Common elements in growth factor stimulation and oncogenic transformation: 85 kd phosphoprotein and phosphatidylinositol kinase activity

Wortmannin inactivates phosphoinositide 3-kinase by covalent modification of Lys-802, a residue involved in the phosphate transfer reaction

Wortmannin at nanomolar concentrations is a potent and specific inhibitor of phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase and has been used extensively to demonstrate the role of this enzyme in diverse signal transduction processes. At higher concentrations, wortmannin inhibits the ataxia telangiectasia gene (ATM)-related DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs). We report here the identification of the site of interaction of wortmannin on the catalytic subunit of PI 3-kinase, p110alpha. At physiological pH (6.5 to 8) wortmannin reacted specifically with p110alpha. Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-diphosphate, ATP, and ATP analogs [adenine and 5'-(4-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl)adenine] competed effectively with wortmannin, while substances containing nucleophilic amino acid side chain functions had no effect at the same concentrations. This suggests that the wortmannin target site is localized in proximity to the substrate-binding site and that residues involved in wortmannin binding have an increased nucleophilicity because of their protein environment. Proteolytic fragments of wortmannin-treated, recombinant p110alpha were mapped with anti-wortmannin and anti-p110alpha peptide antibodies, thus limiting the target site within a 10-kDa fragment, colocalizing with the ATP-binding site. Site-directed mutagenesis of all candidate residues within this region showed that only the conservative Lys-802-to-Arg mutation abolished wortmannin binding. Inhibition of PI 3-kinase occurs, therefore, by the formation of an enamine following the attack of Lys-802 on the furan ring (at C-20) of wortmannin. The Lys-802-to-Arg mutant was also unable to bind FSBA and was catalytically inactive in lipid and protein kinase assays, indicating a crucial role for Lys-802 in the phosphotransfer reaction. In contrast, an Arg-916-to-Pro mutation abolished the catalytic activity whereas covalent wortmannin binding remained intact. Our results provide the basis for the design of novel and specific inhibitors of an enzyme family, including PI kinases and ATM-related genes, that play a central role in many physiological processes.

Requirement for phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase activity in platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of p125 focal adhesion kinase and paxillin

The role of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI 3'-kinase) activity in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (p125FAK) and paxillin has been examined. The tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK and paxillin in response to PDGF was markedly inhibited by wortmannin in a dose-dependent manner. PDGF-stimulated PI 3'-kinase activity, membrane ruffle formation, and tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK and paxillin were all inhibited by the same low concentrations of wortmannin (>90% inhibition at 40nM). In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK and paxillin in response to bombesin, endothelin, and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate was not inhibited by wortmannin in these cells. Furthermore, LY294002, an inhibitor of PI 3'-kinase structurally unrelated to wortmannin, also inhibited PDGF-stimulated p125FAK tyrosine phosphorylation. PDGF was shown to stimulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK in porcine aortic endothelial (PAE) cells transfected with the wild type PDGF-beta receptors, but not in PAE cells transfected with PDGF-beta receptors in which the PI 3'-kinase binding sites (Tyr-740/751) were replaced by phenylalanine. PDGF-stimulated, PI 3'-kinase-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of p125FAK was not inhibited by rapamycin, and thus it was dissociated from the activation of p70 S6 kinase, previously identified as a molecular downstream target of PI 3'-kinase. Thus, we have identified a PI 3'-kinase-dependent signal transduction pathway in the action of PDGF, which leads to the phosphorylation of p125FAK and paxillin.

Association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, via the SH2 domains of p85, with focal adhesion kinase in polyoma middle t-transformed fibroblasts

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, becomes activated and phosphorylated on tyrosine in cells transformed with v-src. By cytoimmunofluorescence a sub-fraction of the p85 subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) localized in focal adhesion plaques. We examined the possibility that FAK associates with PI 3-kinase. In fibroblasts transformed with polyoma middle t, PI 3-kinase activity co-immunoprecipitated with pp125FAK using two different antibodies against this protein. PP125FAK from middle t-transformed cells associated with a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein containing the 85-kDa subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Both of the SH2 domains and the SH3 domain of p85 also formed complexes with pp125FAK in vitro. Phosphopeptides that bind to the SH2 domains completely blocked the binding of full-length p85 to pp125FAK, while a peptide that binds to the SH3 domain was ineffective, indicating that the association between p85 and pp125FAK is mediated by the SH2 domains of p85.

SH2 domain protein interaction and possibilities for pharmacological intervention

SH2 domain containing proteins play a key role in the process of intracellular transmission of signalling events initiated at the cell surface. As a pre-requisite in the fulfillment of this function, these proteins bind to a variety of phospho-tyrosine (pY) containing target molecules. Delineation of these binding sites as essentially short linear peptides (both structurally and functionally) has led to the suggestion that the activity of these signalling complexes may be manipulated by the development of relatively simple peptide reagents. This review examines the range of possibilities open on this approach and the extent to which positive results have already been realised.

A wortmannin-sensitive signal transduction pathway is involved in the stimulation of insulin release by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-27 (PACAP-27), and PACAP-38 stimulated insulin release with EC50 values of 0.15, 0.15, and 0.06 nM respectively, as expected for the VIP2/PACAP3 receptor subtype. Secretion was stimulated promptly and peaked at 6-10 min. At 30 min, the secretion rate was still 2-3-fold higher than the control rate. The peptides increased cyclic AMP and [Ca2+]i transiently so that at 30 min they had returned to control values. Therefore, an additional signal is required to explain the prolonged stimulation of release. The prolonged effects, but not the acute effects of VIP and PACAP on insulin release were inhibited by low concentrations of wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitor. While wortmannin inhibited PI 3-kinase activity in cell lysates, no activation by the peptides was seen. Therefore, the wortmannin-sensitive pathway is either dependent on basal PI 3-kinase activity, or another target for wortmanin is responsible for inhibition of the peptide-stimulated secretion. It is concluded that the acute stimulation of insulin release by VIP and PACAP is mediated by increased cyclic AMP and [Ca2+]i, whereas the sustained release is mediated by a novel wortmannin-sensitive pathway.

Insulin-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. Insulin-induced phosphorylation of insulin receptors and insulin receptor substrate-1 displaces phosphorylated platelet-derived growth factor receptors from binding sites on PI 3-kinase

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase is an enzyme that functions in the signaling pathways downstream from multiple cell surface receptors. The p85 regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase binds to phosphotyrosine residues of various phosphoproteins including the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor, the insulin receptor, and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). Using NIH-3T3 cells overexpressing the human insulin receptor, we demonstrate that the p85 regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase binds to phosphorylated PDGF receptor in cells incubated in the absence of insulin. When insulin is added, p85 is released from phosphorylated PDGF receptors and binds to phosphorylated insulin receptors and insulin receptor substrate-1. Moreover, insulin-induced dissociation of PDGF receptors from binding sites on PI 3-kinase requires a functional insulin receptor and is not prevented by vanadate treatment. In contrast, insulin activation does not displace PDGF receptors from binding sites on Ras GTPase-activating protein. This competition for binding to PI 3-kinase provides a mechanism for cross-talk among signaling pathways initiated by distinct peptide hormones and growth factors such as insulin and PDGF.

Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)P3 interacts with SH2 domains and modulates PI 3-kinase association with tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains on the regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) mediate its binding to specific tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in stimulated cells. Using a pharmacological and genetic approach, we show that the amount of PI 3-kinase associated with tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins inversely correlates with the amount of PI 3-kinase lipid products present in the cell. An explanation for this observation is provided by our finding that phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)trisphosphate (Ptdlns [3,4,5]P3) binds directly and selectively to the SH2 domains of the 85 kDa subunit of PI 3-kinase and thereby blocks binding to tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. The SH2 domain of pp60C-STC also specifically bound Ptdlns (3,4,5)P3, and the binding was competed by a phosphopeptide specific for the Src SH2 domain. These results indicate that production of Ptdlns (3,4,5)P3 at the membrane disrupts the binding of PI 3-kinase to phosphoproteins. This lipid may also recruit other SH2-containing proteins to the membrane to initiate downstream signaling.

Localization of mRNA for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in brain of developing and mature rats

In the adult brain, the gene expression for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase was weak in almost all neurons with relatively high levels in the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebellum. On the embryonic days high levels of the gene expression were found throughout the entire neuraxis, then decreased gradually to adult levels during postnatal development. The present finding suggests that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase may contribute not only to neurogenesis but also to some important physiological roles in differentiating and mature neurons.

Malignant transformation of human fibroblast strain MSU-1.1 by v-fes requires an additional genetic change

To determine whether the v-fes oncogene can malignantly transform human fibroblasts that have acquired an infinite life span and are partially growth-factor-independent, we transfected cell strain MSU-1.1 with a plasmid containing the v-fes oncogene and a bacterial histidinol dehydrogenase gene. Of the 60 independent histidinol-resistant clones isolated and assayed for v-fes expression using a fes-specific monoclonal antibody, 6 were found to express the v-fes protein at a detectable level. When progeny cells from these 6 clones were further characterized, 3 of the 6 clonal populations exhibited a significant increase in the ability to form medium-sized colonies in agarose, but none were tumorigenic in athymic mice. However, when the 6 populations were propagated for many generations, the same 3 populations acquired the ability to form very large colonies in agarose ( > or = 100 microM in diameter) at a frequency of 2% to 17%, and formed malignant tumors in athymic mice. This suggests that an additional genetic change required for malignant transformation had been spontaneously acquired in 3 of the v-fes -transformed cell strains. To determine whether the change or changes were the equivalent of an activated sis or ras proto-oncogene, we transfected the v-fes oncogene into derivative strains of MSU-1.1 that express a transfected v-sis, c-H-ras or c-N-ras oncogene, but that do not form tumors, and assayed the v-fes-expressing transfectants for tumorigenicity. The results showed that when complemented either by a ras oncogene expressed at a somewhat enhanced level or by the v-sis oncogene, v-fes can supply the additional change required for malignant transformation.

Retrograde axonal transport of signal transduction proteins in rat sciatic nerve

Neurons require a mechanism to transmit stable signals over the large distance from the nerve growth cone or terminal to the cell body, in order that information from the target tissue can be relayed to the cell body where it is required. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a target-derived neurotrophic factor, is thought to signal over this distance by receptor mediated internalization of NGF, followed by retrograde axonal transport of the NGF-receptor complex. In this paper we show, by immunohistochemistry of rat sciatic nerve, accumulation of phosphotyrosine immunoreactivity only on the distal side of a nerve crush, suggesting axonal transport of tyrosine kinases and/or tyrosine phosphorylated proteins primarily in a retrograde direction. Furthermore, we also show retrograde axonal transport of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, ERK, MEK and MEK kinase, of which all but MEK kinase are known to be activated downstream of tyrosine receptor kinase activation. The retrograde transport of these proteins suggests that they may be involved in transmission of signals along the axon, relaying neurotrophic factor receptor activation at the nerve terminal to the nerve cell body.

The structure and function of p55PIK reveal a new regulatory subunit for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase) is implicated in the regulation of diverse cellular processes, including insulin-stimulated glucose transport. PI-3 kinase is composed of a 110-kDa catalytic subunit and an 85-kDa regulatory subunit. Here, we describe p55PIK, a new regulatory subunit that was isolated by screening expression libraries with tyrosine-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1). p55PIK is composed of a unique 30-residue NH2 terminus followed by a proline-rich motif and two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains with significant sequence identify to those in p85. p55PIK mRNA is expressed early during development, remains abundant in adult mouse brain and testis tissue, and is detectable in adult adipocytes and heart and kidney tissues. p55PIK forms a stable complex with p110, and it associates with IRS-1 during insulin stimulation. Moreover, the activated insulin receptor phosphorylates p55PIK in Sf9 cells, and insulin stimulates p55PIK phosphorylation in CHOIR/p55PIK cells. The unique features of p55PIK suggest that it is important in receptor signaling.

SH2 domain structure and function

An emerging theme in both the biology of signal transduction and the biochemistry of proteins has been the modular function of small protein domains. In some cases these can directly regulate catalytic activity. In others, they serve to interconnect important regulatory proteins. SH2 (src homology 2) domains represent some of the best studied models. Originally identified on the basis of homology in src and fps [1], SH2s are elements that ordinarily respond to tyrosine phosphorylation by binding the phosphorylated sequence. As such, they are key elements in tyrosine kinase regulation of cellular processes. Because SH2 interactions result from phosphorylation, such elements provide a regulatable circuitry along which signals can be transmitted in a timely manner. Because the regulation is based on a common mechanism, signal generators can target several different proteins coordinately. The PDGF receptor (PDGFr), for example, may interact with as many as ten different elements [2,3]. There are a number of excellent reviews on SH2 domains available [4-11]. This discussion will try to show how genetic, biochemical and biophysical results can be integrated in a satisfying way.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase: inhibition of intrinsic protein-serine kinase activity by phosphoinositides, and of lipid kinase activity by Mn2+

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase is composed of 110 kDa catalytic and 85 kDa regulatory subunits. The 110 kDa subunit has two intrinsic kinase activities, i.e., Mn(2+)-dependent protein-serine kinase and Mg(2+)-dependent lipid kinase activities. These intrinsic kinases have been reported to be interdependent: protein-serine kinase phosphorylates the 85 kDa subunit of PI 3-kinase, which upon phosphorylation inhibits the lipid kinase activity of PI 3-kinase. We report here that phosphoinositides can selectively inhibit the protein-serine kinase activity of PI 3-kinase without affecting lipid kinase activity. This inhibition depends on the phosphorylation status of the phosphoinositides, i.e., PI 4,5-bisphosphate > PI 4-phosphate >> PI. Mn2+ (2 mM) protected protein kinase activity from phosphoinositides-mediated inhibition if added prior to interaction of PI 3-kinase with phosphoinositides. On the other hand, Mn2+ (2 mM) inhibited lipid kinase activity independent of its effect on the protein kinase activity of PI 3-kinase. The present study suggests that the protein-serine kinase and the lipid kinase activities of PI 3-kinase can be selectively inhibited by phosphoinositides and Mn2+ respectively.

Intracellular signalling. PI 3-kinase puts GTP on the Rac

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, an enzyme that is known to transduce signals received by a variety of receptor types, has been found to mediate agonist-dependent membrane ruffling via the small GTP-binding protein Rac.

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

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

Direct association of Grb2 with the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) has been shown to play a key role in growth factor signaling pathways, although its signaling mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Using the yeast interaction trap system, we have identified Grb2 as a PI 3-kinase interacting protein. Our experiments demonstrate that p85, the regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase, interacts with Grb2 in vivo, and this interaction is independent of growth factor stimulation. The direct association between Grb2 and p85 was reconstituted in vitro with glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins. Domain analyses and peptide competition indicate that the association is mediated by the SH3 domains of Grb2 and the proline-rich motifs of p85 and that only one SH3 domain is required for minimal binding. The interaction does not displace the catalytic subunit of PI 3-kinase but is exclusive of Sos. Signaling through PI 3-kinase, therefore, may involve the ubiquitous adapter Grb2, which serves as a convergence point for multiple pathways.

Cooperation of Src homology domains in the regulated binding of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. A role for the Src homology 2 domain

Fibroblasts transformed by the v-Src oncoprotein exhibit elevated activity of the enzyme phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI 3-kinase), which binds to, and is activated by, a wide range of receptor tyrosine kinases as well as v-Src and transforming polyoma middle T/c-Src complexes. Here we consider the role of the v-Src homology (SH) domains, SH3 and SH2, and the tyrosine kinase catalytic domain, in the stimulation of v-Src-associated PI 3-kinase activity in response to rapid activation of the oncoprotein. As shown by others, we find that the v-Src SH3 domain tightly binds the PI 3-kinase p85 regulatory subunit in normal growing chicken embryo fibroblasts. However, we also find that in transformed cells there is additional efficient binding of PI 3-kinase to the v-Src SH2 domain in a catalytically active form. Furthermore, the binding of p85 to the SH2 domain, which is almost undetectable in quiescent cells, is rapidly stimulated upon activation of temperature-sensitive v-Src and consequent cell cycle entry, demonstrating that binding is a target for regulation. We also show that v-Src-associated PI 3-kinase differs considerably from PDGF receptor-associated enzyme by a different mode of binding, a lack of substantial allosteric activation, and a dependence on the tyrosine kinase activity of v-Src. The rapidly induced binding and activation of PI 3-kinase thus provides sensitive regulation of recruitment of PI 3-kinase to its substrates and into other signaling complexes at the cell membrane, which involves all the Src homology domains.

Ras-dependent induction of cellular responses by constitutively active phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase

Phosphatidylinositol (Pl)-3 kinase is one of many enzymes stimulated by growth factors. A constitutively activated mutant, p110, that functions independently of growth factor stimulation was constructed to determine the specific responses regulated by Pl-3 kinase. The p110 protein exhibited high specific activity as a Pl-3 kinase and as a protein kinase. Expression of p110 in NIH 3T3 cells induced transcription from the fos promoter. Co-expression of dominant negative Ras blocked this response. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, p110 increased the amount of guanosine 5'-triphosphate-bound Ras, caused activation of the Ras effector Raf-1, and induced Ras-dependent oocyte maturation. These findings show that Pl-3 kinase can stimulate diverse Ras-dependent cellular processes, including oocyte maturation and fos transcription.

Production of monoclonal antibodies specific to the carboxyl terminal region of the 85 kDa subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase: use of the antibodies in recognition of mutant p85

We have established two hybridomas producing mAb to the carboxyl terminal region of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase 85 kDa subunit type alpha (p85 alpha). Analysis using deletion mutants of p85 revealed that epitopes for the two mAb were located on the border of the src homology 2 (SH2) sequence located at the carboxyl end of p85. They immunoprecipitated free p85 efficiently, but reactivity to p85 bound to p110 was very weak. Together with the mAb which we have reported previously, a panel of mAb that covered the various parts of p85 alpha was obtained. Using this panel, we characterized two mutants of p85 (70 and 50 kDa) expressed in the human colon carcinoma cell line, HCC2998. No wild-type p85 was detected in these cells. A mAb specific to the carboxyl terminal region detected p70 but not p50, suggesting that this region is missing in p50. The panel of mAb is a useful tool to use to analyse mutant forms of p85.

Inhibitors of phospholipid intracellular signaling as antiproliferative agents

The improved understanding of oncogenesis and the involvement of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, has led to a rational approach of specific target-directed anti-cancer drug development. Cancer genes have been found to be important not only in the control of cell proliferation but also in the mediation of processes such as drug resistance, metastasis, neo-vascularization (angiogenesis), and apoptosis. These are all important targets in their own right and the development of drugs against specific "upstream" targets in oncogenic or growth factor signal transduction cascades it may be possible to inhibit multiple "downstream" targets. Ultimately, to test the hypothesis that signaling pathways offer good targets for anticancer drug development will take several years of careful clinical study and we cannot say at this time whether the approach will work. There are a small number of compounds in the early stages of clinical development as anticancer agents that may act by inhibiting growth factor signaling pathways. In all cases the activity of the compounds on intracellular signaling pathways was discovered after their identification as antiproliferative agents. There are also compounds in preclinical development that have been specifically developed as inhibitors of growth factor signaling, although their selectivity for tumor cells compared to normal tissue remains to be investigated fully in appropriate animal tumor models. It is possible that a single antisignaling drug by itself may not have the power to completely inhibit tumor growth and a combination of drugs may be needed. It may also take a combination of drugs to prevent the emergence of resistance. Clearly there are several challenges to developing this new class of anticancer drugs, and there will undoubtedly be others that must be faced.

Dissociation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity and mitogenic inhibition in vascular smooth muscle cells

Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase becomes activated upon association with stimulated tyrosine kinase coupled receptors, but it is also catalytically active in platelets incubated with the G-protein coupled growth factor receptor agonist, thrombin. Furthermore, phorbol esters have been shown to be growth inhibitory when added to vascular smooth muscle cells simultaneously with thrombin. In order to clarify the role of phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase in thrombin-induced mitogenesis, we asked whether PI-3 kinase activity is decreased in parallel to mitogenesis in cells stimulated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and thrombin. Although PMA inhibits thrombin-stimulated growth by 92% when the two compounds are added simultaneously, the level of PI-3 kinase activity under similar conditions is not decreased. This phenomenon is independent of protein kinase C, since there is no difference in PI-3 kinase activity when similar experiments are performed after protein kinase C is down-regulated by 24 h pre-incubation with PMA. We conclude that either (i) PI-3 kinase is not required for the mitogenic signalling of thrombin, or (ii) PMA is acting downstream of PI-3 kinase in thrombin's signalling pathway.

NK-LAK induction with IL-2 is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation of a 105-110 kDa protein

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the cellular proteins of IL-2-stimulated NK cells was determined by anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblotting. IL-2 induced tyrosine phosphorylation of a 105-110 kDa protein in a dose-dependent manner. The tyrosine phosphorylation took place within 5 min after the addition of IL-2 to NK cells, and reached a maximal level in 15 min. The degree of the tyrosine phosphorylation correlated with IL-2-induced LAK activity. Staurosporine and pertussis toxin, which slightly suppressed LAK induction, did not inhibit tyrosine phosphorylation of the 105-110 kDa protein. Genistein, TMB-8 and EGTA completely inhibited LAK induction; however, the calcium channel blocker and chelator did not prevent the protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Anti-IL-2R beta mAb almost completely suppressed tyrosine phosphorylation of the 105-110 kDa protein, but anti-IL-2R alpha mAb only slightly suppressed it; this result correlated with that of the suppression of LAK activity. No further suppression of the tyrosine phosphorylation was induced even when both mAbs were added. Western blotting of the immunoprecipitates revealed no association of PLC-gamma 1 or IL-2R beta with the 105-110 kDa protein. These results suggest that both tyrosine phosphorylation of the 105-110 kDa protein and translocation of [Ca++]i are essential for NK-LAK induction, and the tyrosine phosphorylation plays a critical role in the early stage of IL-2 signalling from the IL-2R beta chain.

Polyomavirus middle-sized tumor antigen modulates c-Jun phosphorylation and transcriptional activity

Polyomavirus middle-sized tumor antigen (MT) increases the expression of c-jun through a phorbol 12-O-tetradecanoate 13-acetate response element in the c-jun promoter. To investigate the cellular signaling pathways affected by MT, we studied the role of the c-Ras and Raf-1 proteins in MT-induced transactivation of c-jun and cell transformation. There was an increase in GTP complexed to Ras in MT-expressing cells, indicating an increase in Ras activity. Coexpression of dominant inhibitory mutants of Ha-ras and raf-1 with MT inhibited MT-mediated transactivation and focus formation. Studies of the phosphorylation of c-Jun showed that MT expression increased the phosphorylation of Ser-63 and Ser-73 in the transactivation domain and decreased the phosphorylation of a peptide containing Ser-243, Ser-249, and Thr-231 in the DNA binding domain. MT increased the transcriptional activating ability of c-Jun but failed to increase the transcriptional activating ability of c-Jun mutants with Ser-63 and Ser-73 changed to nonphosphorylatable Ala, indicating that MT modulates c-Jun activity through phosphorylation. The dominant inhibitory mutants of Ha-ras and raf-1 interfered with the ability of MT to activate c-Jun. The results indicate that MT induces a phosphorylation cascade through the activation of c-Ras and Raf-1 and that c-Jun is one of the downstream targets that may cause changes in gene expression leading to cell transformation.

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

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

Biological function of PDGF-induced PI-3 kinase activity: its role in alpha PDGF receptor-mediated mitogenic signaling

The tyrosine phosphorylation sites in the human alpha PDGF receptor (alpha PDGFR) required for association with PI-3 kinase have been identified as tyrosines 731 and 742. Mutation of either tyrosine substantially reduced PDGF-induced PI-3 kinase activity but did not impair the receptor-mediated mitogenic response. We sought to determine whether PDGF-induced PI-3 kinase activity could be further ablated so as to exclude a low threshold requirement for PDGFR signal transduction. Thus, we mutated both tyrosine 731 and 742 and expressed the double mutant (Y731F/Y742F) in 32D hematopoietic cells. In such transfectants, PDGF induced no detectable receptor-associated or anti-P-Tyr recoverable PI-3 kinase activity. Under the same conditions, neither mobility shift of raf-1 nor tyrosine phosphorylation of either PLC gamma or MAP kinase was impaired. 32D transfectants expressing the double mutant showed wild-type alpha PDGFR levels of mitogenic and chemotactic responses to PDGF. To examine the effect of the double mutation in cells that normally respond to PDGF, we generated chimeras in which the cytoplasmic domains of wild-type alpha PDGFR, Y731F, and Y731F/Y742F were linked to the extracellular domain of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) receptor (fms). After introduction of the chimeric receptors into mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, the ability of CSF-1 to stimulate growth of these transfectants was examined. Our data show that all these chimeric receptors exhibited similar abilities to mediate CSF-1-stimulated cell growth. These findings lead us to conclude that PDGF-induced PI-3 kinase activity is not required for PDGF-stimulated mitogenic pathway in both NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and 32D hematopoietic cells.

Genetic analysis of a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase SH2 domain reveals determinants of specificity

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is an important element in both normal and oncogenic signal transduction. Polyomavirus middle T antigen transforms cells in a manner depending on association of its tyrosine 315 phosphorylation site with Src homology 2 (SH2) domains on the p85 subunit of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Both nonselective and site-directed mutagenesis have been used to probe the interaction of middle T with the N-terminal SH2 domain of p85. Most of the 24 mutants obtained showed reduced middle T binding. However, mutations that showed increased binding were also found. Comparison of middle T binding to that of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor showed that some mutations altered the specificity of recognition by the SH2 domain. Mutations altering S-393, D-394, and P-395 were shown to affect the ability of the SH2 domain to select peptides from a degenerate phosphopeptide library. These results focus attention on the role of the EF loop in the SH2 domain in determining binding selectivity at the third position after the phosphotyrosine.

Tyrosine 508 of the 85-kilodalton subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is phosphorylated by the platelet-derived growth factor receptor

The mechanisms by which growth factors and oncogenic agents activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 kinase) are unknown. Previously, we reported that the 85-kDa regulatory subunit of PI3 kinase is tyrosine-phosphorylated both in vitro by the platelet-derived growth factor beta-receptor (PDGFR) tyrosine kinase and in fibroblasts in response to PDGF. As a first step in determining the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in PDGF signaling through PI3 kinase, we investigated which tyrosines on p85 are phosphorylated by the PDGFR. Recombinant p85 was phosphorylated with recombinant PDGF receptors, and tryptic phosphopeptides were purified by HPLC and analyzed by Edman degradation. By this approach and by mutational analysis, Y508 was identified as the major in vitro phosphorylation site. Tryptic phosphopeptide mapping demonstrated Y508 to also be phosphorylated in vivo in COS cells. Comparison of these data with a previous report [Hayashi, H., Nishioka, Y., Kamohara, S., Kanai, F., Ishii, K., Fukui, Y., Shibasaki, F., Takenawa, T., Kido, H., Katsunuma, N., & Ebina, Y. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 7107-7117] suggests that p85 is phosphorylated differently by the PDGF and insulin receptor tyrosine kinases. Therefore, p85 may be regulated differently by PDGF and insulin. Mapping of phosphorylation sites on p85 may lead to new insights into the regulation of signal transduction through PI3 kinase.

Genetic analysis of a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase SH2 domain reveals determinants of specificity

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is an important element in both normal and oncogenic signal transduction. Polyomavirus middle T antigen transforms cells in a manner depending on association of its tyrosine 315 phosphorylation site with Src homology 2 (SH2) domains on the p85 subunit of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Both nonselective and site-directed mutagenesis have been used to probe the interaction of middle T with the N-terminal SH2 domain of p85. Most of the 24 mutants obtained showed reduced middle T binding. However, mutations that showed increased binding were also found. Comparison of middle T binding to that of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor showed that some mutations altered the specificity of recognition by the SH2 domain. Mutations altering S-393, D-394, and P-395 were shown to affect the ability of the SH2 domain to select peptides from a degenerate phosphopeptide library. These results focus attention on the role of the EF loop in the SH2 domain in determining binding selectivity at the third position after the phosphotyrosine.

The activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase by Ras

BACKGROUND

Activation of the mammalian phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex can play a critical role in transducing growth factor responses. The lipid kinase complex, which is made up of p85 alpha and p110 alpha regulatory and catalytic subunits, becomes associated with a number of activated receptor protein tyrosine kinases, but the mechanism of its activation has not yet been defined. Recent evidence indicates that Ras can bind to the p85 alpha/p110 alpha complex. We describe here the functional regulation of the mammalian phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex by Ras.

RESULTS

Expression of p110 alpha, the catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, has been used to demonstrate an inhibitory effect of p85 alpha on p110 alpha activity in intact cells; inhibition did not result from a decrease in p110 alpha expression. In this cellular context, we have investigated the effect of a constitutively active mutant of Ras, v-Ras, either on p85 alpha or p110 alpha-alone, or on the p85 alpha/p110 alpha complex. In the presence of the p85 alpha/p110 alpha complex, v-Ras suppressed cell growth, but an effector-domain mutant of v-Ras did not. The growth-suppressive effect of v-Ras was not seen for any other combination of expressed proteins. The phenotype induced by v-Ras was consistent with activation of the p85 alpha/p110 alpha complex: it was sensitive to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, and the cells accumulated 3-phosphorylated polyphosphoinositides. Activation of purified p85 alpha/p110 alpha by purified recombinant Ras in vitro was also demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex, p85 alpha/p110 alpha, shows a suppressed catalytic function in vivo when compared with free p110 alpha. This complex can, however, be activated by Ras. We suggest that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p85 alpha/p110 alpha complex is a downstream effector of Ras.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase binds to alpha-actinin through the p85 subunit

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) has been shown to play an important role in the signal transduction of cell growth. It is also suggested that it is involved in cytoskeletal reorganization. We have found that alpha-actinin copurifies with PI 3-kinase from bovine thymus. The antibody against PI 3-kinase 85 kDa subunit (p85) also co-immunoprecipitates alpha-actinin from lysates of NIH/3T3 cells. In addition, anti-alpha-actinin antibody coprecipitates PI 3-kinase activity. This coprecipitation was observed even after depolymerization of actin fibres, suggesting that PI 3-kinase binds directly to alpha-actinin. As alpha-actinin is a phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2)-binding protein, binding experiments using various constructs of truncated p85 were carried out in the presence or absence of PI4,5P2. In the absence of PI4,5P2, chicken gizzard alpha-actinin binds only to the whole p85 construct, but it binds to the proline-rich region of p85 fragments in the presence of PI4,5P2. This binding is enhanced with increased concentrations of Pi4,5P2 up to 10 microM, whereas phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate were not good activators of alpha-actinin binding. These results suggest that PI 3-kinase binds to alpha-actinin and regulates cytoskeletal reorganization.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Currently, a central question in biology is how signals from the cell surface modulate intracellular processes. In recent years phosphoinositides have been shown to play a key role in signal transduction. Two phosphoinositide pathways have been characterized, to date. In the canonical phosphoinositide turnover pathway, activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C results in the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and the generation of two second messengers, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. The 3-phosphoinositide pathway involves protein-tyrosine kinase-mediated recruitment and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, resulting in the production of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. The 3-phosphoinositides are not substrates of any known phospholipase C, are not components of the canonical phosphoinositide turnover pathway, and may themselves act as intracellular mediators. The 3-phosphoinositide pathway has been implicated in growth factor-dependent mitogenesis, membrane ruffling and glucose uptake. Furthermore the homology of the yeast vps34 with the mammalian phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase has suggested a role for this pathway in vesicular trafficking. In this review the different mechanisms employed by protein-tyrosine kinases to activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and its involvement in the signaling cascade initiated by tyrosine phosphorylation, are examined.

The catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is a substrate for the activated platelet-derived growth factor receptor, but not for middle-T antigen-pp60c-src complexes

The interaction of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) with polyoma-virus middle-T antigen-pp60c-src (mT:cSrc) complexes and with the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor has been investigated. Firstly, we undertook reconstitution studies, using proteins derived from a baculovirus expression system. The p110 catalytic subunit of the PI 3-K associated with tyrosine kinases only when complexed with the p85 alpha regulatory subunit. Both p85 alpha and p110 were substrates of the PDGF receptor. In contrast, only the p85 alpha subunit was detectably phosphorylated when PI 3-K was associated with mT:cSrc. Secondly, we studied PI 3-K in mammalian cells. In mT-antigen-transformed NIH-3T3 cells neither p85 alpha nor p110 was phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in vivo, even though p85 alpha was a substrate in kinase assays in vitro. In quiescent NIH-3T3 cells, PI 3-K showed detectable activity in vitro; PDGF stimulation resulted in a rapid and transient association of PI 3-K with the receptor, which was correlated with a transient increase in intrinsic P13-K activity (approx. 2-fold). The activated PDGF receptor phosphorylated p110 in vitro, at one major site. In vivo, PDGF stimulation induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p110 that persisted for at least 1 h after stimulation. Immunodepletion of the PDGF receptor from stimulated cell lysates showed that p110 was released from the receptor in a tyrosine-phosphorylated form. From these results we conclude that (i) the mT:cSrc complex and the PDGF receptor differ in their association with PI 3-K activity, (ii) PDGF receptor appears to activate PI 3-K in vivo both by relocation of the enzyme and by stimulation of its intrinsic activity, and (iii) tyrosine phosphorylation of the p110 subunit by the PDGF receptor may play a role in PI 3-K regulation in some circumstances.

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

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

Polyoma middle tumor antigen interacts with SHC protein via the NPTY (Asn-Pro-Thr-Tyr) motif in middle tumor antigen

Polyomavirus middle tumor antigen (MT) transforms a large number of cell types by binding to and modulating the activities of cellular proteins. Previous genetic analysis defined in MT an independent motif, NPTY (Asn-Pro-Thr-Tyr), required for transformation. This report demonstrates that NPTY is required for interaction between MT and SHC protein, a Src homology 2 (SH2)-containing protooncogene product implicated in activating Ras via association with GRB2 protein. SHC is phosphorylated on tyrosine and associates with GRB2 in MT-transformed cells. These effects require an intact NPTY motif in MT. SHC immunoprecipitates from MT-transformed cells possess kinase activity that phosphorylates not only SHC and MT but also the 85-kDa subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. This result suggests that a complex exists that contains, at a minimum, MT, Src family tyrosine kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and SHC.

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

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

PDGF-mediated activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase in human mesangial cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates mitogenesis and exerts other biologic activities in glomerular mesangial cells. The precise mechanism of PDGF-induced mitogenesis in these cells is not clear. The activation of a signal transducing enzyme, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI 3 kinase) is associated with mitogenesis. Activation of PI 3 kinase results from stimulation of tyrosine kinase and G-protein-coupled classes of receptors. The synthesis of D3 phosphorylated inositides, the products of this enzymatic reaction, in non-nucleated cells such as blood platelets is dependent upon protein kinase C activation and G-proteins. We studied the activation of PI 3 kinase in response to PDGF in human glomerular mesangial cells. Using a PI 3 kinase 85 kD subunit specific antibody, we detected mesangial cell PI 3 kinase protein as 110 and 85 kD heterodimer. PDGF stimulated PI 3 kinase activity in antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates in a dose-dependent manner showing maximum activation at 12 ng/ml. The antiphosphotyrosine associated PI 3 kinase activity showed biphasic kinetics with a fast peak within two minutes followed by a second peak at 10 minutes. Antiphosphotyrosine and PI 3 kinase immunoprecipitation studies indicated the association of the 85 kD PI 3 kinase subunit with PDGFR. Direct immunoprecipitation with PDGFR beta antibody showed the association of PI 3 kinase activity with the PDGF-receptor. The isoquinoline sulfonyl piperazine compound H7 at concentrations that inhibit PDGF-stimulated PKC activity had no effect on PDGF-stimulated PI 3 kinase activity in antiphospotyrosine immunoprecipitates. These data indicate that PI3 kinase activation is insensitive to PKC. Treatment of mesangial cells with pertussis toxin at concentrations that partially inhibited PDGF-induced DNA synthesis in human mesangial cells did not inhibit PDGF-induced PI 3 kinase activation. These data indicate that PDGF activates PI 3 kinase in mesangial cells and that pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins are not involved in PI 3 kinase activation. The data further dissociate activation of PI 3 kinase from mitogenesis in human mesangial cells.

Direct association of p110 beta phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with p85 is mediated by an N-terminal fragment of p110 beta

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase is a heterodimeric enzyme of 85-kDa (p85) and 110-kDa (p110) subunits implicated in mitogenic signal transduction by virtue of its activation in cells transformed by diverse viral oncoproteins and treated with various growth factors. We have identified a domain in p110 that mediates association with p85 in vitro and in intact cells. A glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing the N-terminal 171 amino-acids of p110 beta bound to free p85 in cell lysates. This fusion protein also bound directly to p85 immobilized on nitrocellulose filters. An epitope-tagged fragment containing amino acids 31 to 150 of p110 beta associated with p85 upon expression in intact cells. Expression of either an N-terminal fragment of p110 beta or the p85 inter-SH2 domain, which mediates association with p110, reduced the association of endogenous PI 3-kinase activity with the activated platelet-derived growth factor receptor in intact cells. Hence, these defined regions of p85 and p110 mediate the interaction between the two subunits of PI 3-kinase.

Specific motifs recognized by the SH2 domains of Csk, 3BP2, fps/fes, GRB-2, HCP, SHC, Syk, and Vav

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains provide specificity to intracellular signaling by binding to specific phosphotyrosine (phospho-Tyr)-containing sequences. We recently developed a technique using a degenerate phosphopeptide library to predict the specificity of individual SH2 domains (src family members, Abl, Nck, Sem5, phospholipase C-gamma, p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and SHPTP2 (Z. Songyang, S. E. Shoelson, M. Chaudhuri, G. Gish, T. Pawson, W. G. Haser, F. King, T. Roberts, S. Ratnofsky, R. J. Lechleider, B. G. Neel, R. B. Birge, J. E. Fajardo, M. M. Chou, H. Hanafusa, B. Schaffhausen, and L. C. Cantley, Cell 72:767-778, 1993). We report here the optimal recognition motifs for SH2 domains from GRB-2, Drk, Csk, Vav, fps/fes, SHC, Syk (carboxy-terminal SH2), 3BP2, and HCP (amino-terminal SH2 domain, also called PTP1C and SHPTP1). As predicted, SH2 domains from proteins that fall into group I on the basis of a Phe or Tyr at the beta D5 position (GRB-2, 3BP2, Csk, fps/fes, Syk C-terminal SH2) select phosphopeptides with the general motif phospho-Tyr-hydrophilic (residue)-hydrophilic (residue)-hydrophobic (residue). The SH2 domains of SHC and HCP (group III proteins with Ile, Leu, of Cys at the beta D5 position) selected the general motif phospho-Tyr-hydrophobic-Xxx-hydrophobic, also as predicted. Vav, which has a Thr at the beta D5 position, selected phospho-Tyr-Met-Glu-Pro as the optimal motif. Each SH2 domain selected a unique optimal motif distinct from motifs previously determined for other SH2 domains. These motifs are used to predict potential sites in signaling proteins for interaction with specific SH2 domain-containing proteins. The Syk SH2 domain is predicted to bind to Tyr-hydrophilic-hydrophilic-Leu/Ile motifs like those repeated at 10-residue intervals in T- and B-cell receptor-associated proteins. SHC is predicted to bind to a subgroup og these same motifs. A structural basis for the association of Csk with Src family members is also suggested from these studies.

Signalling pathways as targets for anticancer drug development

Intracellular signalling pathways mediating the effects of oncogenes on cell growth and transformation offer novel targets for the development of anticancer drugs. With this approach, it may be sufficient to target a component of the signalling pathway activated by the oncogene rather than the oncogene product itself. In this review, the abilities of some antiproliferative drugs to inhibit signalling targets are considered. There are some anticancer drugs already in clinical trial that may act by inhibiting signalling targets, as well as drugs in preclinical development. Some problems that may be encountered in developing this new class of anticancer drugs are discussed.

Specific motifs recognized by the SH2 domains of Csk, 3BP2, fps/fes, GRB-2, HCP, SHC, Syk, and Vav

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains provide specificity to intracellular signaling by binding to specific phosphotyrosine (phospho-Tyr)-containing sequences. We recently developed a technique using a degenerate phosphopeptide library to predict the specificity of individual SH2 domains (src family members, Abl, Nck, Sem5, phospholipase C-gamma, p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and SHPTP2 (Z. Songyang, S. E. Shoelson, M. Chaudhuri, G. Gish, T. Pawson, W. G. Haser, F. King, T. Roberts, S. Ratnofsky, R. J. Lechleider, B. G. Neel, R. B. Birge, J. E. Fajardo, M. M. Chou, H. Hanafusa, B. Schaffhausen, and L. C. Cantley, Cell 72:767-778, 1993). We report here the optimal recognition motifs for SH2 domains from GRB-2, Drk, Csk, Vav, fps/fes, SHC, Syk (carboxy-terminal SH2), 3BP2, and HCP (amino-terminal SH2 domain, also called PTP1C and SHPTP1). As predicted, SH2 domains from proteins that fall into group I on the basis of a Phe or Tyr at the beta D5 position (GRB-2, 3BP2, Csk, fps/fes, Syk C-terminal SH2) select phosphopeptides with the general motif phospho-Tyr-hydrophilic (residue)-hydrophilic (residue)-hydrophobic (residue). The SH2 domains of SHC and HCP (group III proteins with Ile, Leu, of Cys at the beta D5 position) selected the general motif phospho-Tyr-hydrophobic-Xxx-hydrophobic, also as predicted. Vav, which has a Thr at the beta D5 position, selected phospho-Tyr-Met-Glu-Pro as the optimal motif. Each SH2 domain selected a unique optimal motif distinct from motifs previously determined for other SH2 domains. These motifs are used to predict potential sites in signaling proteins for interaction with specific SH2 domain-containing proteins. The Syk SH2 domain is predicted to bind to Tyr-hydrophilic-hydrophilic-Leu/Ile motifs like those repeated at 10-residue intervals in T- and B-cell receptor-associated proteins. SHC is predicted to bind to a subgroup og these same motifs. A structural basis for the association of Csk with Src family members is also suggested from these studies.

Direct association of p110 beta phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with p85 is mediated by an N-terminal fragment of p110 beta

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase is a heterodimeric enzyme of 85-kDa (p85) and 110-kDa (p110) subunits implicated in mitogenic signal transduction by virtue of its activation in cells transformed by diverse viral oncoproteins and treated with various growth factors. We have identified a domain in p110 that mediates association with p85 in vitro and in intact cells. A glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing the N-terminal 171 amino-acids of p110 beta bound to free p85 in cell lysates. This fusion protein also bound directly to p85 immobilized on nitrocellulose filters. An epitope-tagged fragment containing amino acids 31 to 150 of p110 beta associated with p85 upon expression in intact cells. Expression of either an N-terminal fragment of p110 beta or the p85 inter-SH2 domain, which mediates association with p110, reduced the association of endogenous PI 3-kinase activity with the activated platelet-derived growth factor receptor in intact cells. Hence, these defined regions of p85 and p110 mediate the interaction between the two subunits of PI 3-kinase.