Pleckstrin homology domain 1 of mouse alpha 1-syntrophin binds phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

Actin Modulation Regulates the Alpha-1-Syntrophin/p66Shc Mediated Redox Signaling Contributing to the RhoA GTPase Protein Activation in Breast Cancer Cells

SNTA1 signaling axis plays an essential role in cytoskeletal organization and is also implicated in breast cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of actin cytoskeleton in the propagation of SNTA1/p66shc mediated pro-metastatic cascade in breast cancer cells.The effect of actin filament depolymerization on SNTA1-p66Shc interaction and the trimeric complex formation was analyzed using co-immunoprecipitation assays. Immunofluorescence and RhoA activation assays were used to show the involvement of SNTA1-p66Shc interaction in RhoA activation and F-actin organization. Cellular proliferation and ROS levels were assessed using MTT assay and Amplex red catalase assay. The migratory potential was evaluated using transwell migration assay and wound healing assay.We found that cytochalasin D mediated actin depolymerization significantly declines endogenous interaction between SNTA1 and p66Shc protein in MDA-MB-231 cells. Results indicate that SNTA1 and p66Shc interact with RhoA protein under physiological conditions. The ROS generation and RhoA activation were substantially enhanced in cells overexpressing SNTA1 and p66Shc, promoting proliferation and migration in these cells. In addition, we found that loss of SNTA1-p66Shc interaction impaired actin organization, proliferation, and migration in breast cancer cells. Our results demonstrate a novel reciprocal regulatory mechanism between actin modulation and SNTA1/p66Shc/RhoA signaling cascade in human metastatic breast cancer cells.

Jasplakinolide Attenuates Cell Migration by Impeding Alpha-1-syntrophin Protein Phosphorylation in Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Alpha-1-syntrophin (SNTA1) is emerging as a novel modulator of the actin cytoskeleton. SNTA1 binds to F-actin and regulates intracellular localization and activity of various actin organizing signaling molecules. Aberration in syntrophin signaling has been closely linked with deregulated growth connected to tumor development/metastasis and its abnormal over expression has been observed in breast cancer. In the present work the effect of jasplakinolide, an actin-binding cyclodepsipeptide, on the SNTA1 protein activity and SNTA1 mediated downstream cellular events was studied in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line.

METHODS

SNTA1 protein levels and phosphorylation status were determined in MDA-MB-231 cells post jasplakinolide exposure using western blotting and immunoprecipitation techniques respectively. MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with WT SNTA1 and DM SNTA1 (Y^215/229 phospho mutant) and simultaneously treated with jasplakinolide. The effect of jasplakinolide and SNTA1 protein on cell migration was determined using the boyden chamber assay.

RESULTS

Jasplakinolide treatment decreases proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in both dose and time dependent manner. Results suggest that subtoxic doses of jasplakinolide induce morphological changes in MDA-MB-231 cells from flat spindle shape adherent cells to round weakly adherent forms. Mechanistically, jasplakinolide treatment was found to decrease SNTA1 protein levels and its tyrosine phosphorylation status. Moreover, migratory potential of jasplakinolide treated cells was significantly inhibited in comparison to control cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that jasplakinolide inhibits cell migration by impairing SNTA1 functioning in breast cancer cells.

Mice lacking α-, β1- and β2-syntrophins exhibit diminished function and reduced dystrophin expression in both cardiac and skeletal muscle

Syntrophins are a family of modular adaptor proteins that are part of the dystrophin protein complex, where they recruit and anchor a variety of signaling proteins. Previously we generated mice lacking α- and/or β2-syntrophin but showed that in the absence of one isoform, other syntrophin isoforms can partially compensate. Therefore, in the current study, we generated mice that lacked α, β1 and β2-syntrophins [triple syntrophin knockout (tKO) mice] and assessed skeletal and cardiac muscle function. The tKO mice showed a profound reduction in voluntary wheel running activity at both 6 and 12 months of age. Function of the tibialis anterior was assessed in situ and we found that the specific force of tKO muscle was decreased by 20-25% compared with wild-type mice. This decrease was accompanied by a shift in fiber-type composition from fast 2B to more oxidative fast 2A fibers. Using echocardiography to measure cardiac function, it was revealed that tKO hearts had left ventricular cardiac dysfunction and were hypertrophic, with a thicker left ventricular posterior wall. Interestingly, we also found that membrane-localized dystrophin expression was lower in both skeletal and cardiac muscles of tKO mice. Since dystrophin mRNA levels were not different in tKO, this finding suggests that syntrophins may regulate dystrophin trafficking to, or stabilization at, the sarcolemma. These results show that the loss of all three major muscle syntrophins has a profound effect on exercise performance, and skeletal and cardiac muscle dysfunction contributes to this deficiency.

Syntrophins entangled in cytoskeletal meshwork: Helping to hold it all together

Syntrophins are a family of 59 kDa peripheral membrane-associated adapter proteins, containing multiple protein-protein and protein-lipid interaction domains. The syntrophin family consists of five isoforms that exhibit specific tissue distribution, distinct sub-cellular localization and unique expression patterns implying their diverse functional roles. These syntrophin isoforms form multiple functional protein complexes and ensure proper localization of signalling proteins and their binding partners to specific membrane domains and provide appropriate spatiotemporal regulation of signalling pathways. Syntrophins consist of two PH domains, a PDZ domain and a conserved SU domain. The PH1 domain is split by the PDZ domain. The PH2 and the SU domain are involved in the interaction between syntrophin and the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC). Syntrophins recruit various signalling proteins to DGC and link extracellular matrix to internal signalling apparatus via DGC. The different domains of the syntrophin isoforms are responsible for modulation of cytoskeleton. Syntrophins associate with cytoskeletal proteins and lead to various cellular responses by modulating the cytoskeleton. Syntrophins are involved in many physiological processes which involve cytoskeletal reorganization like insulin secretion, blood pressure regulation, myogenesis, cell migration, formation and retraction of focal adhesions. Syntrophins have been implicated in various pathologies like Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy, cancer. Their role in cytoskeletal organization and modulation makes them perfect candidates for further studies in various cancers and other ailments that involve cytoskeletal modulation. The role of syntrophins in cytoskeletal organization and modulation has not yet been comprehensively reviewed till now. This review focuses on syntrophins and highlights their role in cytoskeletal organization, modulation and dynamics via its involvement in different cell signalling networks.

Targeted Gene Resequencing (Astrochip) to Explore the Tripartite Synapse in Autism-Epilepsy Phenotype with Macrocephaly

The frequent co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy, or paroxysmal EEG abnormalities, defines a condition termed autism-epilepsy phenotype (AEP). This condition results, in some cases , from dysfunctions of glial inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir), which are mainly expressed in astrocytes where they mediate neuron-glia communication. Macrocephaly is also often comorbid with autism-epilepsy (autism-epilepsy phenotype with macrocephaly, MAEP), and it is tempting to hypothesize that shared pathogenic mechanisms might explain concurrence of these conditions. In the present study, we assessed whether protein pathways involved, along with Kir channels, in astrocyte-neuron interaction at the tripartite synapse play a role in the etiopathogenesis of MAEP. Using a targeted resequencing methodology, we investigated the coding regions of 35 genes in 61 patients and correlated genetic results with clinical features. Variants were subdivided into 12 classes and clustered into four groups. We detected rare or previously unknown predicted deleterious missense changes in GJA1, SLC12A2, SNTA1, EFNA3, CNTNAP2, EPHA4, and STXBP1 in seven patients and two high-frequency variants in DLG1 in six individuals. We also found that a group of variants (predicted deleterious and non-coding), segregating with the comorbid MAEP/AEP subgroups, belong to proteins specifically involved in glutamate transport and metabolism (namely, SLC17A6, GRM8, and GLUL), as well as in potassium conductance (KCNN3). This "endophenotype-oriented" study, performed using a targeted strategy, helped to further delineate part of the complex genetic background of ASD, particularly in the presence of coexisting macrocephaly and/or epilepsy/paroxysmal EEG, and suggests that use of stringent clinical clustering might be an approach worth adopting in order to unravel the complex genomic data in neurodevelopmental disorders.

A genome-wide association study in catfish reveals the presence of functional hubs of related genes within QTLs for columnaris disease resistance

Background

Columnaris causes severe mortalities among many different wild and cultured freshwater fish species, but understanding of host resistance is lacking. Catfish, the primary aquaculture species in the United States, serves as a great model for the analysis of host resistance against columnaris disease. Channel catfish in general is highly resistant to the disease while blue catfish is highly susceptible. F2 generation of hybrids can be produced where phenotypes and genotypes are segregating, providing a useful system for QTL analysis. To identify genes associated with columnaris resistance, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the catfish 250 K SNP array with 340 backcross progenies derived from crossing female channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) with male F1 hybrid catfish (female channel catfish I. punctatus × male blue catfish I. furcatus).

Results

A genomic region on linkage group 7 was found to be significantly associated with columnaris resistance. Within this region, five have known functions in immunity, including pik3r3b, cyld-like, adcyap1r1, adcyap1r1-like, and mast2. In addition, 3 additional suggestively associated QTL regions were identified on linkage groups 7, 12, and 14. The resistant genotypes on the QTLs of linkage groups 7 and 12 were found to be homozygous with both alleles being derived from channel catfish. The paralogs of the candidate genes in the suggestively associated QTL of linkage group 12 were found on the QTLs of linkage group 7. Many candidate genes on the four associated regions are involved in PI3K pathway that is known to be required by many bacteria for efficient entry into the host.

Conclusion

The GWAS revealed four QTLs associated with columnaris resistance in catfish. Strikingly, the candidate genes may be arranged as functional hubs; the candidate genes within the associated QTLs on linkage groups 7 and 12 are not only co-localized, but also functionally related, with many of them being involved in the PI3K signal transduction pathway, suggesting its importance for columnaris resistance.

TRAF4 is a novel phosphoinositide-binding protein modulating tight junctions and favoring cell migration

The cancer-associated TRAF4 protein has a TRAF domain that is a bona fide phosphoinositide-binding domain and involved in the modulation of tight junctions and cell migration.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is frequently overexpressed in carcinomas, suggesting a specific role in cancer. Although TRAF4 protein is predominantly found at tight junctions (TJs) in normal mammary epithelial cells (MECs), it accumulates in the cytoplasm of malignant MECs. How TRAF4 is recruited and functions at TJs is unclear. Here we show that TRAF4 possesses a novel phosphoinositide (PIP)-binding domain crucial for its recruitment to TJs. Of interest, this property is shared by the other members of the TRAF protein family. Indeed, the TRAF domain of all TRAF proteins (TRAF1 to TRAF6) is a bona fide PIP-binding domain. Molecular and structural analyses revealed that the TRAF domain of TRAF4 exists as a trimer that binds up to three lipids using basic residues exposed at its surface. Cellular studies indicated that TRAF4 acts as a negative regulator of TJ and increases cell migration. These functions are dependent from its ability to interact with PIPs. Our results suggest that TRAF4 overexpression might contribute to breast cancer progression by destabilizing TJs and favoring cell migration.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 4, also known as TRAF4, is an unusual member of the TRAF protein family. While TRAFs are primarily known as regulators of inflammation, antiviral responses, and apoptosis, research on TRAF4 has identified its involvement in development and cancer. Importantly TRAF4 overexpression has been associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancers. TRAF4 has multiple subcellular localizations: to the plasma membrane in tight junctions (TJs), cytoplasmic and nuclear. The recruitment mechanisms and the functional impact of these distinct localizations are not completely understood. Here we investigate how TRAF4 is recruited to TJs and its involvement in cell–cell contacts in mammary epithelial cells (MECs). We show that the TRAF domain of all TRAFs contains a lipid binding module, and that TRAF4 uses this domain to form a trimeric complex that associates with phosphoinositides at the plasma membrane. Moreover this interaction is necessary for its recruitment to TJs. Additionally, we show that through its interaction with lipids TRAF4 delays TJ assembly and increases cell migration. We propose that TRAF4 has an important function in cancer progression by destabilizing TJs and favoring cell migration.

Syntrophin proteins as Santa Claus: role(s) in cell signal transduction

Syntrophins are a family of cytoplasmic membrane-associated adaptor proteins, characterized by the presence of a unique domain organization comprised of a C-terminal syntrophin unique (SU) domain and an N-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain that is split by insertion of a PDZ domain. Syntrophins have been recognized as an important component of many signaling events, and they seem to function more like the cell's own personal 'Santa Claus' that serves to 'gift' various signaling complexes with precise proteins that they 'wish for', and at the same time care enough for the spatial, temporal control of these signaling events, maintaining overall smooth functioning and general happiness of the cell. Syntrophins not only associate various ion channels and signaling proteins to the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), via a direct interaction with dystrophin protein but also serve as a link between the extracellular matrix and the intracellular downstream targets and cell cytoskeleton by interacting with F-actin. They play an important role in regulating the postsynaptic signal transduction, sarcolemmal localization of nNOS, EphA4 signaling at the neuromuscular junction, and G-protein mediated signaling. In our previous work, we reported a differential expression pattern of alpha-1-syntrophin (SNTA1) protein in esophageal and breast carcinomas. Implicated in several other pathologies, like cardiac dys-functioning, muscular dystrophies, diabetes, etc., these proteins provide a lot of scope for further studies. The present review focuses on the role of syntrophins in membrane targeting and regulation of cellular proteins, while highlighting their relevance in possible development and/or progression of pathologies including cancer which we have recently demonstrated.

α-Syntrophin is required for the hepatocyte growth factor-induced migration of cultured myoblasts

Syntrophins are adaptor proteins that link intracellular signaling molecules to the dystrophin based scaffold. In this study, we investigated the function of syntrophins in cell migration, one of the early steps in myogenic differentiation and in regeneration of adult muscle. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulates migration and lamellipodia formation in cultured C2 myoblasts. In the migrating cells, syntrophin concentrated in the rear-lateral region of the cell, opposite of the lamellipodia, instead of being diffusely present throughout the cytoplasm of non-migrating cells. When the expression of α-syntrophin, the major syntrophin isoform of skeletal muscle, was reduced by transfection with the α-syntrophin-specific siRNA, HGF stimulation of lamellipodia formation was prevented. Likewise, migration of myoblasts from α-syntrophin knockout mice could not be stimulated by HGF. However, HGF-induced migration was restored in myoblasts isolated from a transgenic mouse expressing α-syntrophin only in muscle cells. Treatment of C2 myoblasts with inhibitors of PI3-kinase not only reduced the rate of cell migration, but also impaired the accumulation of syntrophins in the rear-lateral region of the migrating cells. Phosphorylation of Akt was reduced in the α-syntrophin siRNA-treated C2 cells. These results suggest that α-syntrophin is required for HGF-induced migration of myoblasts and for proper PI3-kinase/Akt signaling.

The alpha-syntrophin PH and PDZ domains scaffold acetylcholine receptors, utrophin, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase at the neuromuscular junction

At the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the dystrophin protein complex provides a scaffold that functions to stabilize acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters. Syntrophin, a key component of that scaffold, is a multidomain adapter protein that links a variety of signaling proteins and ion channels to the dystrophin protein complex. Without syntrophin, utrophin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase mu (nNOSmu) fail to localize to the NMJ and the AChRs are distributed abnormally. Here we investigate the contribution of syntrophin domains to AChR distribution and to localization of utrophin and nNOSmu at the NMJ. Transgenic mice expressing alpha-syntrophin lacking portions of the first pleckstrin homology (PH) domain (DeltaPH1a or DeltaPH1b) or the entire PDZ domain (DeltaPDZ) were bred onto the alpha-syntrophin null background. As expected the DeltaPDZ transgene did not restore the NMJ localization of nNOS. The DeltaPH1a transgene did restore postsynaptic nNOS but surprisingly did not restore sarcolemmal nNOS (although sarcolemmal aquaporin-4 was restored). Mice lacking the alpha-syntrophin PDZ domain or either half of the PH1 domain were able to restore utrophin to the NMJ but did not correct the aberrant AChR distribution of the alpha-syntrophin knock-out mice. However, mice expressing both the transgenic DeltaPDZ and the transgenic DeltaPH1a constructs did restore normal AChR distribution, demonstrating that both domains are required but need not be confined within the same protein to function. We conclude that the PH1 and PDZ domains of alpha-syntrophin work in concert to facilitate the localization of AChRs and nNOS at the NMJ.

Cytoskeletal basis of ion channel function in cardiac muscle

The heart is a force-generating organ that responds to self-generated electrical stimuli from specialized cardiomyocytes. This function is modulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. In order to contract and accommodate the repetitive morphological changes induced by the cardiac cycle, cardiomyocytes depend on their highly evolved and specialized cytoskeletal apparatus. Defects in components of the cytoskeleton affect the ability of the cell to compensate at both functional and structural levels in the long term. In addition to structural remodeling, the myocardium becomes increasingly susceptible to altered electrical activity, leading to arrhythmogenesis. The development of arrhythmias secondary to structural remodeling defects has been noted, although the detailed molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Here, the author reviews the current knowledge of the molecular and functional relationships between the cytoskeleton and ion channels, and discusses the future impact of new data on molecular cardiology research and clinical practice.

Profound human/mouse differences in alpha-dystrobrevin isoforms: a novel syntrophin-binding site and promoter missing in mouse and rat

Background

The dystrophin glycoprotein complex is disrupted in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and many other neuromuscular diseases. The principal heterodimeric partner of dystrophin at the heart of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex in the main clinically affected tissues (skeletal muscle, heart and brain) is its distant relative, α-dystrobrevin. The α-dystrobrevin gene is subject to complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, generating a substantial range of isoforms by alternative promoter use, alternative polyadenylation and alternative splicing. The choice of isoform is understood, amongst other things, to determine the stoichiometry of syntrophins (and their ligands) in the dystrophin glycoprotein complex.

Results

We show here that, contrary to the literature, most α-dystrobrevin genes, including that of humans, encode three distinct syntrophin-binding sites, rather than two, resulting in a greatly enhanced isoform repertoire. We compare in detail the quantitative tissue-specific expression pattern of human and mouse α-dystrobrevin isoforms, and show that two major gene features (the novel syntrophin-binding site-encoding exon and the internal promoter and first exon of brain-specific isoforms α-dystrobrevin-4 and -5) are present in most mammals but specifically ablated in mouse and rat.

Conclusion

Lineage-specific mutations in the murids mean that the mouse brain has fewer than half of the α-dystrobrevin isoforms found in the human brain. Our finding that there are likely to be fundamental functional differences between the α-dystrobrevins (and therefore the dystrophin glycoprotein complexes) of mice and humans raises questions about the current use of the mouse as the principal model animal for studying Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other related disorders, especially the neurological aspects thereof.

Syntrophin-2 is required for eye development in Drosophila

Syntrophins are components of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC), which is encoded by causative genes of muscular dystrophies. The DGC is thought to play roles not only in linking the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, providing stability to the cell membrane, but also in signal transduction. Because of their binding to a variety of different molecules, it has been suggested that syntrophins are adaptor proteins recruiting signaling proteins to membranes and the DGC. However, critical roles in vivo remain elusive. Drosophila Syntrophin-2 (Syn2) is an orthologue of human gamma 1/gamma 2-syntrophins. Western immunoblot analysis here showed Syn2 to be expressed throughout development, with especially high levels in the adult head. Morphological aberrations were observed in Syn2 knockdown adult flies, with lack of retinal elongation and malformation of rhabdomeres. Furthermore, Syn2 knockdown flies exhibited excessive apoptosis in third instar larvae and alterations in the actin localization in the pupal retinae. Genetic crosses with a collection of Drosophila deficiency stocks allowed us to identify seven genomic regions, deletions of which caused enhancement of the rough eye phenotype induced by Syn2 knockdown. This information should facilitate identification of Syn2 regulators in Drosophila and clarification of roles of Syn2 in eye development.

Therapeutic targeting of signaling pathways in muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases that cause severe muscle weakness and loss of skeletal muscle mass. Although research has helped understanding the molecular basis of muscular dystrophy, there is still no cure for this devastating disorder. Numerous lines of investigation suggest that the primary deficiency of specific proteins causes aberrant activation of several cell signaling pathways in skeletal and cardiac muscle leading to the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy. Studies using genetic mouse models and pharmacological approaches have provided strong evidence that the modulation of the activity of specific cell signaling pathways has enormous potential to improving the quality of life and extending the life expectancy in muscular dystrophy patients. In this article, we have outlined the current understanding regarding the role of different cell signaling pathways in disease progression with particular reference to different models of muscular dystrophy and the development of therapy.

Genetic link between β-sarcoglycan and the Egfr signaling pathway

Sarcoglycans are a multimeric, integral membrane protein complex that is part of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex. Previous findings suggest that the dystrophin glycoprotein complex plays roles not only in maintaining the mechanical structure of the cell membrane but also in signal transduction. To evaluate the functions of sarcoglycans, we here took advantage of Drosophila, which is useful for screening genetic interactions. Morphological aberrancy was observed in the adult compound eyes of Drosophila beta-sarcolgycan (dscgbeta) knockdown flies. We also detected genetic interactions between dscgbeta and Egfr related genes, such as rhomboid-1, rhomboid-3, and mirror. Furthermore two extra cell types with strong expression of Rhomboid were found in the ommatidia of dscgbeta knockdown pupal retina. These cells exhibited phosphorylation of ERKA, suggesting that Egfr signaling is activated via Rhomboid. Through these in vivo analyses, we conclude that dscgbeta negatively regulates the Egfr signaling pathway.

Syntrophins regulate alpha1D-adrenergic receptors through a PDZ domain-mediated interaction

To find novel cytoplasmic binding partners of the alpha1D-adrenergic receptor (AR), a yeast two-hybrid screen using the alpha1D-AR C terminus as bait was performed on a human brain cDNA library. Alpha-syntrophin, a protein containing one PDZ domain and two pleckstrin homology domains, was isolated in this screen as an alpha1D-AR-interacting protein. Alpha-syntrophin specifically recognized the C terminus of alpha1D- but not alpha1A- or alpha1B-ARs. In blot overlay assays, the PDZ domains of syntrophin isoforms alpha, beta1, and beta2 but not gamma1 or gamma2 showed strong selective interactions with the alpha1D-AR C-tail fusion protein. In transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells, full-length alpha1D- but not alpha1A- or alpha1B-ARs co-immunoprecipitated with syntrophins, and the importance of the receptor C terminus for the alpha1D-AR/syntrophin interaction was confirmed using chimeric receptors. Mutation of the PDZ-interacting motif at the alpha1D-AR C terminus markedly decreased inositol phosphate formation stimulated by norepinephrine but not carbachol in transfected HEK293 cells. This mutation also dramatically decreased alpha1D-AR binding and protein expression. In addition, stable overexpression of alpha-syntrophin significantly increased alpha1D-AR protein expression and binding but did not affect those with a mutated PDZ-interacting motif, suggesting that syntrophin plays an important role in maintaining receptor stability by directly interacting with the receptor PDZ-interacting motif. This direct interaction may provide new information about the regulation of alpha1D-AR signaling and the role of syntrophins in modulating G protein-coupled receptor function.

Assembly of a perivascular astrocyte protein scaffold at the mammalian blood–brain barrier is dependent on α-syntrophin

alpha-Syntrophin, a member of the dystrophin-associated protein complex, is required for proper localization of the water channel aquaporin-4 at the blood-brain barrier. Mice lacking alpha-syntrophin have reduced levels of aquaporin-4 in perivascular astroglial endfeet. Consequently, they exhibit reduced edema and infarct volume in brain trauma models and reduced K+ clearance from the neuropil, leading to increased seizure susceptibility. We have used the alpha-syntrophin null mice to investigate whether alpha-syntrophin is required for proper localization of other components of the dystrophin complex at the blood-brain barrier. We find that alpha-syntrophin is required for the full recruitment of gamma2-syntrophin and alpha-dystrobrevin-2 to glial endfeet in adult cerebellum. In contrast, the localization of beta1- and beta2-syntrophin and alpha-dystrobrevin-1 at the blood-brain barrier is not dependent on the presence of alpha-syntrophin. The localization patterns of alpha-dystrobrevin-1 and -2 in wild type cerebellum are strikingly different; while alpha-dystrobrevin-1 is present in glial endfeet throughout the cerebellum, alpha-dystrobrevin-2 is restricted to glial endfeet in the granular layer alone. Finally, we show that the enrichment of dystrophin in glial endfeet depends on the presence of alpha-syntrophin. This finding is the first demonstration that dystrophin localization is dependent on syntrophin. Since the localization of gamma2-syntrophin, alpha-dystrobrevin-2, and dystrophin is contingent on alpha-syntrophin, we conclude that alpha-syntrophin is a central organizer of the astrocyte dystrophin complex, an important molecular scaffold for localization of aquaporin-4 at the blood-brain barrier.

Structure of the split PH domain and distinct lipid-binding properties of the PH-PDZ supramodule of alpha-syntrophin

Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains play diverse roles in cytoskeletal dynamics and signal transduction. Split PH domains represent a unique subclass of PH domains that have been implicated in interactions with complementary partial PH domains 'hidden' in many proteins. Whether partial PH domains exist as independent structural units alone and whether two halves of a split PH domain can fold together to form an intact PH domain are not known. Here, we solved the structure of the PH(N)-PDZ-PH(C) tandem of alpha-syntrophin. The split PH domain of alpha-syntrophin adopts a canonical PH domain fold. The isolated partial PH domains of alpha-syntrophin, although completely unfolded, remain soluble in solution. Mixing of the two isolated domains induces de novo folding and yields a stable PH domain. Our results demonstrate that two complementary partial PH domains are capable of binding to each other to form an intact PH domain. We further showed that the PH(N)-PDZ-PH(C) tandem forms a functionally distinct supramodule, in which the split PH domain and the PDZ domain function synergistically in binding to inositol phospholipids.

Cardiac syntrophin isoforms: Species-dependent expression, association with dystrophin complex and subcellular localization

Syntrophin is known to be a component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), a membrane/cytoskeleton-anchoring structure that is essential for the maintenance of viability of sarcolemma. We purified DGC from hearts of human and several animal species, and compared their protein composition. While almost all components of DGC were present in various species, proteins with the apparent molecular mass of 50-65 kDa corresponding to syntrophin isoforms were very different among them. Three isoforms of syntrophin (alpha1, beta1, beta2) were expressed in hamster, rat and canine ventricles, whereas only alpha1-isoform was mainly expressed in human and rabbit ventricles. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that alpha1-and beta2-syntrophins were co-localized in sarcolemma and in T-tubules of canine ventricles. However, despite membrane localization of most syntrophins, subcellular fractionation revealed that part of syntrophins were recovered in the cytosolic fraction devoid of other components of DGC, raising the possibility that syntrophins may play multiple roles in various intracellular sites of cardiac muscle cells. Species-dependent expression and unique subcellular localization of syntrophins in cardiac muscle may contribute to the variable severity of muscle dysgenesis caused by the same primary defect in components of DGC of human and other animal species.

Laminin-alpha1 globular domains 3 and 4 induce heterotrimeric G protein binding to alpha-syntrophin's PDZ domain and alter intracellular Ca2+ in muscle

Alpha-syntrophin is a component of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC). It is firmly attached to the dystrophin cytoskeleton via a unique COOH-terminal domain and is associated indirectly with alpha-dystroglycan, which binds to extracellular matrix laminin. Syntrophin contains two pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and one PDZ domain. Because PH domains of other proteins are known to bind the betagamma-subunits of the heterotrimeric G proteins, whether this is also a property of syntrophin was investigated. Isolated syntrophin from rabbit skeletal muscle binds bovine brain Gbetagamma-subunits in gel blot overlay experiments. Laminin-1-Sepharose or specific antibodies against syntrophin, alpha- and beta-dystroglycan, or dystrophin precipitate a complex with Gbetagamma from crude skeletal muscle microsomes. Bacterially expressed syntrophin fusion proteins and truncation mutants allowed mapping of Gbetagamma binding to syntrophin's PDZ domain; this is a novel function for PDZ domains. When laminin-1 is bound, maximal binding of Gsalpha and Gbetagamma occurs and active Gsalpha, measured as GTP-gamma35S bound, decreases. Because intracellular Ca2+ is elevated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Gsalpha is known to activate the dihydropyridine receptor Ca2+ channel, whether laminin also altered intracellular Ca2+ was investigated. Laminin-1 decreases active (GTP-gammaS-bound) Gsalpha, and the Ca2+ channel is inhibited by laminin-1. The laminin alpha1-chain globular domains 4 and 5 region, the region bound by DGC alpha-dystroglycan, is sufficient to cause an effect, and an antibody that specifically blocks laminin binding to alpha-dystroglycan inhibits Gbeta binding by syntrophin in C2C12 myotubes. These observations suggest that DGC is a matrix laminin, G protein-coupled receptor.

Syntrophin is an actin-binding protein the cellular localization of which is regulated through cytoskeletal reorganization in skeletal muscle cells

We have characterized the interaction of syntrophin with F-actin. Subcellular fractionation of cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues showed that alpha-, beta1- and beta2-syntrophins were present in the soluble and the membrane fraction. Syntrophins are known to bind to the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), but since the DGC is not present in the soluble fraction, it was concluded that some syntrophin did not associate with the DGC. Native syntrophins purified from the soluble fraction and recombinant syntrophins were both able to bind to F-actin, and binding occurred through several sites on syntrophin, including the second pleckstrin homology domain and the unique carboxyl-terminal domain. Syntrophin was also able to inhibit actin-activated myosin ATPase activity and actomyosin super-precipitation. alpha-Syntrophin co-localized with cortical F-actin fibers when expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and deletion of the actin-binding region abolished co-localization. Most of exogenous or endogenous syntrophin also co-localized with stress fibers in endothelial and smooth muscle (A7r5) cells. However, syntrophins were mostly localized in the cytosol of serum-starved C2C12 or primary cultured skeletal muscle myotubes, and translocated to the membrane upon treatment with lysophosphatidic acid or the actin-stabilizing agent jasplakinolide. The actin-depolymerizing agent latrunculin-B abolished this syntrophin translocation. These findings suggest that syntrophin is an actin-binding protein the subcellular localization of which is regulated through cytoskeletal reorganization.

Association of villin with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate regulates the actin cytoskeleton

Villin, an epithelial cell actin-binding protein, severs actin in vitro and in vivo. Previous studies report that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) regulates actin severing by villin, presumably by interaction with villin. However, direct association of villin with PIP(2) has never been characterized. In this report, we presented mutational analysis to identify the PIP(2)-binding sites in villin. Villin (human) binds PIP(2) with a K(d) of 39.5 microm, a stoichiometry of 3.3, and a Hill coefficient of 1. We generated deletion mutants of villin lacking putative PIP(2)-binding sites and examined the impact of these mutations on PIP(2) binding and actin dynamics. Our analysis revealed the presence of three PIP(2)-binding sites, two in the amino-terminal core and one in the carboxyl-terminal headpiece of human villin. Synthetic peptides analogous with these sites confirmed the binding domains. Circular dichroism and quenching of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence revealed a significant conformational change in these peptides ensuing in their association with PIP(2). By using site-directed mutagenesis (arginine 138 to alanine), we demonstrated the presence of an identical F-actin and PIP(2)-binding site in the capping and severing domain of villin. In contrast, the mutants lysine 822 and 824 to alanine demonstrated the presence of an overlapping F-actin and PIP(2)-binding site in the actin cross-linking domain of villin. Consistent with this observation, association of villin with PIP(2) inhibited the actin capping and severing functions of villin and enhanced the actin bundling function of villin. Our studies revealed that structural changes induced by association with PIP(2) could regulate the actin-modifying functions of villin. This study provided biochemical proof of the functional significance of villin association with PIP(2) and identified the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of actin dynamics by villin and PIP(2).

Alpha1-syntrophin-deficient skeletal muscle exhibits hypertrophy and aberrant formation of neuromuscular junctions during regeneration

Alpha1-syntrophin is a member of the family of dystrophin-associated proteins; it has been shown to recruit neuronal nitric oxide synthase and the water channel aquaporin-4 to the sarcolemma by its PSD-95/SAP-90, Discs-large, ZO-1 homologous domain. To examine the role of alpha1-syntrophin in muscle regeneration, we injected cardiotoxin into the tibialis anterior muscles of alpha1-syntrophin-null (alpha1syn-/-) mice. After the treatment, alpha1syn-/- muscles displayed remarkable hypertrophy and extensive fiber splitting compared with wild-type regenerating muscles, although the untreated muscles of the mutant mice showed no gross histological change. In the hypertrophied muscles of the mutant mice, the level of insulin-like growth factor-1 transcripts was highly elevated. Interestingly, in an early stage of the regeneration process, alpha1syn-/- mice showed remarkably deranged neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), accompanied by impaired ability to exercise. The contractile forces were reduced in alpha1syn-/- regenerating muscles. Our results suggest that the lack of alpha1-syntrophin might be responsible in part for the muscle hypertrophy, abnormal synapse formation at NMJs, and reduced force generation during regeneration of dystrophin-deficient muscle, all of which are typically observed in the early stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.

Dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and Ras and Rho GTPase signaling are altered in muscle atrophy

The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) is a sarcolemmal complex whose defects cause muscular dystrophies. The normal function of this complex is not clear. We have proposed that this is a signal transduction complex, signaling normal interactions with matrix laminin, and that the response is normal growth and homeostasis. If so, the complex and its signaling should be altered in other physiological states such as atrophy. The amount of some of the DGC proteins, including dystrophin, beta-dystroglycan, and alpha-sarcoglycan, is reduced significantly in rat skeletal muscle atrophy induced by tenotomy. Furthermore, H-Ras, RhoA, and Cdc42 decrease in expression levels and activities in muscle atrophy. When the small GTPases were assayed after laminin or beta-dystroglycan depletion, H-Ras, Rac1, and Cdc42 activities were reduced, suggesting a physical linkage between the DGC and the GTPases. Dominant-negative Cdc42, introduced with a retroviral vector, resulted in fibers that appeared atrophic. These data support a putative role for the DGC in transduction of mechanical signals in muscle.

Nucleotides and phospholipids compete for binding to the C terminus of KATP channels

Inwardly rectifying, ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(ATP)) couple metabolism to either cell excitability (Kir6.x) or potassium secretion (Kir1.1). Phosphatidylinositol phospholipids, like PI(4,5)P2, antagonize nucleotide inhibition of K(ATP) channels enhancing the coupling of metabolic events to cell electrical or transport activity. The mechanism by which phospholipids relieve ATP block is unclear. We have shown that maltose-binding fusion proteins (MBP) containing the COOH termini of K(ATP) channels (Kir1.1, Kir6.1, and Kir6.2) form functional tetramers that directly bind at least two ATP molecules with negative cooperativity. Here we show that purified phosphatidylinositol phospholipids compete for 2,4,6,-trinitrophenyl (TNP)-ATP binding to the COOH termini of K(ATP) channels with EC50 values for PIP2 between 6-8 microM. The phospholipid potency profile was PIP3 > PIP2 = PIP > PI, suggesting that net phospholipid charge was important. A role for head group charge was supported by polycations (neomycin, spermine, and polylysine) reversing the effect of PIP2 on TNP-ATP binding to the Kir1.1 channel COOH terminal fusion protein. In contrast, the water-soluble charged hydrolytic product of PIP2, inositol(1,4,5)P3 (IP3), had no effect on TNP-ATP binding, suggesting that the acyl chain of PIP2 was also necessary for its effect on TNP-ATP binding. Indeed, neutral and charged lipids had weak, but significant, effects on TNP-ATP binding. Whereas microM concentrations of PIP2 could compete with TNP-ATP, we found that mM concentrations of MgATP were required to compete with PIP2 for binding to these K(ATP) channel COOH termini. Thus the COOH termini of K(ATP) channels form a nucleotide- and phospholipid-modulated channel gate on which ATP and phospholipids compete for binding.

Dystroglycan is not required for localization of dystrophin, syntrophin, and neuronal nitric-oxide synthase at the sarcolemma but regulates integrin alpha 7B expression and caveolin-3 distribution

Dystroglycan is part of the dystrophin-associated protein complex, which joins laminin in the extracellular matrix to dystrophin within the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton. We have investigated how mutations in the components of the laminin-dystroglycan-dystrophin axis affect the organization and expression of dystrophin-associated proteins by comparing mice mutant for merosin (alpha(2)-laminin, dy), dystrophin (mdx), and dystroglycan (Dag1) using immunohistochemistry and immunoblots. We report that syntrophin and neuronal nitric-oxide synthase are depleted in muscle fibers lacking both dystrophin and dystroglycan. Some fibers deficient in dystroglycan, however, localize dystrophin at the cell surface at levels similar to that in wild-type muscle. Nevertheless, these fibers have signs of degeneration/regeneration including increased cell surface permeability and central nuclei. In these fibers, syntrophin and nitric-oxide synthase are also localized to the plasma membrane, whereas the sarcoglycan complex is disrupted. These results suggest a mechanism of membrane attachment for dystrophin independent of dystroglycan and that the interaction of sarcoglycans with dystrophin requires dystroglycan. The distribution of caveolin-3, a muscle-specific component of caveolae recently found to bind dystroglycan, was affected in dystroglycan- and dystrophin-deficient mice. We also examined alternative mechanisms of cell-extracellular matrix attachment to elucidate how the muscle basement membrane may subsist in the absence of dystroglycan, and we found the alpha(7B) splice variant of the alpha(7) integrin receptor subunit to be up-regulated. These results support the possibility that alpha(7B) integrin compensates in mediating cell-extracellular matrix attachment but cannot rescue the dystrophic phenotype.

The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, cellular signaling, and the regulation of cell survival in the muscular dystrophies

Mutations of different components of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) cause muscular dystrophies that vary in terms of severity, age of onset, and selective involvement of muscle groups. Although the primary pathogenetic processes in the muscular dystrophies have clearly been identified as apoptotic and necrotic muscle cell death, the pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to cell death remain to be determined. Studies of components of the DGC in muscle and in nonmuscle tissues have revealed that the DGC is undoubtedly a multifunctional complex and a highly dynamic structure, in contrast to the unidimensional concept of the DGC as a mechanical component in the cell. Analysis of the DGC reveals compelling analogies to two other membrane-associated protein complexes, namely integrins and caveolins. Each of these complexes mediates signal transduction cascades in the cell, and disruption of each complex causes muscular dystrophies. The signal transduction cascades associated with the DGC, like those associated with integrins and caveolins, play important roles in cell survival signaling, cellular defense mechanisms, and regulation of the balance between cell survival and cell death. This review focuses on the functional components of the DGC, highlighting the evidence of their participation in cellular signaling processes important for cell survival. Elucidating the link between these functional components and the pathogenetic processes leading to cell death is the foremost challenge to understanding the mechanisms of disease expression in the muscular dystrophies due to defects in the DGC.

Association of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with alpha1-syntrophin at the sarcolemma

alpha1-syntrophin is a PDZ-containing dystrophin-associated protein, expressed predominantly in striated muscle and brain. alpha1-syntrophin null mice generated by gene targeting technique showed no overt muscular dystrophic phenotype. Though other dystrophin-associated proteins were localized at the sarcolemma, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was selectively lost from the membrane fraction but remained in the cytoplasm. Thus, the alpha1-syntrophin null mice are useful in the elucidation of the functional importance of nNOS targeting at the sarcolemma. In addition, the mice would facilitate identification of other signaling molecules, which are targeted to dystrophin complex via interaction with alpha1-syntrophin.

In vivo requirement of the alpha-syntrophin PDZ domain for the sarcolemmal localization of nNOS and aquaporin-4

alpha-Syntrophin is a scaffolding adapter protein expressed primarily on the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle. The COOH-terminal half of alpha-syntrophin binds to dystrophin and related proteins, leaving the PSD-95, discs-large, ZO-1 (PDZ) domain free to recruit other proteins to the dystrophin complex. We investigated the function of the PDZ domain of alpha-syntrophin in vivo by generating transgenic mouse lines expressing full-length alpha-syntrophin or a mutated alpha-syntrophin lacking the PDZ domain (Delta PDZ). The Delta PDZ alpha-syntrophin displaced endogenous alpha- and beta 1-syntrophin from the sarcolemma and resulted in sarcolemma containing little or no syntrophin PDZ domain. As a consequence, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and aquaporin-4 were absent from the sarcolemma. However, the sarcolemmal expression and distribution of muscle sodium channels, which bind the alpha-syntrophin PDZ domain in vitro, were not altered. Both transgenic mouse lines were bred with an alpha-syntrophin-null mouse which lacks sarcolemmal nNOS and aquaporin-4. The full-length alpha-syntrophin, not the Delta PDZ form, reestablished nNOS and aquaporin-4 at the sarcolemma of these mice. Genetic crosses with the mdx mouse showed that neither transgenic syntrophin could associate with the sarcolemma in the absence of dystrophin. Together, these data show that the sarcolemmal localization of nNOS and aquaporin-4 in vivo depends on the presence of a dystrophin-bound alpha-syntrophin PDZ domain.

Regulation of phospholipase C-gamma(1) by the actin-regulatory protein villin

The actin-regulatory protein villin is tyrosine phosphorylated and associates with phospholipase C-gamma(1) (PLC-gamma(1)) in the brush border of intestinal epithelial cells. To study the mechanism of villin-associated PLC-gamma(1) activation, we reconstituted in vitro the tyrosine phosphorylation of villin and its association with PLC-gamma(1). Recombinant villin was phosphorylated in vitro by the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-src or by expression in the TKX1 competent cells that carry an inducible tyrosine kinase gene. Using in vitro binding assays, we demonstrated that tyrosine-phosphorylated villin associates with the COOH-terminal Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of PLC-gamma(1). The catalytic activity of PLC-gamma(1) was inhibited by villin in a dose-dependent manner with half-maximal inhibition at a concentration of 12.4 microM. Villin inhibited PLC-gamma(1) activity by sequestering the substrate phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), since increasing concentrations of PIP(2) reversed the inhibitory effects of villin on PLC activity. The inhibition of PLC-gamma(1) activity by villin was reversed by the tyrosine phosphorylation of villin. Further, we demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation of villin abolished villin's ability to associate with PIP(2). In conclusion, tyrosine-phosphorylated villin associates with the COOH-terminal SH2 domain of PLC-gamma(1) and activates PLC-gamma(1) catalytic activity. Villin regulates PLC-gamma(1) activity by modifying its own ability to bind PIP(2). This study provides biochemical proof of the functional relevance of tyrosine phosphorylation of villin and identifies the molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of PLC-gamma(1) by villin.

Conformation, localization, and integrin binding of talin depend on its interaction with phosphoinositides

Talin is a structural component of focal adhesion sites and is thought to be engaged in multiple protein interactions at the cytoplasmic face of cell/matrix contacts. Talin is a major link between integrin and the actin cytoskeleton and was shown to play an important role in focal adhesion assembly. Consistent with the view that talin must be activated at these sites, we found that phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P(2)) bound to talin in cells in suspension or at early stages of adhesion, respectively. When phosphoinositides were associated with phospholipid bilayer, talin/phosphoinositide association was restricted to PI4,5P(2). This association led to a conformational change of the protein. Moreover, the interaction between integrin and talin was greatly enhanced by PI4,5P(2)-induced talin activation. Finally, sequestration of PI4,5P(2) by a specific pleckstrin homology domain confirms that PI4,5P(2) is necessary for proper membrane localization of talin and that this localization is essential for the maintenance of focal adhesions. Our results support a model in which PI4,5P(2) exposes the integrin-binding site on talin. We propose that PI4,5P(2)-dependent signaling modulates assembly of focal adhesions by regulating integrin-talin complexes. These results demonstrate that activation of the integrin-binding activity of talin requires not only integrin engagement to the extracellular matrix but also the binding of PI4,5P(2) to talin, suggesting a possible role of lipid metabolism in organizing the sequential assembly of focal adhesion components.

Absence of alpha-syntrophin leads to structurally aberrant neuromuscular synapses deficient in utrophin

The syntrophins are a family of structurally related proteins that contain multiple protein interaction motifs. Syntrophins associate directly with dystrophin, the product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy locus, and its homologues. We have generated alpha-syntrophin null mice by targeted gene disruption to test the function of this association. The alpha-Syn(-/)- mice show no evidence of myopathy, despite reduced levels of alpha-dystrobrevin-2. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase, a component of the dystrophin protein complex, is absent from the sarcolemma of the alpha-Syn(-/)- mice, even where other syntrophin isoforms are present. alpha-Syn(-/)- neuromuscular junctions have undetectable levels of postsynaptic utrophin and reduced levels of acetylcholine receptor and acetylcholinesterase. The mutant junctions have shallow nerve gutters, abnormal distributions of acetylcholine receptors, and postjunctional folds that are generally less organized and have fewer openings to the synaptic cleft than controls. Thus, alpha-syntrophin has an important role in synapse formation and in the organization of utrophin, acetylcholine receptor, and acetylcholinesterase at the neuromuscular synapse.

Syntrophin isoforms at the neuromuscular junction: developmental time course and differential localization

The syntrophins are a family of cytoplasmic adapter proteins that associate with dystrophin family proteins and have putative signaling and structural roles at the neuromuscular junction. We have localized the syntrophin family members within the rodent junction from birth to adulthood. Alpha-syntrophin is the only isoform on the postsynaptic membrane at birth. In the adult, it occurs on the crests of the junctional folds, with utrophin, and in the troughs, with dystrophin. Surprisingly, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) does not accompany alpha-syntrophin onto the crests. Beta2-syntrophin, a junction-specific form, is not present at birth and occurs mainly in the troughs in the adult. Beta1-syntrophin is a sarcolemmal form at birth, not concentrated at the junction, and disappears entirely from most fibers by 6 weeks. In positive fibers, junctional beta1-syntrophin occurs exclusively in the troughs. These results suggest that the syntrophin isoforms have distinct functions at the junction and show that the known protein-protein associations of the syntrophins and nNOS in skeletal muscle are not sufficient to explain their localizations.

Phosphorylation of dystrophin and alpha-syntrophin by Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II

A Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase activity (DGC-PK) was previously shown to associate with skeletal muscle dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) preparations, and phosphorylate dystrophin and a protein with the same electrophoretic mobility as alpha-syntrophin (R. Madhavan, H.W. Jarrett, Biochemistry 33 (1994) 5797-5804). Here, we show that DGC-PK and Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) phosphorylate a common site (RSDS(3616)) within the dystrophin C terminal domain that fits the consensus CaM kinase II phosphorylation motif (R/KXXS/T). Furthermore, both kinase activities phosphorylate exactly the same three fusion proteins (dystrophin fusions DysS7 and DysS9, and the syntrophin fusion) out of a panel of eight fusion proteins (representing nearly 100% of syntrophin and 80% of dystrophin protein sequences), demonstrating that DGC-PK and CaM kinase II have the same substrate specificity. Complementing these results, anti-CaM kinase II antibodies specifically stained purified DGC immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes. Renaturation of electrophoretically resolved DGC proteins revealed a single protein kinase band (M(r) approximately 60,000) that, like CaM kinase II, underwent Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent autophosphorylation. Based on these observations, we conclude DGC-PK represents a dystrophin-/syntrophin-phosphorylating skeletal muscle isoform of CaM kinase II. We also show that phosphorylation of the dystrophin C terminal domain sequences inhibits their syntrophin binding in vitro, suggesting a regulatory role for phosphorylation.