Phosphatase 2A is involved in endothelial cell microtubule remodeling and barrier regulation

Lung endothelium, tau, and amyloids in health and disease

Lung endothelia in the arteries, capillaries, and veins are heterogeneous in structure and function. Lung capillaries in particular represent a unique vascular niche, with a thin yet highly restrictive alveolar-capillary barrier that optimizes gas exchange. Capillary endothelium surveys the blood while simultaneously interpreting cues initiated within the alveolus and communicated via immediately adjacent type I and type II epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and pericytes. This cell-cell communication is necessary to coordinate the immune response to lower respiratory tract infection. Recent discoveries identify an important role for the microtubule-associated protein tau that is expressed in lung capillary endothelia in the host-pathogen interaction. This endothelial tau stabilizes microtubules necessary for barrier integrity, yet infection drives production of cytotoxic tau variants that are released into the airways and circulation, where they contribute to end-organ dysfunction. Similarly, beta-amyloid is produced during infection. Beta-amyloid has antimicrobial activity, but during infection it can acquire cytotoxic activity that is deleterious to the host. The production and function of these cytotoxic tau and amyloid variants are the subject of this review. Lung-derived cytotoxic tau and amyloid variants are a recently discovered mechanism of end-organ dysfunction, including neurocognitive dysfunction, during and in the aftermath of infection.

PP2A Affects Angiogenesis via Its Interaction with a Novel Phosphorylation Site of TSP1

Alterations in angiogenic properties play a pivotal role in the manifestation and onset of various pathologies, including vascular diseases and cancer. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) protein is one of the master regulators of angiogenesis. This study unveils a novel aspect of TSP1 regulation through reversible phosphorylation. The silencing of the B55α regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in endothelial cells led to a significant decrease in TSP1 expression. Direct interaction between TSP1 and PP2A-B55α was confirmed via various methods. Truncated TSP1 constructs were employed to identify the phosphorylation site and the responsible kinase, ultimately pinpointing PKC as the enzyme phosphorylating TSP1 on Ser93. The biological effects of B55α-TSP1 interaction were also analyzed. B55α silencing not only counteracted the increase in TSP1 expression during wound closure but also prolonged wound closure time. Although B55α silenced cells initiated tube-like structures earlier than control cells, their spheroid formation was disrupted, leading to disintegration. Cells transfected with phosphomimic TSP1 S93D exhibited smaller spheroids and reduced effectiveness in tube formation, revealing insights into the effects of TSP1 phosphorylation on angiogenic properties. In this paper, we introduce a new regulatory mechanism of angiogenesis by reversible phosphorylation on TSP1 S93 by PKC and PP2A B55α.

Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatases 1 and 2A in Lung Endothelial Barrier Regulation

Vascular barrier dysfunction is characterized by increased permeability and inflammation of endothelial cells (ECs), which are prominent features of acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and sepsis, and a major complication of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. Functional impairment of the EC barrier and accompanying inflammation arises due to microbial toxins and from white blood cells of the lung as part of a defensive action against pathogens, ischemia-reperfusion or blood product transfusions, and aspiration syndromes-based injury. A loss of barrier function results in the excessive movement of fluid and macromolecules from the vasculature into the interstitium and alveolae resulting in pulmonary edema and collapse of the architecture and function of the lungs, and eventually culminates in respiratory failure. Therefore, EC barrier integrity, which is heavily dependent on cytoskeletal elements (mainly actin filaments, microtubules (MTs), cell-matrix focal adhesions, and intercellular junctions) to maintain cellular contacts, is a critical requirement for the preservation of lung function. EC cytoskeletal remodeling is regulated, at least in part, by Ser/Thr phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of key cytoskeletal proteins. While a large body of literature describes the role of phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins on Ser/Thr residues in the context of EC barrier regulation, the role of Ser/Thr dephosphorylation catalyzed by Ser/Thr protein phosphatases (PPases) in EC barrier regulation is less documented. Ser/Thr PPases have been proposed to act as a counter-regulatory mechanism that preserves the EC barrier and opposes EC contraction. Despite the importance of PPases, our knowledge of the catalytic and regulatory subunits involved, as well as their cellular targets, is limited and under-appreciated. Therefore, the goal of this review is to discuss the role of Ser/Thr PPases in the regulation of lung EC cytoskeleton and permeability with special emphasis on the role of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as major mammalian Ser/Thr PPases. Importantly, we integrate the role of PPases with the structural dynamics of the cytoskeleton and signaling cascades that regulate endothelial cell permeability and inflammation.

Microtubules as Major Regulators of Endothelial Function: Implication for Lung Injury

Endothelial dysfunction has been attributed as one of the major complications in COVID-19 patients, a global pandemic that has already caused over 4 million deaths worldwide. The dysfunction of endothelial barrier is characterized by an increase in endothelial permeability and inflammatory responses, and has even broader implications in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory syndromes such as ARDS, sepsis and chronic illnesses represented by pulmonary arterial hypertension and interstitial lung disease. The structural integrity of endothelial barrier is maintained by cytoskeleton elements, cell-substrate focal adhesion and adhesive cell junctions. Agonist-mediated changes in endothelial permeability are directly associated with reorganization of actomyosin cytoskeleton leading to cell contraction and opening of intercellular gaps or enhancement of cortical actin cytoskeleton associated with strengthening of endothelial barrier. The role of actin cytoskeleton remodeling in endothelial barrier regulation has taken the central stage, but the impact of microtubules in this process remains less explored and under-appreciated. This review will summarize the current knowledge on the crosstalk between microtubules dynamics and actin cytoskeleton remodeling, describe the signaling mechanisms mediating this crosstalk, discuss epigenetic regulation of microtubules stability and its nexus with endothelial barrier maintenance, and overview a role of microtubules in targeted delivery of signaling molecules regulating endothelial permeability and inflammation.

Allosteric activation of PP2A inhibits experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm

Although extremely important, the molecular mechanisms that govern aortic aneurysm (AA) formation and progression are still poorly understood. This deficit represents a critical roadblock toward the development of effective pharmaceutical therapies for the treatment of AA. While dysregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is thought to play a role in cardiovascular disease, its role in aortic aneurysm is unknown. The objective of the present study is to test the hypothesis that PP2A regulates abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression in a murine model. In an angiotensin II-induced AAA murine model, the PP2A inhibitor, LB-100, markedly accelerated AAA progression as demonstrated by increased abdominal aortic dilation and mortality. AAA progression was associated with elevated inflammation and extracellular matrix fragmentation, concomitant with increases in both metalloproteinase activity and reactive oxygen species production. Conversely, administration of a novel class of small molecule activators of PP2A (SMAPs) resulted in an antithetical effect. SMAPs effectively reduced AAA incidence along with the corresponding pathologies that were increased with LB-100 treatment. Mechanistically, modulation of PP2A activities in vivo functioned in part via alteration of the ERK1/2 and NFκB signaling pathways, known regulators of AAA progression. These studies, for the first time, demonstrate a role of PP2A in AAA etiology and demonstrate that PP2A activation may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Ser69 phosphorylation of TIMAP affects endothelial cell migration

PURPOSE/AIM

TIMAP (TGF-β-inhibited membrane-associated protein) is a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). The N-terminal region contains a binding motif for the catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1c) and a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Phosphorylation of TIMAP on Ser331, Ser333 and Ser337 side chains was shown to regulate the activity of the TIMAP-PP1c complex. Several studies, however, reported an additional side chain of TIMAP. Ser69 is located near to the PP1c binding motif and NLS, therefore, we hypothesized that the phosphorylation of this side chain perhaps may regulate the interaction between TIMAP and PP1c, or may affect the nuclear transport of TIMAP. Materials and Methods: To study the significance of Ser69 phosphorylation, GST-tagged or c-myc-tagged wild type, phosphomimic S69D and phosphonull S69A recombinant TIMAP proteins were expressed in bacteria or endothelial cells, respectively. Protein-protein interactions of the wild type or mutant forms of TIMAP were studied by pull-down and Western blot. Localization of TIMAP S69 mutants in pulmonary artery endothelial cells was detected by immunofluorescent staining and expression and localization of the recombinants were investigated by subcellular fractionation and Western blot. Results: Modifications of Ser69 of TIMAP had no effect on binding of PP1c, ERM or RACK1. However, S69D TIMAP showed enhanced membrane localization and an increased number of membrane protrusions were observed in the cells overexpressing this phosphomimic mutant. Furthermore, significantly faster wound healing and migration rate of the S69D mutant overexpressing cells were detected by endothelial barrier resistance measurements (ECIS). Specific interaction was shown between TIMAP and polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4), a potential kinase to phosphorylate Ser69. Conclusions: Altogether, our results indicate that Ser69 phosphorylation by PLK4 may evoke an enrichment of TIMAP in the plasma membrane region and may play an important role in endothelial cell migration without affecting the PP1c binding ability of TIMAP.

Protein phosphatase 2A-mediated flotillin-1 dephosphorylation up-regulates endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis regulation

Endothelial cells have key functions in endothelial barrier integrity and in responses to angiogenic signals that promote cell proliferation, cell migration, cytoskeletal reorganization, and formation of new blood vessels. These functions highly depend on protein-protein interactions in cell-cell junction and cell attachment complexes and on interactions with cytoskeletal proteins. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dephosphorylates several target proteins involved in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion. Our goal was to find new interacting and substrate proteins of the PP2A-B55α holoenzyme in bovine pulmonary endothelial cells. Using LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified flotillin-1 as a protein that binds recombinant GSH S-transferase-tagged PP2A-B55α. Immunoprecipitation experiments, proximity ligation assays, and immunofluorescent staining confirmed the interaction between these two endogenous proteins in endothelial cells. Originally, flotillins were described as regulatory proteins for axon regeneration, but they appear to function in many cellular processes, such as membrane receptor signaling, endocytosis, and cell adhesion. Ser³¹⁵ is a known PKC-targeted site in flotillin-1. Utilizing phosphomutants of flotillin-1 and the NanoBiT luciferase assay, we show here that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of Ser³¹⁵ in flotillin-1 significantly affects its interaction with PP2A-B55α and that PP2A-B55α dephosphorylates phospho-Ser³¹⁵ Spreading, attachment, migration, and in vitro tube formation rates of S315A variant-overexpressing cells were faster than those of nontransfected or S315D-transfected cells. These results indicate that the PP2A-flotillin-1 interaction identified here affects major physiological activities of pulmonary endothelial cells.

Protein N-glycosylation in oral cancer: dysregulated cellular networks among DPAGT1, E-cadherin adhesion and canonical Wnt signaling

N-Linked glycosylation (N-glycosylation) of proteins has long been associated with oncogenesis, but not until recently have the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship begun to be unraveled. Here, we review studies describing how dysregulation of the N-glycosylation-regulating gene, DPAGT1, drives oral cancer. DPAGT1 encodes the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the assembly of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum and thus mediates N-glycosylation of many cancer-related proteins. DPAGT1 controls N-glycosylation of E-cadherin, the major epithelial cell-cell adhesion receptor and a tumor suppressor, thereby affecting intercellular adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics. DPAGT1 also regulates and is regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, impacting the balance between proliferation and adhesion in homeostatic tissues. Thus, aberrant induction of DPAGT1 promotes a positive feedback network with Wnt/β-catenin that represses E-cadherin-based adhesion and drives tumorigenic phenotypes. Further, modification of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) with N-glycans is known to control their surface presentation via the galectin lattice, and thus increased DPAGT1 expression likely contributes to abnormal activation of RTKs in oral cancer. Collectively, these studies suggest that dysregulation of the DPAGT1/Wnt/E-cadherin network underlies the etiology and pathogenesis of oral cancer.

Barrier enhancing signals in pulmonary edema

Increased endothelial permeability and reduction of alveolar liquid clearance capacity are two leading pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary edema, which is a major complication of acute lung injury, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, the pathologies characterized by unacceptably high rates of morbidity and mortality. Besides the success in protective ventilation strategies, no efficient pharmacological approaches exist to treat this devastating condition. Understanding of fundamental mechanisms involved in regulation of endothelial permeability is essential for development of barrier protective therapeutic strategies. Ongoing studies characterized specific barrier protective mechanisms and identified intracellular targets directly involved in regulation of endothelial permeability. Growing evidence suggests that, although each protective agonist triggers a unique pattern of signaling pathways, selected common mechanisms contributing to endothelial barrier protection may be shared by different barrier protective agents. Therefore, understanding of basic barrier protective mechanisms in pulmonary endothelium is essential for selection of optimal treatment of pulmonary edema of different etiology. This article focuses on mechanisms of lung vascular permeability, reviews major intracellular signaling cascades involved in endothelial monolayer barrier preservation and summarizes a current knowledge regarding recently identified compounds which either reduce pulmonary endothelial barrier disruption and hyperpermeability, or reverse preexisting lung vascular barrier compromise induced by pathologic insults.

Phosphatase regulation of intercellular junctions

Intercellular junctions represent the key contact points and sites of communication between neighboring cells. Assembly of these junctions is absolutely essential for the structural integrity of cell monolayers, tissues and organs. Disruption of junctions can have severe consequences such as diarrhea, edema and sepsis, and contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Cell junctions are not static structures, but rather they represent highly dynamic micro-domains that respond to signals from the intracellular and extracellular environments to modify their composition and function. This review article will focus on the regulation of tight junctions and adherens junctions by phosphatase enzymes that play an essential role in preserving and modulating the properties of intercellular junction proteins.

Inhibition of PP2A and the consequent activation of JNK/c-Jun are involved in tributyltin-induced apoptosis in human amnionic cells

Tributyltin (TBT), a highly toxic environmental contaminant, has been shown to induce mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in several mammalian cells. However, the upstream signal transduction pathways involved in TBT-induced apoptosis are still not fully elucidated. In this study, the protein phosphatase (PP) 2A, microtubule organization, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including JNK, p38 and their downstream transcription factors, c-Jun and ATF-2, respectively, were investigated in human amnionic cells treated by TBT. Furthermore, the activation of procaspase-3 after blocking either one of these MAPK pathways was also observed. The results showed that TBT effectively induced apoptosis characterized by caspase-3 activation. In apoptotic cells, the inhibition of PP2A activity and microtubule depolymerization was detected. Additionally, JNK and p38, as well as their downstream targets, c-Jun and ATF-2, were activated. Moreover, a JNK inhibitor, but not p38 inhibitor, significantly reduced caspase-3 activation. It can be concluded that the inhibition of PP2A may (1) play as a role in the activation of JNK and c-Jun and the concomitant promotion of microtubule depolymerization and (2) lead to the activation of caspase-3 in TBT-induced apoptotic cells. The results of this study suggest a critical role of PP2A in the TBT toxicity mechanism.

Protein phosphatase 2A activity is required for functional adherent junctions in endothelial cells

Reversible Ser/Thr phosphorylation of cytoskeletal and adherent junction (AJ) proteins has a critical role in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) barrier function. We have demonstrated earlier that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity is important in EC barrier integrity. In the present work, macro- and microvascular EC were examined and we provided further evidence on the significance of PP2A in the maintenance of EC cytoskeleton and barrier function with special focus on the Bα (regulatory) subunit of PP2A. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that the inhibition of PP2A results in changes in the organization of EC cytoskeleton as microtubule dissolution and actin re-arrangement were detected. Depletion of Bα regulatory subunit of PP2A had similar effect on the cytoskeleton structure of the cells. Furthermore, transendothelial electric resistance measurements demonstrated significantly slower barrier recovery of Bα depleted EC after thrombin treatment. AJ proteins, VE-cadherin and β-catenin, were detected along with Bα in pull-down assay. Also, the inhibition of PP2A (by okadaic acid or fostriecin) or depletion of Bα caused β-catenin translocation from the membrane to the cytoplasm in parallel with its phosphorylation on Ser552. In conclusion, our data suggest that the A/Bα/C holoenzyme form of PP2A is essential in EC barrier integrity both in micro- and macrovascular EC.

Cytoskeletal architecture regulates cyclooxygenase-2 in human endothelial cells: autocrine modulation by prostacyclin

Endothelium is a highly dynamic tissue that controls vascular homeostasis. This requires constant rearrangements of the shape or function of endothelial cells that cannot set aside the role of the cytoskeleton. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms by means of which cytoskeletal alterations induce cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression in human endothelial cells using compounds that interfere with microtubule or actin architecture. Microtubule disruption by nocodazole markedly increased Cox-2 expression and activity, and provoked paracellular gap formation, a cardinal feature of endothelial barrier dysfunction. The Cox-2 metabolite prostacyclin down-regulated Cox-2 through an autocrine receptor-mediated mechanism, and partially prevented the disassembly of endothelial monolayers. There was also an interaction between microtubules and actin filaments in nocodazole-induced Cox-2 expression. Nocodazole provoked the dissolution of the F-actin cortical ring and stress fiber formation, increased actin glutathionylation, and concomitantly lowered intracellular levels of reduced glutathione. The restoration of glutathione levels by N-acetylcysteine opposed Cox-2 expression and preserved the integrity of endothelial monolayers. Among the signaling pathways connecting microtubule disruption with Cox-2 up-regulation, crucial roles are played by Src family kinase activation, serine/threonine phosphatase 2A inhibition, and the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase p38. Our findings provide a mechanistic insight into the observation that Cox-2 is induced in endothelial cells under cytoskeleton-perturbing conditions such as those occurring in the presence of atherogenic/inflammatory stimuli and oxidative stress. In this scenario, Cox-2 up-regulation by endothelia exposed to noxious conditions can be considered protective of the vasodilatory and anti-thrombotic properties of the vessel wall.

The National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium brain gene array: two types of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment

Background

The National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (NNTC) performed a brain gene expression array to elucidate pathophysiologies of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Methods

Twenty-four human subjects in four groups were examined A) Uninfected controls; B) HIV-1 infected subjects with no substantial neurocognitive impairment (NCI); C) Infected with substantial NCI without HIV encephalitis (HIVE); D) Infected with substantial NCI and HIVE. RNA from neocortex, white matter, and neostriatum was processed with the Affymetrix® array platform.

Results

With HIVE the HIV-1 RNA load in brain tissue was three log₁₀ units higher than other groups and over 1,900 gene probes were regulated. Interferon response genes (IFRGs), antigen presentation, complement components and CD163 antigen were strongly upregulated. In frontal neocortex downregulated neuronal pathways strongly dominated in HIVE, including GABA receptors, glutamate signaling, synaptic potentiation, axon guidance, clathrin-mediated endocytosis and 14-3-3 protein. Expression was completely different in neuropsychologically impaired subjects without HIVE. They had low brain HIV-1 loads, weak brain immune responses, lacked neuronally expressed changes in neocortex and exhibited upregulation of endothelial cell type transcripts. HIV-1-infected subjects with normal neuropsychological test results had upregulation of neuronal transcripts involved in synaptic transmission of neostriatal circuits.

Interpretation

Two patterns of brain gene expression suggest that more than one pathophysiological process occurs in HIV-1-associated neurocognitive impairment. Expression in HIVE suggests that lowering brain HIV-1 replication might improve NCI, whereas NCI without HIVE may not respond in kind; array results suggest that modulation of transvascular signaling is a potentially promising approach. Striking brain regional differences highlighted the likely importance of circuit level disturbances in HIV/AIDS. In subjects without impairment regulation of genes that drive neostriatal synaptic plasticity reflects adaptation. The array provides an infusion of public resources including brain samples, clinicopathological data and correlative gene expression data for further exploration (http://www.nntc.org/gene-array-project).

Effect of okadaic acid on cultured clam heart cells: involvement of MAPkinase pathways

Okadaic acid (OA) is one of the main diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins and a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. The downstream signal transduction pathways following the protein phosphatase inhibition are still unknown and the results of most of the previous studies are often conflicting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of OA on heart clam cells and to analyse its possible mechanisms of action by investigating the signal transduction pathways involved in OA cytotoxicity. We showed that OA at 1 µM after 24 h of treatment induces disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, rounding and detachment of fibroblastic cells. Moreover, treatment of heart cells revealed a sequential activation of MAPK proteins depending on the OA concentration. We suggest that the duration of p38 and JNK activation is a critical factor in determining cell apoptosis in clam cardiomyocytes. In the opposite, ERK activation could be involved in cell survival. The cell death induced by OA is a MAPK modulated pathway, mediated by caspase 3-dependent mechanism. OA was found to induce no significant effect on spontaneous beating rate or inward L-type calcium current in clam cardiomyocytes, suggesting that PP1 was not inhibited even by the highest dose of OA.

Oxidative stress contributes to lung injury and barrier dysfunction via microtubule destabilization

Oxidative stress is an important part of host innate immune response to foreign pathogens, such as bacterial LPS, but excessive activation of redox signaling may lead to pathologic endothelial cell (EC) activation and barrier dysfunction. Microtubules (MTs) play an important role in agonist-induced regulation of vascular endothelial permeability, but their impact in modulation of inflammation and EC barrier has not been yet investigated. This study examined the effects of LPS-induced oxidative stress on MT dynamics and the involvement of MTs in the LPS-induced mechanisms of Rho activation, EC permeability, and lung injury. LPS treatment of pulmonary vascular EC induced elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caused oxidative stress associated with EC hyperpermeability, cytoskeletal remodeling, and formation of paracellular gaps, as well as activation of Rho, p38 stress kinase, and NF-κB signaling, the hallmarks of endothelial barrier dysfunction. LPS also triggered ROS-dependent disassembly of the MT network, leading to activation of MT-dependent signaling. Stabilization of MTs with epothilone B, or inhibition of MT-associated guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF)-H1 activity by silencing RNA-mediated knockdown, suppressed LPS-induced EC barrier dysfunction in vitro, and attenuated vascular leak and lung inflammation in vivo. LPS disruptive effects were linked to activation of Rho signaling caused by LPS-induced MT disassembly and release of Rho-specific GEF-H1 from MTs. These studies demonstrate, for the first time, the mechanism of ROS-induced Rho activation via destabilization of MTs and GEF-H1-dependent activation of Rho signaling, leading to pulmonary EC barrier dysfunction and exacerbation of LPS-induced inflammation.

An axonemal PP2A B-subunit is required for PP2A localization and flagellar motility

Analysis of Chlamydomonas axonemes revealed that the protein phosphatase, PP2A, is localized to the outer doublet microtubules and is implicated in regulation of dynein-driven motility. We tested the hypothesis that PP2A is localized to the axoneme by a specialized, highly conserved 55-kDa B-type subunit identified in the Chlamydomonas flagellar proteome. The B-subunit gene is defective in the motility mutant pf4. Consistent with our hypothesis, both the B- and C- subunits of PP2A fail to assemble in pf4 axonemes, while the dyneins and other axonemal structures are fully assembled in pf4 axonemes. Two pf4 intragenic revertants were recovered that restore PP2A to the axonemes and re-establish nearly wild-type motility. The revertants confirmed that the slow-swimming Pf4 phenotype is a result of the defective PP2A B-subunit. These results demonstrate that the axonemal B-subunit is, in part, an anchor protein required for PP2A localization and that PP2A is required for normal ciliary motility.

Characterization of the effect of TIMAP phosphorylation on its interaction with protein phosphatase 1

TIMAP, TGF-β inhibited, membrane-associated protein, is highly abundant in endothelial cells (EC). We have shown earlier the involvement of TIMAP in PKA-mediated ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) dephosphorylation as part of EC barrier protection by TIMAP (Csortos et al., 2008). Emerging data demonstrate the regulatory role of TIMAP on protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity. We provide here evidence for specific interaction (K(a) = 1.80 × 10(6) M(-1)) between non-phosphorylated TIMAP and the catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1c) by surface plasmon resonance based binding studies. Thiophosphorylation of TIMAP by PKA, or sequential thiophosphorylation by PKA and GSK3β slightly modifies the association constant for the interaction of TIMAP with PP1c and decreases the rate of dissociation. However, dephosphorylation of phospho-moesin substrate by PP1cβ is inhibited to different extent in the presence of non- (~60% inhibition), mono- (~50% inhibition) or double-thiophosphorylated (<10% inhibition) form of TIMAP. Our data suggest that double-thiophosphorylation of TIMAP has minor effect on its binding ability to PP1c, but considerably attenuates its inhibitory effect on the activity of PP1c. PKA activation by forskolin treatment of EC prevented thrombin evoked barrier dysfunction and ERM phosphorylation at the cell membrane (Csortos et al., 2008). With the employment of specific GSK3β inhibitor it is shown here that PKA activation is followed by GSK3β activation in bovine pulmonary EC and both of these activations are required for the rescuing effect of forskolin in thrombin treated EC. Our results suggest that the forskolin induced PKA/GSK3β activation protects the EC barrier via TIMAP-mediated decreasing of the ERM phosphorylation level.

Emerging themes of cAMP regulation of the pulmonary endothelial barrier

The presence of excess fluid in the interstitium and air spaces of the lung presents severe restrictions to gas exchange. The pulmonary endothelial barrier regulates the flux of fluid and plasma proteins from the vascular space into the underlying tissue. The integrity of this endothelial barrier is dynamically regulated by transitions in cAMP (3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which are synthesized in discrete subcellular compartments. Cyclic AMP generated in the subplasma membrane compartment acts through PKA and Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) to tighten cell adhesions, strengthen cortical actin, reduce actomyosin contraction, and decrease permeability. Confining cAMP within the subplasma membrane space is critical to its barrier-protective properties. When cAMP escapes the near membrane compartment and gains access to the cytosolic compartment, or when soluble adenylyl cyclases generate cAMP within the cytosolic compartment, this second messenger activates established cytosolic cAMP signaling cascades to perturb the endothelial barrier through PKA-mediated disruption of microtubules. Thus the concept of cAMP compartmentalization in endothelial barrier regulation is gaining momentum and new possibilities are being unveiled for cytosolic cAMP signaling with the emergence of the bicarbonate-regulated mammalian soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC or AC10).

Protein kinase A phosphorylation of tau-serine 214 reorganizes microtubules and disrupts the endothelial cell barrier

Intracellular cAMP is compartmentalized to near membrane domains in endothelium, where it strengthens endothelial cell barrier function. Phosphodiesterase 4D4 (PDE4D4) interacts with the spectrin membrane skeleton and prevents cAMP from accessing microtubules. Expression of a dominant-negative PDE4D4 peptide enables cAMP to access microtubules, where it results in phosphorylation of the nonneuronal microtubule-associated protein tau at serine 214. Presently, we sought to determine whether PKA is responsible for tau-Ser214 phosphorylation and furthermore whether PKA phosphorylation of tau-Ser214 is sufficient to reorganize microtubules and induce endothelial cell gaps. In cells expressing the dominant-negative PDE4D4 peptide, forskolin activated transmembrane adenylyl cyclases, increased cAMP, and induced tau-Ser214 phosphorylation that was accompanied by microtubule reorganization. PKA catalytic and regulatory I subunits, but not the regulatory II subunit, coassociated with reorganized microtubules. To determine the functional consequence of tau-Ser214 phosphorylation, wild-type human tau40 and tau40 engineered to possess an alanine point mutation (S214A) were stably expressed in endothelium. In cells expressing the dominant-negative PDE4D4 peptide and tau-S214A, PKA-dependent phosphorylation of both the endogenous and heterologously expressed tau were abolished. Expression of tau-S214A prevented forskolin from depolymerizing microtubules, inducing intercellular gaps, and increasing macromolecular permeability. These findings therefore identify nonneuronal tau as a critical cAMP-responsive microtubule-associated protein that controls microtubule architecture and endothelial cell barrier function.

Molecular mechanisms involved in adenosine-induced endothelial cell barrier enhancement

Extracellular adenosine is a physiologically relevant agonist released by various sources, including endothelial cells (EC) and activated platelets, with complex effects mediated via activation of P1 purinergic receptors. Adenosine-induced EC production of glutathione peroxidase1 and nitric oxide is recognized, and an anti-inflammatory mechanism has been described. Effects of extracellular adenosine on the pulmonary EC barrier function and vascular permeability, however, remain poorly characterized. In this study, we demonstrated the adenosine-induced rapid dose-dependent barrier enhancement in human pulmonary artery EC (HPAEC) as measured by an increase in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER). We have shown that HPAEC express only A2A and A2B adenosine receptors. Pharmacological and siRNA depletion studies indicate that A2A, but not A2B receptor activation is required for the adenosine-induced TER increase. Depletion of Galphas with a specific siRNA significantly attenuated the adenosine-induced TER response in HPAEC. In contrast, depletion of either Galphaq or Galphai2 did not affect the adenosine-induced TER increase. This suggests that the adenosine-induced TER increase is cAMP-dependent. The adenosine-induced barrier enhancement effects were associated with a rearrangement of the EC F-actin component of the cytoskeleton, enhanced cell-surface presentation of cell-cell junctional protein VE-cadherin and an involvement of Myosin-light-chain phosphatase (MLCP). Our results suggest, for the first time, that adenosine regulates the EC barrier function via A2A receptors followed by Galphas engagement and is associated with cytoskeletal activation.

Mechanotransduction by GEF-H1 as a novel mechanism of ventilator-induced vascular endothelial permeability

Pathological lung overdistention associated with mechanical ventilation at high tidal volumes (ventilator-induced lung injury; VILI) compromises endothelial cell (EC) barrier leading to development of pulmonary edema and increased morbidity and mortality. We have previously shown involvement of microtubule (MT)-associated Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1 in the agonist-induced regulation of EC permeability. Using an in vitro model of human pulmonary EC exposed to VILI-relevant magnitude of cyclic stretch (18% CS) we tested a hypothesis that CS-induced alterations in MT dynamics contribute to the activation of Rho-dependent signaling via GEF-H1 and mediate early EC response to pathological mechanical stretch. Acute CS (30 min) induced disassembly of MT network, cell reorientation, and activation of Rho pathway, which was prevented by MT stabilizer taxol. siRNA-based GEF-H1 knockdown suppressed CS-induced disassembly of MT network, abolished Rho signaling, and attenuated CS-induced stress fiber formation and EC realignment compared with nonspecific RNA controls. Depletion of GEF-H1 in the murine two-hit model of VILI attenuated vascular leak induced by lung ventilation at high tidal volume and thrombin-derived peptide TRAP6. These data show for the first time the critical involvement of microtubules and microtubule-associated GEF-H1 in lung vascular endothelial barrier dysfunction induced by pathological mechanical strain.

N-glycosylation status of E-cadherin controls cytoskeletal dynamics through the organization of distinct β-catenin- and γ-catenin-containing AJs

N-glycosylation of E-cadherin has been shown to inhibit cell-cell adhesion. Specifically, our recent studies have provided evidence that the reduction of E-cadherin N-glycosylation promoted the recruitment of stabilizing components, vinculin and serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), to adherens junctions (AJs) and enhanced the association of AJs with the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we examined the details of how N-glycosylation of E-cadherin affected the molecular organization of AJs and their cytoskeletal interactions. Using the hypoglycosylated E-cadherin variant, V13, we show that V13/β-catenin complexes preferentially interacted with PP2A and with the microtubule motor protein dynein. This correlated with dephosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau, suggesting that increased association of PP2A with V13-containing AJs promoted their tethering to microtubules. On the other hand V13/γ-catenin complexes associated more with vinculin, suggesting that they mediated the interaction of AJs with the actin cytoskeleton. N-glycosylation driven changes in the molecular organization of AJs were physiologically significant because transfection of V13 into A253 cancer cells, lacking both mature AJs and tight junctions (TJs), promoted the formation of stable AJs and enhanced the function of TJs to a greater extent than wild-type E-cadherin. These studies provide the first mechanistic insights into how N-glycosylation of E-cadherin drives changes in AJ composition through the assembly of distinct β-catenin- and γ-catenin-containing scaffolds that impact the interaction with different cytoskeletal components.

Role of calcineurin in thrombin-mediated endothelial cell contraction

Barrier function and shape changes of endothelial cells (EC) are regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of key signaling and contractile elements. EC contraction results in intercellular gap formation and loss of the selective vascular barrier to circulating macromolecules. EC dysfunction elicited by thrombin was found to correlate with actin microfilament redistribution. It is known that calcineurin (Cn) is involved in thrombin-induced EC dysfunction because inhibition of Cn potentiates PKC activity and the phosphorylation state of EC myosin light chain is also affected by Cn activity. Immunofluorescent detection of Cn catalytic subunit (CnA) isoforms coexpressed with GFP was visualized on paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixed bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC). Actin microfilaments were stained with Texas Red-phalloidin. Cytotoxic effects of transfections or treatments and the efficiency of transfections were assessed by flow cytometry. Treatment of BPAEC with Cn inhibitors (cyclosporin A and FK506) hindered recovery of the cells from thrombin-induced EC dysfunction. Inhibition of Cn in the absence of thrombin had no effect on cytoskeletal actin filaments. We detected attenuated thrombin-induced stress fiber formation and changes in cell shape only when cells were transfected with constitutively active CnA and not with various CnA isoforms. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis has proved that cytotoxic effect of treatments is negligible. We observed that Cn is involved in the recovery from thrombin-induced EC dysfunction. Inhibition of Cn caused prolonged contractile effect, while overexpression of constitutively active CnA resulted in reduced thrombin-induced stress fiber formation.

TIMAP is a positive regulator of pulmonary endothelial barrier function

TGF-beta-inhibited membrane-associated protein, TIMAP, is expressed at high levels in endothelial cells (EC). It is regarded as a member of the MYPT (myosin phosphatase target subunit) family of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunits; however, its function in EC is not clear. In our pull-down experiments, recombinant TIMAP binds preferentially the beta-isoform of the catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1cbeta) from pulmonary artery EC. As PP1cbeta, but not PP1calpha, binds with MYPT1 into functional complex, these results suggest that TIMAP is a novel regulatory subunit of myosin phosphatase in EC. TIMAP depletion by small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique attenuates increases in transendothelial electrical resistance induced by EC barrier-protective agents (sphingosine-1-phosphate, ATP) and enhances the effect of barrier-compromising agents (thrombin, nocodazole) demonstrating a barrier-protective role of TIMAP in EC. Immunofluorescent staining revealed colocalization of TIMAP with membrane/cytoskeletal protein, moesin. Moreover, TIMAP coimmunoprecipitates with moesin suggesting the involvement of TIMAP/moesin interaction in TIMAP-mediated EC barrier enhancement. Activation of cAMP/PKA cascade by forskolin, which has a barrier-protective effect against thrombin-induced EC permeability, attenuates thrombin-induced phosphorylation of moesin at the cell periphery of control siRNA-treated EC. On the contrary, in TIMAP-depleted EC, forskolin failed to affect the level of moesin phosphorylation at the cell edges. These results suggest the involvement of TIMAP in PKA-mediated moesin dephosphorylation and the importance of this dephosphorylation in TIMAP-mediated EC barrier protection.

Cytoplasmic linker protein-170 enhances spreading and phagocytosis in activated macrophages by stabilizing microtubules

Activation of macrophages causes increased cell spreading, increased secretion of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases, and enhanced phagocytosis. The intracellular mechanisms driving the up-regulation of these activities have not been completely clarified. We observe that classical activation of murine resident peritoneal or RAW 264.7 macrophages with a combination of IFN-gamma and LPS induces an increase in stabilized cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs), measured with an anti-acetylated alpha-tubulin Ab. We examined the mechanism of this MT stabilization and find that macrophage activation causes redistribution of the MT plus-end tracking protein, cytoplasmic linker protein-170 (CLIP-170). CLIP-170 is localized at the distal plus-ends of MTs in resting macrophages, but accumulates along the length of MTs in IFN-gamma/LPS-activated cells. A direct involvement of CLIP-170 in MT stabilization has not been thoroughly established. In this study, we show that expression of a mutant CLIP-170 chimeric protein (dominant-negative CLIP-170-GFP), lacking the MT-binding domain, prevents MT stabilization in activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, we find enhanced CLIP-170 association with MTs and MT stabilization by treating resting macrophages with okadaic acid, implicating the protein phosphatase 2A in CLIP-170 binding and MT stabilization in RAW 264.7 cells. Finally, we observed enhanced cell spreading and phagocytosis in both IFN-gamma/LPS-activated and okadaic acid-treated resting RAW 264.7 cells, which are markedly reduced in activated cells expressing dominant-negative CLIP-170-GFP. These results identify CLIP-170 as a key regulator of MT stabilization and establish a prominent role for stabilized MTs in cell spreading and phagocytosis in activated macrophages.

Inhibition of endothelial barrier dysfunction by P21-activated kinase-1

We investigated the activity of P21-activated kinase-1 (Pak1) on myosin light chain phosphorylation and on thrombin-induced barrier dysfunction in human endothelial cells (HMEC). HMEC were infected with recombinant adenoviruses that express constitutively active Pak1, LacZ, wild-type, and a mutant myosin regulatory light chain, mMLC20 (Thr18Ala, Ser19Ala). Expression of the recombinant Pak1 mediated by adenovirus in HMEC was regulated. Active Pak1 induced dephosphorylation of MLC20 in HMEC, but not in smooth muscle cells. Active Pak1 significantly inhibited thrombin-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Expression of the unphosphorylatable MLC20 also inhibited thrombin-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Constitutively active Pak1 associated with phosphatase 2A and induced a post-translational modification of the phosphatase. Our data provide novel evidence indicating that Pak1 regulates endothelial barrier function through activation of phosphatase 2A.

Regulation of vascular endothelial cell barrier function and cytoskeleton structure by protein phosphatases of the PPP family

Reversible phosphorylation of cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-associated proteins is a significant element of endothelial barrier function regulation. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of endothelial cell cytoskeletal proteins is vital to the treatment of severe lung disorders such as high permeability pulmonary edema. In vivo, there is a controlled balance between the activities of protein kinases and phosphatases. Due to various external or internal signals, this balance may be shifted. The actual balances at a given time alter the phosphorylation level of certain proteins with appropriate physiological consequences. The latest information about the structure and regulation of different types of Ser/Thr protein phosphatases participating in the regulation of endothelial cytoskeletal organization and barrier function will be reviewed here.

ADP ribosylation factor like 2 (Arl2) protein influences microtubule dynamics in breast cancer cells

ADP ribosylation factor like 2 (Arl2) protein is involved in the folding of tubulin peptides. Variants of the human adenocarcinoma line MCF7 cells with increased or reduced content of Arl2 protein were produced and characterized. Western blot analysis performed after separation of the different fractions of tubulins showed that the content in polymerizable soluble heterodimers was significantly increased in cells with the highest Arl2 expression level (MA+) and reduced in cells with the lowest Arl2 expression level (MA-) in comparison to control cells (MP). Microtubule dynamic instability, measured after microinjection of rhodamine-labelled tubulin in living cells, was significantly enhanced in MA+ cells and reduced in MA- cells. These alterations involved modifications of the microtubule growth and shortening rates, duration of attenuation phases, percentage of time spent in each phase (growth, shortening and attenuation) and catastrophe frequency. We also observed modifications in the expression level of the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2Ac, which has been shown to form a complex with Arl2. Finally, cell cycle progression was modified in these cells, particularly in regard to duration of telophase. In summary, alterations in Arl2 protein content were found to be associated with modifications in tubulin pools, microtubule dynamics as well as cell cycle progression.

Role of protein phosphatase 2A in the regulation of endothelial cell cytoskeleton structure

Our recently published data suggested the involvement of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in endothelial cell (EC) barrier regulation (Tar et al. [2004] J Cell Biochem 92:534-546). In order to further elucidate the role of PP2A in the regulation of EC cytoskeleton and permeability, PP2A catalytic (PP2Ac) and A regulatory (PP2Aa) subunits were cloned and human pulmonary arterial EC (HPAEC) were transfected with PP2A mammalian expression constructs or infected with PP2A recombinant adenoviruses. Immunostaining of PP2Ac or of PP2Aa + c overexpressing HPAEC indicated actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. PP2A overexpression hindered or at least dramatically reduced thrombin- or nocodazole-induced F-actin stress fiber formation and microtubule (MT) dissolution. Accordingly, it also attenuated thrombin- or nocodazole-induced decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance indicative of barrier protection. Inhibition of PP2A by okadaic acid abolished its effect on agonist-induced changes in EC cytoskeleton; this indicates a critical role of PP2A activity in EC cytoskeletal maintenance. The overexpression of PP2A significantly attenuated thrombin- or nocodazole-induced phosphorylation of HSP27 and tau, two cytoskeletal proteins, which potentially could be involved in agonist-induced cytoskeletal rearrangement and in the increase of permeability. PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of HSP27 and tau correlated with PP2A-induced preservation of EC cytoskeleton and barrier maintenance. Collectively, our observations clearly demonstrate the crucial role of PP2A in EC barrier protection.

Involvement of microtubules and Rho pathway in TGF-beta1-induced lung vascular barrier dysfunction

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a cytokine critically involved in acute lung injury and endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction. We have studied TGF-beta1-mediated signaling pathways and examined a role of microtubule (MT) dynamics in TGF-beta1-induced actin cytoskeletal remodeling and EC barrier dysfunction. TGF-beta1 (0.1-50 ng/ml) induced dose-dependent decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) in bovine pulmonary ECs, which was linked to increased actin stress fiber formation, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, EC retraction, and gap formation. Inhibitor of TGF-beta1 receptor kinase RI (5 microM) abolished TGF-beta1-induced TER decline, whereas inhibitor of caspase-3 zVAD (10 microM) was without effect. TGF-beta1-induced EC barrier dysfunction was linked to partial dissolution of peripheral MT meshwork and decreased levels of stable (acetylated) MT pool, whereas MT stabilization by taxol (5 microM) attenuated TGF-beta1-induced barrier dysfunction and actin remodeling. TGF-beta1 induced sustained activation of small GTPase Rho and its effector Rho-kinase; phosphorylation of myosin binding subunit of myosin specific phosphatase; MLC phosphorylation; EC contraction; and gap formation, which was abolished by inhibition of Rho and Rho-kinase, and by MT stabilization with taxol. Finally, elevation of intracellular cAMP induced by forskolin (50 microM) attenuated TGF-beta1-induced barrier dysfunction, MLC phosphorylation, and protected the MT peripheral network. These results suggest a novel role for MT dynamics in the TGF-beta1-mediated Rho regulation, EC barrier dysfunction, and actin remodeling.