The essential role of RI alpha in the maintenance of regulated PKA activity

PKA-mediated phosphorylation regulates the function of activation-induced deaminase (AID) in B cells

During humoral immune responses, two distinct genetic modification events diversify the Ig genes in germinal center (GC) B cells: somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination (CSR). Both processes require the activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), an enzyme expressed specifically in GC B cells. However, the mechanisms that regulate AID activity are largely unknown. Here we report that protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates AID and regulates its activity in GC B cells. AID physically interacts with the PKA holoenzyme in the cytoplasm and is phosphorylated by the PKA catalytic subunit at specific residues. AID phosphorylation is required for CSR, because substitution of the two phosphorylation targets impairs its ability to rescue CSR in AID-deficient B cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of PKA prevents isotype class switching in a murine B-cell lymphoma cell line; conversely, B cells from mice where PKA activity is made constitutive by conditional deletion of the PKA regulatory subunit gene display enhanced CSR. These findings implicate PKA in the regulation of AID function and suggest that the control of T cell-dependent immune responses may be modulated, via AID, by signals that activate PKA.

The flagellar motility of Chlamydomonas pf25 mutant lacking an AKAP-binding protein is overtly sensitive to medium conditions

Radial spokes are a conserved axonemal structural complex postulated to regulate the motility of 9 + 2 cilia and flagella via a network of phosphoenzymes and regulatory proteins. Consistently, a Chlamydomonas radial spoke protein, RSP3, has been identified by RII overlays as an A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) that localizes the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) holoenzyme by binding to the RIIa domain of PKA RII subunit. However, the highly conserved docking domain of PKA is also found in the N termini of several AKAP-binding proteins unrelated to PKA as well as a 24-kDa novel spoke protein, RSP11. Here, we report that RSP11 binds to RSP3 directly in vitro and colocalizes with RSP3 toward the spoke base near outer doublets and dynein motors in axonemes. Importantly, RSP11 mutant pf25 displays a spectrum of motility, from paralysis with flaccid or twitching flagella as other spoke mutants to wildtype-like swimming. The wide range of motility changes reversibly depending on the condition of liquid media without replacing defective proteins. We postulate that radial spokes use the RIIa/AKAP module to regulate ciliary and flagellar beating; absence of the spoke RIIa protein exposes a medium-sensitive regulatory mechanism that is not obvious in wild-type Chlamydomonas.

A transgenic mouse bearing an antisense construct of regulatory subunit type 1A of protein kinase A develops endocrine and other tumours: comparison with Carney complex and other PRKAR1A induced lesions

BACKGROUND

Inactivation of the human type Ialpha regulatory subunit (RIalpha) of cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) (PRKAR1A) leads to altered kinase activity, primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD), and sporadic adrenal and other tumours.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A transgenic mouse carrying an antisense transgene for Prkar1a exon 2 (X2AS) under the control of a tetracycline responsive promoter (the Tg(Prkar1a*x2as)1Stra, Tg(tTAhCMV)3Uh or tTA/X2AS line) developed thyroid follicular hyperplasia and adenomas, adrenocortical hyperplasia and other features reminiscent of PPNAD, including late onset weight gain, visceral adiposity, and non-dexamethasone suppressible hypercorticosteronaemia, with histiocytic, epithelial hyperplasias, lymphomas, and other mesenchymal tumours. These lesions were associated with allelic losses of the mouse chromosome 11 Prkar1a locus, an increase in total type II PKA activity, and higher RIIbeta protein levels; the latter biochemical and protein changes were also documented in Carney complex tumours associated with PRKAR1A inactivating mutations and chromosome 17 PRKAR1A locus changes.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the tTA/X2AS mouse line with a downregulated Prkar1a gene replicates several of the findings in Carney complex patients and their affected tissues, supporting the role of RIalpha as a candidate tumour suppressor gene.

Alterations in protein kinase A signalling and cleft palate: a review

Cyclic AMP is an important second messenger mediating the actions of many hormones and other ligands in a variety of cells. Cells of the developing organism are no exception. Once generated, it releases the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) from the inhibitory influence of its regulatory subunit, which then migrates into the nucleus to phosphorylate and enhance the binding of relevant transcription factors to the promoter element CRE of genes involved in above cellular responses. This review summarizes the available data on the essential role of this pathway in embryonic development as well as the functionality, ontogeny and consequences of genetic and chemical disruption of this pathway in the developing orofacial structures, especially the secondary palate as influenced by the mycotoxin, secalonic acid D.

Molecular and immunohistochemical investigation of protein kinase a regulatory subunit type 1A (PRKAR1A) in odontogenic myxomas

Odontogenic myxomas are rare benign neoplasms affecting the jaw. Myxomas of bones and other sites occur as part of Carney complex (CNC), a multiple neoplasia syndrome caused by mutations in the PRKAR1A gene, which codes for the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (PKA). In the present study, 17 odontogenic myxomas from patients without CNC were screened for PRKAR1A mutations and PRKAR1A protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mutations of the coding region of the PRKAR1A gene were identified in 2 tumors; both these lesions showed no or significantly decreased immunostaining of PRKAR1A in the tumor compared to that in the surrounding normal tissue. One mutation (c.725C>A) led to a nonconservative amino acid substitution in a highly conserved area of the gene (A213D); the other was a single base-pair deletion that led to a frameshift (del774C) and a stop codon 11 amino acids downstream of the mutation site; both tumors were heterozygous for the respective mutations. Of the remaining tumors, 7 of the 15 without mutations showed almost no PRKAR1A in the tumor cells, whereas IHC showed that the protein was abundant in nontumorous cells. We concluded that PRKAR1A may be involved by its down-regulation in the pathogenesis of odontogenic myxomas caused by mutations and/or other genetic mechanisms. Of the sporadic, nonfamilial tumors associated with PRKAR1A mutations, the odontogenic type was the first myxomatous lesion found to harbor somatic PRKAR1A sequence changes.

The conformationally dynamic C helix of the RIalpha subunit of protein kinase A mediates isoform-specific domain reorganization upon C subunit binding

Different isoforms of the full-length protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit homodimer (R2) and the catalytic (C) subunit-bound holoenzyme (R2C2) have very different global structures despite similar molecular weights and domain organization within their primary sequences. To date, it has been the linker sequence between the R subunit dimerization/docking domain and cAMP-binding domain A that has been implicated in modulating domain interactions to give rise to these differences in global structure. The small angle solution scattering data presented here for three different isoforms of PKA heterodimer (deltaR-C) complexes reveal a role for another conformationally dynamic sequence in modulating inter-subunit and domain interactions, the C helix that connects the cAMP-binding domains A and B of the R subunit. The deltaR-C heterodimer complexes studied here were each formed with a monomeric N-terminal deletion mutant of the R subunit (deltaR) that contains the inhibitor sequence and both cAMP-binding domains. The scattering data show that type IIalpha and type IIbeta deltaR-C heterodimers are relatively compact and globular, with the C subunit contacting the inhibitor sequence and both cAMP-binding domains. In contrast, the type Ialpha heterodimer is significantly more extended, with the C subunit interacting with the inhibitor sequence and cAMP-binding domain A, whereas domain B extends out such that its surface is almost completely solvent exposed. These data implicate the C helix of RIalpha in modulating isoform-specific interdomain communication in the PKA holoenzyme, adding another layer of structural complexity to our understanding of signaling dynamics in this multisubunit, multidomain protein kinase.

A mouse model for the Carney complex tumor syndrome develops neoplasia in cyclic AMP-responsive tissues

Carney complex is an autosomal dominant neoplasia syndrome characterized by spotty skin pigmentation, myxomatosis, endocrine tumors, and schwannomas. This condition may be caused by inactivating mutations in PRKAR1A, the gene encoding the type 1A regulatory subunit of protein kinase A. To better understand the mechanism by which PRKAR1A mutations cause disease, we have developed conventional and conditional null alleles for Prkar1a in the mouse. Prkar1a(+/-) mice developed nonpigmented schwannomas and fibro-osseous bone lesions beginning at approximately 6 months of age. Although genotype-specific cardiac and adrenal lesions were not seen, benign and malignant thyroid neoplasias were observed in older mice. This spectrum of tumors overlaps that seen in Carney complex patients, confirming the validity of this mouse model. Genetic analysis indicated that allelic loss occurred in a subset of tumor cells, suggesting that complete loss of Prkar1a plays a key role in tumorigenesis. Similarly, tissue-specific ablation of Prkar1a from a subset of facial neural crest cells caused the formation of schwannomas with divergent differentiation. These observations confirm the identity of PRKAR1A as a tumor suppressor gene with specific importance to cyclic AMP-responsive tissues and suggest that these mice may be valuable tools not only for understanding endocrine tumorigenesis but also for understanding inherited predispositions for schwannoma formation.

Clinical phenotypes and molecular genetic mechanisms of Carney complex

Carney complex is a familial multiple neoplasia disorder with characteristic features such as cardiac and cutaneous myxomas and spotty pigmentation of the skin. Clinical genetic analyses have shown that Carney complex is transmitted in an autosomal dominant way and can present with a wide array of other tumours, such as psammomatous melanotic schwannoma, testicular Sertoli-cell tumours, and pituitary adenomas. Molecular genetic studies show that mutations in the PRKAR1A gene, encoding the R1alpha regulatory subunit of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase A, are the cause of Carney complex in most patients. Investigation of genetically engineered animal models confirms the role of PRKAR1A as a tumour suppressor and has begun to elaborate mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis in this disorder. Further genetic studies in human beings have highlighted novel variant phenotypes, such as congenital contractures, which are potentially associated with Carney complex, and have identified alternative genetic pathways to cardiac tumorigenesis, including mutation of the MYH8 gene that encodes perinatal myosin.

Changes in intracellular cAMP reported by a Redistribution assay using a cAMP-dependent protein kinase-green fluorescent protein chimera

We report on a novel method to monitor changes in intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i) within intact living cells using a chimeric fusion of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase to green fluorescent protein (PKAcat-GFP). In stably transfected unstimulated fibroblasts, fusion protein fluorescence is highly concentrated in aggregates throughout the cytoplasm and absent in the nucleus. Elevation of [cAMP]i disperses GFP fluorescence from the cytoplasmic aggregates within minutes. Spot-photobleach measurements show that the rate of exchange of GFP-labeled catalytic subunits at these aggregates increases in proportion to [cAMP]i. For any given stimulus, the response curve for dispersal of GFP fluorescence from aggregates agrees closely with the increase in total [cAMP]i as measured by standard in vitro methods (SPA). The redistribution of fluorescence is completely reversible: reduction of [cAMP]i results in return of fluorescence to the cytoplasmic aggregates. Consistent behaviour of PKAcat-GFP is seen in different cell backgrounds. We demonstrate that PKA Redistribution assays are suitable for measurement of changes in [cAMP]i brought about by both Gs- and Gi-protein-coupled receptor stimulation as well as by inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterases.

Down-regulation of regulatory subunit type 1A of protein kinase A leads to endocrine and other tumors

Mutations of the human type Ialpha regulatory subunit (RIalpha) of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA; PRKAR1A) lead to altered kinase activity, primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease, and tumors of the thyroid and other tissues. To bypass the early embryonic lethality of Prkar1a(-/-) mice, we established transgenic mice carrying an antisense transgene for Prkar1a exon 2 (X2AS) under the control of a tetracycline-responsive promoter. Down-regulation of Prkar1a by up to 70% was achieved in transgenic mouse tissues and embryonic fibroblasts, with concomitant changes in kinase activity and increased cell proliferation, respectively. Mice developed thyroid follicular hyperplasia and adenomas, adrenocortical hyperplasia, and other features reminiscent of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease, histiocytic and epithelial hyperplasias, lymphomas, and other mesenchymal tumors. These were associated with allelic losses of the mouse chromosome 11 Prkar1a locus, an increase in total type II PKA activity, and higher RIIbeta protein levels. This mouse provides a novel, useful tool for the investigation of cyclic AMP, RIalpha, and PKA functions and confirms the critical role of Prkar1a in tumorigenesis in endocrine and other tissues.

Substrate enhances the sensitivity of type I protein kinase a to cAMP

The functional significance of the presence of two major (types I and II) isoforms of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is still enigmatic. The present study showed that peptide substrate enhanced the activation of PKA type I at low, physiologically relevant concentrations of cAMP through competitive displacement of the regulatory RI subunit. The effect was similar whether the substrate was a short peptide or the physiological 60-kDa protein tyrosine hydroxylase. In contrast, substrate failed to affect the cAMP-sensitivity of PKA type II. Size exclusion chromatography confirmed that substrate acted to physically enhance the dissociation of the RIalpha and Calpha subunits of PKA type I, but not the RIIalpha and Calpha subunits of PKA type II. Substrate availability can therefore fine-tune the activation of PKA type I by cAMP, but not PKA type II. The cAMP-dissociated RII and C subunits of PKA type II reassociated much faster than the PKA type I subunits in the presence of substrate peptide. This suggests that only PKA type II is able to rapidly reverse its activation after a burst of cAMP when exposed to high substrate concentration. We propose this as a possible reason why PKA type II is preferentially found in complexes with substrates undergoing rapid phosphorylation cycles.

Minireview: PRKAR1A: normal and abnormal functions

The type 1alpha regulatory subunit (RIalpha) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) (coded by the PRKAR1A gene) is the main component of type I PKA, which regulates most of the serine-threonine kinase activity catalyzed by the PKA holoenzyme in response to cAMP. Carney complex (CNC), or the complex of spotty skin pigmentation, myxomas, and endocrine overactivity, is a multiple endocrine (and not only) neoplasia syndrome that is due to PRKAR1A-inactivating mutations. The R1alpha protein and PRKAR1A mRNA have been found to be up-regulated in a series of cell lines and human and rodent neoplasms, suggesting this molecule's involvement in tumorigenesis and its potential role in cell cycle regulation, growth, and/or proliferation. Alterations in PKA activity elicit a variety of effects depending on the tissue, developmental stage, degree of differentiation, and cAMP levels. In addition, RIalpha may have functions independent of PKA. The presence of inactivating germline mutations and the loss of its wild-type allele in some CNC lesions indicate that PRKAR1A might function as a tumor suppressor gene in these tissues, but could PRKAR1A be a classic tumor suppressor gene? Probably not, and this review explains why.

A mouse model for Carney complex

Mice with complete inactivation of the type Ialpha regulatory subunit (RIalpha) of cyclic (c) AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) (coded by the Prkar1a gene) die early in embryonic life. To bypass the early embryonic lethality of Prkar1a-/- mice, we established transgenic mice carrying an antisense transgene for Prkar1a exon 2 (X2AS) under the control of a tetracycline-responsive promoter. Mice developed thyroid follicular hyperplasia and adenomas, adrenocortical hyperplasia, and other features reminiscent of PPNAD, and histiocytic and epithelial hyperplasias, lymphomas, and other mesenchymal tumors. This mouse provides a useful tool for the investigation of cAMP, RIalpha, and PKA functions and confirms Prkar1a's critical role in tumorigenesis in endocrine and other tissues.

Comparative PRKAR1A genotype-phenotype analyses in humans with Carney complex and prkar1a haploinsufficient mice

Carney complex (CNC) is a familial multiple neoplasia syndrome characterized by cardiac and extracardiac myxomas in the setting of spotty skin pigmentation and endocrinopathy. We previously identified PRKAR1A (regulatory subunit 1alpha of protein kinase A) mutations in CNC. Mutational analyses of the PRKAR1A gene in 51 unrelated CNC probands now detect mutations in 65%. All mutations, except for one unique missense mutation, lead to PRKAR1A haploinsufficiency. Therefore, we studied the consequences of prkar1a haploinsufficiency in mice. Although we did not observe cardiac myxomas or altered pigmentation in prkar1a(+/-) mice, we did observe some phenotypes similar to CNC, including altered heart rate variability. Moreover, prkar1a(+/-) mice exhibited a marked propensity for extracardiac tumorigenesis. They developed sarcomas and hepatocellular carcinomas. Sarcomas were frequently associated with myxomatous differentiation. Tumors from prkar1a(+/-) mice did not exhibit prkar1a loss of heterozygosity. Thus, we conclude that although PRKAR1A haploinsufficiency does predispose to tumorigenesis, distinct secondary genetic events are required for tumor formation.

The two regulatory subunits of aplysia cAMP-dependent protein kinase mediate distinct functions in producing synaptic plasticity

Activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is critical for both short- and long-term facilitation in Aplysia sensory neurons. There are two types of the kinase, I and II, differing in their regulatory (R) subunits. We cloned Aplysia RII; RI was cloned previously. Type I PKA is mostly soluble in the cell body whereas type II is enriched at nerve endings where it is bound to two prominent A kinase-anchoring-proteins (AKAPs). Disruption of the binding of RII to AKAPs by Ht31, an inhibitory peptide derived from a human thyroid AKAP, prevents both the short- and the long-term facilitation produced by serotonin (5-HT). During long-term facilitation, RII is transcriptionally upregulated; in contrast, the amount of RI subunits decreases, and previous studies have indicated that the decrease is through ubiquitin-proteosome-mediated proteolysis. Experiments with antisense oligonucleotides injected into the sensory neuron cell body show that the increase in RII protein is essential for the production of long-term facilitation. Using synaptosomes, we found that 5-HT treatment causes RII protein to increase at nerve endings. In addition, using reverse transcription-PCR, we found that RII mRNA is transported from the cell body to nerve terminals. Our results suggest that type I operates in the nucleus to maintain cAMP response element-binding protein-dependent gene expression, and type II PKA acts at sensory neuron synapses phosphorylating proteins to enhance release of neurotransmitter. Thus, the two types of the kinase have distinct but complementary functions in the production of facilitation at synapses of an identified neuron.

Conformational differences among solution structures of the type Ialpha, IIalpha and IIbeta protein kinase A regulatory subunit homodimers: role of the linker regions

The regulatory (R) subunits of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A or PKA) are multi-domain proteins responsible for conferring cAMP-dependence and localizing PKA to specific subcellular locations. There are four isoforms of the R subunit in mammals that are similar in molecular mass and domain organization, but clearly serve different biological functions. Although high-resolution structures are available for the cAMP-binding domains and dimerization/docking domains of two isoforms, there are no high-resolution structures of any of the intact R subunit homodimer isoforms. The results of small-angle X-ray scattering studies presented here indicate that the RIalpha, RIIalpha, and RIIbeta homodimers differ markedly in overall shape, despite extensive sequence homology and similar molecular masses. The RIIalpha and RIIbeta homodimers have very extended, rod-like shapes, whereas the RIalpha homodimer likely has a compact Y-shape. Based on a comparison of the R subunit sequences, we predict that the linker regions are the likely cause of these large differences in shape among the isoforms. In addition, we show that cAMP binding does not cause large conformational changes in type Ialpha or IIalpha R subunit homodimers, suggesting that the activation of PKA by cAMP involves only local conformational changes in the R subunits.

PKA: a portrait of protein kinase dynamics

Protein kinases play a critical role in the integration of signaling networks in eukaryotic cells. cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) serves as a prototype for this large and highly diverse enzyme family. The catalytic subunit of PKA provides the best example of how a protein kinase recognizes its substrates, as well as inhibitors, and also show how the enzyme moves through the steps of catalysis. Many of the relevant conformational states associated with the catalytic cycle which have been captured in a crystal lattice are summarized here. From these structures, we can begin to appreciate the molecular events of catalysis as well as the intricate orchestration of critical residues in the catalytic subunit that contribute to catalysis. The entire molecule participates. To fully understand signaling by PKA, however, requires an understanding of a large set of related proteins, not just the catalytic subunit. This includes the regulatory subunits that serve as receptors for cAMP and the A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) that serve as scaffolds for PKA. The AKAPs localize PKA to specific sites in the cell by docking to the N-terminus of the regulatory subunits, thus creating microenvironments for PKA signaling. To fully appreciate the diversity and integration of these molecules, one needs not only high-resolution structures but also an appreciation of how these molecules behave in solution. Thus, in addition to obtaining high-resolution structures by X-ray crystallography and NMR, we have used fluorescent tools and also hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry to probe the dynamic properties of these proteins and how they interact with one another. The molecular features of these molecules are described. Finally, we describe a new recombinantly expressed PKA reporter that allows us to monitor PKA activity in living cells.

C subunits binding to the protein kinase A RI alpha dimer induce a large conformational change

We present structural data on the RI alpha isoform of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A that reveal, for the first time, a large scale conformational change within the RI alpha homodimer upon catalytic subunit binding. This result infers that the inhibition of catalytic subunit activity is not the result of a simple docking process but rather is a multi-step process involving local conformational changes both in the cAMP-binding domains as well as in the linker region of the regulatory subunit that impact the global structure of the regulatory homodimer. The results were obtained using small-angle neutron scattering with contrast variation and deuterium labeling. From these experiments we derived information on the shapes and dispositions of the catalytic subunits and regulatory homodimer within a holoenzyme reconstituted with a deuterated regulatory subunit. The scattering data also show that, despite extensive sequence homology between the isoforms, the overall structure of the type I alpha holoenzyme is significantly more compact than the type II alpha isoform. We present a model of the type I alpha holoenzyme, built using available high-resolution structures of the component subunits and domains, which best fits the neutron-scattering data. In this model, the type I alpha holoenzyme forms a flattened V shape with the RI alpha dimerization domain at the point of the V and the cAMP-binding domains of the RI alpha subunits with their bound catalytic subunits at the ends.

cAMP effector mechanisms. Novel twists for an 'old' signaling system

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) has traditionally been thought to act exclusively through cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK, PKA), but a growing number of cAMP effects are not attributable to general activation of cAPK. At present, cAMP is known also to directly regulate ion channels and the ubiquitous Rap guanine exchange factors Epac 1 and 2. Adding to the sophistication of cAMP signaling is the fact that (1) the cAPK holoenzyme is incompletely dissociated even at saturating cAMP, the level of free R subunit of cAPK being able to regulate the maximal activity of cAPK, (2) cAPK activity can be modulated by oxidative glutathionylation, and (3) cAPK is anchored close to relevant substrates, other signaling enzymes, and local compartments of cAMP. Finally, we will demonstrate an example of fine-tuning of cAMP signaling through synergistic induction of neurite extensions by cAPK and Epac.

Designing isoform-specific peptide disruptors of protein kinase A localization

A kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs) coordinate cAMP-mediated signaling by binding and localizing cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), using an amphipathic helical docking motif. Peptide disruptors of PKA localization that mimic this helix have been used successfully to assess the involvement of PKA in specific signaling pathways. However, these peptides were developed as disruptors for the type II regulatory subunit (RII) even though both RI and RII isoforms can bind to AKAPs and have discrete functions. To evaluate the effects of each localized isoform, we designed peptides that specifically bind to either RI or RII. Using a peptide array, we have defined the minimal binding sequence of dual specific-AKAP 2 (d-AKAP2), which binds tightly to both RI and RII. Side-chain requirements for affinity and isoform specificity were evaluated by using a peptide substitution array where each position along the A kinase binding domain of d-AKAP2 was substituted by the other 19 l-amino acids. This array comprises 513 single-site substitution analogs of the d-AKAP2 sequence. Peptides containing single and multiple mutations were evaluated in a quantitative fluorescence binding assay and a cell-based colocalization assay. This strategy has allowed us to design peptides with high affinity (K(D) = 1-2 nM) and high specificity for RIalpha versus RIIalpha. These isoform-specific peptides will be invaluable tools to evaluate functional differences between localized RI and RII PKA and are RIalpha-specific disruptors. This array-based analysis also provides a foundation for biophysical analysis of this docking motif.

Amino acid variant in the kinase binding domain of dual-specific A kinase-anchoring protein 2: a disease susceptibility polymorphism

The focus of human genetics in recent years has shifted toward identifying genes that are involved in the development of common diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer's disease. Because many complex diseases are late-onset, the frequencies of disease susceptibility alleles are expected to decrease in the healthy elderly individuals of the population at large because of their contribution to disease morbidity andor mortality. To test this assumption, we compared allele frequencies of 6,500 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in approximately 5,000 genes between DNA pools of age-stratified healthy, European-American individuals. A SNP that results in an amino acid change from Ile to Val in the dual-specific A kinase-anchoring protein 2 (d-AKAP2) gene, showed the strongest correlation with age. Subsequent analysis of an independent sample indicated that the Val variant was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the length of the electrocardiogram PR interval. The IleVal SNP is located in the A-kinase-binding domain. An in vitro binding assay revealed that the Ile variant bound approximately 3-fold weaker to the protein kinase A (PKA)-RIalpha isoform than the Val variant. This decreased affinity resulted in alterations in the subcellular distribution of the recombinantly expressed PKA-RIalpha isoform. Our study suggests that alterations in PKA-RIalpha subcellular localization caused by variation in d-AKAP2 may have a negative health prognosis in the aging population, which may be related to cardiac dysfunction. Age-stratified samples appear to be useful for screening SNPs to identify functional gene variants that have an impact on health.

Altered cAMP-dependent protein kinase subunit immunolabeling in post-mortem brain from patients with bipolar affective disorder

Previous findings of reduced [3H]cAMP binding and increased activities of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in discrete post-mortem brain regions from patients with bipolar affective disorder (BD) suggest that PKA, the major downstream target of cAMP, is also affected in this illness. As prolonged elevation of intracellular cAMP levels can modify PKA regulatory (R) and catalytic (C) subunit levels, we sought to determine whether these PKA abnormalities are related to changes in the abundance of PKA subunits in BD brain. Using immunoblotting techniques along with PKA subunit isoform-specific polyclonal antisera, levels of PKA RIalpha, RIbeta, RIIalpha, RIIbeta and Calpha subunits were measured in cytosolic and particulate fractions of temporal, frontal and parietal cortices of post-mortem brain from BD patients and matched, non-neurological, non-psychiatric controls. Immunoreactive levels of cytosolic Calpha in temporal and frontal cortices, as well as that of cytosolic RIIbeta in temporal cortex, were significantly higher in the BD compared with the matched control brains. These changes were independent of age, post-mortem interval or pH and unrelated to ante-mortem lithium treatment or suicide. These findings strengthen further the notion that the cAMP/PKA signaling system is up-regulated in discrete cerebral cortical regions in BD.

Reinventing the wheel of cyclic AMP: novel mechanisms of cAMP signaling

Mechanisms of cAMP signal transduction have been thoroughly investigated for more than 40 years. From the binding of hormonal ligands to their receptors on the outer surface of the plasma membrane to the cytoplasmic activation of effectors, the ensuing cAMP signaling cascades and the nuclear gene regulatory functions, coupled with the structural elucidation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and in vivo functional characterizations of each of the components of PKA by homologous recombination gene targeting, our understanding of cAMP-mediated signal transduction has reached its pinnacle. Despite this trove of knowledge, some recent findings have emerged that suggest hitherto novel and alternative mechanisms of cAMP action that could increase the signaling bandwidth of cAMP and PKA in cell growth and transcriptional regulation. This article attempts to review some of these novel and unconventional mechanisms of cAMP and PKA signaling, and to generate further enthusiasm in investigating and validating these new frontiers of the cAMP signal transduction pathway.