Interaction between the epidermal growth factor receptor and phosphoinositide kinases

Downregulation of FAPP2 gene induces cell autophagy and inhibits PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy. Most patients with T-ALL are treated with high-dose multi-agent chemotherapy due to limited targeted therapeutic options. To further investigate its pathogenesis and establish new therapeutic targets, we studied the role of FAPP2, a Golgi protein, that is, highly expressed in T-ALL, in the growth and function of T-ALL. We found that T-ALL cells underwent reduced cell proliferation and sub-G1 accumulation after knocking down of FAPP2 gene using shRNA systems. Instead, FAPP2 downregulation promoted cell autophagy. The level of autophagy markers, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ, Beclin1, and ATG5, was markedly increased, whereas that of P62 decreased after FAPP2 knocking down in T-ALL cells. FAPP2 knocking down led to the accumulation of LC3 in the cytoplasm of T-ALL cells as shown by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the level of PI(4)P and PI(3,4,5)P decreased and phosphorylation of P-AKT and P-mTOR were downregulated in FAPP2 knock-down cells. In summary, our results show that decreased expression of FAPP2 inhibited cell proliferation, resulted in the sub-G1 phase accumulation of T-ALL cells, and enhanced autophagy of T-ALL cells, likely mediated by PI(4)P, PI(3,4,5)P, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our results provide a new insight into the pathogenesis and development of potential targeted therapy of T-ALL.

Signaling roles of phosphoinositides in the retina

The field of phosphoinositide signaling has expanded significantly in recent years. Phosphoinositides (also known as phosphatidylinositol phosphates or PIPs) are universal signaling molecules that directly interact with membrane proteins or with cytosolic proteins containing domains that directly bind phosphoinositides and are recruited to cell membranes. Through the activities of phosphoinositide kinases and phosphoinositide phosphatases, seven distinct phosphoinositide lipid molecules are formed from the parent molecule, phosphatidylinositol. PIP signals regulate a wide range of cellular functions, including cytoskeletal assembly, membrane budding and fusion, ciliogenesis, vesicular transport, and signal transduction. Given the many excellent reviews on phosphoinositide kinases, phosphoinositide phosphatases, and PIPs in general, in this review, we discuss recent studies and advances in PIP lipid signaling in the retina. We specifically focus on PIP lipids from vertebrate (e.g., bovine, rat, mouse, toad, and zebrafish) and invertebrate (e.g., Drosophila, horseshoe crab, and squid) retinas. We also discuss the importance of PIPs revealed from animal models and human diseases, and methods to study PIP levels both in vitro and in vivo. We propose that future studies should investigate the function and mechanism of activation of PIP-modifying enzymes/phosphatases and further unravel PIP regulation and function in the different cell types of the retina.

The emerging role of phosphoinositide clustering in intracellular trafficking and signal transduction

Phosphoinositides are master regulators of multiple cellular processes: from vesicular trafficking to signaling, cytoskeleton dynamics, and cell growth. They are synthesized by the spatiotemporal regulated activity of phosphoinositide-metabolizing enzymes. The recent observation that some protein modules are able to cluster phosphoinositides suggests that alternative or complementary mechanisms might operate to stabilize the different phosphoinositide pools within cellular compartments. Herein, we discuss the different known and potential molecular players that are prone to engage phosphoinositide clustering and elaborate on how such a mechanism might take part in the regulation of intracellular trafficking and signal transduction.

BRET-monitoring of the dynamic changes of inositol lipid pools in living cells reveals a PKC-dependent PtdIns4P increase upon EGF and M3 receptor activation

Deciphering many roles played by inositol lipids in signal transduction and membrane function demands experimental approaches that can detect their dynamic accumulation with subcellular accuracy and exquisite sensitivity. The former criterion is met by imaging of fluorescence biosensors in living cells, whereas the latter is facilitated by biochemical measurements from populations. Here, we introduce BRET-based biosensors able to detect rapid changes in inositol lipids in cell populations with both high sensitivity and subcellular resolution in a single, convenient assay. We demonstrate robust and sensitive measurements of PtdIns4P, PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 dynamics, as well as changes in cytoplasmic Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels. Measurements were made during either experimental activation of lipid degradation, or PI 3-kinase and phospholipase C mediated signal transduction. Our results reveal a previously unappreciated synthesis of PtdIns4P that accompanies moderate activation of phospholipase C signaling downstream of both EGF and muscarinic M3 receptor activation. This signaling-induced PtdIns4P synthesis relies on protein kinase C, and implicates a feedback mechanism in the control of inositol lipid metabolism during signal transduction.

Phosphoinositide signalling in Drosophila

Phosphoinositides (PtdInsPs) are lipids that mediate a range of conserved cellular processes in eukaryotes. These include the transduction of ligand binding to cell surface receptors, vesicular transport and cytoskeletal function. The nature and functions of PtdInsPs were initially elucidated through biochemical experiments in mammalian cells. However, over the years, genetic and cell biological analysis in a range of model organisms including S. cerevisiae, D. melanogaster and C. elegans have contributed to an understanding of the involvement of PtdInsPs in these cellular events. The fruit fly Drosophila is an excellent genetic model for the analysis of cell and developmental biology as well as physiological processes, particularly analysis of the complex relationship between the cell types of a metazoan in mediating animal physiology. PtdInsP signalling pathways are underpinned by enzymes that synthesise and degrade these molecules and also by proteins that bind to these lipids in cells. In this review we provide an overview of the current understanding of PtdInsP signalling in Drosophila. We provide a comparative genomic analysis of the PtdInsP signalling toolkit between Drosophila and mammalian systems. We also review some areas of cell and developmental biology where analysis in Drosophila might provide insights into the role of this lipid-signalling pathway in metazoan biology. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Phosphoinositides.

Tetraspanin-enriched microdomains and hepatocellular carcinoma progression

As in many tumors, heterogeneity within the cell population is one of the main features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Heterogeneity results from the ability of tumor to produce multiple subpopulations of cells with diverse genetic, biochemical and immunological characteristics. Little is known about how heterogeneity emerges and how it is maintained. Fluctuations in single cells can be masked or completely misrepresented when cell populations are analyzed. It has become exceedingly apparent that the utility of measurement based on the analysis of bulk specimens is limited by intra-tumor genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity, as characteristics of the most abundant cell type might not necessarily predict the properties of cell populations. Yet, such non-uniformities often unveil molecular patterns that can represent mechanisms of tumor progression. Interestingly, variability among single cells in a population may arise from different responses to intrinsic and extrinsic perturbations mainly mediated by the plasma membrane. The association of certain proteins, including tetraspanins, and lipids in specific location on the plasma membrane constitutes specialized structure called tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs). TEMs organization in cancer may reveal essential clues for understanding pathogenic mechanisms underlying cancer progression. Along these lines, TEMs and HCC progression represent a valuable paradigm for gaining a deeper understanding of such mechanisms.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and cancer

This article focuses on the emerging roles for phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases in cancer. Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate is a common substrate for both the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phospholipase C pathways, and has been implicated in the membrane targeting of proteins such as Girdin/GIV and OSBP. Alterations to phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase expression levels can modulate MAP kinase and Akt signalling, and are important for chemoresistance, tumour angiogenesis and the suppression of apoptosis and metastases. Recent improvements in high-throughput screening assays, and the discoveries that some anti-viral molecules are isoform selective phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase inhibitors have advanced the drugability of these enzymes.

Diacylglycerol kinase θ counteracts protein kinase C-mediated inactivation of the EGF receptor

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation is negatively regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) signaling. Stimulation of A431 cells with EGF, bradykinin or UTP increased EGFR phosphorylation at Thr654 in a PKC-dependent manner. Inhibition of PKC signaling enhanced EGFR activation, as assessed by increased phosphorylation of Tyr845 and Tyr1068 residues of the EGFR. Diacylglycerol is a physiological activator of PKC that can be removed by diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) activity. We found, in A431 and HEK293 cells, that the DGKθ isozyme translocated from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, where it co-localized with the EGFR and subsequently moved into EGFR-containing intracellular vesicles. This translocation was dependent on both activation of EGFR and PKC signaling. Furthermore, DGKθ physically interacted with the EGFR and became tyrosine-phosphorylated upon EGFR stimulation. Overexpression of DGKθ attenuated the bradykinin-stimulated, PKC-mediated EGFR phosphorylation at Thr654, and enhanced the phosphorylation at Tyr845 and Tyr1068. SiRNA-induced DGKθ downregulation enhanced this PKC-mediated Thr654 phosphorylation. Our data indicate that DGKθ translocation and activity is regulated by the concerted activity of EGFR and PKC and that DGKθ attenuates PKC-mediated Thr654 phosphorylation that is linked to desensitisation of EGFR signaling.

The phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases: don't call it a comeback

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) is a quantitatively minor membrane phospholipid which is the precursor of PtdIns(4,5)P (2) in the classical agonist-regulated phospholipase C signalling pathway. However, PtdIns4P also governs the recruitment and function of numerous trafficking molecules, principally in the Golgi complex. The majority of phosphoinositides (PIs) phosphorylated at the D4 position of the inositol headgroup are derived from PtdIns4P and play roles in a diverse array of fundamental cellular processes including secretion, cell migration, apoptosis and mitogenesis; therefore, PtdIns4P biosynthesis can be regarded as key point of regulation in many PI-dependent processes.Two structurally distinct sequence families, the type II and type III PtdIns 4-kinases, are responsible for PtdIns4P synthesis in eukaryotic organisms. These important proteins are differentially expressed, localised and regulated by distinct mechanisms, indicating that the enzymes perform non-redundant roles in trafficking and signalling. In recent years, major advances have been made in our understanding of PtdIns4K biology and here we summarise current knowledge of PtdIns4K structure, function and regulation.

β3 integrin-EGF receptor cross-talk activates p190RhoGAP in mouse mammary gland epithelial cells

Active RhoA localizes to plasma membrane, where it stimulates formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers. RhoA activity is inhibited by p190RhoGAP following integrin-mediated cell attachment to allow sampling of new adhesive environments. p190RhoGAP is itself activated by Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation, which facilitates complex formation with p120RasGAP. This complex then translocates to the cell surface, where p190RhoGAP down-regulates RhoA. Here we demonstrate that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) cooperates with β3 integrin to regulate p190RhoGAP activity in mouse mammary gland epithelial cells. Adhesion to fibronectin stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGFR in the absence of receptor ligands. Use of a dominant inhibitory EGFR mutant demonstrates that fibronectin-activated EGFR recruits p120RasGAP to the cell periphery. Expression of an inactive β3 integrin subunit abolishes p190RhoGAP tyrosine phosphorylation, demonstrating a mechanistic link between β3 integrin-activated Src and EGFR regulation of the RhoA inhibitor. The β3 integrin/EGFR pathway also has a positive role in formation of filopodia. Together our data suggest that EGFR constitutes an important intrinsic migratory cue since fibronectin is a key component of the microenvironment in normal mammary gland development and breast cancer. Our data also suggest that EGFR expressed at high levels has a role in eliciting cell shape changes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate regulates epidermal growth factor receptor activation

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2) or PIP(2)] is a direct modulator of a diverse array of proteins in eukaryotic cells. The functional integrity of transmembrane proteins, such as ion channels and transporters, is critically dependent on specific interactions with PIP(2) and other phosphoinositides. Here, we report a novel requirement for PIP(2) in the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Down-regulation of PIP(2) levels either via pharmacological inhibition of PI kinase activity, or via manipulation of the levels of the lipid kinase PIP5K1α and the lipid phosphatase synaptojanin, reduced EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas up-regulation of PIP(2) levels via overexpression of PIP5K1α had the opposite effect. A cluster of positively charged residues in the juxtamembrane domain (basic JD) of EGFR is likely to mediate binding of EGFR to PIP(2) and PIP(2)-dependent regulation of EGFR activation. A peptide mimicking the EGFR juxtamembrane domain that was assayed by surface plasmon resonance displayed strong binding to PIP(2). Neutralization of positively charged amino acids abolished EGFR/PIP(2) interaction in the context of this peptide and down-regulated epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced EGFR auto-phosphorylation and EGF-induced EGFR signaling to ion channels in the context of the full-length receptor. These results suggest that EGFR activation and downstream signaling depend on interactions of EGFR with PIP(2) and point to the basic JD's critical involvement in these interactions. The addition of this very different class of membrane proteins to ion channels and transporters suggests that PIP(2) may serve as a general modulator of the activity of many diverse eukaryotic transmembrane proteins through their basic JDs.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease epithelial cell model reveals multiple basolateral epidermal growth factor receptor sorting pathways

We have discovered that multiple basolateral pathways mediate EGF receptor sorting in renal epithelial cells. The polycystic kidney disease allele in the BPK mouse model, Bicc1, interferes with one specific EGF receptor pathway, causing nonpolar delivery of the receptor without affecting overall cell polarity.

Sorting and maintenance of the EGF receptor on the basolateral surface of renal epithelial cells is perturbed in polycystic kidney disease and apical expression of receptors contributes to severity of disease. The goal of these studies was to understand the molecular basis for EGF receptor missorting using a well-established mouse model for the autosomal recessive form of the disease. We have discovered that multiple basolateral pathways mediate EGF receptor sorting in renal epithelial cells. The polycystic kidney disease allele in this model, Bicc1, interferes with one specific EGF receptor pathway without affecting overall cell polarity. Furthermore one of the pathways is regulated by a latent basolateral sorting signal that restores EGF receptor polarity in cystic renal epithelial cells via passage through a Rab11-positive subapical compartment. These studies give new insights to possible therapies to reconstitute EGF receptor polarity and function in order to curb disease progression. They also indicate for the first time that the Bicc1 gene that is defective in the mouse model used in these studies regulates cargo-specific protein sorting mediated by the epithelial cell specific clathrin adaptor AP-1B.

Specificity determinants of a novel Nck interaction with the juxtamembrane domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor

Nck is a ubiquitously expressed adaptor protein containing Src homology 2 (SH2) and Src homology 3 (SH3) domains. It integrates downstream effector proteins with cell membrane receptors, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR plays a critical role in cellular proliferation and differentiation. The 45-residue juxtamembrane domain of EGFR (JM), located between the transmembrane and kinase domains, regulates receptor activation and trafficking to the basolateral membrane of polarized epithelia through a proline-rich motif that resembles a consensus SH3 domain binding site. We demonstrate here that the JM region can bind to Nck, showing a notable binding preference for the second SH3 domain. To elucidate the structural determinants for this interaction, we have determined the NMR solution structures of both the first and second Nck SH3 domains (Nck1-1 and Nck1-2). These domains adopt a canonical SH3 beta-barrel-like fold, containing five antiparallel strands separated by three loop regions and one 3 10-helical turn. Chemical shift perturbation studies have identified the residues that form the binding cleft of Nck1-2, which are primarily located in the RT and n-Src loops. JM binds to Nck1-2 with an affinity of approximately 80 microM through a positively charged sequence near the N-terminus, as opposed to the polyproline sequence. The two Nck SH3 domains exhibit both steric and electrostatic differences in their RT-Src and n-Src loops, and a model of the Nck1-2 domain complexed with the JM highlights the factors that define the putative binding mode for this ligand.

Clinical implications of the ErbB/epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor family and its ligands in ovarian cancer

The ERBB or EGF receptor (EGFR) proto-oncogene family, which consists of four structurally-related transmembrane receptors (i.e., EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4), plays an etiological role in the molecular pathogenesis of cancer and is a key therapeutic target in many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. These ErbB/EGF receptor tyrosine kinases play important physiologic roles in cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, motility, invasion, and angiogenesis. It is, therefore, not surprising that gene amplification, genetic mutation, and altered transcription/translation result in aberrant ErbB/EGF receptor expression and/or signal transduction, contributing to the development of malignant transformation. Clinically, the diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic significance of any single ErbB receptor and/or ErbB ligand is controversial, but generally, ErbB receptor overexpression has been correlated with poor prognosis and decreased therapeutic responsiveness in ovarian cancer patients. Thus, anticancer agents targeting ErbB/EGF receptors hold great promise for personalized cancer treatment. Yet, challenges remain in designing prospective clinical trials to assess the clinical utility of ErbB receptors and their ligands to diagnose cancer; to predict progression-free and overall survival, therapeutic responsiveness, and disease recurrence; and to monitor treatment responsiveness. Here, we review the tissue expression and serum biomarker studies that have evaluated the diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic utility of ErbB/EGF receptors, their circulating soluble isoforms (sEGFR/sErbBs), and their cognate ligands in ovarian cancer patients.

Phospholipase D signaling: orchestration by PIP2 and small GTPases

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by phospholipase D (PLD) leads to the generation of the versatile lipid second messenger, phosphatidic acid (PA), which is involved in fundamental cellular processes, including membrane trafficking, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell proliferation and cell survival. PLD activity can be dramatically stimulated by a large number of cell surface receptors and is elaborately regulated by intracellular factors, including protein kinase C isoforms, small GTPases of the ARF, Rho and Ras families and, particularly, by the phosphoinositide, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). PIP(2) is well known as substrate for the generation of second messengers by phospholipase C, but is now also understood to recruit and/or activate a variety of actin regulatory proteins, ion channels and other signaling proteins, including PLD, by direct interaction. The synthesis of PIP(2) by phosphoinositide 5-kinase (PIP5K) isoforms is tightly regulated by small GTPases and, interestingly, by PA as well, and the concerted formation of PIP(2) and PA has been shown to mediate receptor-regulated cellular events. This review highlights the regulation of PLD by membrane receptors, and describes how the close encounter of PLD and PIP5K isoforms with small GTPases permits the execution of specific cellular functions.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase is required for endosomal trafficking and degradation of the EGF receptor

The type II alpha isoform of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase has recently been shown to function in the recruitment of adaptor protein-1 complexes to the trans-Golgi network. Here we show that phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα is also a component of highly dynamic membranes of the endosomal system where it colocalises with protein markers of the late endosome and with endocytosed epidermal growth factor. When phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα activity was inhibited in vivo using the monoclonal antibody 4C5G or by depression of endogenous phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα protein levels using RNA interference, ligand-bound epidermal growth factor receptor failed to traffic to late endosomes and instead accumulated in vesicles in a sub-plasma membrane compartment. Furthermore, lysosomal degradation of activated epidermal growth factor receptor was dramatically impaired in small inhibitory RNA-treated cells. We demonstrate that phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα is necessary for the correct endocytic traffic and downregulation of activated epidermal growth factor receptor.

A structural model for the membrane-bound form of the juxtamembrane domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Its juxtamembrane domain (JX), the region located between the transmembrane and kinase domains, plays important roles in receptor trafficking. Two sorting signals, a PXXP motif and a 658LL659 motif, are responsible for basolateral sorting in polarized epithelial cells, and a 679LL680 motif targets the ligand-activated receptor for lysosomal degradation. To understand the regulation of these signals, we characterized the structural properties of recombinant JX domain in aqueous solution and in dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) detergent. JX is inherently unstructured in aqueous solution, albeit a nascent helix encompasses the lysosomal sorting signal. In DPC micelles, structures derived from NMR data showed three amphipathic, helical segments. A large, internally inconsistent group of long range nuclear Overhauser effects suggest a close proximity of the helices, and the presence of significant conformational averaging. Models were determined for the average JX conformation using restraints representing the translational restriction due to micelle-surface adsorption, and the helix orientations were determined from residual dipolar couplings. Two equivalent average structural models were obtained that differ only in the relative orientation between first and second helices. In these models, the 658LL659 and 679LL680 motifs are located in the first and second helices and face the micelle surface, whereas the PXXP motif is located in a flexible helix-connecting region. The data suggest that the activity of these signals may be regulated by their membrane association and restricted accessibility in the intact receptor.

The direct interaction between ASH2, a Drosophila trithorax group protein, and SKTL, a nuclear phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase, implies a role for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in maintaining transcriptionally active chromatin

The products of trithorax group (trxG) genes maintain active transcription of many important developmental regulatory genes, including homeotic genes. Several trxG proteins have been shown to act in multimeric protein complexes that modify chromatin structure. ASH2, the product of the Drosophila trxG gene absent, small, or homeotic discs 2 (ash2) is a component of a 500-kD complex. In this article, we provide biochemical evidence that ASH2 binds directly to Skittles (SKTL), a predicted phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase, and genetic evidence that the association of these proteins is functionally significant. We also show that histone H1 hyperphosphorylation is dramatically increased in both ash2 and sktl mutant polytene chromosomes. These results suggest that ASH2 maintains active transcription by binding a producer of nuclear phosphoinositides and downregulating histone H1 hyperphosphorylation.

Regulation and cellular roles of phosphoinositide 5-kinases

The membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), plays a critical role in various, apparently very different cellular processes. As precursor for second messengers generated by phospholipase C isoforms and class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases, PIP(2) is indispensable for cellular signaling by membrane receptors. In addition, PIP(2) directly affects the localization and activity of many cellular proteins via specific interaction with unique phosphoinositide-binding domains and thereby regulates actin cytoskeletal dynamics, vesicle trafficking, ion channel activity, gene expression and cell survival. The activity and subcellular localization of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) isoforms, which catalyze the formation of PIP(2), are actively regulated by membrane receptors, by phosphorylation and by small GTPases of the Rho and ARF families. Spatially and temporally organized regulation of PIP(2) synthesis by PIP5K enables dynamic and versatile PIP(2) signaling and represents an important link in the execution of cellular tasks by Rho and ARF GTPases.

Aqueous and Micelle-bound Structural Characterization of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Juxtamembrane Domain Containing Basolateral Sorting Motifs

The EGF receptor is the prototype for four highly related receptors constituting the ErbB family. The EGF receptor is normally targeted to the basolateral membrane in polarized epithelial cells, where it relays information from underlying tissues. Two basolateral sorting signals have been mapped to the cytoplasmic juxtamembrane region of the receptor, a dominant signal comprised of a polyproline core (667-PXXP) and a preceding basic residue (Arg662), and a consensus leucine-based signal (658-LL) responsible for residual sorting when the 667-PXXP signal is absent or defective. The goal of this study was to define the structure of these signals, and gain some insights into how these structures might be regulated by cellular microenvironment. Structural information was acquired for two peptides corresponding to EGF receptor residues Arg645 and Ala674 in aqueous solution or in the presence of membrane-mimicking dodecylphosphocholine micelles, using a variety of NMR and CD spectroscopic methods. Chemical shift data indicate that the 667-PXXP signal does not bind to the micelles and is in random coil state in both aqueous solution and a micellar environment, raising the possibility that 667-PXXP switches to an ordered structure during interaction with the basolateral sorting machinery. In contrast, the adjacent region including 658-LL does bind to micelles mediated by a highly positively charged region located between Arg645 and Arg656. The micelle-bound region also includes Thr654, a known substrate for PKC. This suggests a distinct mode of regulation for this signal involving membrane association and/or phosphorylation.

Role of epidermal growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor on hemidesmosome complex formation and integrin subunit beta4

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates integrin beta4 expression and synthesis in corneal epithelium through ligand binding to the EGF receptor, receptor dimerization and activation of the intracellular domain. We hypothesized that inhibition of EGF receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) would block integrin beta4 expression, which is induced by EGF. We also tested the hypothesis that EGF would cause the degradation of hemidesmosomes in control and injured corneal organ cultures. Primary rabbit corneal epithelial cell cultures or corneas were cultured in keratinocyte medium in the presence or absence of an antisense 20-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotide complementary to the initiation codon region of EGF receptor mRNA. Cells were also cultured in the presence or absence of EGF. Sense and scrambled oligonucleotides similarly modified were used as controls. The concentration of EGF receptor mRNA was semiquantitatively determined by reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We found that transfection did inhibit EGFR expression and migration of epithelial cells and also demonstrated that EGFR mediated expression of integrin beta4 mRNA. Injury induced a decrease in hemidesmosomes that was enhanced with EGF but was not caused by the presence of growth factor in unwounded tissue. These results indicate that injury causes the activation of EGFR but that EGF alone is not responsible for the degradation of hemidesmosomes and that other growth factors play a role in the complex repair of wounds in an avascular tissue.

Interactions between the juxtamembrane domain of the EGFR and calmodulin measured by surface plasmon resonance

One early response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation is an increase in intracellular calcium. We have used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to study real-time interactions between the intracellular juxtamembrane (JM) region of EGFR and calmodulin. The EGFR-JM (Met(644)-Phe(688)) was expressed as a GST fusion protein and immobilised on a sensor chip surface. Calmodulin specifically interacts with EGFR-JM in a calcium-dependent manner with a high on and high off rate. Chemical modification of EGFR-JM by using arginine-selective phenylglyoxal or deletion of the basic segment Arg(645)-Arg(657) inhibits the interaction. Phosphorylation of EGFR-JM by protein kinase C (PKC) or glutamate substitution of Thr(654) inhibits the interaction, suggesting that PKC phosphorylation electrostatically interferes with calmodulin binding to basic arginine residues. Calmodulin binding was also inhibited by suramin. Our results suggest that EGFR-JM is essential for epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated calcium-calmodulin signalling and for signal integration between other signalling pathways.

Characterization of type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase isoforms reveals association of the enzymes with endosomal vesicular compartments

Phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) to PI 4-phosphate is one of the key reactions in the production of phosphoinositides, lipid regulators of several cellular functions. This reaction is catalyzed by multiple enzymes that belong either to the type II or the type III family of PI 4-kinases. Type III enzymes are structurally similar to PI 3-kinases and are sensitive to PI 3-kinase inhibitors. In contrast, the recent cloning of the first type II PI 4-kinase enzyme defined a novel enzyme family. Here we characterize a new member of this family, the type IIbeta enzyme that has been identified in the NCBI data base based on its homology to the first-cloned type IIalpha enzyme. The type IIbeta enzyme has a primary transcript size of approximately 3.8 kb and shows wide tissue distribution. It contains an open reading frame of 1.4 kb, encoding a protein of approximately 54 kDa. Sequence comparison reveals a high degree of similarity to the type IIalpha enzyme within the C-terminal catalytic domain but significantly lower homology within the N-terminal region. Expression of both enzyme yields increased PI 4-kinase activity that is associated with the microsomal membrane fractions and is significantly lower for the type IIbeta than the type IIalpha form. Both enzymes use PI as their primary substrate and have no detectable activity on PI monophosphates. Epitope-tagged as well as green fluorescent protein-tagged forms of both enzymes localize primarily to intracellular membranes and show prominent co-localization with early endosomes and recycling endosomes but not with the Golgi. These compartments participate in the processing of both the transferrin receptor and the G protein-coupled AT(1A) angiotensin receptor. Our data indicate the existence of multiple forms of type II PI 4-kinase in mammalian cells and suggest that their functions are related to the endocytic pathway.

Overexpression of kidney phosphatidylinositol 4-kinasebeta and phospholipase C(gamma1) proteins in two rodent models of polycystic kidney disease

Our studies of renal phosphoinositide levels and metabolism in the pcy mouse with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) suggest that phosphatidylinositol kinase (PtdInsK) and phospholipase C (PLC) are elevated in this renal disorder. Therefore, the steady-state levels of select isoforms of these enzymes were examined in renal cytosolic and particulate (detergent-soluble) fractions in male and female normal and CD1-pcy/pcy (pcy) mice at 60, 120 and 180 days of age, and in male and female normal and diseased (Han:SPRD-cy) rats at 28 and 70 days of age. Disease-related increases in phosphatidylinositol 4-kinasebeta (PtdIns4Kbeta) and PLC(gamma1) levels were present in both models. PtdIns4Kbeta levels were higher by as much as 233% in pcy mice and by 95% in diseased Han:SPRD-cy rats compared to normals of the same age and gender. Steady-state levels of PLC(gamma1) were as much as 74% and 35% higher in pcy mice and diseased Han:SPRD-cy rats, respectively, compared to their controls. The consistency of these alterations in two accepted models of PKD indicates the importance of the phosphoinositide signalling pathway in the evolution of this disorder, and represents a potential site for therapeutic intervention.

Endosomal localization and function of sorting nexin 1

There are 17 human members of the sorting nexin (SNX) family of proteins that contain Phox (PX) domains. Yeast orthologs function in vesicular trafficking and mammalian proteins have been implicated in endocytic trafficking of cell surface receptors. The first member of this family, SNX1, was identified via interaction with the epidermal growth factor receptor. The present studies indicate that SNX1 and SNX2 are colocalized to tubulovesicular endosomal membranes and this localization depends on PI 3-kinase activity. Point mutations in the PX domain that abolish recognition of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) in vitro abolish vesicle localization in vivo indicating that lipid binding by the PX domain is necessary for localization to vesicle membranes. Deletion of a predicted coiled-coil region in the COOH terminus of SNX1 also abolished vesicle localization, indicating that this helical domain, too, is necessary for SNX1 localization. Thus, both PX domain recognition of PtdIns and COOH terminal helical domains are necessary for localization of SNX1 with neither alone being sufficient. Regulated overexpression of the NH(2) terminus of SNX1 containing the PX domain decreased the rate of ligand-induced epidermal growth factor receptor degradation, an effect consistent with inhibition of endogenous SNX1 function in the endosome compartment. SNX1 thus functions in regulating trafficking in the endosome compartment via PX domain recognition of phosphorylated PtdIns and via interaction with other protein components.

The TRPM7 channel is inactivated by PIP(2) hydrolysis

TRPM7 (ChaK1, TRP-PLIK, LTRPC7) is a ubiquitous, calcium-permeant ion channel that is unique in being both an ion channel and a serine/threonine kinase. The kinase domain of TRPM7 directly associates with the C2 domain of phospholipase C (PLC). Here, we show that in native cardiac cells and heterologous expression systems, G alpha q-linked receptors or tyrosine kinase receptors that activate PLC potently inhibit channel activity. Numerous experimental approaches demonstrated that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), the substrate of PLC, is a key regulator of TRPM7. We conclude that receptor-mediated activation of PLC results in the hydrolysis of localized PIP(2), leading to inactivation of the TRPM7 channel.

Steroid hormone mimics: molecular mechanisms of cell growth and apoptosis in normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells

Anti-estrogen (anti-E2) therapy with E2 receptor antagonists has a significant benefit in women with breast cancer, but it may also increase the risk for developing hormone-independent breast cancer for which there is no therapy similar to that used in hormone-dependent breast cancer. Therefore, there is a significant interest in the development of compounds that may provide therapeutic benefit for hormone-independent breast cancer without untoward risks and adverse effects. The estrogen receptor (ER) modulators with both agonistic as well as antagonistic properties may, thus, be exploited for the development of the next generation of compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer. In this article, we have discussed the clinical indications, risks, benefits and mechanisms of action of ER modulators and related compounds, particularly indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which may open new avenues for the prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer.

Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase-1beta is essential for epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated endocytosis

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) is known to play an important role in signal transduction and membrane trafficking. We show that one enzyme responsible for PIP(2) production, phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase type 1beta (PIPKbeta), is essential for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated endocytosis. Expression of murine PIPKbeta in NR6 cells expressing EGFR strikingly increased receptor internalization. Moreover, the kinase was shown to form an immunoprecipitable complex with EGFR. Expression of either a truncated kinase or a kinase dead mutant inhibited EGFR endocytosis and also blocked the membrane recruitment of PIPKbeta and both clathrin light chain and dynamin. Our results delineate a novel mechanism by which PIPKbeta regulates receptor-mediated endocytosis and receptor tyrosine kinase membrane traffic.

Modular phosphoinositide-binding domains--their role in signalling and membrane trafficking

The membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol is the precursor of a family of lipid second-messengers, known as phosphoinositides, which differ in the phosphorylation status of their inositol group. A major advance in understanding phosphoinositide signalling has been the identification of a number of highly conserved modular protein domains whose function appears to be to bind various phosphoinositides. Such 'cut and paste' modules are found in a diverse array of multidomain proteins and recruit their host protein to specific regions in cells via interactions with phosphoinositides. Here, with particular reference to proteins involved in membrane traffic pathways, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of phosphoinositide-binding domains.

Phosphoinositides: key players in cell signalling, in time and space

Over the last few years, many reports have extended our knowledge of the inositol lipid metabolism and brought out some exciting information about the location, the variety and the role of phosphoinositides (PIs). Besides the so-called "canonical PI pathway" leading to the production of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2), the precursor of the intracellular second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol (DAG), many other metabolic pathways have been identified to produce seven different polyphosphoinositides. Several of these quantitatively minor lipid molecules appear to be specifically involved in the control of cellular events, such as the spatial and temporal organisation of key signalling pathways, the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton or the intracellular vesicle trafficking. This is consistent with the fact that many of the enzymes, such as kinases and phosphatases, involved in the tight control of the intracellular level of polyphosphoinositides, are regulated and/or relocated through cell surface receptors for extracellular ligands. The remarkable feature of PIs, which can be rapidly synthesised and degraded in discrete membrane domains or even subnuclear structures, places them as ideal regulators and integrators of very dynamic mechanisms of cell regulation. In this review, we will summarise recent studies on the potential location, the metabolic pathways and the role of the different PIs. Some aspects of the temporal synthesis of D3 PIs will also be discussed.

Cloning of a human type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase reveals a novel lipid kinase family

Phosphoinositide lipids regulate numerous cellular processes in all eukaryotes. The versatility of this phospholipid is provided by combinations of phosphorylation on the 3', 4', and 5' positions of the inositol head group. Two distinct structural families of phosphoinositide (PI) kinases have so far been identified and named after their prototypic members, the PI 3-kinase and phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) phosphate kinase families, both of which have been found to contain structural homologues possessing PI 4-kinase activity. Nevertheless, the prevalent PtdIns 4-kinase activity in many mammalian cell types is conferred by the widespread type II PtdIns 4-kinase, which has so far resisted molecular characterization. We have partially purified the human type II isoform from plasma membrane rafts of human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells and obtained peptide mass and sequence data. The results allowed the cDNA containing the full open reading frame to be cloned. The predicted amino acid sequence revealed that the type II enzyme is the prototypic member of a novel, third family of PI kinases. We have named the purified protein type IIalpha and a second human isoform, type IIbeta. The type IIalpha mRNA appears to be expressed ubiquitously in human tissues, and homologues appear to be expressed in all eukaryotes.

Regulation of type II phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase by tyrosine phosphorylation in bovine rod outer segments

Type II phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKII) is an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI-4,5-P(2)) from phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate (PI-5-P). In this study, we demonstrate the presence of PIPKII alpha in bovine photoreceptor rod outer segments (ROS) and the involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of its activity. PIPKII activity in bovine ROS was verified by the preferential conversion of synthetic dipalmitoyl PI-5-P to PI-4,5-P(2), lack of effect of phosphatidic acid, inhibition by heparin, immunoreaction with an anti-PIPKII alpha antibody on Western blots, and immunocytochemical localization in bovine and rat ROS by anti-PIPKII alpha. Immunoprecipitates of bovine ROS with the anti-PIPKII alpha antibody possessed PIPK enzymatic activity and preferentially used PI-5-P as substrate for PI-4,5-P(2) biosynthesis. The activity of PIPKII was greatly increased under conditions favoring tyrosine phosphorylation in ROS, and PIPKII activity was immunoprecipitated with anti-phosphotyrosine (anti-PY) antibodies from tyrosine phosphorylated ROS. Preincubation of ROS with tyrosine kinase inhibitors almost abolished the kinase activity in the anti-PY immunoprecipitates. Immunoblot analysis showed that PIPKII alpha was present in anti-PY immunoprecipitates from phosphorylated ROS but not from nonphosphorylated controls. We conclude that PIPKII alpha is present in ROS and that its activity is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase type I is regulated through phosphorylation response by extracellular stimuli

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIPK) catalyzes a final step in the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), a lipid signaling molecule. Strict regulation of PIPK activity is thought to be essential in intact cells. Here we show that type I enzymes of PIPK (PIPKI) are phosphorylated by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and phosphorylation of PIPKI suppresses its activity. Serine 214 was found to be a major phosphorylation site of PIPK type Ialpha (PIPKIalpha) that is catalyzed by PKA. In contrast, lysophosphatidic acid-induced protein kinase C activation increased PIPKIalpha activity. Activation of PIPKIalpha was induced by dephosphorylation, which was catalyzed by an okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase, protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). In vitro dephosphorylation of PIPKIalpha with PP1 increased PIPK activity, indicating that PP1 plays a role in lysophosphatidic acid-induced dephosphorylation of PIPKIalpha. These results strongly suggest that activity of PIPKIalpha in NIH 3T3 cells is regulated by the reversible balance between PKA-dependent phosphorylation and PP1-dependent dephosphorylation.

The juxtamembrane region of the epidermal growth factor receptor is required for phosphorylation of Galpha(s)

We have previously demonstrated that Galpha(s) associates with the juxtamembrane region of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) and that the EGFR can phosphorylate and activate this G protein (H. Poppleton et al., 1996, J. Biol. Chem. 271, 6947-6951; H. Sun et al., 1995, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92, 2229-2233). In this report, we have employed peptides EGFR-13 and EGFR-14 (corresponding to amino acids 645-657 and 679-692 in the EGFR, respectively) which disrupt the association of Galpha(s) with the EGFR to investigate whether or not this region of the EGFR is required for phosphorylation of the G protein. EGFR-13 increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of G(alpha)s by two-fold whereas EGFR-14 decreased the phosphorylation of the G protein. Phosphorylation of EGFR-13 on the threonine residue corresponding to Thr654 of the EGFR obliterated the ability of the peptide to increase Galpha(s) phosphorylation. EGFR-13 and EGFR-14, but not phospho-EGFR-13, competed for the association of the EGFR with Galpha(s). A peptide betaIII-2 corresponding to amino acids Arg259-Lys273 in the beta2-adrenergic receptor which competes for association of Galpha(s) with the EGFR and increases protein tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR could mimic the effects of EGFR-13. Among the three peptides (EGFR-13, EGFR-14, and betaIII-2) that interfere with association of Galpha(s) to the EGFR, only EGFR-13 and betaIII-2 have been shown to activate the G protein. Polylysine which increases EGFR tyrosine kinase activity but does not interfere with association of Galpha(s) and EGFR also augmented phosphorylation of Galpha(s) by the EGFR. Phosphopeptide mapping demonstrated that EGFR-13 and polylysine increased phosphorylation of Galpha(s) by the EGFR on the same additional sites. Collectively, these data suggest that the interaction of Galpha(s) with residues 645-657 of the EGFR, or a peptide corresponding to this sequence alters the conformation of the G protein and/or the EGFR such that Galpha(s) is readily phosphorylated by the EGFR. The peptide EGFR-14, which does not activate Galpha(s), does not allow for the efficient phosphorylation of the G protein even though it does elevate the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR. The hyperphosphorylation of Galpha(s) by EGFR is likely to require the contact of the G protein with EGFR-13 region (aa 645-657 in the EGFR) as well as augmentation of EGFR kinase activity.

Structure, function, and control of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) subtypes beta, gamma, and delta comprise a related group of multidomain phosphodiesterases that cleave the polar head groups from inositol lipids. Activated by all classes of cell surface receptor, these enzymes generate the ubiquitous second messengers inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. The last 5 years have seen remarkable advances in our understanding of the molecular and biological facets of PLCs. New insights into their multidomain arrangement and catalytic mechanism have been gained from crystallographic studies of PLC-delta(1), while new modes of controlling PLC activity have been uncovered in cellular studies. Most notable is the realization that PLC-beta, -gamma, and -delta isoforms act in concert, each contributing to a specific aspect of the cellular response. Clues to their true biological roles were also obtained. Long assumed to function broadly in calcium-regulated processes, genetic studies in yeast, slime molds, plants, flies, and mammals point to specific and conditional roles for each PLC isoform in cell signaling and development. In this review we consider each subtype of PLC in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals and discuss their molecular regulation and biological function.

Stimulation of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase by Rho-kinase

The serine/threonine kinase Rho-kinase was recently identified as a downstream effector of the small GTPase Rho, mediating effects of Rho on the actin cytoskeleton. Also phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) has been implicated in the regulation of actin polymerization. As the synthesis of PI(4,5)P(2) has been suggested to be affected by Rho proteins, we investigated whether Rho-kinase is involved in the control of PI(4,5)P(2) levels. Overexpression of RhoA in HEK-293 cells increased phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) 5-kinase activity and concomitantly enhanced cellular PI(4,5)P(2) levels, whereas overexpression of the Rho-inactivating C3 transferase decreased both PI4P 5-kinase activity and PI(4,5)P(2) levels. These effects of RhoA could be mimicked by overexpression of wild-type Rho-kinase and of the constitutively active catalytic domain of Rho-kinase, Rho-kinase-CAT. In contrast, a kinase-deficient mutant of Rho-kinase had no effect on PI4P 5-kinase activity. Importantly, the increase in PI4P 5-kinase activity and PI(4,5)P(2) levels by wild-type Rho-kinase, but not by Rho-kinase-CAT, was completely prevented by coexpression of C3 transferase, indicating that the effect of Rho-kinase was under the control of endogenous Rho. In cell lysates, addition of recombinant RhoA and Rho-kinase-CAT stimulated PI4P 5-kinase activity. Finally, the increase in PI(4,5)P(2) levels induced by both Rho-kinase-CAT and RhoA was reversed by the Rho-kinase inhibitor HA-1077. Our data suggest that Rho-kinase is involved in the Rho-controlled synthesis of PI(4,5)P(2) by PI4P 5-kinase.

Modulation of the protein tyrosine kinase activity and autophosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by its juxtamembrane region

Using peptides epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-13 and EGFR-14, which correspond to residues 645-657 and 679-692, respectively, in the juxtamembrane, cytosolic region of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) we have investigated the role of specific regions of the receptor in regulating its autophosphorylation and protein tyrosine kinase activity. EGFR-13, but not EGFR-14, increased autophosphorylation (by twofold) of the full-length and two truncated forms (Delta1022-1186 and a constitutively active receptor kinase domain) of the EGFR. EGFR-13 increased the stoichiometry of tyrosine phosphorylation of the full-length receptor from 4.2 to 10.1 mol Pi/mol EGFR and that of EGFRDelta1022-1186 from 1.0 to 2 mol Pi/mol receptor. Increased receptor autophosphorylation in the presence of EGFR-13 cannot solely be attributed to an increase in tyrosine kinase activity because EGFR-14 and polylysine increased tyrosine kinase activity of EGFRDelta1022-1186 and full-length EGFR, respectively, to the same extent as EGFR-13 without any effects on receptor autophosphorylation. Phosphorylation of EGFR-13 (P-EGFR-13) on the threonine residue corresponding to Thr654 in EGFR obliterated the ability of the peptide to increase autophosphorylation and markedly diminished its capacity to increase receptor tyrosine kinase activity. Additionally, EGFR-13, but not EGFR-14 or P-EGFR-13, decreased the migration of the receptor on nondenaturing gels, indicating that EGFR-13 induces some conformational change. Phosphopeptide maps of the EGFR phosphorylated in the presence of EGFR-13 or pp60(c-src) demonstrated that the additional sites phosphorylated in the presence of EGFR-13 were the same as those phosphorylated by pp60(c-src) (i.e., Y803, Y845, Y891, Y920, and Y1101). Thus, we conclude that EGFR-13, but not EGFR-14 or P-EGFR-13, competes to disrupt interactions between amino acids 645-657 and some other region(s) on the EGFR to either alleviate a conformational constraint or alter dimer conformation. This change increases the protein tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR and provides access to additional tyrosine autophosphorylation sites in the receptor.

skittles, a Drosophila phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase, is required for cell viability, germline development and bristle morphology, but not for neurotransmitter release

The phosphatidylinositol pathway is implicated in the regulation of numerous cellular functions and responses to extracellular signals. An important branching point in the pathway is the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate by the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) to generate the second messenger phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bis-phosphate (PIP2). PIP5K and PIP2 have been implicated in signal transduction, cytoskeletal regulation, DNA synthesis, and vesicular trafficking. We have cloned and generated mutations in a Drosophila PIP5K type I (skittles). Our analysis indicates that skittles is required for cell viability, germline development, and the proper structural development of sensory bristles. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for PIP5KI involvement in neural secretion.

Concanavalin A modulates tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of a type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase in rat splenic lymphocytes

Activation of rat splenic lymphocytes by concanavalin A resulted in two-fold increase in Ptdlns 4-kinase activity and rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of the enzyme. The activation kinetics showed a strong correlation with tyrosine phosphorylation state of the enzyme. Characterization of the enzyme activity suggests that it is a type II PtdIns 4-kinase. Kinetic analysis of the enzyme reaction showed three-fold decrease in Km for PtdIns and two-fold increase in Vmax in Con A stimulated cells. These results suggest that a type II PtdIns 4-kinase is an integral component of the early signal transduction machinery during T-cell activation by concanavalin A and is actively regulated by protein tyrosine phosphorylation-dephosphorylation.

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate synthesis in immunoisolated caveolae-like vesicles and low buoyant density non-caveolar membranes

This study examined phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) synthesis in caveolae that have been suggested to be discrete signaling microdomains of the plasma membrane and are enriched in the marker protein caveolin. Caveolin-rich light membranes (CLMs) were isolated from A431 cells by detergent-free, discontinuous density-gradient centrifugation method. The CLM fraction was separated from the bulk of the cellular protein and was greatly enriched in PtdIns, PtdIns4P, and phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) and an adenosine-sensitive type II PtdIns 4-kinase activity. Preparation of CLMs by an OptiPrep-based cell fractionation procedure confirmed the co-localization of PtdIns 4-kinase and caveolin. Electron microscopy confirmed that an anti-caveolin antiserum immunopurified vesicles from CLMs that were within the size range described for caveolae in other systems. Co-immunoprecipitated PtdIns 4-kinase activity could utilize endogenous PtdIns, present within the caveolae-like vesicles, to produce PtdIns4P. The addition of recombinant phosphatidylinositol transfer protein increased PtdIns 4-kinase activity both in immunoisolated caveolae and CLMs. However, less than 1% of the total cellular PtdIns and PtdIns 4-kinase activity was present in caveolae-like vesicles, indicating that non-caveolar light membrane rafts are the main site for cellular PtdIns4P production.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor contains a juxtamembrane calmodulin-binding site

A ligand-insensitive form of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was enriched by Ca2+-dependent calmodulin-affinity chromatography purification. The basic amphiphilic segment Arg645-Arg-Arg-His-Ile-Val-Arg-Lys-Arg-Thr654-Leu-Arg-Arg-Le u-Leu-Gln 660, located within the cytoplasmic juxtamembrane domain of this receptor, was purified as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase and shown to bind calmodulin in a Ca2+-dependent manner. An apparent dissociation constant of 0.4 microM calmodulin (Kd'(CaM)) and an apparent affinity constant of 0.5 microM free Ca2+ (Ka'(Ca)) were measured for this binding process. Binding of calmodulin at the juxtamembrane site prevented the phosphorylation of residue Thr-654 by protein kinase C, and an apparent inhibition constant of 0.5-1 microM calmodulin (Ki'(CaM)) was determined. Conversely, phosphorylation of this site by protein kinase C prevented its subsequent interaction with calmodulin. We therefore propose that cross talk between signaling pathways mediated by calmodulin and protein kinase C occurs at the juxtamembrane domain of the EGFR. This calmodulin-binding sequence is highly conserved among protein tyrosine kinases of the vertebrate EGFR family.

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2 are tyrosine-phosphorylated and associated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in response to brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cultured cerebral cortical neurons

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophins, promotes differentiation and survival of various types of neurons in the central nervous system. BDNF binds to and activates the tyrosine kinase receptor, TrkB, initiating intracellular signaling and exerting its effects. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), which has been implicated in promotion of neuronal survival by neurotrophic factors, is a component in the signaling pathway of BDNF. We examined how BDNF activates PI3-K in cultured cerebral cortical neurons. We found that insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and -2 are involved in the BDNF signaling pathway that activates PI3-K. IRS-1 and -2 were tyrosine-phosphorylated and bound to PI3-K in response to BDNF. This BDNF-stimulated signaling via IRS-1 and -2 was inhibited by K-252a, an inhibitor of Trk tyrosine kinase. In addition, signaling via IRS-1 and -2 was markedly sustained as well as the BDNF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of TrkB. On the other hand, we observed no association of PI3-K with TrkB in response to BDNF. These results indicate that the activation of TrkB by BDNF induces the activation of PI3-K via IRS-1 and -2 rather than by a direct interaction of TrkB with PI3-K in cultured cortical neurons.

Isolation and molecular cloning of wortmannin-sensitive bovine type III phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases

Agonist-sensitive phosphoinositide pools are maintained by recently-identified wortmannin (WT)-sensitive phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4-kinase(s) (Nakanishi, S., Catt, K. J., and Balla, T. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 5317-5321). Two loosely membrane-associated WT-sensitive type III PI 4-kinases were isolated from bovine adrenal cortex as [3H]WT-labeled 110- and 210-kDa proteins. Based on peptide sequences from the smaller enzyme, a 3. 9-kilobase pair (kb) cDNA with an open reading frame encoding a 90-kDa protein was isolated from a bovine brain cDNA library. Expression of this cDNA in COS-7 cells yielded a 110-kDa protein with WT-sensitive PI 4-kinase activity. Northern blot analysis of a human mRNA panel showed a single approximately 3.8-kb transcript. Peptide sequences obtained from the 210-kDa enzyme corresponded to those of a recently described rat 230-kDa PI 4-kinase. A 6.5-kb cDNA containing an open reading frame of 6129 nucleotides that encoded a 230-kDa protein, was isolated from brain cDNA. Northern blot analysis of human mRNA revealed a major 7.5-kb transcript. The molecular cloning of these novel WT-sensitive type III PI 4-kinases will allow detailed analysis of their signaling and other regulatory functions in mammalian cells.

Growth factor-dependent phosphoinositide signalling

A wide variety of messages, in the form of diffusible growth factors, hormones and cytokines, are carried throughout multicellular organisms to coordinate important physiological properties of target cells, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis and metabolism. Most messengers bind to cognate receptors on target cells, which initiate a characteristic cascade of reactions within the cell, ultimately leading to the desired response. The cellular response is defined by the combination of signalling components whose individual activity depends upon the number and type of surface receptors. Consequently the responses of different cell types to one or more stimuli can be quite disparate. A molecular understanding of the signalling pathways employed by each type of receptor therefore underlies the ability to rationalize many cellular functions and to correct disfunctions. As a well studied example of the primary signalling events that take place on the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane following receptor activation, we will discuss how the widely expressed receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) causes the phosphorylation and hydrolysis of a signalling precursor, the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol. This paradigm will be used to illustrate certain general principles of signalling, including formation of multienzyme complexes, compartmentation of second messengers and intermediates, and cross-talk between different signalling pathways.

A novel interaction between the juxtamembrane region of the p55 tumor necrosis factor receptor and phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) binding to its receptors leads to a diversity of biological responses. The actions of TNF are the result of the interaction of cytoplasmic proteins that bind directly to the intracellular domains of the two TNF receptors, p55 and p75. Here we report a novel interaction between the juxtamembrane region of the p55 TNF receptor and a newly discovered 47-kDa isoform of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K), a member of the enzyme family that generates the key signaling messenger, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. The interaction was found to be specific for the p55 TNF receptor and was not observed with the p75 TNF receptor, the Fas antigen, or the p75 neurotrophin receptor, which are other members of the TNF receptor superfamily. In vitro experiments using recombinant fusion proteins verify the authenticity of the interaction between the p55 receptor and PIP5KIIbeta, a new isoform of PIP5K, but not the previously identified 53-kDa PIP5KIIalpha. Treatment of HeLa cells with TNF-alpha resulted in an increased PIP5K activity. These results indicate that phosphatidylinositol turnover may be linked to stimulation of the p55 TNF receptor and suggest that a subset of TNF responses may result from the direct association of PIP5KIIbeta with the p55 TNF receptor.