Regulatory mechanisms in the control of protein kinases

Chromatographic separation of two heterogeneous forms of the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme type I and type II from striated muscle of different mammalian species

Electrophoretically homogeneous preparations of catalytic subunit (C) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase isolated according to two different procedures from holoenzyme type I and type II from rabbit and from holoenzyme type II from rat skeletal muscle and from bovine cardiac muscle can be separated on carboxymethyl cellulose or on a Mono S column (Pharmacia) by salt gradient elution into two enzymatically active peaks called A and B, which do not interconvert on rechromatography. Cochromatography of peak A fractions or of peak B fractions derived from both holoenzymes respectively yields single enzyme peaks in each case, thus indicating that both represent different entities, which were named CA and CB. The separate character of both enzyme forms is supported by the fact that CB under all conditions is degraded faster by the C-specific protease (E. Alhanaty et al. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78, 3492-3495) than CA, a phenomenon which is enhanced in both enzyme forms by substrate (Kemptide). The separation of both subtypes from each other is probably based on differences in isoelectric values (delta pH less than or equal to 0.5 units). The reason for the charge difference is not presently known. CA and CB do not differ significantly in their phosphate content. No differences between CA and CB have been detectable so far with respect to their migration in SDS gels, kinetic behavior regarding both substrates and cosubstrate, pH dependence, inhibition by regulatory subunits of holoenzyme type I (rabbit skeletal muscle) and of type II (bovine cardiac muscle), and inhibition by specific-heat and acid-stable inhibitor-modulator. The peptide pattern of both forms after limited proteolysis exhibits small differences.

Catalytic and molecular properties of highly purified phosvitin/casein kinase type II from human epithelial cells in culture (HeLa) and relation to ecto protein kinase

Phosvitin/casein type II kinase was purified from HeLa cell extracts to homogeneity and characterized. The kinase prefers phosvitin over casein (Vmax phosvitin greater than Vmax casein; apparent Km 0.5 microM phosvitin and 3.3 microM casein) and utilizes as cosubstrate ATP (apparent Km 3-4 microM), GTP (apparent Km 4-5 microM) and other purine nucleoside triphosphates, including dATP and dGTP but not pyrimidine nucleoside triphosphates. Enzyme reaction is optimal at pH 6-8 and at 10-25 mM Mg2+.Mg2+ cannot be replaced by, but is antagonized by other divalent metal ions. The kinase is stimulated by polycations (spermine) and monovalent cations (Na+,K+), and is inhibited by fluoride, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and low levels of heparin (50% inhibition at 0.1 microgram/ml). The HeLa enzyme is composed of three subunits with Mr of approximately 43,000 (alpha), 38,000 (alpha'), and 28,000 (beta) forming alpha alpha'beta 2 and alpha'2 beta 2 structures with obvious sequence homology of alpha with alpha' but not with beta. Photoaffinity labeling with [alpha-32P]- and [gamma-32P]8-azido-ATP revealed high affinity binding sites on subunits alpha and alpha' but not on subunit beta. The kinase autophosphorylates subunit beta and, much weaker, subunits alpha and alpha'. Ecto protein kinase, detectable only by its enzyme activity but not yet as a protein (J. Biol. Chem. 257, 322-329), was characterized in cell-bound form and in released form, and the released form both with and without prior separation from phosvitin which was employed to induce the kinase release from intact HeLa cells (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80, 4021-4025). Ratios of phosvitin/casein phosphorylation (greater than 2) and of ATP/GTP utilization (1.5-2.1), inhibition by heparin (50% inhibition at 0.1 microgram/ml), and amino-acid side chains phosphorylated in phosvitin and casein (serine, threonine) are comparable for cell-bound and released form. These properties resemble those of type II kinase as does Mr of released ecto kinase (120-150,000). Consistently, a protein with Mr 125,000 in calf serum and a protein (possibly two) with Mr greater than 300,000 in calf plasma which are selectively phosphorylated by the ecto kinase are also substrates of the type II kinase. Thus, nearly all properties examined of the ecto kinase are characteristic for a type II kinase.

Effects of the fatty acid composition of phosphatidylserine and diacylglycerol on the in vitro activity of protein kinase C from rat spleen: influences of (n-3) and (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids

Protein kinase C from rat spleen was assayed with different phosphatidylserines (PtdSer) and diacylglycerols (DAG): PtdSer from bovine brain containing 0.8% 20:4 (n-6), 1.0% 20:5 (n-3) and 5.7% 22:6 (n-3); PtdSer from trout liver lacking 20:4 (n-6) and containing 0.6% 20:5 (n-3) and 43% 22:6 (n-3); 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonylglycerol prepared from synthetic 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine; DAG, prepared from cod roe phospholipids, containing 2.1% 20:4 (n-6), 11.7% 20:5 (n-3) and 29.0% 22:6 (n-3); 1,2-dioleoylglycerol. When assayed with Ca2+ in the absence of DAG there was no difference in the activity of protein kinase C between the two PtdSer. When assayed with Ca2+ in the absence of PtdSer the (n-6)-rich DAG was 2 fold more active, and the (n-3)-rich DAG 1.3 fold more active than 1,2-dioleoylglycerol. When assayed in the presence of both PtdSer and DAG, the enzyme was equally active with all of the DAG, but was 1.3 fold more active with the PtdSer from bovine brain than with the PtdSer from trout liver.

Cloning and cDNA sequence of the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase from Dictyostelium discoideum

cDNA clones encoding the regulatory subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (ATP:protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) from Dictyostelium discoideum were isolated by immunoscreening of a cDNA library constructed in the expression vector lambda gt11. High-affinity cAMP-binding activity was detected in extracts from bacteria lysogenized with these clones. Nucleotide sequence analysis of three overlapping clones allowed the determination of a 1195-base-pair cDNA sequence coding for the entire regulatory subunit and containing nontranslated 5' and 3' sequences. The open reading frame codes for a protein of 327 amino acids, with molecular weight 36,794. The regulatory subunit from Dictyostelium shares a high degree of homology with its mammalian counterparts, but is lacking the NH2-terminal domain required for the association of regulatory subunits into dimers in other eukaryotes. On the basis of the comparison of the regulatory subunits from Dictyostelium, yeast, and bovine tissues, a model for the evolution of these proteins is proposed.

The cAMP cascade in the nervous system: molecular sites of action and possible relevance to neuronal plasticity

Many intercellular messages regulate the activity of their target cells by altering the intracellular level of cAMP and, as a consequence, the phosphorylation state of proteins which serve as substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Such regulation plays a crucial role in neuronal development, neuronal function, and neuronal plasticity (e.g., elementary learning mechanisms). Ample information has been accumulated in recent years on the enzymes that regulate the level of cAMP or respond to it, on the regulation of cAMP synthesis by neurohormones, neurotransmitters, ions, and toxins, on neuronal-specific substrate proteins that are phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent kinase, and on the interaction of the cAMP-cascade with other second-messenger systems within neurons. Such data, obtained by a combination of molecular-biological, biochemical, and cellular approaches, shed light on the detailed mechanisms by which modulation of a ubiquitous molecular cascade leads to a great variety of short-term as well as long-term specific neuronal responses and alterations.

Biochemical regulation of airway smooth muscle tone: current knowledge and therapeutic implications

Evidence collected during the last decade indicates that the molecular processes responsible for smooth muscle contraction are fundamentally different from those responsible for skeletal muscle contraction. Furthermore, because of the diverse functional roles of various smooth muscles, it would not be surprising if significant differences in regulatory processes also exist among different smooth muscles. Such diversity may already be exemplified by differences in cross-bridge kinetics and sources of activator Ca2+. Additional unique regulatory features of various smooth muscle types will undoubtedly be uncovered by further research. A convincing body of data suggests that activation of the adenylate cyclase/protein kinase cascade is responsible for the bronchodilation produced by beta-adrenoceptor agonists. Although the exact mechanism by which the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase induces relaxation is not clear, the phosphorylation of multiple substrates may be involved. Phosphorylation of these substrates can promote relaxation by decreasing the myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, decreasing the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus, or both. Thus, because beta-adrenoceptor agonists act as physiologic antagonists of broncho-constriction, they should relax airway smooth muscle regardless of the mediator(s) responsible for the bronchospasm. Perhaps this is the major reason that the beta-adrenoceptor agonists have become the premier class of drugs used in the treatment of bronchial asthma. As useful as the sympathomimetic bronchodilators have been, they are not without liabilities. These liabilities include: cardiovascular and skeletal muscle side effects, an inherent subsensitivity of the asthmatic patient population to beta-adrenoceptor agonists, the development of tolerance and a loss of efficacy during severe asthmatic episodes. The fact that these drawbacks are probably shared by all sympathomimetic bronchodilators suggests that little therapeutic advantage will be gained by developing new beta-adrenoceptor agonists. The task of developing novel bronchodilators will be facilitated by an understanding at the molecular level of the diversity among smooth muscles and the processes that regulate smooth muscle tone. Hopefully, such knowledge will lead to a new generation of highly effective, tissue-selective bronchodilators with significant therapeutic advantages over those currently available.

Partial purification of two myosin heavy chain kinases from Dictyostelium discoideum

Myosin heavy chain kinase activity was identified in the high speed supernate of lysed Dictyostelium amoebae and was precipitated by 30-50% ammonium sulphate. In low ionic strength buffer, the activity bound tightly to a Cibacron Blue Sepharose column and eluted as a single peak with 1.0 M NaCl. Gel filtration chromatography resolved the kinase into two activities, each of which phosphorylated the tail portion of purified Dictyostelium myosin. One of these activities phosphorylated both serine and threonine residues of the heavy chain, while the other activity only phosphorylated threonine residues. Peptide mapping studies indicated that in vivo and in vitro phosphorylation sites were identical. The heavy chain kinases required Mg2+ for activity but were unaffected by Ca2+ or calmodulin. The heavy chain kinases did not phosphorylate Dictyostelium light chain, and also did not phosphorylate myosins from striated, smooth, or other nonmuscle sources.

A cyclic nucleotide and calcium-independent protein kinase of chick brain: activation by a heat-stable protein

A heat-stable trichloracetic acid-stable protein fraction stimulates protein kinase activity in chick brain cytosol. This protein kinase (tentatively referred to as protein kinase S) can be partially purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sepharose G-100. The partially purified protein kinase has an absolute requirement for magnesium and the heat-stable protein for the phosphotransferase activity and is not influenced by cyclic nucleotides, calcium or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The substrate specificity of protein kinase S indicates that it is not a casein kinase and prefers histones over the substrates tested. The specific activity of this protein kinase changes with chick brain development and the activity increased by two-fold by the second post-hatch week, suggesting a role of this protein kinase in chick brain development.

Heterogeneous distribution of the cAMP receptor protein RII in the nervous system: evidence for its intracellular accumulation on microtubules, microtubule-organizing centers, and in the area of the Golgi complex

The cellular and subcellular distribution of the regulatory subunit RII of cAMP-dependent protein kinase was studied by light and electron microscopy immunocytochemistry in tissue sections from rat brain and in primary cultures of brain cells. RII immunoreactivity was present in most neurons, although at variable concentration. In addition, RII was also detectable in other cell types including glia, neuroepithelial cells, and cells of mesenchymal origin. In the cell cytoplasm, RII immunoreactivity was concentrated at certain sites. An accumulation of RII immunoreactivity was found in all RII-positive cells at the Golgi area, precisely at a region directly adjacent to one of the two major faces of the Golgi complex. RII was also highly concentrated in some microtubule-rich cell processes such as cilia and neuronal dendrites, but was below detectability in most axons. In neurons, its concentration in dendrites is consistent with the previously demonstrated high affinity interaction between RII and the dendritic microtubule-associated protein 2. In addition, RII was accumulated at basal bodies of cilia and at centrosomes, i.e., sites known to act as microtubule organizers. RII-labeled centrosomes, however, were visible only in cells where the Golgi complex had a pericentrosomal organization, and not in cells where the Golgi complex was perinuclear such as in neurons and glia in situ. We hypothesize that centrosomal RII is bound to the pericentriolar microtubule-organizing material and that this material remains associated with the trans region of the Golgi complex when the latter is no longer associated with the centrosome. Our results suggest a key but not obligatory role of cAMP in the Golgi-centrosomal area, the headquarters of cell polarity, mobility and intracellular traffic, and in the function of a subpopulation of microtubules.

Activation of phosphorylase kinase through autophosphorylation by membrane component phospholipids

Phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) has been shown not only to stimulate autophosphorylation and autoactivation of phosphorylase kinase of rabbit skeletal muscle but also to decrease the apparent Ka for Ca2+ on autophosphorylation sharply [Negami et al. (1985) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 131, 712-719]. In this study we investigated the interaction between PtdOH and other phospholipids on autophosphorylation and autoactivation of this enzyme. Acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) and PtdOH, stimulated this reaction about 2-4-fold, and the approximate Ka values of this reaction were 10 micrograms/ml, 6.3 micrograms/ml and 30 micrograms/ml respectively. The molar ratio of PtdIns and PtdSer with maximal effect on autophosphorylation was about 1:1. Under these conditions PtdOH stimulated the initial velocity of autophosphorylation about 5.2-fold. When fully autophosphorylated, about 12-13 mol phosphate per tetramer (alpha beta gamma delta) were incorporated in the presence of mixed acidic phospholipids (PtdOH:PtdIns:PtdSer = 2:1:1), which was about twice as much as values observed without effectors. In the presence of mixed acidic phospholipids there was a concomitant enhancement of kinase activity, about 30-40-fold at pH 6.8 and 2.5-3-fold at pH 8.2. Mixed acidic phospholipids sharply decreased an apparent Ka for Ca2+ from 4 X 10(-5) M to 8 X 10(-7) M. With mixed acidic phospholipids as effectors this autophosphorylation occurred through an intramolecular mechanism. Based on these results, autophosphorylation and autoactivation of phosphorylase kinase in the presence of acidic phospholipids may account for an important regulatory mechanism of glycogenolysis in muscle contraction.

Comparison of the regulatory and catalytic subunits of cAMP dependent protein kinase from Dictyostelium discoideum and bovine heart using polyclonal antibodies

The purified regulatory (R) and catalytic (C) subunits of cAMP dependent protein kinase (cAK) from the primitive eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum have been compared with the homologous proteins from bovine heart by SDS-PAGE followed by Western blotting using polyclonal antibodies. No cross-reaction could be demonstrated by this technique although the slime mold subunits share several functional properties with their mammalian counterparts and are able to form functional hybrid holoenzymes.

Local changes in fractional saturation of cGMP- and cAMP-receptors in intestinal microvilli in response to cholera toxin and heat-stable Escherichia coli toxin

Cyclic nucleotide modulation of electrolyte transport across intestinal brushborder membranes is initiated by binding of cGMP and cAMP to high-affinity receptors at the interior of the microvilli. Previously these receptors have been identified by photoaffinity-labelling techniques as regulatory domains of cGMP- and cAMP-dependent protein kinases. In the present study, the receptor concentration in isolated brushborder membrane vesicles and their fractional saturation in absorptive and secretory states of the tissue were estimated. In microvillous membrane vesicles isolated from rat small intestine in the absorptive state, about 10% of the total number of cGMP receptors (25.5 pmol/mg protein) and 40% of all cAMP receptors (28.7 pmol/mg protein) were occupied by endogenous cyclic nucleotides. Luminal exposure of the intestinal segments in vivo to heat-stable Escherichia coli toxin for 3-5 min increased the occupancy of cGMP receptors by about 5-fold without affecting receptor-bound cAMP levels. In contrast, incubation with cholera toxin for 2 h increased the fractional saturation solely of cAMP receptors by 2-fold. Addition of heat-stable E. coli toxin to cholera toxin-pretreated segments, again raising the cGMP levels by 5-fold, did not reduce the amount of receptor-bound cAMP. This finding argues against the concept that increased levels of cAMP during cholera would mimick cGMP effects on ion transport by low-affinity binding to microvillar cGMP receptors. This analysis of local changes in cyclic nucleotide levels at the microvillous level might help to explore the mechanism of action of other secretagogues or antidiarrhoeal agents and to delineate a possible compartmentation of cGMP and cAMP pools within the intestinal mucosa responding differently to external signals.

Calmodulin binding domains: characterization of a phosphorylation and calmodulin binding site from myosin light chain kinase

A protein kinase phosphorylation site in chicken gizzard myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) has been identified, and a synthetic peptide analogue of this site has been shown to be a high-affinity calmodulin binding peptide as well as a substrate for cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase. Phosphorylation of the site in MLCK is diminished when reactions are done in the presence of calmodulin. A fragment of MLCK containing the phosphorylation site was shown to have the amino acid sequence Ala-Arg-Arg-Lys-Trp-Gln-Lys-Thr-Gly-His-Ala-Val-Arg-Ala-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu- Ser-Ser. The interaction of calmodulin with a synthetic peptide based on this sequence was characterized by using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopies and inhibition of calmodulin activation of MLCK. The peptide-calmodulin complex had an estimated dissociation constant in the range of 1 nM, underwent spectroscopic changes in the presence of calmodulin consistent with the induction of an alpha-helical structure, and interacted with calmodulin with an apparent 1:1 stoichiometry. Studies with other synthetic peptide analogues indicated that the phosphorylation of the serine residues diminished the ability of the peptide to interact with calmodulin even though the serines are not required for calmodulin binding. On the basis of the primary and secondary structural characteristics of these peptide analogues, a potential calmodulin binding region in another calmodulin binding protein, the gamma subunit of rabbit skeletal muscle phosphorylase kinase, was identified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of reactivated elongation in lysed cell models of teleost retinal cones by cAMP and calcium

Teleost retinal cones elongate in the dark and contract in the light. In isolated retinas of the green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, cone myoids undergo microtubule-dependent elongation from 5 to 45 micron. We have previously shown that cone contraction can be reactivated in motile models of cones lysed with Brij-58. Reactivated contraction is both actin and ATP dependent, activated by calcium, and inhibited by cAMP. We report here that we have obtained reactivated cone elongation in lysed models prepared by the same procedures. Reactivated elongation is ATP dependent, activated by cAMP, and inhibited by calcium. The rate of reactivated elongation is proportional to the cAMP concentration between 10 microM and 0.5 mM, but is constant between 10 microM and 1.0 mM Mg-ATP. No elongation occurs if cAMP or Mg-ATP concentration is less than or equal to 5 microM. Mg-ATP is required for both cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent processes, suggesting that Mg-ATP is required both for a regulatory process entailing cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and for a force-producing process. Free calcium concentrations greater than or equal to 10(-7) reduce the elongation rate by 78% or more, completely inhibiting elongation at 10(-5) M. This inhibition is not due to competition from calcium-activated contraction. Cytochalasin D blocks reactivated contraction, but does not abolish calcium inhibition of reactivated elongation. Thus calcium directly affects the elongation mechanism. Calcium inhibition is calmodulin dependent. The calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine abolishes calcium inhibition of elongation. Furthermore, calcium blocks elongation only if present during the lysis step; subsequent calcium addition has no effect. However, if calcium plus exogenous calmodulin are subsequently added, elongation is again inhibited. Thus calcium inhibition appears to require a soluble calmodulin which is lost shortly after lysis.

Isolation of cDNA clones coding for the catalytic subunit of mouse cAMP-dependent protein kinase

mRNA coding for the catalytic (C) subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (ATP: protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) was partially purified from bovine testis by polysome immunoadsorption and oligo(dT)-chromatography. This enriched mRNA preparation was used to prepare and differentially screen a cDNA library. One of the selected cDNA clones was shown to hybrid-select mRNA coding for a 40-kDa protein that was specifically precipitated with antibodies to the C subunit. This bovine cDNA clone was then used to isolate a series of mouse cDNA clones that are complementary to the entire mouse C subunit mRNA. The mouse clones code for a protein of 351 amino acids that shows 98% homology to the bovine C subunit and hybridize to a single mRNA of 2.4 kilobases in mouse heart and brain. Southern blot analysis of total genomic DNA suggests that there is a single mouse gene coding for the C subunit. mRNA levels for both the C subunit and the type I regulatory subunit in various mouse tissues and cell lines were quantitated and compared by using single-stranded RNA probes prepared with SP6 polymerase.

Cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation of high molecular mass proteins in pig thyroid cells

Four high molecular mass (H Mr) proteins were found to be phosphorylated in a cyclic AMP-dependent manner in both partially purified pig thyroid membrane fractions and in pig thyroid cells in culture. These phosphoproteins did not correspond to major cellular proteins; they were found in both soluble and particulate subfractions of homogenates from cultured thyroid cells. The molecular mass of the 4 proteins named HMr1 to HMr4 determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate was about 310 000 for HMr1, 250 000 for HMr2, 240 000 for Hmr3 and 220 000 for HMr4. HMr1 comigrated with brain MAP1, whereas HMr3 and HMr4 had the same mobility as alpha-and beta-spectrins, respectively. The 4 high molecular mass phosphoproteins are substrates of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase(s) since (a) their phosphorylation was increased by cyclic AMP and not by cyclic GMP or calcium alone or calcium in the presence of calmodulin or phospholipid; (b) the effect of cyclic AMP was prevented by the thermostable inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases; (c) the purified catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases markedly phosphorylated the 4 HMr proteins. The 32P-labeling of HMr proteins using either endogenous cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase or the purified catalytic subunit was always lower in cells cultured in the presence of TSH (reassociated in follicle-like structures) than in freshly dispersed cells or cells cultured in basal conditions (cells in monolayer). These results suggest that the 4 high molecular mass thyroid phosphoproteins represent structural components, the phosphorylation of which could vary with the cellular organization.

Catalytic unit-independent phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of type II regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase in rat liver plasma membranes

Rat liver plasma membranes contain a 55 kDa protein which proved to be identical with type II regulatory subunit (RII) of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (kinase A) by several criteria (gel electrophoretic behaviour, peptide map, position of the autophosphorylated site). Analysis of phosphopeptide maps revealed that the membrane-bound RII was phosphorylated by a kinase which is unrelated to the catalytic unit (C) of kinase A. Dephosphorylation of the membrane-bound RII by an endogenous phosphatase was stimulated by both cyclic AMP and fluoride. Addition of C did not stimulate dephosphorylation even in the presence of ADP; moreover, protein inhibitor of C did not modify the effects of cyclic AMP or fluoride. The effects of both cyclic AMP and fluoride were, however, inhibited by C. Results indicate that rat liver plasma membranes contain a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation system for which RII is a relatively specific substrate.

Conversion of bovine cardiac adenosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate dependent protein kinase to a heterodimer by removal of 45 residues at the N-terminus of the regulatory subunit

The type II adenosine cyclic 3',5'-phosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase from bovine heart, consisting of a dimeric regulatory subunit and two catalytic subunits, was converted to a heterodimer by limited tryptic digestion. Loss of the tetrameric structure was accompanied by proteolysis of the regulatory subunit to a form with an apparent molecular weight of 45 000 vs. 52 000 for the native subunit. The proteolyzed subunit behaved as a monomer, in contrast to the dimeric native subunit. Amino acid sequence analysis established that proteolysis removed 45 residues at the N-terminus, indicating that these 45 residues constitute the dimerizing domain of this protein. The kinetic properties of this heterodimer were indistinguishable from those of the native tetramer: half-maximal kinase activation occurred at 48 nM cAMP with a Hill coefficient of 1.45, the regulatory subunit bound 1.5 equiv of cAMP with half-maximal binding occurring at 33 nM, and kinetics for dissociation of bound cAMP were biphasic, indicating the presence of two different binding sites. These observations suggest that residues 1-45 function only in the formation of dimers and that dimerization has little influence on other functional properties of the regulatory subunit. More extensive proteolysis cleaved the monomeric fragment at Lys-311. The fragments resulting from this second cleavage did not dissociate, and the complex inhibited the catalytic subunit in a cAMP-dependent manner.

Structural studies on a family of cAMP-binding proteins in the nervous system of Aplysia

Five major cAMP-binding proteins that differ in size and charge have been identified in neurons of Aplysia californica by photoaffinity labeling with [32P]8-N3cAMP. These proteins, which we believe are regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, all differ from the major cAMP-binding protein of buccal muscle. We have compared the structures of these proteins by peptide mapping after chemical and proteolytic cleavage. These analyses indicate that the five binding proteins from nervous tissue and the major muscle protein are closely related to each other. For example, the three neuronal proteins that are most alike and the cAMP-binding protein from muscle have a similar, if not identical, Mr 20,000 domain that contains the 8-N3cAMP-binding site; beyond this domain they diverge. All six proteins appear to belong to a family in which homologous regions have been conserved to maintain common functions. We suggest that the regions of the molecules that differ mediate special functions such as ticketing to particular compartments of the cell. Evidence for regional assortment of the cAMP-dependent protein kinases according to structural type was afforded by subcellular fractionation of Aplysia nervous tissue; photoaffinity labeling of cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, and membrane fractions demonstrated a differential distribution of the five neuronal cAMP-binding proteins. Selective phosphorylation of specific substrates could be a consequence of the compartmentation of diverse cAMP-dependent kinases.

Ca2+-dependent protein phosphorylation associated with microsomal fraction of rat pancreas

Microsomes isolated from cat pancreas were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence or absence of Ca2+. Following fractionation of phosphoproteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis a single microsomal protein with an apparent molecular mass of 77,000 dalton (77K) was found to be phosphorylated in a Ca2+-dependent mechanism. Maximal phosphate incorporation into the 77K protein was observed at 10(-6) mol/l [Ca2+] and was 4-fold higher than in the absence of Ca2+. The 77K phosphoprotein showed characteristic of a stable phosphoester rather than an acyl phosphate. Measurable phosphate incorporation into the 77K protein was noted 5 s following addition of [gamma-32P]ATP and reached maximum at 9-10th min. The lack of effect of exogenous cyclic AMP, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, calmodulin, the calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine, leupeptin and the suppression of phosphorylation by some phospholipid-interacting drugs suggested that the 77K protein is a substrate for cyclic AMP- and calmodulin-independent, Ca2+-activated phospholipid-sensitive kinase activity. Centrifugation of the pancreatic homogenate in a ficoll-sucrose density gradient indicated that both the 77K protein and enzyme were associated in a fraction enriched in rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Separation of nuclear cAMP independent protein kinases NI and NII from their chromosomal protein substrates and enzyme inhibitors by the use of a casein-phosvitin-Sepharose column

A casein-phosvitin-Sepharose chromatography column allows separation of nuclear protein kinases from their chromosomal phosphoprotein substrates and from at least some protein kinase inhibitors in a single step. The additional step of passing the eluted material through a partially hydrolyzed, dephosphorylated casein-Sepharose column separates the two protein kinases, NI and NII, from each other.

Kinetic properties of the insulin receptor tyrosine protein kinase: activation through an insulin-stimulated tyrosine-specific, intramolecular autophosphorylation

The insulin receptor is an insulin-activated, tyrosine-specific protein kinase. Previous studies have shown that autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues on the Mr 95,000 is associated with an activation of the protein kinase activity toward exogenous protein substrates. We have employed the highly purified insulin receptor, immobilized on insulin-Sepharose or eluted in an active form, to define the metal/ATP requirements for kinase activation, the relationship of receptor autophosphorylation to activation, and the kinetic properties of the autophosphorylated, activated receptor kinase. Prior incubation of the immobilized receptor with 2 mM ATP, 10 mM Mg (or 10 mM Mn), followed by removal of these reactants, served to abolish the upward curvilinearity in the rate of histone 2b (tyrosine) phosphorylation measured subsequently. This treatment also markedly increased the rate of histone 2b phosphorylation as compared to that observed with the unmodified, immobilized receptor, as estimated under conditions that per se minimized further activation. The extents of maximal activation of receptor histone 2b (tyrosine) kinase obtained on preincubation with MgATP or MnATP are identical; however, the affinity of the receptor for MnATP is approximately 10-fold higher than that for MgATP. The higher affinity of the receptor for MnATP is observed for both autophosphorylation/autoactivation and histone 2b tyrosine kinase activity (Km MnATP approximately 0.01 mM; Km MgATP approximately 0.1 mM). Autophosphorylation/autoactivation per se does not significantly alter the apparent affinity for MeATP (or protein substrate, as previously reported) but increases Vmax. Activation of receptor histone 2b (tyrosine) kinase is due to tyrosine-specific autophosphorylation of the Mr 95,000 (beta) subunit; thus the extent of total 32P incorporation into the beta subunit correlates precisely with the extent of kinase activation, both over time and at a wide variety of Me2+ ATP concentrations. Sequential treatment of the autophosphorylated receptor with elastase and trypsin yields a single, basically charged 32P-peptide, Mr less than 2000. The functional properties of the unphosphorylated and fully phosphorylated receptor were compared after elution from insulin-Sepharose. The insulin binding characteristics of the two forms of the receptor were indistinguishable; the kinase properties differed greatly; whereas the histone 2b activity of the unphosphorylated receptor was low in the basal state, and activated 10-fold by insulin, the fully autophosphorylated receptor exhibits maximal histone 2b kinase in the basal state and is unaffected by insulin addition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Covalent labelling of ligand binding sites of human placental S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase with 8-azido derivatives of adenosine and cyclic AMP

S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcyase) has previously been identified as a cytoplasmic adenosine and cyclic AMP binding protein. In order to examine the relationship between the adenosine and cyclic AMP binding sites on this enzyme we have explored the use of 8-azido analogues of adenosine and cyclic AMP as photoaffinity reagents for covalently labelling AdoHcyase purified from human placenta. 8-Azidoadenosine (8-N3-Ado), like adenosine, inactivated AdoHcyase, and the rate of inactivation was greatly increased by periodate oxidation. In addition, 8-N3-Ado was found to participate in the first step in the catalytic mechanism for AdoHcyase, resulting in conversion of enzyme-bound NAD+ to NADH, although it was not a substrate for the full enzyme-catalysed reaction. Radioactively labelled 8-N3-Ado, its periodate-oxidized derivative and 8-azidoadenosine 3', 5'-phosphate (8-N3-cAMP) bound specifically to adenosine binding sites on AdoHcyase and, after irradiation, became covalently linked to the enzyme. Photoaffinity-labelled enzyme could be precipitated by monoclonal antibody to human AdoHcyase. Two observations suggested that cyclic AMP and adenosine bind to the same sites on AdoHcyase. First cyclic AMP and adenosine each blocked binding of both radioactively labelled 8-N3-Ado and 8-N3-cAMP, and second, digestion with V8 proteinase generated identical patterns of peptides from AdoHcyase that had been photolabelled with [32P]8-N3-cAMP and [3H]8-N3-Ado. Binding sites for cyclic AMP on AdoHcyase were found to differ functionally and structurally from cyclic AMP binding sites on the R1 regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

Protein kinase activities in mammalian blood fluid

Two protein kinase activities, one specific for phosvitin and another specific for histone, were detected in serum and plasma of calf as well as of human blood after precipitation with ammonium sulfate (40%) and chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. The enzymes were separated by chromatography on phosphocellulose. The histone kinase is not related to the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase; it may derive at least partly from damaged cells. The phosvitin kinase activity carries characteristics of the so called casein kinase type II similar to that present at the surface of cells including blood cells.

Inhibition of platelet-activating-factor-induced human platelet activation by prostaglandin D2. Differential sensitivity of platelet transduction processes and functional responses to inhibition by cyclic AMP

It has been proposed that cyclic AMP inhibits platelet reactivity: by preventing agonist-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis and the resultant formation of 1,2-diacylglycerol and elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i); by promoting Ca2+ sequestration and/or extrusion; and by suppressing reactions stimulated by (1,2-diacylglycerol-dependent) protein kinase C and/or Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. We used the adenylate cyclase stimulant prostaglandin D2 to compare the sensitivity to cyclic AMP of the transduction processes (phosphoinositide hydrolysis and elevation of [Ca2+]i) and functional responses (shape change, aggregation and ATP secretion) that are initiated after agonist-receptor combination on human platelets. Prostaglandin D2 elicited a concentration-dependent elevation of platelet cyclic AMP content and inhibited platelet-activating-factor(PAF)-induced ATP secretion [I50 (concn. causing 50% inhibition) approximately 2 nM], aggregation (I50 approximately 3 nM), shape change (I50 approximately 30 nM), elevation of [Ca2+]i (I50 approximately 30 nM) and phosphoinositide hydrolysis (I50 approximately 10 nM). A 2-fold increase in cyclic AMP content resulted in abolition of PAF-induced aggregation and ATP secretion, whereas maximal inhibition of shape change, phosphoinositide hydrolysis and elevation of [Ca2+]i required a greater than 10-fold elevation of the cyclic AMP content. This differential sensitivity of the various responses to inhibition by cyclic AMP suggests that the mechanisms underlying PAF-induced aggregation and ATP secretion differ from those underlying shape change. Thus a major component of the cyclic AMP-dependent inhibition of PAF-induced platelet aggregation and ATP secretion is mediated by suppression of certain components of the activation process that occur distal to the formation of DAG or elevation of [Ca2+]i.

Inhibition of the Mg(II).ATP-dependent phosphoprotein phosphatase by the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase

We report potent inhibition of the Mg(II).ATP-dependent protein phosphatase, Fc.M, by the regulatory subunit dimer of type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase, RII2. The protein kinase catalytic subunit has no effect on phosphatase activity and is unable to substitute for kinase FA in the kinase FA- and Mg(II).ATP-mediated phosphatase activation reaction. Phosphatase inhibition was investigated as a function of RII2 concentration. The results suggest that RII2 both inhibits the active phosphatase and inhibits phosphatase activation. The inhibition is shown to be noncompetitive with respect to substrate (phosphorylase a). The potential physiological significance of this inhibition is discussed in terms of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cascade systems involving this kinase and phosphatase.

The regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase from Dictyostelium discoideum: cellular localization and developmental regulation analyzed by immunoblotting

The level of the regulatory subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase from Dictyostelium discoideum was analyzed in subcellular fractions of cells at various stages of development by Western blotting. The protein was found only in the cytosolic fraction. A small amount of regulatory subunit was present in vegetative cells, and its level increased sharply during the first hours of aggregation; a further increase also occurred during culmination. Analysis of mature spores and of the stalky mutant HL 65 revealed that the protein is present only in prespore cells.

Rapid and reversible translocation of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase type II from the Golgi complex to the nucleus

In unstimulated interphase bovine epithelial (MDBK) cells, both regulatory (R II) and catalytic (C) subunits of the type II enzyme of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-dPK II) are associated with the Golgi complex. However, as demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, within 5 min after stimulation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin, the C subunit dissociates from the Golgi-associated R II and becomes diffusely distributed. With increasing time of forskolin treatment, C subunits accumulate in the nucleus, while R II subunits remain associated with the Golgi complex. The effect of forskolin is rapidly reversible in that C subunits begin to reassociate with the Golgi complex within a few minutes after drug removal. C subunit translocations similar to those produced by forskolin also occur after treatment of MDBK cells with dibutyryl-cAMP, confirming that the observed effects are most likely mediated by elevation of intracellular cAMP levels. These results suggest that nuclear translocation of activated protein kinase subunits may represent an important link between hormonal stimuli and physiological responses.