Transforming growth factor beta down-regulates Src family protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathways

MicroRNA-200 family governs ovarian inclusion cyst formation and mode of ovarian cancer spread

Epidemiologic and histopathologic findings and the laying hen model support the long-standing incessant ovulation hypothesis and cortical inclusion cyst involvement in sporadic ovarian cancer development. MicroRNA-200 (miR-200) family is highly expressed in ovarian cancer. Herewith, we show that ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells with ectopic miR-200 expression formed stabilized cysts in three-dimensional (3D) organotypic culture with E-cadherin fragment expression and steroid hormone pathway activation, whereas ovarian cancer 3D cultures with miR-200 knockdown showed elevated TGF-β expression, mitotic spindle disorientation, increased lumenization, disruption of ROCK-mediated myosin II phosphorylation, and SRC signaling, which led to histotype-dependent loss of collective movement in tumor spread. Gene expression profiling revealed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition and hypoxia were the top enriched gene sets regulated by miR-200 in both OSE and ovarian cancer cells. The molecular changes uncovered by the in vitro studies were verified in both human and laying hen ovarian cysts and tumor specimens. As miR-200 is also essential for ovulation, our results of estrogen pathway activation in miR-200-expressing OSE cells add another intriguing link between incessant ovulation and ovarian carcinogenesis.

Dietary Sodium Restriction Reduces Arterial Stiffness, Vascular TGF-β-Dependent Fibrosis and Marinobufagenin in Young Normotensive Rats

High salt (HS) intake stimulates the production of marinobufagenin (MBG), an endogenous steroidal Na/K-ATPase ligand, which activates profibrotic signaling. HS is accompanied by a blood pressure (BP) increase in salt-sensitive hypertension, but not in normotensive animals. Here, we investigated whether HS stimulates MBG production and activates transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) profibrotic signaling in young normotensive rats, and whether these changes can be reversed by reducing salt to a normal salt (NS) level. Three-month old male Sprague–Dawley rats received NS for 4 and 8 weeks (0.5% NaCl; NS4 and NS8), or HS for 4 and 8 weeks (4% NaCl; HS4 and HS8), or HS for 4 weeks followed by NS for 4 weeks (HS4/NS4), n = 8/group. Systolic BP (SBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), MBG excretion, aortic collagen 1α2, collagen 4α1 and TGF-β, Smad2, Smad3, Fli-1 mRNA, and total collagen abundance were measured at baseline (BL), and on weeks 4 and 8. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. SBP was not affected by HS (125 ± 5 and 126 ± 6 vs. 128 ± 7 mmHg, HS4 and HS8 vs. BL, p > 0.05). HS increased MBG (164 ± 19 vs. 103 ± 19 pmol/24 h/kg, HS4 vs. BL, p < 0.05) and PWV (3.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.2 m/s, HS4 vs. NS4, p < 0.05). HS8 was associated with a further increase in MBG and PWV, with an increase in aortic Col1a2 80%), Col4a1 (50%), Tgfb1 (30%), Smad2 (30%) and Smad3 (45%) mRNAs, and aortic wall collagen (180%) vs. NS8 (all p < 0.05). NS following HS downregulated HS-induced factors: in HS4/NS4, the MBG level was 91 ± 12 pmol/24 h/kg (twofold lower than HS8, p < 0.01), PWV was 3.7 ± 0.3 vs. 4.7 ± 0.2 m/s (HS4/NS4 vs. HS8, p < 0.05), aortic wall Tgfb1, Col1a2, Col4a1, Smad2, Smad3 mRNAs, and collagen abundance were reversed by salt reduction to the BL levels (p < 0.05). HS was associated with an activation of TGF-β signaling, aortic fibrosis and aortic stiffness accompanied by an MBG increase in the absence of SBP changes in young normotensive rats. The reduction of dietary salt following HS decreased MBG, PWV, aortic wall collagen and TGF-β. Thus, HS-induced aortic stiffness in normotensive animals occurred in the context of elevated MBG, which may activate SMAD-dependent TGF-β pro-fibrotic signaling. This data suggests that a decrease in salt consumption could help to restore aortic elasticity and diminish the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the production of the pro-fibrotic factor MBG.

Transforming growth factor-β enhances Rho-kinase activity and contraction in airway smooth muscle via the nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF1

Key points

Transforming growth‐factor‐β (TGF‐β) and RhoA/Rho‐kinase are independently implicated in the airway hyper‐responsiveness associated with asthma, but how these proteins interact is not fully understood.

We examined the effects of pre‐treatment with TGF‐β on expression and activity of RhoA, Rho‐kinase and ARHGEF1, an activator of RhoA, as well as on bradykinin‐induced contraction, in airway smooth muscle.

TGF‐β enhanced bradykinin‐induced RhoA translocation, Rho‐kinase‐dependent phosphorylation and contraction, but partially suppressed bradykinin‐induced RhoA activity (RhoA‐GTP content).

TGF‐β enhanced the expression of ARHGEF1, while a small interfering RNA against ARHGEF1 and a RhoGEF inhibitor prevented the effects of TGF‐β on RhoA and Rho‐kinase activity and contraction, respectively.

ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in airway smooth muscle from asthmatic patients and ovalbumin‐sensitized mice.

ARHGEF1 is a key TGF‐β target gene, an important regulator of Rho‐kinase activity and therefore a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), RhoA/Rho‐kinase and Src‐family kinases (SrcFK) have independently been implicated in airway hyper‐responsiveness, but how they interact to regulate airway smooth muscle contractility is not fully understood. We found that TGF‐β pre‐treatment enhanced acute contractile responses to bradykinin (BK) in isolated rat bronchioles, and inhibitors of RhoGEFs (Y16) and Rho‐kinase (Y27632), but not the SrcFK inhibitor PP2, prevented this enhancement. In cultured human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs), TGF‐β pre‐treatment enhanced the protein expression of the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF1, MLC₂₀, MYPT‐1 and the actin‐severing protein cofilin, but not of RhoA, ROCK2 or c‐Src. In hASMCs, acute treatment with BK triggered subcellular translocation of ARHGEF1 and RhoA and enhanced auto‐phosphorylation of SrcFK and phosphorylation of MYPT1 and MLC₂₀, but induced de‐phosphorylation of cofilin. TGF‐β pre‐treatment amplified the effects of BK on RhoA translocation and MYPT1/MLC₂₀ phosphorylation, but suppressed the effects of BK on RhoA‐GTP content, SrcFK auto‐phosphorylation and cofilin de‐phosphorylation. In hASMCs, an ARHGEF1 small interfering RNA suppressed the effects of BK and TGF‐β on RhoA‐GTP content, RhoA translocation and MYPT1 and MLC₂₀ phosphorylation, but minimally influenced the effects of TGF‐β on cofilin expression and phosphorylation. ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in ASMCs of asthmatic patients and in lungs of ovalbumin‐sensitized mice. Our data indicate that TGF‐β enhances BK‐induced contraction, RhoA translocation and Rho‐kinase activity in airway smooth muscle largely via ARHGEF1, but independently of SrcFK and total RhoA‐GTP content. A role for smooth muscle ARHGEF1 in asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness is worthy of further investigation.

Transforming growth‐factor‐β (TGF‐β) and RhoA/Rho‐kinase are independently implicated in the airway hyper‐responsiveness associated with asthma, but how these proteins interact is not fully understood.

We examined the effects of pre‐treatment with TGF‐β on expression and activity of RhoA, Rho‐kinase and ARHGEF1, an activator of RhoA, as well as on bradykinin‐induced contraction, in airway smooth muscle.

TGF‐β enhanced bradykinin‐induced RhoA translocation, Rho‐kinase‐dependent phosphorylation and contraction, but partially suppressed bradykinin‐induced RhoA activity (RhoA‐GTP content).

TGF‐β enhanced the expression of ARHGEF1, while a small interfering RNA against ARHGEF1 and a RhoGEF inhibitor prevented the effects of TGF‐β on RhoA and Rho‐kinase activity and contraction, respectively.

ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in airway smooth muscle from asthmatic patients and ovalbumin‐sensitized mice.

ARHGEF1 is a key TGF‐β target gene, an important regulator of Rho‐kinase activity and therefore a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness.

Dasatinib inhibits TGFβ-induced myofibroblast differentiation through Src-SRF Pathway

Persistent myofibroblast differentiation is a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Myofibroblasts are characterized by de novo expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and excess fibronectin assembly. Recent studies provide conflicting reports on the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib on myofibroblast differentiation and fibrosis. Also, it is not fully understood whether dasatinib modulates myofibroblast differentiation by targeting Src kinase. Herein, we investigated the effect of dasatinib on cSrc and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)-induced myofibroblast differentiation in vitro. Our results indicated that selective Src kinase inhibition using PP2 mimicked the effect of dasatinib in attenuating myofibroblast differentiation as evident by blunted αSMA expression and modest, but significant inhibition of fibronectin assembly in both NIH 3T3 and fibrotic human lung fibroblasts. Mechanistically, our data showed that dasatinib modulates αSMA synthesis through Src kinase-mediated modulation of serum response factor expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that dasatinib modulates myofibroblast differentiation through Src-SRF pathway. Thus, dasatinib could potentially be a therapeutic option in fibrotic diseases.

Regulation of SRC kinases by microRNA-3607 located in a frequently deleted locus in prostate cancer

Genomic studies suggest that deletions at chromosome (chr) 5q region (particularly chr5q14-q23) are frequent in prostate cancer, implicating this region in prostate carcinogenesis. However, the genes within this region are largely unknown. Here, we report for the first time the widespread attenuation of miR-3607, an miRNA gene located at chr5q14 region, in prostate cancer. Expression analyses of miR-3607 in a clinical cohort of prostate cancer specimens showed that miR-3607 is significantly attenuated and low miR-3607 expression is correlated with tumor progression and poor survival outcome in prostate cancer. Our analyses suggest that miR-3607 expression may be a clinically significant parameter with an associated diagnostic potential. We examined the functional significance of miR-3607 in prostate cancer cell lines and found that miR-3607 overexpression led to significantly decreased proliferation, apoptosis induction, and decreased invasiveness. Furthermore, our results suggest that miR-3607 directly represses oncogenic SRC family kinases LYN and SRC in prostate cancer. In view of our results, we propose that miR-3607 plays a tumor-suppressive role in prostate cancer by regulating SRC kinases that in turn regulates prostate carcinogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first report that: (i) identifies a novel role for miR-3607 located in a frequently deleted region of prostate cancer and (ii) defines novel miRNA-mediated regulation of SRC kinases in prostate cancer. Because SRC kinases play a central role in prostate cancer progression and metastasis and are attractive targets, this study has potential implications in the design of better therapeutic modalities for prostate cancer management.

A novel co-operative mechanism linking TGFβ and Lyn kinase activation to imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid leukaemia cells

The advent of a mechanism specific inhibitor imatinib, targeting Bcr-Abl kinase, has paved the way for new treatment strategies in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). However, resistance to imatinib is common in patients and has recently been linked to both transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and elevated Lyn kinase activity, although molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, using leukaemic MYL cell lines derived from CML patients, we show that TGFβ plays a key role in imatinib-resistance via direct effects on Lyn ubiquitination and turnover that results in bursts of Lyn kinase activity, and identify c-cbl is a candidate E3 ubiquitin ligase. Furthermore, blockade of TGFβ signalling activity with the TGFβ receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 significantly reduces Lyn turnover and activation, and subsequently enhances imatinib-mediated CML cell death in a proteasomal-dependent manner. Collectively, our data reveals novel co-operative mechanisms in CML involving TGFβ and Lyn kinase linked to proteasome function and ubiquitination, and thus supports therapeutic approaches that target TGFβ pathway activity as a strategy for overcoming imatinib-resistance in CML.

Action, localization and structure-function relationship of growth factors and their receptors in the prostate

Whereas the direct action of sex steroids, namely of androgens, on prostate cell division was questioned as early as in the 1970s, and remains so, the interest in prostatic growth factors (GFs) is rather recent but has expanded tremendously in the last five years. This lag period can be partly explained by the fact that, at the time, androgen receptors had just been discovered, and newly developed hormonal regimens or strategies to treat patients with prostate carcinoma (PCa) or epithelioma had generated great enthusiasm and hopes in the medical and scientific community. Another point to consider was the difficulty in maintaining prostate tissues in organ cultures and the relative novelty of culturing prostate epithelial cells in monolayers. Failures of sex steroids to elicit a direct positive response on prostate cell divisionin vitro, as seenin vivo, were interpreted as resulting from inappropriate models or culture conditions. However, the increasing number of reports confirming the lack of mitogenic activity of sex steroidsin vitro, coupled with the powerful mitogenic activity of GFs displayed in other systems, the discovery of GF receptors (GF-Rs), and the elucidation of their signalling pathways showing sex steroid receptors as potential substrates of GF-activated protein kinases gradually led to an increased interest in the putative role of GFs in prostate physiopathology. Of utmost importance was the recognition that hormone refractiveness was responsible for PCa progression, and for the poor outcome of patients with advanced disease under endocrine therapies. This problem remains a major issue and it raises several key questions that need to be solved at the fundamental and clinical levels.

TGF-beta as a candidate bone marrow niche signal to induce hematopoietic stem cell hibernation

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in a bone marrow niche in a nondividing state from which they occasionally are aroused to undergo cell division. Yet, the mechanism underlying this unique feature remains largely unknown. We have recently shown that freshly isolated CD34-KSL hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in a hibernation state exhibit inhibited lipid raft clustering. Lipid raft clustering induced by cytokines is essential for HSCs to augment cytokine signals to the level enough to re-enter the cell cycle. Here we screened candidate niche signals that inhibit lipid raft clustering, and identified that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) efficiently inhibits cytokine-mediated lipid raft clustering and induces HSC hibernation ex vivo. Smad2 and Smad3, the signaling molecules directly downstream from and activated by TGF-beta receptors were specifically activated in CD34-KSL HSCs in a hibernation state, but not in cycling CD34+KSL progenitors. These data uncover a critical role for TGF-beta as a candidate niche signal in the control of HSC hibernation and provide TGF-beta as a novel tool for ex vivo modeling of the HSC niche.

Nonreceptor tyrosine kinases in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the prostate (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States. Signal transduction molecules such as tyrosine kinases play important roles in CaP. Src, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (NRTK) and the first proto-oncogene discovered is shown to participate in processes such as cell proliferation and migration in CaP. Underscoring NRTK's and, specifically, Src's importance in cancer is the recent approval by the US Food and Drug Administration of dasatinib, the first commercial Src inhibitor for clinical use in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In this review we will focus on NRTKs and their roles in the biology of CaP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Publicly available literature from PubMed regarding the topic of members of NRTKs in CaP was searched and reviewed.

RESULTS

Src, FAK, JaK1/2, and ETK are involved in processes indispensable to the biology of CaP: cell growth, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Src emerges as a common signaling and regulatory molecule in multiple biological processes in CaP. Src's relative importance in particular stages of CaP, however, required further definition. Continued investigation of NRTKs will increase our understanding of their biological function and potential role as new therapeutic targets.

Interaction of Pyk2 and PTP-PEST with leupaxin in prostate cancer cells

We have identified the presence of leupaxin (LPXN), which belongs to the paxillin extended family of focal adhesion-associated adaptor proteins, in prostate cancer cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that LPXN is a component of the podosomal signaling complex found in osteoclasts, where LPXN was found to associate with the protein tyrosine kinases Pyk2 and c-Src and the cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase-proline-, glutamate-, serine-, and threonine-rich sequence (PTP-PEST). In the current study, LPXN was detectable as a 50-kDa protein in PC-3 cells, a bone-derived metastatic prostate cancer cell line. In PC-3 cells, LPXN was also found to associate with Pyk2, c-Src, and PTP-PEST. A siRNA-mediated inhibition of LPXN resulted in decreased in vitro PC-3 cell migration. A recombinant adenoviral-mediated overexpression of LPXN resulted in an increased association of Pyk2 with LPXN, whereas a similar adenoviral-mediated overexpression of PTP-PEST resulted in decreased association of Pyk2 and c-Src with LPXN. The overexpression of LPXN in PC-3 cells resulted in increased migration, as assessed by in vitro Transwell migration assays. On the contrary, the overexpression of PTP-PEST in PC-3 cells resulted in decreased migration. The overexpression of LPXN resulted in increased activity of Rho GTPase, which was decreased in PTP-PEST-overexpressing cells. The increase in Rho GTPase activity following overexpression of LPXN was inhibited in the presence of Y27632, a selective inhibitor of Rho GTPase. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that LPXN forms a signaling complex with Pyk2, c-Src, and PTP-PEST to regulate migration of prostate cancer cells.

TGF-beta-regulated collagen type I accumulation: role of Src-based signals

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) stimulates myofibroblast transdifferentiation, leading to type I collagen accumulation and fibrosis. We investigated the function of Src in TGF-beta-induced collagen I accumulation. In human mesangial cells, PTyr416 Src (activated Src) was 3.3-fold higher in TGF-beta-treated cells than in controls. Src activation by TGF-beta was blocked by rottlerin and by a dominant negative mutant of protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta), showing that TGF-beta activates Src by a PKCdelta-based mechanism. Pharmacological inhibitors and a dominant negative Src mutant prevented the increase in collagen type I secretion in cells exposed to TGF-beta. Similarly, on-target Src small interference RNA (siRNA) prevented type I collagen secretion in response to TGF-beta, but off-target siRNA complexes had no effect. It is well established in mesangial cells that upregulation of type I collagen by TGF-beta requires extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and we found that activation of ERK1/2 by TGF-beta requires Src. In conclusion, these results suggest that stimulation of collagen type I secretion by TGF-beta requires a PKCdelta-Src-ERK1/2 signaling motif.

Intracellular reactive oxygen species activate Src tyrosine kinase during cell adhesion and anchorage-dependent cell growth

Src tyrosine kinases are central components of adhesive responses and are required for cell spreading onto the extracellular matrix. Among other intracellular messengers elicited by integrin ligation are reactive oxygen species, which act as synergistic mediators of cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell spreading. We report that after integrin ligation, the tyrosine kinase Src is oxidized and activated. Src displays an early activation phase, concurrent with focal adhesion formation and driven mainly by Tyr527 dephosphorylation, and a late phase, concomitant with reactive oxygen species production, cell spreading, and integrin-elicited kinase oxidation. In addition, our results suggest that reactive oxygen species are key mediators of in vitro and in vivo v-Src tumorigenic properties, as both antioxidant treatments and the oxidant-insensitive C245A and C487A Src mutants greatly decrease invasivity, serum-independent and anchorage-independent growth, and tumor onset. Therefore we propose that, in addition to the known phosphorylation/dephosphorylation circuitry, redox regulation of Src activity is required during both cell attachment to the extracellular matrix and tumorigenesis.

Suramin promotes proliferation and scattering of renal epithelial cells

Primary cultures of renal proximal tubules are known to recapitulate several early events in the process of renal regeneration following injury. In this study, we show that suramin, a polysulfonated naphthylurea, stimulates outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation of primary cultures of renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC). These responses were comparable to those produced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). However, AG-1478 [4-(3'-chloroanilino)-6,7-dimethoxy-quinazoline], a specific inhibitor of the EGF receptor, blocked EGF but not suramin-induced RPTC outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation. Suramin stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, a downstream kinase of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signaling-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and Src, but not the EGF receptor. Blockade of Src, but not the EGF receptor, inhibited Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, inactivation of PI3K with LY294002 [2-(4morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] blocked suramin-induced RPTC outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation, whereas blockade of ERK1/2 had no effect. These data identify novel effects of suramin in RPTC outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation. Furthermore, suramin-induced outgrowth, scattering, and proliferation of RPTC are through Src-mediated activation of the PI3K pathway but not ERK1/2 or the EGF receptor.

TGF-beta1-mediated activations of c-Src and Rac1 modulate levels of cyclins and p27(Kip1) CDK inhibitor in hepatoma cells replated on fibronectin

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion transduces signals to regulate actin cytoskeleton and cell proliferation. While understanding how integrin signals cross-talk with the TGF-beta1 pathways, we observed lamellipodia formation and cyclin regulation in Hep3B cells, following TGF-beta1 treatment. To answer if integrin signaling via actin organization might regulate cell cycle progression after TGF-beta1 treatment, we analyzed cross-talk between the two receptor-mediated pathways in hepatoma cells on specific ECMs. We found that basal and TGF-beta1-mediated activation of c-Src and Rac1, expression of cyclins E and A, and suppression of p27Kip1 were significant in cells replated on fibronectin, but not in cells on collagen I, indicating a different integrin-mediated cellular response to TGF-beta1 treatment. Levels of tyrosine phosphorylation and actin-enriched lamellipodia on fibronectin were also more prominent than in cells on collagen I. Studies using pharmacological inhibitors or transient transfections revealed that the preferential TGF-beta1 effects in cells on fibronectin required c-Src family kinase activity. These observations suggest that a specific cross-talk between TGF-beta1 and fibronectin-binding integrin signal pathways leads to the activation of c-Src/Rac1/actin-organization, leading to changes in cell cycle regulator levels in hepatoma cells. Therefore, this study represents another mechanism to regulate cell cycle regulators when integrin signaling is collaborative with TGF-beta1 pathways.

LynIs a Target Gene for Prostate Cancer

The Src-related protein kinase Lyn plays an important role in B-cell activation. However, several lines of evidence suggest that it is also involved in the control of cellular proliferation and the inhibition of apoptosis. We have discovered that Lyn is expressed in normal prostate epithelia, in 95% of primary human prostate cancer (PC) specimens examined, and in all of the PC cell lines that we assayed. Moreover, Lyn knockout mice display abnormal prostate gland morphogenesis, which suggests that Lyn plays an important role in prostate epithelium development and implies that Lyn is a candidate target for specific therapy for PC. Using a drug-design strategy to construct sequence-based peptide inhibitors, a Lyn-specific inhibitor, KRX-123, targeting a unique interaction site within Lyn, was synthesized. KRX-123 was found to inhibit cellular proliferation in three hormone-refractory PC cell lines, DU145, PC3, and TSU-Pr1 with IC(50) values of 2-4 micro M. In vivo, tumor volume of DU145 explants in nude mice was significantly reduced after once-a-week injections of KRX-123, at a dose of 10 mg/kg, for a period of 5 weeks. Histological analyses of the treated tumors indicated extensive apoptosis. Thus, we suggest that Lyn inhibition may serve as a prime target for the treatment of hormone-refractory PC.

Sequence-based Design of Kinase Inhibitors Applicable for Therapeutics and Target Identification

A platform for specifically modulating kinase-dependent signaling using peptides derived from the catalytic domain of the kinase is presented. This technology, termed KinAce, utilizes the canonical structure of protein kinases. The targeted regions (subdomain V and subdomains IX and X) are analyzed and their sequence, three-dimensional structure, and involvement in protein-protein interaction are highlighted. Short myristoylated peptides were derived from the target regions of the tyrosine kinases c-Kit and Lyn and the serine/threonine kinases 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) and Akt/protein kinase B (PKB). For each kinase an active designer peptide is shown to selectively inhibit the signaling of the kinase from which it is derived, and to inhibit cancer cell proliferation in the micromolar range. This technology emerges as an applicable tool for deriving sequence-based selective inhibitors for a broad range of protein kinases as hits that may be further developed into drugs. Moreover, it enables identification of novel kinase targets for selected therapeutic indications as demonstrated in the KinScreen application.

Transforming growth factor-β1 stimulated protein kinase B serine-473 and focal adhesion kinase tyrosine phosphorylation dependent on cell adhesion in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a potent growth inhibitor and apoptosis inducer for most normal cells. However, tumor cells are commonly nevertheless sensitive to the tumor-suppressing effects of TGF-beta1. In this paper, we focus on the effects of TGF-beta1 on two important anti-apoptotic protein kinases, protein kinase B (PKB), and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in SMMC-7721 cells. We found that PKB-Ser-473 phosphorylation was apparently up-regulated by TGF-beta1. In the meantime, PKB-Thr-308 phosphorylation was slightly up-regulated by TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 could also enhance FAK-Tyr phosphorylation. We observed that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was also up-regulated by TGF-beta1 in good accordance with PKB-Ser-473 phosphorylation. We first found that TGF-beta1 could stimulate PKB-Ser-473 phosphorylation possibly via up-regulating ILK expression. Furthermore, we also failed to detect PKB-Ser-473 and FAK-Tyr phosphorylation with various concentrations of TGF-beta1 treatment when cells were kept in suspension. The above results indicate that PKB-Ser-473 and FAK-Tyr phosphorylation stimulated by TGF-beta1 are both dependent on cell adhesion.

Involvement of cell-cell interactions in the rapid stimulation of Cas tyrosine phosphorylation and Src kinase activity by transforming growth factor-beta 1

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) regulates a wide range of physiological and pathological cellular processes, including cell migration, mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix synthesis, and cell death. Cas (Crk-associated substrate, 130 kDa), an adaptor protein localized at focal adhesions and stress fibers, is also known to have important functions in cell migration and the induction of immediate-early gene expression. Here, we report that a rapid and transient tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas is induced by TGF-beta 1 and that E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interaction and the Src kinase pathway are involved in this early TGF-beta signaling. The addition of TGF-beta 1 to epithelial cells rapidly induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Cas and promoted the formation of complexes between focal adhesion molecules. Cas phosphorylation required the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton but was not dependent on cell adhesion, implying that Cas-dependent signaling may be distinct from integrin signaling. TGF-beta 1 also stimulated Src kinase activity, and specific inhibitors of Src completely blocked the induction of Cas phosphorylation by TGF-beta 1. The Cas phosphorylation and Src kinase activation seen in our results were induced in an epithelial phenotype-specific manner. Stable transfection of E-cadherin to L929 cells and L cells as well as E-cadherin blocking assay revealed that E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions were essential for both Cas phosphorylation and Src kinase activation. Taken together, our data suggest that rapid Cas phosphorylation and Src kinase activation may play a novel role in TGF-beta signal transduction.

CD44 interaction with c-Src kinase promotes cortactin-mediated cytoskeleton function and hyaluronic acid-dependent ovarian tumor cell migration

In this study we have demonstrated that both CD44 (the hyaluronan (HA) receptor) and c-Src kinase are expressed in human ovarian tumor cells (SK-OV-3.ipl cell line), and that these two proteins are physically associated as a complex in vivo. Using a recombinant cytoplasmic domain of CD44 and an in vitro binding assay, we have detected a specific interaction between CD44 and c-Src kinase. Furthermore, the binding of HA to SK-OV-3.ipl cells promotes c-Src kinase recruitment to CD44 and stimulates c-Src kinase activity, which, in turn, increases tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal protein, cortactin. Subsequently, tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin attenuates its ability to cross-link filamentous actin in vitro. In addition, transfection of SK-OV-3.ipl cells with a dominant active form of c-Src (Y527F)cDNA promotes CD44 and c-Src association with cortactin in membrane projections, and stimulates HA-dependent/CD44-specific ovarian tumor cell migration. Finally, overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of c-Src kinase (K295R) in SK-OV-3.ipl cells impairs the tumor cell-specific phenotype. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that CD44 interaction with c-Src kinase plays a pivotal role in initiating cortactin-regulated cytoskeleton function and HA-dependent tumor cell migration, which may be required for human ovarian cancer progression.

Role of AP-1 and HIF-1 transcription factors in TGF-beta activation of VEGF expression

Aberrant expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated to be associated with most human solid tumors. Here we report that TGF-beta potently induces VEGF expression in human HT-1080 fibrosarcomas primarily through transcriptional activation with no significant changes in mRNA turnover. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and AP-1 inhibitor curcumin significantly blocked TGF-beta induction of VEGF expression while SP-1 and MKK1 inhibitors did not. TGF-beta enhanced both AP-1 and HIF-1 DNA binding activities whereas SP-1, AP-2 and NF-1 did not show major changes. Transcriptional reporter assays provided further evidence that TGF-beta augmented both AP-1 and HIF-1 activities. Moreover, TGF-beta-treated HT-1080 cells contained higher levels of HIF-1alpha and c-jun proteins in nuclear extracts. TGF-beta and hypoxia synergistically induced VEGF mRNA expression. Given the fact that most tumors respond to hypoxic stress with increased VEGF expression via HIF-1-dependent transcription, this study identifies for the first time that TGF-beta also increases VEGF mRNA in an AP-l/HIF-1-dependent mechanism and may potentiate the hypoxic response.

Role of Ras and Mapks in TGFbeta signaling

Normal signaling by TGFbeta, in the absence of serum or exogenous factors, involves a rapid activation of Ras, Erks, and Sapks in proliferating cultures of TGFbeta-sensitive untransformed epithelial cells and human carcinoma cells. Expression of either RasN17 or dominant-negative (DN) MKK4, or addition of the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059, can block the ability of TGFbeta to induce AP-1 complex formation at the TGFbeta(1) promoter and to autoinduce its own production. The primary components present in this TGFbeta-stimulated AP-1 complex are JunD and Fra-2, although c-Jun, and possibly Fos B, may also be present. While there are two potential Smad binding elements (SBE's) in the TGFbeta(1) promoter, supershift assays suggest that at least one of these does not bind Smad4, and the other is unable to bind factors activated by TGFbeta. In contrast, TGFbeta autoinduction is Smad3-dependent, as DN Smad3 inhibits the ability of TGFbeta to stimulate TGFbeta(1) promoter activity. Our results indicate that TGFbeta can activate both the MKK4/Sapk and MEK/Erk pathways, through Ras and TGFbeta R(I) and R(II), to induce TGFbeta(1) production; Smad4 does not appear to be involved, and Smad3 appears to function independently of this Smad4. We also demonstrate that activation of the Ras/Mapk pathway by TGFbeta positively modulates Smad1-signaling-pathway activation by TGFbeta. In addition, Smad1 could enhance TGFbeta activation of the SBE reporter SBE-luc and this effect could be blocked by co-expression of a DN TGFbeta R(I) receptor or by the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059. This cross-talk between the MEK/Erk and Smad1 pathways was mediated through the four Erk consensus phosphorylation sites in the linker region of Smad1. Mutation of these sites resulted in a loss of the ligand-dependence of both Smad1-Smad4 interactions and nuclear accumulation of Smad1, as well as a loss of the ability of Smad1 to enhance TGFbeta-mediated SBE activation. Our results provide evidence that Erk-mediated phosphorylation of Smad1 in response to TGFbeta is critical for regulating Smad1 subcellular localization; this may be a key determinant in maintaining TGFbeta-dependent transcriptional activation.

Links between Fer tyrosine kinase expression levels and prostate cell proliferation

In our cloning strategy to identify tyrosine kinases implicated in the regulation of prostate growth, the dog fer cDNA was obtained and shown to be highly homologous to known fer cDNAs. Using a polyclonal Fer antibody directed against a C-terminal peptide, we studied its associations with cortactin, beta-catenin and p120Cas in human prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells. In contrast to previous reports, no interactions were observed. To assess its functional role, fer cDNA constructs were transfected in PC-3 cells. Antisense clones exhibiting a marked diminution of Fer expression had a reduced growth rate (doubling time of 29 vs. 42 h) and were unable to form colonies in soft agar. In agreement with these results, Fer protein expression was linked to human prostatic proliferative diseases, with enhanced levels in extracts from cancer tissues as compared to those from normal and hyperplastic ones, and was also expressed in the human prostate carcinoma cell lines DU145 and LNCaP. In the dog model, Fer expression was up-regulated in dividing versus resting prostate epithelial cells in vitro, and also in vivo when basal cell hyperplasia and metaplasia was induced by estrogen after castration. Minimal effects were observed when renewing the luminal epithelium with androgens. Taken together, these results show that Fer expression is associated with prostate cell proliferation and enhanced in prostate cancer.

Transforming growth factor beta2 inhibition of hepatocyte growth factor-induced endothelial proliferation and migration

Angiogenesis is a highly controlled event which depends on the proper equilibrium of activators and inhibitors present within the microenvironment. Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) activates migration and proliferation of endothelial cells and is angiogenic, acting through the tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the Met protooncogene. To get insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in HGF-induced angiogenesis, we searched for cDNAs differentially expressed in human endothelial cells exposed to HGF, a potent angiogenic factor. We found that HGF-treated endothelial cells upregulated the expression of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) beta2. To understand the significance of this finding, we cultured endothelial cells with HGF and TGF beta2 simultaneously. We found that TGF beta2 impairs HGF-dependent proliferative and migratory responses. TGF beta2 did not prevent the tyrosine phosphorylation of Met, but it inhibited some signalling pathways activated by HGF. We show that endothelial proliferation induced by HGF required the activation of the MAPK cascade, while HGF-induced endothelial migration was dependent on the tyrosine phosphorylation of Src. Indeed, TGF beta2 inhibited HGF effects because it prevented HGF-induced MAP kinase activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of Src. We suggest that the induction of TGF beta2 by HGF in endothelial cells may represent a physiologic mechanism to counterbalance HGF angiogenic activity.

c-Src kinase activity is required for hepatocyte growth factor-induced motility and anchorage-independent growth of mammary carcinoma cells

Overexpression and amplification of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor (Met) have been detected in many types of human cancers, suggesting a critical role for Met in growth and development of malignant cells. However, the molecular mechanism by which Met contributes to tumorigenesis is not well known. The tyrosine kinase c-Src has been implicated as a modulator of cell proliferation, spreading, and migration; these functions are also regulated by Met. To explore whether c-Src kinase is involved in HGF-induced cell growth, a mouse mammary carcinoma cell line (SP1) that co-expresses HGF and Met and a nonmalignant epithelial cell line (Mv1Lu) that expresses Met but not HGF were used. In this study, we have shown that c-Src kinase activity is constitutively elevated in SP1 cells and is induced in response to HGF in Mv1Lu cells. In addition, c-Src kinase associates with Met following stimulation with HGF. The enhanced activity of c-Src kinase also correlates with its ability to associate with Met. Expression of a dominant negative double mutant of c-Src (SRC-RF), lacking both kinase activity (K295R) and a regulatory tyrosine residue (Y527F), in SP1 cells significantly reduced c-Src kinase activity and strongly blocked HGF-induced motility and colony growth in soft agar. In contrast, expression of the dominant negative c-Src mutant had no effect on HGF-induced cell proliferation on plastic. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that HGF-induced association of c-Src with Met and c-Src activation play a critical role in HGF-induced cell motility and anchorage-independent growth of mammary carcinomas and further support the notion that the presence of paracrine and autocrine HGF loops contributes significantly to the transformed phenotype of carcinoma cells.

Altered regulation of Src tyrosine kinase by transforming growth factor beta1 in a human hepatoma cell line

Transforming growth factor betas (TGF-betas) are the potent growth inhibitors for various cell types. Certain transformed cells, however, show poor response to TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition, which contributes to their uncontrolled proliferation. Recently, we have reported that TGF-beta1 induces degradation of activated Src tyrosine kinase in rat fibroblasts. To elucidate the alteration in TGF-beta signaling pathway in tumor cells that cannot respond to the cytokine, we compared the effects of TGF-beta1 on Src kinase in two human hepatoma cell lines, TGF-beta1-insensitive Mahlavu cells and TGF-beta1-sensitive HepG2 cells. TGF-beta1 decreased Src kinase activity in HepG2 cells, but increased cellular Src levels and Src kinase activity in Mahlavu cells. Co-incubation of Mahlavu cells with TGF-beta1 and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) decreased Src protein levels and Src kinase activity, inducing TGF-beta1 sensitivity. TGF-beta1 induced tyrosine dephosphorylation of Ras guanosine triphosphatase-activating protein (Ras-GAP) and Ras inactivation in HepG2 cells, but induced Ras-GAP phosphorylation and Ras activation in Mahlavu cells. The Src kinase inhibitor abolished the increase of Src kinase activity in TGF-beta1-treated Mahlavu cells, and induced TGF-beta1 sensitivity. These findings suggest that regulation of Src kinase by TGF-beta1 is altered in Mahlavu cells. The altered regulation of Src may contribute to TGF-beta1 insensitivity in this cell line, at least in part through activation of Ras.

Extracellular matrix-associated transforming growth factor-beta: role in cancer cell growth and invasion

Growth factors of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family inhibit the proliferation of epithelial, endothelial, and hematopoietic cells, and stimulate the synthesis of extracellular matrix components. TGF-beta s are secreted from cells in high-molecular-mass protein complexes that are composed of three proteins, the mature TGF-beta-dimer, the TGF-beta propeptide dimer, or latency-associated protein (LAP), and the latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP). Mature TGF-beta is cleaved from its propeptide during secretion, but the proteins remain associated by noncovalent interactions. LTBP is required for efficient secretion and processing of latent TGF-beta and it binds to LAP via disulfide bond(s). LTBP is a component of extracellular matrix microfibrils, and it targets the latent TGF-beta complex to the extracellular matrix. TGF-beta signaling is initiated by proteolytic cleavage of LTBP that results in the release of the latent TGF-beta complex from the extracellular matrix. TGF-beta is activated by dissociation of LAP from the mature TGF-beta. Subsequent signaling involves binding of active TGF-beta to its type II cell surface receptors, which phosphorylate and activate type I TGF-beta receptors. Type I receptors, in turn, phosphorylate cytoplasmic transcriptional activator proteins Smad2 and Smad3, inducing their translocation to the nucleus. Recent evidence suggests that acquisition of resistance to TGF-beta growth inhibition plays a major role in the progression of epithelial and hematopoietic cell malignancies. The role of secretion of TGF-beta in tumorigenesis is more complex. The secretion of TGF-beta s by tumor cells may contribute to autocrine growth inhibition, but on the other hand, it may also promote invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and even immunosuppression. Tumor cells may also fail to deposit LTBP:TGF-beta complexes to the extracellular matrix. The elucidation of the mechanisms of the release of TGF-beta from the matrix and its subsequent activation aids the understanding of the pathophysiologic roles of TGF-beta in malignant growth, and allows the development of therapeutic agents that regulate the activity of TGF-beta.

Growth factor involvement in progression of prostate cancer

Understanding how the regulation of growth factor pathways alters during prostate cancer (PC) progression may enable researchers to develop targeted therapeutic strategies for advanced disease. PC progression involves the shifting of cells from androgen-dependent growth to an androgen-independent state, sometimes with the loss or mutation of the androgen receptors in PC cells. Both autocrine and paracrine pathways are up-regulated in androgen-independent tumors and may replace androgens as primary growth stimulatory factors in cancer progression. Our discussion focuses on growth factor families that maintain homeostasis between epithelial and stromal cells in the normal prostate and that undergo changes as PC progresses, often making stromal cells redundant. These growth factors include fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factors, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor α, retinoic acid, vitamin D3, and the transforming growth factor β families. We review their role in normal prostate development and in cancer progression, using evidence from clinical specimens and models of PC cell growth.

TGF-beta 1 modulates EGF-stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity in human airway smooth muscle cells

Regulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase plays an important role in modulating cellular function. We have previously shown that transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced human airway smooth muscle (hASM) cell proliferation and that PI 3-kinase activation is a necessary signaling event in mitogen-induced hASM cell growth. In this study, we postulated that TGF-beta 1 may modulate EGF-induced PI 3-kinase activation. To date, no study has examined the effects of TGF-beta 1 on PI 3-kinase activity. In cultured hASM cells, EGF induced a 5.7 +/- 1.2-fold activation of PI 3-kinase compared with diluent-treated cells. Although TGF-beta 1 alone did not alter PI 3-kinase activation, TGF-beta 1 markedly enhanced EGF-induced PI 3-kinase activity, with a 16.6 +/- 1.9-fold increase over control cells treated with diluent alone. EGF significantly increased the association of PI 3-kinase with tyrosine phosphorylated proteins, and TGF-beta 1 pretreatment before EGF stimulation apparently did not alter this association. Interestingly, TGF-beta 1 did not modulate EGF-induced p70 S6 kinase activity, which is important for the progression of cells from the G0 to the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Immunoprecipitation of type I and type II TGF-beta receptors showed that PI 3-kinase was associated with both type I and type II TGF-beta receptors. TGF-beta 1, however, enhanced PI 3-kinase activity associated with the type I TGF-beta receptor. Although in some cell types inhibition of PI 3-kinase and treatment of cells with TGF-beta 1 mediate apoptosis, cell cycle analysis and DNA ladder studies show that PI 3-kinase inhibition or stimulation of hASM cells with TGF-beta 1 did not induce myocyte apoptosis. Although the inhibitory effects of TGF-beta 1 on hASM cell growth are not mediated at the level of PI 3-kinase and p70 S6 kinase, we now show that activation of the TGF-beta 1 receptor modulates PI 3-kinase activity stimulated by growth factors in hASM cells.

Effects of inhibitors of signal transduction pathways on transforming growth factor beta1 and osteogenic protein-1-induced insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3 expression in human bone cells

Signal transduction initiated by TGFbeta1 and OP-1 was studied in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells and in normal human bone cells (HBCs) in the presence of inhibitors of signal transduction events, using insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) production as an end point. Treatment of serum-free MG63 cells and normal HBCs with TGFbeta1 increased IGFBP-3 protein level several fold in the conditioned medium. This effect of TGFbeta1 was mediated by increased de novo synthesis because mRNA level increased to the same extent as protein level and TGFbeta1 treatment had very little effect on IGFBP-3 protease activity. The stimulatory effect of TGFbeta1 on IGFBP-3 production was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, or with vanadate, a phosphotyrosyl protein phosphatase inhibitor in both MG63 cells and normal HBCs. In addition, pretreatment with okadoic acid, an inhibitor of serine/threonine protein phosphatase, counteracted TGFbeta1 induction of IGFBP-3 production. Interestingly, pretreatment of MG63 cells or HBCs with staurosporine, vanadate, or okadoic acid augmented OP-1 stimulation of IGFBP3 production. Staurosporine- or vanadate-induced changes in IGFBP-3 protein levels in the presence of TGFbeta1 and OP-1 were associated with corresponding changes in IGFBP-3 mRNA levels in MG63 cells. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that TGFbeta1 and OP-1 increase IGFBP-3 expression via distinct intracellular signal transduction pathways.

Transforming growth factor-beta: the breaking open of a black box

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its related proteins regulate broad aspects of body development, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and gene expression, in various organisms. Deregulated TGF-beta function has been causally implicated in the generation of human fibrotic disorders and in tumor progression. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of TGF-beta action remained essentially unknown until recently. Here, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the mechanism of TGF-beta signal transduction with respect to the regulation of gene expression, the control of cell phenotype and the potential usage of TGF-beta for the treatment of human diseases.

Evidence for a role of Rho-like GTPases and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) in transforming growth factor beta-mediated signaling

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional factor that induces a wide variety of cellular processes which affect growth and differentiation. TGF-beta exerts its effects through a heteromeric complex between two transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors, the type I and type II receptors. However, the intracellular signaling pathways through which TGF-beta receptors act to generate cellular responses remain largely undefined. Here, we report that TGF-beta initiates a signaling cascade leading to stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) activation. Expression of dominant-interfering forms of various components of the SAPK/JNK signaling pathways including Rho-like GTPases, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1), MAPK kinase 4 (MKK4), SAPK/JNK, and c-Jun abolishes TGF-beta-mediated signaling. Therefore, the SAPK/JNK activation contributes to TGF-beta signaling.

The role of Src family kinases in the normal and neoplastic gastrointestinal tract

Src family kinases are a group of non-receptor tyrosine kinases that mediate signal transduction pathways involved in the growth and differentiation of normal tissues. Considerable evidence exists for a role of these proteins in neoplastic progression in various organ systems including the nervous, hematopoietic and skeletal systems. In addition, the role of the Src kinase family has been characterized for colon cancer, but only limited progress has been made in delineating the role of Src kinases in the normal gastrointestinal (GI) tract and extracolonic GI cancers. In this review, we provide an up-to-date assessment of the Src family kinases in the normal and neoplastic GI tract.

Serine phosphorylation, chromosomal localization, and transforming growth factor-beta signal transduction by human bsp-1

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily regulates a multitude of cellular and developmental events. TGF-beta family ligands signal through transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors whose downstream effectors are largely unknown. Using genetic data from the fruit fly, we have identified a downstream effector of TGF-beta-induced signaling. TGF-beta signaling protein-1 (BSP-1) is rapidly phosphorylated in response to TGF-beta. Localization of bsp-1 to chromosome 4q28 suggests a role in carcinogenesis. These data suggest that BSP-1 is the prototype of a new class of signaling molecules.

Signal transduction and TGF-beta superfamily receptors

The TGF-beta superfamily includes a large number of related growth and differentiation factors expressed in virtually all phyla. Superfamily members bind to specific cell surface receptors that activate signal transduction mechanisms to elicit their effects. Candidate receptors fall into two primary groups, termed type I and type II receptors. Both types are serine/threonine kinases. Upon activation by the appropriate ligand, type I and type II receptors physically interact to form hetero-oligomers and subsequently activate intracellular signaling cascades, ultimately regulating gene transcription and expression. In addition, TGF-beta binds to a third receptor class, type III, a membrane-anchored proteoglycan lacking the kinase activity typical of signal transducing molecules. Type III receptors appear to regulate ligand availability to type I and type II receptors. Although a number of transduction mechanisms may be available to TGF-beta superfamily members, evidence gathered through the use of specific kinase and G-protein inhibitors and through assays measuring activation and levels of signaling intermediates suggests that at least one signaling pathway interacts with Ras and Raf proteins via a G-protein intermediate. Raf begins the cytoplasmic kinase cascade that leads to gene regulation. The myriad responses regulated by TGF-beta superfamily members makes the understanding of signal transduction mechanisms utilized by these proteins of great interest to a wide range of biological disciplines.