Differential regulation of protein kinase C isozymes by thyrotropin-releasing hormone in GH4C1 cells

Alcohol Dependence Modulates Amygdalar mTORC2 and PKCε Expression in a Rodent Model

Multiple alcohol use disorder (AUD)-related behavioral alterations are governed by protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), particularly in the amygdala. Protein kinase C (PKC) is readily phosphorylated at Ser729 before activation by the mTORC2 protein complex. In keeping with this, the current study was conducted to assess the variations in mTORC2 and PKCε during different ethanol exposure stages. The following groups of rats were employed: control, acute, chronic, ethanol withdrawal (EW), and EW + ethanol (EtOH). Ethanol-containing and non-ethanol-containing modified liquid diets (MLDs) were administered for 27 days. On day 28, either saline or ethanol (2.5 g/kg, 20% v/v) was intraperitoneally administered, followed by bilateral amygdala extraction. PKCε mRNA levels were noticeably increased in the amygdala of the EW + EtOH and EW groups. Following chronic ethanol consumption, the stress-activated map kinase-interacting protein 1 (Sin1) gene expression was markedly decreased. In the EW, EW + EtOH, and chronic ethanol groups, there was a profound increase in the protein expression of mTOR, Sin1, PKCε, and phosphorylated PKCε (Ser729). The PKCε gene and protein expressions showed a statistically significant moderate association, according to a correlation analysis. Our results suggest that an elevated PKCε protein expression in the amygdala during EW and EW + EtOH occurred at the transcriptional level. However, an elevation in the PKCε protein expression, but not its mRNA, after chronic ethanol intake warrants further investigation to fully understand the signaling pathways during different episodes of AUD.

PKCα and PKCδ: Friends and Rivals

PKC comprises a large family of serine/threonine kinases that share a requirement for allosteric activation by lipids. While PKC isoforms have significant homology, functional divergence is evident among subfamilies and between individual PKC isoforms within a subfamily. Here, we highlight these differences by comparing the regulation and function of representative PKC isoforms from the conventional (PKCα) and novel (PKCδ) subfamilies. We discuss how unique structural features of PKCα and PKCδ underlie differences in activation and highlight the similar, divergent, and even opposing biological functions of these kinases. We also consider how PKCα and PKCδ can contribute to pathophysiological conditions and discuss challenges to targeting these kinases therapeutically.

Olfactory marker protein regulates prolactin secretion and production by modulating Ca2+ and TRH signaling in lactotrophs

Olfactory marker protein (OMP) is a marker of olfactory receptor-mediated chemoreception, even outside the olfactory system. Here, we report that OMP expression in the pituitary gland plays a role in basal and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin (PRL) production and secretion. We found that OMP was expressed in human and rodent pituitary glands, especially in PRL-secreting lactotrophs. OMP knockdown in GH4 rat pituitary cells increased PRL production and secretion via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling. Real-time PCR analysis and the Ca²⁺ influx assay revealed that OMP was critical for TRH-induced PRL secretion. OMP-knockout mice showed lower fertility than control mice, which was associated with increased basal PRL production via activation of ERK1/2 signaling and reduced TRH-induced PRL secretion. However, both in vitro and in vivo results indicated that OMP was only required for hormone production and secretion because ERK1/2 activation failed to stimulate cell proliferation. Additionally, patients with prolactinoma lacked OMP expression in tumor tissues with hyperactivated ERK1/2 signaling. These findings indicate that OMP plays a role in PRL production and secretion in lactotrophs through the modulation of Ca²⁺ and TRH signaling.

Uncovering the regulatory mechanism behind production of the prolactin hormone may help tackle reproductive health problems. As well as triggering milk production in female mammals, prolactin is critical for healthy reproduction in both sexes. An excess of prolactin secreted by cells called lactotrophs in the pituitary gland can cause infertility. While scientists know which hormones stimulate prolactin release, how prolactin levels are regulated is unclear. Eun Jig Lee and Cheol Ryong Ku at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, and co-workers demonstrated that the olfactory marker protein (OMP) plays a central role in regulating prolactin production. They found that OMP specifically and highly expressed in lactotrophs. Eliminating OMP expression in mice left a key signalling pathway and calcium ion levels upregulated, resulting in increased prolactin and reduced fertility.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis

The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis determines the set point of thyroid hormone (TH) production. Hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates the synthesis and secretion of pituitary thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH), which acts at the thyroid to stimulate all steps of TH biosynthesis and secretion. The THs thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) control the secretion of TRH and TSH by negative feedback to maintain physiological levels of the main hormones of the HPT axis. Reduction of circulating TH levels due to primary thyroid failure results in increased TRH and TSH production, whereas the opposite occurs when circulating THs are in excess. Other neural, humoral, and local factors modulate the HPT axis and, in specific situations, determine alterations in the physiological function of the axis. The roles of THs are vital to nervous system development, linear growth, energetic metabolism, and thermogenesis. THs also regulate the hepatic metabolism of nutrients, fluid balance and the cardiovascular system. In cells, TH actions are mediated mainly by nuclear TH receptors (210), which modify gene expression. T3 is the preferred ligand of THR, whereas T4, the serum concentration of which is 100-fold higher than that of T3, undergoes extra-thyroidal conversion to T3. This conversion is catalyzed by 5'-deiodinases (D1 and D2), which are TH-activating enzymes. T4 can also be inactivated by conversion to reverse T3, which has very low affinity for THR, by 5-deiodinase (D3). The regulation of deiodinases, particularly D2, and TH transporters at the cell membrane control T3 availability, which is fundamental for TH action. © 2016 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 6:1387-1428, 2016.

NR4A1 (Nur77) mediates thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced stimulation of transcription of the thyrotropin β gene: analysis of TRH knockout mice

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a major stimulator of thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH) synthesis in the anterior pituitary, though precisely how TRH stimulates the TSHβ gene remains unclear. Analysis of TRH-deficient mice differing in thyroid hormone status demonstrated that TRH was critical for the basal activity and responsiveness to thyroid hormone of the TSHβ gene. cDNA microarray and K-means cluster analyses with pituitaries from wild-type mice, TRH-deficient mice and TRH-deficient mice with thyroid hormone replacement revealed that the largest and most consistent decrease in expression in the absence of TRH and on supplementation with thyroid hormone was shown by the TSHβ gene, and the NR4A1 gene belonged to the same cluster as and showed a similar expression profile to the TSHβ gene. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that NR4A1 was expressed not only in ACTH- and FSH- producing cells but also in thyrotrophs and the expression was remarkably reduced in TRH-deficient pituitary. Furthermore, experiments in vitro demonstrated that incubation with TRH in GH4C1 cells increased the endogenous NR4A1 mRNA level by approximately 50-fold within one hour, and this stimulation was inhibited by inhibitors for PKC and ERK1/2. Western blot analysis confirmed that TRH increased NR4A1 expression within 2 h. A series of deletions of the promoter demonstrated that the region between bp -138 and +37 of the TSHβ gene was responsible for the TRH-induced stimulation, and Chip analysis revealed that NR4A1 was recruited to this region. Conversely, knockdown of NR4A1 by siRNA led to a significant reduction in TRH-induced TSHβ promoter activity. Furthermore, TRH stimulated NR4A1 promoter activity through the TRH receptor. These findings demonstrated that 1) TRH is a highly specific regulator of the TSHβ gene, and 2) TRH mediated induction of the TSHβ gene, at least in part by sequential stimulation of the NR4A1-TSHβ genes through a PKC and ERK1/2 pathway.

GATA2 mediates thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced transcriptional activation of the thyrotropin β gene

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) activates not only the secretion of thyrotropin (TSH) but also the transcription of TSHβ and α-glycoprotein (αGSU) subunit genes. TSHβ expression is maintained by two transcription factors, Pit1 and GATA2, and is negatively regulated by thyroid hormone (T3). Our prior studies suggest that the main activator of the TSHβ gene is GATA2, not Pit1 or unliganded T3 receptor (TR). In previous studies on the mechanism of TRH-induced activation of the TSHβ gene, the involvements of Pit1 and TR have been investigated, but the role of GATA2 has not been clarified. Using kidney-derived CV1 cells and pituitary-derived GH3 and TαT1 cells, we demonstrate here that TRH signaling enhances GATA2-dependent activation of the TSHβ promoter and that TRH-induced activity is abolished by amino acid substitution in the GATA2-Zn finger domain or mutation of GATA-responsive element in the TSHβ gene. In CV1 cells transfected with TRH receptor expression plasmid, GATA2-dependent transactivation of αGSU and endothelin-1 promoters was enhanced by TRH. In the gel shift assay, TRH signal potentiated the DNA-binding capacity of GATA2. While inhibition by T3 is dominant over TRH-induced activation, unliganded TR or the putative negative T3-responsive element are not required for TRH-induced stimulation. Studies using GH3 cells showed that TRH-induced activity of the TSHβ promoter depends on protein kinase C but not the mitogen-activated protein kinase, suggesting that the signaling pathway is different from that in the prolactin gene. These results indicate that GATA2 is the principal mediator of the TRH signaling pathway in TSHβ expression.

Distinct pools of cAMP centre on different isoforms of adenylyl cyclase in pituitary-derived GH3B6 cells

Microdomains have been proposed to explain specificity in the myriad of possible cellular targets of cAMP. Local differences in cAMP levels can be generated by phosphodiesterases, which control the diffusion of cAMP. Here, we address the possibility that adenylyl cyclases, the source of cAMP, can be primary architects of such microdomains. Distinctly regulated adenylyl cyclases often contribute to total cAMP levels in endogenous cellular settings, making it virtually impossible to determine the contribution of a specific isoform. To investigate cAMP dynamics with high precision at the single-isoform level, we developed a targeted version of Epac2-camps, a cAMP sensor, in which the sensor was tagged to a catalytically inactive version of the Ca(2+)-stimulable adenylyl cyclase 8 (AC8). This sensor, and less stringently targeted versions of Epac2-camps, revealed opposite regulation of cAMP synthesis in response to Ca(2+) in GH(3)B(6) pituitary cells. Ca(2+) release triggered by thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulated the minor endogenous AC8 species. cAMP levels were decreased by inhibition of AC5 and AC6, and simultaneous activation of phosphodiesterases, in different compartments of the same cell. These findings demonstrate the existence of distinct adenylyl-cyclase-centered cAMP microdomains in live cells and open the door to their molecular micro-dissection.

The phosphatase PHLPP controls the cellular levels of protein kinase C

The life cycle of protein kinase C (PKC) is controlled by multiple phosphorylation and dephosphorylation steps. The maturation of PKC requires three ordered phosphorylations, one at the activation loop and two at COOH-terminal sites, the turn motif and the hydrophobic motif, to yield a stable and signaling-competent enzyme. Dephosphorylation of the enzyme leads to protein degradation. We have recently discovered a novel family of protein phosphatases named PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) whose members terminate Akt signaling by dephosphorylating the hydrophobic motif on Akt. Here we show that the two PHLPP isoforms, PHLPP1 and PHLPP2, also dephosphorylate the hydrophobic motif on PKC betaII, an event that shunts PKC to the detergent-insoluble fraction, effectively terminating its life cycle. Deletion mutagenesis reveals that the PH domain is necessary for the effective dephosphorylation of PKC betaII by PHLPP in cells, whereas the PDZ-binding motif, required for Akt regulation, is dispensable. The phorbol ester-mediated dephosphorylation of the hydrophobic site, but not the turn motif or activation loop, is insensitive to okadaic acid, consistent with PHLPP, a PP2C family member, controlling the hydrophobic site. In addition, knockdown of PHLPP expression reduces the rate of phorbol ester-triggered dephosphorylation of the hydrophobic motif, but not turn motif, of PKC alpha. Last, we show that depletion of PHLPP in colon cancer and normal breast epithelial cells results in an increase in conventional and novel PKC levels. These data reveal that PHLPP controls the cellular levels of PKC by specifically dephosphorylating the hydrophobic motif, thus destabilizing the enzyme and promoting its degradation.

Effect of phorbol ester and platelet-derived growth factor on protein kinase C in rat hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a key role in hepatic fibrogenesis and thus, it is important to understand the intracellular signalling pathways that influence their behaviour. This study investigated the expression and regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) in HSC.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis indicates that rat HSC express at least four PKC isoforms, PKC-alpha, PKC-delta, PKC-epsilon and PKC-zeta. PKC-alpha and PKC-zeta were located predominantly in the cytosol and were redistributed to the membrane by the PKC agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), while PKC-delta and PKC-epsilon were highly membrane-bound and did not undergo translocation by PMA. PKC-alpha, PKC-delta and PKC-zeta were rapidly downregulated by PMA. However, PKC-epsilon was resistant to downregulation. We also examined phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), a specific substrate of PKC, as another approach to assess activation of PKC. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PMA increased the phosphorylation of MARCKS, suggesting that PDGF can induce PKC activation. PDGF-induced stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and p70-S6 kinase was not abrogated by downregulation of PKC-alpha, PKC-delta and PKC-zeta. Prolonged PKC inhibition did not inhibit the fibrogenic phenotype.

CONCLUSION

Multiple PKC isoforms are expressed in rat HSC and are differentially regulated by PMA. PDGF activates certain mitogenic signalling pathways independent of PKC-alpha, PKC-delta and PKC-zeta. Specific PKC isoforms may modulate different cell functions in HSC.

Bovine brain diacylglycerol lipase: substrate specificity and activation by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Diacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) was purified from bovine brain microsomes using multiple column chromatographic techniques. The purified enzyme migrates as a single band on SDS-PAGE and has an apparent molecular weight of 27 kDa. Substrate specificity experiments using mixed molecular species of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols indicate that low concentrations of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) have no direct effect on enzymic activity and 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols are the preferred substrate over 1,3-diacyl-sn-glycerols. The enzyme hydrolyzes stearate in preference to palmitate from the sn-1 position of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols. 1-O-Alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycerols are not a substrate for the purified enzyme. The native enzyme had a V (max) value of 616 nmol/min mg protein. Phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase resulted in a threefold increase in catalytic throughput (V (max) = 1,900 nmol/min mg protein). The substrate specificity and catalytic properties of the bovine brain diacylglycerol lipase suggest that diacylglycerol lipase may regulate protein kinase C activity and 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol levels by rapidly altering the intracellular concentration of diacylglycerols.

Specificity of TRH receptor coupling to G-proteins for regulation of ERG K+ channels in GH3 rat anterior pituitary cells

The identity of the G-protein coupling thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptors to rat ether-à-go-go related gene (r-ERG) K+ channel modulation was studied in situ using perforated-patch clamped adenohypophysial GH(3) cells and dominant-negative variants (Galpha-QL/DN) of G-protein alpha subunits. Expression of dominant-negative Galpha(q/11) that minimizes the TRH-induced Ca2+ signal had no effect on r-ERG current inhibition elicited by the hormone. In contrast, the introduction of dominant-negative variants of Galpha13 and the small G-protein Rho caused a significant loss of the inhibitory effect of TRH on r-ERG. A strong reduction of this TRH effect was also obtained in cells expressing either dominant-negative Galpha(s) or transducin alpha subunits, an agent known to sequester free G-protein betagamma dimers. As a further indication of specificity of the dominant-negative effects, only the dominant-negative variants of Galpha13 and Rho (but not Galpha(s)-QL/DN or Galpha(t)) were able to reduce the TRH-induced shifts of human ERG (HERG) activation voltage dependence in HEK293 cells permanently expressing HERG channels and TRH receptors. Our results demonstrate that whereas the TRH receptor uses a G(q/11) protein for transducing the Ca2+ signal during the initial response to TRH, this G-protein is not involved in the TRH-induced inhibition of endogenous r-ERG currents in pituitary cells. They also identify G(s) (or a G(s)-like protein) and G13 as important contributors to the hormonal effect in these cells and suggest that betagamma dimers released from these proteins may participate in modulation of ERG currents triggered by TRH.

Pituitary cell lines and their endocrine applications

The pituitary gland is an important component of the endocrine system, and together with the hypothalamus, exerts considerable influence over the functions of other endocrine glands. The hypothalamus either positively or negatively regulates hormonal productions in the pituitary through its release of various trophic hormones which act on specific cell types in the pituitary to secrete a variety of pituitary hormones that are important for growth and development, metabolism, reproductive and nervous system functions. The pituitary is divided into three sections-the anterior lobe which constitute the majority of the pituitary mass and is composed primarily of five hormone-producing cell types (thyrotropes, lactotropes, corticotropes, somatotropes and gonadotropes) each secreting thyrotropin, prolactin, ACTH, growth hormone and gonadotropins (FSH and LH) respectively. There is also a sixth cell type in the anterior lobe-the non-endocrine, agranular, folliculostellate cells. The intermediate lobe produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone and endorphins, whereas the posterior lobe secretes anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin) and oxytocin. Representative cell lines of all the six cell types of the anterior pituitary have been established and have provided valuable information on genealogy of the various cell lineages, endocrine feedback control of hormone synthesis and secretions, intrapituitary interactions between the various cell types, as well as the role of specific transcription factors that determine each differentiated cell phenotype. In this review, we will discuss the morphology and function of the cell types that make up the anterior pituitary, and the characteristics of the various functional anterior pituitary cell systems that have been established to be representative of each anterior pituitary cell lineage.

Inhibition of BK channels contributes to the second phase of the response to TRH in clonal rat anterior pituitary cells

AIM

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) induces biphasic changes in the electrical activity, the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and prolactin secretion from both GH cells and native lactotrophs. It is well established that inhibition of erg channels contributes to the second phase of the TRH response. We have investigated if BK channels are also involved.

RESULTS

The BK channels may be active at the resting membrane potential (open probability, Po=0.01) in clonal rat anterior pituitary cells (GH4), which makes it possible that inhibition of these channels may contribute to the reduced K+ conductance during the TRH response. The specific BK channel blocker iberiotoxin (IbTx, 100 nm) had no effect on the resting conductance at holding potentials negative to -40 mV, but significantly reduced the conductance at shallower membrane potentials. This corresponds to the voltage dependency of the sustained [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, IbTx increased the action potential frequency by 36% in spontaneously firing cells. During the second phase of the TRH response, the action potential frequency increased by 34%, concomitantly with 61% reduction of the Po of single BK channels. The protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester TPA had no significant effect on BK channel Po within the normal range of the resting potential.

CONCLUSION

The BK channels may contribute to the resting membrane conductance, and they are partially inhibited by TRH during the second phase. This modulation seems not to depend on PKC. We propose that inhibition of erg and BK channels acts in concert to enhance the cell excitability during the second phase of the response to TRH.

Role of specific protein kinase C isozymes in mediating epidermal growth factor, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and phorbol ester regulation of the rat prolactin promoter in GH4/GH4C1 pituitary cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and TRH both produce enhanced prolactin (PRL) gene transcription and PRL secretion in GH4 rat pituitary tumor cell lines. These agents also activate protein kinase C (PKC) in these cells. Previous studies have implicated the PKCepsilon isozyme in mediating TRH-induced PRL secretion. However, indirect studies using phorbol ester down-regulation to investigate the role of PKC in EGF- and TRH-induced PRL gene transcription have been inconclusive. In the present study, we examined the role of multiple PKC isozymes on EGF- and TRH-induced activation of the PRL promoter by utilizing general and selective PKC inhibitors and by expression of genes for wild-type and kinase-negative forms of the PKC isozymes. Multiple nonselective PKC inhibitors, including staurosporine, bisindolylmaleimide I, and Calphostin C, inhibited both EGF and TRH induced rat PRL promoter activity. TRH effects were more sensitive to Calphostin C, a competitive inhibitor of diacylglycerol, whereas Go 6976, a selective inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent PKCs, produced a modest inhibition of EGF but no inhibition of TRH effects. Rottlerin, a specific inhibitor of the novel nPKCdelta isozyme, significantly blocked both EGF and TRH effects. Overexpression of genes encoding PKCs alpha, betaI, betaII, delta, gamma, and lambda failed to enhance either EGF or TRH responses, whereas overexpression of nPKCeta enhanced the EGF response. Neither stable nor transient overexpression of nPKCepsilon produced enhancement of EGF- or TRH-induced PRL promoter activity, suggesting that different processes regulate PRL transcription and hormone secretion. Expression of a kinase inactive nPKCdelta construct produced modest inhibition of EGF-mediated rPRL promoter activity. Taken together, these data provide evidence for a role of multiple PKC isozymes in mediating both EGF and TRH stimulated PRL gene transcription. Both EGF and TRH responses appear to require the novel isozyme, nPKCdelta, whereas nPKCeta may also be able to transmit the EGF response. Inhibitor data suggest that the EGF response may also involve Ca(2+)-dependent isozymes, whereas the TRH response appears to be more dependent on diacylglycerol.

C(2)-ceramide-induced circular smooth muscle cell contraction involves PKC-epsilon and p44/p42 MAPK activation in cat oesophagus. Mitogen-activated protein kinase

We investigated the mechanism of C(2)-ceramide (C(2))-induced circular smooth muscle cell contraction in cat oesophagus. C(2) produced contraction of smooth muscle cells isolated by enzymatic digestion, peaked at 30 s and was sustained at a plateau at 5 min. The response to C(2) was concentration-dependent. H-7 or chelerythrine inhibited C(2)-induced contraction, while the diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase inhibitor, R59949, had no effect, suggesting that the contraction is protein kinase C (PKC) pathway-dependent. To test if PKC-mediated contraction may be isozyme-specific, we examined the effects of PKC isozymes antibodies on contraction. PKC-epsilon antibody inhibited the contraction by C(2) but not by PKC-betaII or -gamma, suggesting that PKC-epsilon mediates the contraction by C(2). To characterize the specific PKC isozymes that mediate contraction of the smooth muscle cells, we used, as an inhibitor, N-myristoylated peptides (myr-PKC) derived from the pseudosubstrate sequences of PKC-(alpha)(beta)(gamma), -alpha, -delta, or -epsilon. myr-PKC-epsilon only inhibited the contraction, which was concentration-dependent, suggesting that PKC-epsilon isozyme is involved in the contraction. To examine which mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in C(2)-induced contraction, specific MAPK inhibitors (MEK inhibitor, PD98059, and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB202190) are used. Preincubation of PD98059 blocked the contraction induced by C(2) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, SB202190 had no effects on contraction. C(2) increased the intensity of the bands identified by phosphospecific p44/p42 MAPK antibody and preincubation of PD98059 decreased the intensity of bands as compared with C(2)-stimulated cells. In conclusion, C(2) produced the contraction of smooth muscle cells of cat oesophagus. The contraction is mediated by PKC-epsilon, resulting in the activation of p44/p42 MAPK.

Ca2+-controlled competitive diacylglycerol binding of protein kinase C isoenzymes in living cells

The cellular decoding of receptor-induced signaling is based in part on the spatiotemporal activation pattern of PKC isoforms. Because classical and novel PKC isoforms contain diacylglycerol (DAG)-binding C1 domains, they may compete for DAG binding. We reasoned that a Ca2+-induced membrane association of classical PKCs may accelerate the DAG binding and thereby prevent translocation of novel PKCs. Simultaneous imaging of fluorescent PKC fusion proteins revealed that during receptor stimulation, PKC alpha accumulated in the plasma membrane with a diffusion-limited kinetic, whereas translocation of PKC epsilon was delayed and attenuated. In BAPTA-loaded cells, however, a selective translocation of PKC epsilon, but not of coexpressed PKC alpha, was evident. A membrane-permeable DAG analogue displayed a higher binding affinity for PKC epsilon than for PKC alpha. Subsequent photolysis of caged Ca2+ immediately recruited PKC alpha to the membrane, and DAG-bound PKC epsilon was displaced. At low expression levels of PKC epsilon, PKC alpha concentration dependently prevented the PKC epsilon translocation with half-maximal effects at equimolar coexpression. Furthermore, translocation of endogenous PKCs in vascular smooth muscle cells corroborated the model that a competition between PKC isoforms for DAG binding occurs at native expression levels. We conclude that Ca2+-controlled competitive DAG binding contributes to the selective recruitment of PKC isoforms after receptor activation.

Proteasome implication in phorbol ester- and GnRH-induced selective down-regulation of PKC (alpha, epsilon, zeta) in alpha T(3)-1 and L beta T(2) gonadotrope cell lines

We investigated mechanisms underlying selective down-modulation of PKC isoforms (alpha, epsilon, zeta): 1) during 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13 acetate (TPA) (10(-7) M) or GnRH (10(-7) M) desensitization conditions (2- to 6-h treatments) in two gonadotrope cell lines (alpha T(3)-1, L beta T(2)) and 2) in primary pituitary cell cultures from male rats during long-term phorbol ester administration. We demonstrated that, as in alpha T(3)-1 cells, in a more differentiated gonadotrope cell line L beta T(2) the GnRH-receptor coupling (PLC, PLA2, PLD) generated second messengers essential for PKCs activation; the characterized isoforms (alpha, beta II, delta, epsilon, zeta) were selectively and differentially down-regulated by TPA (alpha, beta II, delta, epsilon) or GnRH (delta, epsilon). In whole cell lysates, proteasome inhibitors (proteasome inhibitor I and II, Lactacystin, beta-Lactone, Calpain inhibitor I) prevented in both gonadotrope cell lines the TPA-induced depletion of PKC alpha, epsilon, and the GnRH-elicited PKC epsilon down-regulation; they counteracted in mixed pituitary cell cultures as well, the TPA-evoked PKC alpha, epsilon depletion. In contrast, the inhibitors of calpain(s) and lysosomal proteases (Calpeptin, E64d, Calpain inhibitor II, and PD150606), were ineffective. As shown in alpha T(3)-1 subcellular fractions, proteasome abrogation did not affect membrane translocation of TPA- and GnRH- target isoforms (alpha, epsilon) but, preventing their degradation, favored enzyme accumulation to the membrane compartment. Proteolysis processing of PKCs may be dependent upon their phosphorylated state and/or catalytic activity. Inhibition of PKC catalytic activity (GF109203X, Gö6976), selectively prevented the TPA-evoked PKC alpha depletion in both mixed pituitary cells and alpha T(3)-1 gonadotropes; in alpha T(3)-1 subcellular fractions, PKC alpha inactivation overcame the TPA-evoked isoenzyme degradation by inducing a pronounced membrane accumulation of the isoform without affecting its membrane relocalization. Thus, the proteasome system by adjusting PKC cellular levels, may represent a regulatory proteolytic pathway implicated in the adaptive mechanisms of the time dependent cell responses.

Dominant negative ER induces apoptosis in GH(4) pituitary lactotrope cells and inhibits tumor growth in nude mice

The ER plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of lactotrope tumor cells. GH(4) cells were infected with adenoviral vectors (AdL540Q and Ad1-536) to investigate the ability of dominant negative ER mutants to affect the regulation of gene expression and cell growth by endogenous ER. The dominant negative mutants suppressed estradiol stimulation of an estrogen-responsive reporter gene and the PRL promoter in these cells. AdL540Q or Ad1--536 infection also inhibited GH(4) cell growth and induced apoptosis, increasing the expression of the proapoptotic Bax protein and decreasing the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. AdwtER-infected cells also showed decreased Bcl-2 protein. E2-induced activation of p38 MAPK, an enzyme that may participate in apoptosis, was observed in cells infected with AdwtER, AdL540Q, and Ad1--536. Consistent with the apoptotic effects in vitro, infection of GH(4) cells with AdL540Q or Ad1--536 inhibited the ability of the cells to form tumors in nude mice. These results indicate that dominant negative ER mutants induce apoptosis of GH(4) cells and suppress tumor formation and development. The delivery of dominant negative ERs by adenoviral vectors may provide an alternative modality for the targeted therapy of pituitary lactotrope adenomas and other estrogen-responsive tumors.

Fibroblast growth factor activation of the rat PRL promoter is mediated by PKCdelta

Fibroblast growth factors play a critical role in cell growth, development, and differentiation and are also implicated in the formation and progression of tumors in a variety of tissues including pituitary. We have previously shown that fibroblast growth factor activation of the rat PRL promoter in GH4T2 pituitary tumor cells is mediated via MAP kinase in a Ras/Raf-1-independent manner. Herein we show using biochemical, molecular, and pharmacological approaches that PKCdelta is a critical component of the fibroblast growth factor signaling pathway. PKC inhibitors, or down-regulation of PKC, rendered the rat PRL promoter refractory to subsequent stimulation by fibroblast growth factors, implying a role for PKC in fibroblast growth factor signal transduction. FGFs caused specific translocation of PKCdelta from cytosolic to membrane fractions, consistent with enzyme activation. In contrast, other PKCs expressed in GH4T2 cells (alpha, betaI, betaII, and epsilon) did not translocate in response to fibroblast growth factors. The PKCdelta subtype-selective inhibitor, rottlerin, or expression of a dominant negative PKCdelta adenoviral construct also blocked fibroblast growth factor induction of rat PRL promoter activity, confirming a role for the novel PKCdelta isoform. PKC inhibitors selective for the conventional alpha and beta isoforms or dominant negative PKCalpha adenoviral expression constructs had no effect. Induction of the endogenous PRL gene was also blocked by adenoviral dominant negative PKCdelta expression but not by an analogous dominant negative PKCalpha construct. Finally, rottlerin significantly attenuated FGF-induced MAP kinase phosphorylation. Together, these results indicate that MAP kinase-dependent fibroblast growth factor stimulation of the rat PRL promoter in pituitary cells is mediated by PKCdelta.

Down-regulation of particulate protein kinase Cepsilon and up-regulation of nuclear activator protein-1 DNA binding in liver following in vivo exposure of B6C3F1 male mice to heptachlor epoxide

The effects of in vivo administration of the cyclodiene tumor promoter heptachlor epoxide on mouse liver protein kinase C were studied in male B6C3F1 mice by protein kinase C activity assays and Western blotting under conditions known to increase the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma because protein kinase C is thought to be critical in phorbol ester-induced tumor promotion. Under these test conditions, 20 ppm dietary heptachlor epoxide for 1-20 days increased cytosolic and decreased particulate total protein kinase C activities, while 10 ppm had no effect. Further, total cytosolic and particulate protein kinase C activities were decreased within 1 hour by 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) heptachlor epoxide. Western blotting showed that conventional protein kinase Calpha and beta isoforms were unaffected by heptachlor epoxide. Particulate novel protein kinase Cepsilon, however, was selectively down-regulated by 1, 10, and 20 ppm dietary heptachlor epoxide, whereas the cytosolic isoform was decreased by 1 and 10 ppm heptachlor epoxide for 10 days. The high-dose treatment for 24 hours also decreased particulate novel protein kinase Cepsilon but increased the cytosolic titer. These results demonstrate that this isoform is unique in its sensitivity to heptachlor epoxide. Activator protein-1 DNA binding, a critical factor in tumor promotion, was substantially increased at 3 and 6 hours with 3.7 mg/kg (i.p.) heptachlor epoxide and at 3 and 10 days with 20 ppm dietary heptachlor epoxide. The effects of heptachlor epoxide on protein kinase C and activator protein-1 are similar to those caused by phorbol ester treatments and correlate well to heptachlor levels found to induce tumors in mice. However, heptachlor epoxide did not initially activate protein kinase C with in vivo treatments or with in vitro treatments of a plasma membrane fraction aimed at demonstrating direct activation, as has been shown for phorbol esters. The ability of heptachlor epoxide to down-regulate particulate novel protein kinase Cepsilon correlates to dosages used in in vivo tumor promotion studies. However, this may represent a negative feedback response rather than a causative effect.

Protein kinase C-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and focal adhesion kinase requires cytoskeletal integrity and is uncoupled to mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in human hepatoma cells

Treatment of cultured human hepatoma HepG2 cells with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), results in an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin using anti-phosphotyrosine Western blotting and immunoprecipitation. However, when cells are in suspension or in the presence of cytochalasin D which disrupts the intracellular network of actin microfilaments, TPA loses its ability to stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin but it still activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and induces PKC translocation from cytosol to the membrane in HepG2 cells. On the other hand, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, blocks TPA-induced MAPK activation but has no effect on TPA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Our findings suggest that TPA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK and paxillin in human hepatoma cells is PKC dependent and requires the integrity of the cell cytoskeleton but is uncoupled to the signal transduction pathway of PKC leading to the translocation of PKC and MAPK activation.

Intracellular pH on translocation of protein kinase C isozymes in rat pinealocytes

In rat pinealocytes, cytoplasmic alkalization causes protein kinase C (PKC) translocation, but the isozyme involved is not known. In this study, we investigated the effect of cytoplasmic alkalization on membrane-associated PKCalpha, delta, epsilon, and zeta, four isozymes present in the rat pineal gland. Treatment with NH(4)Cl, which had no effect on PKCzeta, caused a sustained increase in membrane-associated PKCalpha, delta, and epsilon that lasted for at least 60 min. The effect of NH(4)Cl on PKCalpha, delta, and epsilon was reduced by sodium propionate, an agent that counteracts the effect of NH(4)Cl on intracellular pH. Both sodium propionate and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA), two treatments that abolished the effect of norepinephrine on cytoplasmic alkalization, also reduced norepinephrine-mediated increases in membrane-associated PKCalpha, delta, and epsilon. In contrast, these two treatments did not have an effect on the increase in membrane-associated PKC isozymes caused by 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an active phorbol ester, even though HMA was effective in abolishing PMA-mediated increases in intracellular pH. These results, apart from demonstrating that cytoplasmic alkalization by itself can cause translocation of PKCalpha, delta, and epsilon in rat pinealocytes, also indicate that the norepinephrine-stimulated cytoplasmic alkalization plays an important role in transducing signals from the adrenergic receptor to selective PKC isozymes. However, PKC translocation stimulated directly by PMA does not appear to be sensitive to changes in intracellular pH.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone and epidermal growth factor regulate iron-regulatory protein binding in pituitary cells via protein kinase C-dependent and -independent signaling pathways

Intracellular iron homeostasis is regulated, in part, by interactions between iron-regulatory proteins (IRP1 and IRP2) and iron-responsive elements (IREs) in ferritin and transferrin receptor mRNAs. In addition to iron, cellular oxidative stress induced by H(2)O(2), nitric oxide, and hypoxia, and hormonal activation by thyroid hormone and erythropoeitin have each been shown to regulate IRP binding to IREs. Hormonal signals, in particular mediated through protein kinase C (PKC), play a central role in the modulation of IRP/IRE interactions since phorbol esters were shown to activate IRP binding (Eisenstein, R. S., Tuazon, P. T., Schalinske, K. L., Anderson, S. A., and Traugh, J. A. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 27363-27370). In pituitary thyrotrophs (TtT97), we found that thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) increased IRP binding to a ferritin IRE, dependent on PKC and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. In contrast, TRH and EGF decreased IRP binding in pituitary lactotrophs (GH3), despite activation of PKC and MAPK. IRP1 and IRP2 levels remained constant and IRP2 binding was predominant throughout. TRH and EGF markedly decreased IRP binding in MAPK kinase inhibitor-treated GH3 cells, whereas, they increased IRP binding in phosphatase inhibitor-treated GH3 cells. IRE-dependent CAT reporter translational expression closely reflected IRP binding to the ferritin IRE in both GH3 and TtT97 cells. Interestingly, ferritin protein levels were regulated similarly by TRH in both cell lines. These data link two different cell receptor systems to common signaling pathways that regulate IRP binding and ferritin expression. Remarkably, for TRH and EGF, these effects may be PKC-dependent or -independent determined by the cell type.

The D2s dopamine receptor stimulates phospholipase D activity: a novel signaling pathway for dopamine

The D2 dopamine receptor isoforms signal to a variety of cellular effectors in both the central nervous system and periphery. Two alternative splice forms of the D2 dopamine receptor exist, the D2s (short) and D2l (long), which has an insertion of 29 amino acids in the third intracellular loop (). In cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary, D2 dopamine receptors (both forms) are present on lactotroph cells coupled to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, activation of voltage-gated calcium channels, and inhibition of potassium channels. We describe here a novel signaling pathway for the D2s, which is the activation of phospholipase D (PLD). GH4C1 cells, a clonal line derived from a rat pituitary tumor, were stably transfected with the gene encoding the D2s, generating GH4-121 cells. Treatment of GH4-121 cells with a dopaminergic agonist resulted in activation of PLD in both a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. This signaling pathway was not inhibited by prior treatment of cells with pertussis toxin at concentrations that ablate other D2s receptor signaling in this cell line. The stimulation of PLD activity by D2s appeared to correlate with the presence of a specific protein kinase C isoform, PKCepsilon. The D2s stimulation of PLD activity was blocked by preincubation of cells with C3 exoenzyme, indicating that the stimulation of PLD may involve Rho family members. The stimulation of PLD by dopaminergic agonists took place in the absence of any detectable stimulation of phosphoinositide metabolism.

Cellular distribution of isozymes of protein kinase C in septal olfactory epithelium of mice

To determine the presence of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in the septal olfactory epithelium of mice (mSOE), western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed using antibodies against PKC isozymes. With the exception of PKC-betaI, all of the PKC isozymes were detected in the whole lysate of septal tissue layer and apparent molecular weights for each isoform were found. PKC-alpha, PKC-gamma and PKC-epsilon were detected in the olfactory glandular cells of the lamina propria, and PKC-betaI and PKC-betaII were located in the microvillar cells. Neither novel PKC nor atypical PKC was detected in olfactory glandular cells or microvillar cells, except for PKC-epsilon. PKC-lambda was localized in the mucous layer of the mSOE. Meanwhile, PKC-delta and PKC-xi were distributed in the receptor cells in the mSOE. These data demonstrate the isoform-specific expression of PKC in mSOE and suggest a role for the novel and atypical types of PKC in olfactory transduction.

The alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype- and protein kinase C isoform-dependence of Norepinephrine's actions in cardiomyocytes

Catecholamines modulate cardiac function at least in part through alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors linked to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). This study examines the molecular forms of the alpha(1)-receptor and PKC that mediate norepinephrine's actions in cardiomyocytes; distinct approaches (activation-dependent down-regulation of PKC isoforms) and novel reagents (A61603, an alpha(1A/c)-receptor agonist) are used to resolve this issue which has been the focus of dispute in previous studies. Norepinephrine (NE) induces a rise in diacylglycerol levels which is sustained for 24 h and is associated with the translocation (at 5 min) and down-regulation (at 24 h) of PKC delta and PKC xi (but not PKC alpha). The selective targeting of the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor to activate novel PKC isoforms is remarkable, given an 8-fold greater abundance of PKC alpha relative to PKC xi in this preparation. NE activates the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) subfamily of mitogen-activated protein kinases through a PKC delta/PKC xi -dependent pathway. WB-4101 (alpha(1A/c)- and alpha(1D)-receptor antagonist) and 5-methylurapidil (alpha(1A/c)-receptor antagonist) inhibit norepinephrine-dependent accumulation of inositol phosphate and diacylglycerol, down-regulation of PKC delta and PKC xi, and activation of ERK. Each of these responses is stimulated by A61603, but not attenuated by high concentrations of chloroethylclonidine (which irreversibly inactivates the alpha(1B)-, and to a lesser extent, the alpha(1D)-receptor) or BMY 7378 (selective alpha(1D)-receptor antagonist). A61603 also activates p38-MAPK and induces hypertrophy. These studies establish that NE's actions in cardiomyocytes can be attributed to the alpha(1A/c)-adrenergic receptor subtype and nPKC isoforms, thereby identifying specific targets for the development of pharmaceuticals to influence cardiac contractile function and/or growth responses.

Protein kinase C potentiates capacitative Ca2+ entry that links to steroidogenesis in bovine adrenocortical cells

I investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulation of the capacitative Ca2+ entry and steroidogenesis in bovine adrenocortical (BA) cells. Thapsigargin (TG)-treatment depleted intracellular Ca2+ stores followed by induction of Ca2+ influx from the extracellular pool and also increasing of Mn2+ influx as an indicator of divalent cation influx in BA cells. Calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, inhibited the TG-induced [Ca2+]i elevation dose-dependently (0.1-1 microM) and attenuated Mn2+ entry. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of PKC, potentiated the elevation of [Ca2+]i and enhanced Mn2+ entry by TG treatment. These results suggest that PKC may modulate capacitative Ca2+ entry in BA cells. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, TG enhanced cortisol production in BA cells. Calphostin C attenuated the TG-induced steroidogenesis dose-dependently (0.25-1 microM). PMA enhanced the steroidogenesis dose-dependently (1-100 nM). These results suggested that PKC may have a modulatory effect on the capacitative Ca2+ entry that links to steroidogenesis in BA cells.

A role for the mitogen-activated protein kinase in mediating the ability of thyrotropin-releasing hormone to stimulate the prolactin promoter

The hypothalamic hormone, TRH, stimulates PRL secretion and gene transcription. We have examined the possibility that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) may play a role in mediating TRH effects on the PRL gene. TRH was found to stimulate sustained activation of MAPK in PRL-producing, GH3 cells, consistent with a possible role in transcriptional regulation. A kinase-defective, interfering MAPK kinase (MAPKK) mutant reduced TRH induction of the PRL promoter. Treatment with the MAPKK inhibitor, PD98059, blocked TRH-induced activation of MAPK and also reduced TRH induction of a PRL-luciferase reporter gene, confirming that MAPK activation is necessary for TRH effects on PRL gene expression. Previous studies have demonstrated that the PRL promoter contains binding sites for members of the Ets family of transcription factors, which are important for mediating MAPK responsiveness of the PRL promoter. Mutation of specific Ets sites within the PRL promoter reduced responsiveness to both TRH and MAPK. The finding that DNA elements required for MAPK responsiveness of the PRL gene colocalize with DNA elements required for TRH responsiveness further supports a role for MAPK in mediating TRH effects on the PRL gene. We also explored the signaling mechanisms that link the TRH receptor to MAPK induction. Occupancy of the TRH receptor results in activation of protein kinase C (PKC) as well as increases in the concentration of Ca2+ due to release from intracellular stores and entry of Ca2+ through Ca2+ channels. A PKC inhibitor, GF109203X, and an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, nimodipine, both partially reduced TRH-induced MAPK activation and PRL promoter activity. The effects of the two inhibitors were additive. These studies are consistent with a signaling pathway involving PKC- and Ca2+-dependent activation of MAPK, which leads to phosphorylation of an Ets transcription factor and activation of the PRL promoter.

Adrenergic regulation of translocation of protein kinase C isozymes in rat pinealocytes

Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the alpha1-adrenergic-potentiation of beta-adrenergic stimulated cyclic nucleotide responses in rat pinealocytes. In the present study, the PKC isozymes expressed in rat pinealocytes and their regulation by norepinephrine (NE) were investigated. Western blot analysis identified PKC alpha (a classical PKC isozyme), PKC delta and epsilon (novel PKC isozymes), and PKC zeta: (atypical PKC isozymes). NE caused an increase in PKC alpha, delta, and epsilon, but not PKC zeta, in the particulate fraction. BAPTA-AM, which clamps intracellular Ca2+, reduced NE mediated translocation of PKC alpha, delta, and epsilon. Subjecting the animals to stimulus deprivation, which altered adrenergic-stimulated cyclic nucleotide responses, had no effect on the expression of PKC alpha, delta, epsilon, and zeta. Overnight treatment with 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of PKC, down-regulated PKC alpha, delta, and epsilon, but not PKC zeta. Our results indicate that all three classes of PKC isozymes (PKC alpha, delta, epsilon, and zeta are expressed in the rat pineal gland. However, selective activation of these PKC isozymes does not appear to account for the differences in the pineal cAMP and cGMP responses to stimulation.

Overexpression of protein kinase C-epsilon and its regulatory domains in fibroblasts inhibits phorbol ester-induced phospholipase D activity

In fibroblasts, the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulates phospholipase D (PLD)-mediated hydrolysis of both phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) by PKC-alpha-mediated nonphosphorylating and phosphorylating mechanisms. Here we have used NIH 3T3 fibroblasts overexpressing holo PKC-epsilon and its regulatory, catalytic, and zinc finger domain fragments to determine if this isozyme also regulates PLD activity. Overexpression of holo PKC-epsilon inhibited the stimulatory effects of PMA (5-100 nM) on both PtdCho and PtdEtn hydrolysis. Overexpression of PKC-epsilon also was found to inhibit platelet-derived growth factor-induced PLD activity. Expression of the catalytic unit of PKC-epsilon had no effect on PMA-induced PLD activity. In contrast, expression of both the regulatory domain fragment and the zinc finger domain of PKC-epsilon resulted in significant inhibition of PMA-stimulated PtdCho and PtdEtn hydrolysis. Interestingly, although PKC-alpha also mediates the stimulatory effect of PMA on the synthesis of PtdCho by a phosphorylation mechanism, overexpression of holo PKC-epsilon or its regulatory domain fragments did not affect PMA-induced PtdCho synthesis. These results indicate that the PKC-epsilon system can act as a negative regulator of PLD activity and that this inhibition is mediated by its regulatory domain.

Protein kinase C and the cytoskeleton

The protein kinase C family of serine-threonine kinases are important signal transducers participating in many different agonist-induced signalling cascades. PKC is activated by increases in diacylglycerol produced in response to agonist-induced hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids. PKC is thought to reside in the cytosol in an inactive conformation and translocate to the plasma membrane upon cell activation where it modifies various cellular functions through phosphorylation of target substrates. Increasing evidence has illustrated that this family of enzymes is capable of translocating to other subcellular sites than the plasma membrane. A key to understanding the functions of the members of this family is identifying their physiological substrates and their relationship with those target substrates. The idea that PKC may be an important regulator of cytoskeletal function has been suggested by numerous studies. Activation of PKC in a variety of different cell types leads to changes in the cell cytoskeleton including lymphocyte surface receptor capping, smooth muscle contraction and actin rearrangement in T cells and neutrophils. Given the ubiquitous expression of PKC and the diversity of cytoskeletons in different cell types it is not surprising that PKC has been shown to be associated with and/or phosphorylate a wide range of cytoskeletal components. This review examines the interaction of PKC with the cytoskeleton and discusses some of the cytoskeletal functions ascribed to PKC to date.

Somatostatin inhibition of growth hormone release in goldfish: possible targets of intracellular mechanisms of action

Previous studies have demonstrated that growth hormone (GH) release in goldfish is under the stimulatory control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and dopamine and the inhibitory control of somatostatin (SRIF). GnRH stimulation is mediated through protein kinase C (PKC)- and calcium-dependent mechanisms, whereas dopamine D1 receptor activation increases GH secretion through cyclic (c) AMP-dependent intracellular signal transduction pathways. In this study, the mechanisms of SRIF inhibition on GH secretion were examined using primary cultures of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells in static incubation. Application of 1 microM SRIF inhibited the GH-release responses to 100 nM salmon GnRH, 100 nM chicken GnRH-II, and 1 microM SKF38393, a D1 agonist. These results indicate that inhibitory action of SRIF on stimulated GH release is direct, at the level of the pituitary cells. Addition of SRIF reduced the GH release responses to two activators of PKC (100 microM dioctanoyl glycerol and 100 nM tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate) and to two ionophores (10 microM A23187 and 10 microM ionomycin). Similarly, SRIF abolished the GH responses to an activator of adenylate cyclase (10 microM forskolin), a membrane-permeant cAMP analog (1 mM 8-bromo-cAMP), and a voltage-sensitive calcium channel agonist (1 microM Bay K 8644). Taken together, these observations indicate that the inhibitory actions of SRIF on D1- and GnRH-stimulated GH release can be exerted at sites distal to cAMP production and PKC activation, respectively. SRIF also exerts its effect at sites distal to calcium mobilization. Since SRIF inhibition was more effective against Bay K 8644-induced response than against ionophore-induced GH response, an inhibitory action at the level of extracellular calcium entry through voltage-sensitive channels is also possible.

Okadaic acid interferes with phorbol-ester-mediated down-regulation of protein kinase C-alpha, C-delta and C-epsilon

A prolonged cell exposure of all examined cell types to tumour-promoting phorbol esters leads to a substantial inactivation and degradation of protein kinase C (PKC), a phenomenon known as down-regulation. With a combination of one- and two-dimensional immunoblot analyses we have previously shown the existence in PC12 cells of distinct PKC-alpha forms that differentially respond to cell treatment with phorbol ester [Gatti, A. & Robinson, P. J. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 31 718-31722]. Using the same experimental model, in the present study we investigated a possible relationship between PKC-alpha phosphorylation and its down-regulation. The exposure of PC12 cells to okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of biologically relevant protein phosphatases, was found to partially protect PKC-alpha against phorbol-ester-mediated down-regulation. Further, a similar protective effect of okadaic acid was observed for PKC-delta and PKC-epsilon, which are also expressed in PC12 cells. These results indicate that the tumour-promoting activity of okadaic acid itself may be due to a sustained phosphorylation of PKC.

Characterization of DNA regions mediating the ability of Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II to stimulate prolactin promoter activity

The ability of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMKs) to regulate transcription of the rat prolactin (PRL) gene has been examined. We found that KN-62, a potent inhibitor of CaM kinases, blunted the ability of TRH to activate the prolactin promoter. Transfection experiments using expression plasmids for constitutively active forms of CaMKI, CaMKII, or CaMKIV show that CaMKII is the most effective activator of prolactin promoter expression. Deletion studies demonstrated that the upstream boundary of sequences necessary to respond to CaMKII is located within the distal enhancer of the prolactin gene. Neither the distal enhancer alone nor the proximal region of the prolactin gene are sufficient to mediate a response to CaMKII. Mutational analysis suggests that several Pit-1 binding sites contribute to CaMKII responsiveness. These findings suggest that CaMKII responsiveness of the prolactin promoter requires multiple factor binding sites in both the distal and proximal regions of the gene.

TPA induces translocation but not down-regulation of new PKC isoform eta in macrophages, MDCK cells and astrocytes

New type protein kinase C (PKC) eta was found to be expressed in RAW 264.7 and J774A.1 macrophages, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and astrocytes by Western blot analysis. Both cytosol and membrane in macrophages and astrocytes express this isoform, however, the expression in the membrane is more abundant than that in the cytosol. On the other hand, only membrane PKC eta was detected in MDCK cells. Exposure of the cells to 1 microM TPA for 10 min resulted in the translocation of PKC eta from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction. This translocation maintained at a constant level after 1.5, 3, 6 and 24 h TPA treatment. However, another new type PKC delta which expressed in the macrophages and astrocytes was down-regulated after long-term (6 and 24 h) TPA treatment. The immunoreactive band of PKC eta in J774A.1 macrophages was blocked by the control PKC eta antigenic peptide. Incubation of RAW 264.7 macrophages with UTP (1, 10 and 100 microM) resulted in the accumulation of inositol phosphates, indicating the presence of P2 receptor-coupled PLC pathway in these cells. This natural activator UTP also induced translocation of PKC eta from cytosol to the membrane in RAW 264.7 macrophages after 1, 5 or 10 min treatment. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that in RAW 264.7 cells, PKC eta is located in the cytoplasm organelle, plasma membrane and nuclear envelope. Stimulation of the cells with TPA resulted in translocation to the plasma membrane. This translocation of PKC eta was still apparent after 24 h treatment with TPA.

Pemphigus IgG activates and translocates protein kinase C from the cytosol to the particulate/cytoskeleton fractions in human keratinocytes

We have demonstrated previously that pemphigus vulgaris (PV)-IgG induces activation of phospholipase C (PLC), production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, and a rapid transient increase in [Ca2+]i in cultured human keratinocytes, leading to secretion of plasminogen activator and cell-cell detachment in cell culture. In the current study, to examine the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mechanism of blister formation in PV, we studied the PV-IgG-induced translocation of PKC isozymes from the cytosol to the particulate/cytoskeleton (p/c) fractions and the activation of PKC in human keratinocytes. Cells cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium were incubated with PV-IgGs for 30 s, 1 min, 5 min, or 30 min. PV-IgG binding to the cell surface antigen (desmoglein III) induced translocation of PKC-alpha from the cytosol to the p/c fractions within 30 s, with a peak at 1 min that lasted at least 30 min. PKC-delta also was translocated within 1 min and reached a peak at 5 min but was reduced to basal levels at 30 min. Alternatively, PKC-eta translocation to the p/c fraction was induced slowly, taking more than 5 min, and was reduced to approximately half-maximum at 30 min, whereas PKC-zeta translocation reached a maximum at 30 s, rapidly returning to baseline by 5 min after PV-IgG stimulation. The total PKC activity in the p/c fraction also was increased after PV-IgG exposure, peaked at 1 min, and was sustained for at least 30 min. These findings suggest that a unique activation profile of PKC isomers may be involved in mediating the intracellular signaling events induced by PV-IgG binding to desmoglein III in cultured human keratinocytes.

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced dephosphorylation of protein kinase Calpha correlates with the presence of a membrane-associated protein phosphatase 2A heterotrimer

Protein kinase C signaling is desensitized through a combination of dephosphorylation and proteolysis in intact cells. The process of dephosphorylation is analyzed here, as well as its relationship to degradation. It is established for protein kinase Calpha that dephosphorylation occurs in a membrane compartment following activation and temporally preceding significant degradation. The phosphatase responsible for the dephosphorylation appears to be a heterotrimeric type 2A phosphatase, which is shown to be in part constitutively membrane associated. Consistent with a role for this activity, okadaic acid is shown to inhibit the phorbol ester-induced dephosphorylation of protein kinase C that occurs in intact cells. Furthermore, phorbol ester-induced down-regulation of protein kinase Calpha is shown not to be dependent on the rate of dephosphorylation, indicating that these desensitizing pathways may operate in parallel.

Protein kinase C-alpha is multiply phosphorylated in response to phorbol ester stimulation of PC12 cells

The protein kinase C (PKC) family consists of a number of closely related isotypes, whose in vivo phosphorylation state is regulated in a dynamic fashion by the enzyme's activators. We have investigated here the changes in PKC phosphorylation in response to phorbol ester. Using a combination of hydroxylapatite chromatography and immunoblot with isotype-specific antibodies, we identified PKC-alpha, -delta, -epsilon, and -zeta as the isotypes expressed in PC12 cells. A two-dimensional immunoblot approach was then developed to measure the changes in the phosphorylation state of PKC-alpha before and after exposure of intact PC12 cells to phorbol ester. We found a pool of four differentially migrating PKC-alpha forms in untreated cells, which undergoes an acidic shift after phorbol ester. Furthermore, a similar shift in the two-dimensional immunoblot profile of PKC-alpha was the result of the enzyme autophosphorylation upon in vitro treatment with a combination of phosphatidylserine and phorbol ester, an effect which was enhanced by co-application of purified bovine lung cGMP-dependent protein kinase-I (PKG-I). These results demonstrate a multiple phosphorylation of PKC-alpha in untreated PC12 cells and suggest that various levels of autophosphorylation and trans-phosphorylation of this isoenzyme may occur in response to phorbol ester.

Inhibition of cellular growth and induction of apoptosis in pituitary adenoma cell lines by the protein kinase C inhibitor hypericin: potential therapeutic application

Protein kinase C (PKC) is an enzyme involved in the regulation of cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation in a number of tissues including the anterior pituitary, in which it is also believed to play a role in hormone secretion. Protein kinase C activity and expression have been found to be greater in adenomatous pituitary cells than in normal human and rat pituitary cells and higher in invasive pituitary tumor cells than in noninvasive ones. Inhibition of PKC activity has been shown in a variety of tumor cells to inhibit growth in a dose-related fashion. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether hypericin, a potent inhibitor of PKC activity that may be administered clinically, alters the growth and proliferation in established pituitary adenoma lines and to determine if inhibition of PKC activity induces apoptosis, as reported in some other tumor cell types. Two established pituitary adenoma cell lines, AtT-20 and GH4C1, were treated with hypericin in tissue culture for defined periods following passage. Inhibition of growth was found to be dose dependent in all three cell lines in low micromolar concentrations of hypericin, as determined by viable cell counts, methylthiotetrazole assay, and [3H]thymidine uptake studies. Concentrations of hypericin as low as 100 nM also induced apoptosis in these established lines, whereas treatment of normal human fibroblasts with a concentration of 10 microM failed to induce apoptosis. The potential use of hypericin in the therapy of pituitary adenomas warrants additional in vitro investigations with the aim of later moving toward therapeutic trials in selected patients in whom surgical or medical therapy has failed.

Degradation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors during cell stimulation is a specific process mediated by cysteine protease activity

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors are down-regulated in response to chronic activation of certain cell surface receptors because their degradation is accelerated. Studies on the nature of the down-regulatory process and the protease(s) responsible for receptor degradation are described here. InsP3 receptor down-regulation was not accompanied by parallel changes in the concentrations of several other relevant proteins (endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and protein kinases alpha and epsilon). Thus, the down-regulatory process selectively targets InsP3 receptors for degradation. Furthermore, down-regulation was unaffected by brefeldin A and NH4Cl, indicating that InsP3 receptor degradation occurs without removal of receptors from the endoplasmic reticulum and independently of functional lysosomes. Analysis of InsP3 receptor immunofluorescence confirmed that the receptors are not redistributed prior to or during down-regulation. Finally, of a range of protease inhibitors tested, only N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal blocked down-regulation. Thus, cysteine protease activity accounts for InsP3 receptor degradation and analysis of proteolysis in permeabilized cells indicates that this activity is calpain. Thus, InsP3 receptor down-regulation appears to result from the highly selective calpain-mediated degradation of InsP3 receptors. Calpain activity may be stimulated by the high concentrations of Ca2+ that are thought to be found in the vicinity of activated InsP3 receptors.

Pharmacological characterization of desensitization in a human mGlu1 alpha-expressing non-neuronal cell line co-transfected with a glutamate transporter

1. Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by human mGlu1 alpha (HmGlu1 alpha) was examined in a non-neuronal cell line (AV12-664) co-expressing both HmGlu1 alpha and a rat glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST). 2. Desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha could be elicited by inhibition of the GLAST transporter with the glutamate uptake inhibitor, L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (trans-PDC). Maximal inhibition of HmGlu1 alpha-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was induced upon 24 h pretreatment with trans-PDC. The concentration of glutamate in the extracellular medium also rose significantly in cells pretreated with trans-PDC. Glutamate levels increased upon incubation with trans-PDC in a time-dependent manner, with maximal glutamate levels attained after 24 h incubation with trans-PDC. 3. The time required for desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha by trans-PDC was compared to the time course for desensitization elicited by the direct-acting mGlu receptor agonists, 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) and (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5-DHPG). Both direct-acting mGlu receptor agonists elicited desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha more rapidly than did trans-PDC, with maximal inhibition of agonist-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis upon 12 h pretreatment. Agonist-induced desensitization could be fully reversed upon washout of agonist for 12 h. 4. Both mGlu receptor agonist- and trans-PDC-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha could be blocked by inclusion of (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), an mGlu receptor antagonist, in the pretreatment medium. 5. Agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis by HmGlu1 alpha was found to parallel closely agonist-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha. Thus, the EC50 values for 1S,3R-ACPD- and 3,5-DHPG-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis were similar to the EC50 values for eliciting desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha. 6. These studies demonstrate desensitization of recombinant human mGlu1 alpha receptor in a non-neuronal cell line in which the receptor can be regulated by direct activation or by manipulation of glutamate transporter activity. Desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha was found to be mediated by activation of the receptor since the mGlu receptor antagonist, MCPG, blocked both mGlu receptor agonist- and trans-PDC-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha. Furthermore, agonist-induced desensitization of HmGlu1 alpha was found to parallel receptor-mediated stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis.

NO2-induced expression of specific protein kinase C isoforms and generation of phosphatidylcholine-derived diacylglycerol in cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells

The present study examines whether nitrogen dioxide (NO2)-induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is associated with increased expression of specific PKC isoforms and/or with enhanced generation of phosphatidylcholine(PC)-derived diacylglycerol (DAG) in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC). Western blot analysis revealed that exposure to 5 ppm NO2 resulted in increased expression of PKC alpha and epsilon isoforms in both cytosol and membrane fractions in a time-dependent fashion compared with controls. A time-dependent elevated expression of PKC isoform beta was observed in the cytosol fraction only of N02-exposed cells. PKC isoform gamma was not detectable in either the cytosolic or membrane fractions from control or N02-exposed cells. Scatchard analysis of [3h]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) binding showed that exposure to N02 for 24 h increased the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) from 15.2 +/- 2.3 pmol/mg (control) to 42.3 +/- 5.3 pmol/mg (p < 0.01, n = 4) (NO2-exposed). Exposure to NO2 significantly increased PC specific-phospholipase C and phospholipase D activities in the plasma membrane of PAEC (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). When [3H]-myristic acid-labeled cells were exposed to NO2, significantly increased radioactivity was associated with cellular DAG. These results show for the first time that exposure of PAEC to NO2 results in elevated expression of specific PKC isoforms and in enhanced generation of cellular DAG, and the latter appears to arise largely from the hydrolysis of plasma membrane PC.

Regulation of phospholipase D by protein kinase C

In nearly all mammalian cells and tissues examined, protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to serve as a major regulator of a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D (PLD) activity. At least 12 distinct isoforms of PKC have been described so far; of these enzymes only the alpha- and beta-isoforms were found to regulate PLD activity. While the mechanism of this regulation has remained unknown, available evidence suggests that both phosphorylating and non-phosphorylating mechanisms may be involved. A phosphatidylcholine-specific PLD activity was recently purified from pig lung, but its possible regulation by PKC has not been reported yet. Several cell types and tissues appear to express additional forms of PLD which can hydrolyze either phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylinositol. It has also been reported that at least one form of PLD can be activated by oncogenes, but not by PKC activators. Similar to activated PKC, some of the primary and secondary products of PLD-mediated phospholipid hydrolysis, including phosphatidic acid, 1,2-diacylglycerol, choline phosphate and ethanolamine, also exhibit mitogenic/co-mitogenic effects in cultured cells. Furthermore, both the PLD and PKC systems have been implicated in the regulation of vesicle transport and exocytosis. Recently the PLD enzyme has been cloned and the tools of molecular biology to study its biological roles will soon be available. Using specific inhibitors of growth regulating signals and vesicle transport, so far no convincing evidence has been reported to support the role of PLD in the mediation of any of the above cellular effects of activated PKC.

Identification of protein kinase C isoforms in rat mesenteric small arteries and their possible role in agonist-induced contraction

We have identified immunologically the protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms present in rat mesenteric small arteries, defined their distribution between particulate and soluble fractions, and studied their involvement in phorbol ester-induced contraction. Our analysis revealed the presence of the CA(2+)-dependent PKCs (alpha and gamma), Ca(2+)-independent PKCs (delta and epsilon), and the atypical isoform (zeta). PKCbeta could not be detected, whereas PKCgamma is likely to be of neural origin. All isoforms exhibited different distributions. PKCalpha, PKCepsilon, and PKCzeta were found in both particulate and soluble fractions. In contrast, PKCdelta was mainly in the particulate fraction, and PKCgamma was in the soluble fraction. Phorbol esters, which activate PKC and cause smooth muscle contraction, downregulated only the alpha and delta isoforms. This was associated with a parallel loss of contractile response to phorbol ester. The force developed to submaximal concentrations of noradrenaline was decreased after phorbol dibutyrate pretreatment, although the sensitivity and maximal response were unchanged. Phorbol ester pretreatment did not affect the contractile response to vasopressin. The sensitivity to non-receptor-mediated contraction, caused by k+ in the presence of prazosin, was slightly reduced by 4 alpha- and 4 beta-phorbol ester pretreatment. Maximal tension in response to this agonist was not affected. We conclude that PKCalpha and/or PKCdelta is necessary for phorbol ester-mediated contraction but is not essential for noradrenaline-, vasopressin-, or k(+)-induced contraction, demonstrating differences in the mechanisms involved in the contractile response between these agents.

Selective translocation of non-conventional protein kinase C isoenzymes by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the gonadotrope-derived alpha T3-1 cell line

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone acts via G-protein coupled receptors to stimulate polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PIC) with consequent elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Whereas Ca2+ is known to mediate stimulation of exocytotic gonadotropin release by GnRH, the identity of the PKC isoenzymes activated by GnRH and their physiological role in gonadotropes are poorly understood. In many systems translocation of PKC (from cytosolic to particulate fractions of cellular homogenates) has been taken as evidence of hormonal activation of PKC and down regulation of PKC (by prolonged treatment with PKC-activating phorbol esters) has been used extensively to investigate the role of PKC in hormone action. Here we have assessed the influence of GnRH and phorbol esters on translocation and down regulation of PKC isoenzymes identified by Western blotting with isoenzyme-specific antibodies in alpha T3-1 cells (a gonadotrope-derived cell line). These cells were found to posses PKCs alpha, epsilon and zeta but not beta, delta (present in rat pituitaries) or gamma (present in rat brains). In short-term stimulations (10 min), the PKC-activating phorbol esters, PMA and PDBu, caused concentration-dependent increases in the proportion of PKC alpha and PKC epsilon recovered from the particulate fraction of alpha T3-1 cells, but did not induce measurable translocation of PKC zeta. The inactive phorbol ester 4 alpha PDBu did not cause translocation of any of these isoenzymes. GnRH treatment induced a concentration-dependent increase in the proportion of particulate PKC epsilon and PKC zeta but had no measurable effect on PKC alpha translocation. In longer incubations (6-48 h) GnRH failed to cause measurable down-regulation of these isoenzymes whereas PMA treatment led to a clear down regulation of PKCs alpha and epsilon (albeit with different kinetics). The data demonstrate the differential activation and down regulation of PKC isoenzymes by GnRH versus PMA, which are clearly pertinent to the design of experiments intended to address the role of such isoenzymes in GnRH action. Moreover, they provide the first demonstration of hormonal regulation of an atypical PKC isoenzyme (PKC zeta) in pituitary cells.