Characterization of conventional protein kinase C (PKC) isotype expression during F9 teratocarcinoma differentiation. Overexpression of PKC alpha alters the expression of some differentiation-dependent genes

Absence of catalytic domain in a putative protein kinase C (PkcA) suppresses tip dominance in Dictyostelium discoideum

A number of organisms possess several isoforms of protein kinase C but little is known about the significance of any specific isoform during embryogenesis and development. To address this we characterized a PKC ortholog (PkcA; DDB_G0288147) in Dictyostelium discoideum. pkcA expression switches from prestalk in mound to prespore in slug, indicating a dynamic expression pattern. Mutants lacking the catalytic domain of PkcA (pkcA(-)) did not exhibit tip dominance. A striking phenotype of pkcA- was the formation of an aggregate with a central hollow, and aggregates later fragmented to form small mounds, each becoming a fruiting body. Optical density wave patterns of cAMP in the late aggregates showed several cAMP wave generation centers. We attribute these defects in pkcA(-) to impaired cAMP signaling, altered cell motility and decreased expression of the cell adhesion molecules - CadA and CsaA. pkcA(-) slugs showed ectopic expression of ecmA in the prespore region. Further, the use of a PKC-specific inhibitor, GF109203X that inhibits the activity of catalytic domain phenocopied pkcA(-).

Protein kinase C mediated extraembryonic endoderm differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

Unlike mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which are closely related to the inner cell mass, human ESCs appear to be more closely related to the later primitive ectoderm. For example, human ESCs and primitive ectoderm share a common epithelial morphology, growth factor requirements, and the potential to differentiate to all three embryonic germ layers. However, it has previously been shown that human ESCs can also differentiate to cells expressing markers of trophoblast, an extraembryonic lineage formed before the formation of primitive ectoderm. Here, we show that phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate causes human ESCs to undergo an epithelial mesenchymal transition and to differentiate into cells expressing markers of parietal endoderm, another extraembryonic lineage. We further confirmed that this differentiation is through the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) pathway and demonstrated that a particular PKC subtype, PKC-δ, is most responsible for this transition.

Regulation of protein kinase C isozymes during early postnatal hippocampal development

During neonatal hippocampal development, serotonin 1A receptor-mediated signaling initially employs PKCepsilon to boost neuronal proliferation and then uses PKCalpha to promote synaptogenesis. Such stage-specific involvement of a PKC isozyme could be determined by its relative expression level. In mouse hippocampi, we detected relatively low levels of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta isozymes at postnatal days 2-6 (P2-6), which was followed by a large increase in their expression. In contrast, the PKC isozymes epsilon and theta were relatively abundant at P6, following which they underwent a further increase by P15. Comparison with purified proteins confirmed that the PKCepsilon levels at P6 and P15 were respectively 1.75 and 7.36 ng per 60 microg of protein, whereas PKCalpha levels at P6 and P15 were respectively 160 pg and 1.186 ng per 60 microg of protein. Therefore, at P6, PKCepsilon was about 11-fold more abundant than PKCalpha. Consequently, signaling cascades could use the relatively abundant PKCepsilon (and possibly PKCtheta) molecules for early events at P2-6 (e.g. neurogenesis), following which PKCalpha (and the beta, gamma, or delta isozymes) could guide maturation or apoptosis. Notably, at P6 but not P15, PKCepsilon, was localized to the nuclei of neuroblasts, probably directing mitosis. In contrast, at P15 but not P6, PKCalpha was highly expressed in the processes of the differentiated hippocampal neurons. In summary, PKC isozymes follow differential profiles of expression in neonatal hippocampus and the relative abundance of each may determine its mode and stage of involvement in hippocampal development.

Phosphorylation of Activation Transcription Factor-2 at Serine 121 by Protein Kinase C Controls c-Jun-mediated Activation of Transcription

Activation transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) is phosphorylated by various protein kinases, such as JNK/p38/ERK, calmodulin kinase IV, protein kinase A, and protein kinase C (PKC), in response to a variety of stimuli. However, the role of the phosphorylation of ATF-2 by PKC in vivo in the transcriptional control of genes that include the activation protein-1 (AP-1)/cyclic AMP-response element remains to be defined. Using antibodies against the phosphorylated serine residue (Ser(P)) at position 121 of ATF-2, we have demonstrated that PKC phosphorylates ATF-2 at Ser-121 and that phosphorylation of Ser-121 (to yield ATF-2pS121) becomes detectable at the late stage of the response of HeLa cells to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and is maintained for more than 2 h. By contrast, phosphorylation of ATF-2 at threonine residues 69 and 71 (Thr-69/71, to yield ATF-2pT69/71) and at Ser-340 and Ser-367 (to yield ATF-2pS340 and ATF-2pS367) is detectable as an immediate early response. Unlike levels of ATF-2pT69/71 and ATF-2pS340, the level of ATF-2pS121 increases in the nuclei of HeLa cells in response to TPA. A serine-to-alanine mutation at position 121 of ATF-2 represses the c-Jun-dependent transcription of AP-1/cyclic AMP-response element reporter genes and also the p300-mediated activation of a Gal4-reporter gene in response to TPA. Our results suggest that the phosphorylation of ATF-2 at Ser-121 plays a key role in the c-Jun-mediated activation of transcription that occurs in response to TPA.

Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on sodium/iodide symporter expression, radioiodine uptake and gene expression profiles in a human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line

The plasma membrane glycoprotein sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is crucial for thyroid hormone biosynthesis and mediates the iodide uptake of thyrocytes. It has been shown that retinoic acid (RA) alters NIS gene expression in thyroid carcinoma lines and stimulates their iodide uptake. Here, we generated an ARO human thyroidal cancer cell line that expresses the NIS gene (ARO-NIS) and found that its baseline 125I uptake was threefold higher than that of its parental ARO cells. However, a 1-microM all-trans retinoic acid (tRA) treatment significantly increased this 125I uptake up to approximately approximately 6.5-fold on Day 3. tRA also elevated NIS mRNA expression in ARO-NIS cells, with peaks of expression being observed on Day 3. To investigate the underlying genomic mechanisms involved in these tRA-induced phenotypic changes, we subjected tRA-treated and untreated ARO-NIS cells to cDNA microarray analysis. Of 1152, genes spotted onto the microarray membrane, 18 were up-regulated (z ratio>2.0) and 33 were down-regulated (z ratio<-2.0) in ARO-NIS cells after 3 days of tRA treatment. More specifically, tRA increased the expression of BCL3, CSRP3, v-fos, and CDK5 genes and decreased the expression of the FGF12 and IGFBP6 genes. Thus, tRA treatment of human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells stably expressing the NIS gene significantly elevates their NIS-mediated radioiodine uptake and alters the expression of many genes involved in cell growth and cellular differentiation. Therefore, tRA treatment and NIS gene transfection are potential tools for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer.

PKC-eta mediates glioblastoma cell proliferation through the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways

We previously demonstrated that protein kinase C-eta (PKC-eta) mediates a phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced proliferative response in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells. In this report, we show that PMA-stimulated activation of PKC-eta in U-251 GBM cells resulted in activation of both Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways and an increase in cell proliferation. Expression of a kinase dead PKC-eta (PKC-etaKR) construct reduced the basal and PMA-evoked proliferation of PKC-eta-expressing U-251 GBM cells, as well as abrogated the PMA-induced activation of Akt, mTOR, and the mTOR targets 4E-BP1 and STAT-3. Treatment of cells with the PI-3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 (10 muM) or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (10 nM) also reduced PMA-induced proliferation and cell-cycle progression. Expression of a constitutively active PKC-eta (PKC-etaDeltaNPS) construct in a GBM cell line with no endogenous PKC-eta (U-1242) also provided evidence that PKC-eta targets the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways. Moreover, activation of 4E-BP1 and STAT-3 in both PMA-treated U-251 and PKC-etaDeltaNPS-expressing U-1242 GBM cells was inhibited by rapamycin. However, activation of Akt, but not mTOR was inhibited by the PI-3 kinase inhibitor LY294002. This study identifies Akt and mTOR as downstream targets of PKC-eta that are involved in GBM cell proliferation.

Signaling pathways in retinoid chemoprevention and treatment of cancer

The Vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid, has been shown to have chemopreventive and therapeutic activity for certain cancers such as head and neck, cervical, neuroblastoma and promyelocytic leukemia. Retinoic acid achieves these activities by inducing differentiation and/or growth arrest. A large number of studies have investigated the mechanism(s) by which retinoic acid alters the behavior of premalignant and tumor cells. Although much important data has been obtained, the exact signaling pathways required for retinoic acid to exert its biological effects remains elusive. In this review, we outline the role and function of retinoid nuclear receptors, followed by a discussion of how major signaling pathways are affected in different tumor types by retinoids. We conclude by examining the effect of retinoic acid on G1 cell cycle regulatory proteins in various tumors.

Protein kinase Calpha plays a critical role in mannosylerythritol lipid-induced differentiation of melanoma B16 cells

Mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL), a novel extracellular glycolipid from yeast, was found to inhibit the proliferation of mouse melanoma B16 cells in a dose-dependent manner and to induce the apoptosis of B16 cells at concentrations higher than 10 microm (Zhao, X., Wakamatsu, Y., Shibahara, M., Nomura, N., Geltinger, C., Nakahara, T., Murata, T., and Yokoyama, K. K. (1999) Cancer Res. 59, 482-486). We show here that exposure of B16 cells to MEL (5 microm) for 2 days resulted in an increase of the levels of differentiation-associated markers of melanoma cells such as melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity, which were accompanied by morphological changes. The MEL-induced differentiation of B16 cells at this concentration was closely associated with arrest of the cell cycle at G(1) phase, but no significant population of apoptotic cells was identified. Expression of protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) was enhanced after exposure of B16 cells to MEL for 48 h. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against the mouse gene for PKCalpha prevented MEL-induced melanogenesis in B16 cells. Conversely, the effects of the expression of a constitutively active form of PKCalpha mimicked the effects of MEL on B16 cells. These data suggest that MEL, a yeast-derived glycolipid, triggers the differentiation of B16 melanoma cells through a signaling pathway that involves PKCalpha.

PKCeta enhances cell cycle progression, the expression of G1 cyclins and p21 in MCF-7 cells

Protein kinase C encodes a family of enzymes implicated in cellular differentiation, growth control and tumor promotion. However, not much is known with respect to the molecular mechanisms that link protein kinase C to cell cycle control. Here we report that the expression of PKCeta in MCF-7 cells, under the control of a tetracycline-responsive inducible promoter, enhanced cell growth and affected the cell cycle at several points. The induced expression of another PKC isoform, PKCdelta, in MCF-7 cells had opposite effects and inhibited their growth. PKCeta expression activated cellular pathways in these cells that resulted in the increased expression of the G1 phase cyclins, cyclin D and cyclin E. Expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(WAF1) was also specifically elevated in PKCeta expressing cells, but its overall effects were not inhibitory. Although, the protein levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(KIP1) were not altered by the induced expression of PKCeta, the cyclin E associated Cdk2 kinase activity was in correlation with the p27(KIP1) bound to the cyclin E complex and not by p21(WAF1) binding. PKCeta expression enhanced the removal of p27(KIP1) from this complex, and its re-association with the cyclin D/Cdk4 complex. Reduced binding of p27(KIP1) to the cyclin D/Cdk4 complex at early time points of the cell cycle also enhanced the activity of this complex, while at later time points the decrease in bound p21(WAF1) correlated with its increased activity in PKCeta-expressing cells. Thus, PKCeta induces altered expression of several cell cycle functions, which may contribute to its ability to affect cell growth.

The effect of protein kinase C and its alpha subtype on human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and fibronectin production

BACKGROUND

Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration, proliferation and extracellular matrix protein production are key steps in the formation of intimal hyperplasia, a process that leads to failure of vascular reconstructions. Protein kinase C (PKC) may be involved in all 3 cellular events. PKC consists of a family of 11 isotypes, 8 of which we have identified in human vascular SMCs. In this study we evaluate the role of PKCalpha as a second messenger for proliferation, migration and fibronectin production induced by human saphenous vein SMCs.

METHODS

DNA synthesis was evaluated by using (3)H-thymidine incorporation. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-K) activation was quantified by Western blotting with an antibody to its phosphorylated substrate, Elk-1. Chemotaxis was evaluated by using a microchemotaxis chamber. SMC fibronectin was measured by Western blotting. For all experiments, PKCalpha was blocked with a selective inhibitor, Gö6976.

RESULTS

Gö6976, at concentrations that allow selective inhibition of PKCalpha, inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated SMC proliferation and MAP-K activation by 30% to 40% and 30% to 60%, respectively. SMC chemotaxis was stimulated approximately 2-fold by the PKCalpha inhibitor. Neither basal nor transforming growth factor-betaI induced fibronectin production was affected by Gö6976.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that PKCalpha is a positive mediator of SMC proliferation and MAP-K activity, a negative regulator of migration and has no effect on SMC fibronectin production. These data suggest that modulating activities of specific PKC isotypes might be useful in both the study and control of intimal hyperplasia.

The expression and stage-specific localization of protein kinase C isotypes during mouse preimplantation development

Signaling events mediate many processes that act during embryogenesis to initiate the program of early development. Within the cell many of these changes are mediated through the activation or inactivation of kinases and phosphatases. Protein kinase C (PKC) is one kinase that has been shown to be involved in at least two developmental transitions during early development, fertilization and embryonic compaction. PKC is a family of kinases whose various isotypes have differing requirements for activation of the kinase that include the availability of calcium, diacylglycerol, and negatively charged phospholipids. The presence of more than one isotype in an egg or blastomere of the embryo would provide the possibility that different isotypes mediate distinct signaling pathways in the cells. To address this possibility the different isotypes of PKC were examined at the mRNA and protein levels during preimplantation development in the mouse. Our results demonstrate that seven isotypes of PKC are present during preimplantation development in mouse, some are of maternal origin and others appear after fertilization. Two isotypes have a stage-dependent nuclear localization. In addition, within each blastomere PKC isotypes occupy different subcellular locations in a stage-dependent fashion.

Serine 157, a retinoic acid receptor alpha residue phosphorylated by protein kinase C in vitro, is involved in RXR.RARalpha heterodimerization and transcriptional activity

Retinoic acid (RA) regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation is mediated, at least in part, through two related nuclear receptors, RAR and RXR. RA-induced modulation of gene expression leads generally to cellular differentiation, whereas stimulation of the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway is associated with cellular proliferation. Pursuant to our discovery that prolonged activation of PKCs induced a strong decrease in RA responsiveness of a retinoid-inducible reporter gene, we have further investigated the connections between these two signaling pathways. We demonstrate that PKC isoforms alpha and gamma are able to phosphorylate human RARalpha (hRARalpha) in vitro on a single serine residue located in the extended DNA binding domain (T box). The introduction of a negative charge at this position (serine 157) strongly decreased hRARalpha transcriptional activity, whereas a similar mutation at other PKC consensus phosphorylation sites had no effect. The effect on transcriptional activation was correlated with a decrease in the capacity of hRARalpha to heterodimerize with hRXRalpha. Thus hRARalpha is a direct target for PKCalpha and gamma, which may control retinoid receptor transcriptional activities during cellular proliferation and differentiation.

Cloning and characterization of the murine PKC alpha promoter: identification of a retinoic acid response element

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family which consists of multiple isoforms whose distinct physiological roles within the cell are unknown. We have previously demonstrated that levels of PKC alpha mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity in B16 melanoma cells can be modulated by retinoic acid. We investigated this regulation by cloning and characterizing the promoter region of the murine PKC alpha gene. A 13 kb mouse genomic fragment containing the 5' flanking region, first exon, and first intron was isolated and sequenced. Two transcription initiation sites were identified at 919 and 925 bp upstream from the translation start site. The promoter region contained a TATA-like box at -93 bp upstream of the transcription start site, but no CAAT box. Promoter activity differed between cell lines and correlated with the levels of PKC alpha expressed in these cell lines. Reporter gene assays showed that the region between -179 and -452 bp likely contains a silencer element(s). The promoter activity of a -179 bp fragment in B16 cells was stimulated twofold by retinoic acid. Within this region (-93 to -65 bp) there is a retinoic acid response element. An oligonucleotide spanning this region specifically bound exogenous RAR-RXR heterodimers and endogenous RAR from B16 nuclear extracts. These results suggest that retinoic acid increases PKC alpha gene expression in B16 cells, at least in part, through direct transcriptional stimulation of its promoter.

Protein kinase Cdelta inhibition of S-phase transition in capillary endothelial cells involves the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1)

Distinct protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms differentially regulate cellular proliferation in rat microvascular endothelial cells (EC). Overexpression of PKCalpha has little effect on proliferation, whereas PKCdelta slows endothelial cell proliferation and induces S-phase arrest. Analyses were performed on EC overexpressing PKCalpha (PKCalphaEC) or PKCdelta (PKCdeltaEC) to determine the role of specific cell cycle regulatory proteins in the PKCdelta-induced cell cycle arrest. Serum-induced stimulation of cyclins D1, E, and A-associated kinase activity was delayed by 12 h in the PKCdeltaEC line in association with S-phase arrest. However, the protein levels for cyclins D1, E, and A were similar. Nuclear accumulation of cyclin D1 protein in response to serum was also delayed in PKCdeltaEC. In the PKCdeltaEC line, serum induced p27(Kip1) but not p16(Ink4a) or p21(Cip1). Serum did not affect p27(Kip1) levels in the control vascular endothelial cell line. Immunoprecipitation-Western blotting analysis of p27(Kip1) showed serum stimulation of the vascular endothelial cell line resulted in increased amounts of cyclin D1 bound to p27(Kip1). In the PKCdeltaEC line, serum did not increase the amount of cyclin D1 bound to p27(Kip1). Transfection of full-length p27(Kip1) antisense into the PCKdeltaEC line reversed the S-phase arrest and resulted in normal cell cycle progression, suggesting a critical role for p27(Kip1) in the PKCdelta-mediated S-phase arrest.

Heparin down-regulates the phorbol ester-induced protein kinase C gene expression in human endothelial cells: enzyme-mediated autoregulation of protein kinase C-alpha and -delta genes

Overexpression of protein kinase C-alpha and protein kinase C-delta has been shown to modulate a number of biological effects, including the cell growth and differentiation. We hypothesized that heparin, a potent antimitogenic drug, could affect the cell proliferation by inhibiting the expression of specific protein kinase C genes. Heparin, markedly but not completely, inhibited the serum-stimulated protein kinase C-alpha and -delta mRNA expression. Protein kinase C inhibition or down-regulation significantly decreased the serum-induced protein kinase C isoenzyme gene expression. Heparin failed to inhibit the residual effect of serum that was resistant to the above-mentioned treatments. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate elicited an increase of protein kinase C isoenzyme gene expression that was completely prevented by protein kinase C inhibition or down-regulation. Heparin dose-dependently counteracted and ultimately abolished the increase in the protein kinase C isoenzyme gene expression elicited by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. These results suggest that the inhibition of an autoregulatory role wielded by protein kinase C on the protein kinase C-alpha and -delta gene expression might represent a possible mechanism by which glycosaminoglycans modulate the cell growth.

Colonocyte differentiation is associated with increased expression and altered distribution of protein kinase C isozymes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colon cancer cells express reduced levels of protein kinase C (PKC). This study examines the regulation of PKC isozymes in normal colonic epithelium, as a basis for understanding the significance of alterations in this enzyme system in colon carcinogenesis.

METHODS

The expression and localization of PKC isozymes in mouse and rat colonocytes at different developmental stages were determined using a combined morphological and biochemical approach. PKC alpha expression was compared in colonic adenocarcinomas and adjacent normal mucosa by immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

Mouse and rat colonocytes express PKC alpha, beta II, delta, epsilon, and zeta. Relatively low levels of these isozymes were detected in proliferating cells of the crypt base, predominantly in the cytosolic compartment. Coincident with colonocyte growth arrest/differentiation, PKC isozyme expression markedly increased in both the cytosolic and, more significantly, in the membrane/cytoskeletal fraction. Colonic tumors express reduced levels of PKC alpha, an isozyme that has been implicated in negative control of intestinal cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are supportive of a role for certain PKC isozyme(s) in signaling pathways mediating postmitotic events in colonocytes in situ, and suggest that diminished activity of these pathway(s) may contribute to the alterations in growth control/differentiation associated with colonic neoplasia.

Protein kinase C alpha modulates growth and differentiation in Caco-2 cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Caco-2 cells have been used extensively to elucidate events involved in intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation. Because individual isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) and p21waf1, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, may regulate these processes, their role(s) on the growth and differentiation of Caco-2 cells were assessed.

METHODS

Protein abundance and subcellular distribution of several PKC isoforms, as well as the expression of p21waf1, were examined in preconfluent and postconfluent cells.

RESULTS

In cells at confluence (approximately 7 days postplating) and during their postconfluent phase (up to 20 days postplating), both total protein expression of PKC-alpha and its particulate distribution increased compared with their 3-day postplated counterparts. These findings were in agreement with those obtained by immunocytochemistry of PKC-alpha. In contrast, neither the total expression nor the subcellular distribution of PKC-betaI, -betaII, -delta, or -zeta changed significantly during these time periods. In addition, the expression of p21waf1, which can be induced by PKC-alpha, increased in postconfluent cells.

CONCLUSIONS

PKC-alpha, but not other isoforms of PKC, may modulate the proliferation and differentiation of Caco-2 cells. This regulation appears to be mediated, at least in part, via a mechanism involving p21waf1.

p300 and ATF-2 are components of the DRF complex, which regulates retinoic acid- and E1A-mediated transcription of the c-jun gene in F9 cells

Transcriptional activation of the c-jun gene is a critical event in the differentiation of F9 cells. In our previous studies we characterized an element [differentiation response element (DRE)] in the c-jun promoter that is both necessary and sufficient to confer the capacity for differentiation-dependent up-regulation. This element binds the differentiation regulatory factor (DRF) complex, of which one component is the adenovirus E1A-associated protein p300. We have now identified activation transcription factor-2 (ATF-2) as a DNA-binding subunit of the DRF complex. p300 and ATF-2 interact with each other in vivo and in vitro. The bromodomain and the C/H2 domain of p300 mediate the binding to ATF-2, which in turn requires a proline-rich region between amino acids 112 and 350 for its interaction with p300. The phosphorylation of the serine residue at position 121 of ATF-2 appears to be induced by protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha) after treatment of cells with retinoic acid (RA) or induction with E1A. In cotransfection assays, wild-type ATF-2 enhanced the transcription of an E2/tk-luciferase construct, in conjunction with p300-E2. However, a mutant form of ATF-2 with a mutation at position 121 (pCMVATF-2(Ser121-Ala)) did not. These results suggest that ATF-2 and p300 cooperate in the control of transcription by forming a protein complex that is responsive to differentiation-inducing signals, such as RA or E1A, and moreover, that the phosphorylation of ATF-2 by PKC alpha is probably a signaling event in the pathway that leads to the transactivation of the c-jun gene in F9 cells.

Effects of protein kinase C alpha overexpression on A7r5 smooth muscle cell proliferation and differentiation

Smooth muscle cell differentiation and proliferation are increasingly seen to be intimately tied to the etiology of atherosclerosis and hypertension. To determine the role of PKC alpha in the regulation of smooth muscle cell differentiation and proliferation, the rat embryonic smooth muscle cell line A7r5 was transfected with an expression vector containing the full-length PKC alpha cDNA. Neomycin-resistant clones which exhibited increased PKC alpha levels compared to wild-type cells were selected. The A7r5 cells overexpressing PKC alpha had altered morphology and decreased growth rates compared to wild-type cells and cells transfected only with the neomycin resistance gene. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that nuclear extracts from overexpressing clones gave a different pattern of protein-DNA binding to an AP-1 consensus oligonucleotide compared to wild-type cells. In contrast to the growth characteristics of these clones, their levels of cell differentiation marker proteins such as vinculin and desmin were not affected by PKC alpha overexpression. Moreover, the smooth muscle-specific differentiation marker alpha-actin was markedly reduced, while beta-actin levels were found to remain unchanged. Northern blot analysis confirmed that alpha-actin downregulation occurred at the RNA level. Western blot analysis revealed that A7r5 cells have five different PKC isoforms and that these isoform protein levels were not changed by PKC alpha overexpression. These findings suggest that PKC alpha regulates growth and differentiation of A7r5 smooth muscle cells and that these changes might result from altered expression/function of AP-1 transcription factors.

Characterization of retinoic acid-induced AP-1 activity in B16 mouse melanoma cells

Retinoic acid (RA) induces differentiation of B16 mouse melanoma cells, which is accompanied by an increase in protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) as well as a selective enrichment of nuclear PKCalpha. We report here that RA also increases AP-1 activity in these cells. Transient transfection of B16 cells with luciferase reporter gene constructs indicated that RA induced a concentration-dependent increase in AP-1 activity. Acute treatment (2 h) of B16 cells with phorbol dibutyrate (PDB) increased AP-1 activity by 10-fold. RA treatment did not change the expression of Jun family members; however, it decreased the expression of c-Fos. In contrast acute PDB treatment induced c-Fos expression, while having little effect on c-Jun. Five DNA-protein complexes were formed with nuclear extracts from B16 cells and an oligonucleotide containing an AP-1 consensus sequence. Several complexes were decreased in cells treated with RA. Conversely, certain complexes were increased in cells acutely treated with PDB. The slowest migrating complexes were shown to contain Fos family members. Down-regulation of PKC inhibited both the acute PDB-induced and the RA-induced increase in AP-1 activity. The selective PKC enzyme inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide, reduced PDB-stimulated AP-1 activity, but enhanced RA-induced AP-1 activity. These results together with our previous studies suggest the intriguing possibility that PKC protein, but not enzyme activity, may be required for RA-induced AP-1 activity.

Protein kinase C isozyme-mediated cell cycle arrest involves induction of p21(waf1/cip1) and p27(kip1) and hypophosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein in intestinal epithelial cells

The molecular mechanisms underlying protein kinase C (PKC) isozyme-mediated control of cell growth and cell cycle progression are poorly understood. Our previous analysis of PKC isozyme regulation in the intestinal epithelium in situ revealed that multiple members of the PKC family undergo changes in expression and subcellular distribution precisely as the cells cease proliferating in the mid-crypt region, suggesting that activation of one or more of these molecules is involved in negative regulation of cell growth in this system (Saxon, M. L., Zhao, X., and Black, J. D. (1994) J. Cell Biol. 126, 747-763). In the present study, the role of PKC isozyme(s) in control of intestinal epithelial cell growth and cell cycle progression was examined directly using the IEC-18 immature crypt cell line as a model system. Treatment of IEC-18 cells with PKC agonists resulted in translocation of PKC alpha, delta, and epsilon from the soluble to the particulate subcellular fraction, cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, and delayed transit through S and/or G2/M phases. PKC-mediated cell cycle arrest in G1 was accompanied by accumulation of the hypophosphorylated, growth-suppressive form of the retinoblastoma protein and induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21(waf1/cip1) and p27(kip1). Reversal of these cell cycle regulatory effects was coincident with activator-induced down-regulation of PKC alpha, delta, and epsilon. Differential down-regulation of individual PKC isozymes revealed that PKC alpha in particular is sufficient to mediate cell cycle arrest by PKC agonists in this system. Taken together, the data implicate PKC alpha in negative regulation of intestinal epithelial cell growth both in vitro and in situ via pathways which involve modulation of Cip/Kip family cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and the retinoblastoma growth suppressor protein.

Enhancement of migration by protein kinase Calpha and inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle progression by protein kinase Cdelta in capillary endothelial cells

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) induces angiogenesis, migration, and proliferation of endothelial cells (EC), but can also prevent growth factor-induced EC proliferation. To determine whether these disparate effects are mediated by substrates of individual PKC isoenzymes, PKCalpha and PKCdelta were overexpressed in rat microvascular EC. Basal and stimulated migration were enhanced in PKCalpha EC compared with either PKCdelta or control EC. Serum-induced growth of PKCdelta EC was decreased, while that of PKCalpha cells was similar to control EC. Phorbol ester markedly inhibited PKCdelta EC growth but enhanced growth of PKCalpha and control EC. To determine possible causes for this altered proliferation, the effect of PKCdelta on adhesion, mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, and cell cycle progression was measured. Adherence of PKCdelta EC to vitronectin was significantly enhanced. Serum-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 activity was increased equally in both PKCalpha and PKCdelta EC above that of control, while extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 activity was similar in all EC. Cell cycle analysis suggested that PKCdelta EC entered S phase inappropriately and were delayed in passage through S phase. Thus, PKCalpha may mediate some proangiogenic effects of PKC activation; conversely, PKCdelta may direct antiangiogenic aspects of overall PKC activation, including slowing of the cell cycle progression.

PKC--a pivotal regulator of early development

Oocytes, eggs and blastomeres of the embryo are special cells that undergo rapid changes in structure and function at developmental transitions. These changes are frequently regulated by cytoplasmic signaling events, particularly at the developmental transition of fertilization, because the genome is largely inactivated at this time. Protein kinase C (PKC) is a signaling agent that acts after the sperm-induced rise in calcium and has a central role in the remodeling of the structure of the egg into the zygote in many species. PKC also acts during other developmental transitions. This kinase serves as a chronometer, which can choreograph the cell's remodeling events in both space and time. Several technical advancements discussed in this review have permitted a better understanding of the actions of PKC.

Induction of mouse embryonal carcinoma cell differentiation and activation of the retinoic acid receptor beta 2 promoter by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) at 100 nmol/l elicited morphological differentiation and expression of collagen IV in mouse F9 embryonal carcinoma cells, and its effect was enhanced and accelerated by dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP). The RAR beta 2 promoter was also activated, as evidenced by an increase in beta-galactosidase activity in an F9 reporter cell line with a stably integrated RAR beta 2-lacZ construct. All three effects were slower and less extensive with calcitriol than with retinoic acid, even in the presence of db-cAMP. Activation of the RAR beta 2 promoter by calcitriol required its TRE sequence, whereas db-cAMP required the CRE. TPA also activated the RAR beta 2 promoter, requiring a functional TRE. Thus, in the RAR beta 2 promoter the TRE sequence, whose function has so far been unidentified, mediates the effects of calcitriol and TPA. RAR beta 2 promoter activation by calcitriol was blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C indicating that calcitriol elicits its effect via protein kinase C. Therefore, calcitriol induces differentiation of F9 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells at least in part by a pathway different from the classical one operative with retinoic acids.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates expression and translocation of protein kinase Calpha and Cdelta via a nongenomic mechanism and rapidly induces phosphorylation of a 33-kDa protein in acute promyelocytic NB4 cells

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) primes NB4 cells for 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced monocytic differentiation in a dose- and sequence-dependent fashion. Experiments utilizing 1,25-(OH)2D3 analogues and kinase/phosphatase inhibitors suggested that tyrosine kinase and serine/threonine phosphorylation cascades, rather than vitamin D3 receptor-mediated signals, were involved in 1,25-(OH)2D3 action. Here we show that NB4 cells express the alpha and delta (but not the beta, epsilon, and theta) isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC). Both authentic 1, 25-(OH)2D3 and the nongenomic analogue 1alpha,25-dihydroxyprevitamin D3 (HF) increased expression of PKCalpha and PKCdelta. PKCalpha and PKCdelta were translocated to the nucleus of the cell in response to 1,25-(OH)2D3 or HF. The effects of HF were attenuated by the nongenomic antagonist 1beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, suggesting that changes in PKC expression are mediated by a nongenomic signaling pathway. Consistent with the involvement of serine, threonine, and tyrosine phosphorylation cascades mediating 1,25-(OH)2D3 action, enhanced phosphorylation of a variety of cellular proteins at serine and threonine residues and the specific enhanced phosphotyrosyl content of a 33-kDa protein (vdrp33) were observed immediately after 1,25-(OH)2D3 addition. We propose that 1,25-(OH)2D3 primes NB4 cells for 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced monocytic differentiation by increasing the expression of specific PKC isoforms and inducing the specific phosphorylation of key protein signaling intermediates.

Morphogen-induced decline in Gialpha2 triggers F9 teratocarcinoma stem cell progression via phospholipase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase

The linkage between Gialpha2 and morphogen-induced promotion of F9 embryonic teratocarcinoma stem (F9 stem) cells to primitive endoderm was explored using probes of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase network. The morphogen-induced decline in Gialpha2 is shown to trigger activation of phospholipase C, thereby activating protein kinase C, MAP kinase, and cell progression to primitive endoderm. In the absence of retinoic acid, reduction-of-function mutants (Gialpha2-deficient) display the effects of morphogen, i.e. activation of phospholipase C, protein kinase C, MAP kinase, and progression to primitive endoderm. Gain-of-function mutants (expressing the Q205L activating-mutation of Gialpha2) displayed no activation of phospholipase C, protein kinase C, MAP kinase and no progression to primitive endoderm, even in the presence of retinoic acid. Selective inhibitors of protein kinase C, like the gain-of-function mutations, effectively block morphogen-induced progression to primitive endoderm. Morphogen triggers F9 stem cell progression by triggering Gialpha2 loss and thereby activation of downstream elements, including protein kinase C and MAP kinase.

Protein kinase C substrates in corneal epithelium during wound healing: the phosphorylation of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43)

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in regulating cell growth. In the cornea, alpha-PKC activity increases during wound-healing. This activation of PKC will result in the increased phosphorylation of specific PKC substrates. In this study, several PKC substrates of relative low molecular weight were identified and characterized in cytosol and membrane preparations obtained from rabbit corneal epithelium before and during wound-healing. Corneal epithelium proteins were phosphorylated by endogenous PKC and by alpha-PKC isolated from rabbit brain, and then analysed using SDS-PAGE. In cytosol, PKC substrates with apparent molecular weights of 20, 25, 30, 35, 50 and 55 kDa were phosphorylated by PKC. The phosphorylation of the substrates increased 3 and 7 days after total de-epithelialization, due to the increase in alpha-PKC activity after wounding. However, when brain alpha-PKC was used as the exogenous source of PKC, there was a protein concentration-related decrease in the phosphorylation of corneal epithelium substrate after injury. This decreased phosphorylation of PKC substrates was inhibited by okadaic acid, a specific phosphatase inhibitor. The results suggest that an activated protein phosphatase takes part in controling the phosphorylation of PKC substrates during wound-healing. In the membrane fraction, a 60 kDa protein was phosphorylated by alpha-, beta- and gamma-PKC isoenzymes and was identified by Western blot as growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43), a protein kinase C substrate involved in axon regeneration. GAP-43 concentration increased 3 and 7 days after wounding as did its phosphorylation by alpha-PKC. These findings suggest a role for the protein in the innervation process in corneal epithelium after injury.