,4,5)P3, uncap F-actin in resting permeabilized platelets. The thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP), GTP, and GTP gamma S, but not GDP beta S, also uncap F-actin in permeabilized platelets. GDP beta S inhibits TRAP-induced F-actin uncapping, and Pl(4,5)P2 overcomes this inhibition. Constitutively active mutant Rac, but not Rho, activates uncapping of F-actin. Pl(4,5)P2-binding peptides derived from gelsolin inhibit F-actin uncapping by TRAP, Rac, and GTP gamma S. TRAP and Rac induce rapid Pl(4,5)P2 synthesis in permeabilized platelets. The findings establish a signaling pathway for actin assembly involving Rac in which the final message is phosphoinositide-mediated F-actin uncapping.

The protein kinase encoded by the Akt proto-oncogene is a target of the PDGF-activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

The serine/threonine protein kinase encoded by the Akt proto-oncogene is catalytically inactive in serum-starved primary and immortalized fibroblasts. Here we show that Akt and the Akt-related kinase AKT2 are activated by PDGF. The activation was rapid and specific, and it was abrogated by mutations in the Akt Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. The Akt activation was also shown to depend on PDGFR beta tyrosines Y740 and Y751, which bind phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) upon phosphorylation. Moreover, Akt activation was blocked by the PI 3-kinase-specific inhibitor wortmannin and the dominant inhibitory N17Ras. Conversely, Akt activity was induced following the addition of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate to Akt immunoprecipitates from serum-starved cells in vitro. These results identify Akt as a novel target of PI 3-kinase and suggest that the Akt PH domain may be a mediator of PI 3-kinase signaling.

Relationship of growth stimulated by lithium, estradiol, and EGF to phospholipase C activity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Lithium-stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation was compared to proliferation stimulated by other mitogens for this cell line-estradiol (E2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-and lithium was found to be effective within a narrow concentration range. Mitogenic effects of lithium on proliferation stimulated by E2 and EGF were additive below maximum, but were not synergistic. The phosphoinositide pathway is a cell signaling system involved in cell proliferation, within which phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] leads to the production of the second messengers inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and diacylglycerol (DAG), as well as to calcium mobilization. At mitogen concentrations which maximally stimulated cell growth, estradiol stimulated both growth and PLC activity, while EGF and lithium stimulated cell growth but had little effect on the activity of the enzyme. Dose-responses with EGF revealed that a low concentration (0.1 ng/ml, 0.017 nM) of EGF appeared to stimulate both PLC activity and cell growth, but that higher concentrations of EGF which stimulated greater proliferation inhibited PLC activity. Steady-state levels of inositol phosphates including inositol trisphosphate were increased by all three mitogens. In growth assays, the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), which mimics the actions of DAG, stimulated some cell growth, but dioctanoylglycerol, an additional DAG analog, and the calcium ionophore A23187, alone or with the DAG analogs, had no effect. These results suggest that PLC-mediated PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis is not primarily associated with signaling proliferation by lithium or EGF in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate analogues modified at the 3-position inhibit phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Several natural and unnatural inositol phosphates and analogues were analyzed for their ability to inhibit the in vitro phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity immunoprecipitated from a leukemic T cell line by a p85 monoclonal antibody. A 3-position ring-modified analogue of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3), L-chiro-inositol 2,3,5-trisphosphate (L-chiro-Ins(2,3,5)P3) and its phosphorothioate analogue, L-chiro-inositol 2,3,5-trisphosphorothioate, as well as the analogue benzene 1,2,4-trisphosphate induced reversible inhibition of PI 3-kinase activity, which correlated with decreased Vmax but unchanged Km values for PI 3-kinase. Other inositol phosphates, including D- and L-Ins(1,4,5)P3, D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, the enantiomers of myo-inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate, DL-myo-inositol 1,4,6-trisphosphate (DL-Ins(1,4,6)P3), and DL-scyllo-inositol 1,2,4-trisphosphate (DL-scyllo-Ins(1,2,4)P3), did not inhibit PI 3-kinase activity under identical conditions. L-chiro-Ins(2,3,5)P3 closely resembles Ins(1,4,5)P3 and D-Ins(1,4,6)P3 except for a difference in the orientation of a single hydroxyl group at either the equivalent 3-OH or 2-OH position of Ins(1,4,5)P3, respectively. Similarly, L-chiro-Ins(2,3,5)P3 resembles D-scyllo-Ins(1,2,4)P3, but has a different orientation of both the equivalent 3-OH and 2-OH positions. Since Ins(1,4,5)P3, DL-Ins(1,4,6)P3, and DL-scyllo-Ins(1,2,4)P3 did not inhibit PI 3-kinase activity, this suggests that the orientation of the two hydroxyl groups at the 2- and 3-positions plays a pivotal role in the inhibitory action of inositol phosphate analogues on PI 3-kinase activity. Thus, inositol phosphate analogues inter alia are shown for the first time to inhibit PI 3-kinase and may be useful tools for determining the function of PI 3-kinase and its substrate binding specificities.

Coordinated effects of electromagnetic field exposure on erythropoietin-induced activities of phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Initial studies with the erythropoietin-sensitive human hematopoietic cell line, TF1, demonstrated both multifarious effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on lipid signal transduction and antiproliferative effects of EMF. Stimulation of TF1 cells with erythropoietin resulted in increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity within 2 min. Addition of wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, produced a decrease in cell proliferation as measured by accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and suppression of erythropoietin-induced DNA synthesis. Similar effects on cell proliferation were seen under EMF treatment. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity in erythropoietin-stimulated TF1 cells, measured in whole-cell extracts, increased 34% within 2 min and remained above basal levels for at least 20 min. EMF decreased erythropoietin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity to lower than basal levels. Additionally, translocation of the 85-kDa regulatory subunit (p85) of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to the membrane was prevented by EMF. Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C was activated, as reflected by increases in diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate at 15-60 s after EMF treatment. These results provide the first evidence of subtle coordinated changes by EMF associated with loss of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, inhibition of the translocation of p85 to the membrane, and activation of phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C.

Effects of Alzheimer's disease-related beta amyloid protein fragments on enzymes metabolizing phosphoinositides in brain

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI 4-kinase) and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate kinase (PIP kinase) were assayed in membranes prepared from samples of human frontal cortex initially frozen at autopsy. PI 4-kinase activity was significantly lower in Alzheimer's disease patients relative to age-matched controls or patients with Parkinson's disease. PIP kinase was not different in Alzheimer's versus age-matched controls. The beta amyloid protein fragment 1-40 inhibited PI 4-kinase activity in assays of control human or rat cortical membranes. Fragments 1-28 and 25-35 could not mimic the effects of fragment 1-40 while a reverse peptide 40-1 was equipotent. The inhibition of PI 4-kinase by fragment 1-40 was competitive with substrate. The beta amyloid protein fragments had diverse effects on phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) as assayed in rat cortical membranes. Low concentrations of fragment 1-40 stimulated, while high concentrations of 1-40 or 40-1 inhibited PI-PLC activity. Fragment 25-35 stimulated PI-PLC nearly 3-fold, while fragment 1-28 had only minor effects on the enzyme. The results suggest alterations in phosphoinositide metabolism in Alzheimer's disease which could affect signal transduction and/or cytoskeletal organization.

Microinjection of the SH2 domain of the 85-kilodalton subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibits insulin-induced DNA synthesis and c-fos expression

We have investigated the functional role of the SH2 domain of the 85-kDa subunit (p85) of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the insulin signal transduction pathway. Microinjection of a bacterial fusion protein containing the N-terminal SH2 domain of p85 inhibited insulin- and other growth factor-induced DNA synthesis by 90% and c-fos protein expression by 80% in insulin-responsive rat fibroblasts. The specificity of the fusion protein was examined by in vitro precipitation experiments, which showed that the SH2 domain of p85 can independently associate with both insulin receptor substrate 1 and the insulin receptor itself in the absence of detectable binding to other phosphoproteins. The microinjection results were confirmed through the use of an affinity-purified antibody directed against p85, which gave the same phenotype. Additional studies were carried out in another cell line expressing mutant insulin receptors which lack the cytoplasmic tyrosine residues with which p85 interacts. Microinjection of the SH2 domain fusion protein also inhibited insulin signaling in these cells, suggesting that association of p85 with insulin receptor substrate 1 is a key element in insulin-mediated cell cycle progression. In addition, coinjection of purified p21ras protein with the p85 fusion protein or the antibody restored DNA synthesis, suggesting that ras function is either downstream or independent of p85 SH2 domain interaction.

Microinjection of the SH2 domain of the 85-kilodalton subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibits insulin-induced DNA synthesis and c-fos expression

We have investigated the functional role of the SH2 domain of the 85-kDa subunit (p85) of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the insulin signal transduction pathway. Microinjection of a bacterial fusion protein containing the N-terminal SH2 domain of p85 inhibited insulin- and other growth factor-induced DNA synthesis by 90% and c-fos protein expression by 80% in insulin-responsive rat fibroblasts. The specificity of the fusion protein was examined by in vitro precipitation experiments, which showed that the SH2 domain of p85 can independently associate with both insulin receptor substrate 1 and the insulin receptor itself in the absence of detectable binding to other phosphoproteins. The microinjection results were confirmed through the use of an affinity-purified antibody directed against p85, which gave the same phenotype. Additional studies were carried out in another cell line expressing mutant insulin receptors which lack the cytoplasmic tyrosine residues with which p85 interacts. Microinjection of the SH2 domain fusion protein also inhibited insulin signaling in these cells, suggesting that association of p85 with insulin receptor substrate 1 is a key element in insulin-mediated cell cycle progression. In addition, coinjection of purified p21ras protein with the p85 fusion protein or the antibody restored DNA synthesis, suggesting that ras function is either downstream or independent of p85 SH2 domain interaction.

Neurotrophin signal transduction by the Trk receptor

The initial event in the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells is the binding of the neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) to the Trk receptor. This interaction stimulates the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of Trk, initiating a signalling cascade involving the phosphorylation of intracellular proteins on tyrosine, serine, and threonine residues. These signals are then in turn propagated to other messengers, ultimately leading to differentiation, neurotrophin-dependent survival, and the loss of proliferative capacity. To transmit NGF signals, NGF-activated Trk rapidly associates with the cytoplasmic proteins, SHC, PI-3 kinase, and PLC-gamma 1. These proteins are involved in stimulating the formation of various second messenger molecules and activating the Ras signal transduction pathway. Studies with Trk mutants indicate that the activation of the Ras pathway is necessary for complete differentiation of PC12-derived cells and for the maintenance of the differentiated phenotype. Trk also induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of SNT, a specific target of neurotrophic factor activity in neuronal cells. This review will discuss the potential roles of Trk and the proteins of the Trk signalling pathways in NGF function, and summarize our attempts to understand the mechanisms used by Trk to generate the many phenotypic responses of PC12 cells to NGF.

Identification of a phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase in plant cells: association with the cytoskeleton

Radiolabelling experiments have revealed that plant cells contain the two 3-phosphorylated phosphoinositides: PtdIns3P and PtdIns(3,4)P2 [Brearley and Hanke (1992) Biochem. J. 283, 255-260]. However, nothing is known about the enzymes involved in the metabolism of these plant 3-phosphorylated phosphoinositides. In this study we demonstrate the presence of a PtdIns 3-hydroxy kinase(s) in plant cells. This activity was enriched in the cytoskeletal fraction whereas only low levels of phosphoinositide 3-hydroxy kinase could be detected in plasma membranes and microsomal preparations. This cytoskeletal phosphoinositide 3-hydroxy kinase was found to be wortmannin insensitive and thus resembles PtdIns-specific 3-hydroxy kinases of which vps34p is one example.

Functional interaction between the epidermal growth factor receptor and c-Src kinase activity

To study the relationship between the tyrosine kinase c-Src and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), we used the breast cancer cell line ZR75-1, which was transfected with the EGF-R. The EGF-R transfected cell line expressed 60 times more EGF-R than a control cell line transfected with the empty vector. In the presence of EGF, the EGF-R over-expressing cell line grew much faster than the control cell line. Both cell lines expressed approximately equal amounts of c-Src. However, the cell line over-expressing the EGF-R showed a twofold enhancement of c-Src kinase activity after EGF stimulation. The activation of c-Src kinase by EGF was confirmed in other EGF-R expressing cell types.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation is required for insulin stimulation of pp70 S6 kinase, DNA synthesis, and glucose transporter translocation

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) is stimulated by insulin and a variety of growth factors, but its exact role in signal transduction remains unclear. We have used a novel, highly specific inhibitor of PT 3-kinase to dissect the role of this enzyme in insulin action. Treatment of intact 3T3-L1 adipocytes with LY294002 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase (50% inhibitory concentration, 6 microM) with > 95% reduction in the levels of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate without changes in the levels of phosphatidylinositol-4-monophosphate or its derivatives. In parallel, there was a complete inhibition of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation and activation of pp70 S6 kinase. Inhibition of PI 3-kinase also effectively blocked insulin- and serum-stimulated DNA synthesis and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by inhibiting translocation of GLUT 4 glucose transporters to the plasma membrane. By contrast, LY294002 had no effect on insulin stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase or pp90 S6 kinase. Thus, activation of PI 3-kinase plays a critical role in mammalian cells and is required for activation of pp70 S6 kinase and DNA synthesis and certain forms of intracellular vesicular trafficking but not mitogen-activated protein kinase or pp90 S6 kinase activation. These data suggest that PI 3-kinase is not only an important component but also a point of divergence in the insulin signaling network.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation is required for insulin stimulation of pp70 S6 kinase, DNA synthesis, and glucose transporter translocation

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) is stimulated by insulin and a variety of growth factors, but its exact role in signal transduction remains unclear. We have used a novel, highly specific inhibitor of PT 3-kinase to dissect the role of this enzyme in insulin action. Treatment of intact 3T3-L1 adipocytes with LY294002 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase (50% inhibitory concentration, 6 microM) with > 95% reduction in the levels of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate without changes in the levels of phosphatidylinositol-4-monophosphate or its derivatives. In parallel, there was a complete inhibition of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation and activation of pp70 S6 kinase. Inhibition of PI 3-kinase also effectively blocked insulin- and serum-stimulated DNA synthesis and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by inhibiting translocation of GLUT 4 glucose transporters to the plasma membrane. By contrast, LY294002 had no effect on insulin stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase or pp90 S6 kinase. Thus, activation of PI 3-kinase plays a critical role in mammalian cells and is required for activation of pp70 S6 kinase and DNA synthesis and certain forms of intracellular vesicular trafficking but not mitogen-activated protein kinase or pp90 S6 kinase activation. These data suggest that PI 3-kinase is not only an important component but also a point of divergence in the insulin signaling network.

ErbB3 is involved in activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase by epidermal growth factor

Conflicting results concerning the ability of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor to associate with and/or activate phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3-kinase have been published. Despite the ability of EGF to stimulate the production of PtdIns 3-kinase products and to cause the appearance of PtdIns 3-kinase activity in antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates in several cell lines, we did not detect EGF-stimulated PtdIns 3-kinase activity in anti-EGF receptor immunoprecipitates. This result is consistent with the lack of a phosphorylated Tyr-X-X-Met motif, the p85 Src homology 2 (SH2) domain recognition sequence, in this receptor sequence. The EGF receptor homolog, ErbB2 protein, also lacks this motif. However, the ErbB3 protein has seven repeats of the Tyr-X-X-Met motif in the carboxy-terminal unique domain. Here we show that in A431 cells, which express both the EGF receptor and ErbB3, PtdIns 3-kinase coprecipitates with the ErbB3 protein (p180erbB3) in response to EGF. p180erbB3 is also shown to be tyrosine phosphorylated in response to EGF. In contrast, a different mechanism for the activation of PtdIns 3-kinase in response to EGF occurs in certain cells (PC12 and A549 cells). Thus, we show for the first time that ErbB3 can mediate EGF responses in cells expressing both ErbB3 and the EGF receptor.

ErbB3 is involved in activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase by epidermal growth factor

Conflicting results concerning the ability of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor to associate with and/or activate phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3-kinase have been published. Despite the ability of EGF to stimulate the production of PtdIns 3-kinase products and to cause the appearance of PtdIns 3-kinase activity in antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates in several cell lines, we did not detect EGF-stimulated PtdIns 3-kinase activity in anti-EGF receptor immunoprecipitates. This result is consistent with the lack of a phosphorylated Tyr-X-X-Met motif, the p85 Src homology 2 (SH2) domain recognition sequence, in this receptor sequence. The EGF receptor homolog, ErbB2 protein, also lacks this motif. However, the ErbB3 protein has seven repeats of the Tyr-X-X-Met motif in the carboxy-terminal unique domain. Here we show that in A431 cells, which express both the EGF receptor and ErbB3, PtdIns 3-kinase coprecipitates with the ErbB3 protein (p180erbB3) in response to EGF. p180erbB3 is also shown to be tyrosine phosphorylated in response to EGF. In contrast, a different mechanism for the activation of PtdIns 3-kinase in response to EGF occurs in certain cells (PC12 and A549 cells). Thus, we show for the first time that ErbB3 can mediate EGF responses in cells expressing both ErbB3 and the EGF receptor.

A novel phosphoinositide 3 kinase activity in myeloid-derived cells is activated by G protein beta gamma subunits

Phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) is a key signaling enzyme implicated in receptor-stimulated mitogenesis, oxidative bursting in neutrophils, membrane ruffling, and glucose uptake. A PI3K has already been purified, cloned, and shown to be regulated by receptors that act via tyrosine kinase-dependent regulatory mechanisms. We report that an immunologically, pharmacologically, and chromatographically distinct form of PI3K activity present in neutrophils and U937 cells is specifically activated by G protein beta gamma subunits. This data suggests PI3Ks conform to the paradigm set by receptor regulation of phosphoinositidase Cs: different receptor transduction systems specifically regulate dedicated isoforms of effector protein.

Activation of phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase by Src-family kinase SH3 binding to the p85 subunit

Engagement of antigen receptor complexes induces rapid activation of Src-family kinases and association with phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase (PI-3 kinase). Here it was found that the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of Lyn and Fyn bound to a proline-rich region (residues 84 to 99) within the 85-kilodalton subunit (p85) of PI-3 kinase. The binding of SH3 to the purified kinase led to a five- to sevenfold increase in the specific activity of PI-3 kinase. Ligand-induced receptor stimulation activated PI-3 kinase, and this activation was blocked by a peptide containing residues 84 to 99 of p85. These data demonstrate a mechanism for PI-3 kinase activation and show that binding of SH3 domains to proline-rich target sequences can regulate enzymatic activity.

Characterization of a phosphatidylinositol-specific phosphoinositide 3-kinase from mammalian cells

BACKGROUND

As phosphoinositides can serve as signalling molecules within cells, the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and cleavage are likely to be involved in the transduction of signals from the cell surface through the cytoplasm. The precise role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase that has been cloned from mammalian cells is not known, but it has been implicated in receptor-stimulated mitogenesis, glucose uptake and membrane ruffling. The enzyme can use phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), PtdIns 4-phosphate and PtdIns (4,5)-bisphosphate as substrates in vitro, but it seems to phosphorylate PtdIns (4,5)-bisphosphate preferentially in vivo. The VPS34 gene product of yeast, by contrast, is a phosphoinositide 3-kinase homologue implicated in vacuolar protein sorting that apparently utilizes only PtdIns as a substrate. The significance of this difference in lipid-substrate preference and its relationship to the functions of the two phosphoinositide kinases is unknown.

RESULTS

We have characterized a distinct PtdIns-specific phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity in mammalian cells. Unlike the previously identified, broad-specificity mammalian phosphoinositide kinase, this enzyme is resistant to the drug wortmannin and uses only PtdIns as a substrate in vitro; it therefore has the capacity to generate PtdIns 3-phosphate specifically. The newly characterized enzyme, which was purified by chromatography from cytosol, has biochemical and pharmacological characteristics distinct from those of the broad-specificity enzyme.

CONCLUSIONS

The enzyme we have characterized may serve to generate PtdIns 3-phosphate for fundamentally different roles in the cell from those of PtdIns (3,4)-bisphosphate and/or PtdIns (3,4,5)-trisphosphate. Furthermore, the functions of the VSP34 gene product, which may not be relevant to the broad-specificity mammalian phosphoinositide 3-kinase, may be related to those of the enzyme we describe.

Oncogenes, Protein Tyrosine Kinases, and Signal Transduction

Many oncogenes encode protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). Oncogenic mutations of these genes invariably result in constitutive activation of these PTKs. Autophosphorylation of the PTKs and tyrosine phosphorylation of their cellular substrates are essential events for transmission of the mitogenic signal into cells. The recent discovery of the characteristic amino acid sequences, of the src homology domains 2 and 3 (SH2 and SH3), and extensive studies on proteins containing the SH2 and SH3 domains have revealed that protein tyrosine-phosphorylation of PTKs provides phosphotyrosine sites for SH2 binding and allows extracellular signals to be relayed into the nucleus through a chain of protein-protein interactions mediated by the SH2 and SH3 domains. Studies on oncogenes, PTKs and SH2/SH3-containing proteins have made a tremendous contribution to our understanding of the mechanisms for the control of cell growth, oncogenesis, and signal transduction. This review is intended to provide an outline of the most recent progress in the study of signal transduction by PTKs. Copyright 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel

Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activation induced upon Fc gamma RIIIA-ligand interaction

Induced activation of protein tyrosine kinase(s) is a central event in signal transduction mediated via the low affinity receptor for IgG (Fc gamma RIIIA, CD16) in natural killer (NK) cells. Tyrosine phosphorylation may affect the function of several protein directly, or indirectly by inducing their association with other tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. Here, we report that Fc gamma RIII stimulation induces activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase in NK cells. Phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates from Fc gamma RIII-stimulated NK cells contain PI-kinase activity and PI-3 kinase can be directly precipitated from them. Conversely, a series of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins is coprecipitated with PI-3 kinase from the stimulated, but not from control cells. Analogous results obtained using Jurkat T cells expressing transfected Fc gamma RIIIA alpha ligand binding chain in association with gamma 2 or zeta 2 homodimers indicate that both complexes transduce this effect, although the Fc gamma RIIIA-zeta 2 complexes do so with greater efficiency. Accumulation of phosphoinositide D3 phosphorylated products in stimulated cells confirms PI-3 kinase activation, indicating the participation of this enzyme in Fc gamma RIIIA-mediated signal transduction.

The SH3 domain of p56lck is involved in binding to phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase from T lymphocytes

Many of the Src-like tyrosine kinases are thought to participate in multiprotein complexes that modulate transmembrane signalling through tyrosine phosphorylation. We have used in vitro binding studies employing bacterially expressed glutathione S-transferase-p56lck fusion proteins and cell extracts to map regions on p56lck that are involved in binding to phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K). Deletions within the SH3 domain of p56lck abolished binding of PI3K activity from T-cell lysates, whereas deletion of the SH2 domain caused only a slight reduction in the level of PI3K activity bound to p56lck sequences. The binding of PI3K from T-cell extracts to p56lck was not blocked by antiphosphotyrosine antibodies, but p56lck-bound PI3K activity was sensitive to phosphatase treatment. The SH3 domain of p56lck also bound the majority of PI3K activity from uninfected chicken embryo fibroblasts. However, a drastically different binding specificity was observed with use of extracts of Rous sarcoma virus v-src-transformed cells, in which the majority of PI3K activity bound to the SH2 domain of p56lck in a phosphotyrosine-dependent manner. These results suggest that are two modes of PI3K binding to p56lck, and presumably to other Src-like tyrosine kinases. In one mode, PI3K from T cells or uninfected chicken embryo fibroblasts binds predominantly to the SH3 domain of p56lck. In the other mode, involving PI3K from Rous sarcoma virus-transformed cells, binding is largely phosphotyrosine dependent and requires the SH2 domain of p56lck.

Cloning of a novel, ubiquitously expressed human phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and identification of its binding site on p85

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) has been implicated as a participant in signaling pathways regulating cell growth by virtue of its activation in response to various mitogenic stimuli. Here we describe the cloning of a novel and ubiquitously expressed human PI 3-kinase. The 4.8-kb cDNA encodes a putative translation product of 1,070 amino acids which is 42% identical to bovine PI 3-kinase and 28% identical to Vps34, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae PI 3-kinase involved in vacuolar protein sorting. Human PI 3-kinase is also similar to Tor2, a yeast protein required for cell cycle progression. Northern (RNA) analysis demonstrated expression of human PI 3-kinase in all tissues and cell lines tested. Protein synthesized from an epitope-tagged cDNA had intrinsic PI 3-kinase activity and associated with the adaptor 85-kDa subunit of PI 3-kinase (p85) in intact cells, as did endogenous human PI 3-kinase. Coprecipitation assays showed that a 187-amino-acid domain between the two src homology 2 domains of p85 mediates interaction with PI 3-kinase in vitro and in intact cells. These results demonstrate the existence of different PI 3-kinase isoforms and define a family of genes encoding distinct PI 3-kinase catalytic subunits that can associate with p85.

Haematopoietic colony stimulating factors CSF-1 and GM-CSF increase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages

The activity of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase was examined in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) stimulated with the haematopoietic growth factors colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and granulocyte/macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF). PI 3-kinase was immunoprecipitated from cell lysates using anti-phosphotyrosine antibody or an antibody directed against the 85K subunit of PI 3-kinase, and the activity assayed by the phosphorylation of PI in the presence of [gamma 32P]-ATP. The results demonstrate that CSF-1 increases the activity of PI 3-kinase, as compared to the non-stimulated control, in murine macrophages. Maximum activity was seen after 10 min of stimulation with CSF-1 at 3000-5000 U/ml. The dose-response of CSF-1 is consistent with other biochemical effects of CSF-1 seen in the BMM. GM-CSF also stimulated PI 3-kinase activity although to a lesser extent than CSF-1, correlating well with their degree of mitogenic activity on the BMM. Non-mitogenic macrophage activating agents, such as the phorbol myristate acetate, lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, did not significantly increase the PI 3-kinase activity. Furthermore, CSF-1 failed to stimulate PI 3-kinase activity in resident peritoneal macrophages, a population of macrophages with poor proliferative capacity. These results suggest that the PI 3-kinase activity may be involved in the haemopoietic growth factor signalling pathways regulating macrophage growth.