Epidermal growth factor stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-II independently of receptor internalization and extracellular calcium

The role of the calmodulin-binding and calmodulin-like domains of the epidermal growth factor receptor in tyrosine kinase activation

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) harbors a calmodulin (CaM)-binding domain (CaM-BD) and a CaM-like domain (CaM-LD) upstream and downstream, respectively, of the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain. We demonstrate in this paper that deletion of the positively charged CaM-BD (EGFR/CaM-BD∆) inactivated the TK activity of the receptor. Moreover, deletion of the negatively charged CaM-LD (EGFR/CaM-LD∆), leaving a single negative residue (glutamate), reduced the activity of the receptor. In contrast, substituting the CaM-LD with a histidine/valine-rich peptide (EGFR/InvCaM-LD) caused full inactivation. We also demonstrated using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry that the chimera EGFR-green fluorescent protein (GFP)/CaM-BD∆, the EGFR/CaM-LD∆, and EGFR/InvCaM-LD mutants all bind tetramethylrhodamine-labelled EGF. These EGFR mutants were localized at the plasma membrane as the wild-type receptor does. However, only the EGFR/CaM-LD∆ and EGFR/InvCaM-LD mutants appear to undergo ligand-dependent internalization, while the EGFR-GFP/CaM-BD∆ mutant seems to be deficient in this regard. The obtained results and in silico modelling studies of the asymmetric structure of the EGFR kinase dimer support a role of a CaM-BD/CaM-LD electrostatic interaction in the allosteric activation of the EGFR TK.

Structural basis for the activation of PLC-γ isozymes by phosphorylation and cancer-associated mutations

Direct activation of the human phospholipase C-γ isozymes (PLC-γ1, -γ2) by tyrosine phosphorylation is fundamental to the control of diverse biological processes, including chemotaxis, platelet aggregation, and adaptive immunity. In turn, aberrant activation of PLC-γ1 and PLC-γ2 is implicated in inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Although structures of isolated domains from PLC-γ isozymes are available, these structures are insufficient to define how release of basal autoinhibition is coupled to phosphorylation-dependent enzyme activation. Here, we describe the first high-resolution structure of a full-length PLC-γ isozyme and use it to underpin a detailed model of their membrane-dependent regulation. Notably, an interlinked set of regulatory domains integrates basal autoinhibition, tyrosine kinase engagement, and additional scaffolding functions with the phosphorylation-dependent, allosteric control of phospholipase activation. The model also explains why mutant forms of the PLC-γ isozymes found in several cancers have a wide spectrum of activities, and highlights how these activities are tuned during disease.

The impact of epidermal growth factor supernatant on pig performance and ileal microbiota

Weaning of pigs can lead to low-feed intake resulting in a lag in growth performance, reduced gut health, and diarrheal diseases. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), the most abundant growth factor in milk, increased weaned pig BW gain and feed efficiency in our previous work. It is believed that intestinal microbiota plays an important role in gut health and pig growth, but limited data are available on the impact of feed additives, such as EGF, on the microbial communities of the intestines. The objective of the study was to investigate if the positive influence of EGF supplementation on weight gain and gut health was related to differences in intestinal microbiota. To examine the efficacy of EGF, a 21-d animal trial was performed using 72 pigs (two equal blocks of 36 pigs with three barrows and three gilts/pen). Pigs were assigned to one of two dietary treatments at weaning (20 ± 2 d of age; n = 6 pens/treatment) balancing across treatment for litter, gender, and initial BW. Recombinant yeast supernatant containing EGF at 120 μg/kg BW/d and without EGF (control) was added to the feed for 21 d, followed by a common diet for 7 d. Pig performance was measured weekly and ileal digesta was collected at day 21 from six pigs/treatment for microbiome analysis. Pigs fed diets containing EGF fermentation supernatant had greater (P = 0.01) daily gain in week 3 and overall resulting in heavier (P = 0.029) BW at day 28, which was consistent to our previous finding. No difference in alpha-diversity (Chao1, Shanon, and Simpson indices) and beta-diversity (weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances) of ileal digesta microbiota between EGF supplemented and control pigs were observed. The relative abundances of bacterial taxa did not differ among treatment groups at the phylum level. The relative abundances of Corynebacterium (0.0 vs. 0.9%), Blautia (0.003 vs. 0.26%), and Coprococcus (0.0 vs. 0.05%) genera, and Rumminococcaceae family (0.001 vs. 0.08%) were decreased (P < 0.05) in EGF group compared to control and were negatively correlated (P < 0.05, r > 0.60) with growth performance. Pathways related to detoxification and carbohydrate metabolism were differentially represented in the luminal bacterial populations. The improved growth of pigs supplemented with EGF supernatant produced by Pichia pastoris may be related to changes in functional capacity of the gut microbial populations. However, the impact on mucosa-associated or large intestinal communities is still unknown.

Phosphoinositides: tiny lipids with giant impact on cell regulation

Phosphoinositides (PIs) make up only a small fraction of cellular phospholipids, yet they control almost all aspects of a cell's life and death. These lipids gained tremendous research interest as plasma membrane signaling molecules when discovered in the 1970s and 1980s. Research in the last 15 years has added a wide range of biological processes regulated by PIs, turning these lipids into one of the most universal signaling entities in eukaryotic cells. PIs control organelle biology by regulating vesicular trafficking, but they also modulate lipid distribution and metabolism via their close relationship with lipid transfer proteins. PIs regulate ion channels, pumps, and transporters and control both endocytic and exocytic processes. The nuclear phosphoinositides have grown from being an epiphenomenon to a research area of its own. As expected from such pleiotropic regulators, derangements of phosphoinositide metabolism are responsible for a number of human diseases ranging from rare genetic disorders to the most common ones such as cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Moreover, it is increasingly evident that a number of infectious agents hijack the PI regulatory systems of host cells for their intracellular movements, replication, and assembly. As a result, PI converting enzymes began to be noticed by pharmaceutical companies as potential therapeutic targets. This review is an attempt to give an overview of this enormous research field focusing on major developments in diverse areas of basic science linked to cellular physiology and disease.

PLC-gamma1 regulates fibronectin assembly and cell aggregation

Phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) mediates cell adhesion and migration through an undefined mechanism. Here, we examine the role of PLC-gamma1 in cell-matrix adhesion in a hanging drop assay of cell aggregation. Plcg1 Null (-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts formed aggregates that were larger and significantly more resistant to dissociation than cells in which PLC-gamma1 is re-expressed (Null+ cells). Aggregate formation could be disrupted by inhibition of fibronectin interaction with integrins, indicating that fibronectin assembly may mediate aggregate formation. Fibronectin assembly was mediated by integrin alpha5beta1 in both cell lines, while assays measuring fibronectin assembly revealed increased assembly in the Null cells. Null and Null+ cells exhibited equivalent fibronectin mRNA levels and equivalent levels of fibronectin protein in pulse-labeling experiments. However, levels of secreted fibronectin in the conditioned medium were increased in Null cells. The data implicates a negative regulatory role for PLC-gamma1 in cell aggregation by controlling the secretion of fibronectin into the media and its assembly into fibrils.

Growth factor control of pancreatic islet regeneration and function

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus together are predicted to affect over 300 million people worldwide by the year 2020. A relative or absolute paucity of functional β-cells is a central feature of both types of disease, and identifying the pathways that mediate the embryonic origin of new β-cells and mechanisms that underlie the proliferation of existing β-cells are major efforts in the fields of developmental and islet biology. A poor secretory response of existing β-cells to nutrients and hormones and the defects in hormone processing also contribute to the hyperglycemia observed in type 2 diabetes and has prompted studies aimed at enhancing β-cell function. The factors that contribute to a greater susceptibility in aging individuals to develop diabetes is currently unclear and may be linked to a poor turnover of β-cells and/or enhanced susceptibility of β-cells to apoptosis. This review is an update on the recent work in the areas of islet/β-cell regeneration and hormone processing that are relevant to the pathophysiology of the endocrine pancreas in type 1, type 2 and obesity-associated diabetes.

Dual activation of phospholipase C-epsilon by Rho and Ras GTPases

Phospholipase C-epsilon (PLC-epsilon) is a highly elaborated PLC required for a diverse set of signaling pathways. Here we use a combination of cellular assays and studies with purified proteins to show that activated RhoA and Ras isoforms directly engage distinct regions of PLC-epsilon to stimulate its phospholipase activity. Purified PLC-epsilon was activated in a guanine nucleotide- and concentration-dependent fashion by purified lipidated K-Ras reconstituted in PtdIns(4,5)P(2)-containing phospholipid vesicles. Whereas mutation of two critical lysine residues within the second Ras-association domain of PLC-epsilon prevented K-Ras-dependent activation of the purified enzyme, guanine nucleotide-dependent activation by RhoA was retained. Deletion of a loop unique to PLC-epsilon eliminated its activation by RhoA but not H-Ras. In contrast, removal of the autoinhibitory X/Y-linker region of the catalytic core of PLC-epsilon markedly activates the enzyme (Hicks, S. N., Jezyk, M. R., Gershburg, S., Seifert, J. P., Harden, T. K., and Sondek, J. (2008) Mol. Cell, 31, 383-394), but PLC-epsilon lacking this regulatory region retained activation by both Rho and Ras GTPases. Additive activation of PLC-epsilon by RhoA and K- or H-Ras was observed in intact cell studies, and this additivity was recapitulated in experiments in which activation of purified PLC-epsilon was quantified with PtdIns(4,5)P(2)-containing phospholipid vesicles reconstituted with purified, isoprenylated GTPases. A maximally effective concentration of activated RhoA also increased the sensitivity of purified PLC-epsilon to activation by K-Ras. These results indicate that PLC-epsilon can be directly and concomitantly activated by both RhoA and individual Ras GTPases resulting in diverse upstream control of signaling cascades downstream of PLC-epsilon.

Activation of human phospholipase C-eta2 by Gbetagamma

Phospholipase C-eta2 (PLC-eta2) was recently identified as a novel broadly expressed phosphoinositide-hydrolyzing isozyme [Zhou, Y., et al. (2005) Biochem. J. 391, 667-676; Nakahara, M., et al. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 29128-29134]. In this study, we investigated the direct regulation of PLC-eta2 by Gbetagamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. Coexpression of PLC-eta2 with Gbeta 1gamma 2, as well as with certain other Gbetagamma dimers, in COS-7 cells resulted in increases in inositol phosphate accumulation. Gbeta 1gamma 2-dependent increases in phosphoinositide hydrolysis also were observed with a truncation mutant of PLC-eta2 that lacks the long alternatively spliced carboxy-terminal domain of the isozyme. To begin to define the enzymatic properties of PLC-eta2 and its potential direct activation by Gbetagamma, a construct of PLC-eta2 encompassing the canonical domains conserved in all PLCs (PH domain through C2 domain) was purified to homogeneity after expression from a baculovirus in insect cells. Enzyme activity of purified PLC-eta2 was quantified after reconstitution with PtdIns(4,5)P 2-containing phospholipid vesicles, and values for K m (14.4 microM) and V max [12.6 micromol min (-1) (mg of protein) (-1)] were similar to activities previously observed with purified PLC-beta or PLC-epsilon isozymes. Moreover, purified Gbeta 1gamma 2 stimulated the activity of purified PLC-eta2 in a concentration-dependent manner similar to that observed with purified PLC-beta2. Activation was dependent on the presence of free Gbeta 1gamma 2 since its sequestration in the presence of Galpha i1 or GRK2-ct reversed Gbeta 1gamma 2-promoted activation. The PH domain of PLC-eta2 is not required for Gbeta 1gamma 2-mediated regulation since a purified fragment encompassing the EF-hand through C2 domains but lacking the PH domain nonetheless was activated by Gbeta 1gamma 2. Taken together, these studies illustrate that PLC-eta2 is a direct downstream effector of Gbetagamma and, therefore, of receptor-activated heterotrimeric G proteins.

Multiple-state reactions between the epidermal growth factor receptor and Grb2 as observed by using single-molecule analysis

Phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tyrosine residues of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) upon binding of EGF induces recognition of various intracellular signaling molecules, including Grb2. Here, the reaction kinetics between EGFR and Grb2 was analyzed by visualizing single molecules of Grb2 conjugated to the fluorophore Cy3 (Cy3-Grb2). The plasma membrane fraction was purified from human epithelial carcinoma A431 cells after stimulation with EGF and attached to coverslips. Unitary events of association and dissociation of Cy3-Grb2 on the EGFR in the membrane fraction were observed at different concentrations of Grb2 (0.1-100 nM). The dissociation kinetics could be explained by using a multiple-exponential function with a major (>90%) dissociation rate of 8 s(-1) and a few minor components, suggesting the presence of multiple bound states. In contrast, the association kinetics could be described by a stretched exponential function, suggesting the presence of multiple reaction channels from many unbound substates. Transitions between the unbound substates were also suggested. Unexpectedly, the rate of association was not proportional to the Grb2 concentration: an increase in Cy3-Grb2 concentration by a factor of 10 induced an increase in the reaction frequency approximately by a factor of three. This effect can compensate for fluctuation of the signal transduction from EGFR to Grb2 caused by variations in the expression level of Grb2 in living cells.

Phospholipase C isozymes: structural and functional similarities

Phospholipase C (PLC) is shown to comprise at least nine isoforms. These isoforms can be separated into three structurally related classes. Within a class the isozymes have similar enzymological properties. In the case of the PLC gamma class, both isoforms may be regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation. For PLC gamma 1 we show that the tyrosine phosphorylation sites are contained within the SH2/SH3 region or 'modulatory domain'. The overexpression of PLC gamma 1 in Rat-2 cells results in increased phosphatidylinositol breakdown in response to PDGF treatment, demonstrating that PLC gamma 1 mediates this response. We note that thrombin activates PLC gamma 1 in addition to other PLC isoforms.

Signal-response coupling mediated by the transduced colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor and its oncogenic fms variants in naive cells

Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1 or M-CSF) supports the proliferation and survival of mononuclear phagocytes by binding to a receptor (CSF-1R) encoded by the c-fms proto-oncogene. Whereas the CSF-1R kinase is normally regulated by ligand, receptors bearing 'activating mutations' act constitutively as enzymes and can transform fibroblasts and haemopoietic cells of different lineages. Introduction of human CSF-1R enables mouse NIH-3T3 cells to form colonies in agar in response to human CSF-1 and to proliferate in serum-free medium supplemented with CSF-1, albumin, transferrin and insulin. Similarly, expression of human CSF-1R in interleukin 3-dependent mouse FDC-P1 myeloid cells enables them to grow in CSF-1. High levels of CSF-1R expression in FDC-P1 cells can induce factor-independent growth which is abrogated by a 'neutralizing' monoclonal antibody to the receptor. Therefore, critical mutations in the c-fms gene or overexpression of CSF-1R in immature myeloid precursors might each contribute to leukaemia.

Hyaluronan-CD44 interaction with leukemia-associated RhoGEF and epidermal growth factor receptor promotes Rho/Ras co-activation, phospholipase C epsilon-Ca2+ signaling, and cytoskeleton modification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells

In this study we have examined the interaction of CD44 (a major hyaluronan (HA) receptor) with a RhoA-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG)) in human head and neck squamous carcinoma cells (HNSCC-HSC-3 cell line). Immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses indicate that CD44 and the LARG protein are expressed in HSC-3 cells and that these two proteins are physically associated as a complex. HA-CD44 binding induces LARG-specific RhoA signaling and phospholipase C epsilon (PLC epsilon) activity. In particular, the activation of RhoA-PLC epsilon by HA stimulates inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate production, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, and the up-regulation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), leading to phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal protein, filamin. The phosphorylation of filamin reduces its interaction with filamentous actin, promoting tumor cell migration. The CD44-LARG complex also interacts with the EGF receptor (EGFR). Most importantly, the binding of HA to the CD44-LARG-EGFR complex activates the EGFR receptor kinase, which in turn promotes Ras-mediated stimulation of a downstream kinase cascade including the Raf-1 and ERK pathways leading to HNSCC cell growth. Using a recombinant fragment of LARG (the LARG-PDZ domain) and a binding assay, we have determined that the LARG-PDZ domain serves as a direct linker between CD44 and EGFR. Transfection of the HSC-3 cells with LARG-PDZcDNA significantly reduces LARG association with CD44 and EGFR. Overexpression of the LARG-PDZ domain also functions as a dominant-negative mutant (similar to the PLC/Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and EGFR/MAPK inhibitor effects) to block HA/CD44-mediated signaling events (e.g. EGFR kinase activation, Ras/RhoA co-activation, Raf-ERK signaling, PLC epsilon-mediated inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate production, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, CaMKII activity, filamin phosphorylation, and filamin-actin binding) and to abrogate tumor cell growth/migration. Taken together, our findings suggest that CD44 interaction with LARG and EGFR plays a pivotal role in Rho/Ras co-activation, PLC epsilon-Ca2+ signaling, and Raf/ERK up-regulation required for CaMKII-mediated cytoskeleton function and in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression.

Gα12/13- and Rho-Dependent Activation of Phospholipase C-ϵ by Lysophosphatidic Acid and Thrombin Receptors

Because phospholipase C epsilon (PLC-epsilon) is activated by Galpha(12/13) and Rho family GTPases, we investigated whether these G proteins contribute to the increased inositol lipid hydrolysis observed in COS-7 cells after activation of certain G protein-coupled receptors. Stimulation of inositol lipid hydrolysis by endogenous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or thrombin receptors was markedly enhanced by the expression of PLC-epsilon. Expression of the LPA(1) or PAR1 receptor increased inositol phosphate production in response to LPA or SFLLRN, respectively, and these agonist-stimulated responses were markedly enhanced by coexpression of PLC-epsilon. Both LPA(1) and PAR1 receptor-mediated activation of PLC-epsilon was inhibited by coexpression of the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) domain of p115RhoGEF, a GTPase-activating protein for Galpha(12/13) but not by expression of the RGS domain of GRK2, which inhibits Galpha(q) signaling. In contrast, activation of the G(q)-coupled M1 muscarinic or P2Y(2) purinergic receptor was neither enhanced by coexpression with PLC-epsilon nor inhibited by the RGS domain of p115RhoGEF but was blocked by expression of the RGS domain of GRK2. Expression of the Rho inhibitor C3 botulinum toxin did not affect LPA- or SFLLRN-stimulated inositol lipid hydrolysis in the absence of PLC-epsilon but completely prevented the PLC-epsilon-dependent increase in inositol phosphate accumulation. Likewise, C3 toxin blocked the PLC-epsilon-dependent stimulatory effects of the LPA(1), LPA(2), LPA(3), or PAR1 receptor but had no effect on the agonist-promoted inositol phosphate response of the M1 or P2Y(2) receptor. Moreover, PLC-epsilon-dependent stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation by activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, which involves Ras- but not Rho-mediated activation of the phospholipase, was unaffected by C3 toxin. These studies illustrate that specific LPA and thrombin receptors promote inositol lipid signaling via activation of Galpha(12/13) and Rho.

Contrasting role of phospholipase C-gamma1 in the expression of immediate early genes induced by epidermal or platelet-derived growth factors

While significant progress has been achieved in identifying the signal transduction elements that operate downstream of activated receptor tyrosine kinases, it remains unclear how different receptors utilize these signaling elements to achieve a common response. This study compares the capacity of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) to elicit the induction of immediate early gene (IEG) mRNAs in the presence or absence of phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1). The results show that while PDGF induction of nearly all IEG mRNAs is abrogated in plcg1 null cells, EGF induction of the same genes is variable in the null cells and exhibits three distinct responses. Five IEG mRNAs (Nup475, Cyr61, TF, Gly, TS7) are completely inducible by EGF in the presence or absence of PLC-gamma1, while three others (JE, KC, FIC) exhibit a stringent requirement for the presence of PLC-gamma1. The third type of response is exhibited by c-fos and COX-2. While these mRNAs are completely induced by EGF in the absence of PLC-gamma1, the time course of their accumulation is significantly delayed. No IEG was identified as completely inducible by EGF and PDGF in the absence of PLC-gamma1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrate that PLC-gamma1 is necessary for nuclear extracts from PDGF-treated cells, but not EGF-treated cells, to interact with probes for AP-1 or NF-kappaB.

Direct activation of purified phospholipase C epsilon by RhoA studied in reconstituted phospholipid vesicles

Phospholipase C-epsilon (PLC-epsilon) was shown recently to be a downstream effector of Rho GTPases, and we have used an in vitro phospholipid vesicle reconstitution system with purified proteins to show this regulation to be direct. This chapter describes high-level expression of a hexahistidine-tagged fragment of PLC-epsilon encompassing the catalytic core of the enzyme through the tandem RA domains by use of a recombinant baculovirus and High Five insect cells. The recombinant protein is purified to homogeneity using metal chelate affinity and size exclusion chromatography. The small GTPase RhoA also is expressed to high levels in a lipidated form after baculovirus expression in High Five cells and is purified to near homogeneity after detergent extraction and metal chelate affinity chromatography. The capacity of GTPgammaS-bound RhoA to stimulate the phospholipase activity of PLC-epsilon is assessed by reconstitution of the RhoA in mixed-detergent phospholipid micelles containing PtdIns(4,5)P2 substrate.

Molecular cloning and characterization of PLC-eta2

PLC (phospholipase C) isoenzymes catalyse the conversion of PtdIns(4,5)P2 into the Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger, Ins(1,4,5)P3, and the protein kinase C-activating second messenger, diacylglycerol. With the goal of identifying additional mammalian PLC isoenzymes, we screened the NCBI non-redundant database using a BLAST algorithm for novel sequences with homology with the conserved PLC catalytic core. Two unique sequences corresponding to two unknown PLC isoenzymes were identified, and one of these, designated PLC-eta2, was cloned and characterized. Most of the coding sequence of PLC-eta2 was constructed from two ESTs (expressed sequence tags), which included an overlapping sequence that was confirmed by multiple ESTs and mRNAs. 5'-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) also identified an upstream exon not deduced from available EST or mRNA sequences. Sequence analysis of PLC-eta2 revealed the canonical domains of a PLC isoenzyme with an additional long C-terminus that contains a class II PDZ-binding motif. Genomic analyses indicated that PLC-eta2 is encoded by 23 exons. RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-PCR) analyses illustrated expression of PLC-eta2 in human retina and kidney, as well as in mouse brain, eye and lung. RT-PCR with exon-specific primers also revealed tissue-specific expression of four splice variants in mouse that represent alternative use of sequences in exons 21, 22 and 23. PLC-eta2-specific antisera recognized one of these splice variants as an approx. 155 kDa species when expressed in COS-7 cells; PLC-eta2 natively expressed in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells also migrated as an approx. 155 kDa species. PLC activity was observed in vitro and in vivo for three different constructs of PLC-eta2, each containing possible alternatively spliced first exons. Co-expression of PLC-eta2 with Gbeta1gamma2 dimers of heterotrimeric G-proteins resulted in marked stimulation of inositol lipid hydrolysis. Thus PLC-eta2 may in part function downstream of G-protein-coupled receptors.

G-protein signaling: back to the future

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are intracellular partners of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs act on inactive Galpha.GDP/Gbetagamma heterotrimers to promote GDP release and GTP binding, resulting in liberation of Galpha from Gbetagamma. Galpha.GTP and Gbetagamma target effectors including adenylyl cyclases, phospholipases and ion channels. Signaling is terminated by intrinsic GTPase activity of Galpha and heterotrimer reformation - a cycle accelerated by 'regulators of G-protein signaling' (RGS proteins). Recent studies have identified several unconventional G-protein signaling pathways that diverge from this standard model. Whereas phospholipase C (PLC) beta is activated by Galpha(q) and Gbetagamma, novel PLC isoforms are regulated by both heterotrimeric and Ras-superfamily G-proteins. An Arabidopsis protein has been discovered containing both GPCR and RGS domains within the same protein. Most surprisingly, a receptor-independent Galpha nucleotide cycle that regulates cell division has been delineated in both Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we revisit classical heterotrimeric G-protein signaling and explore these new, non-canonical G-protein signaling pathways.

Identification of Phospholipase C-γ1 as a Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Substrate

The discovery of sequence motifs that mediate protein-protein interactions, coupled with the availability of protein amino acid sequence data, allows for the identification of putative protein binding pairs. The present studies were based on our identification of an amino acid sequence in phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) that fits the consensus sequence for a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) binding site, termed the D-domain. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), an MAPK, and phospho-ERK2 were bound by an immobilized peptide sequence containing the identified PLC-gamma1 D-domain. Furthermore, a peptide containing the PLC-gamma1 D-domain was able to competitively inhibit the in vitro phosphorylation of recombinant PLC-gamma1 by recombinant phospho-ERK2, whereas a control peptide derived from a distant region of PLC-gamma1 was ineffective. Similarly, the peptide containing the PLC-gamma1 D-domain, but not the control peptide, competitively inhibited the in vitro phosphorylation of Elk-1 and c-Jun catalyzed by recombinant phospho-ERK2 and phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (phospho-JNK3), another type of MAPK, respectively. Incubation of anti-PLC-gamma1 immunocomplexes isolated from rat brain with recombinant phospho-ERK2 opposed the increase in PLC-gamma1-catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-P(2) (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)), which was produced by a tyrosine kinase associated with the immunocomplexes, whereas in vitro phosphorylation of recombinant PLC-gamma1 by recombinant phospho-ERK2 did not alter PLC-gamma1-catalyzed PtdIns(4,5)P(2) hydrolysis. These studies have uncovered a previously unidentified mechanism for the integration of PLC-gamma1- and ERK2-dependent signaling.

RhoA activates purified phospholipase C-epsilon by a guanine nucleotide-dependent mechanism

Phospholipase C-epsilon (PLC-epsilon) is a recently identified PLC isoform activated by subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins (Galpha(12), Galpha(13), and Gbetagamma) as well as by the low molecular weight GTPases, Rho and Ras. To define the enzymatic activity and substrate specificity of PLC-epsilon as well as its potential direct activation by Rho family GTPases, a major fragment of PLC-epsilon encompassing the catalytic core (EF-hand repeats through the tandem Ras-associating domains; approximately 118 kDa) was purified to near homogeneity and assayed after reconstitution under various conditions. Similar to the enzymatic profiles of previously purified PLC-beta isozymes, the purified fragment of PLC-epsilon maximally hydrolyzed phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate at a rate of approximately 10 mumol/mg of protein/min, exhibited phospholipase activity dependent on the concentration of free calcium, and favored phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as substrate relative to other phosphoinositides. Furthermore, in mixed detergent phospholipid micelles, RhoA stimulated the phospholipase activity of the PLC-epsilon fragment in both a concentration-dependent and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-dependent manner. This activation was abolished by the deletion of a unique approximately 65 amino acid-insert within the catalytic core of PLC-epsilon. Although Rac1 activated purified PLC-beta2ina guanine nucleotide-dependent manner, Rac1 failed to promote guanine nucleotide-dependent activation of purified PLC-epsilon. These results indicate that PLC-epsilon is a direct downstream effector for RhoA and that RhoA-dependent activation of PLC-epsilon depends on a unique insert within the catalytic core of the phospholipase.

Specificity in Signal Transduction

Over the last two decades, a new and unifying concept of cellular organization has emerged in which modular protein-protein interactions provide an underlying framework through which signaling pathways are assembled and controlled. In this scheme, posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation commonly exert their biological effects by regulating molecular interactions, exemplified by the ability of phosphotyrosine sites to bind selectively to SH2 domains. Although these interactions are rather simple in isolation, they can nonetheless be exploited to generate complex cellular systems. Here, I discuss experiments that have led to this view of dynamic cellular behavior and identify some current and future areas of interest in cell signaling.

Direct activation of phospholipase C-epsilon by Rho

Unique among the phospholipase C isozymes, the recently identified phospholipase C-epsilon (PLC-epsilon) contains an amino-terminal CDC25 domain capable of catalyzing nucleotide exchange on Ras family GTPases as well as a tandem array of Ras-associating (RA) domains near its carboxyl terminus that are effector binding sites for activated H-Ras and Rap. To determine whether other small GTPases activate PLC-epsilon, we measured inositol phosphate accumulation in COS-7 cells expressing a broad range of GTPase-deficient mutants of Ras superfamily proteins. RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC all markedly stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation in PLC-epsilon-expressing cells. This stimulation matched or exceeded phospholipase activation promoted by co-expression of PLC-epsilon with the known regulators Ras, Galpha12/13, or Gbeta1gamma2. In contrast, little effect was observed with the other Rho family members Rac1, Rac2, Rac3, and Cdc42. Truncation of the two carboxyl-terminal RA domains caused loss of responsiveness to H-Ras but not to Rho. Truncation of PLC-epsilon to remove the CDC25 and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains also did not cause loss of responsiveness to Rho, Galpha12/13, or Gbeta1gamma2. Comparative sequence analysis of mammalian phospholipase C isozymes revealed a unique approximately 65 amino acid insert within the catalytic core of PLC-epsilon not present in PLC-beta, gamma, delta, or zeta. A PLC-epsilon construct lacking this region was no longer activated by Rho or Galpha12/13 but retained regulation by Gbetagamma and H-Ras. GTP-dependent interaction of Rho with PLC-epsilon was illustrated in pull-down experiments with GST-Rho, and this interaction was retained in the PLC-epsilon construct lacking the unique insert within the catalytic core. These results are consistent with the conclusion that Rho family GTPases directly interact with PLC-epsilon by a mechanism independent of the CDC25 or RA domains. A unique insert within the catalytic core of PLC-epsilon imparts responsiveness to Rho, which may signal downstream of Galpha12/13 in the regulation of PLC-epsilon, because activation by both Rho and Galpha12/13 is lost in the absence of this sequence.

Selective pharmacological inhibitors reveal the role of Syk tyrosine kinase, phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in Fc receptor-mediated signaling of chicken heterophil degranulation

Fc receptors of avian heterophils play a primary role in the elimination of bacterial pathogens in poultry. The cross-linking of Fc receptors with IgG-bacteria complexes results in the secretion of toxic oxygen metabolites and anti-bacterial granules. We have been investigating the upstream signaling events that precede degranulation following crosslinkage of Fc receptors on heterophils. Previously when using the non-selective pharmacological inhibitors genistein, chelerythrine, verapamil, and pertussis toxin, we found no significant inhibitory effects on Fc-mediated heterophil degranulation. In the present studies, we used more selective pharmacological inhibitors to investigate the roles of protein tyrosine kinases, phospholipase C (PLC), phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, and the family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) on Fc-mediated heterophil degranulation. Inhibitors of the receptor-linked tyrosine kinases (the tryphostins AG 1478 and AG 1296) had no attenuating effects on the Fc receptor-mediated degranulation of chicken heterophils. Likewise, PP2, a selective inhibitor of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases, had no inhibitory effects on degranulation. However, piceatannol, a selective inhibitor of Syk tyrosine kinase, significantly attenuated the effect of Fc receptor-mediated degranulation. Additionally, Fc-mediated degranulation was significantly attenuated by SB 203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, but not by PD98059, an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). An inhibitor of phospholipase C, U73122 and LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphoinositol-3 kinase significantly decreased heterophil degranulation. These results suggest that the Fc receptors on chicken heterophils, like their counterparts on mammalian neutrophils, have no intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, but probably mediate downstream events through activation of tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM). Activation of the Syk tyrosine kinase stimulates downstream phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, phospholipase C, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase as signaling pathways that regulate Fc-receptor-mediated degranulation of chicken heterophils. Engaging Fc receptors on chicken heterophils activates a Syk-->PLC-->PI3-K-->p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway that induces degranulation.

Activation of phospholipase C-epsilon by heterotrimeric G protein betagamma-subunits

PLC-epsilon was identified recently as a phosphoinositide-hydrolyzing phospholipase C (PLC) containing catalytic domains (X, Y, and C2) common to all PLC isozymes as well as unique CDC25- and Ras-associating domains. Novel regulation of this PLC isozyme by the Ras oncoprotein and alpha-subunits (Galpha(12)) of heterotrimeric G proteins was illustrated. Sequence analyses of PLC-epsilon revealed previously unrecognized PH and EF-hand domains in the amino terminus. The known interaction of Gbetagamma subunits with the PH domains of other proteins led us to examine the capacity of Gbetagamma to activate PLC-epsilon. Co-expression of Gbeta(1)gamma(2) with PLC-epsilon in COS-7 cells resulted in marked stimulation of phospholipase C activity. Gbeta(2) and Gbeta(4) in combination with Ggamma(1), Ggamma(2), Ggamma(3), or Ggamma(13) also activated PLC-epsilon to levels similar to those observed with Gbeta(1)-containing dimers of these Ggamma-subunits. Gbeta(3) in combination with the same Ggamma-subunits was less active, and Gbeta(5)-containing dimers were essentially inactive. Gbetagamma-promoted activation of PLC-epsilon was blocked by cotransfection with either of two Gbetagamma-interacting proteins, Galpha(i1) or the carboxyl terminus of G protein receptor kinase 2. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3-kinase-gamma had no effect on Gbeta(1)gamma(2)-promoted activation of PLC-epsilon. Similarly, activation of Ras in the action of Gbetagamma is unlikely, because a mutation in the second RA domain of PLC-epsilon that blocks Ras activation of PLC failed to alter the stimulatory activity of Gbeta(1)gamma(2). Taken together, these results reveal the presence of additional functional domains in PLC-epsilon and add a new level of complexity in the regulation of this novel enzyme by heterotrimeric G proteins.

Actin filament assembly and actin-myosin contractility are necessary for anchorage- and EGF-dependent activation of phospholipase Cgamma

Formation of actin stress fibers and the focal adhesion complex between cell and the substratum are crucial for nonmalignant cells to achieve anchorage-dependent growth. We show here that the adhesion complex formed in normal human mammary epithelial (HME) cells which adhered to type IV collagen, involved the EGF receptor (EGFR) and phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) as signaling molecules, in addition to integrin beta1, alpha-actinin, and actin even before stimulation of the cells with EGF. Stimulation of cells with EGF induced tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR and activation of PLCgamma, as assessed by the production of a second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG), without any significant increase in the amount of EGFR-bound PLCgamma. Disruption of either actin filaments by cytochalasin D (CD) or actin-myosin contractility by ML-7, an inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), altered the flattened morphology of quiescent cells to a retracted one, without affecting the association between EGFR and PLCgamma. Stimulation of CD- or ML-7-treated cells with EGF failed to inhibit tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR and its association and colocalization with PLCgamma, but inhibited the PLCgamma activation. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdInsP2), substrate of PLCgamma, was tightly associated with alpha-actinin and the content of alpha-actinin-bound PtdInsP2 was reduced by treatment of cells with ML-7 but not with CD. The amount of PtdInsP2 bound to alpha-actinin was increased by the addition of EGF and this EGF-induced increase was blocked by either CD or ML-7. The present results suggest that anchorage-dependent EGF signaling in HME cells may require both actin filament assembly and actin-myosin contractility for the PLCgamma activation.

Role of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity in antiapoptotic effect of EGF on mouse hepatocytes

The apoptotic Fas pathway is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), can protect cells against apoptosis induced by a variety of stimuli, including Fas receptor stimulation. However, the underlying mechanisms of this protection have yet to be determined. We investigated the involvement of EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) activity in the antiapoptotic effect of EGF on primary mouse hepatocyte cultures. Cells undergoing apoptosis after treatment with anti-Fas antibody were protected by EGF treatment. This protection was significantly but partially decreased when cells were treated with two specific inhibitors of the TK activity of EGFR. Evaluation of the efficacy of these compounds indicated that they were able to abolish EGFR autophosphorylation and postreceptor events such as activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase pathways as well as increases in Bcl-x(L) mRNA and protein levels. This leads us to postulate that EGF exerts its antiapoptotic action partially through the TK activity of EGFR. In addition, our results suggest that Bcl-x(L) protein upregulation caused by EGF is linked to the TK activity of its receptor.

Identification of Ser(1275) and Ser(1309) as autophosphorylation sites of the human insulin receptor in intact cells

In a previous report we described Ser(1275) and Ser(1309) as autophosphorylation sites of the human insulin receptor (IR) tyrosine kinase (TK) in vitro. The question remained whether the observed phosphorylation was exclusive for the in vitro activated receptor or a more general, mechanism of the activated receptor in situ. In this study, we determined the intrinsic activity of the IR to phosphorylate both serine residues in intact cells. For this purpose CHO-09 and NIH-3T3 derived cell-lines expressing the human IR were metabolically labelled with [(32)P]orthophosphate, followed by hormone stimulation of the receptor. The IR was isolated by immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE and subsequently analysed for serine phosphorylation by phosphopeptide mapping of HPLC-purified tryptic phosphopeptides. Activation of the IR in the intact cell appeared to result in phosphate incorporation into Ser(1275) and Ser(1309), providing strong evidence that both serine residues are phosphorylation sites of the activated receptor in intact cells.

Structure, function, and control of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) subtypes beta, gamma, and delta comprise a related group of multidomain phosphodiesterases that cleave the polar head groups from inositol lipids. Activated by all classes of cell surface receptor, these enzymes generate the ubiquitous second messengers inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. The last 5 years have seen remarkable advances in our understanding of the molecular and biological facets of PLCs. New insights into their multidomain arrangement and catalytic mechanism have been gained from crystallographic studies of PLC-delta(1), while new modes of controlling PLC activity have been uncovered in cellular studies. Most notable is the realization that PLC-beta, -gamma, and -delta isoforms act in concert, each contributing to a specific aspect of the cellular response. Clues to their true biological roles were also obtained. Long assumed to function broadly in calcium-regulated processes, genetic studies in yeast, slime molds, plants, flies, and mammals point to specific and conditional roles for each PLC isoform in cell signaling and development. In this review we consider each subtype of PLC in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals and discuss their molecular regulation and biological function.

Role of the Fyn kinase in calcium release during fertilization of the sea urchin egg

Protein tyrosine kinase activity has been implicated as part of the signaling mechanism leading to the sperm-induced calcium transient following fertilization. In the present study, we have tested the role of the Fyn kinase in triggering the calcium transient by microinjecting domain-specific fusion proteins encoding regions of Fyn sequence as inhibitors of Fyn function in vivo. A fusion protein encoding the SH2 domain of Fyn caused an increase in the latent period between sperm-egg fusion and the beginning of the calcium transient and reduced the amplitude of the calcium signal. A fusion protein encoding the U + SH3 domains also caused a small increase in the latent period. Microscopic examination revealed that a large percentage of eggs injected with the U+SH3 or SH2 domains became polyspermic as a result of the delayed block to polyspermy. Affinity experiments demonstrated that the U+SH3 and SH2 domains of Fyn were capable of forming a stable complex with phospholipase Cgamma from the sea urchin egg. The results suggest that the Fyn kinase participates in the signaling events leading up to the calcium transient and may directly regulate phospholipase Cgamma activity at fertilization.

Epidermal and hepatocyte growth factors stimulate chemotaxis in an intestinal epithelial cell line

The migration of intestinal cells is important in the development and maintenance of normal epithelium, in a process that may be regulated by growth factors and cytokines. Although a number of growth factor receptors are expressed by intestinal cells, little progress has been made toward assignment of functional roles for these ligand-receptor systems. This study compares several growth factors and cytokines for their chemoattraction of the mouse small intestinal epithelial cell line. Epidermal and hepatocyte growth factors stimulated a rapid 30-fold chemotaxis of cells with delayed threefold migration toward transforming growth factor-beta1. Despite stimulating proliferation, keratinocyte, fibroblast, or insulin-like growth factors did not stimulate directed migration. Chemotaxis required tyrosine kinase and phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C activities but not protein kinase C or mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. These findings suggest that the repertoire of growth factors capable of regulating directed intestinal epithelial cell migration is limited and that a divergence exists in the signal transduction pathways for directed vs. nondirected migration.

Ionizing radiation stimulates existing signal transduction pathways involving the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor and ERBB-3, and changes of intracellular calcium in A431 human squamous carcinoma cells

Previous studies demonstrated that ionizing radiation activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as measured by Tyr autophosphorylation, and induces transient increases in cytosolic free [Ca2+], [Ca2+]f. The mechanistic linkage between these events has been investigated in A431 squamous carcinoma cells with the EGFR Tyr kinase inhibitor, AG1478. EGFR autophosphorylation induced by radiation at doses of 0.5-5 Gy or EGF concentrations of 1-10 ng/ml is inhibited by >75% at 100 nM AG1478. Activation of EGFR enhances IP3 production as a result of phospholipase C (PLC) activation. At the doses used, radiation stimulates Tyr phosphorylation of both, PLCgamma and erbB-3, and also mediates the association between erbB-3 and PLCgamma not previously described. The increased erbB-3 Tyr phosphorylation is to a significant extent due to transactivation by EGFR as >70% of radiation- and EGF-induced erbB-3 Tyr phosphorylation is inhibited by AG 1478. The radiation-induced changes in [Ca2+]f are dependent upon EGFR, erbB-3 and PLCgamma activation since radiation stimulated IP3 formation and Ca2+ oscillations are inhibited by AG1478, the PLCgamma inhibitor U73122 or neutralizing antibody against an extracellular epitope of erbB-3. These results demonstrate that radiation induces qualitatively and quantitatively similar responses to EGF in stimulation of the plasma membrane-associated receptor Tyr kinases and immediate downstream effectors, such as PLCgamma and Ca2+.

Functional independence and interdependence of the Src homology domains of phospholipase C-gamma1 in B-cell receptor signal transduction

B-cell receptor (BCR)-induced activation of phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLCgamma1) and PLCgamma2 is crucial for B-cell function. While several signaling molecules have been implicated in PLCgamma activation, the mechanism coupling PLCgamma to the BCR remains undefined. The role of PLCgamma1 SH2 and SH3 domains at different steps of BCR-induced PLCgamma1 activation was examined by reconstitution in a PLCgamma-negative B-cell line. PLCgamma1 membrane translocation required a functional SH2 N-terminal [SH2(N)] domain, was decreased by mutation of the SH3 domain, but was unaffected by mutation of the SH2(C) domain. Tyrosine phosphorylation did not require the SH2(C) or SH3 domains but depended exclusively on a functional SH2(N) domain, which mediated the association of PLCgamma1 with the adapter protein, BLNK. Forcing PLCgamma1 to the membrane via a myristoylation signal did not bypass the SH2(N) domain requirement for phosphorylation, indicating that the phosphorylation mediated by this domain is not due to membrane anchoring alone. Mutation of the SH2(N) or the SH2(C) domain abrogated BCR-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and signaling events, while mutation of the SH3 domain partially decreased signaling. PLCgamma1 SH domains, therefore, have interrelated but distinct roles in BCR-induced PLCgamma1 activation.

Lysophosphatidylcholine activates mesangial cell PKC and MAP kinase by PLCgamma-1 and tyrosine kinase-Ras pathways

Although lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-mediated cellular responses are attributed to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), relatively little is known about the upstream signaling mechanisms that regulate the activation of PKC and downstream mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. LPC activated p42 MAP kinase and PKC in mesangial cells. LPC-mediated MAP kinase activation was inhibited (but not completely) by PKC inhibition, suggesting additional signaling events. LPC stimulated protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity and induced Ras-GTP binding. LPC-induced MAP kinase activity was blocked by the PTK inhibitor genistein. Because LPC increased PTK activity, we examined the involvement of phospholipase Cgamma-1 (PLCgamma-1) as a key participant in LPC-induced PKC activation. LPC stimulated the phosphorylation of PLCgamma-1. PTK inhibitors suppressed LPC-induced PKC activity, whereas the same had no effect on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-mediated PKC activity. Other lysophospholipids [e.g., lysophosphatidylinositol and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)] also induced MAP kinase activity, and only LPA-induced MAP kinase activation was sensitive to pertussis toxin. These results indicate that LPC-mediated PKC activation may be regulated by PTK-dependent activation of PLCgamma-1, and both PKC and PTK-Ras pathways are involved in LPC-mediated downstream MAP kinase activation.

Response of Djun and Dfos mRNA abundance to signal transduction pathways in cultured cells of Drosophila melanogaster

The mammalian proto-oncogenes c-jun and c-fos are situated at the end of multiple signal transduction pathways and activation of their products Jun and Fos, components of the transcription factor AP-1, are able to regulate gene transcription in response to extracellular stimuli. Djun and Dfos, the products of the Drosophila proto-oncongenes Djun and Dfos, are similar in size and sequence to their mammalian counterparts c-Jun and c-Fos and are related to their mammalian counterparts by their antigenic properties. However, very little is known about how they are regulated through signal transduction pathways. This paper has investigated the response of their mRNA abundance levels to three signal transduction pathways in Drosophila cultured cells. Various agonists and antagonists that stimulate and inhibit specific enzymes in the pathways have been tested. The results suggest that Djun and Dfos mRNA are continuously expressed and their abundance levels are transiently regulated by multiple signaling pathways, the peak response coming at 1-2 hours after perturbation. Dfos is more highly regulated than Djun which is only modulated. The receptor tyrosine kinase pathways positively regulate Dfos and Djun. The cAMP-mediated pathway positively regulates Dfos but negatively regulates Djun. The protein kinase C-activated pathway does not affect Djun whereas it negatively regulates Dfos.

Effect of epidermal growth factor receptor internalization on regulation of the phospholipase C-gamma1 signaling pathway

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha) elicit differential postendocytic processing of ligand and receptor molecules, which impacts long-term cell signaling outcomes. These differences arise from the higher affinity of the EGF-EGFR interaction versus that of TGFalpha-EGFR in the acidic conditions of sorting endosomes. To determine whether EGFR occupancy in endosomes might also affect short-term signaling events, we examined activation of the phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) pathway, an event shown to be essential for growth factor-induced cell motility. We found that EGF continues to stimulate maximal tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR following internalization, while, as expected, TGFalpha stimulates markedly less. The resulting higher level of receptor activation by EGF, however, did not yield higher levels of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis over those stimulated by TGFalpha. By altering the ratio of activated receptors between the cell surface and the internalized compartment, we found that only cell surface receptors effectively participate in PLC function. In contrast to PIP2 hydrolysis, PLC-gamma1 tyrosine phosphorylation correlated linearly with the total level of Tyr(P)-EGFR stimulated by either ligand, indicating that the functional deficiency of internal EGFR cannot be attributed to an inability to interact with and phosphorylate signaling proteins. We conclude that EGFR signaling through the PLC pathway is spatially restricted at a point between PLC-gamma1 phosphorylation and PIP2 hydrolysis, perhaps because of limited access of EGFR-bound PLC-gamma1 to its substrate in endocytic trafficking organelles.

Suppression of diacylglycerol levels by antibodies reactive with the c-erbB-2 (HER-2/neu) gene product p185c-erbB-2 in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines

Seven of 10 murine monoclonal antibodies reactive with the extracellular domain of p185c-erbB-2 inhibited the anchorage independent growth of the SKBr3 breast cancer cell line that overexpressed p185c-erbB-2. Significant inhibition (56-72%) of diacylglycerol (DAG) levels (P < 0.0001) was observed with the 10 antibodies that inhibited SKBr3 growth (RC1, NB3, RC6, PB3, 741F8, DB5, ID5), whereas the 3 antibodies (TA1, 520C9, 454C11) that failed to inhibit SKBr3 growth also failed to affect DAG levels. Thus, DAG levels correlated with antibody-mediated growth regulation for each of the 10 monoclonal reagents. Antibody-induced inhibition of anchorage-independent growth of SKBr3 could be reversed by incubation with phorbol myristate acetate. The ID5 antibody inhibited growth of the SKBr3, SKOv3, and OVCA 432 tumor cell lines, but not of OVCA 420, OVCA 429, and OVCA 433. DAG levels were significantly decreased after ID5 treatment of the SKBr3 and SKOv3 cell lines, but not the OVCA 420, OVCA 429, and OVCA 433 lines. In the 432 line, there was a decrease which did not reach significance. Consequently, changes in DAG levels correlated with growth regulation in 5 of 6 breast and ovarian carcinoma cell lines tested with a trend toward correlation in the sixth. Decreases in DAG may be one mediator of the growth regulatory signals produced by anti-p185c-erbB-2 antibodies.

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C isoform expression in pregnant and nonpregnant rat myometrial tissue

OBJECTIVE

Activation of the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway plays a significant role during the intracellular signal transduction events activated during agonist-stimulated phasic myometrial contractions. Phospholipase C is an essential molecular component of this signaling pathway. These studies sought to characterize the expression of phospholipase C isoform messenger ribonucleic acid in both pregnant and nonpregnant rat myometrium.

STUDY DESIGN

Total cellular ribonucleic acid was isolated from myometrial tissue collected from Sprague-Dawley rats by use of the acidic guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction technique. After deoxyribonuclease treatment to ensure removal of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid, as well as resolution on formaldehyde-1% agarose horizontal slab gels to rule out degradation, the ribonucleic acid was used for semiquantitative competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies to evaluate the expression of five of the reported phospholipase C isoforms. These studies were performed with isoform-specific 20-mer primers and the inclusion of internal standard heterologous deoxyribonucleic acid sequences designed with ends homologous to the isoform-specific primers. The identity of the polymerase chain reaction products was confirmed with restriction endonuclease digestions and homology analysis of the sequenced polymerase chain reaction product deoxyribonucleic acid.

RESULTS

These reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies have confirmed expression of the phospholipase C-beta1a, phospholipase C-beta3, phospholipase C-gamma1, phospholipase C-beta2, and phospholipase C-delta1 isoforms in rat myometrial tissue. During pregnancy the levels of expression of the phospholipase C-beta3, phospholipase C-gamma1, and phospholipase C-delta1 isoforms were increased compared with the levels of expression in myometrium from nonpregnant rats. In myometrium from both pregnant and nonpregnant animals the phospholipase C-beta1 a isoform was expressed at the highest level, the phospholipase C-beta3, phospholipase C-gamma1, and phospholipase C-gamma2 isoforms at an intermediate level, and the phospholipase C-delta1 isoform was expressed at the lowest levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies have confirmed at the messenger ribonucleic acid level significant expression of several isoforms of phospholipase C in both pregnant and nonpregnant myometrial tissue. These observations provide additional support for the hypothesis that the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway plays an important role in uterine smooth muscle.

Differential expression of rat brain phospholipase C isozymes in development and aging

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) is a key enzyme in signal transduction. In the present study we examined developmental and aging changes in three PLC isozymes (beta 1, gamma 1, and delta 1) in the rat brain. Enzyme assays and immunoblot analyses after gel filtration chromatography of brain extracts from embryonic day 19 and postnatal 4- and 48-week rats indicated that gamma-specific activity was highest in fetal brain and decreased with aging, that beta 1-specific activity was high at 4 weeks but essentially undetected in fetal brain, and that delta 1-specific activity was high at both 4 and 48 weeks with faint detection in fetal brain. Our results suggest that the gamma 1 isozyme may be particularly involved in cell division and growth during the histo-genesis of the central nervous system, while beta 1 and delta 1 isozymes may take part in processes of its maturation and maintenance.

Kinetics of trkA tyrosine kinase activity and inhibition by K-252a

The kinetic mechanism of the trk receptor-linked tyrosine kinase was determined using a baculovirus expressed trk kinase domain and a bacterially expressed phospholipase C-gamma/glutathione S-transferase (PLC-gamma/ GST) fusion protein as substrate. Product and dead-end inhibition studies indicate an ordered association of substrates to trkA kinase with the nucleotide ATP binding prior to the exogenous substrate PLC-gamma/GST, followed by release of the phosphorylated PLC-gamma/GST product prior to release of ADP (sequential ordered bi-bi mechanism). This is in contrast to the reported kinetic mechanisms of closely related EGF receptor and insulin receptor kinases which appear to proceed via a rapid equilibrium random mechanism. The indolocarbazole K-252a, which was previously shown to be a potent and relatively selective inhibitor of trk kinase activity, acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to ATP. The data suggest that potent and selective kinase inhibitors can be rationally designed by exploring subtle variations surrounding the nucleotide binding sites of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Effects of omega 3 fatty acids on receptor tyrosine kinase and PLC activities in EMT6 cells

The effects of omega 3 fatty acids and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the activity of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and phospholipase C (phosphatidylinositol (PI)-specific PLC) were examined in EMT6 cells. The non-omega 3 treated, non-EGF stimulated cells served as controls. Treatment of the EMT6 cells with omega 3 fatty acids resulted in a 62% increase in RTK activity and a 67% increase in PI-specific PLC activity. When EGF was added to incubations for RTK activity, it stimulated the RTK activity 40% in the control cells and 130% in the omega 3-treated cells. When EGF was added to incubations for PI-specific PLC activity, a 54% increase in PI-specific PLC activity was observed in control cells and a 94% increase in the omega 3-treated cells. Thus, treating EMT6 cells with omega 3 fatty acids seems to increase RTK activity and PI-specific PLC activity to a similar extent, but has differential effects on the ability of these enzyme activities to be stimulated by EGF.

1-(Carboxymethylthio)tetradecane attenuates PDGF- and TPA-induced c-fos mRNA expression and increases the formation of phosphatidylethanolamine with a shift from less to more polar molecular species in C3H/10T1/2 cells

1-(Carboxymethylthio)tetradecane caused C3H/10T1/2Cl8 and C3H/10T1/2Cl16 to incorporate 10 times more [32P]Pi into diacylphosphatidylethanolamine than control. This 3-thia fatty acid caused a shift in incorporation of 32P-radioactivity into phosphatidylethanolamine species from species with long to species with short HPLC elution times. The increase in 32P-labeling was parallelled by a change in the apparent mass of phosphatidylethanolamine to a higher proportion of molecular species with short elution times than with long elution times. 1-(Carboxymethylthio)tetradecane caused loss of molecular species containing stearoyl groups. These results indicate that culturing the cells with 1-(carboxymethylthio)tetradecane causes looser packing and an increase in fluidity of the diacylphosphatidylethanolamine molecules in the membranes. 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, or PDGF-AA stimulation of 1-(carboxymethylthio)tetradecane-treated cells resulted in decreased maximal levels of c-fos mRNA expression, indicating attenuation of signal transduction. Compared to cells not treated, the levels of both PDGF-alpha and PDGF-beta receptors were lower while GTPase-activating protein and phospholipase C-gamma levels were not altered in C3H/10T1/2Cl8 and C3H/10T1/2Cl16 cells cultured in the presence of 1-(carboxymethylthio)tetradecane. Our data demonstrate that 1-(carboxymethylthio)tetradecane-mediated changes in phospholipid structure and composition may affect PDGF- and TPA-mediated c-fos gene regulation in fibroblasts.

Regulation of phosphatidylethanolamine degradation by enzyme(s) of subcellular fractions from cerebral cortex

Hydrolysis of 1-acyl-2-[14C]arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine was studied in cerebral cortex homogenate and subcellular fractions. The enzyme(s) confined to the synaptic plasma membrane (SPM) hydrolyze(s) [14C-arachidonoyl]phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in the presence of EGTA to [14C-arachidonoyl]diacylglycerol (DAG) and a small amount of [14C]arachidonic acid (AA). Degradation of PE is time-, protein- and substrate-dependent with a pH optimum of 7.8. The highest activity of PE degradation was observed in the presence of 10 mM EGTA. Under this condition GTP gamma S has no effect on PE hydrolysis. In the presence of Ca2+ ions degradation of PE was significantly lower as compared to the conditions with EGTA. However, the percentage distribution of free AA in the sum of both products of PE hydrolysis (AA + DAG) increases from 16 and 20% observed in the presence of EGTA 2 mM and 10 mM to 34% and 43% in the presence of 0.5 mM CaCl2 alone and together with GTP gamma S, respectively. Cytosolic enzymes also degrade PE in the presence of 2 mM EGTA with the formation of DAG and AA. Radioactivity in the AA represents about 80% of the total radioactivity of the products of PE degradation. The hydrolysis of PE by cytosolic enzymes is almost completely inhibited by neomycin but the hydrolysis by the SPM-bound enzyme(s) is inhibited only 70%. Other studies with quinacrine indicated that only a small pool of PE is degraded by SPM-bound Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2 (PLA2). All of these data suggest that PE in cerebral cortex is mainly degraded by cytosolic and SPM-bound Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase C. Further studies towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of cerebral degradation and the physiological significance of Ca(2+)-independent pathways of PE hydrolysis are necessary.

Rapid stimulation of amyloid precursor protein release by epidermal growth factor: role of protein kinase C

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) of Alzheimer's disease is a transmembrane protein that is cleaved by an uncharacterized enzyme known as alpha-secretase within its extracellular/intraluminal domain after the activation of guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors linked to phosphoinositide hydrolysis. The secretory process results in the release of large soluble derivatives of APP (APPs), and, when elicited by muscarinic receptor activation, exhibits both protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent and tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent components [Slack, Breu, Petryniak, Srivastava and Wurtman (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 8337-8344]. In this report we examine the regulation of the release of APPs by epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, which possess intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, and are coupled to a variety of effectors including phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cgamma. In A431 cells, EGF caused time-dependent and dose-dependent increases in the formation of inositol phosphates in cultures prelabelled with myo--3H-inositol, and in the release of APPs into the culture medium; the two responses exhibited similar time courses and EC50 values for EGF. Concomitant with these effects, there were concentration-dependent (3-300 ng/ml) increases in the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in several proteins, including the EGF receptor itself. The specific PKC antagonist GF 109203X decreased the effect of EGF by approx. 35% at a concentration that abolished the stimulation of the release of APPs by the PKC activator PMA. Tyrphostin AG 1478, an inhibitor of EGF receptor tyrosine kinase, abolished the EGF-induced release of APPs. These results demonstrate that in A431 cells, activation of the EGF receptor stimulates alpha-secretase activity by a mechanism that is partly dependent on PKC activity.

Signal transduction through epidermal growth factor receptor is altered in HeLa monolayer cells during mitosis

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced signalling was studied separately in the mitosis and G2-phases of HeLa monolayer cells presynchronized (1) by amethopterin inhibition and thymidine release or (2) by nocodazole. For comparison, cells were treated with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In contrast with the observed responses effected by PMA, which seem to be independent of cell cycle and synchronization conditions, those induced by EGF are greatly influenced by both criteria. Synchronization with nocodazole abolished the EGF-induced stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in G2 as well as in mitotic cells although tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor and phospholipase Cgamma1 could be shown to occur, especially in G2 cells. Synchronization with amethopterin/thymidine showed that, in contrast with G2 cells, mitotic cells were not able to react to EGF with an increase in phosphoinositide hydrolysis although a certain degree of EGF receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma1 could still be shown to occur in mitosis. The results seem to indicate that the EGF pathway leading to a stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis is attenuated at different levels and requires a cytoskeletal condition that is not present either after treatment (24 h) with nocodazole or during normal mitosis of a monolayer cell.

Protein kinase C and c-myc gene activation pathways in thrombopoietin signal transduction

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the major regulator of the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocyte precursors through interaction with its receptor encoded by the c-mpl protooncogene. We established the human TPO-dependent leukemia cell line, UT-7/TPO (Blood 87, 4552, 1996). In these cells, TPO activated protein kinase C (PKC) in a time dependent manner. Subsequently, the c-myc gene was transiently induced to a maximal level 60-90 minutes after TPO exposure. In addition, we found that stimulating UT-7/TPO cells with TPO rapidly induces the significant accumulation of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (Ins-P3), leading to the mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores. Taken together, the activation of PKC and subsequent c-myc gene induction are involved in the TPO-induced cellular response(s), presumably through the activation of PLC.

Cryptic gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors of rat pituitary cells in culture are unmasked by epidermal growth factor

Protein kinase activators as well as several neuropeptides are able to increase the GnRH-binding capacity of cultured adenohypophyseal cells. To determine whether such up-regulation of GnRH-binding sites can be achieved by a substance(s) endogenous to the pituitary, binding experiments were performed after exposure of cells to increasing amounts of medium conditioned by incubation with primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells for 4 days. Addition of the conditioned medium elicited a 50% increase in GnRH binding. Characterization of the agent(s) responsible for the effect was attempted by submitting the conditioned medium to molecular sieve filtration, adding or immunoprecipitating endogenous substances, and comparing the susceptibilities of the responses to various inhibitors of transduction processes. Fractionation of the medium indicated that active molecules were of a proteic nature, with M(r) ranging from 5,000-10,000. Among major endogenous moieties corresponding to these criteria [epidermal] growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-alpha, and insulin-like growth factors I and II), only the first two exhibited properties similar to those of the conditioned medium. EGF stimulated binding with an EC50 of 3.6 +/- 0.8 pM. Immunoprecipitation of EGF, but not transforming growth factor-alpha, inactivated the conditioned medium. The effects of both conditioned medium and EGF were inhibited by herbimycin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor; U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor; and prior desensitization of protein kinase C. In contrast, both were insensitive to pertussis toxin pretreatment. In parallel, EGF did not increase LH secretion by itself, but potentiated its response to GnRH in a concentration range of 1 pM to 1 nM, resulting in a shift of the curve toward lower values of GnRH. It is concluded that EGF is able to control the accessibility of binding sites to GnRH and to potentiate the responsiveness of gonadotropes to the decapeptide.

Association of csk-homologous kinase (CHK) (formerly MATK) with HER-2/ErbB-2 in breast cancer cells

Protein-tyrosine kinases, such as HER-2/ErbB-2, have been specifically linked to breast cancer. The Csk-homologous kinase (CHK), formerly MATK, is a tyrosine kinase that contains the Src homology 2 and 3 (SH2 and SH3) domains and demonstrates homology ( approximately 50%) to the Csk tyrosine kinase. Like Csk, CHK is able to phosphorylate and inactivate Src family kinases. In this report, we investigated whether CHK is expressed in breast cancer tissues and whether it participates in the ErbB-2 signaling pathway in T47D and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Immunostaining of the CHK protein in breast tissues demonstrated that primary invasive ductal carcinomas, stage II (13 of 15 cases) and stage I (8 of 15 cases), expressed the CHK protein, while this protein was not detected in the adjacent normal tissues from the same patients. To study the role of CHK in the ErbB-2 signaling pathway, glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing the SH2 and SH3 domains of CHK were generated. CHK-SH2 and CHK-SH3-SH2, but not CHK-SH3 or CHK-NH2-SH3, precipitated the tyrosine-phosphorylated ErbB-2 upon stimulation with heregulin. EGF or interleukin-6 stimulation of T47D cells failed to induce CHK-SH2 association with ErbB-2, the EGF-receptor, or the interleukin-6 receptor. In vivo association of the tyrosine-phosphorylated ErbB-2 with CHK was observed in co-immunoprecipitation studies with anti-CHK antibodies. EGF-R, ErbB-3, and ErbB-4 were not detected in the CHK immunoprecipitates or in the precipitates of the GST-SH2 fusion proteins of CHK, suggesting that the association of CHK with ErbB-2 upon heregulin stimulation is receptor-specific (ErbB-2) and ligand-specific (heregulin). These results indicate that CHK might participate in signaling in breast cancer cells by associating, via its SH2 domain, with ErbB-2 following heregulin stimulation.

Hormone signalling via G-protein: regulation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis by G q

Heterotrimeric GTP-dependent regulatory proteins (G-proteins) mediate modulation by many cell surface receptors. Activation of the G-proteins promotes dissociation of their α and βγ subunits. The similarity of behaviour of βγ subunits derived from a variety of G-proteins has led to their use as affinity reagents for the analysis of the more unique a subunits. The evolution of these uses is presented. One of the more insightful results was the isolation of a new class of G -protein α subunits (the α q subfamily) which have been shown to regulate the activity of a phospholipase C (PLC) specific for phosphatidylinositols. The experimental evidence leading to this conclusion is discussed. The activation by α q increases the apparent V max of the β isoform of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLCβ) and can be modulated by βγ subunits.

Phospholipase C beta 2 in vascular smooth muscle

Receptor-mediated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in most tissue is dependent on a variety of phospholipase C isoforms. To determine which phospholipase C isoforms were present in vascular smooth muscle compared to brain, liver, and spleen, we extracted proteins from these tissues and separated and identified the phospholipase C isoforms by immunoblotting. Aliquots of rat tail artery were examined by this procedure, together with aliquots of rat liver, spleen, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, aorta, and mesenteric artery. Phospholipase C gamma 1 was shown to be present in all of these tissues, while phospholipase C beta 1 was shown to be limited to fractions from brain. Phospholipase C delta 1 was detected in rat tail artery, mesenteric artery, aorta, and brain. Phospholipase C beta 2 was found in rat tail artery, liver, and brain. This is the first report of phospholipase C beta 2 in tissues other than HL60 cells. Since G proteins activate IP3 production via stimulation of phospholipase C beta isoforms in many tissues, and agonist-stimulated IP3 production in smooth muscle requires G protein activation, phospholipase C beta 2 may be required for agonist-stimulated force production in vascular smooth muscle.