Isolation and characterization of human casein kinase I epsilon (CKI), a novel member of the CKI gene family

Casein kinase I epsilon interacts with mitochondrial proteins for the growth and survival of human ovarian cancer cells

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynaecologic cancers in Western countries. Our studies have shown that casein kinase I-epsilon (CKIε), a Wnt pathway protein, is significantly overexpressed in ovarian cancer tissues and is associated with poor survival. Ectopic expression of CKIε in normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells and inhibition of CKIε in ovarian cancer cells and in xenografts demonstrated the importance of CKIε in regulating cell proliferation and migration. Interestingly, CKIε function did not seem to involve β-catenin activity. Instead, CKIε was found to interact with several mitochondrial proteins including adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (ANT2). Inhibition of CKIε in ovarian cancer cells resulted in suppression of ANT2, downregulation of cellular ATP and the resulting cancer cells were more susceptible to chemotherapy. Our studies indicate that, in the context of ovarian cancer, the interaction between CKIε and ANT2 mediates pathogenic signalling that is distinct from the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and is essential for cell proliferation and is clinically associated with poor survival.

The role of molecular regulation and targeting in regulating calcium/calmodulin stimulated protein kinases

Calcium/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinases can be classified as one of two types - restricted or multifunctional. This family of kinases contains several structural similarities: all possess a calmodulin binding motif and an autoinhibitory region. In addition, all of the calcium/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinases examined in this chapter are regulated by phosphorylation, which either activates or inhibits their kinase activity. However, as the multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinases are ubiquitously expressed, yet regulate a broad range of cellular functions, additional levels of regulation that control these cell-specific functions must exist. These additional layers of control include gene expression, signaling pathways, and expression of binding proteins and molecular targeting. All of the multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinases examined in this chapter appear to be regulated by these additional layers of control, however, this does not appear to be the case for the restricted kinases.

Neurite outgrowth of mature retinal ganglion cells and PC12 cells requires activity of CK1δ and CK1ε

Mature retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) do not normally regenerate severed axons after optic nerve injury and show only little neurite outgrowth in culture. However, RGCs can be transformed into an active regenerative state after lens injury (LI) enabling these neurons to regrow axons in vitro and in vivo. In the current study we investigated the role of CK1δ and CK1ε activity in neurite outgrowth of LI stimulated RGCs and nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulated PC12 cells, respectively. In both cell types CK1δ and ε were localized in granular particles aligned at microtubules in neurites and growth cones. Although LI treatment did not measurably affect the expression of CK1δ and ε, it significantly elevated the specific kinase activity in the retina. Similarly, CK1δ/ε specific kinase activity was also elevated in NGF treated PC12 cells compared with untreated controls. Neurite extension in PC12 cells was associated with a change in the activity of CK1δ C-terminal targeting kinases, suggesting that activity of these kinases might be necessary for neurite outgrowth. Pharmacological inactivation of CK1δ and ε markedly compromised neurite outgrowth of both, PC12 cells and LI stimulated RGCs in a concentration dependent manner. These data provide evidence for a so far unknown, but essential role of CK1 isoforms in neurite growth.

CK1 activates minus-end-directed transport of membrane organelles along microtubules

This study shows that the signal transduction pathway responsible for the initiation of minus-end–directed movement of membrane-bounded pigment granules in melanophores involves sequential activation of protein phosphatase 2A and casein kinase 1 and that this activation correlates with increased phosphorylation of the dynein intermediate chain.

Microtubule (MT)-based organelle transport is driven by MT motor proteins that move cargoes toward MT minus-ends clustered in the cell center (dyneins) or plus-ends extended to the periphery (kinesins). Cells are able to rapidly switch the direction of transport in response to external cues, but the signaling events that control switching remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the signaling mechanism responsible for the rapid activation of dynein-dependent MT minus-end–directed pigment granule movement in Xenopus melanophores (pigment aggregation). We found that, along with the previously identified protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), pigment aggregation signaling also involved casein kinase 1ε (CK1ε), that both enzymes were bound to pigment granules, and that their activities were increased during pigment aggregation. Furthermore we found that CK1ε functioned downstream of PP2A in the pigment aggregation signaling pathway. Finally, we discovered that stimulation of pigment aggregation increased phosphorylation of dynein intermediate chain (DIC) and that this increase was partially suppressed by CK1ε inhibition. We propose that signal transduction during pigment aggregation involves successive activation of PP2A and CK1ε and CK1ε-dependent phosphorylation of DIC, which stimulates dynein motor activity and increases minus-end–directed runs of pigment granules.

Rice early flowering1, a CKI, phosphorylates DELLA protein SLR1 to negatively regulate gibberellin signalling

The plant hormone gibberellin (GA) is crucial for multiple aspects of plant growth and development. To study the relevant regulatory mechanisms, we isolated a rice mutant earlier flowering1, el1, which is deficient in a casein kinase I that has critical roles in both plants and animals. el1 had an enhanced GA response, consistent with the suppression of EL1 expression by exogenous GA₃. Biochemical characterization showed that EL1 specifically phosphorylates the rice DELLA protein SLR1, proving a direct evidence for SLR1 phosphorylation. Overexpression of SLR1 in wild-type plants caused a severe dwarf phenotype, which was significantly suppressed by EL1 deficiency, indicating the negative effect of SLR1 on GA signalling requires the EL1 function. Further studies showed that the phosphorylation of SLR1 is important for maintaining its activity and stability, and mutation of the candidate phosphorylation site of SLR1 results in the altered GA signalling. This study shows EL1 a novel and key regulator of the GA response and provided important clues on casein kinase I activities in GA signalling and plant development.

CK1epsilon is required for breast cancers dependent on beta-catenin activity

Background

Aberrant β-catenin signaling plays a key role in several cancer types, notably colon, liver and breast cancer. However approaches to modulate β-catenin activity for therapeutic purposes have proven elusive to date.

Methodology

To uncover genetic dependencies in breast cancer cells that harbor active β-catenin signaling, we performed RNAi-based loss-of-function screens in breast cancer cell lines in which we had characterized β-catenin activity. Here we identify CSNK1E, the gene encoding casein kinase 1 epsilon (CK1ε) as required specifically for the proliferation of breast cancer cells with activated β-catenin and confirm its role as a positive regulator of β-catenin-driven transcription. Furthermore, we demonstrate that breast cancer cells that harbor activated β-catenin activity exhibit enhanced sensitivity to pharmacological blockade of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We also find that expression of CK1ε is able to promote oncogenic transformation of human cells in a β-catenin-dependent manner.

Conclusions/Significance

These studies identify CK1ε as a critical contributor to activated β-catenin signaling in cancer and suggest it may provide a potential therapeutic target for cancers that harbor active β-catenin. More generally, these observations delineate an approach that can be used to identify druggable synthetic lethal interactions with signaling pathways that are frequently activated in cancer but are difficult to target with the currently available small molecule inhibitors.

Interactions between Casein kinase Iepsilon (CKIepsilon) and two substrates from disparate signaling pathways reveal mechanisms for substrate-kinase specificity

BACKGROUND

Members of the Casein Kinase I (CKI) family of serine/threonine kinases regulate diverse biological pathways. The seven mammalian CKI isoforms contain a highly conserved kinase domain and divergent amino- and carboxy-termini. Although they share a preferred target recognition sequence and have overlapping expression patterns, individual isoforms often have specific substrates. In an effort to determine how substrates recognize differences between CKI isoforms, we have examined the interaction between CKIepsilon and two substrates from different signaling pathways.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

CKIepsilon, but not CKIalpha, binds to and phosphorylates two proteins: Period, a transcriptional regulator of the circadian rhythms pathway, and Disheveled, an activator of the planar cell polarity pathway. We use GST-pull-down assays data to show that two key residues in CKIalpha's kinase domain prevent Disheveled and Period from binding. We also show that the unique C-terminus of CKIepsilon does not determine Dishevelled's and Period's preference for CKIepsilon nor is it essential for binding, but instead plays an auxillary role in stabilizing the interactions of CKIepsilon with its substrates. We demonstrate that autophosphorylation of CKIepsilon's C-terminal tail prevents substrate binding, and use mass spectrometry and chemical crosslinking to reveal how a phosphorylation-dependent interaction between the C-terminal tail and the kinase domain prevents substrate phosphorylation and binding.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The biochemical interactions between CKIepsilon and Disheveled, Period, and its own C-terminus lead to models that explain CKIepsilon's specificity and regulation.

Casein kinase I delta/epsilon phosphorylates topoisomerase IIalpha at serine-1106 and modulates DNA cleavage activity

We previously reported that phosphorylation of topoisomerase (topo) IIα at serine-1106 (Ser-1106) regulates enzyme activity and sensitivity to topo II-targeted drugs. In this study we demonstrate that phosphorylation of Ser-1106, which is flanked by acidic amino acids, is regulated in vivo by casein kinase (CK) Iδ and/or CKIɛ, but not by CKII. The CKI inhibitors, CKI-7 and IC261, reduced Ser-1106 phosphorylation and decreased formation of etoposide-stabilized topo II–DNA cleavable complex. In contrast, the CKII inhibitor, 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside, did not affect etoposide-stabilized topo II–DNA cleavable complex formation. Since, IC261 specifically targets the Ca²⁺-regulated isozymes, CKIδ and CKIɛ, we examined the effect of down-regulating these enzymes on Ser-1106 phosphorylation. Down-regulation of these isozymes with targeted si-RNAs led to hypophosphorylation of the Ser-1106 containing peptide. However, si-RNA-mediated down-regulation of CKIIα and α′ did not alter Ser-1106 phosphorylation. Furthermore, reduced phosphorylation of Ser-1106, observed in HRR25 (CKIδ/ɛ homologous gene)-deleted Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells transformed with human topo IIα, was enhanced following expression of human CKIɛ. Down-regulation of CKIδ and CKIɛ also led to reduced formation of etoposide stabilized topo II–DNA cleavable complex. These results provide strong support for an essential role of CKIδ/ɛ in phosphorylating Ser-1106 in human topo IIα and in regulating enzyme function.

Gene expression is altered in piglet small intestine by weaning and dietary glutamine supplementation

Dietary supplementation of glutamine prevents intestinal dysfunction and atrophy in weanling piglets, but the underlying mechanism(s) are largely unknown. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that weaning or glutamine may modulate expression of genes that are crucial for intestinal metabolism and function. In Expt. 1, we obtained small intestine from 28-d-old pigs weaned at 21 d of age and from age-matched suckling piglets. In Expt. 2, piglets were weaned at 21 d of age and then had free access to diets supplemented with 1% L-glutamine (wt:wt) or isonitrogenous L-alanine (control). At d 28, we collected small intestine for biochemical and morphological measurements and microarray analysis of gene expression using the Operon Porcine Genome Oligo set. Early weaning resulted in increased (52-346%) expression of genes related to oxidative stress and immune activation but decreased (35-77%) expression of genes related to macronutrient metabolism and cell proliferation in the gut. Dietary glutamine supplementation increased intestinal expression (120-124%) of genes that are necessary for cell growth and removal of oxidants, while reducing (34-75%) expression of genes that promote oxidative stress and immune activation. Functionally, the glutamine treatment enhanced intestinal oxidative-defense capacity (indicated by a 29% increase in glutathione concentration), prevented jejunal atrophy, and promoted small intestine growth (+12%) and body weight gain (+19%) in weaned piglets. These findings reveal coordinate alterations of gene expression in response to weaning and aid in providing molecular mechanisms for the beneficial effect of dietary glutamine supplementation to improve nutrition status in young mammals.

Casein kinase I epsilon does not rescue double-time function in Drosophila despite evolutionarily conserved roles in the circadian clock

Double-time (dbt) is a casein kinase gene involved in cell survival, proliferation, and circadian rhythms in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Genetic and biochemical studies have shown that dbt and its mammalian ortholog casein kinase I epsilon (hckI epsilon) regulate the circadian phosphorylation of period (per), thus controlling per subcellular localization and stability. Mutations in these kinases can shorten the circadian period in both mammals and Drosophila. Since similar activities in circadian clock have been described for these kinases, we investigated whether the expression of mammalian casein kinase I can replace the activity of dbt in flies. Global expression of the full-length dbt rescued lethality of the null mutant dbt revVIII and rescued flies showed normal locomotor activity rhythms. Global expression of dbt also restored the locomotor activity rhythm of the arrhythmic genotype, dbt ar/dbt revVIII. In contrast, global expression of hckI epsilon or hckI alpha did not rescue lethality or locomotor activity of dbt mutants. Furthermore dbt overexpression in wild-type clock cells had only a small effect on period length, whereas hckI epsilon expression in clock cells greatly lengthened period to ~30.5 hours and increased the number of arrhythmic flies. These results indicate that hckI epsilon cannot replace the activity of dbt in flies despite the high degree of similarity in primary sequence and kinase function. Moreover, expression of hck Iepsilon in flies appears to interfere with dbt activity. Thus, caution should be used in interpreting assays that measure activity of mammalian casein kinase mutants in Drosophila, or that employ vertebrate CKI in studies of dPER phosphorylations.

Phosphorylation of CK1delta: identification of Ser370 as the major phosphorylation site targeted by PKA in vitro and in vivo

The involvement of CK1 (casein kinase 1) delta in the regulation of multiple cellular processes implies a tight regulation of its activity on many different levels. At the protein level, reversible phosphorylation plays an important role in modulating the activity of CK1delta. In the present study, we show that PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase), Akt (protein kinase B), CLK2 (CDC-like kinase 2) and PKC (protein kinase C) alpha all phosphorylate CK1delta. PKA was identified as the major cellular CK1deltaCK (CK1delta C-terminal-targeted protein kinase) for the phosphorylation of CK1delta in vitro and in vivo. This was implied by the following evidence: PKA was detectable in the CK1deltaCK peak fraction of fractionated MiaPaCa-2 cell extracts, PKA shared nearly identical kinetic properties with those of CK1deltaCK, and both PKA and CK1deltaCK phosphorylated CK1delta at Ser370 in vitro. Furthermore, phosphorylation of CK1delta by PKA decreased substrate phosphorylation of CK1delta in vitro. Mutation of Ser370 to alanine increased the phosphorylation affinity of CK1delta for beta-casein and the GST (gluthatione S-transferase)-p53 1-64 fusion protein in vitro and enhanced the formation of an ectopic dorsal axis during Xenopus laevis development. Anchoring of PKA and CK1delta to centrosomes was mediated by AKAP (A-kinase-anchoring protein) 450. Interestingly, pre-incubation of MiaPaCa-2 cells with the synthetic peptide St-Ht31, which prevents binding between AKAP450 and the regulatory subunit RII of PKA, resulted in a 6-fold increase in the activity of CK1delta. In summary, we conclude that PKA phosphorylates CK1delta, predominantly at Ser370 in vitro and in vivo, and that site-specific phosphorylation of CK1delta by PKA plays an important role in modulating CK1delta-dependent processes.

MicroRNA (miRNA) Transcriptome of Mouse Retina and Identification of a Sensory Organ-specific miRNA Cluster

Although microRNAs (miRNAs) provide a newly recognized level of regulation of gene expression, the miRNA transcriptome of the retina and the contributions of miRNAs to retinal development and function are largely unknown. To begin to understand the functions of miRNAs in retina, we compared miRNA expression profiles in adult mouse retina, brain, and heart by microarray analysis. Our results show that at least 78 miRNAs are expressed in adult mouse retina, 21 of which are potentially retina-specific. Among these, we identified a polycistronic, sensory organ-specific paralogous miRNA cluster that includes miR-96, miR-182, and miR-183 on mouse chromosome 6qA3 with conservation of synteny to human chromosome 7q32.2. In situ hybridization showed that members of this cluster are expressed in photoreceptors, retinal bipolar and amacrine cells. Consistent with their genomic organization, these miRNAs have a similar expression pattern during development with abundance increasing postnatally and peaking in adult retina. Target prediction and in vitro functional studies showed that MITF, a transcription factor required for the establishment and maintenance of retinal pigmented epithelium, is a direct target of miR-96 and miR-182. Additionally, to identify miRNAs potentially involved in circadian rhythm regulation of the retina, we performed miRNA expression profiling with retinal RNA harvested at noon (Zeitgeber time 5) and midnight (Zeitgeber time 17) and identified a subgroup of 12 miRNAs, including members of the miR-183/96/182 cluster with diurnal variation in expression pattern. Our results suggest that miR-96 and miR-182 are involved in circadian rhythm regulation, perhaps by modulating the expression of adenylyl cyclase VI (ADCY6).

Regulation of protein kinase CK1alphaLS by dephosphorylation in response to hydrogen peroxide

Low levels of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) are mitogenic to mammalian cells and stimulate the hyperphosphorylation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP-C) by protein kinase CK1alpha. However, the mechanisms by which CK1alpha is regulated have been unclear. Here it is demonstrated that low levels of H(2)O(2) stimulate the rapid dephosphorylation of CK1alphaLS, a nuclear splice form of CK1alpha. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that either treatment of endothelial cells with H(2)O(2), or dephosphorylation of CK1alphaLS in vitro enhances the association of CK1alphaLS with hnRNP-C. In addition, dephosphorylation of CK1alphaLS in vitro enhances the kinase's ability to phosphorylate hnRNP-C. While CK1alpha appears to be present in all metazoans, analysis of CK1alpha genomic sequences from several species reveals that the alternatively spliced nuclear localizing L-insert is unique to vertebrates, as is the case for hnRNP-C. These observations indicate that CK1alphaLS and hnRNP-C represent conserved components of a vertebrate-specific H(2)O(2)-responsive nuclear signaling pathway.

Activation of 5'-AMP-activated kinase with diabetes drug metformin induces casein kinase Iepsilon (CKIepsilon)-dependent degradation of clock protein mPer2

Metformin is one of the most commonly used first line drugs for type II diabetes. Metformin lowers serum glucose levels by activating 5'-AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), which maintains energy homeostasis by directly sensing the AMP/ATP ratio. AMPK plays a central role in food intake and energy metabolism through its activities in central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Since food intake and energy metabolism is synchronized to the light-dark (LD) cycle of the environment, we investigated the possibility that AMPK may affect circadian rhythm. We discovered that the circadian period of Rat-1 fibroblasts treated with metformin was shortened by 1 h. One of the regulators of the period length is casein kinase Iepsilon (CKIepsilon), which by phosphorylating and inducing the degradation of the circadian clock component, mPer2, shortens the period length. AMPK phosphorylates Ser-389 of CKIepsilon, resulting in increased CKIepsilon activity and degradation of mPer2. In peripheral tissues, injection of metformin leads to mPer2 degradation and a phase advance in the circadian expression pattern of clock genes in wild-type mice but not in AMPK alpha2 knock-out mice. We conclude that metformin and AMPK have a previously unrecognized role in regulating the circadian rhythm.

Purification of CK1 by affinity chromatography on immobilised axin

Members of the Casein Kinase 1 (CK1) family are implicated in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes like development and circadian rhythm, as well as in diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's disease. From that perspective, CK1 family members are interesting targets for potential chemotherapy. We describe here a rapid and efficient method for the purification of CK1 by affinity chromatography on an immobilised fragment of axin. Axin is a scaffolding protein that interacts with a multitude of proteins, amongst them APC, GSK-3, beta-catenin, CK1alpha, delta, and epsilon, and PP2A. A GST-tagged axin peptide (residues 495-684) was produced in Escherichia coli and either immobilised on glutathione agarose beads or purified and immobilised on CNBr-activated sepharose 4B. These "GST-axin" matrices were found to selectively bind native CK1alpha and CK1epsilon from porcine brain. The affinity-purified enzymes displayed high kinase activity. This single step purification method provides a convenient tool to efficiently purify large amounts of active native CK1 for screening purposes. This single step purification method also provides a convenient tool to follow the status of the axin-binding CK1 isoforms alpha, delta, and epsilon (protein levels, composition of isoforms, kinase activity) under different physiological settings.

Post-translational modifications regulate the ticking of the circadian clock

Getting a good night's sleep is on everyone's to-do list. So is, no doubt, staying awake during late afternoon seminars. Our internal clocks control these and many more workings of the body, and disruptions of the circadian clocks predispose individuals to depression, obesity and cancer. Mutations in kinases and phosphatases in hamsters, flies, fungi and humans highlight how our timepieces are regulated and provide clues as to how we might be able to manipulate them.

Wnt-5a induces Dishevelled phosphorylation and dopaminergic differentiation via a CK1-dependent mechanism

Previously, we have shown that Wnt-5a strongly regulates dopaminergic neuron differentiation by inducing phosphorylation of Dishevelled (Dvl). Here, we identify additional components of the Wnt-5a-Dvl pathway in dopaminergic cells. Using in vitro gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches, we reveal that casein kinase 1 (CK1) delta and CK1epsilon are crucial for Dvl phosphorylation by non-canonical Wnts. We show that in response to Wnt-5a, CK1epsilon binds Dvl and is subsequently phosphorylated. Moreover, in response to Wnt-5a or CK1epsilon, the distribution of Dvl changed from punctate to an even appearance within the cytoplasm. The opposite effect was induced by a CK1epsilon kinase-dead mutant or by CK1 inhibitors. As expected, Wnt-5a blocked the Wnt-3a-induced activation of beta-catenin. However, both Wnt-3a and Wnt-5a activated Dvl2 by a CK1-dependent mechanism in a cooperative manner. Finally, we show that CK1 kinase activity is necessary for Wnt-5a-induced differentiation of primary dopaminergic precursors. Thus, our data identify CK1 as a component of Wnt-5a-induced signalling machinery that regulates dopaminergic differentiation, and suggest that CK1delta/epsilon-mediated phosphorylation of Dvl is a common step in both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signalling.

The first armadillo repeat is involved in the recognition and regulation of beta-catenin phosphorylation by protein kinase CK1

Multiple phosphorylation of beta-catenin by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in the Wnt pathway is primed by CK1 through phosphorylation of Ser-45, which lacks a typical CK1 canonical sequence. Synthetic peptides encompassing amino acids 38-64 of beta-catenin are phosphorylated by CK1 on Ser-45 with low affinity (K(m) approximately 1 mM), whereas intact beta-catenin is phosphorylated at Ser-45 with very high affinity (K(m) approximately 200 nM). Peptides extended to include a putative CK1 docking motif (FXXXF) at 70-74 positions or a F74AA mutation in full-length beta-catenin had no significant effect on CK1 phosphorylation efficiency. beta-Catenin C-terminal deletion mutants up to residue 181 maintained their high affinity, whereas removal of the 131-181 fragment, corresponding to the first armadillo repeat, was deleterious, resulting in a 50-fold increase in K(m) value. Implication of the first armadillo repeat in beta-catenin targeting by CK1 is supported in that the Y142E mutation, which mimics phosphorylation of Tyr-142 by tyrosine kinases and promotes dissociation of beta-catenin from alpha-catenin, further improves CK1 phosphorylation efficiency, lowering the K(m) value to <50 nM, approximating the physiological concentration of beta-catenin. In contrast, alpha-catenin, which interacts with the N-terminal region of beta-catenin, prevents Ser-45 phosphorylation of CK1 in a dose-dependent manner. Our data show that the integrity of the N-terminal region and the first armadillo repeat are necessary and sufficient for high-affinity phosphorylation by CK1 of Ser-45. They also suggest that beta-catenin association with alpha-catenin and beta-catenin phosphorylation by CK1 at Ser-45 are mutually exclusive.

The Drosophila casein kinase Iepsilon/delta Discs overgrown promotes cell survival via activation of DIAP1 expression

The proper number of cells in developing tissues is achieved by coordinating cell division with apoptosis. In Drosophila, the adult wing is derived from wing imaginal discs, which undergo a period of growth and proliferation during larval stages without much programmed cell death. In this report, we demonstrate that the Drosophila casein kinase Iepsilon/delta, known as Discs overgrown (Dco), is required for maintaining this low level of apoptosis. Expression of dco can suppress the apoptotic activity of Head involution defective (Hid) in the developing eye. Loss of dco in the wing disc results in a dramatic reduction in expression of the caspase inhibitor DIAP1 and a concomitant activation of caspases. The regulation of DIAP1 by Dco occurs by a post-transcriptional mechanism that is independent of hid. Mutant clones of dco are considerably smaller than controls even when apoptosis is inhibited, suggesting that Dco promotes cell division/growth in addition to its role in cell survival. The dco phenotype cannot be explained by defects Wingless (Wg) signaling. We propose that Dco coordinates tissue size by stimulating cell division/growth and blocking apoptosis via activation of DIAP1 expression.

Casein kinase I epsilon associates with and phosphorylates the tight junction protein occludin

Occludin is an integral-membrane protein that contributes to tight junction function. We have identified casein kinase I epsilon (CKI epsilon) as a binding partner for the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of occludin by yeast two-hybrid screening. CKI epsilon phosphorylated occludin and co-localised and co-immunoprecipitated with occludin from human endothelial cells. Amino acids 265-318 of occludin were sufficient for CKI epsilon binding and phosphorylation. Deletion of the C-terminal 48 amino acids of occludin increased CKI epsilon binding and phosphorylation, suggesting that this region inhibits CKI epsilon binding. These data identify CKI epsilon as a novel occludin kinase that may be important for the regulation of occludin.

Negative regulation of LRP6 function by casein kinase I epsilon phosphorylation

Wnt signaling acts in part through the low density lipoprotein receptor-related transmembrane proteins LRP5 and LRP6 to regulate embryonic development and stem cell proliferation. Up-regulated signaling is associated with many forms of cancer. Casein kinase I epsilon (CKIepsilon) is a known component of the Wnt-beta-catenin signaling pathway. We find that CKIepsilon binds to LRP5 and LRP6 in vitro and in vivo and identify three CKIepsilon-specific phosphorylation sites in LRP6. Two of the identified phosphorylation sites, Ser1420 and Ser1430, influence Wnt signaling in vivo, since LRP6 with mutation of these sites is a more potent activator of both beta-catenin accumulation and Lef-1 reporter activity. Whereas Wnt3a regulates CKIepsilon kinase activity, LRP6 does not, placing CKIepsilon upstream of LRP6. Mutation of LRP6 Ser1420 and Ser1430 to alanine strengthens its interaction with axin, suggesting a mechanism by which CKIepsilon may negatively regulate Wnt signaling. The role of CKIepsilon is therefore more complex than was previously appreciated. Generation of active CKIepsilon may induce a negative feedback loop by phosphorylation of sites on LRP5/6 that modulate axin binding and hence beta-catenin degradation.

Physiological role for casein kinase 1 in glutamatergic synaptic transmission

Casein kinase 1 (CK1) is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, present in virtually all cell types, in which it phosphorylates a wide variety of substrates. So far, no role has been found for this ubiquitous protein kinase in the physiology of nerve cells. In the present study, we show that CK1 regulates fast synaptic transmission mediated by glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Through the use of CK1 inhibitors, we present evidence that activation of CK1 decreases NMDA receptor activity in the striatum via a mechanism that involves activation by this kinase of protein phosphatase 1 and/or 2A and resultant increased dephosphorylation of NMDA receptors. Indeed, inhibition of CK1 increases NMDA-mediated EPSCs in medium spiny striatal neurons. This effect is associated with an increased phosphorylation of the NR1 and NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptor and is occluded by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. The mGluR1, but not mGluR5, subclass of metabotropic glutamate receptors uses CK1 to inhibit NMDA-mediated synaptic currents. These results provide the first evidence for a role of CK1 in the regulation of synaptic transmission in the brain.

Inhibition of casein kinase I delta alters mitotic spindle formation and induces apoptosis in trophoblast cells

The serine/threonine-specific casein kinase I delta (CKIdelta) is ubiquitously expressed in all tissues, is p53 dependently induced in stress situations and plays an important role in various cellular processes. Our immunohistochemical analysis of the human placenta revealed strongest expression of CKIdelta in extravillous trophoblast cells and in choriocarcinomas. Investigation of the functional role of CKIdelta in an extravillous trophoblast hybrid cell line revealed that CKIdelta was constitutively localized at the centrosomes and the mitotic spindle. Inhibition of CKIdelta with the CKI-specific inhibitor IC261 led to structural alterations of the centrosomes, the formation of multipolar spindles, the inhibition of mitosis and, in contrast to other cell lines, the induction of apoptosis. Our findings indicate that CKIdelta plays an important role in the mitotic progression and in the survival of cells of trophoblast origin. Therefore, IC261 could provide a new tool in treating choriocarcinomas.

Casein kinase Iepsilon down-regulates phospho-Akt via PTEN, following genotoxic stress-induced apoptosis in hematopoietic cells

Here, we show a functional role of casein kinase I (CKI) epsilon in hematopoietic cell survival through the modification of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. Introduction of wild-type (WT)-CKIepsilon into interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent 32D cells increased the sensitivity to genotoxic stresses, such as gamma-irradiation, etoposide, and IL-3 deprivation, whereas kinase-negative (KN)-CKIepsilon suppressed it. Contrary to KN-CKIepsilon, WT-CKIepsilon attenuated the IL-3-induced activation of Akt with the increase of PTEN activity. Similarly, the increase of Akt activation, as well as PTEN inactivation, was accompanied both by a decrease of CKIepsilon expression induced by all-trans retinoic acid and by the addition of a specific inhibitor for CKIepsilon in HL-60 cells. CKIepsilon seems to activate PTEN by physical interaction. These results suggest that the CKIepsilon-induced down-regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling through PTEN lead to amplified sensitivity to apoptosis. Thus, the suppression of CKIepsilon in many human leukemia cell lines may play a role in the cell immortalization.

Genotyping of Madurella mycetomatis by selective amplification of restriction fragments (amplified fragment length polymorphism) and subtype correlation with geographical origin and lesion size

One of the causative organisms of mycetoma is the fungus Madurella mycetomatis. Previously, extensive molecular typing studies identified Sudanese isolates of this fungus as clonal, but polymorphic genetic markers have not yet been identified. Here, we report on the selective amplification of restriction fragment (AFLP) analysis of 37 Sudanese clinical isolates of M. mycetomatis. Of 93 AFLP fragments generated, 25 were polymorphic, and 12 of these 25 polymorphic fragments were found in a large fraction of the strains. Comparative analysis resulted into a tree, composed of two main (clusters I and II) and one minor cluster (cluster III). Seventy-five percent of the strains found in cluster I originated from central Sudan, while the origin of the strains in cluster II was more heterogeneous. Furthermore, the strains found in cluster I were generally obtained from lesions larger than those from which the strains found in cluster II were obtained (chi-square test for trend, P = 0.03). Among the 12 more commonly found polymorphisms, 4 showed sequence homology with known genes. Marker A7 was homologous to an endo-1,4-beta-glucanase from Aspergillus oryzae, 97% identical markers A12 and B3 matched a hypothetical protein from Gibberella zeae, and marker B4 was homologous to casein kinase I from Danio rerio. The last marker seemed to be associated with strains originating from central Sudan (P = 0.001). This is the first report on a genotypic study where genetic markers which may be used to study pathogenicity in M. mycetomatis were obtained.

Interaction of casein kinase 1 delta (CK1 delta) with the light chain LC2 of microtubule associated protein 1A (MAP1A)

CK1delta, a member of the casein kinase 1 family of serine/threonine specific kinases, has been shown to be involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics. We have now identified a 176 aa fragment of the light chain LC2 of MAP1A (termed LC2-P16) specifically interacting with CK1delta. Two CK1delta interacting domains of LC2 were identified, located between aa 2629 and 2753 close to aa 2683 and between aa 2712 and 2805 of LC2. The two regions necessary for the interaction of LC2 with CK1delta have been mapped between aa 76-103 and aa 351-375 of CK1delta. Furthermore, LC2 has been identified as a new substrate of CK1delta. We therefore propose a model in which CK1delta could modulate microtubule dynamics by changing the phosphorylation status of the light chain LC2 of MAP1A.

Regulation of p53-MDMX interaction by casein kinase 1 alpha

MDMX is a homolog of MDM2 that is critical for regulating p53 function during mouse development. MDMX degradation is regulated by MDM2-mediated ubiquitination. Whether there are other mechanisms of MDMX regulation is largely unknown. We found that MDMX binds to the casein kinase 1 alpha isoform (CK1alpha) and is phosphorylated by CK1alpha. Expression of CK1alpha stimulates the ability of MDMX to bind to p53 and inhibit p53 transcriptional function. Regulation of MDMX-p53 interaction requires CK1alpha binding to the central region of MDMX and phosphorylation of MDMX on serine 289. Inhibition of CK1alpha expression by isoform-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) activates p53 and further enhances p53 activity after ionizing irradiation. CK1alpha siRNA also cooperates with DNA damage to induce apoptosis. These results suggest that CK1alpha is a functionally relevant MDMX-binding protein and plays an important role in regulating p53 activity in the absence or presence of stress.

Expanding the functional repertoire of CTD kinase I and RNA polymerase II: novel phosphoCTD-associating proteins in the yeast proteome

CTD kinase I (CTDK-I) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for normal phosphorylation of the C-terminal repeat domain (CTD) on elongating RNA polymerase II. To elucidate cellular roles played by this kinase and the hyperphosphorylated CTD (phosphoCTD) it generates, we systematically searched yeast extracts for proteins that bound to the phosphoCTD made by CTDK-I in vitro. Initially, using a combination of far-western blotting and phosphoCTD affinity chromatography, we discovered a set of novel phosphoCTD-associating proteins (PCAPs) implicated in a variety of nuclear functions. We identified the phosphoCTD-interacting domains of a number of these PCAPs, and in several test cases (namely, Set2, Ssd1, and Hrr25) adduced evidence that phosphoCTD binding is functionally important in vivo. Employing surface plasmon resonance (BIACORE) analysis, we found that recombinant versions of these and other PCAPs bind preferentially to CTD repeat peptides carrying SerPO(4) residues at positions 2 and 5 of each seven amino acid repeat, consistent with the positional specificity of CTDK-I in vitro [Jones, J. C., et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 24957-24964]. Subsequently, we used a synthetic CTD peptide with three doubly phosphorylated repeats (2,5P) as an affinity matrix, greatly expanding our search for PCAPs. This resulted in identification of approximately 100 PCAPs and associated proteins representing a wide range of functions (e.g., transcription, RNA processing, chromatin structure, DNA metabolism, protein synthesis and turnover, RNA degradation, snRNA modification, and snoRNP biogenesis). The varied nature of these PCAPs and associated proteins points to an unexpectedly diverse set of connections between Pol II elongation and other processes, conceptually expanding the role played by CTD phosphorylation in functional organization of the nucleus.

Identification of a protein kinase which phosphorylates a subunit of the 26S proteasome and changes in its activity during meiotic cell cycle in goldfish oocytes

The proteasome is involved in the progression of the meiotic cell cycle in fish oocytes. We reported that the alpha4 subunit of the 26S proteasome, which is a component of the outer rings of the 20S proteasome, is phosphorylated in immature oocytes and dephosphorylated in mature oocytes. To investigate the role of the phosphorylation, we purified the protein kinase from immature oocytes using a recombinant alpha4 subunit as substrate. A protein band which well corresponded to the kinase activity was identified as casein kinase Ialpha (CKIalpha). Two-dimensional (2D) PAGE analysis showed that part of the alpha4 subunit was phosphorylated by CKIalpha in vitro. This spot was detected in purified immature 26S proteasome but not in mature 26S proteasome, demonstrate that the alpha4 subunit is phosphorylated by CKIalpha meiotic cell cycle dependently.

The casein kinase 1 family: participation in multiple cellular processes in eukaryotes

Phosphorylation of serine, threonine and tyrosine residues by cellular protein kinases plays an important role in the regulation of various cellular processes. The serine/threonine specific casein kinase 1 and 2 protein kinase families--(CK1 and CK2)--were among the first protein kinases that had been described. In recent years our knowledge of the regulation and function of mammalian CK1 kinase family members has rapidly increased. Extracellular stimuli, the subcellular localization of CK1 isoforms, their interaction with various cellular structures and proteins, as well as autophosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage of their C-terminal regulatory domains influence CK1 kinase activity. Mammalian CK1 isoforms phosphorylate many different substrates among them key regulatory proteins involved in the control of cell differentiation, proliferation, chromosome segregation and circadian rhythms. Deregulation and/or the incidence of mutations in the coding sequence of CK1 isoforms have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review will summarize our current knowledge about the function and regulation of mammalian CK1 isoforms.

Basic region of residues 228-231 of protein kinase CK1? is involved in its interaction with axin: Binding to axin does not affect the kinase activity

Protein kinase CK1, also known as casein kinase 1, participates in the phosphorylation of beta-catenin, which regulates the functioning of the Wnt signaling cascade involved in embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. beta-catenin phosphorylation occurs in a multiprotein complex assembled on the scaffold protein axin. The interaction of CK1alpha from Danio rerio with mouse-axin has been studied using a pull-down assay that uses fragments of axin fused to glutathione S transferase, which is bound to glutathione sepharose beads. The results indicate that the three lysines present in the basic region of residues 228-231 of CK1alpha are necessary for the binding of CK1 to axin. Lysine 231 is particularly important in this interaction. In order to define the relevance of the axin-CK1alpha interaction, the effect of the presence of axin on the phosphorylating activity of CK1alpha was tested. It is also evident that the region of axin downstream of residues 503-562 is required for CK1alpha interaction. The binding of CK1alpha to axin fragment 292-681 does not facilitate the phosphorylation of beta-catenin despite the fact that this axin fragment can also bind beta-catenin. Binding of CK1alpha to axin is not required for the phosphorylation of axin itself and, likewise, axin does not affect the kinetic parameters of the CK1alpha towards casein or a specific peptide substrate.

Molecular cloning and expression of cDNA coding for four spliced isoforms of casein kinase Ialpha in goldfish oocytes

Casein kinase I (CKI) is a member of the serine/threonine protein kinases and located in a separate group within the superfamily of eukaryotic protein kinases. CKI isoforms regulate several checkpoints of the cell cycle and meiosis. In higher eukaryotes, CKIalpha has four isoforms produced through the alternative splicing of two short inserts. Here, we report the cloning, sequencing and expression of four alternatively spliced isoforms of CKIalpha from goldfish ovary. The cloned cDNAs were 2099-3002-bp long and classified as CKIalpha, CKIalphaS, CKIalphaL and CKIalphaLS. It was revealed that two major (3.0 and 2.0 kb) messages were strongly expressed in the ovary. Four isoforms are expressed in previtellogenic to vitellogenic oocytes. In the huge nucleus of the oocyte, referred to as the germinal vesicle, CKIalphaS is dominant and CKIalphaL is expressed at a detectable level. Immunoblot analysis revealed that CKIalpha and CKIalphaS are major products in both immature and mature oocytes. These two isoforms were expressed in a tissue-dependent manner.

Use of High-Throughput Protein Array for Profiling of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Normal and Malignant Breast Tissue

cDNA arrays provide a powerful tool to identify gene expression pattern that are potentially associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. However, genes work at the protein level and, since the transcriptional activity of a gene does not necessarily reflect cellular protein expression, the identification and quantification of proteins is essential for the understanding of molecular events leading to malignant transformation. We have therefore employed a high-throughput protein microarray system which contains 378 well-characterized monoclonal antibodies in order to compare the gene expression pattern of malignant and adjacent normal breast tissue in a patient with primary breast cancer. Using this technique, we have identified a number of proteins that show increased expression levels in malignant breast tissues such as casein kinase Ie, p53, annexin XI, CDC25C, eIF-4E and MAP kinase 7. The expression of other proteins, such as the multifunctional regulator 14-3-3e was found to be decreased in malignant breast tissue, whereas the majority of proteins remained unchanged when compared to the corresponding non-malignant samples. The protein expression pattern was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, in which antibodies against 8 representative proteins known to be involved in carcinogenesis were employed in paraffin-embedded normal and malignant tissue sections deriving from the same patient. In each case, the results obtained by IHC matched the data obtained by antibody microarray system. Taken together, we have described for the first time a tumor cell specificity protein expression pattern by use of a novel commercially available antibody microarray system. We have thus demonstrated the feasibility of high-throughput protein arrays in the proteomic analysis of human breast tissue. We hypothesize that the use of protein arrays will not only increase our understanding of the molecular events, but could prove useful in evaluating prognosis and in determining optimal antineoplastic therapy.

Phosphorylation of clock protein PER1 regulates its circadian degradation in normal human fibroblasts

Recent advances suggest that the molecular components of the circadian clock generate a self-sustaining transcriptional-translational feedback loop with a period of approx. 24 h. The precise expression profiles of human clock genes and their products have not been elucidated. We cloned human clock genes, including per1, per2, per3, cry2 and clock, and evaluated their circadian mRNA expression profiles in WI-38 fibroblasts stimulated with serum. Transcripts of hPer1, hPer2, hPer3, hBMAL1 and hCry2 (where h is human) underwent circadian oscillation. Serum-stimulation also caused daily oscillations of hPER1 protein and the apparent molecular mass of hPER1 changed. Inhibitor studies indicated that the CKI (casein kinase I) family, including CKIepsilon and CKIdelta, phosphorylated hPER1 and increased the apparent molecular mass of hPER1. The inhibition of hPER1 phosphorylation by CKI-7 [ N -(2-aminoethyl)-5-chloro-isoquinoline-8-sulphonamide], a CKI inhibitor, disturbed hPER1 degradation, delayed the nuclear entry of hPER1 and allowed it to persist for longer in the nucleus. Furthermore, proteasome inhibitors specifically blocked hPER1 degradation. However leptomycin B, an inhibitor of nuclear export, did not alter the degradation state of hPER1 protein. These findings indicate that circadian hPER1 degradation through a proteasomal pathway can be regulated through phosphorylation by CKI, but not by subcellular localization.

Regulation of the Circadian Oscillator in Xenopus Retinal Photoreceptors by Protein Kinases Sensitive to the Stress-activated Protein Kinase Inhibitor, SB 203580

Circadian rhythms are generated by transcriptional and translational feedback loops. Stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) are known to regulate transcription factors in response to a variety of extracellular stimuli. In the present study, we examined whether the SAPKs play a role in the circadian system in cultured Xenopus retinal photoreceptor layers. A 6-h pulse of SB 203580, an inhibitor of SAPKs, reset the circadian rhythm of melatonin in a phase-dependent manner similar to dark pulses. This phase-shifting effect was dose-dependent over the range of 1-100 microm. Treatment with SB 203580 also affected light-induced phase shifts, and light had no effect on the circadian oscillator in the presence of 100 microm SB 203580. In-gel kinase assays showed that SB 203580 selectively inhibited a small group of protein kinases in the photoreceptor cells. These SB 203580-sensitive kinases correspond to two isoforms of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and three isoforms of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Further in vitro study demonstrated that SB 203580 also inhibited casein kinase Iepsilon (CKIepsilon), which has been shown to regulate circadian rhythms in several organisms. However, a pharmacological inhibition of CKI reset the circadian oscillator in a phase-dependent manner distinct from that of SB 203580. This argues against a primary role of CKI in the phase-shifting effects of SB 203580. These results suggest that SB 203580 affects the circadian system by inhibiting p38 MAPKs or JNKs and that these protein kinases are candidate cellular signals in the regulation of the circadian oscillator in the Xenopus retinal photoreceptors.

Casein kinase Iepsilon modulates the signaling specificities of dishevelled

Wnt signaling is critical to many aspects of development, and aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway can cause cancer. Dishevelled (Dvl) protein plays a central role in this pathway by transducing the signal from the Wnt receptor complex to the beta-catenin destruction complex. Dvl also plays a pivotal role in the planar cell polarity pathway that involves the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). How functions of Dvl are regulated in these two distinct pathways is not clear. We show that deleting the C-terminal two-thirds of Dvl, which includes the PDZ and DEP domains and is essential for Dvl-induced JNK activation, rendered the molecule a much more potent activator of the beta-catenin pathway. We also found that casein kinase Iepsilon (CKIepsilon), a previously identified positive regulator of Wnt signaling, stimulated Dvl activity in the Wnt pathway, but dramatically inhibited Dvl activity in the JNK pathway. Consistent with this, overexpression of CKIepsilon in Drosophila melanogaster stimulated Wnt signaling and disrupted planar cell polarity. We also observed a correlation between the localization and the signaling activity of Dvl in the beta-catenin pathway and the JNK pathway. Furthermore, by using RNA interference, we demonstrate that the Drosophila CKIepsilon homologue Double time positively regulates the beta-catenin pathway through Dvl and negatively regulates the Dvl-induced JNK pathway. We suggest that CKIepsilon functions as a molecular switch to direct Dvl from the JNK pathway to the beta-catenin pathway, possibly by altering the conformation of the C terminus of Dvl.

Casein kinase 1 delta phosphorylates tau and disrupts its binding to microtubules

Tau hyperphosphorylation precedes neuritic lesion formation in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting it participates in the tau fibrillization reaction pathway. Candidate tau protein kinases include members of the casein kinase 1 (CK1) family of phosphotransferases, which are highly overexpressed in Alzheimer's disease brain and colocalize with neuritic and granulovacuolar lesions. Here we characterized the contribution of one CK1 isoform, Ckidelta, to the phosphorylation of tau at residues Ser202/Thr205 and Ser396/Ser404 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells using immunodetection and fluorescence microscopy. Treatment of cells with membrane permeable CK1 inhibitor 3-[(2,3,6-trimethoxyphenyl)methylidenyl]-indolin-2-one (IC261) lowered occupancy of Ser396/Ser404 phosphorylation sites by >70% at saturation, suggesting that endogenous CK1 was the major source of basal phosphorylation activity at these sites. Overexpression of Ckidelta increased CK1 enzyme activity and further raised tau phosphorylation at residues Ser202/Thr205 and Ser396/Ser404 in situ. Inhibitor IC261 reversed tau hyperphosphorylation induced by Ckidelta overexpression. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed direct association of tau and Ckidelta in situ, consistent with tau being a Ckidelta substrate. Ckidelta overexpression also produced a decrease in the fraction of bulk tau bound to detergent-insoluble microtubules. These results suggest that Ckidelta phosphorylates tau at sites that modulate tau/microtubule binding, and that the expression pattern of Ckidelta in Alzheimer's disease is consistent with it playing an important role in tau aggregation.

Regulation of casein kinase I epsilon activity by Wnt signaling

The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway is important in both development and cancer. Casein kinase Iepsilon (CKIepsilon) is a positive regulator of the canonical Wnt pathway. CKIepsilon itself can be regulated in vitro by inhibitory autophosphorylation, and recent data suggest that in vivo kinase activity can be regulated by extracellular stimuli. We show here that the phosphorylation state and kinase activity of CKIepsilon are directly regulated by Wnt signaling. Coexpression of XWnt-8 or addition of soluble Wnt-3a ligand led to a significant and rapid increase in the activity of endogenous CKIepsilon. The increase in CKIepsilon activity is the result of decreased inhibitory autophosphorylation because it is abolished by preincubation of immunoprecipitated kinase with ATP. Furthermore, mutation of CKIepsilon inhibitory autophosphorylation sites creates a kinase termed CKIepsilon(MM2) that is significantly more active than CKIepsilon and is not activated further upon Wnt stimulation. Autoinhibition of CKIepsilon is biologically relevant because CKIepsilon(MM2) is more effective than CKIepsilon at activating transcription from a Lef1-dependent promoter. Finally, CKIepsilon(MM2) expression in Xenopus embryos induces both axis duplication and additional developmental abnormalities. The data suggest that Wnt signaling activates CKIepsilon by causing transient dephosphorylation of critical inhibitory sites present in the carboxyl-terminal domain of the kinase. Activation of the Wnt pathway may therefore stimulate a cellular phosphatase to dephosphorylate and activate CKIepsilon

Involvement of casein kinase Iepsilon in cytokine-induced granulocytic differentiation

Two closely related casein kinase I (CKI) isoforms, CKIdelta and CKIepsilon, are ubiquitously expressed in many human tissues, but their specific biologic function remains to be clarified. Here, we provide the first evidence that CKIepsilon is involved in hematopoietic cell differentiation. CKIepsilon, but not CKIdelta, was down-regulated along with human granulocytic differentiation. The specific down-regulation was observed in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-induced cell differentiation of murine interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent myeloid progenitor 32D cells. Introduction of wild-type (WT)-CKIepsilon into 32D cells inhibited the G-CSF-induced cell differentiation, whereas kinase-negative (KN)-CKIepsilon promoted the differentiation. Neither WT- nor KN-CKIepsilon affected IL-3-dependent cell growth. Moreover, introduction of WT- or KN-CKIdelta did not affect the cytokine-induced cell growth and differentiation. While G-CSF-induced activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) was sustained by KN-CKIepsilon, STAT3 activation was attenuated by WT-CKIepsilon. This may be explained by the fact that the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was stabilized by its physical association with CKIepsilon. Such stabilization by CKIepsilon was also seen in IL-3-induced beta-catenin. The stabilization of downstream components of cytokine and Wnt signaling by CKIepsilon might be critical for integration of several intracellular signaling pathways to a cell-specific biologic response in hematopoietic cell self-renewal.

Roles of OsCKI1, a rice casein kinase I, in root development and plant hormone sensitivity

Casein kinases are critical in cell division and differentiation across species. A rice cDNA fragment encoding a putative casein kinase I (CKI) was identified via cDNA macroarray under brassinosteroid (BR) treatment, and a 1939-bp full-length cDNA, OsCKI1, was isolated and found to encode a putative 463-aa protein. RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis indicated that OsCKI1 was constitutively expressed in various rice tissues and upregulated by treatments with BR and abscisic acid (ABA). Enzymatic assay of recombinant OsCKI1 proteins expressed in Escherichia coli showed that the protein was capable of phosphorylating casein. The physiological roles of OsCKI1 were studied through antisense transgenic approaches, and homozygous transgenic plants showed abnormal root development, including fewer lateral and adventitious roots, and shortened primary roots as a result of reduced cell elongation. Treatment of wild-type plants with CKI-7, a specific inhibitor of CKI, also confirmed these functions of OsCKI1. Interestingly, in transgenic and CKI-7-treated plants, exogenously supplied IAA could restore normal root development, and measurement of free IAA content in CKI-deficient primary and adventitious roots revealed altered auxin content, indicating that OsCKI1 is involved in auxin metabolism or that it may affect auxin levels. Transgenic plants were less sensitive than control plants to ABA or BR treatment during germination, suggesting that OsCKI1 may be involved in various hormone-signaling pathways. OsCKI1-GFP fusion studies revealed the localization of OsCKI1 to the nucleus, suggesting a possible involvement in regulation of gene expression. In OsCKI1-deficient plants, differential gene expression was investigated using cDNA chip technology, and results indicated that genes related to signal transduction and hormone metabolism were indeed with altered expression.

Casein kinase I delta (CKIdelta) is involved in lymphocyte physiology

The casein kinase I isoform delta (CKIdelta) plays an important role in vesicular trafficking, chromosome segregation, cell cycle progression, cytokinesis, developmental processes, and circadian rhythm. In this study we examined the distribution pattern of CKIdelta and quantified its kinase activity in various tissues of BALB/c mice. Whereas CKIdelta is ubiquitously expressed, differences in the kinase activity were detected in organs with comparable CKIdelta protein levels. To elucidate the role of CKIdelta in splenocytes, which displayed the highest kinase activity, the cell type-specific distribution of CKIdelta within the spleen was investigated. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a strong CKIdelta immunolabeling in lymphoid cells of the white pulp, while in the red pulp CKIdelta immunoreactivity was found in cells of various haematopoietic lineages. Furthermore, high CKIdelta kinase acitivity was observed in isolated lymphocytes and granulocytes of young BALB/c mice. In lymphocytes the CKIdelta activity increased upon mitogenic stimulation, whereas upon gamma-irradiation CKIdelta protein and activity levels were diminished. Interestingly, the comparison of CKIdelta activity in p53+/+ and p53-/- lymphocytes revealed a higher activity in p53+/+ lymphocytes. In addition, we observed an increased immunostaining in cells of hyperplastic B follicles and advanced B-cell lymphomas in p53-deficient mice. Thus, our results indicate that CKIdelta plays several roles in lymphocyte physiology.

Characterization of (-)-matairesinol as a potent inhibitor of casein kinase I in vitro

The inhibitory effects of (-)-matairesinol (MTS) isolated from Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai on the activities of four distinct Ser/Thr-protein kinases [two casein kinases (CK-I and CK-II), A-kinase and C-kinase] were determined in vitro. It was found that (i) MTS inhibits the activities of CK-I and C-kinase alpha (ID(50)=approx. 10 microM) in a dose-depedent manner, but high doses are required to inhibit A-kinase activity (ID(50)=approx. 90 microM); (ii) the autophosphorylation of CK-I is more sensitive to MTS (ID(50)=approx. 0.2 microM); (iii) MTS inhibits CK-I activity in a manner similar to that observed with CK-I-7 (a CK-I inhibitor); and (iv) the compound inhibits CK-I activity by affecting ATP binding in a mixed type manner. These results indicate that MTS is a potent CK-I inhibitor in vitro.

Biochemical and cellular characteristics of the four splice variants of protein kinase CK1alpha from zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Protein kinase CK1 (previously known as casein kinase I) conforms to a subgroup of the great protein kinase family found in eukaryotic organisms. The CK1 subgroup of vertebrates contains seven members known as alpha, beta, gamma1, gamma2, gamma3, delta, and epsilon. The CK1alpha gene can generate four variants (CK1alpha, CK1alphaS, CK1alphaL, and CK1alphaLS) through alternate splicing, characterized by the presence or absence of two additional coding sequences. Exon "L" encodes a 28-amino acid stretch that is inserted after lysine 152, in the center of the catalytic domain. The "S" insert encodes 12 amino acid residues and is located close to the carboxyl terminus of the protein. This work reports some biochemical and cellular properties of the four CK1alpha variants found to be expressed in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results obtained indicate that the presence of the "L" insert affects several biochemical properties of CK1alpha: (a) it increases the apparent Km for ATP twofold, from approximately 30 to approximately 60 microM; (b) it decreases the sensitivity to the CKI-7 inhibitor, raising the I50 values from 113 to approximately 230 microM; (c) it greatly decreases the heat stability of the enzyme at 40 degrees C. In addition, the insertion of the "L" fragment exerts very important effects on some cellular properties of the enzyme. CK1alphaL concentrates in the cell nucleus, excluding nucleoli, while the CK1alpha variant is predominantly cytoplasmic, although some presence is observed in the nucleus. This finding supports the thesis that the basic-rich region found in the "L" insert acts as a nuclear localization signal. The "L" insert-containing variant was also found to be more rapidly degraded (half-life of 100 min) than the CK1alpha variant (half-life of 400 min) in transfected Cos-7 cells.

Centrosomal anchoring of the protein kinase CK1delta mediated by attachment to the large, coiled-coil scaffolding protein CG-NAP/AKAP450

Protein kinase CK1 (formerly termed casein kinase I) is ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and comprises a family of as many as 14 isoforms (including splice variants) in mammalian cells. Mammalian CK1delta and CK1epsilon, which are highly related to each other, are enriched at the centrosomes in interphase cells and at the spindle during mitosis. In the present study we have isolated, using the yeast two-hybrid system, a 182 amino acid residue fragment of the centrosomal and golgi N-kinase anchoring protein (CG-NAP, also known as AKAP450), which specifically interacts with CK1delta and CK1epsilon, but not with other CK1 isoforms. The 182 amino acid residue CG-NAP fragment, or full length CG-NAP, co-immunoprecipitates with CK1delta and CK1epsilon from mammalian cells. Consistent with this association, endogenous CG-NAP/AKAP450 and CK1delta co-localize in cells. Moreover, when expressed in the presence of CK1delta the 182 amino acid residue CG-NAP fragment adopts the same sub-cellular localization as CK1delta. Strikingly, attachment of the CG-NAP fragment to the plasma membrane is sufficient to re-localize a significant level of CK1delta to the membrane. These findings support a model in which sub-cellular localization of CK1delta/epsilon molecules at the centrosome is mediated, at least in part, through the action of CG-NAP/AKAP450 and provide a potential mechanism by which the contribution to cell cycle progression by CK1delta/epsilon may be regulated.

Large scale molecular analysis identifies genes with altered expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma

Salivary gland cancers comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms whose biological and clinical characteristics differ considerably from those of mucosal squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. One of the most common subtypes, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), is notable for its myoepithelial differentiation, proclivity for hematogenous spread, and slow but progressive clinical course. The molecular alterations that underlie its development and progression are poorly characterized. Here we used oligonucleotide microarray analysis to survey the expression of 8920 different human genes in 15 ACCs, one ACC cell line, and five normal major salivary glands. We observed expression of genes indicative of myoepithelial differentiation, as expected, including those whose protein products are components of basement membranes and extracellular matrix. Other genes that were highly ranked for their expression in ACC were those encoding the transcription factors SOX4 and AP-2 gamma, the latter of which also was overexpressed in ACC relative to 175 other carcinomas from 10 anatomical sites that we had previously profiled. Additional genes, which were highly expressed in ACC compared to the other carcinomas, included casein kinase 1, epsilon and frizzled-7, both members of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Our study documents for the first time the diverse spectrum of genes overexpressed in ACC and highlights gene products and pathways that in the future might be exploited as therapeutic targets for this cancer, which up until now, has shown limited response to chemotherapeutic approaches.

Casein kinase I and casein kinase II differentially regulate axin function in Wnt and JNK pathways

Axin uses different combinations of functional domains in down-regulation of the Wnt pathway and activation of the MEKK1/JNK pathway. We are interested in the elucidation of the functional switch of Axin. In the present study, we show that the Wnt activator CKIepsilon, but not CKIIalpha, Frat1, LRP5, or LRP6, inhibited Axin-mediated JNK activation. We also found that both CKIalpha and CKIepsilon interacted with Axin, whereas CKIIalpha did not bind to Axin and had no effect on Axin-mediated JNK activity even though CKIIalpha has also been suggested to be an activator for the Wnt pathway. The COOH-terminal region and the MEKK1-interacting domain of Axin are important for CKIalpha-Axin and CKIepsilon-Axin interaction. We further demonstrated that CKIepsilon and CKIalpha binding to Axin excluded MEKK1 binding, indicating that a competitive physical occupancy may underlie the inhibitory effect. Moreover, our data indicated that CKIepsilon kinase activity plays an additive role in this effect. Taken together, we have demonstrated that CKI and CKII exhibit differential effects on Axin-MEKK1 interaction and Axin-mediated JNK activation. Furthermore, our data suggest that CKI may provide a possible switch mechanism for Axin function in the regulation of Wnt and JNK pathways.

The circadian regulatory proteins BMAL1 and cryptochromes are substrates of casein kinase Iepsilon

The serine/threonine protein kinase casein kinase I epsilon (CKIepsilon) is a key regulator of metazoan circadian rhythm. Genetic and biochemical data suggest that CKIepsilon binds to and phosphorylates the PERIOD proteins. However, the PERIOD proteins interact with a variety of circadian regulators, suggesting the possibility that CKIepsilon may interact with and phosphorylate additional clock components as well. We find that CRY1 and BMAL1 are phosphoproteins in cultured cells. Mammalian PERIOD proteins act as a scaffold with distinct domains that simultaneously bind CKIepsilon and mCRY1 and mCRY2 (mCRY). mCRY is phosphorylated by CKIepsilon only when both proteins are bound to mammalian PERIOD proteins. BMAL1 is also a substrate for CKIepsilon in vitro, and CKIepsilon kinase activity positively regulates BMAL1-dependent transcription from circadian promoters in reporter assays. We conclude that CKIepsilon phosphorylates multiple circadian substrates and may exert its effects on circadian rhythm in part by a direct effect on BMAL1-dependent transcription.

Axin-mediated CKI phosphorylation of beta-catenin at Ser 45: a molecular switch for the Wnt pathway

The Wnt pathway controls numerous developmental processes via the beta-catenin-TCF/LEF transcription complex. Deregulation of the pathway results in the aberrant accumulation of beta-catenin in the nucleus, often leading to cancer. Normally, cytoplasmic beta-catenin associates with APC and axin and is continuously phosphorylated by GSK-3beta, marking it for proteasomal degradation. Wnt signaling is considered to prevent GSK-3beta from phosphorylating beta-catenin, thus causing its stabilization. However, the Wnt mechanism of action has not been resolved. Here we study the regulation of beta-catenin phosphorylation and degradation by the Wnt pathway. Using mass spectrometry and phosphopeptide-specific antibodies, we show that a complex of axin and casein kinase I (CKI) induces beta-catenin phosphorylation at a single site: serine 45 (S45). Immunopurified axin and recombinant CKI phosphorylate beta-catenin in vitro at S45; CKI inhibition suppresses this phosphorylation in vivo. CKI phosphorylation creates a priming site for GSK-3beta and is both necessary and sufficient to initiate the beta-catenin phosphorylation-degradation cascade. Wnt3A signaling and Dvl overexpression suppress S45 phosphorylation, thereby precluding the initiation of the cascade. Thus, a single, CKI-dependent phosphorylation event serves as a molecular switch for the Wnt pathway.

Casein kinase I phosphorylates the Armadillo protein and induces its degradation in Drosophila

Casein kinase I (CKI) was recently reported as a positive regulator of Wnt signaling in vertebrates and Caenorhabditis elegans. To elucidate the function of Drosophila CKI in the wingless (Wg) pathway, we have disrupted its function by double-stranded RNA-mediated interference (RNAi). While previous findings were mainly based on CKI overexpression, this is the first convincing loss-of-function analysis of CKI. Surprisingly, CKIalpha- or CKIepsilon-RNAi markedly elevated the Armadillo (Arm) protein levels in Drosophila Schneider S2R+ cells, without affecting its mRNA levels. Pulse-chase analysis showed that CKI-RNAi stabilizes Arm protein. Moreover, Drosophila embryos injected with CKIalpha double-stranded RNA showed a naked cuticle phenotype, which is associated with activation of Wg signaling. These results indicate that CKI functions as a negative regulator of Wg/Arm signaling. Overexpression of CKIalpha induced hyper-phosphorylation of both Arm and Dishevelled in S2R+ cells and, conversely, CKIalpha-RNAi reduced the amount of hyper-modified forms. His-tagged Arm was phosphorylated by CKIalpha in vitro on a set of serine and threonine residues that are also phosphorylated by Zeste-white 3. Thus, we propose that CKI phosphorylates Arm and stimulates its degradation.