Activation of PI(4)P 5-kinase by small G proteins

Preferential localization of type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase γ at the periactive zone of mouse photoreceptor ribbon synapses

Type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5 kinase γ (PIP5KIγ) constitutes a major pathway for the generation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) that regulates a variety of neuronal functions at both presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of PIP5KIγ in the adult mouse retina. RT-PCR analysis revealed that PIP5KIγ_v2 was predominantly expressed in the retina while PIP5KIγ_v3 was also expressed faintly. Immunostaining of the adult mouse retina revealed intense PIP5KIγ-immunoreactivity in the inner and outer plexiform layers in a punctate manner. In the photoreceptor ribbon synapse, PIP5KIγ was highly concentrated at the periactive zone. These findings suggest that PIP5KIγ, especially PIP5KIγ_i2, is localized at the periactive zone, a functionally suitable compartment for the endocytosis of synaptic vesicles in photoreceptor ribbon synapses.

From Guidance Signals to Movement: Signaling Molecules Governing Growth Cone Turning

Directed growth cone movements in response to external guidance signals are required for the establishment of functional neuronal connections during development, adult nerve regeneration, and adult neurogenesis. Growth cone intrinsic properties permit different growth cone responses (e.g., attraction or repulsion) to a guidance signal, and alterations to these intrinsic properties often result in opposite growth cone responses. This article reviews the current knowledge of growth cone signaling, emphasizing the dependency of Ca2+ signaling on membrane potential shifts, and cyclic nucleotide and phosphoinositide signaling pathways during growth cone turning in response to guidance signals. We also discuss how asymmetrical growth cone signaling is achieved for the fine-tuned growth cone movement.

TLR2 Signaling in Chondrocytes Drives Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate and Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Nitric Oxide Generation

Microcrystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) and monosodium urate (MSU) deposited in synovium and articular cartilage initiate joint inflammation and cartilage degradation in large part by binding and directly activating resident cells. TLRs trigger innate host defense responses to infectious pathogens, and the expression of certain TLRs by synovial fibroblasts has revealed the potential for innate immune responses to be triggered by mesenchymally derived resident cells in the joint. In this study we tested the hypothesis that chondrocytes also express TLRs and that one or more TLRs centrally mediate chondrocyte responsiveness to CPPD and MSU crystals in vitro. We detected TLR2 expression in normal articular chondrocytes and up-regulation of TLR2 in osteoarthritic cartilage chondrocytes in situ. We demonstrated that transient transfection of TLR2 signaling-negative regulator Toll-interacting protein or treatment with TLR2-blocking Ab suppressed CPPD and MSU crystal-induced chondrocyte release of NO, an inflammatory mediator that promotes cartilage degeneration. Conversely, gain-of-function of TLR2 in normal chondrocytes via transfection was associated with increased CPPD and MSU crystal-induced NO release. Canonical TLR signaling by parallel pathways involving MyD88, IL-1R-associated kinase 1, TNF receptor-associated factor 6, and IkappaB kinase and Rac1, PI3K, and Akt critically mediated NO release in chondrocytes stimulated by both CPPD and MSU crystals. We conclude that CPPD and MSU crystals critically use TLR2-mediated signaling in chondrocytes to trigger NO generation. Our results indicate the potential for innate immunity at the level of the articular chondrocyte to directly contribute to inflammatory and degenerative tissue reactions associated with both gout and pseudogout.

Regulation of ASAP1 by phospholipids is dependent on the interface between the PH and Arf GAP domains

ASAP1 is an Arf GAP with a PH domain immediately N-terminal to the catalytic Arf GAP domain. PH domains are thought to regulate enzymes by binding to specific phosphoinositide lipids in membranes, thereby recruiting the enzyme to a site of action. Here, we have examined the functional relationship between the PH and Arf GAP domains. We found that GAP activity requires the cognate PH domain of ASAP1, leading us to hypothesize that the Arf GAP and PH domains directly interact to form the substrate binding site. This hypothesis was supported by the combined results of protection and hydrodynamic studies. We then examined the role of the PH domain in the regulation of Arf GAP activity. The results of saturation kinetics, limited proteolysis, FRET and fluorescence spectrometry support a model in which regulation of the GAP activity of ASAP1 involves a conformational change coincident with recruitment to a membrane surface, and a second conformational change following the specific binding of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.