Increased phosphorylation of specific nuclear proteins in superior cervical ganglia and PC12 cells in response to nerve growth factor

Nucleolin is a protein kinase C-zeta substrate. Connection between cell surface signaling and nucleus in PC12 cells

We have previously shown that protein kinase C (PKC)-zeta is activated and required for nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells (Wooten, M. W., Zhou, G., Seibenhener, M. L., and Coleman, E. S. (1994) Cell Growth & Diff. 5, 395-403; Coleman, E. S., and Wooten, M. W. (1994) J. Mol. Neurosci. 5, 39-57). Here we report the characterization and identification of a 106-kDa nuclear protein as a specific substrate of PKC-zeta. NGF treatment of PC12 cells resulted in translocation of PKC-zeta and coincident phosphorylation of a protein that was localized within the nucleoplasm of nuclei isolated from PC12 cells. Addition of PKC-zeta pseudosubstrate peptide in vitro or myristoylated peptide in vivo diminished phosphorylation of pp106 in a dose-dependent fashion. Likewise, addition of purified PKC-zeta, but neither PKC-alpha nor delta, to nuclear extracts resulted in an incremental increase in the phosphorylation of pp106. Expression of dominant-negative PKC-zeta inhibited NGF-induced phosphorylation of pp106, by comparison overexpression of PKC-zeta enhanced basal phosphorylation without a noticeable effect upon NGF-induced effects. Amino acid sequence analysis of four peptides derived from purified pp106 revealed that this protein was homologous to nucleolin. Using an in vitro reconstitution system, purified nucleolin was likewise shown to be phosphorylated by purified PKC-zeta. The staining intensity of both enzyme and substrate in the nucleus increased upon treatment with NGF. In vivo labeling with 32Pi and stimulation of PC12 cells with NGF followed by immunoprecipitation with anti-nucleolin antibody corroborated the in vitro approach documenting enhanced phosphorylation of nucleolin by NGF treatment. Taken together, the findings presented herein document that nucleolin is a target of PKC-zeta that serves to relay NGF signals from cell surface to nucleus in PC12 cells.

Viral persistent infection affects both transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of neuron-specific molecule GAP43

Recently, we reported that in vitro and in vivo persistent infection of neurons by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) downregulated GAP43 expression, a protein involved in neuronal plasticity associated with learning and memory. Here, we investigated the transcriptional and posttranscriptional events involved. Persistent LCMV infection of PC12 cells (PC12Pi) caused reduced levels of GAP43 steady-state mRNA when compared to uninfected PC12 cells. In addition, an increase in the steady-state levels of GAP43 mRNA observed in PC12 cells in response to nerve growth factor (NGF) was abrogated in PC12Pi cells. Nuclear run-on analysis revealed that the rate of GAP43 transcription was reduced threefold in PC12Pi cells compared to uninfected PC12 cells. Moreover, analysis of the half-life of GAP43 mRNA indicated that NGF-mediated stabilization of GAP43 transcripts was significantly diminished in PC12Pi cells. Treatment of PC12Pi cells with basic fibroblast growth factor, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and 12-o-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate, a potent activator of protein kinase C, did not increase the GAP43 mRNA steady-state level, suggesting that LCMV infection interferes with a step downstream from protein kinases A and C in the NGF signal transduction pathway.

Correlation of gp140trk expression and NGF-induced neuroblast chemotaxis in the embryonic rat spinal cord

During rat embryogenesis, fibers containing nerve growth factor (NGF) are present near the target destinations of migratory spinal neuroblasts, suggesting that diffusible gradients of NGF provide signals to newly generated neurons in the developing cord. In vitro, pM concentrations of NGF induce neuroblast chemotaxis (directed migration along a chemical gradient), indicating evoked motility is mediated by high-affinity receptors. Binding of 125I-labelled NGF to fetal cord cells provides additional evidence that rat spinal neuroblasts express the high-affinity receptors; however, their presence has not been directly demonstrated. In the present study, we used immunocytochemistry to show that the high-affinity NGF receptor protein, gp140trk (trk) is detectable in embryonic spinal tissue sections and in cord dissociates. Correlation of trk expression with NGF-induced chemotaxis revealed that both the receptor protein expression and functional responses to NGF develop along a ventro-dorsal gradient that parallels the in vivo pattern of neurogenesis and migration. Analysis of the temporal changes in trk immunoreactivity demonstrated that expression of gp140trk is bimodal, possibly reflecting multiple effects of NGF during development. Chemotaxis to NGF was blocked by nM concentrations of the kinase inhibitor, K252a, suggesting that NGF stimulates motility via high-affinity receptors coupled to kinase activity. Elevated 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) also attenuated NGF-induced chemotaxis, presenting preliminary evidence that protein kinase A (PKA) may regulate motility responses to NGF.

Ecto-protein kinase and surface protein phosphorylation in PC12 cells: interactions with nerve growth factor

The phosphorylation of surface proteins by ecto-protein kinase has been proposed to play a role in mechanisms underlying neuronal differentiation and their responsiveness to nerve growth factor (NGF). PC12 clones represent an optimal model for investigating the mode of action of NGF in a homogeneous cell population. In the present study we obtained evidence that PC12 cells possess ecto-protein kinase and characterized the endogenous phosphorylation of its surface protein substrates. PC12 cells maintained in a chemically defined medium exhibited phosphorylation of proteins by [gamma-32P]ATP added to the medium at time points preceding the intracellular phosphorylation of proteins in cells labeled with 32Pi. This activity was abolished by adding apyrase or trypsin to the medium but was not sensitive to addition of an excess of unlabeled Pi. As also expected from ecto-protein kinase activity, PC12 cells catalyzed the phosphorylation of an exogenous protein substrate added to the medium, dephospho-alpha-casein, and this activity competed with the endogenous phosphorylation for extracellular ATP. Based on these criteria, three protein components migrating in sodium dodecyl sulfate gels with apparent molecular weights of 105K, 39K, and 20K were identified as exclusive substrates of ecto-protein kinase in PC12 cells. Of the phosphate incorporated into these proteins from extracellular ATP, 75-87% was found in phosphothreonine. The phosphorylation of the 39K protein by ecto-protein kinase did not require Mg2+, implicating this activity in the previously demonstrated regulation of Ca(2+)-dependent, high-affinity norepinephrine uptake in PC12 cells by extracellular ATP. The protein kinase inhibitor K-252a inhibited both intra- and extracellular protein phosphorylation in intact PC12 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of an activator of the microtubule-associated protein 2 kinases ERK1 and ERK2 in PC12 cells stimulated with nerve growth factor or bradykinin

Treatment of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) or bradykinin leads to the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2, two isozymes of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP) kinase that are present in numerous cell lines and regulated by diverse extracellular signals. The activation of MAP kinase is associated with its phosphorylation on tyrosine and threonine residues, both of which are required for activity. In the present studies, we have identified a factor in extracts of PC12 cells treated with NGF or bradykinin, named MAP kinase activator, that, when reconstituted with inactive MAP kinase from untreated cells, dramatically increased MAP kinase activity. Activation of MAP kinase in vitro by this factor required MgATP and was associated with the phosphorylation of a 42- (ERK1) and 44-kDa (ERK2) polypeptide. Incorporation of 32P into ERK1 and ERK2 occurred primarily on tyrosine and threonine residues and was associated with a single tryptic peptide, which is identical to one whose phosphorylation is increased by treatment of intact PC12 cells with NGF. Thus, the MAP kinase activator identified in PC12 cells is likely to be a physiologically important intermediate in the signaling pathways activated by NGF and bradykinin. Moreover, stimulation of the activator by NGF and bradykinin suggests that tyrosine kinase receptors and guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors are both capable of regulating these pathways.

Activation of microtubule-associated protein kinase in PC12D cells in response to both fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor and concomitant stimulation of the outgrowth of neurites

When PC12D cells, a subline of PC12 cells, were cultured with nerve growth factor (NGF), outgrowth of neurites was promoted even when RNA synthesis was blocked. This property of PC12D cells may enable us to resolve the mechanism of the outgrowth of neurites that is induced in a transcription-independent manner. The outgrowth of neurites from PC12D cells was also stimulated in response to fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and was slightly stimulated in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF). The brief exposure of intact PC12D cells not only to NGF but also to FGF or to EGF stimulated a protein kinase activity in extracts of such cells that catalyzed phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein 1 (MAP-1) and MAP-2 in vitro. Similar dose-response relationships for the effects of NGF and of FGF on the activation of the kinase and on the outgrowth of neurites were observed. The effects of combinations of NGF and GFG or EGF were not additive in terms of either the outgrowth of neurites or the increase in the kinase activity. Treatment of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also stimulated the kinase activity that phosphorylated MAPs in vitro. However, the level of the enzymatic activity that resulted from the combined treatment of cells with PMA and NGF was additive, as is the case with dibutyryl cyclic AMP and NGF. These findings suggest that NGF, FGF, and EGF may stimulate the activity of the same MAP kinase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gangliosides prevent the inhibition by K-252a of NGF responses in PC12 cells

K-252a, a general kinase inhibitor, selectively blocks the actions of nerve growth factor (NGF) in PC12 cells. Since gangliosides have been reported to modulate neuronal cell responsiveness to NGF and to regulate several protein kinases, the ability of these compounds to reverse the inhibition by K-252a was tested. Parameters at both short- and long-term times following treatment of PC12 cells with NGF were analyzed which are known to be either transcription-dependent or -independent events. Gangliosides were found to completely prevent the inhibition by K-252a of NGF-induced neurite regeneration and c-fos induction, and partially also that of protein kinase N activation. The ganglioside protective effects were concentration-dependent and required the intact molecule. These findings raise the possibility that gangliosides might affect a specific pathway of NGF responses sensitive to inhibition by K-252a.

Differential responses of the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 to nerve growth factor and epidermal growth factor in PC12 cells

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that the phosphorylation of the S6 protein of the ribosomes is catalyzed by at least two different and separable kinase activities in PC12 cells. One of these activities is increased by treatment of the cells with nerve growth factor, the other by treatment of the cells with epidermal growth factor. The present work shows that these two factors stimulate the phosphorylation of S6 with quite different kinetics, and that both the number of phosphates incorporated into S6 and the phosphopeptide pattern of S6 are different in cells treated with nerve growth factor than in cells treated with epidermal growth factor. The characteristics of the nerve growth factor-sensitive S6 kinase and of the epidermal growth factor-sensitive kinase were also clearly different. Substrate specificity and inhibitor studies indicated that neither was identical to cyclic AMP-dependent kinase, kinase C, or the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases. However, two major phosphopeptides produced by S6 phosphorylation in nerve growth factor-treated cells were also seen on phosphorylation of S6 by cyclic AMP-dependent kinase in vitro. In addition, when rat liver 40S ribosomal subunits were pretreated with cyclic AMP-dependent kinase in vitro, the action of the nerve growth factor-sensitive S6 kinase was increased about twofold.

Nerve growth factor-induced increase in calcium uptake by PC12 cells

Treatment of PC12 cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) produces a rapid and transient increase in calcium uptake into the cells. The increased uptake is maximal after 5 minutes of NGF treatment, but after 15 minutes of NGF treatment, no such increase can be observed. The effect of NGF is partially inhibited by blockers of L-type calcium channels. K-252a, an alkaloid-like kinase inhibitor that usually is found to inhibit the actions of NGF on PC12 cells, produces an increase in calcium uptake similar to, but smaller than, that seen with NGF. NGF had no effect on calcium release under these conditions.

Microtubule-associated-protein (MAP) kinase activated by nerve growth factor and epidermal growth factor in PC12 cells. Identity with the mitogen-activated MAP kinase of fibroblastic cells

Treatment of PC12 cells with either nerve growth factor (NGF), a differentiating factor, or epidermal growth factor (EGF), a mitogen, resulted in 7-15-fold activation of a protein kinase activity in cell extracts that phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein (MAP) 2 on serine and threonine residues in vitro. Both the NGF-activated kinase and the EGF-activated kinase could be partially purified by sequential chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, phenyl-Sepharose and hydroxylapatite, and were identical with each other in their chromatographic behavior, apparent molecular mass (approximately 40 kDa) on gel filtration, substrate specificity, and phosphopeptide-mapping pattern of MAP2 phosphorylated by each kinase. Moreover, both kinases were found to be indistinguishable from a mitogen-activated MAP kinase previously described in growth-factor-stimulated or phorbol-ester-stimulated fibroblastic cells, based on the same criteria. Kinase assays in gels after SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed further that the NGF- or EGF-activated MAP kinase in PC12 cells, as well as the EGF-activated MAP kinase in fibroblastic 3Y1 cells resided in two closely spaced polypeptides with an apparent molecular mass of approximately 40 kDa. In addition, these MAP kinases were inactivated by either acid phosphatase treatment or protein phosphatase 2A treatment. These results indicate that MAP kinase may be activated through phosphorylation by a differentiating factor as well as by a mitogen. MAP kinase activation by EGF was protein kinase C independent; it reached an almost maximal level 1 min after EGF treatment and subsided rapidly within 30-60 min. On the other hand, NGF-induced activation of MAP kinase was partly protein kinase C dependent and continued for at least 2-3 h.

Nerve growth factor stimulation of arachidonic acid release from PC12 cells: independence from phosphoinositide turnover

The effect of nerve growth factor on the metabolism of arachidonic acid and the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol in PC12 cells was examined. Addition of nerve growth factor to PC12 cells isotopically labeled with [3H]arachidonic acid caused an increased release of radioactivity. In a similar manner, treatment of PC12 cells prelabeled with [3H]inositol increased inositol monophosphate accumulation in the presence of LiCl. Stimulation of [3H]arachidonic acid release by nerve growth factor was concentration dependent, attaining a maximum at 0.5 nM. Concentrations of nerve growth factor above 0.5 nM caused less than maximal stimulation. In contrast, nerve growth factor-stimulated accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate exhibited a sigmoidal dose-response curve with an apparent maximum at 8 nM. Increased accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate could be detected as early as 60 s after nerve growth factor addition, whereas nerve growth factor-stimulated release of [3H]arachidonic acid was not observed until 5 min after nerve growth factor treatment. The nerve growth factor-stimulated release of [3H]arachidonic acid was independent of extracellular calcium concentration. Increased [3H]inositol monophosphate accumulation elicited by nerve growth factor was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. These results suggest that the increased metabolism of arachidonic acid and the enhanced hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol are separately regulated by nerve growth factor.

Nerve growth factor-induced transient increase in the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 mediated through a mechanism independent of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C

Treatment of PC12h cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) induced a transient increase in the phosphorylation of a 35,000-dalton protein. This transient increase was observed also when extracts of NGF-treated cells were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP. In the intact-cell phosphorylation system, treatment with N,2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (dBcAMP) or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) also induced a transient increase in the phosphorylation of the 35,000-dalton protein, but the effect was less than that of NGF. An effect comparable to that of NGF was obtained by the combination of dBcAMP and TPA. Pretreatment of PC12h cells with dBcAMP plus TPA for 3 days, which deprived the cells of their ability to respond to a rechallenge with dBcAMP, TPA, or dBcAMP plus TPA by increasing the rate of 35,000-dalton protein phosphorylation, caused only a slight attenuation of the NGF effect, directly indicating a minimal role of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C in the mechanism of the NGF action. Pretreatment of the cells with K-252a, a protein kinase inhibitor, at a concentration of 300 nM almost completely blocked the action of NGF, but scarcely affected the action of dBcAMP, TPA, or dBcAMP plus TPA in intact-cell phosphorylation experiments. This NGF-sensitive 35,000-dalton protein was a ribosomal protein and identified as ribosomal protein S6. The results lead us to conclude that NGF activates some NGF-sensitive component(s), probably some specific protein kinase(s) other than cAMP-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C, which is suppressed by K-252a and directly or indirectly activates a 35,000-dalton protein kinase(s) [S6 kinase(s)] to increase the rate of phosphorylation of the 35,000-dalton ribosomal protein (S6).

Characterization of a nerve growth factor-stimulated protein kinase in PC12 cells which phosphorylates microtubule-associated protein 2 and pp250

Treatment of PC12 cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) resulted in the rapid, but transient, activation of a protein kinase which specifically phosphorylated an endogenous 250-kDa cytoskeletal protein (pp250). We report that the microtubule-associated protein, MAP2, is an alternative substrate for the NGF-activated kinase. NGF treatment maximally activated the kinase within 5 min; however, the activity declined with longer exposure to NGF. The enzyme was localized predominantly in microsomal and soluble fractions and phosphorylated MAP2 on serine and threonine residues. The soluble enzyme was fractionated by DEAE chromatography and gel filtration and had an apparent Mr of 45,000. The enzyme was purified to near homogeneity by chromatofocussing and had a pI of 4.9. Kinetic analysis revealed that NGF treatment caused a sevenfold increase in Vmax for MAP2. The Km with respect to the MAP2 substrate was approximately 50 nM and was not altered by NGF treatment. A novel feature of the NGF-stimulated enzyme was its sharp dependence on Mn2+ concentration. The active enzyme is likely to be phosphorylated, because inclusion of phosphatase inhibitors was required for recovery of optimal activity and the activity was lost on treatment of the enzyme with alkaline phosphatase. Histones, tubulin, casein, bovine serum albumin, and the ribosomal subunit protein S-6 were not phosphorylated by this enzyme. The NGF-stimulated kinase was distinct from A kinase, C kinase, or other NGF-stimulated kinases. The rapid and transient activation of the protein kinase upon NGF treatment suggests that the enzyme may play a role in signal transduction in PC12 cells.

Nerve growth factor and K-252a increase catecholamine release from PC12 cells

PC12 cells are a nerve growth factor-responsive clone derived from a rat pheochromocytoma. The cells contain catecholamines and secrete them in response to depolarizing stimuli and cholinergic agonists. Treatment of the cells with nerve growth factor produces a number of very rapid changes, including the structural rearrangement of the cell membrane, the generation of a number of different second messengers, and the phosphorylation of several proteins. The present studies show that nerve growth factor treatment increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from the cells within a few minutes and does so independently of its effect on their metabolism. The experiments indicate that this effect on nerve growth factor is dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium and can be blocked by calcium channel antagonists. K-252a, an alkaloid-like material, usually found to inhibit the actions of nerve growth factor on PC12 cells, also increases the release of catecholamines under these conditions.

Role of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C in regulating the morphological differentiation of PC12 cells

The cell line A126-1B2 is a PC12-derived mutant that is resistant to the toxic effects of dibutyryladenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP) and is deficient in adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase II (PKAII). This mutant formed neurites in response to nerve growth factor (NGF), but not in response to dbcAMP; and dbcAMP did not increase the rate of NGF-dependent neurite formation. Thus, while PKAII is essential for process formation in response to agents that act through the cAMP-dependent pathway, activation of PKAII is not essential for NGF-dependent neurite formation. Unexpectedly, NGF and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 10-1,000 nM) synergistically stimulated the formation of short processes that were apparent within 30 min of NGF addition in 85% of these mutant cells. These processes were similar, but not identical, in appearance to the NGF-dependent neurites that formed only after a period of 24-48 hr. This effect is dependent on the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) because an inactive phorbol ester was without effect. In contrast, there was only a small effect of NGF and/or PMA on process formation in wild type cells within the first few hours. The effect of PMA is not augmented by dbcAMP in the A126-1B2 mutant cells. After several hours, PMA caused a concentration-dependent decrease in cell adhesion; and higher concentrations of PMA resulted in a transient detachment of the cells and a loss of neurites. These experiments suggest a role for PKC in the regulation of process formation.

Blockage of nerve growth factor action in PC12h cells by staurosporine, a potent protein kinase inhibitor

Staurosporine, which has a structure similar to that of K-252a, a potent protein kinase inhibitor that blocks nerve growth factor (NGF) action in PC12 and PC12h cells, is also known as a potent inhibitor of several protein kinases. This study shows that in PC12h cells staurosporine has a dual action: at lower concentrations than that required by K-252a, it is an inhibitor of NGF induction of neurite formation and of changes in the phosphorylation of specific proteins, whereas at concentrations higher than that required to inhibit NGF-induced neurite outgrowth, it rapidly enhances outgrowth by itself.

Enucleation of the rat pheochromocytoma clonal cell line, PC12: effect on neurite outgrowth

The effect of removal of PC12 cell nuclei on neurite outgrowth was studied. Enucleation (80-90%) was accomplished in the presence of cytochalasin B using a centrifugation technique that exploited the very tight adhesivity of PC12 cells for a substratum composed of an extracellular matrix secreted by bovine corneal endothelial cells in response to epidermal growth factor treatment. Neither nucleated nor enucleated PC12 cells showed significant neurite outgrowth on this particular matrix in the absence of nerve growth factor. In the presence of nerve growth factor both PC12 cell types initiated neurite outgrowth, but whereas neurites from nucleated cells grew continuously for two days, those from enucleated cells reached a maximum length after one day. The results suggest that neurite initiation but not continued neurite growth or stabilization can occur in the absence of transcription.

Possible involvements of intracellular Ca2+ and Ca2+ -dependent protein phosphorylation in cholinergic differentiation of clonal rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) induced by glioma-conditioned medium and retinoic acid

It is known that nerve growth factor (NGF) induces neurite outgrowth and elevation of the activity of adrenergic marker enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in clonal rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12), whereas glioma-conditioned medium (GCM) induces neurite outgrowth and elevation of the activity of cholinergic marker enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in PC12 cells. In the previous study we have shown that retinoic acid (RA) induces specific elevation of ChAT activity and depression of TH activity without morphological differentiation (Matsuoka, I. et al., Brain Res., 502 (1989]. In the present study, we compared the effects of NGF, GCM and RA on the intracellular signalings in PC12 cells in relation to the mechanism of cholinergic differentiation. Addition of NGF, GCM or RA to the culture medium of PC12 cells caused a rapid rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) reaching the level of almost 2.5-fold the resting condition within 3-18 h. Thereafter, [Ca2+]i of NGF-treated cells were decreased to the resting level within 12 h. On the other hand, [Ca2+]i of GCM-and RA-treated cells decreased to a level which was 1.8- to 2-fold the resting condition within 24-48 h and stayed at this level for up to 4-7 days. When homogenates of GCM- and RA-treated PC12 cells were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP, phosphorylation of a protein with molecular mass of 27 kDa (27 K-protein) was specifically enhanced. The phosphorylation of the 27 K-protein was not seen in the homogenate of the NGF-treated cells. The phosphorylation of the 27 K-protein was dependent on Ca2+ and inhibited by inhibitors of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase, H-7 and W-7. Addition of H-7 and W-7 to the culture medium of PC12 cells abolished the elevation of ChAT activity specifically induced by GCM and RA. These observations suggested that the sustained increase of [Ca2+]i and Ca2+-dependent protein phosphorylation are involved in the intracellular signaling mechanism required for the cholinergic differentiation of PC12 cells induced by GCM and RA.

Differentiation of PC12 cells with v-src: comparison with nerve growth factor

The PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line is used extensively as a model to study neuronal differentiation. These cells resemble adrenal chromaffin cells, differentiating both morphologically and biochemically when cultured in the presence of dexamethasone, but develop a sympathetic neuron-like phenotype when cultured in the presence of nerve growth factor. Expression of the protein product of the v-src oncogene in PC12 cells also induces neurite outgrowth similar to that resulting from nerve growth factor treatment (Alema et al: Nature 316:557-559, 1985). It is thus possible that c-src or a src-like tyrosine kinase participates in the signal transduction pathway by which nerve growth factor acts on PC12 cells. In this study a temperature-sensitive v-src gene has been introduced into PC12 cells. When cultures of these src-transformed cells are switched from the nonpermissive (40 degrees C) to the permissive (37 degrees C) temperature they elaborate neurites. The differentiation induced by src has been compared with that induced by nerve growth factor by determining whether src-transformed PC12 cells at 37 degrees C exhibit the same biochemical alterations as those induced in PC12 cells treated with nerve growth factor. Neurite extension at 37 degrees C in v-src-transformed cells, like NGF-induced differentiation, is accompanied by an increase in the nerve growth factor-inducible large external (NILE) protein. However, neurite extension in v-src-transformed cells is not blocked by the protein kinase inhibitor K-252a, which completely blocks NGF-induced neurite extension. Likewise, EGF receptor down-regulation and the development of saxitoxin and tetanus toxin binding sites are either much reduced or completely absent in src-differentiated compared with NGF-differentiated PC12 cells.

Nerve growth factor and phorbol esters increase the number of choline acetyltransferase-positive cells in two morphologically distinct classes of basal forebrain neurons in primary cultures

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been shown to be active in the CNS as a neurotrophic agent. Cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain are one cell type in the CNS which have been identified as a target for NGF. When dissociated cell cultures from the basal forebrain were treated for 7 days with NGF (20 ng/100 microliters), the number of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunopositive cells was increased from 30 +/- 6 to 58 +/- 3. Cholinergic cells taken from the basal forebrain exhibit 3 different morphologies: stellate, pyramidal, and bipolar. The NGF treatment was found to increase the number of stellate cells from 7 +/- 2 to 23 +/- 2 and the number of pyramidal cells from 14 +/- 2 to 26 +/- 2, but had no effect on the number of bipolar cells. The activation of protein kinase C by phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (TPA) also increased the number of ChAT-positive cells in a dose-dependent manner. A maximal increase was observed with 10 ng/ml of TPA which increased the number of positive cells from a basal level of 21 +/- 4 to 42 +/- 4. As was the case with NGF, only the stellate and pyramidal cells were affected by the phorbol ester treatment. In co-addition experiments, the cultures were treated with 10 ng/100 of NGF and 10 ng/ml of TPA, with the result that there was no further increase in the number of immunopositive cells over the NGF controls. These results suggest that the mechanisms by which NGF and TPA increase the number of ChAT-positive cells are interactive at some point. The effect of TPA at the higher doses of NGF was distinctly different. When cells were treated with 20 ng/100 microliters of NGF and 0.05-50 ng/ml of TPA, the NGF response was down-regulated to the level of the vehicle-treated controls.

Localization of the nerve growth factor receptor on fetal human Schwann cells in culture

Previous studies have established that Schwann cells (SC) in culture express an NGF receptor. In this study, cultures of fetal human SC were established from fetal nerves and various light microscopic (LM) and electron microscopic (EM) techniques were used to localize the NGF receptor on the SC. Results indicate that NGF receptor is localized to the plasma membrane of the SC. Quantitative digital analysis determined that the distal portion of the SC process had high concentrations of NGF receptor. The possible functional significance of this latter observation is discussed in terms of SC migration and ensheathment of axons.

K-252a inhibits the increase in c-fos transcription and the increase in intracellular calcium produced by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells

K-252a, a kinase inhibitor isolated from the culture broth of Nocardiopsis sp., selectively inhibits, in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, the increased transcription of the protooncogene c-fos induced by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells. Induction of c-fos by epidermal growth factor, A23187, dBcAMP, or TPA in the same cells is not affected. Pretreatment with K-252a for 30 min results in a complete inhibition of the nerve growth factor-induced increase in intracellular calcium. Increases in intracellular calcium induced by carbachol or by high K+ are not altered. K-252a derivatives selective for the inhibition of various known kinases were used to inhibit the nerve growth factor-dependent induction of c-fos mRNA, the nerve growth factor-dependent increase in intracellular calcium levels, and the nerve growth factor-dependent outgrowth of neurites. K-252a is the most effective inhibitor of all three of these actions of nerve growth factor. The possible mechanisms by which K-252a acts on PC12 cells are considered in the light of the characteristics of the inhibitions seen here.

Nerve growth factor increases the cyclic GMP level and activates the cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) rapidly increases the cyclic GMP (cGMP) level about 2-3-fold and enhances the cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity about 2-fold in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. No changes in the level of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and in the activity of cAMP PDE were found. GTP and a nonhydrolysable analog of GTP, GMP-PCP, at 100 microM, were able to mimic the effect of NGF on the cGMP PDE activity. These results suggest that the cGMP system may be one of the second messengers of NGF action in PC12 cells.

Modulation of nuclear rotation in neuronal interphase nuclei by nerve growth factor, by gamma-aminobutyric acid, and by changes in intracellular calcium

Nuclear rotation (NR) is typically measured as motion of nucleoli within nuclei of cells in vitro. This occurs in cycling cells. However, its observation in neurons arrested in interphase indicates that mechanisms related to mitosis are not a prerequisite. We have recently shown that NR occurs in three dimensions within the nuclear space, that it occurs within the space delineated by the outer nuclear membrane and that it includes chromatin domains in addition to nucleoli and have postulated that this motion of chromatin domains is related to changes in gene expression. We now show that exposure of dorsal root, sensory neurons in vitro to nerve growth factor (NGF) or to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), agents which alter gene expression, and to agents causing redistribution of calcium, such as EGTA and the calcium ionophore A23187, significantly alters NR. The NGF increased the mean rate of NR and did so at a time after exposure when activity of RNA polymerases have been shown to rise. Exposure to GABA resulted, within minutes, in shifts of the nucleolus within the three-dimensional space of the nucleus, associated in some neurons with significant, sigmoidal increases in the rate of NR. The calcium ionophore A23187 as well as chelation of extracellular calcium with EGTA similarly increased rates. Importantly, excess calcium, with EGTA remaining present, returned NR of all nucleoli to rates not different from controls. This indicates that the increase in NR seen with EGTA is specific to the chelation of calcium and not an nonspecific response to EGTA. It is difficult to link the action of agents which alter gene expression or transmembrane ion balance with changes in NR. Nevertheless, in support of our hypothesis, the results presented here show that agents known to alter gene expression, alter NR in a temporally coincident manner and that they do so, possibly, by calcium-dependent mechanisms.

Rapid regulation of neuronal growth cone shape and surface morphology by nerve growth factor

Scanning electron microscopy was used to study regulation of growth cone shape and surface morphology by nerve growth factor (NGF). The growth cones of cultured rat sympathetic neurons and neuronally-differentiated PC12 cells were observed under conditions of continuous NGF exposure, NGF withdrawal, and NGF readdition. Growth cones of cells cultured in the continuous presence of NGF were mostly spread in shape and about 60% possessed surface ruffles. Ruffles appeared to be largely restricted to growth cones in that few were observed on cell bodies and neurites. Withdrawal of NGF for 4-5 hr caused most of the growth cones to take on a non-spread or contracted appearance and to lose their ruffles. Readdition of NGF promoted rapid changes in growth cone properties. Within 30 sec, ruffling was again evident on the growth cones and remained prominent there throughout the course of treatment (up to 5 hr). This was in contrast to cell bodies on which, as previously reported, ruffling also occurred following NGF readdition, but only transiently (for less than 15 min). Respreading of growth cones also occurred under these conditions. This was evident within 1 min of NGF readdition and reached the levels observed in continuously-treated cultures within 1-2 hr. Neurites were also examined. Ruffles were only rarely present in the continuous presence of NGF and were absent after NGF withdrawal. NGF readdition elicited ruffling along neurites within 30 sec; the prevalence of such ruffles diminished to that seen in continuously-treated cultures within about an hour.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nerve growth factor stimulates the phosphorylation of a 250 kDa cytoskeletal protein in cell-free extracts of PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) rapidly stimulates the phosphorylation of a 250 kDa cytoskeletally-associated protein (pp250) by a protein kinase which is also associated with structural elements of the cell. We have solubilized these proteins and demonstrated that NGF-stimulated phosphorylation can be observed in cell free extracts of cytoskeletons from NGF-treated PC12 cells. The pp250 substrate and the 250-kinase were solubilized from PC12 cytoskeletons by treatment with 2 M urea. Phosphorylation of pp250 was maximally stimulated following treatment of the cells for 5 min with NGF. This effect was transient, diminishing with longer exposure of the cells to hormone. The 250-kinase preferred Mn2+ over Mg2+ and was inhibited by both Na+ and K+. The phosphorylation of pp250 was not affected by Ca2+. Upon fractionation of the urea-soluble cytoskeletal proteins by gel filtration, the 250-kinase eluted in two peaks; one peak of enzyme activity coeluting with the pp250 substrate, and a second peak of enzyme activity eluting with an apparent Mr of approximately 60 kDa. Treatment of the PC12 cells with the phorbol ester TPA also stimulated the phosphorylation of pp250, although this effect was not as great as that produced by NGF. This cell free system should be a valuable tool in the investigation of the mechanisms of NGF action.

Nerve growth factor modulates tubulin transcript levels in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

We report that nerve growth factor (NGF) can elevate tubulin transcript levels in cultured rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in a manner which correlates with its capacity to enhance neurite formation. The elevation is due, at least in part, to transcript stabilization. We have previously shown that insulin and its homologs can similarly enhance neurite outgrowth and tubulin mRNA levels in human neuroblastoma cells. Insulin by itself can neither induce neurite formation nor increase tubulin transcript levels in PC12 cells. However, both responses are potentiated in cells treated with the combination of insulin and NGF. The results together support the generalization that tubulin transcript levels are specifically elevated whenever neurite elongation is initiated by polypeptide neuritogenic factors.

A nerve growth factor-sensitive S6 kinase in cell-free extracts from PC12 cells

Soluble extracts from nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulated PC12 cells prepared by alkaline lysis show a two- to 10-fold greater ability to phosphorylate the 40S ribosomal protein S6 than do extracts from control cells. The alkaline lysis method yields a preparation of much higher specific activity than does sonication. Half-maximal incorporation of 32P from [32P]ATP into S6 occurred after 4-7 min of NGF treatment. The partially purified NGF-sensitive S6 kinase has a molecular weight of 45,000. It is not inhibited by NaCl, chlorpromazine, or the specific inhibitor of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase, nor is it activated by addition of diolein plus phosphatidylserine. Trypsin treatment of either crude extracts or partially purified S6 kinase from control or NGF-treated cells was without effect. These data suggest that the S6 kinase stimulated by NGF is neither cAMP-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C nor the result of tryptic activation of an inactive proenzyme. Treatment of intact cells with dibutyryl cAMP or 5'-N-ethylcarboxamideadenosine also increases the subsequent cell-free phosphorylation of S6. This observation suggests that cAMP-dependent protein kinase may be involved in the phosphorylation of S6 kinase.

Expression and structure of the human NGF receptor

The nucleotide sequence for the human nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor has been determined. The 3.8 kb receptor mRNA encodes a 427 amino acid protein containing a 28 amino acid signal peptide, an extracellular domain containing four 40 amino acid repeats with six cysteine residues at conserved positions followed by a serine/threonine-rich region, a single transmembrane domain, and a 155 amino acid cytoplasmic domain. The sequence of the extracellular domain of the NGF receptor predicts a highly ordered structure containing a negatively charged region that may serve as the ligand-binding site. This domain is conserved through evolution. Transfection of a full-length cDNA in mouse fibroblasts results in stable expression of NGF receptors that are recognized by monoclonal antibodies to the human NGF receptor and that bind [125I]NGF.

Fate of cyclic nucleotides in PC12 cell cultures: uptake, metabolism, and effects of metabolites on nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth

The fate of cyclic AMP (cAMP), dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2-cAMP), and the (Sp)-isomer of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphorothioate [(Sp)-cAMPS] was studied in the PC12 culture medium by means of HPLC. In the absence of PC12 cells, cAMP and Bt2-cAMP were rapidly degraded by nonspecific esterases and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase both originating from the serum commonly used as a culture medium ingredient, whereas (Sp)-cAMPS was completely stable. Since 5'-AMP, adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine appeared in the culture medium after incubation with cAMP or Bt2-cAMP, we have determined their effect on nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth. 5'-AMP, adenosine, and inosine were indeed potent agents in producing a potentiating effect on NGF-induced early neurite outgrowth at a concentration of 1 mM. Thus, cAMP metabolites had the capacity to induce an effect that has been described as cAMP-specific. In serum-free culture medium and in the presence of cells, all cyclic nucleotides were taken up by PC12 cells. Uptake was highly correlated with the hydrophobic nature of the compounds, and was accompanied by a simultaneous excretion of metabolites. On incubation with cAMP, NGF had a pronounced effect on the metabolic pattern found in the culture medium. In particular, dephosphorylation of 5'-AMP was specifically enhanced. This effect of NGF on the degradation of cAMP was also apparent when cAMP metabolites were incubated with PC12 cells. Whereas 5'-AMP degradation was greatly increased, NGF had no effect on the metabolism of the other purine compounds.

Calcium-dependent activation of glycogen phosphorylase in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells by nerve growth factor

Glycogen phosphorylase in PC12 cells exists in two forms analogous to those found in brain and muscle. The active phosphorylated form of the enzyme, phosphorylase-a, represents about 20-30% of total glycogen phosphorylase in these cells. Incubation of PC12 cells with 100 ng 7S nerve growth factor/ml increased phosphorylase-a within minutes. In contrast to nerve growth factor, insulin (6 ng/ml) and epidermal growth factor (6 ng/ml) decreased phosphorylase-a. Activation of phosphorylase-a by nerve growth factor was not accompanied by increases in cyclic AMP; however, removal of extracellular Ca2+ or incubation of cells with calcium channel blockers inhibited activation of glycogen phosphorylase by nerve growth factor.

Regulation of nerve growth factor action on Nsp100 phosphorylation in PC12h cells by calcium

Previous work from these laboratories has shown that in PC12 cells the phosphorylation of a specific soluble protein is decreased by treatment with nerve growth factor. This protein, designated Nsp100, and its kinase have been separated and partially purified from PC12 cells. The present studies have been designed to investigate the role of calcium in this action of nerve growth factor. It is shown here, using PC12h cells, that A23187, a calcium ionophore, and high levels of K+, a depolarizing stimulus, also decrease phosphorylation of Nsp100. Furthermore, the actions of nerve growth factor as well as those of A23187 and high levels of K+ are prevented by treatment of the cells with the calcium chelator EGTA. It is also shown that agents that raise levels of cyclic AMP in the cells, specifically dibutyryl cyclic AMP and cholera toxin, also decrease phosphorylation of Nsp100 but, in addition, increase phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase. The action of these latter agents on Nsp100 is blocked by EGTA, but their action on tyrosine hydroxylase is not, indicating that even agents such as cholera toxin act on Nsp100 through a Ca2+-dependent mechanism.

Nerve growth factor does not activate Na+/H+ exchange in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

We have reexamined the possible role of the Na+/H+ antiport in the cellular response by PC12 pheochromocytoma cells to nerve growth factor (NGF). In contrast to previous reports, we observe no activation of Na+/H+ exchange in these cells, using a very sensitive assay based on the measurement of cytoplasmic pH with dimethylfluorescein dextran (Rothenberg et al., J. Biol. Chem., 258:4883-4809, 1983). Our measurements indicate that the PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, under all conditions tested, show a high rate of Na+/H+ exchange. The discrepancy between these observations and previous experiments could be due to differences in cells in different laboratories, but also to changes in cell adhesion induced by NGF. We describe conditions where intracellular pH and rates of Na+ uptake can be measured reliably in PC12 cells with adequate controls for cell adhesion. We conclude that activation of Na+/H+ exchange is neither sufficient nor required for the differentiation of PC12 cells induced by NGF.

Distribution of Nsp100 and Nsp100 kinase, a nerve growth factor-sensitive phosphorylation system, in rat tissues

Previous work from this laboratory has shown that in PC12 cells the phosphorylation of a specific soluble protein is decreased by nerve growth factor treatment. The protein, designated Nsp100, and its kinase have been separated and partially purified from PC12 cells. In the present work, the tissue distribution of Nsp100 phosphorylation in 5-day-old and adult rats was studied. In adult rats, phosphorylation of an Nsp100-like protein was observed in brain, adrenal gland, testis, and muscle, but not in liver or kidney. In 5-day-old rats, a similar phosphorylation was observed in brain, adrenal gland, superior cervical ganglia, liver, spleen, kidney, and muscle. In PC12 cells, Nsp100 phosphorylation is completely inhibited by 5 X 10(-5) M Zn2+ and is completely inactivated by treatment at 50 degrees C for 2 min. The phosphorylation of the Nsp100-like protein in both adult and 5-day-old rats showed the same characteristics. Partial purification of Nsp100 and Nsp100 kinase from the brains of 5-day-old rats was carried out using the procedures developed for PC12 cells. Nsp100 and Nsp100 kinase were separated on diethylaminoethyl-Sephacel, and the kinase was eluted with 0.3 M NaCl; the same results have previously been obtained with PC12 cells. Phosphorylated Nsp100 from brain and from PC12 cells was compared by proteolysis on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels; similar peptide patterns were generated from the two samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Superinduction of c-fos by nerve growth factor in the presence of peripherally active benzodiazepines

Alterations in proto-oncogene expression after stimulation of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells by nerve growth factor (NGF) have been investigated. A specific stimulation of c-fos messenger RNA and protein was detected 30 minutes after treatment. This induction was enhanced more than 100-fold in the presence of peripherally active benzodiazepines. The effect was specific as very little change was observed in the levels of c-rasHa, c-rasKi, c-myc, and N-myc messenger RNA's. Under the conditions used here, NGF treatment ultimately results in neurite outgrowth, with a reduction or cessation of cell division. Thus, stimulation of the c-fos gene in this system appeared to be associated with differentiation and not with cellular proliferation. The effect of benzodiazepines was stereospecific and represents a novel action of these compounds at the level of gene expression.