Association of type 3 protein kinase C with focal contacts in rat embryo fibroblasts

Integrin-mediated signal transduction in human endothelial cells: analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation events

Adhesion of human umbilical endothelial cells to fibronectin resulted in increased tyrosine phosphorylation of a group of proteins with molecular mass ranging from 100 to 130 kDa and of a 70 kDa protein. This pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation was also observed when endothelial cells adhered to vitronectin, collagen IV, collagen I and laminin or to culture dishes coated with antibodies directed to either beta 1, alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 6 or beta 3 integrin subunits. Increased phosphorylation of the 100-130 kDa proteins was detectable as early as 30 sec after adhesion, reached maximal level after 15 min, and remained high as long as the cells adhere to culture dishes. The 70 kDa protein was phosphorylated with a slower kinetics and its phosphorylation increased over a period of 3 h. Using specific monoclonal antibodies, the major component of the 100-130 kDa complex was identified as the focal adhesion tyrosine kinase p125FAK. The phosphorylation of the p125FAK was also observed by inducing beta 1 integrin clustering in non adherent HEC, indicating that this is a primary signalling event induced by integrins. Using tyrosine kinase inhibitors, we show a direct correlation between integrin-stimulated tyrosine kinases and assembly of focal adhesions and actin fibres.

Transition metal chelator TPEN counteracts phorbol ester-induced actin cytoskeletal disruption in C6 rat glioma cells without inhibiting activation or translocation of protein kinase C

Phorbol ester-induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton was investigated in C6 rat glioma cells. Observations by fluorescence microscopy and photoelectron microscopy indicated that pretreatment with the transition metal chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) for 1-2 h at 50 microM reduced the sensitivity of the actin cytoskeleton to disruption by the subsequent addition of 200 nM phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The protective effect of TPEN was eliminated by adding back Zn2+ prior to PMA addition, implicating chelation of metal ions as the mechanism of action of TPEN. C6 cells exposed to PMA experience potent activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and substantial redistribution of the kinase from a soluble to a particulate cellular fraction (translocation). TPEN pretreatment did not block PKC translocation in PMA-exposed cells. By two-dimensional gel analysis, TPEN also did not reduce, but rather slightly increased, the PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of the acidic 80 kDa endogenous PKC substrate, as well as two other proteins at 18 kDa and 50 kDa. In contrast, TPEN significantly suppressed phosphorylation of a 20 kDa protein, both in cells treated with TPEN only and in TPEN-pretreated PMA-exposed cells. The results indicate that the ability of TPEN to protect against PKC-mediated actin cytoskeletal disruption is not due to either a block of PKC translocation or to general inhibition of PKC activity. Rather, the action of TPEN is more selective and probably involves chelation of Zn2+ at a critical Zn(2+)-dependent phosphorylation step downstream from the initial tumor promoter-induced effects on PKC.

Effect of protein kinase inhibitor H-7 on the contractility, integrity, and membrane anchorage of the microfilament system

Addition of protein kinase inhibitor H-7 leads to major changes in cell structure and dynamics. In previous studies [Citi, 1992: J. Cell Biol. 117:169-178] it was demonstrated that intercellular junctions in H-7-treated epithelial cells become calcium independent. To elucidate the mechanism responsible for this effect we have examined the morphology, dynamics, and cytoskeletal organization of various cultured cells following H-7-treatment. We show here that drug treated cells display an enhanced protrusive activity. Focal contact-attached stress fibers and the associated myosin, vinculin, and talin deteriorated in such cells while actin, vinculin, and N-cadherin associated with cell-cell junctions were retained. Furthermore, we demonstrate that even before these cytoskeletal changes become apparent, H-7 suppresses cellular contractility. Thus, short pretreatment with H-7 leads to strong inhibition of the ATP-induced contraction of saponin permeabilized cells. Comparison of H-7 effects with those of other kinase inhibitors revealed that H-7-induced changes in cell shape, protrusional activity, and actin cytoskeleton structure are very similar to those induced by selective inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, KT5926. Specific inhibitors of protein kinase C (Ro31-8220 and GF109203X), on the other hand, did not induce similar alterations. These results suggest that the primary effect of H-7 on cell morphology, motility, and junctional interactions may be attributed to the inhibition of actomyosin contraction. This effect may have multiple effects on cell behavior, including general reduction in cellular contractility, destruction of stress fibers, and an increase in lamellipodial activity. It is proposed that this reduction in tension also leads to the apparent stability of cell-cell junctions in low-calcium medium.

Paxillin: a cytoskeletal target for tyrosine kinases

Paxillin is a recently identified member of the complex of cytoskeletal proteins that is found concentrated in cultured cells and in vivo at the cytoplasmic face of regions of cell attachment to the extracellular matrix. These sites, in view of their close proximity to the extracellular matrix, are well positioned to act as signal-transducing centers to 'report on' changes in the cells, immediate environment. Recent findings indicate that such signals are in part mediated through the activation of tyrosine kinases concentrated at the sites of adhesion. Changes in the phosphotyrosine content of paxillin accompanying this elevation in kinase activity suggest that paxillin may be an important intermediary in these pathways.

Two-step mechanism for actin polymerization in human erythroleukemia cells induced by phorbol ester

Human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells grow in suspension, but after treatment with nM PMA the cells adhere and spread on glass or fibronectin [Jarvinen et al., 1987: Eur. J. Cell Biol. 44:238-246]. We observed an early (20-30 min) stage of spreading in which F-actin was organized into peripheral arcs near the spreading margin and vinculin was localised to the cell's periphery at the ends of these arcs. By 1 h the cells were well spread with straight actin bundles many of which ended at more central sites terminating on patches containing vinculin and talin; thus the cells assemble typical stress fibers but do not appear to polarize. The cells also spread on RGD polymer. DiC8 (1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol, C8:0, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO) induced spreading but only if DAG kinase inhibitor and A-23187 were also present; in their absence cells adhered but did not spread. Spreading was approximately 85% inhibited by 100 nM staurosporine. PKC-beta was shown to be present in the cells by immunoblotting. In cells spread for 1 h with PMA, F-actin increased to 180% of control levels as measured by RP binding and the actin sequestering complex of G-actin-thymosin beta 4 decreased significantly. To determine whether the F-actin increase required adhesion, we inhibited cell attachment to the substratum by adding RGDS, by coating glass surfaces with hemoglobin, or by a combined treatment. Under these conditions PMA-treated suspended cells still increased their F-actin to 126-137% of controls, a significant increase over control levels. Staurosporine inhibited F-actin increases under all the conditions studied. Permeabilized cell suspensions, incubated with rhodamine labelled G-actin, incorporated the labelled actin along cell membranes at a low level. A few minutes preincubation with either diC8 plus DAG kinase inhibitor or with PMA strongly increased the incorporation. This increased incorporation was reduced to below control levels by either staurosporine (100 nM) or cytochalasin D (1 microM). We conclude that both suspended and spreading HEL cells can be stimulated to polymerize actin by a mechanism dependent on PKC or a PKC-like molecule. In suspended cells, the polymerization occurs along the membrane. When cells spread, F-actin increased to a significantly greater extent. This second step could involve additional polymerization, perhaps at the observed adhesion sites, decreased turnover of the actin bundles, or a combined effect of both mechanisms.

Activated protein kinase C binds to intracellular receptors in rat hepatocytes

The aim of this study was to identify in rat hepatocytes cellular polypeptides that bind protein kinase C (PKC) and may influence its activity and its compartmentation. At least seven proteins, with apparent M(r) values between 12,000 and 36,000, that behave like Receptors for Activated C-Kinase (RACKs) were found in the Triton-X-100-insoluble fraction of these cells; i.e. PKC bound to these polypeptides when it was in its active form. RACKS seem to be PKC substrates. Studies using isotype-specific PKC antibodies suggested some selectivity of RACKs, i.e. RACKs in the M(r) approximately 28,000-36,000 region bound PKC-alpha and PKC-beta in the presence of phosphatidylserine, diolein and Ca2+, whereas those of M(r) approximately 12,000-14,000 bound all isoforms studied, and, in contrast with the other RACKs, they did this even in the absence of Ca2+. Peptide I (KGDYEKILVALCGGN), which has a sequence suggested to be involved in the PKC-RACKs interaction [Mochly-Rosen, Khaner, Lopez and Smith (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 14866-14868], inhibited PKC activity. Preincubation of RACKs with antisera directed against peptide I prevented PKC binding to them. The data suggest that peptide I blocks PKC binding to RACKs by two mechanisms: inhibition of PKC activity and competition with a putative binding site.

Talin: adherens junction protein is localized at the epidermal-dermal interface in skin

The interaction between cells of the epidermis and the basal lamina is important for the integrity of the skin. Several hereditary and acquired diseases show changes at the dermal-epidermal interface due to loss of adhesion between basal cells and the basement membrane. The structures mediating this interaction are hemidesmosomes, which have been extensively characterized by biochemical, molecular biologic, and morphologic techniques. Recently, however, a group of adhesion molecules that are distinct from hemidesmosomes and that mediate cell-matrix interactions was described in cultured fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and skin. These adhesion molecules, beta 1 integrins, have been shown to be present in the focal adhesion, a cell-matrix contact associated with microfilaments rather than intermediate filaments characteristic of hemidesmosomes. In cultured cells, integrins of the beta 1 family have been shown to be linked by a protein complex to actin filaments. In this study we describe the localization of talin, the binding protein for beta 1 integrins, and vinculin at the dermal-epidermal interface in skin with immunofluorescence and immunoblotting techniques. These data suggest the presence of a link between the cytoplasmic actin filament system in basal keratinocytes and the extracellular matrix.

Contractile activity and cell-cell contact regulate myofibrillar organization in cultured cardiac myocytes

Adult feline ventricular myocytes cultured on a laminin-coated substratum reestablish intercellular junctions, yet disassemble their myofibrils. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals that these non-beating heart cells lack vinculin-positive focal adhesions; moreover, intercellular junctions are also devoid of vinculin. When these quiescent myocytes are stimulated to contract with the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, extensive vinculin-positive focal adhesions and intercellular junctions emerge. If solitary myocytes are stimulated to beat, an elaborate series of vinculin-positive focal adhesions develop which appear to parallel the reassembly of myofibrils. In cultures where neighboring myocytes reestablish cell-cell contact, myofibrils appear to reassemble from the fascia adherens rather than focal contacts. Activation of beating is accompanied by a significant reduction in the rate of total and cytoskeletal protein synthesis; in fact, myofibrillar reassembly, redevelopment of focal adhesions and fascia adherens junctions require no protein synthesis for at least 24 h, implying the existence of an assembly competent pool of cytoskeletal proteins. Maturation of the fasciae adherens and the appearance of vinculin within Z-line/costameres, does require de novo synthesis of new cytoskeletal proteins. Changes in cytoskeletal protein turnover appear dependent on beta agonist-induced cAMP production, but myofibrillar reassembly is a cAMP-independent event. Such observations suggest that mechanical forces, in the guise of contractile activity, regulate vinculin distribution and myofibrillar order in cultured adult feline heart cells.

Immunoblotting of contractile and cytoskeletal proteins of canine basilar artery in vasospasm

Vasospasm was produced in the canine basilar arteries by a two-hemorrhage method, and voltage- and receptor-dependent contractions of the normal canine basilar arteries were induced by local applications of potassium chloride (KCI) and serotonin, respectively, after transclival exposure. Actin, myosin, desmin, filamin, talin, vinculin, and alpha-actinin in the basilar artery were studied by immunoblotting. The immunoblots showed a decrease or loss in immunoreactivity of some native proteins and generation of protein fragments, smaller in size than native proteins, in spastic, KCI, and serotonin groups, indicating a proteolytic degradation. In the spastic group on Day 2, actin, desmin, and filamin were usually degraded slightly; myosin moderately; and talin and alpha-actinin substantially. Vinculin and metavinculin remained intact. In the spastic group on Day 7, actin and desmin were usually decomposed slightly; myosin, filamin, and vinculin substantially; and talin, metavinculin, and alpha-actinin markedly. In the KCI and serotonin groups, slight degradation was usually observed in filamin, often in alpha-actinin, and occasionally in actin, whereas desmin, vinculin, and metavinculin were not degraded. In addition, myosin was usually degraded moderately in the KCI group and slightly in the serotonin group, and talin was generally decomposed slightly in the KCI group and moderately in the serotonin group. The degraded fragments, although variable in number and immunoreactivity, were similar in size in the three groups. We suggest that the intracellular devices responsible for contraction of the basilar arteries are degraded more severely in the spastic group than in the KCI or serotonin group, probably by similar proteolytic mechanism and progressively with the passage of time after subarachnoid hemorrhage in vasospasm.

Cytochalasin modulation of nicotinic cholinergic receptor expression and muscarinic receptor function in human TE671/RD cells: a possible functional role of the cytoskeleton

Previous studies have shown that cells of the TE671/RD human clonal line express muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and m3-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) whose numbers and function are regulated by agonist treatment and second messenger modulation. Here we show that cytochalasin treatment, which causes disruption of actin networks, induces marked changes in the numbers and distribution of nAChR, but not mAChR. Moreover, whereas cytochalasin treatment fails to alter nAChR function significantly, it acutely potentiates mAChR-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Treatment of TE671/RD cells with different cytochalasin analogues (rank order efficacy at 5 micrograms/ml is H > J = B = C = D > A = E) produces a two- to fourfold increase in numbers of membrane-bound nAChR (Bmax in units of specific 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin binding per milligram of membrane protein). nAChR up-regulation is evident after 1-2 days of cytochalasin B exposure, is maximal after 3-6 days of drug treatment, and is dominated by an approximately 10-fold increase (per cell) in an intracellular nAChR pool. Cytochalasin-induced nAChR up-regulation is similar in magnitude to, but not additive with, up-regulation of nAChR following chronic exposure to nicotine or phorbol ester. Northern blot analysis shows a four- to five-fold coordinate increase in levels of mRNA that encode nAChR alpha, beta, gamma, or delta subunits in cytochalasin-treated cells, suggesting that nAChR up-regulation has a possible transcriptional basis. Studies done using a 86Rb+ efflux assay indicate that cytochalasin treatment has no significant effect on nAChR function. By contrast, cytochalasin treatment has no effect on the numbers of mAChR as assessed by binding studies with the radioantagonist 3H-labeled quinuclidinyl benzilate, but it induces marked enhancement of carbachol-stimulated, but not basal, phosphoinositide hydrolysis. These studies suggest that presumed modulation by cytochalasin treatment of cytoskeletal microfilament integrity can differentially influence expression and function of mAChR (a prototype of the metabotropic receptor superfamily) and nAChR (a prototype of the ligand-gated ion-channel superfamily). The results also suggest possible new roles for the cytoskeleton in regulation of membrane receptor expression, function, and cross talk.

Characterization of site-specific mutants altered at protein kinase C beta 1 isozyme autophosphorylation sites

The autophosphorylation sites of the beta 2 isozyme of protein kinase C (PKC) were recently identified as Ser-16/Thr-17 near the NH2 terminus, Thr-314/Thr-324 in the hinge region, and Thr-634/Thr-641 near the COOH terminus [Flint, A.J., Paladini, R.D. & Koshland, D.E. (1990) Science 294, 408-411]. To define the role of autophosphorylation we constructed three site-directed mutants of PKC beta 1 isozyme in which each pair of phosphorylatable residues is changed to alanine. Wild-type PKC beta 1 and the mutant proteins were transiently overexpressed in COS cells, resulting in at least a 20-fold increase in [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding compared with control transfectants. Enzyme assays of PKC partially purified from transfected cells indicated at least a 5-fold increase in PKC activity upon expression of the wild-type protein or the NH2-terminal and hinge mutants. In contrast, no increased activity was detected upon expression of the COOH-terminal mutant. Immunoblot analysis using a beta isoform-specific antibody showed that wild-type, NH2-terminal mutant, and hinge mutant proteins are similarly distributed between the Triton-soluble and insoluble fractions. In contrast, the COOH-terminal mutant protein is largely Triton-insoluble. Immunoblot analysis also indicated that this mutant is resistant to down-regulation upon chronic exposure of cells to phorbol ester. Moreover, RNA blot analysis showed that overexpression of wild-type PKC but not of the COOH-terminal mutant enhances phorbol ester induction of c-FOS and c-JUN mRNA. Our results indicate that (i) alteration in the NH2-terminal and hinge autophosphorylation sites has no effect on PKC function by the criteria examined and (ii) the COOH-terminal autophosphorylation sites are critical for PKC function and possibly subcellular localization in COS cells.

The invasin protein of Yersinia spp. provides co-stimulatory activity to human T cells through interaction with beta 1 integrins

The invasin proteins of Yersinia spp. are outer membrane proteins which are involved in the penetration of these bacteria into mammalian cells (Cell 1990. 60: 861). Invasin binds to several different beta 1 integrins with extremely high affinity, the integrin-binding domain of invasin has been mapped to the C-terminal 192 amino-acids of the molecule (J. Biol. Chem. 1991. 266:24367). Expression of this fragment alone on the cell surface of non-invasive bacteria is enough to confer the invasive phenotype on these strains (EMBO J. 1990. 9: 1979). Here we show that the carboxy-terminal 192 amino acids of invasin expressed as a fusion protein with the maltose binding protein of E. coli is capable of delivering co-stimulatory signals to human T cells through the beta 1 integrins. Co-stimulation was assayed by the ability of invasin to augment the response of highly purified CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to co-immobilized anti-CD3 antibody. Antibody blocking studies indicated that the co-stimulation was mediated through beta 1 integrins. The proliferation induced by co-stimulation of CD4+ T cells was accompanied by the synthesis of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, whereas the activation of CD8+ T cells led to the generation of cytotoxic effectors. The region of the invasin molecule involved in T cell activation was further mapped using synthetic peptides. A region of the invasin molecule containing the residues TAKSKKFPSY could substitute for invasin in T cell activation. The co-stimulation by peptide could also be inhibited by anti-integrin antibodies. The observation that an outer membrane protein of a bacterium which is associated with reactive arthritis and other autoimmune spondyloarthropathies can act as a T cell co-stimulus may have implications for the etiology of these diseases.

Influence of cold preservation on the cytoskeleton of cultured pulmonary arterial endothelial cells

In donor lungs preserved for transplantation, pulmonary arterial endothelial cells become thin and partially detached from the basement membrane at 4 degrees C, recovering slowly after transplantation. These changes have now been modeled in vitro. Porcine pulmonary arterial endothelial cell monolayers were incubated at 4 degrees C for 2 or 4 h, rewarmed to 37 degrees C, and incubated for up to 24 h. Responses were studied using wound healing assays, bead phagocytosis, immunostaining of cytoskeletal components, and quantification of actin by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Cooling caused cessation of cell movement and phagocytosis associated with depolymerization of the cytoskeleton. Depolymerization of microtubules was complete after 2 h but 14.6% of actin filaments remained (SDS-PAGE) after 4 h at 4 degrees C. Loss of actin stress fibers paralleled the disappearance of vinculin/talin co-labeling focal adhesions. However, a fiber network at the inner surface of the cell membrane labeling for talin was stable at 4 degrees C. After rewarming, the rate of cell movement and phagocytosis immediately returned to normal. Actin filaments and thin stress fibers were present by 1 h, although poorly organized, and actin had increased to 68.2% of control. Many small vinculin/talin focal adhesions had formed. Microtubules redeveloped by 1 h. The cytoskeleton of cultured human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells showed similar changes. In conclusion, the cytoskeletal changes help explain in vivo observations. On rewarming, the endothelial cells appeared to recover rapidly, but the abnormal appearance of the reformed cytoskeleton suggests an interim period of instability which may have metabolic and mechanical consequences.

Protein kinase C-dependent effects of 12(S)-HETE on endothelial cell vitronectin receptor and fibronectin receptor

12(S)-HETE, a lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid induced a nondestructive and reversible endothelial cell (EC) retraction. 12(S)-HETE induced EC retraction was inhibited by protein kinase C inhibitors calphostin C and staurosporine but not by the protein kinase A inhibitor H8. The role of EC integrins alpha v beta 3 and alpha 5 beta 1 in 12(S)-HETE induced EC retraction was investigated. In confluent EC cultures, alpha v beta 3 is localized to focal adhesions at both the cell body and cell-cell borders and is colocalized with vinculin-containing focal adhesions. In contrast, alpha 5 beta 1 is primarily enriched at the cell-cell borders, demonstrating codistribution with cell cortical microfilaments and extracellular fibronectin. Both receptors were functional in mediating cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions based on the observations that specific antibodies inhibited EC adhesion to intact subendothelial matrix and disrupted the monolayer integrity. 12(S)-HETE induced a multistep, temporally defined redistribution of the alpha v beta 3-containing focal adhesions, leading to an eventual decrease in alpha v beta 3 plaques in the retracted ECs. This effect of 12(S)-HETE was inhibited by calphostin C but not by H8. The alterations of alpha v beta 3-containing focal adhesions preceded the development of EC retraction. 12(S)-HETE also enhanced EC alpha v beta 3 surface expression as revealed by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and digitized image analysis. 12(S)-HETE-induced alpha v beta 3 rearrangement (i.e., decreased focal adhesion localization and enhanced surface expression) did not result from altered mRNA transcription (as revealed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis) or protein translation (as revealed by Western blotting). In contrast to its effect on alpha v beta 3, 12(S)-HETE did not demonstrate a temporally related, well-defined effect on the distribution pattern and the surface expression of alpha 5 beta 1, although the cell-cell border staining pattern of alpha 5 beta 1 was disrupted due to EC retraction. It is concluded that 12(S)-HETE-induced decrease of alpha v beta 3 localization to focal adhesions may contribute to the development of EC retraction and that 12(S)-HETE induced increase in alpha v beta 3 surface expression may promote adhesion of inflammatory leukocytes as well as tumor cells to endothelium.

Fibroblast contraction of collagen gels requires activation of protein kinase C

Fibroblasts stimulated to contract collagen gels with serum were completely inhibited by staurosporine, a broad spectrum kinase inhibitor. Further analysis demonstrated that staurosporine is potent (IC50 17 nM), rapid in onset, and completely reversible. Complete inhibition of gel contraction was also observed with calphostin C (IC50 48 nM), an inhibitor specific for protein kinase C (PKC). Similar effects were not observed with KT5926 or KT5720, inhibitors for myosin light chain kinase and cAMP-dependent kinases, respectively. These data suggested that serum-stimulated fibroblast contraction is dependent upon activation of PKC. This was also observed with fibroblast contraction stimulated with endothelin-1, platelet-derived growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta. PKC activated directly with low concentrations of phorbol ester was observed to stimulate fibroblast contraction of collagen gels, in some cases within 30 minutes of exposure.

How is protein kinase C activated in CNS

Protein kinase C (PKC) enzyme family consists of the Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent subgroups of phospholipid/diacylglycerol (DAG)-stimulated serine/threonine protein kinases. These enzymes exhibit distinct cellular and subcellular localizations in CNS and subtle differences in their biochemical characteristics and substrate specificities. It is believed that each of these isoenzymes respond differently to different input signals. However, detailed mechanism for the functioning of these enzymes in vivo is largely unknown; this is in part due to the absence of specific activator, inhibitor, or substrate for each of these enzymes. Recent advances in biochemical, biophysical, and molecular characterizations have defined certain structural features important to confer the stimulatory responses of these enzymes to Ca2+, DAG or phorbol ester, and Zn2+; other features important for the binding of anionic phospholipids, Ca2+/phospholipid complexes, and cis-unsaturated fatty acids have not yet been characterized. Activation of PKC requires the increase in [Ca2+]i and DAG and/or cis-unsaturated fatty acids. Ca2+ promotes the interactions of the Ca(2+)-dependent subgroup of PKCs with membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) and the enzymes become partially active when simultaneously associated with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate or fully active when DAG is available. Free fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, generated by the activation of phospholipase A2, could synergize with DAG to activate the enzyme maximally. The Ca(2+)-independent subgroup of PKCs also become active when associated with PS at elevated level of DAG. Sustained activation of PKCs leads to the conversion of these enzymes into membrane-inserted and membrane protein-associated forms, which may be responsible for certain long-term neural responses. Activation of PKC results in the phosphorylation of cellular proteins; among them, several calmodulin (CaM)-binding proteins are the prominent substrates of these kinases. Phosphorylation of these proteins by PKC favors the release of CaM, which is required for the Ca2+/CaM-dependent enzymes. Thus, activation of PKCs can lead to diverse cellular responses through such amplification steps. Future studies should be directed at the elucidation of the activation of each PKC isoform in vivo to correlate with the physiological responses.

Epithelium-mesenchyme interconversion as example of epithelial plasticity

This review focuses on epithelium-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), defined as dynamic cell restructurations changing the epithelial state of differentiation into a mesenchymal phenotype. These transitions, known to occur during embryogenesis are also involved during some pathological events of adult life, such as wound repair and metastasis of cancer cells. Numerous studies of embryonic EMTs, found during some morphogenetic processes, have stressed the importance of intercellular and cell-matrix adhesive interactions as key elements regulating cell dissociation and acquisition of cell motility. On the other hand, in vitro studies indicate that growth factors, growth-factor related molecules and extracellular matrix components are involved in initiation of EMT. Therefore, the cellular targets of EMT-inducing molecules are likely to include molecules participating in cell adhesion systems.

12(S)-HETE-induced microvascular endothelial cell retraction results from PKC-dependent rearrangement of cytoskeletal elements and alpha V beta 3 integrins

12(S)-HETE, a lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid, has been demonstrated to induce a reversible retraction of vascular endothelial cells (EC). 12(S)-HETE-induced microvascular EC retraction was blocked by a selective protein kinase C inhibitor, calphostin C, but not by the protein kinase A inhibitor, H8. EC exposed to 12(S)-HETE demonstrated a gradual dissolution of actin microfilaments and a decrease of vinculin-containing focal adhesions. The intermediate filaments, vimentin, also underwent extensive reorganization (i.e., filament bundling and enrichment to the cell filapodia) following 12(S)-HETE treatment. In vivo phosphorylation studies revealed that 12(S)-HETE induced a hyperphosphorylation of several major cytoskeletal proteins including myosin light chain, actin, and vimentin. The increased phosphorylation of these cytoskeletal proteins following 12(S)-HETE stimulation was abolished by calphostin C but not by H8. Confluent EC express alpha v beta 3 in focal adhesions at both the cell body and the cell-cell borders. 12(S)-HETE induced a sequential rearrangement of the alpha v beta 3-containing focal adhesions, resulting in a general decrease in alpha v beta 3 integrin receptors, especially in those retracted EC. 12(S)-HETE-induced rearrangement of alpha v beta 3 was inhibited by calphostin C but not by H8. In contrast to alpha v beta 3, confluent EC enrich alpha 5 beta 1 integrin receptors primarily at the cell-cell borders, colocalizing with extracellular fibronectin and cell cortical microfilaments. 12(S)-HETE treatment also disrupted the cell-border distribution pattern of alpha 5 beta 1 as EC retracted, but no distinct alterations (such as time-related redistribution and quantitative differences) in alpha 5 beta 1 were observed.

Enhancement of the synthesis and secretion of nerve growth factor in primary cultures of glial cells by proteases: a possible involvement of thrombin

Newborn rat brain astrocytes cultured in vitro in a chemically defined medium are shown to secrete enhanced levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) when they are exposed to various types of proteases. Proteolytic enzymes such as alpha-thrombin or collagenase induce a continuous, dose-dependent enhancement of the levels of cell-secreted NGF. Incubation of astrocytes for a 24-h period with 300 ng/ml of alpha-thrombin (approximately 9 nM, or 1 U/ml) results in an increase of the levels of cell-secreted NGF by a factor of three- to fourfold, and at doses 10 times higher, stimulation by a factor of up to four- to fivefold was observed. This phenomenon reflects an enhancement of the cellular pool of NGF mRNA, already noticeable after 3 h of treatment, which is preceded by a temporary activation of protooncogenes encoding transcription factors of the AP-1 family, such as c-fos, c-jun or junB. Trypsin, plasmin, alpha-chymotrypsin, or elastase also enhanced, to different extents, the levels of cell-secreted NGF. However, unlike alpha-thrombin or collagenase, these enzymes cause, above a critical concentration, an extensive cell detachment from the solid support, and this is accompanied by a decrease of their activity on the production of NGF, so that their dose-response curves are bell shaped. Stimulation was maximal at those concentrations that cause a limited loosening of the cell-substratum interactions, as evidenced by a retraction of some cell processes after 24 h of treatment. Studies of the effect of alpha-thrombin indicate that the proteolytic activity itself is required to enhance the production of NGF by astrocytes. Inactivation of alpha-thrombin with D-phenyl-alanyl-L-propyl-L-arginine chloromethyl ketone, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, antithrombin III, or hirudin results in a marked decrease of the stimulatory effect. Furthermore, the prolonged presence of alpha-thrombin is required to elicit a maximal effect on the levels of extracellular NGF, which was observed after 48 h of treatment. It is known that some effects of alpha-thrombin require binding to the cell surface. We found that gamma-thrombin, which still has some proteolytic activity but has lost its ability to bind to the cell surface, is almost as potent as alpha-thrombin in promoting the release of NGF. It is concluded that the effect of thrombin on NGF synthesis is essentially mediated by its proteolytic activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Differential expression of phospholipase C specific for inositol phospholipids at the cell surface of rat glial cells and REF52 rat embryo fibroblasts

Phosphatidylinositol(PI)-specific phospholipase C activity was detected on the surface of rat astrocytes, rat C6 glioma cells, and rat embryo (REF52) fibroblasts. The cell surface phospholipase C (ecto-PLC) activity was calcium-dependent, did not result from secreted phospholipase C, and was not released from the cell surface by bacterial PI-specific phospholipase C. Agents known to stimulate intracellular PI turnover, including carbachol, L-glutamic acid, acetylcholine, and orthovanadate, did not induce measurable alterations in the activity of the ecto-PLC. The expression of ecto-PLC activity by REF52 fibroblasts was density-dependent: subconfluent cultures of REF52 exhibited low levels of activity (less than 80 pmol of inositol phosphate formed/min/10(6) cells), whereas in confluent cultures ecto-PLC activity increased to approximately 300 pmol/min/10(6) cells. In contrast to this behavior and that exhibited by previously reported ecto-PLC-positive cell types, the ecto-PLC activity exhibited by astrocytes (approximately 1,000 pmol/min/10(6) cells) and by C6 glioma cells (approximately 100 pmol/min/10(6) cells) was independent of cell culture density up to confluence. The constitutive expression of ecto-PLC activity of astroglial cells may be related to their function as accessory cells in close association with neurons.

Intracellular associations of adhesion molecules

Significant advances have recently been made in our understanding of the cytoplasmic anchorage of adhesion molecules. The identification of catenins, a new class of proteins involved in the cytoplasmic anchorage of cadherins that are structurally homologous to other peripheral cytoplasmic proteins, emphasizes the existence of protein families that modulate the function of cell-substrate and cell-cell adhesion molecules.

Fimbrin localized to an insoluble cytoskeletal fraction is constitutively phosphorylated on its headpiece domain in adherent macrophages

The actin-bundling protein fimbrin is homologous to 1-plastin, a 65kD phosphoprotein expressed in leukocytes and transformed cells [de Arruda et al., J. Cell Biol. 111, 1069-1080]. Because fimbrin is present in cell adhesion sites, we studied the phosphorylation state of fimbrin and its distribution in macrophages sequentially extracted with Triton-X-100 (soluble fraction), Tween 40-deoxy-cholate (cytoskeletal fraction), and SDS (insoluble cytoskeletal fraction). The approximate distribution of fimbrin and actin among these fractions was found to be: 65% fimbrin/55% actin in the soluble fraction, 30% fimbrin/20% actin in the cytoskeletal fraction, and 5% fimbrin/25% actin in the insoluble cytoskeletal fraction. PMA did not alter this distribution. Fluorescence microscopy of acetone-extracted macrophages showed that actin is concentrated in podosomes at the substratum interface and is diffusely distributed throughout the remainder of the cell. Fimbrin colocalizes with actin in podosomes and also exhibits a punctate distribution in the cytoplasm that overlaps with actin. In Tween 40/DOC-extracted cells, podosomes remain, and fimbrin also exhibits a punctate distribution along actin filaments. Metabolic 32PO4 labeling revealed that fimbrin is constitutively phosphorylated and that phosphorylated fimbrin is concentrated in the insoluble cytoskeletal fraction. PMA increased the relative levels of fimbrin phosphorylation twofold but did not alter the pattern of fimbrin fluorescence or the distribution of phosphorylated fimbrin. Limited trypsin digestion and phosphoamino acid analysis demonstrated that phosphorylation occurs specifically on serine residues within the 10kD headpiece domain of fimbrin. Phosphorylation of the headpiece domain could regulate the actin binding and bundling properties of fimbrin, or it could regulate the interaction of fimbrin with other proteins.

PKC mediates 12(S)-HETE-induced cytoskeletal rearrangement in B16a melanoma cells

The fatty acid 12(S)-HETE may be a new second messenger capable of activating PKC. In tumor cells 12(S)-HETE stimulates cytoskeleton-dependent cellular responses such as adhesion and spreading. Analysis of 12(S)-HETE effects on B16a melanoma cell cytoskeleton revealed reversible rearrangement of microtubules, microfilaments, the actin-binding proteins, vinculin, myosin heavy (MHC) and light chains (MLC), as well as bundling of vimentin intermediate filaments. The alterations in microfilaments and intermediate filaments occurred very rapidly, i.e., 5 min after exposure of tumor cells to 12(S)-HETE. The 12(S)-HETE-induced cytoskeletal alterations were accompanied by centrifugal organelle-translocation. Interestingly, MLC exhibited clear association with the cytoplasmic organelles. Biochemical analysis of the 12(S)-HETE effect indicated a PKC-mediated reversible hyperphosphorylation of MLC, vimentin, and a 130 kD cytoskeletal-associated protein. Optimal effects were obtained after 5 min treatment with 12(S)-HETE at 0.1 microM concentration. 12(S)-HETE pretreatment induced tumor cell spreading on a fibronectin matrix which required the intactness of all three major cytoskeletal components. The spreading process was dependent upon the activity of PKC. Our data suggest that 12(S)-HETE is a physiological stimulant of PKC. Further, it induces rearrangement of the cytoskeleton of tumor cells in interphase resulting in the stimulation of cytoskeleton-dependent cell activity such as spreading.

Zyxin and cCRP: two interactive LIM domain proteins associated with the cytoskeleton

Interaction with extracellular matrix can trigger a variety of responses by cells including changes in specific gene expression and cell differentiation. The mechanism by which cell surface events are coupled to the transcriptional machinery is not understood, however, proteins localized at sites of cell-substratum contact are likely to function as signal transducers. We have recently purified and characterized a low abundance adhesion plaque protein called zyxin (Crawford, A. W., and M. C. Beckerle. 1991. J. Biol. Chem. 266:5847-5853; Crawford, A. W., J. W. Michelsen, and M. C. Beckerle. 1992. J. Cell Biol. 116:1381-1393). We have now isolated and sequenced zyxin cDNA and we report here that zyxin exhibits an unusual proline-rich NH2-terminus followed by three tandemly arrayed LIM domains. LIM domains have previously been identified in proteins that play important roles in transcriptional regulation and cellular differentiation. LIM domains have been proposed to coordinate metal ions and we have demonstrated by atomic absorption spectroscopy that purified zyxin binds zinc, a result consistent with the idea that zyxin has zinc fingers. In addition, we have discovered that zyxin interacts in vitro with a 23-kD protein that also exhibits LIM domains. Microsequence analysis has revealed that the 23-kD protein (or cCRP) is the chicken homologue of the human cysteine-rich protein (hCRP). By double-label indirect immunofluorescence, we found that zyxin and cCRP are extensively colocalized in chicken embryo fibroblasts, consistent with the idea that they interact in vivo. We conclude that LIM domains are zinc-binding sequences that may be involved in protein-protein interactions. The demonstration that two cytoskeletal proteins, zyxin and cCRP, share a sequence motif with proteins important for transcriptional regulation raises the possibility that zyxin and cCRP are components of a signal transduction pathway that mediates adhesion-stimulated changes in gene expression.

Immunocytochemical expression and localization of protein kinase C in bovine aortic endothelial cells

Total PKC activity in BAEC incubated for 24 hrs in either 10% serum (FBS) or serum-deprived media (SDM) was similar. However, most of the activity (69%) in the FBS group was detected in the particulate fraction, while it was mainly in the cytosolic fraction (66%) in the SDM group. By confocal microscopy, there was diffuse cytoplasmic localization of the antibodies to the alpha and beta PKC isoforms. gamma PKC was not detected. Treatment of FBS or SDM cells with a phorbol ester resulted in an increase in PKC activity with translocation to the particulate fraction. PKC alpha immunofluorescence redistributed to the perinuclear region whereas PKC beta staining remained mostly cytosolic. Calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, prevented the phorbol ester-induced increase in PKC activity and translocation.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and pp125FAK accompanies cell adhesion to extracellular matrix: a role in cytoskeletal assembly

Cells in culture reveal high levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in their focal adhesions, the regions where cells adhere to the underlying substratum. We have examined the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in response to plating cells on extracellular matrix substrata. Rat embryo fibroblasts, mouse Balb/c 3T3, and NIH 3T3 cells plated on fibronectin-coated surfaces revealed elevated phosphotyrosine levels in a cluster of proteins between 115 and 130 kD. This increase in tyrosine phosphorylation was also seen when rat embryo fibroblasts were plated on laminin or vitronectin, but not on polylysine or on uncoated plastic. Integrin mediation of this effect was suggested by finding the same pattern of elevated tyrosine phosphorylation in cells plated on the cell-binding fragment of fibronectin and in cells plated on a synthetic polymer containing multiple RGD sequences. We have identified one of the proteins of the 115-130-kD cluster as pp125FAK, a tyrosine kinase recently localized in focal adhesions (Schaller, M. D., C. A. Borgman, B. S. Cobb, R. R. Vines, A. B. Reynolds, and J. T. Parsons. 1992. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 89:5192). A second protein that becomes tyrosine phosphorylated in response to extracellular matrix adhesion is identified as paxillin, a 70-kD protein previously localized to focal adhesions. Treatment of cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A diminished the adhesion-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of these proteins and inhibited the formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers. These results suggest a role for integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in the organization of the cytoskeleton as cells adhere to the extracellular matrix.

Studies and perspectives of signal transduction in the skin

Tumor-promoting phorbol ester and epidermal growth factor (EGF) exert marked influences on the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. These two agents bring their physiological functions into play via protein kinase C (PKC) activation (and/or down regulation) and protein tyrosine kinase, respectively. In this paper, the present situation in the studies on the signal transduction of keratinocytes centering around these two kinases is discussed. An outline of studies on signal transduction of cells other than keratinocytes in the skin is also given.

Immunocytochemical localization of alpha-protein kinase C in rat pancreatic beta-cells during glucose-induced insulin secretion

To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the regulation of insulin secretion, we visualized changes in the intracellular localization of alpha-PKC in fixed beta-cells from both isolated rat pancreatic islets and the pancreas of awake unstressed rats during glucose-induced insulin secretion. Isolated, perifused rat islets were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, detergent permeabilized, and labeled with a mAb specific for alpha-PKC. The labeling was visualized by confocal immunofluorescent microscopy. In isolated rat pancreatic islets perifused with 2.75 mM glucose, alpha-PKC immunostaining was primarily cytoplasmic in distribution throughout the beta-cells. In islets stimulated with 20 mM glucose, there was a significant redistribution of alpha-PKC to the cell periphery. This glucose-induced redistribution was abolished when either mannoheptulose, an inhibitor of glucose metabolism, or nitrendipine, an inhibitor of calcium influx, were added to the perifusate. We also examined changes in the intracellular distribution of alpha-PKC in the beta-cells of awake, unstressed rats that were given an intravenous infusion of glucose. Immunocytochemical analysis of pancreatic sections from these rats demonstrated a glucose-induced translocation of alpha-PKC to the cell periphery of the beta-cells. These results demonstrate that the metabolism of glucose can induce the redistribution of alpha-PKC to the cell periphery of beta-cells, both in isolated islets and in the intact animal, and suggest that alpha-PKC plays a role in mediating glucose-induced insulin secretion.

Signal transduction by integrin receptors for extracellular matrix: cooperative processing of extracellular information

Adhesion receptors allow cells to interact with a dynamic and information-rich environment of extracellular matrix molecules. The integrin family of adhesion receptors transduces signals from the extracellular matrix that regulate growth, gene expression and differentiation, as well as cell shape, motility and cytoskeletal architecture. Recent data support the hypothesis that integrins transduce signals cooperatively with other classes of adhesion receptors or with growth factor receptors. Furthermore, the ability of integrins to interact with the cytoskeleton appears to be fundamental to their mechanism for signal transduction.

The junction between cytokines and cell adhesion

Several aspects of the interactions between growth factors and cell adhesion are described. Recent advances in the field come from the identification of molecules resembling growth factors or growth factor receptors, which bear cell adhesion motifs as well as molecules participating in both cell growth control and adhesion.

Identification of actin kinase activity in purified fragmin-actin complex

Actin kinase phosphorylates actin of fragmin-actin complex, resulting in the inactivation of the nucleation and capping activities of the complex. Fragmin-actin complex was prepared by a new purification procedure. Incubation with ATP caused inactivation of the purified complex and phosphorylation of actin of fragmin-actin complex. The detailed analysis of the complex by SDS-gel electrophoresis showed that actin kinase was co-purified with the fragmin-actin complex. Formation of such an association between actin kinase and substrate suggests that the kinase is localized on the fragmin-actin complex to efficiently regulate actin cytoskeletons.

p65 fragments, homologous to the C2 region of protein kinase C, bind to the intracellular receptors for protein kinase C

Receptors for activated protein kinase C (RACKs) have been isolated from the particulate cell fraction of heart and brain. We previously demonstrated that binding of protein kinase C (PKC) to RACKs requires PKC activators and is via a site on PKC that is distinct from the substrate binding site. Here, we examine the possibility that the C2 region in the regulatory domain of PKC is involved in binding of PKC to RACKs. The synaptic vesicle-specific p65 protein contains two regions homologous to the C2 region of PKC. We found that three p65 fragments, containing either one or two of these PKC C2 homologous regions, bound to highly purified RACKs. Binding of the p65 fragments and PKC to RACKs was mutually exclusive; preincubation of RACKs with the p65 fragments inhibited PKC binding, and preincubation of RACKs with PKC inhibited binding of the p65 fragments. Preincubation of the p65 fragments with a peptide resembling the PKC binding site on RACKs also inhibited p65 binding to RACKs, suggesting that PKC and p65 bind to the same or nearby regions on RACKs. Since the only homologous region between PKC and the p65 fragments is the C2 region, these results suggest that the C2 region on PKC contains at least part of the RACK binding site.

Protein kinase C associates with intermediate filaments and stress fibers

The subcellular distribution of protein kinase C (PKC) was determined by immunofluorescence using anti-PKC monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The antibodies used were: (1) 1.9 MAb that is directed against an epitope in the catalytic domain of PKC, (2) 1.3 MAb that recognizes an isozyme of PKC (Mochly-Rosen, D., and Koshland, D. E., 1987, J. Biol. Chem. 262, 2291-2297; Mochly-Rosen, D., et al. 1987 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 4660-4664) and (3) MC-2a MAb that is directed against the beta-isozyme of PKC (Usuda, N., et al. 1991, J. Cell Biol. 112, 1241-1247). The cells used in this study were baby hamster kidney cells, vimentin+ and vimentin- clones of SW13 (a human adrenal carcinoma cell line), CEM (a human T cell line), U937 (a histiocytic myeloid cell line), and HL60 (a promyelocytic leukemia cell line). The 1.9 MAb was found to recognize a variety of subcellular components, viz., nucleus (nucleoplasm and nucleolus), cytoplasm, vimentin-type intermediate filaments (IF), stress fibers, and cell membrane. Among these components the beta-isozyme-specific MAbs (1.3 and MC-2a) recognized only the IF network, stress fibers, and edges of the cell membrane. Experiments with vimentin+ and vimentin- mutants of SW13 cells, double indirect immunofluorescence studies with anti-vimentin and anti-PKC antibodies, and drug studies confirmed that the IF network is the predominant cytoskeletal network labeled with all anti-PKC MAbs. Immunoblotting studies with the MC-2a MAb revealed that the observed staining of the IF network was not due to a cross-reaction of the MAb with IF proteins and that the MAb specifically recognizes PKC. These studies, while identifying the diverse cell components to which PKC binds, have demonstrated, for the first time, that PKC associates with the IF network in a variety of cell types. Additionally, the studies have confirmed the studies by others concerning the association of PKC with stress fibers.

Effects of acute vs. chronic phorbol ester exposure on transepithelial permeability and epithelial morphology

In previous experiments we have shown that acute (30 minutes) exposure to phorbol esters or other protein kinase C activators causes increased transepithelial permeability, specifically by the increased paracellular permeability through tight junctions. However, the role of protein kinase C activators in carcinogenesis is predicted upon a chronic exposure of an effective dose at frequent intervals for a prolonged period of time. We therefore sought to determine the effect of chronic phorbol ester exposure on transepithelial permeability by exposing cells of the polar renal epithelial cell line, LLC-PK1, to phorbol esters for time periods as long as 16 weeks. The following changes ensued: (1) after the initial drop in transepithelial resistance due to phorbol ester exposure, i.e., an increase in transepithelial permeability (in the acute phase of exposure), an adaptive response occurs as transepithelial resistances in chronically exposed cultures recover to approximately 50% of control values, (2) the cell sheets in chronically exposed cultures lose their acute responsiveness of transepithelial permeability to phorbol ester exposure, (3) cell sheet architecture changes as cells occasionally multilayer and actual polyp-like cell masses appear at high frequency, and (4) cytosolic protein kinase C activity decreases to 50% of control level with acute exposure and then is further decreased to less than 1% of control level in chronically treated cells; membrane-associated PKC activity is not as sharply decreased. The possible role of transepithelial permeability in carcinogenesis and the value of chronically treated epithelial cell cultures as a model for two-stage carcinogenesis are discussed.

The intrinsic ATPase activity of protein kinase C is catalyzed at the active site of the enzyme

We recently reported that autophosphorylated protein kinase C (PKC) has an intrinsic Ca(2+)- and phospholipid-dependent ATPase activity and that the ATPase and histone kinase activities of PKC have similar metal-ion cofactor requirements and Km,app(ATP) values. We hypothesized that the intrinsic ATPase activity of PKC may represent the bond-breaking step of its protein kinase activity. The rate of the ATPase reaction is several times slower than the histone kinase reaction rate. At subsaturating concentrations, various peptide and protein substrates stimulate the ATPase reaction by as much as 1.5-fold. In contrast, non-phosphorylatable substrate analogs are not stimulatory. These observations support a mechanism of PKC catalysis in which the productive binding of phosphoacceptor substrates enhances the rate of phosphodonor substrate (ATP) hydrolysis at the active site of PKC. However, this mechanism contains an assumption that the ATPase activity of PKC is catalyzed at the active site. In fact, sequence analysis indicates that PKC contains a potential second nucleotide binding site outside of its active site. In this report, we provide a detailed analysis of the relationship between the active site of PKC and the intrinsic ATPase activity of the enzyme. We show that the regulatory and catalytic properties of the ATPase reactions of three PKC isozymes are similar, despite critical differences among the isozymes in their consensus sequences for the potential non-active-site nucleotide binding site in their catalytic domains. We also show that the ATPase and histone kinase reactions of each isozyme have similar Km,app(ATP) values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The vinculin/sarcomeric-alpha-actinin/alpha-actin nexus in cultured cardiac myocytes

Experiments are described supporting the proposition that the assembly of stress fibers in non-muscle cells and the assembly of myofibrils in cardiac cells share conserved mechanisms. Double staining with a battery of labeled antibodies against membrane-associated proteins, myofibrillar proteins, and stress fiber proteins reveals the following: (a) dissociated, cultured cardiac myocytes reconstitute intercalated discs consisting of adherens junctions (AJs) and desmosomes at sites of cell-cell contact and sub-sarcolemmal adhesion plaques (SAPs) at sites of cell-substrate contact; (b) each AJ or SAP associates proximally with a striated myofibril, and conversely every striated myofibril is capped at either end by an AJ or a SAP; (C) the invariant association between a given myofibril and its SAP is especially prominent at the earliest stages of myofibrillogenesis; nascent myofibrils are capped by oppositely oriented SAPs; (d) the insertion of nascent myofibrils into AJs or into SAPs invariably involves vinculin, alpha-actin, and sarcomeric alpha-actinin (s-alpha-actinin); (e) AJs are positive for A-CAM but negative for talin and integrin; SAPs lack A-CAM but are positive for talin and integrin; (f) in cardiac cells all alpha-actinin-containing structures invariably are positive for the sarcomeric isoform, alpha-actin and related sarcomeric proteins; they lack non-s-alpha-actinin, gamma-actin, and caldesmon; (g) in fibroblasts all alpha-actinin-containing structures are positive for the non-sarcomeric isoform, gamma-actin, and related non-sarcomeric proteins, including caldesmon; and (h) myocytes differ from all other types of adherent cultured cells in that they do not assemble authentic stress fibers; instead they assemble stress fiber-like structures of linearly aligned I-Z-I-like complexes consisting exclusively of sarcomeric proteins.

Tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors block invasin-promoted bacterial uptake by epithelial cells

The ability to enter into (invade) mammalian cells is an essential virulence determinant of many pathogenic bacteria and intracellular parasites. These organisms are internalized by host cells upon attachment to their surface. However, the mechanisms used by intracellular parasites to induce internalization into host cells have not been defined. We found that the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine blocks invasion by some pathogenic bacteria, including Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Using Escherichia coli containing the cloned Y. enterocolitica invasion gene inv (which codes for invasin, an integrin-binding protein), we found that staurosporine inhibits invasion by blocking bacterial internalization. Two specific tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors, genistein and tyrphostin, also block the internalization but not the binding of bacteria, suggesting that bacterial uptake may be dependent on the activity of this enzyme class in host HeLa cells. In contrast to invasion promoted by invasin, the invasion of HeLa cells by Salmonella typhimurium is not inhibited by any of these drugs.