Isolation and sequence of a cDNA corresponding to a src-related gene expressed in murine hemopoietic cells

Phosphoproteomic analyses of kidneys of Atlantic salmon infected with Aeromonas salmonicida

Aeromonas salmonicida (A. salmonicida) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes furunculosis and poses a significant global risk, particularly in economic activities such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming. In a previous study, we identified proteins that are significantly upregulated in kidneys of Atlantic salmon challenged with A. salmonicida. Phosphoproteomic analyses were conducted to further clarify the dynamic changes in protein phosphorylation patterns triggered by bacterial infection. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize phosphorylation events in proteins from A. salmonicida-infected Atlantic salmon. Overall, we identified over 5635 phosphorylation sites in 3112 proteins, and 1502 up-regulated and 77 down-regulated proteins quantified as a 1.5-fold or greater change relative to control levels. Based on the combined data from proteomic and motif analyses, we hypothesize that five prospective novel kinases (VRK3, GAK, HCK, PKCδ and RSK6) with common functions in inflammatory processes and cellular pathways to regulate apoptosis and the cytoskeleton could serve as potential biomarkers against bacterial propagation in fish. Data from STRING-based functional network analyses indicate that fga is the most central protein. Our collective findings provide new insights into protein phosphorylation patterns, which may serve as effective indicators of A. salmonicida infection in Atlantic salmon.

Screening Assay for the Detection of the Protein-Protein Interaction Between HIV-1 Nef Protein and the SH3 Domain of Hck

The interaction between the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Nef protein (HIV-1 Nef) and the Src Homology Region 3 (SH3) domain of Hck was studied using scintillation proximity assay (SPA). SPA is a quick and sensitive method that does not require a separation step, thus allowing assays to be performed in a homogeneous environment. In contrast to most conventional techniques, SPA may also be used to detect low affinity protein-protein interactions. In this study, the assay was configured using biotinylated Hck SH3 domain expressed both as a GST fusion protein and synthesized chemically in its' native form. Biotinylated Hck protein was immobilized to streptavidin-coated fluoromicrosphere SPA beads and the binding of [3H]Nef was detected by scintillation counting. Analysis of binding yielded an average equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 183 ± 30 nM for the interaction in line with reported values by other methods. The data presented demonstrates that using SPA, protein-protein interactions of relatively low affinity can be detected with a high degree of sensitivity and screening studies of inhibitors of these associations could be facilitated by the high sample throughput achievable with SPA.

Mercuric chloride activates the Src-family protein tyrosine kinase, Hck in myelomonocytic cells

Hck is a member of the Src-family of protein tyrosine kinases that appears to function in mature leukocytes to communicate a number of extracellular signals including various cytokines. In this study we show that the thiol-reactive heavy metal, mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induces rapid and robust activation of tyrosine phosphorylation within human myelomonocytic cells. This increase in tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins requires the activity of Hck because both kinase inactive alleles of Hck and pharmacological inhibitors selective for the Src-family kinases are able to abrogate the cellular response to HgCl2. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Hck in murine fibroblasts is able to confer HgCl2 responsiveness, as indicated by an increase in tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins to a normally nonresponsive cell line. Concomitant with the activation of Hck, there is a physical association of Hck with another cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase, Syk. The ability of HgCl2 to activate Src-family kinases such as Hck in hematopoietic cells may help explain why exposure to the heavy metal is associated with immune system dysfunction in rodents as well as humans.

p50(Cdc37) can buffer the temperature-sensitive properties of a mutant of Hck

Genetic studies have previously revealed that Cdc37p is required for the catalytic competence of v-Src in yeast. We have reasoned that temperature-sensitive mutants of Src family kinases might be more sensitive to the cellular level of p50(Cdc37), the mammalian homolog of Cdc37p, than their wild-type counterpart, thus potentially providing a unique opportunity to elucidate the involvement of p50(Cdc37) in the folding and stabilization of Src family kinases. A temperature-sensitive mutant of a constitutively active form of Hck (i.e., tsHck499F) was created by mutating two amino acids within the kinase domain of Hck499F. Significantly, overexpression of p50(Cdc37) rescues the catalytic activity of tsHck499F at 33 degrees C, while partially buffering it against inactivation at higher temperatures (e.g., 37 and 39 degrees C). Hsp90 function is required for tsHck499F activity and its stabilization by p50(Cdc37), but overexpression of Hsp90 is not sufficient to stabilize tsHck499F. Overexpression of p50(Cdc37) promotes the association of tsHck499F with Hsp90, suggesting that the cellular level of p50(Cdc37) might be the rate-limiting step in the association of tsHck499F with Hsp90. A truncation mutant of p50(Cdc37) that cannot bind Hsp90 still has a limited capacity to rescue the catalytic activity of tsHck499F and promote its association with Hsp90. This is a particularly important observation, since it argues that rather than solely acting as a passive adapter protein to tether tsHck499F to Hsp90, p50(Cdc37) may also act allosterically to enhance the association of tsHck499F with Hsp90. The findings presented here might also have implications for our understanding of the evolution of protein kinases and tumor development.

Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the Src-family kinase Hck

Hck, a member of the Src-family of protein tyrosine kinases, is expressed primarily in hematopoietic cells of the myeloid and B-lymphocyte lineages. Hybridoma cell lines were established that secrete monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to Hck. Three of the MAbs were extensively characterized and designated H7, H34, and H42. The MAbs H7 and H34 recognized an epitope within the SH3 domain of Hck, while the epitope recognized by the H42 MAb resides within the Unique domain. All three MAbs specifically recognized the p59 and p56 isoforms of Hck in transiently transfected 293T cells and in a murine macrophage cell line. Notably, the antibodies did not cross-react with other Src-family kinases tested. Under native conditions, the MAbs H34 and H42 efficiently immunoprecipitated Hck from transfected cells. Both MAbs were also successfully used for the immunofluorescent staining of Hck in intact cells.Thus, the MAbs described herein should be useful in studies of Hck function and expression.

SH2-kinase linker mutations release Hck tyrosine kinase and transforming activities in Rat-2 fibroblasts

Biochemical and structural studies of Src and related kinases demonstrate that two intramolecular interactions suppress kinase activity. These interactions involve binding of the SH2 domain to a phosphotyrosine residue in the C-terminal tail and association of the SH3 domain with a polyproline type II helix formed by amino acids linking the SH2 and kinase domains. Recent studies have shown that high affinity interaction of the SH3 domain of Hck with the human immunodeficiency virus type I Nef protein activates Hck tyrosine kinase and biological activities, suggesting a mechanism that involves disruption of the SH3-linker interaction. To test the role of this interaction in the regulation of Hck kinase activity in living cells, we substituted alanines for prolines 225 and 228 in the linker region and observed that the resulting mutant (Hck-2PA) demonstrated strong transforming activity in a Rat-2 fibroblast focus-forming assay. Hck-2PA also exhibited elevated tyrosine kinase activity in terms of autophosphorylation, endogenous substrate phosphorylation, and in an in vitro kinase assay. The transforming and kinase activities of Hck-2PA were remarkably similar to those observed with a Hck mutant activated by Phe substitution of the conserved tail Tyr residue and with wild-type Hck following co-expression with human immunodeficiency virus Nef. Introduction of the 2PA and tail mutations into a single Hck expression construct did not increase kinase or transforming activity relative to the individual mutations. These data provide new evidence that SH3-linker interaction may represent the dominant mechanism controlling Hck tyrosine kinase activity in vivo.

Urokinase receptor-dependent and -independent p56/59(hck) activation state is a molecular switch between myelomonocytic cell motility and adherence

Anchorage-independent myelomonocytic cells acquire adherence within minutes of differentiation stimuli, such as the proteolytically inactive N-terminal fragment of urokinase binding to its cognate glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored receptor. Here, we report that urokinase-treated differentiating U937 monocyte-like cells exhibit a rapid and transient inhibition of p56/59(hck) and p55(fgr) whereas no changes in the activity of other Src family kinases, such as p53/56(lyn) and p59(fyn) were observed. U937 transfectants expressing a kinase-defective (Lys267 to Met) p56/59(hck) variant exhibit enhanced adhesiveness and a marked F-actin redistribution in thin protruding structures. Conversely, urokinase as well as expression of wild-type or constitutively active (Tyr499 to Phe) p56/59(hck) stimulates the directional migration of uninduced U937 cells. Accordingly, expression of constitutively active or kinase inactive p56/59(hck) selectively prevents urokinase receptor-dependent induction of either adhesion or motility, indicating that a specific activation state of p56/59(hck) is required for each cell response. In conclusion, modulation of the intracellular p56/59(hck) tyrosine kinase activity switches cell motility towards adherence, providing a mutually exclusive mechanism to regulate these properties during monocyte/macrophage differentiation in vivo.

The proto-oncogene p120(Cbl) is a downstream substrate of the Hck protein-tyrosine kinase

Hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck) is a member of the Src-family of protein tyrosine kinases. We have found that upon enzymatic activation of Hck by the heavy metal mercuric chloride, there was a rapid increase in the levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins including the proto-oncogene p120(Cbl). Fibroblasts that are transformed with an activated allele of Hck exhibit constitutive Cbl phosphorylation. Upon Fcgamma receptor activation, a more physiologically relevant extracellular signal, Cbl is tyrosine phosphorylated and the Src-family selective inhibitor, PP1, can prevent this phosphorylation on Cbl. Hck phosphorylates Cbl in vitro and the interaction between Cbl and Hck is direct, requiring Hck's unique, SH3 and SH2 domains for optimal binding. Using a novel estrogen-regulated chimera of Hck we have shown a hormone-dependent association between Hck and Cbl in murine fibroblasts. This work suggests that Cbl serves as a key mediator of Hck induced signalling in hematopoietic cells.

The Src-like tyrosine kinase Hck is activated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and docks to the activated G-CSF receptor

Activation of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSF-R) leads to tyrosine-phosphorylation of multiple cytoplasmic components. To date, the kinases Jak1, Jak2, Tyk2, Lyn, and Syk have been implicated in this process. However, it is unknown if other kinases might be involved in the diverse responses from the G-CSF-R, which include mitogenesis, survival, differentiation, and functional activation of responsive cells. The hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck) is a member of the Src-family of kinases known to be expressed in cells of the granulocytic lineage. It also interacts with the gp130 subunit of the LIF/IL-6 receptors, which is closely related to the G-CSF-R, and so represents a good candidate for mediating at least some of the downstream signaling from the G-CSF-R. Therefore, we investigated the activation of Hck by the G-CSF-R in intact cells as well as in vitro. These studies revealed recruitment of Hck to activated G-CSF-R, mediated by direct binding via its SH2 domain to multiple phosphotyrosines of the receptor. In addition, we show that Hck becomes activated upon G-CSF treatment and is, in turn, able to phosphorylate the G-CSF-R, indicating a clear functional and physical involvement in G-CSF signaling.

Common in vitro substrate specificity and differential Src homology 2 domain accessibility displayed by two members of the Src family of protein-tyrosine kinases, c-Src and Hck

Hck and Src are members of the Src family of protein- tyrosine kinases that carry out distinct and overlapping functions in vivo (Lowell, C. A., Niwa, M., Soriano, P., and Varmus, H. E. (1996) Blood 87, 1780-1792). In an attempt to understand how Hck and Src can function both independently and in concert, we have compared 1) their in vitro substrate specificity and 2) the accessibility of their Src homology 2 (SH2) domain. Using several synthetic peptides, we have demonstrated that Hck and Src recognize similar structural features in the substrate peptides, suggesting that both kinases have the intrinsic ability to carry out overlapping cellular functions by phosphorylating similar cellular proteins in vivo. Using a phosphotyrosine-containing peptide that has previously been shown to bind the SH2 domain of Src family kinases with high affinity, we found that although Src could bind to the phosphopeptide, Hck showed no interaction. The inability of Hck to bind the phosphopeptide was not a result of a stable intramolecular interaction between its SH2 domain and C-terminal regulatory phosphotyrosine residue (Tyr-520), as most Hck molecules in the purified Hck preparation were not tyrosine-phosphorylated. In contrast to intact Hck, a recombinant truncation analog of Hck was able to bind the phosphopeptide with an affinity similar to that of the Src SH2 domain, suggesting that conformational constraints are imposed on intact Hck that limit accessibility of its SH2 domain to the phosphopeptide. Furthermore, the difference in SH2 domain accessibility is a potential mechanism that enables Src and Hck to perform their respective unique functions by 1) targeting them to different subcellular compartments, whereupon they phosphorylate different cellular proteins, and/or 2) facilitating direct binding to their cellular substrates.

The crystal structure of HIV-1 Nef protein bound to the Fyn kinase SH3 domain suggests a role for this complex in altered T cell receptor signaling

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Nef protein accelerates virulent progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by its interaction with specific cellular proteins involved in signal transduction and host cell activation. Nef has been shown to bind specifically to a subset of the Src family of kinases. The structures of free Nef and Nef bound to Src homology region 3 (SH3) domain are important for the elucidation of how the affinity and specificity for the Src kinase family SH3 domains are achieved, and also for the development of potential drugs and vaccines against AIDS.

RESULTS

We have determined the crystal structures of the conserved core of HIV-1 Nef protein alone and in complex with the wild-type SH3 domain of the p59fyn protein tyrosine kinase (Fyn), at 3.0 A resolution. Comparison of the bound and unbound Nef structures revealed that a proline-rich motif (Pro-x-x-Pro), which is implicated in SH3 binding, is partially disordered in the absence of the binding partner; this motif only fully adopts a left-handed polyproline type II helix conformation upon complex formation with the Fyn SH3 domain. In addition, the structures show how an arginine residue (Arg77) of Nef interacts with Asp 100 of the so-called RT loop within the Fyn SH3 domain, and triggers a hydrogen-bond rearrangement which allows the loop to adapt to complement the Nef surface. The Arg96 residue of the Fyn SH3 domain is specifically accommodated in the same hydrophobic pocket of Nef as the isoleucine residue of a previously described Fyn SH3 (Arg96-->lle) mutant that binds to Nef with higher affinity than the wild type.

CONCLUSIONS

The three-dimensional structures support evidence that the Nef-Fyn complex forms in vivo and may have a crucial role in the T cell perturbating action of Nef by altering T cell receptor signaling. The structures of bound and unbound Nef reveal that the multivalency of SH3 binding may be achieved by a ligand induced flexibility in the RT loop. The structures suggest possible targets for the design of inhibitors which specifically block Nef-SH3 interactions.

Three-dimensional structure of the Hck SH2 domain in solution

The hematopoietic cellular kinase (Hck) is a member of the Src family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases that is expressed predominantly in granulocytes, monocytes and macrophages. Recent observations suggest that Hck may be activated in HIV-infected macrophages and in chronic myelogenous leukemia cells that express Bcr-Abl. In order to increase our understanding of the structural basis for regulation of Hck activity under normal and pathological conditions, we have solved the solution structure of the uncomplexed Hck SH2 domain using NMR spectroscopy. A novel procedure that uses intraresidue HN-H alpha distances as references for converting NOE intensities into distance restraints has been described. A total of 1757 significant experimental restraints were derived from NMR spectroscopic data including 238 medium-range and 487 long-range distance restraints and 177 torsion angle restraints. These restraints were used in a simulated annealing procedure to generate 20 structures with the program DYANA. Superimposition of residues 5-104 upon the mean coordinate set yielded an average atomic rmsd values of 0.42 +/- 0.08 A for the N,C alpha,C' atoms and 0.81 +/- 0.08 A for all heavy atoms. Rmsd values for those residues in the regions of ordered secondary structure were 0.27 +/- 0.04 A for the N,C alpha,C' atoms and 0.73 +/- 0.06 A for all heavy atoms.

SH3-mediated Hck tyrosine kinase activation and fibroblast transformation by the Nef protein of HIV-1

Tyrosine kinases of the Src family are regulated via their Src homology 2 (SH2) and SH3 domains. The Nef protein of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) has previously been shown to bind with high affinity and specificity in vitro to the SH3 domain of Hck, a Src family member expressed primarily in myeloid cells. However, the effect of Nef on Hck activity in living cells is unknown. Here we show that Rat-2 fibroblasts co-expressing Hck and Nef rapidly developed transformed foci, whereas control cells expressing either protein alone did not. Nef formed a stable complex with Hck and stimulated its tyrosine kinase activity in vivo. Mutagenesis of the Nef proline-rich motif essential for SH3 binding completely blocked complex formation, kinase activation, and transformation, indicating that the Nef SH3-binding function is required for its effects on Hck. These results provide direct evidence that SH3 engagement is sufficient to activate a Src family kinase in vivo and suggest that Hck may be activated by Nef in HIV-infected macrophages.

A novel SH3-containing human gene family preferentially expressed in the central nervous system

The Src-homology-3 domain (SH3) is an evolutionarily conserved, 50- to 60-amino-acid module carried by intracellular proteins involved in the transduction of signals for cell polarization, motility, enzymatic activation, and transcriptional regulation. The SH3 drives protein-protein interactions through binding to proline-rich ligands. This function relies on the conserved secondary structure, whereas the SH3 primary structure is highly diverse. Taking advantage of the fact that the few conserved amino acids are clustered near the N- and C-terminal ends, we designed degenerate oligonucleotides spanning these two regions and screened by PCR a variety of normal and tumor tissues for the expression of SH3-containing transcripts. Using this strategy, we have identified a novel SH3-containing human gene family of six related transcripts that map to four different chromosomes. The SH3 domain lies at the C-terminal end and shows 56-50% amino acid homology to the C-terminal SH3 of Sem-5/Drk/GRB2. The N-terminal segment of this novel SH3GL (from SH3-containing Grb2-like) gene family does not resemble any known protein. Three of these transcripts are in-frame and show a peculiar tissue distribution: SH3GL2 is preferentially expressed in the brain, SH3GL3 in brain and testis, and SH3GL1 is ubiquitous.

Sequential assignment and secondary structure determination for the Src homology 2 domain of hematopoietic cellular kinase

The hematopoietic cellular kinase (Hck) is a member of the Src family of non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinases and participates in signal transduction events regulating the growth, differentiation and function of phagocytes. The secondary structure of the SH2 domain for Hck was determined for a 13C/15N-enriched sample using multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The secondary structure for the domain was determined from chemical shift indices [1H alpha, 13C alpha and 13C'], sequential NOEs [d(alphaN)(i, i+1) and d(NN)(i, i+1)], and 3J(alphaN) scalar coupling constants. The Hck SH2 domain consists of two alpha-helices and seven beta-strands. Complementary strands of beta-sheets were identified from long-range NOEs using a novel 3D, 13C/15N-edited HMQC-NOESY-(HCACO)NH experiment that correlated 1H alpha resonances between beta-strands. The secondary structure for Hck SH2 is similar to that predicted from the sequence alignment of the Src-family protein tyrosine kinases.

The solution structure of HIV-1 Nef reveals an unexpected fold and permits delineation of the binding surface for the SH3 domain of Hck tyrosine protein kinase

The solution structure of HIV-1 Nef has been solved by multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. The construct employed to circumvent problems associated with aggregation was a double-deletion mutant (delta2-39, delta159-173) in which conformationally disordered regions of the protein at the N terminus and in a long solvent-exposed flexible loop were removed, without affecting the properties or structural integrity of the remainder of the protein. Despite the absence of any sequence similarity, the overall fold of Nef is reminiscent of that of the family of winged helix-turn-helix DNA binding proteins. The binding surface of Nef for the SH3 domain of Hck tyrosine protein kinase has been mapped and reveals a non-contiguous (in terms of amino-acid sequence) interaction surface. This unique feature may suggest possible avenues for drug design aimed at inhibiting the interaction between Nef and SH3 domains.

Evolution of the src-related protein tyrosine kinases

A phylogenetic analysis of src-related protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) showed that one group of these genes is quite ancient in the animals, its divergence predating the divergence of the diploblast and triploblast phyla. Three other major groupings of genes were found to predate the divergence of protostome and deuterostome phyla. Most known src-related PTKs of mammals were found to belong to five well-differentiated families: srcA, srcB, abl, csk, and tec. One srcA gene (fyn) has an alternatively spliced seventh exon which shows a different pattern of relationship from the remainder of the gene; this suggests that this exon may have been derived by a recombinational event with another gene, perhaps one related to fgr. The recently published claim that mammalian members of this family expressed in the nervous system evolve more slowly at nonsynonymous nucleotide sites than do those expressed in the immune system was not supported by an analysis of 13 pairs of human and mouse orthologues. Rather, T-cell-specific src-related PTKs were found to have higher rates of nonsynonymous substitution than were those having broader expression. This effect was particularly marked in the peptide binding site of the SH2 domain. While the SH2 binding site was highly conserved among paralogous mammalian members of the srcA and srcB subfamilies, no such effect was seen in the comparison of paralogous members of the csk and tec subfamilies. This suggests that, while the peptide binding function of SH2 is conserved within both srcA and srcB subfamilies, paralogous members of the csk and tec subfamilies have diverged functionally with respect to peptide recognition by SH2.

The src-family protein-tyrosine kinase p59hck is located on the secretory granules in human neutrophils and translocates towards the phagosome during cell activation

The src-family protein-tyrosine kinase p59hck is mainly expressed in neutrophils; however, its functional role in these cells is unknown. Several other src-family members are localized on secretory vesicles and have been proposed to regulate intracellular traffic. We have established here the subcellular localization of p59hck in human neutrophils. Immunoblotting of subcellular fractions showed that approx. 60% of the p59hck per cell is localized on the secretory granules; the other 40% is distributed equally between non-granular membranes and the cytosol. Immunofluorescence of neutrophils and HL60 cells suggests that the p59hck-positive granules are azurophil granules. Granular p59hck is highly susceptible to degradation by an azurophil-granule proteinase. Different forms of p59hck occur in the three subcellular compartments: a 61 kDa form is mainly found in the granules, a 59 kDa form is predominant in the non-granular membranes, whereas cytosolic p59hck migrates as a doublet at 63 kDa. During the process of phagocytosis-linked degranulation, induced by serum-opsonized zymosan in neutrophils or HL60 cells, granular p59hck translocates towards the phagosome. The subcellular localization of p59hck suggests that the enzyme could be involved in the regulation of the degranulation process.

Myristoylation and differential palmitoylation of the HCK protein-tyrosine kinases govern their attachment to membranes and association with caveolae

The human proto-oncogene HCK encodes two versions of a protein-tyrosine kinase, with molecular weights of 59,000 (p59hck) and 61,000 (p61hck). The two proteins arise from a single mRNA by alternative initiations of translation. In this study, we explored the functions of these proteins by determining their locations within cells and by characterizing lipid modifications required for the proteins to reach those locations. We found that p59hck is entirely associated with cellular membranes, including the organelles known as caveolae; in contrast, only a portion of p61hck is situated on membranes, and none is detectable in preparations of caveolae. These distinctions can be attributed to differential modification of the two HCK proteins with fatty acids. Both proteins are at least in part myristoylated, p59hck more so than p61hck. In addition, however, p59hck is palmitoylated on cysteine 3 in the protein. Palmitoylation of the protein requires prior myristoylation and, in turn, is required for targeting to caveolae. These findings are in accord with recent reports for other members of the SRC family of protein-tyrosine kinases. Taken together, the results suggest that HCK and several of its relatives may participate in the functions of caveolae, which apparently include the transduction of signals across the plasma membrane to the interior of the cell.

The Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) is an SH3 domain-binding protein and substrate for the Src-related tyrosine kinase, Hck

The Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) is a target for protein tyrosine kinases of both the receptor and cytoplasmic classes and may serve to integrate tyrosine kinase and Ras signaling pathways. In this report, we provide evidence that GAP is an SH3 domain-binding protein and substrate for the Src-related tyrosine kinase Hck, which has been implicated in the regulation of myeloid cell growth, differentiation, and function. Wild-type (WT) or kinase-inactive (K269E) mutant Hck proteins were co-expressed with bovine GAP using the baculovirus/Sf-9 cell system. GAP was readily phosphorylated on tyrosine by WT but not K269E Hck. GAP was present in WT Hck immunoprecipitates from the co-infected cells, indicative of Hck.GAP complex formation. Unexpectedly, GAP also associated with the kinase-inactive mutant of Hck, suggesting that tyrosine autophosphorylation of Hck is not required for complex formation. The WT and K269E forms of Hck also associated with GAP mutants lacking either the C-terminal catalytic domain (delta CAT) or the Src homology region (delta SH), indicating that these GAP domains are dispensable for complex formation. Recombinant GST fusion proteins containing the Hck, Src, Fyn, or Lck SH3 domains associated with full-length GAP, delta CAT, and delta SH, all of which share an N-terminal proline-rich region resembling an SH3-binding motif (PPLPPPPPQLP). Deletion of the highly conserved YXY sequence from the Hck SH3 domain abolished binding. GAP-SH3 interaction was also inhibited by the proline-rich peptide GFPPLPPPPPQLPTLG, which corresponds to N-terminal amino acids 129-144 of bovine GAP. An N-terminal deletion mutant of GAP lacking this proline-rich region did not bind to the Hck SH3 domain. These data implicate the Hck SH3 domain in GAP interaction, and suggest a general function for the SH3 domains of Src family kinases in recognition of GAP via its proline-rich N-terminal domain.

A rapid PCR-based test for the endogenous viral element ev3 of chickens

A short fragment of chicken genomic DNA encompassing the insertion site of the endogenous avian leucosis viral element ev3 was isolated using the inverse polymerase chain reaction (inverse PCR) technique. The nucleotide sequence of the unoccupied site was used to design PCR primers that can be used to unambiguously determine the genetic status of any chicken, with respect to ev3. Screening of a small number of individuals from exotic breeds of chickens suggested that the frequency of ev3 is highly variable. The ev3 integration site shows a high degree of sequence homology with the macrophage-specific tyrosine kinase gene, bmk, in mice.

A novel nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Srm: cloning and targeted disruption

We have isolated a novel nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Srm, that maps to the distal end of chromosome 2. It has SH2, SH2', and SH3 domains and a tyrosine residue for autophosphorylation in the kinase domain but lacks an N-terminal glycine for myristylation and a C-terminal tyrosine which, when phosphorylated, suppresses kinase activity. These are structural features of the recently identified Tec family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. The Srm N-terminal unique domain, however, lacks the structural characteristics of the Tec family kinases, and the sequence similarity is highest to Src in the SH region. The expression of two transcripts is rather ubiquitous and changes according to tissue and developmental stage. Mutant mice were generated by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells but displayed no apparent phenotype as in mutant mice expressing Src family kinases. These results suggest that Srm constitutes a new family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases that may be redundant in function.

A novel nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Srm: cloning and targeted disruption

We have isolated a novel nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Srm, that maps to the distal end of chromosome 2. It has SH2, SH2', and SH3 domains and a tyrosine residue for autophosphorylation in the kinase domain but lacks an N-terminal glycine for myristylation and a C-terminal tyrosine which, when phosphorylated, suppresses kinase activity. These are structural features of the recently identified Tec family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. The Srm N-terminal unique domain, however, lacks the structural characteristics of the Tec family kinases, and the sequence similarity is highest to Src in the SH region. The expression of two transcripts is rather ubiquitous and changes according to tissue and developmental stage. Mutant mice were generated by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells but displayed no apparent phenotype as in mutant mice expressing Src family kinases. These results suggest that Srm constitutes a new family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases that may be redundant in function.

Isolation of tyrosine kinase related genes expressed in the early hematopoietic system

Transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors are involved in cellular interactions which promote proliferation and differentiation of many cell types. To identify receptor tyrosine kinases important in embryonic hematopoietic cell development we have utilized the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and degenerate oligonucleotides for isolation of such genes from mouse yolk sac and fetal liver. Sequence analysis of PCR amplified cDNAs from these hematopoietic sites of day 8 and 14 embryos, resulted in the isolation of nine tyrosine kinase and three serine/threonine kinase related clones. Two of these receptors, tek and flk-1, are expressed in both yolk sac and fetal liver and have been shown previously to be important for endothelial cell development. Two other clones, 9B4 and 9A2 appeared novel upon isolation but have been recently described as ryk and SK2 (rat homologue). Here we describe the twelve isolated kinases, the specific expression patterns of flk-1, tek and ryk kinases and their potential relationship to the development of the hematopoietic system.

Functional overlap in the src gene family: inactivation of hck and fgr impairs natural immunity

We have generated mice with targeted disruptions of the src-like genes hck and fgr to assess the role of these kinases in myeloid cell development and function. Hematopoiesis appears to proceed normally in both hck-l- and fgr-l- animals, and in hck-l(-)-fgr-l- double homozygotes, but phagocytosis is impaired in hck-l- macrophages. Macrophages cultured from doubly homozygous, hck-l(-)-fgr-l- animals retain many other normal functional properties, suggesting that the deficiency of these kinases is complemented by other src family members. The specific activity of the Lyn protein kinase is increased in hck-l- macrophages, implying that Lyn may compensate for a deficiency in Hck. Doubly mutant animals, however, have a novel immunodeficiency characterized by an increased susceptibility to infection with Listeria monocytogenes, indicating that either hck or fgr is required to maintain a normal natural immune response. These data provide the first direct example of genetic interactions between src gene family members.

Hck tyrosine kinase activity modulates tumor necrosis factor production by murine macrophages

The hematopoietic cell kinase (hck) is a member of the src family of tyrosine kinases, and is primarily expressed in myeloid cells. Hck expression increases with terminal differentiation in both monocyte/macrophages and granulocytes and is further augmented during macrophage activation. Recent evidence has implicated src-related tyrosine kinases in critical signaling pathways in other hematopoietic lineages. Herein we demonstrate that manipulation of the level of hck expression in the murine macrophage cell line BAC1.2F5 alters the responsiveness of these cells to activation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but does not affect survival or proliferation. Overexpression of an activated mutant of hck in BAC1.2F5 cells augments tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in response to LPS, whereas inhibition of endogenous hck expression, by antisense oligonucleotides, interferes with LPS-mediated TNF synthesis. Together, these observations suggest that hck is an important component of the signal transduction pathways in activated macrophages.

Characterization and expression analysis of the murine rck gene: a protein kinase with a potential function in sensory cells

We have characterized a murine protein kinase gene, rck, which was identified by crosshybridization with sequences from the v-ros tyrosine kinase gene under conditions of reduced stringency. cDNA analysis indicated that rck encodes a putative protein kinase related to the cdc2 subclass of the gene family and that the gene is identical to mak identified previously in the rat. An extensive expression analysis in the mouse performed by a combination of in situ hybridization and RNase protection revealed a novel and restricted pattern of expression: rck transcripts are found in two cell types involved in sensory transduction, photoreceptors and olfactory receptors as well as in epithelia of the respiratory tract and choroid plexus. Specific transcripts are also found in pre- and postmeiotic male germ cells. We suggest therefore that rck participates in signalling pathways important in a distinct set of cells, remarkably among them cells involved in sensory signal transduction.

Tumor-associated karyotypic lesions coselected with in vitro macrophage differentiation

Several cytogenetic lesions in chromosomes 2, 5, 12, and 16 have been repeatedly coselected with in vitro macrophage differentiation in a clonal murine thymic tumor cell line. Parental-type subclones, which show an extremely immature hemopoietic phenotype, do not carry the aberrations. The frequency of the stable differentiated variants is elevated by 5-azacytidine and bromodeoxyuridine, consistent with chromosome breakage being responsible for the phenotype. The frequency is also raised by dexamethasone. Since variants are 300-3,000-fold more resistant to dexamethasone than parental clones, we interpret this to be largely due to selection. Three of the lesions, on chromosome 2, match those previously described as associated specifically with in vivo-generated murine myeloid tumors, induced by X irradiation and corticosteroid treatment. Several implications follow from these observations. (1) In vitro differentiation in clonal tumor cell lines can be used to select for tumor-associated lesions. This should allow genetic and molecular analysis of the chromosome 2 lesions and of others that may pinpoint genes critical to macrophage differentiation and transformation. (2) Myeloid and lymphoid tumors that occur in response to X irradiation may diverge from a common initiating tumor. (3) The hemopoietic lineage switch phenomenon, previously described by several authors, may be caused by similar or identical chromosome aberrations.

An analysis of vertebrate mRNA sequences: intimations of translational control

Five structural features in mRNAs have been found to contribute to the fidelity and efficiency of initiation by eukaryotic ribosomes. Scrutiny of vertebrate cDNA sequences in light of these criteria reveals a set of transcripts--encoding oncoproteins, growth factors, transcription factors, and other regulatory proteins--that seem designed to be translated poorly. Thus, throttling at the level of translation may be a critical component of gene regulation in vertebrates. An alternative interpretation is that some (perhaps many) cDNAs with encumbered 5' noncoding sequences represent mRNA precursors, which would imply extensive regulation at a posttranscriptional step that precedes translation.

Two isoforms of murine hck, generated by utilization of alternative translational initiation codons, exhibit different patterns of subcellular localization

Mammalian hck, a member of the src family of tyrosine kinases, is expressed predominantly in cells of the myeloid and B-lymphoid lineages. Using mutational analysis, we have investigated the molecular basis of two immunoreactive forms of murine hck of 56 and 59 kDa found in numerous hemopoietic cell types. Our results indicate that translation of murine p59hck initiates from a CTG codon located 21 codons 5' of an ATG that is utilized to generate p56hck. We provide evidence that two human hck isoforms are generated by the same mechanism. Subcellular fractionation studies reveal that while p59hck and p56hck are associated with membranes of various murine B-lymphoid and myeloid cell lines, p59hck alone is also located in the cytosol. In contrast to membrane-associated p59hck, which is metabolically labeled with [3H]myristic acid and exhibits amphiphilic properties in Triton X-114 detergent, cytosolic p59hck is hydrophilic, suggesting that it is not acylated. Possible mechanisms are proposed to account for these observations.

Two isoforms of murine hck, generated by utilization of alternative translational initiation codons, exhibit different patterns of subcellular localization

Mammalian hck, a member of the src family of tyrosine kinases, is expressed predominantly in cells of the myeloid and B-lymphoid lineages. Using mutational analysis, we have investigated the molecular basis of two immunoreactive forms of murine hck of 56 and 59 kDa found in numerous hemopoietic cell types. Our results indicate that translation of murine p59hck initiates from a CTG codon located 21 codons 5' of an ATG that is utilized to generate p56hck. We provide evidence that two human hck isoforms are generated by the same mechanism. Subcellular fractionation studies reveal that while p59hck and p56hck are associated with membranes of various murine B-lymphoid and myeloid cell lines, p59hck alone is also located in the cytosol. In contrast to membrane-associated p59hck, which is metabolically labeled with [3H]myristic acid and exhibits amphiphilic properties in Triton X-114 detergent, cytosolic p59hck is hydrophilic, suggesting that it is not acylated. Possible mechanisms are proposed to account for these observations.

Membrane glycoprotein IV (CD36) is physically associated with the Fyn, Lyn, and Yes protein-tyrosine kinases in human platelets

Activation of platelets with thrombin and other agonists causes a rapid increase in the phosphorylation of multiple proteins on tyrosine. To identify candidate protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs; EC 2.7.1.112) that may be responsible for these phosphorylation events, we analyzed the expression of seven Src-family PTKs and examined the association of these kinases with known platelet membrane glycoproteins. Five Src-related PTKs were detected in platelets: pp60SRC, pp60FYN, pp62YES, pp61HCK, and two LYN products of Mr 54,000 and 58,000. The Fgr and Lck PTKs were not detected. Although strict comparative quantification of protein levels was not possible, pp60SRC was detected at higher levels than any of the other kinases. In addition, glycoprotein IV (GPIV, CD36), one of the major platelet membrane glycoproteins, was associated in a complex with the Fyn, Yes, and Lyn proteins in platelet lysates. Similar complexes were also found in two GPIV-expressing cell lines, C32 melanoma cells and HEL cells. Since PTKs appear to be involved in stimulus-response coupling at the plasma membrane, these results suggest that ligand interaction with GPIV may activate signaling pathways that are triggered by tyrosine phosphorylation.

Alternatively spliced murine lyn mRNAs encode distinct proteins

Two lyn proteins of 56 and 53 kDa have been observed in immunoprecipitates from a variety of murine and human cell lines and tissues. We report the cloning and nucleotide sequence of two distinct murine lyn cDNAs isolated from an FDC-P1 cDNA library. One of the cDNAs, designated lyn11, encodes a protein of 56 kDa which shares 96% similarity with human lyn. The other cDNA, designated lyn12, encodes a protein of 53 kDa. The proteins differ in the presence or absence of a 21-amino-acid sequence located 24 amino acids C terminal of the translational initiation codon. Using RNase protection analysis, we have identified mRNAs corresponding to both cDNAs in murine cell lines and tissues. Sequence analysis of murine genomic clones suggests that the distinct mRNAs are alternatively spliced transcripts derived from a single gene. Expression of both cDNAs in COS cells leads to the production of lyn proteins with the same molecular weight as the two forms of lyn proteins immunoprecipitated from extracts of FDC-P1 cells and mouse spleen. Subcellular fractionation studies and Western immunoblotting analysis suggest that both isoforms of lyn are membrane associated. The association of both lyn isoforms with the membrane fraction supports the notion that lyn, like other src-related kinases, may interact with the intracellular domain of cell surface receptors.

Alternatively spliced murine lyn mRNAs encode distinct proteins

Two lyn proteins of 56 and 53 kDa have been observed in immunoprecipitates from a variety of murine and human cell lines and tissues. We report the cloning and nucleotide sequence of two distinct murine lyn cDNAs isolated from an FDC-P1 cDNA library. One of the cDNAs, designated lyn11, encodes a protein of 56 kDa which shares 96% similarity with human lyn. The other cDNA, designated lyn12, encodes a protein of 53 kDa. The proteins differ in the presence or absence of a 21-amino-acid sequence located 24 amino acids C terminal of the translational initiation codon. Using RNase protection analysis, we have identified mRNAs corresponding to both cDNAs in murine cell lines and tissues. Sequence analysis of murine genomic clones suggests that the distinct mRNAs are alternatively spliced transcripts derived from a single gene. Expression of both cDNAs in COS cells leads to the production of lyn proteins with the same molecular weight as the two forms of lyn proteins immunoprecipitated from extracts of FDC-P1 cells and mouse spleen. Subcellular fractionation studies and Western immunoblotting analysis suggest that both isoforms of lyn are membrane associated. The association of both lyn isoforms with the membrane fraction supports the notion that lyn, like other src-related kinases, may interact with the intracellular domain of cell surface receptors.

Two novel protein-tyrosine kinases, each with a second phosphotransferase-related catalytic domain, define a new class of protein kinase

The protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a burgeoning family of proteins, each of which bears a conserved domain of 250 to 300 amino acids capable of phosphorylating substrate proteins on tyrosine residues. We recently exploited the existence of two highly conserved sequence elements within the catalytic domain to generate PTK-specific degenerate oligonucleotide primers (A. F. Wilks, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:1603-1607, 1989). By application of the polymerase chain reaction, portions of the catalytic domains of several novel PTKs were amplified. We describe here the primary sequence of one of these new PTKs, JAK1 (from Janus kinase), a member of a new class of PTK characterized by the presence of a second phosphotransferase-related domain immediately N terminal to the PTK domain. The second phosphotransferase domain bears all the hallmarks of a protein kinase, although its structure differs significantly from that of the PTK and threonine/serine kinase family members. A second member of this family (JAK2) has been partially characterized and exhibits a similar array of kinase-related domains. JAK1 is a large, widely expressed membrane-associated phosphoprotein of approximately 130,000 Da. The PTK activity of JAK1 has been located in the C-terminal PTK-like domain. The role of the second kinaselike domain is unknown.

Two novel protein-tyrosine kinases, each with a second phosphotransferase-related catalytic domain, define a new class of protein kinase

The protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a burgeoning family of proteins, each of which bears a conserved domain of 250 to 300 amino acids capable of phosphorylating substrate proteins on tyrosine residues. We recently exploited the existence of two highly conserved sequence elements within the catalytic domain to generate PTK-specific degenerate oligonucleotide primers (A. F. Wilks, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:1603-1607, 1989). By application of the polymerase chain reaction, portions of the catalytic domains of several novel PTKs were amplified. We describe here the primary sequence of one of these new PTKs, JAK1 (from Janus kinase), a member of a new class of PTK characterized by the presence of a second phosphotransferase-related domain immediately N terminal to the PTK domain. The second phosphotransferase domain bears all the hallmarks of a protein kinase, although its structure differs significantly from that of the PTK and threonine/serine kinase family members. A second member of this family (JAK2) has been partially characterized and exhibits a similar array of kinase-related domains. JAK1 is a large, widely expressed membrane-associated phosphoprotein of approximately 130,000 Da. The PTK activity of JAK1 has been located in the C-terminal PTK-like domain. The role of the second kinaselike domain is unknown.

Functional analysis and nucleotide sequence of the promoter region of the murine hck gene

The structure and function of the promoter region and exon 1 of the murine hck gene have been characterized in detail. RNase protection analysis has established that hck transcripts initiate from heterogeneous start sites located within the hck gene. Fusion gene constructs containing hck 5'-flanking sequences and the bacterial Neor gene have been introduced into the hematopoietic cell lines FDC-P1 and WEHI-265 by using a self-inactivating retroviral vector. The transcriptional start sites of the fusion gene are essentially identical to those of the endogenous hck gene. Analysis of infected WEHI-265 cell lines treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reveals a 3- to 5-fold elevation in the levels of endogenous hck mRNA and a 1.4- to 2.6-fold increase in the level of Neor fusion gene transcripts, indicating that hck 5'-flanking sequences are capable of conferring LPS responsiveness on the Neor gene. The 5'-flanking region of the hck gene contains sequences similar to an element which is thought to be involved in the LPS responsiveness of the class II major histocompatibility gene A alpha k. A subset of these sequences are also found in the 5'-flanking regions of other LPS-responsive genes. Moreover, this motif is related to the consensus binding sequence of NF-kappa B, a transcription factor which is known to be regulated by LPS.

Functional analysis and nucleotide sequence of the promoter region of the murine hck gene

The structure and function of the promoter region and exon 1 of the murine hck gene have been characterized in detail. RNase protection analysis has established that hck transcripts initiate from heterogeneous start sites located within the hck gene. Fusion gene constructs containing hck 5'-flanking sequences and the bacterial Neor gene have been introduced into the hematopoietic cell lines FDC-P1 and WEHI-265 by using a self-inactivating retroviral vector. The transcriptional start sites of the fusion gene are essentially identical to those of the endogenous hck gene. Analysis of infected WEHI-265 cell lines treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reveals a 3- to 5-fold elevation in the levels of endogenous hck mRNA and a 1.4- to 2.6-fold increase in the level of Neor fusion gene transcripts, indicating that hck 5'-flanking sequences are capable of conferring LPS responsiveness on the Neor gene. The 5'-flanking region of the hck gene contains sequences similar to an element which is thought to be involved in the LPS responsiveness of the class II major histocompatibility gene A alpha k. A subset of these sequences are also found in the 5'-flanking regions of other LPS-responsive genes. Moreover, this motif is related to the consensus binding sequence of NF-kappa B, a transcription factor which is known to be regulated by LPS.

Oncogenes, malignant transformation, and modern medicine

During the past decade there have been remarkable strides in the understanding of the basic mechanism of cancer. It is now clear that there is a set of genes, known as oncogenes, that can cause cells to become malignant if their expression is altered, either by mutation or overexpression. The products of these genes include growth factors, growth factor receptors, signal tranduction proteins, and DNA binding proteins. The normal cellular counterparts of these genes play very important roles in the regulation of growth and proliferation by normal cells. Another set of genes, anti-oncogenes, also play an important role in preventing abnormal cell proliferation. The remarkable explosion of understanding of the pathophysiology of malignancy has led to a common unifying concept of malignant transformation that applies to all tumors. It is likely that these new insights will lead to improved and more specific treatments for malignant disease in the next decade.

Two forms of the basic fibroblast growth factor receptor-like mRNA are expressed in the developing mouse brain

The embryonic neuroepithelium gives rise to the components of the central nervous system in the mature animal. To study the early development of the murine central nervous system we have sought to isolate growth factor receptors from the neuroepithelium of the neural tube of 10-day-old mouse embryos. Because many growth factor receptors are members of the protein-tyrosine kinase family, we have used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify mRNA sequences from 10-day-old mouse embryo neuroepithelium; these sequences lie between the nucleotide sequences of two highly conserved amino acid motifs from the catalytic domain of protein-tyrosine kinases. By using this technique we have isolated a clone encoding the murine basic fibroblast growth factor receptor (bFGF-R), as well as a shorter form of this mRNA. This latter cDNA comprised 75% of the bFGF-R cDNA clones isolated from the immortalized neuroepithelial cell lines. This variant mRNA, designated here as N-bFGF-R, appears to be expressed at higher levels in neuronal cells in early stages of development. The bFGF-R is a member of a multigene family, as demonstrated by Southern blot analysis and the cloning of two other members of this family.

Oncogenes in hematologic neoplasia

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes involved in cellular proliferation and differentiation. Structural alterations in these genes can convert them to oncogenes involved in the initiation or progression of malignancy. About 50 proto-oncogenes have been described and four different activation mechanisms are known. Proto-oncogene alterations specific for human hematologic malignancies are well characterized.

Two putative protein-tyrosine kinases identified by application of the polymerase chain reaction

The pivotal role that protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) play in the growth regulation of eukaryotic cells is manifest in the frequent appearance of members of the PTK family as growth factor receptors or as the transforming agents of acutely transforming retroviruses. A feature common to all members of the PTK family is a highly conserved catalytic domain which is characteristic of the group as a whole and whose activity appears to be tightly regulated within the cell by other domains of the PTK. Degenerate oligonucleotide probes corresponding to two invariant amino acid sequence motifs within the catalytic domains of all PTK family members were synthesized and employed in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify cDNA sequences between them. An M13 PCR library was produced in this way from cDNA prepared against mRNA from the murine hemopoietic cell line FDC-P1. The PCR library was then screened by DNA sequencing for PTK-related sequences. Two sequences were identified that, on the basis of sequence comparison with known PTKs, may encode representatives of a new class of PTK.

Murine hybridoma/plasmacytoma growth factor. Complete amino-acid sequence and relation to human interleukin-6

Murine interleukin-HP1 (HP1) was originally identified as a T-cell-derived lymphokine with growth factor activity for B-cell hybridomas and plasmacytomas. This growth factor was recently shown to stimulate both normal B-cell differentiation and T-cell growth factor activity. We have determined the complete amino acid sequence of HP1 on 40 micrograms (approximately 2 nmol) protein using a combination of sensitive microbore column (1.0 and 2.1 mm internal diameter) HPLC, peptide mapping and automated amino acid microsequence analysis. Ion-pairing chromatography was employed to isolate hydrophilic peptides which were not retained on conventional reversed-phase HPLC systems. The molecule consists of 187 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 21710 Da. Although there is virtually no similarity between the NH2-terminal region of HP1 and its human biological counterpart (26-kDa protein/interferon-beta 2 = B-cell stimulatory factor-2/interleukin-6), these studies demonstrate extensive amino acid similarity in the middle and COOH-terminal regions of these molecules suggesting that HP1 is the murine homologue of human interleukin-6.