Angiotensin II activates at least two tyrosine kinases in rat liver epithelial cells. Separation of the major calcium-regulated tyrosine kinase from p125FAK

Role of angiotensin II in cellular entry and replication of dengue virus

Previous studies have demonstrated the relevance of several soluble molecules in the pathogenesis of dengue. In this regard, a possible role for angiotensin II (Ang II) in the pathophysiology of dengue has been suggested by the observation of a blockade of Ang II in patients with dengue, increased expression of molecules related to Ang II production in the plasma of dengue patients, increased expression of circulating cytokines and soluble molecules related to the action of Ang II, and an apparent relationship between DENV, Ang II effects, and miRNAs. In addition, in ex vivo experiments, the blockade of Ang II AT1 receptor and ACE-1 (angiotensin converting enzyme 1), both of which are involved in Ang II production and its function, inhibits infection of macrophages by DENV, suggesting a role of Ang II in viral entry or in intracellular viral replication of the virus. Here, we discuss the possible mechanisms of Ang II in the entry and replication of DENV. Ang II has the functions of increasing the expression of DENV entry receptors, creation of clathrin-coated vesicles, and increasing phagocytosis, all of which are involved in DENV entry. This hormone also modulates the expression of the Rab5 and Rab7 proteins, which are important in the endosomal processing of DENV during viral replication. This review summarizes the data related to the possible involvement of Ang II in the entry of DENV into cells and its replication.

13-cis-Retinoic acid specific down-regulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor in rat liver epithelial and aortic smooth muscle cells

Transcriptional repression through cis- and trans-acting factors enabling an alternate approach to control angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1 or AGTR1 as listed in the MGI database) expression has not been studied. In previous investigations, treatment with retinoic acid was found to be associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity. In our previous study, expression of AT1 was found to be inversely correlated with intracellular glucose concentrations. Therefore, we hypothesized that 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cRA), an antioxidant, enhances insulin-sensitive glucose-mediated down-regulation of the AT1. In this study, we used continuously passaged rat liver epithelial cells. Our study shows that cells exposed to 13cRA specifically down-regulated the AT1 protein in a dose- and time-dependent manner, independently of any change in receptor affinity. Down-regulation of the AT1 expression leads to reduced AngII-mediated intracellular calcium release, a hallmark of receptor-mediated intracellular signaling. Similarly with receptor down-regulation, we observed a significant reduction in AT1 mRNA; however, the AT1 down-regulation was independent of insulin-sensitive glucose uptake and retinoic acid receptor activation (RAR/RXR). Treatment with 13cRA resulted in phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAP kinases in these cells. Subsequent studies using MEK inhibitor PD98059 prevented 13cRA-mediated AT1 down-regulation and restored AngII-mediated intracellular calcium response. Furthermore, 13cRA-mediated inhibitory effects on AT1 were validated in primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells. In summary, our results demonstrate for the first time that 13cRA has a glucose- and RAR/RXR-independent mechanism for transcriptional inhibition of AT1, suggesting its therapeutic potential in systems in which AT1 expression is deregulated in insulin-sensitive and -insensitive tissues.

Pharmacologic effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on angiotensin type 1 receptor down-regulation in rat liver epithelial and aortic smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Delayed onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in female patients is not well understood, but could be due in part to the protective effect of estrogen before menopause. Experimental studies have identified the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) as a key factor in the progression of CVD.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effects of the estrogen metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) on AT1R expression.

METHODS

Rat liver cells were exposed to 2ME2 for 24 hours, and angiotensin II (AngII) binding and AT1R mRNA expressions were assessed.

RESULTS

In the presence of 2ME2, cells exhibited significant down-regulation of AngII binding that was both dose and time dependent, independent of estrogen receptors (ERα/ERβ). Down-regulation of AngII binding was AT1R specific, with no change in receptor affinity. Under similar conditions, we observed lower expression of AT1R mRNA, significant inhibition of AngII-mediated increase in intracellular Ca(2+), and increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Pretreatment of cells with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 prevented 2ME2-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and down-regulation of AT1R expression, which suggests that the observed inhibitory effect is mediated through ERK1/2 signaling intermediates. Similar analyses in stably transfected CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cell lines with a constitutively active cytomegalovirus promoter showed no change in AT1R expression, which suggests that 2ME2-mediated effects are through transcriptional regulation. The effects of 2ME2 on AT1R down-regulation through ERK1/2 were consistently reproduced in primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Because AT1R has a critical role in the control of CVD, 2ME2-induced changes in receptor expression may provide beneficial effects to the cardiovascular and other systems.

Postsynaptic clustering and activation of Pyk2 by PSD-95

The tyrosine kinase Pyk2 plays a unique role in intracellular signal transduction by linking Ca(2+) influx to tyrosine phosphorylation, but the molecular mechanism of Pyk2 activation is unknown. We report that Pyk2 oligomerization by antibodies in vitro or overexpression of PSD-95 in PC6-3 cells induces trans-autophosphorylation of Tyr402, the first step in Pyk2 activation. In neurons, Ca(2+) influx through NMDA-type glutamate receptors causes postsynaptic clustering and autophosphorylation of endogenous Pyk2 via Ca(2+)- and calmodulin-stimulated binding to PSD-95. Accordingly, Ca(2+) influx promotes oligomerization and thereby autoactivation of Pyk2 by stimulating its interaction with PSD-95. We show that this mechanism of Pyk2 activation is critical for long-term potentiation in the hippocampus CA1 region, which is thought to underlie learning and memory.

Pyk2 mediates endothelin-1 signaling via p130Cas/BCAR3 cascade and regulates human glomerular mesangial cell adhesion and spreading

Calcium-regulated non-receptor proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is a critical mediator of endothelin-1 (ET-1) signaling in human glomerular mesangial cells (GMC). We aimed to identify which small G-protein is acting downstream of Pyk2. Dominant interfering Pyk2 construct, termed calcium regulated non kinase (CRNK) or green fluorescent protein (control) were expressed in GMC using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. ET-1 stimulation resulted in a significant increase of Pyk2 phosphorylation accompanied by GTP-loading of Rap1 and RhoA. CRNK expression inhibited ET-1-induced autophosphorylation of endogenous Pyk2 and diminished Rap1, but not RhoA, activation. The mechanism linking Pyk2 and Rap1 included (1) increased autophosphorylation of Pyk2 associated with p130Cas, (2) augmented p130Cas Y165 and Y249 phosphorylation, and (3) enhanced p130Cas-BCAR3 complex formation. CRNK expression prevented p130Cas phosphorylation and attenuated p130Cas association with BCAR3. Downregulation of endogenous BCAR3 protein expression using an siRNA technique led to a significant decrease in Rap1 activation in response to ET-1. We observed that endogenous Pyk2 was important for GMC adhesion and spreading. Our data suggest that ET-1 stimulated the GTPase Rap1 (but neither RhoA nor Ras) by a mechanism involving Pyk2 activation and recruitment of the p130Cas/BCAR3 complex in GMC.

Endothelin-1 promotes migration of endothelial cells through the activation of ARF6 and the regulation of FAK activity

Several proteins act in concert to promote remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton during migration. This process is highly regulated by small GTP-binding proteins of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family of proteins. Here, we show that endothelin-1 (ET-1) can promote the activation of ARF6 and migration of endothelial cells through the activation of ET(B) receptors. Inhibition of ARF6 expression using RNA interference markedly impairs basal and ET-1 stimulated cell migration. In contrast, depletion of ARF1 has no significant effect. In order to delineate the underlying mechanism, we examined the signaling events activated in endothelial cells following ET-1 stimulation. Here, we show that this hormone promotes the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Erk1/2, and the association of FAK to Src, as well as of FAK to GIT1. These have been shown to be important for the formation and turnover of focal adhesions. In non-stimulated cells, depletion of ARF6 leads to increased FAK and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, similar to what is observed in ET-1 treated cells. In these conditions, FAK is found constitutively associated with the soluble tyrosine kinase, Src. In contrast, depletion of ARF6 impairs the ability of GIT1 to form an agonist promoted complex with FAK, thereby preventing disassembly of focal adhesions. As a consequence, ARF6 depleted endothelial cells are impaired in their ability to form capillary tubes. Taken together, our data suggest that ARF6 is central in regulating focal adhesion turnover in endothelial cells. Our study provides a molecular mechanism by which, this small GTPase regulates cell motility, and ultimately angiogenesis.

Capacitative Calcium Entry Contributes to the Differential Transactivation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Response to Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are synthetic ligands for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) but also elicit PPARgamma-independent effects, most notably activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Ciglitazone rapidly activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) MAPK, an event requiring c-Src kinase-dependent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation, whereas troglitazone only weakly activates Erk and does not induce EGFR transactivation; the mechanism underlying this difference remains unclear. In this study, both ciglitazone and troglitazone increased Src activation. Similar effects were observed with Delta2-derivatives of each TZD, compounds that bind PPARgamma but do not lead to its activation, further indicating a PPARgamma-independent mechanism. Neither EGFR kinase nor Pyk2 inhibition prevented Src activation; however, inhibition of Src kinase activity prevented Pyk2 activation. Intracellular calcium chelation blocks TZD-induced Pyk2 activation; here, Src activation by both TZDs and ciglitazone-induced EGFR transactivation were prevented by calcium chelation. Accordingly, both TZDs increased calcium concentrations from intracellular stores; however, only ciglitazone produced a secondary calcium influx in the presence of extracellular calcium. Removal of extracellular calcium or inhibition of capacitative calcium entry by 2-APB prevented ciglitazone-induced EGFR transactivation and Erk activation but did not affect upstream kinase signaling pathways. These results demonstrate that upstream kinases (i.e., Src and Pyk2) are required but not sufficient for EGFR transactivation by TZDs. Moreover, influx of extracellular calcium through capacitative calcium entry may be an unrecognized component that provides a mechanism for the differential induction of EGFR transactivation by these compounds.

Differential FAK phosphorylation at Ser-910, Ser-843 and Tyr-397 induced by angiotensin II, LPA and EGF in intestinal epithelial cells

A rapid increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase FAK is a prominent early event in fibroblasts stimulated by a variety of signaling molecules. However, a variety of epithelial cells, including intestinal epithelial cells, show a high basal level of tyrosine phosphorylated FAK that is only slightly further increased by addition of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists or growth factors. In this study, we determined whether these stimuli could elicit FAK phosphorylation at serine residues, including Ser-910 and Ser-843. Our results show that multiple agonists including angiotensin II (ANGII), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), phorbol esters and EGF induced a striking stimulation of FAK phosphorylation at Ser-910 in rat intestinal epithelial IEC-18 cells via an ERK-dependent pathway. In striking contrast, none of these stimuli promoted a significant further increase in FAK phosphorylation at Tyr-397 in these cells. These results were extended using cultures of polarized human colonic epithelial T84 cells. We found that either carbachol or EGF promoted a striking ERK-dependent phosphorylation of FAK at Ser-910, but these agonists caused only slight stimulation of FAK at Tyr-397 in T84 cells. In addition, we demonstrated that GPCR agonists also induced a dramatic increase of FAK phosphorylation at Ser-843 in either IEC-18 or T84 cells. Our results indicate that Ser-910 and Ser-843, rather than Tyr-397, are prominent sites differentially phosphorylated in response to neurotransmitters, bioactive lipids, tumor promoters and growth factors in intestinal epithelial cells.

Angiotensin II induces phosphorylation of glucose-regulated protein-75 in WB rat liver cells

Studies in vascular smooth muscle cells suggest that, angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated cellular response requires transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), and involves tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1. Here we demonstrate that, exposure of WB rat liver cells to Ang II does not cause transactivation of EGF-R, but did rapidly activate p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases suggesting that it activates MAP kinases independent of EGF-R transactivation. We observed that the phospho-specific anti-caveolin-1 antibody detected a tyrosine phosphorylated, 75kDa protein in Ang II-treated cells which we identified as glucose regulated protein-75 (GRP-75). Phosphoamino acid analysis showed that Ang II induced its phosphorylation at tyrosine, serine and threonine residues and was localized to the cytoplasm. The ability of Ang-II to induce GRP-75 phosphorylation suggests that it may play a role in the protection of cytoplasmic proteins from the damaging effect of oxidative stress known to be produced during Ang-II induced signaling.

Angiotensin II and EGF receptor cross-talk in chronic kidney diseases: a new therapeutic approach

Mechanisms of progression of chronic renal diseases, a major healthcare burden, are poorly understood. Angiotensin II (AngII), the major renin-angiotensin system effector, is known to be involved in renal deterioration, but the molecular pathways are still unknown. Here, we show that mice overexpressing a dominant negative isoform of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were protected from renal lesions during chronic AngII infusion. Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and its sheddase, TACE (also known as ADAM17), were induced by AngII treatment, TACE was redistributed to apical membranes and EGFR was phosphorylated. AngII-induced lesions were substantially reduced in mice lacking TGF-alpha or in mice given a specific TACE inhibitor. Pharmacologic inhibition of AngII prevented TGF-alpha and TACE accumulation as well as renal lesions after nephron reduction. These findings indicate a crucial role for AngII-dependent EGFR transactivation in renal deterioration and identify in TACE inhibitors a new therapeutic strategy for preventing progression of chronic renal diseases.

Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ-independent Activation of p38 MAPK by Thiazolidinediones Involves Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II and Protein Kinase R

The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligands that promote increased insulin sensitivity in type II diabetic patients. In addition to their ability to improve glucose homeostasis, TZDs also exert anti-proliferative effects by a mechanism that is unclear. Our laboratory has shown that two TZDs, ciglitazone and troglitazone, rapidly induce calcium-dependent p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in liver epithelial cells. Here, we further characterize the mechanism responsible for p38 MAPK activation by PPARgamma ligands and correlate this with the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Specifically, we show that TZDs rapidly activate the ER stress-responsive pancreatic eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha (eIF2alpha) kinase or PKR (double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/pancreatic eIF2alpha kinase, and that activation of these kinases is correlated with subsequent eIF2alpha phosphorylation. Interestingly, PPARgamma ligands not only activated calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) 2-fold over control, but the selective CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93, attenuated MKK3/6 and p38 as well as PKR and eIF2alpha phosphorylation. Although CaMKII was not affected by inhibition of PKR with 2-aminopurine, phosphorylation of MKK3/6 and p38 as well as eIF2alpha were significantly reduced. Collectively, these data provide evidence that CaMKII is a regulator of PKR-dependent p38 and eIF2alpha phosphorylation in response to ER calcium depletion by TZDs. Furthermore, using structural derivatives of TZDs that lack PPARgamma ligand-binding activity as well as a PPARgamma antagonist, we show that activation of these kinase signaling pathways is PPARgamma-independent.

Angiotensin II induces focal adhesion kinase/paxillin phosphorylation and cell migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

In the present study, we demonstrated that Ang II provokes a transitory enhancement of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin phosphorylation in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC). Moreover, Ang II induces a time- and dose-dependent augmentation in cell migration, but does not affect HUVEC proliferation. The effect of Ang II on FAK and paxillin phosphorylation was markedly attenuated in cells pretreated with wortmannin and LY294002, indicating that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an important role in regulating FAK activation. Similar results were observed when HUVEC were pretreated with genistein, a non-selective tyrosine kinases inhibitor, or with the specific inhibitor PP2 for Src family kinases, demonstrating the involvement of protein tyrosine kinases, and particularly Src family of tyrosine kinases, in the downstream signalling pathway of Ang II receptors. Furthermore, FAK and paxillin phosphorylation was markedly blocked after treatment of HUVEC with AG1478, a selective inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation. Pretreatment of cells with inhibitors of PI3K, Src family tyrosine kinases, and EGFR also decreased HUVEC migration. In conclusion, these results suggest that Ang II mediates an increase in FAK and paxillin phosphorylation and induces HUVEC migration through signal transduction pathways dependent on PI3K and Src tyrosine kinase activation and EGFR transactivation.

N/A

N/A

Dependence of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ligand-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling on epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors that function as ligand-activated transcription factors regulating lipid metabolism and homeostasis. In addition to their ability to regulate PPAR-mediated gene transcription, PPARalpha and gamma ligands have recently been shown to induce activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which in turn phosphorylate PPARs, thereby affecting transcriptional activity. However, the mechanism for PPAR ligand-dependent MAPK activation is unclear. In the current study, we demonstrate that various PPARalpha (nafenopin) and gamma (ciglitazone and troglitazone) agonists rapidly induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and/or p38 phosphorylation in rat liver epithelial cells (GN4). The selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitors, PD153035 and ZD1839 (Iressa), abolished PPARalpha and gamma agonist-dependent Erk activation. Consistent with this, PPAR agonists increased tyrosine autophosphorylation of the EGFR as well as phosphorylation at a putative Src-specific site, Tyr845. Experiments with the Src inhibitor, PP2, and the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine revealed critical roles for Src and reactive oxygen species as upstream mediators of EGFR transactivation in response to PPAR ligands. Moreover, PPARalpha and gamma ligands increased Src autophosphorylation as well as kinase activity. EGFR phosphorylation, in turn, led to Ras-dependent Erk activation. In contrast, p38 activation by PPARalpha and gamma ligands occurred independently of Src, oxidative stress, the EGFR, and Ras. Interestingly, PPARalpha and gamma agonists caused rapid activation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase or Pyk2; Pyk2 as well as p38 phosphorylation was reduced by intracellular Ca2+ chelation without an observable effect on EGFR and Erk activation, suggesting a possible role for Pyk2 as an upstream activator of p38. In summary, PPARalpha and gamma ligands activate two distinct signaling cascades in GN4 cells leading to MAPK activation.

Interaction of the tyrosine kinase Pyk2 with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex via the Src homology 3 domains of PSD-95 and SAP102

The protein-tyrosine kinase Pyk2/CAKbeta/CADTK is a key activator of Src in many cells. At hippocampal synapses, induction of long term potentiation requires the Pyk2/Src signaling pathway, which up-regulates the activity of N-methyl-d-aspartate-type glutamate receptors. Because localization of protein kinases close to their substrates is crucial for effective phosphorylation, we investigated how Pyk2 might be recruited to the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor complex. This interaction is mediated by PSD-95 and its homolog SAP102. Both proteins colocalize with Pyk2 at postsynaptic dendritic spines in the cerebral cortex. The proline-rich regions in the C-terminal half of Pyk2 bind to the SH3 domain of PSD-95 and SAP102. The SH3 and guanylate kinase homology (GK) domain of PSD-95 and SAP102 interact intramolecularly, but the physiological significance of this interaction has been unclear. We show that Pyk2 effectively binds to the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of SAP102 only when the GK domain is removed from the SH3 domain. Characterization of PSD-95 and SAP102 as adaptor proteins for Pyk2 fills a critical gap in the understanding of the spatial organization of the Pyk2-Src signaling pathway at the postsynaptic site and reveals a physiological function of the intramolecular SH3-GK domain interaction in SAP102.

The role of the Ca2+-sensitive tyrosine kinase Pyk2 and Src in thrombin signalling in rat astrocytes

We have recently demonstrated that multiple signalling pathways are involved in thrombin-induced proliferation in rat astrocytes. Thrombin acts by protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) via mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. Signalling includes both Gi/(betagamma subunits)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and a Gq-phospholipase C/Ca2+/protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. In the present study, we investigated the possible protein tyrosine kinases which might be involved in thrombin signalling cascades. We found that, in astrocytes, thrombin can evoke phosphorylation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase (Pyk2) via PAR-1. This process is dependent on the increase in intracellular Ca2+ and PKC activity. Moreover, in response to thrombin stimulation Pyk2 formed a complex with Src tyrosine kinase and adapter protein growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), which could be coprecipitated. Furthermore, both thrombin-induced Pyk2 phosphorylation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation can be attenuated by Src kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine. From these data we conclude that PAR-1 uses Ca2+- and PKC-dependent Pyk2 to activate Src, thereby leading to ERK1/2 activation, which predominantly recruits Grb2 in rat astrocytes.

Evidence for involvement of 3'-untranslated region in determining angiotensin II receptor coupling specificity to G-protein

The mRNA 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of many genes has been identified as an important regulator of the mRNA transcript itself as well as the translated product. Previously, we demonstrated that Chinese-hamster ovary-K1 cells stably expressing angiotensin receptor subtypes (AT(1A)) with and without 3'-UTR differed in AT(1A) mRNA content and its coupling with intracellular signalling pathways. Moreover, RNA mobility-shift assay and UV cross-linking studies using the AT(1A) 3'-UTR probe identified a major mRNA-binding protein complex of 55 kDa in Chinese-hamster ovary-K1 cells. In the present study, we have determined the functional significance of the native AT(1A) receptor 3'-UTR in rat liver epithelial (WB) cell lines by co-expressing the AT(1A) 3'-UTR sequence 'decoy' to compete with the native receptor 3'-UTR for its mRNA-binding proteins. PCR analysis using specific primers for the AT(1A) receptor and [(125)I]angiotensin II (AngII)-binding studies demonstrated the expression of the native AT(1A) receptors in WB (B(max)=2.7 pmol/mg of protein, K(d)=0.56 nM). Northern-blot analysis showed a significant increase in native receptor mRNA expression in 3'-UTR decoy-expressing cells, confirming the role of 3'-UTR in mRNA destabilization. Compared with vehicle control, AngII induced DNA and protein synthesis in wild-type WB as measured by [(3)H]thymidine and [(3)H]leucine incorporation respectively. Activation of [(3)H]thymidine and [(3)H]leucine correlated with a significant increase in cell number (cellular hyperplasia). In these cells, AngII stimulated GTPase activity by AT(1) receptor coupling with G-protein alpha i. We also delineated that functional coupling of AT(1A) receptor with G-protein alpha i is an essential mechanism for AngII-mediated cellular hyperplasia in WB by specifically blocking G-protein alpha i activation. In contrast with wild-type cells, stable expression of the 3'-UTR 'decoy' produced AngII-stimulated protein synthesis and cellular hypertrophy as demonstrated by a significant increase in [(3)H]leucine incorporation and no increase in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation and cell number. Furthermore, [(125)I]AngII cross-linking and immunoprecipitation studies using specific G-protein alpha antibodies showed that in wild-type cells, the AT(1A) receptor coupled with G-protein alpha i, whereas in cells expressing the 3'-UTR 'decoy', the AT(1A) receptor coupled with G-protein alpha q. These findings indicate that the 3'-UTR-mediated changes in receptor function may be mediated in part by a switch from G-protein alpha i to G-protein alpha q coupling of the receptor. Our results suggest that the 3'-UTR-mediated post-transcriptional modification of the AT(1A) receptor is critical for regulating tissue-specific receptor functions.

TCR engagement induces proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (Pyk2) translocation to the T cell-APC interface independently of Pyk2 activity and in an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-mediated fashion

The relocation of kinases in T lymphocytes during their cognate interaction with APCs is essential for lymphocyte activation. We found that the proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (Pyk2) is rapidly translocated to the T cell-APC contact area upon T cell-specific recognition of superantigen-pulsed APCs. Stimulation with anti-CD3-coated latex microspheres was sufficient for Pyk2 reorientation, and the coengagement of CD28 boosted Pyk2 redistribution. Nevertheless, Pyk2 translocation did not result in its recruitment to lipid rafts. Two results support that Pyk2 translocation was independent of its kinase activity. First, Lck activity was required for TCR-induced Pyk2 translocation, but not for TCR-induced Pyk2 activation. Second, a kinase-dead Pyk2 mutant was equally translocated upon TCR triggering. In addition, Lck activity alone was insufficient to induce Pyk2 reorientation and activation, requiring the presence of at least one intact immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). Despite the dependence on functional Lck and on phosphorylated ITAM for Pyk2 translocation, the ITAM-binding tyrosine kinase zeta-associated protein 70 (ZAP-70) was not essential. All these data suggest that, by translocating to the vicinity of the immune synapse, Pyk2 could play an essential role in T cell activation and polarized secretion of cytokines.

AT1 receptor mutant lacking heterotrimeric G protein coupling activates the Src-Ras-ERK pathway without nuclear translocation of ERKs

Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptors (AT1Rs) activate tyrosine kinases, including Src. Whether or not tyrosine kinase activation by AT1R occurs independently of heterotrimeric G protein coupling and, if so, the cellular function of such a mechanism are unknown. To address these questions, we used an AT1aR intracellular second loop mutant, which lacks heterotrimeric G protein coupling (AT1a-i2m). Surprisingly, Ang II-induced Src activation was preserved in AT1a-i2m, which was not attenuated by inhibiting protein kinase C and Ca(2+) or by inhibiting Galpha(i) or Galpha(q) in CHO-K1 cells. By contrast, Ang II-induced Src activation was abolished in a C-terminally truncated AT1a-(1--309), where Ang II-induced inositol phosphate response was preserved. Ang II activates ERKs via a Src-Ras-dependent mechanism in AT1a-i2m. ERKs activated by AT1a-i2m phosphorylate their cytoplasmic targets, including p90(RSK), but fail to translocate into the nucleus or to cause cell proliferation. Ang II-induced nuclear translocation of ERKs by wild type AT1aR was inhibited by overexpression of nuclear exportin Crm-1, while that by AT1a-i2m was restored by leptomycin B, an inhibitor of Crm-1. In summary, while Src and ERKs are activated by Ang II even without heterotrimeric G protein coupling, the carboxyl terminus of the AT1 receptor is required for activation of Src. Interestingly, ERKs activated by heterotrimeric G protein-independent mechanisms fail to phosphorylate nuclear targets due to lack of inhibition of Crm-1-induced nuclear export of ERKs. These results suggest that heterotrimeric G protein-dependent and -independent signaling mechanisms play distinct roles in Ang II-mediated cellular responses.

Human endothelial Pyk2 is expressed in two isoforms and associates with paxillin and p130Cas

Proline-rich kinase 2 (Pyk2) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the focal adhesion kinase family. Many stimuli can initiate phosphorylation and activation of Pyk2 but its specific activators and downstream targets are still largely unidentified and little is known of the mechanisms or role of Pyk2 activation in endothelial cells. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we show that (1) Pyk2 is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues 402, 580, and 881 in response to stimulation with G-protein-coupled receptor agonists (GPCAs), vascular endothelial growth factor, and the cytokine interleukin-1alpha; (2) HUVEC express mRNA for two isoforms of Pyk2 which do not appear to be regulated transcriptionally by GPCAs, growth factors, or cytokines; and (3) Pyk2 is localised to the cytosol and associates through its C-terminus with the cytoskeletal protein paxillin and the adapter molecule p130Cas in phosphorylation-independent interactions. These results demonstrate that Pyk2 is rapidly activated and associates with structural and adapter proteins suggesting that it is an important kinase involved in mediating acute responses in endothelium.

Protein-tyrosine kinase Pyk2 mediates endothelin-induced p38 MAPK activation in glomerular mesangial cells

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a member of a family of 21 amino acid peptides possessing vasoconstrictor properties, is known to stimulate mesangial cell proliferation. In this study, ET-1 (100 nm) induced a rapid activation of p21(ras) in human glomerular mesangial cells (HMC). Inhibition of Src family tyrosine kinase activation with [4-Amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine] or chelation of intracellular free calcium with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester significantly decreased ET-1dependent p21(ras) activation and suggested the involvement of the cytoplasmic proline-rich tyrosine kinase Pyk2. We have observed that Pyk2 was expressed in HMC and was tyrosine-phosphorylated within 5 min of ET-1 treatment. ET-1-induced activation of Pyk2 was further confirmed using phospho-specific anti-Pyk2 antibodies. Surprisingly, Src kinase activity was required upstream of ET-1-induced autophosphorylation of Pyk2. To determine whether Pyk2 autophosphorylation mediated ET-1-dependent p21(ras) activation, adenovirus-mediated transfer was employed to express a dominant-negative form of Pyk2 (CRNK). CRNK expression inhibited ET-1-induced endogenous Pyk2 autophosphorylation, but did not abolish ET-1-mediated increases in GTP-bound p21(ras) levels. ET-1-induced activation of the p38 MAPK (but not ERK) pathway was inhibited in HMC and in rat glomerular mesangial cells expressing the dominant-negative form of Pyk2. These findings suggest that the engagement of Pyk2 is important for ET-1-mediated p38 MAPK activation and hence the biological effect of this peptide in mesangial cells.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors block calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase Pyk2 activation by angiotensin II in vascular endothelial cells. involvement of geranylgeranylation of small G protein Rap1

We recently reported the calcium-dependent activation of tyrosine kinase Pyk2 by angiotensin II (Ang II) in pulmonary vein endothelial cells (PVEC). Since Pyk2 has no calcium binding domain, and neither Ca(2+) nor Ca(2+)/calmodulin directly activates Pyk2, it is not clear how Ca(2+) transduces the signal to activate Pyk2, a key tyrosine kinase, in the early events of Ang II signaling. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of the calcium-dependent activation of Pyk2 in response to Ang II by using 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors and isoprenoid intermediates in PVEC. We have obtained substantial evidence indicating that Ang II activates Pyk2 through calcium-mediated activation of the geranylgeranylated small G protein Rap1 and the Rap1 association with Pyk2. Thus, the small G protein Rap1 is an intermediary signaling molecule linking Ang II-induced calcium signal to Pyk2 activation in PVEC. In addition, our results indicate that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, could interrupt Ang II signaling independent of cholesterol lowering in endothelial cells.

Different modes and qualities of tyrosine phosphorylation of Fak and Pyk2 during epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation and cell migration: analysis of specific phosphorylation events using site-directed antibodies

Integrin signaling is activated during epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and cell migration, processes serving as models for carcinogenesis. We have shown that paxillin and p130Cas become highly tyrosine phosphorylated during these processes in NMuMG cells. Here, we examined the regulation of Fak and Pyk2, kinases implicated in this phosphorylation. Pyk2 became phosphorylated at the major autophosphorylation site (Tyr-402) and the potential Grb2-binding site (Tyr-881) during EMT. In contrast, phosphorylation of Fak at the corresponding autophosphorylation site (Tyr-397) occurred even in sedentary epithelial cells, whereas phosphorylation at Tyr-407 and Tyr-861 was induced during EMT. During cell migration, these phosphorylation events, except Fak Tyr-397, were augmented further, and phosphorylation of Fak Tyr-577 and the corresponding Pyk2 Tyr-580, both within the kinase activation loops, was also induced. In all cases, phosphorylation of the putative Grb2-binding site in Fak (Tyr-925) was almost undetectable. Although Fak and Pyk2 have several phosphorylation sites in common, Tyr-407 and Tyr-861 are unique to Fak. Our results revealed that Fak and Pyk2 are non-equivalent in the tyrosine phosphorylation events and thereby likely to evoke different downstream signaling cascades during EMT and cell migration of NMuMG cells. We also show that Fak Tyr-397 phosphorylation occurs exclusively at the cytoplasm, but not at focal contacts, in the sedentary epithelial cells. In contrast, all other tyrosine phosphorylated forms of Fak and Pyk2 are predominantly localized to focal adhesions and the cell periphery in motile cells, all colocalized with paxillin and p130Cas.

Angiotensin II and calcium channels

Sixty years after its initial discovery, the octapeptide hormone angiotensin II (AngII) has proved to play numerous physiological roles that reach far beyond its initial description as a hypertensive factor. In spite of the host of target tissues that have been identified, only two major receptor subtypes, AT1 and AT2, are currently fully identified. The specificity of the effects of AngII relies upon numerous and complex intracellular signaling pathways that often mobilize calcium ions from intracellular stores or from the extracellular medium. Various types of calcium channels (store- or voltage-operated channels) endowed with distinct functional properties play a crucial role in these processes. The activity of these channels can be modulated by AngII in a positive and/or negative fashion, depending on the cell type under observation. This chapter reviews the main characteristics of AngII receptor subtypes and of the various calcium channels as well as the involvement of the multiple signal transduction mechanisms triggered by the hormone in the cell-specific modulation of the activity of these channels.

Evidence for the involvement of two pathways in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and cell proliferation by Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors in osteoblast-like cells

The mechanisms by which Gi and Gq protein- coupled receptors mediate mitogenic signaling in osteoblast-like cells are unknown and were investigated in MC3T3-E1 cells using specific receptor agonists such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). In contrast to their implication in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, the adaptor protein Shc, the Grb2/Sos complex, and the small G protein Ras were not involved in the activation of Erk induced by either LPA or PGF2alpha in MC3T3-E1 cells, suggesting that activation of Erk by Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors is Ras independent in these cells. Using specific kinase inhibitors and kinetic analyses, we provide evidence for two distinct components in the activation of Erk by Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors in MC3T3-E1 cells including an Src-like kinase-dependent pathway and a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanism. Functional analyses suggested that these two components are required for optimal DNA synthesis in response to LPA and PGF2alpha. These results suggest the implication of two pathways in the stimulation of Erk and cell replication by growth factors acting through Gi and Gq protein-coupled receptors in bone-forming cells.

Phospholipase C, protein kinase C, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and tyrosine phosphorylation are involved in carbachol-induced phospholipase D activation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing muscarinic acetylcholine receptor of Caenorhabditis elegans

Recently, we have isolated a cDNA encoding a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) from Caenorhabditis elegans. To investigate the regulation of phospholipase D (PLD) signaling via a muscarinic receptor, we generated stable transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that overexpress the mAChR of C. elegans (CHO-GAR-3). Carbachol (CCh) induced inositol phosphate formation and a significantly higher Ca(2+) elevation and stimulated PLD activity through the mAChR; this was insensitive to pertussis toxin, but its activity was abolished by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122. Western blot analysis revealed several apparent tyrosine-phosphorylated protein bands after CCh treatment. The CCh-induced PLD activation and tyrosine phosphorylation were significantly reduced by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C and down-regulation of PKC and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Moreover, the Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) inhibitor KN62, in addition to chelation of extracellular or intracellular Ca(2+) by EGTA and BAPTA/AM, abolished CCh-induced PLD activation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that the PLC/PKC-PLD pathway and the CaM kinase II/tyrosine kinase-PLD pathway are involved in the activation of PLD through mAChRs of C. elegans.

The tyrosine kinase PYK-2/RAFTK regulates natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic response, and is translocated and activated upon specific target cell recognition and killing

The compartmentalization of plasma membrane proteins has a key role in regulation of lymphocyte activation and development of immunity. We found that the proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (PYK-2/RAFTK) colocalized with the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) at the trailing edge of migrating natural killer (NK) cells. When polyclonal NK cells bound to K562 targets, PYK-2 translocated to the area of NK-target cell interaction. The specificity of this process was assessed with NK cell clones bearing activatory or inhibitory forms of CD94/NKG2. The translocation of PYK-2, MTOC, and paxillin to the area of NK-target cell contact was regulated upon specific recognition of target cells through NK cell receptors, controlling target cell killing. Furthermore, parallel in vitro kinase assays showed that PYK-2 was activated in response to signals that specifically triggered its translocation and NK cell mediated cytotoxicity. The overexpression of both the wt and a dominant-negative mutant of PYK-2, but not ZAP-70 wt, prevented the specific translocation of the MTOC and paxillin, and blocked the cytotoxic response of NK cells. Our data indicate that subcellular compartmentalization of PYK-2 correlates with effective signal transduction. Furthermore, they also suggest an important role for PYK-2 on the assembly of the signaling complexes that regulate the cytotoxic response.

FAK+ and PYK2/CAKbeta, two related tyrosine kinases highly expressed in the central nervous system: similarities and differences in the expression pattern

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2/cell adhesion kinase beta (PYK2/CAKbeta) are related, non-receptor, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, FAK+ is a splice isoform of FAK containing a 3-amino acid insertion in the carboxy-terminal region. In rat hippocampal slices, FAK+ and PYK2/CAKbeta are differentially regulated by neurotransmitters and depolarization. We have studied the regional and cellular distribution of these kinases in adult rat brain and during development. Whereas PYK2/CAKbeta expression increased with postnatal age and was maximal in the adult, FAK+ levels were stable. PYK2/CAKbeta mRNAs, detected by in situ hybridization, were expressed at low levels in the embryonic brain, and became very abundant in the adult forebrain. Immunocytochemistry of the adult brain showed a widespread neuronal distribution of FAK+ and PYK2/CAKbeta immunoreactivities (ir). PYK2/CAKbeta appeared to be particularly abundant in the hippocampus. In hippocampal neurons in culture at early stages of development, FAK+ and PYK2/CAKbeta were enriched in the perikarya and growth cones. FAK+ extended to the periphery of the growth cones tips, whereas PYK2/CAKbeta appeared to be excluded from the lamellipodia. During the establishment of polarity, a proximal-distal gradient of increasing PYK2/CAKbeta-ir could be observed in the growing axon. In most older neurons, FAK+-ir was confined to the cell bodies, whereas PYK2/CAKbeta-ir was also present in the processes. In vitro and in vivo, a subpopulation of neurons displayed neurites with intense FAK+-ir. Thus, FAK+ and PYK2/CAKbeta are differentially regulated during development yet they are both abundantly expressed in the adult brain, with distinctive but overlapping distributions.

Tyrosine kinase inhibition affects type 1 angiotensin II receptor internalization

Growth factor receptors activate tyrosine kinases and undergo endocytosis. Recent data suggest that tyrosine kinase inhibition can affect growth factor receptor internalization. The type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) which is a G-protein-coupled receptor, also activates tyrosine kinases and undergoes endocytosis. Thus, we examined whether tyrosine kinase inhibition affected AT1R internalization. To verify protein tyrosine phosphorylation, both LLCPKCl4 cells expressing rabbit AT1R (LLCPKAT1R) and cultured rat mesangial cells (MSC) were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II) [1-100 nM] then solubilized and immunoprecipitated with antiphosphotyrosine antisera. Immunoblots of these samples demonstrated that Ang II stimulated protein tyrosine phosphorylation in both cell types. Losartan [1 microM], an AT1R antagonist, inhibited Ang II-stimulated protein tyrosine phosphorylation. LLCPKAT1R cells displayed specific 125I-Ang II binding at apical (AP) and basolateral (BL) membranes, and both AP and BL AT1R activated tyrosine phosphorylation. LLCPKAT1R cells, incubated with genistein (Gen) [200 microM] or tyrphostin B-48 (TB-48) [50 microM], were assayed for acid-resistant specific 125I-Ang II binding, a measure of Ang II internalization. Both Gen (n = 7) and TB-48 (n = 3) inhibited AP 125I-Ang II internalization (80+/-7% inhibition; p<0.025 vs. control). Neither compound affected BL internalization. TB-1, a non-tyrosine kinase-inhibiting tyrphostin, did not affect AP 125I-Ang II endocytosis (n = 3), suggesting that the TB-48 effect was specific for tyrosine kinase inhibition. Incubating MSC with Gen (n = 5) or herbimycin A [150 ng/ml] (n = 4) also inhibited MSC 125I-Ang II internalization (82+/-11% inhibition; p<0.005 vs. control). Thus, tyrosine kinase inhibition prevented Ang II internalization in MSC and selectively decreased AP Ang II internalization in LLCPKAT1R cells suggesting that AP AT1R in LLCPKAT1R cells and MSC AT1R have similar endocytic phenotypes, and tyrosine kinase activity may play a role in AT1R internalization.

Signaling Through CD43 Induces Natural Killer Cell Activation, Chemokine Release, and PYK-2 Activation

Natural killer (NK) cell activation is the result of a balance between positive and negative signals triggered by specific membrane receptors. We report here the activation of NK cells induced through the transmembrane glycoprotein CD43 (leukosialin, sialophorin). Engagement of CD43 by specific antibodies stimulated the secretion of the chemokines RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1, and MIP-1β, which was prevented by treatment of cells with the specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Furthermore, signaling through CD43 increased the cytotoxic activity of NK cells and stimulated an increase in the tyrosine kinase activity in antiphosphotyrosine immune complexes of NK cell lysates. PYK-2 was identified among the tyrosine kinase proteins that become activated. Hence, PYK-2 activation was observed after 20 minutes of CD43 stimulation, reached a maximum after 45 to 60 minutes, and decreased to almost basal levels after 120 minutes of treatment. Together, these results demonstrate the role of CD43 as an activation molecule able to transduce positive activation signals in NK cells, including the regulation of chemokine synthesis, killing activity, and tyrosine kinase activation.

The interaction of activated integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 with ligand intercellular adhesion molecule 1 induces activation and redistribution of focal adhesion kinase and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 in T lymphocytes

Integrin receptors play a central role in the biology of lymphocytes, mediating crucial functional aspects of these cells, including adhesion, activation, polarization, migration, and signaling. Here we report that induction of activation of the beta2-integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) in T lymphocytes with divalent cations, phorbol esters, or stimulatory antibodies is followed by a dramatic polarization, resulting in a characteristic elongated morphology of the cells and the arrest of migrating lymphoblasts. This cellular polarization was prevented by treatment of cells with the specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Furthermore, the interaction of the activated integrin LFA-1 with its ligand intercellular adhesion molecule 1 induced the activation of the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK-2). FAK activation reached a maximum after 45 min of stimulation; in contrast, PYK-2 activation peaked at 30 min, declining after 60 min. Upon polarization of lymphoblasts, FAK and PYK-2 redistributed from a diffuse localization in the cytoplasm to a region close to the microtubule-organizing center in these cells. FAK and PYK-2 activation was blocked when lymphoblasts were pretreated with actin and tubulin cytoskeleton-interfering agents, indicating its cytoskeletal dependence. Our results demonstrate that interaction of the beta2-integrin LFA-1 with its ligand intercellular adhesion molecule 1 induces remodeling of T lymphocyte morphology and activation and redistribution of the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases FAK and PYK-2.

Protein tyrosine kinase Pyk2 mediates the Jak-dependent activation of MAPK and Stat1 in IFN-gamma, but not IFN-alpha, signaling

Two distinct types of interferon, IFN-alpha/beta and IFN-gamma, commonly exhibit antiviral activities by transmitting signals to the interior of the cell via their homologous receptors. Receptor stimulation results in the activation of distinct combinations of Janus family protein tyrosine kinases (Jak PTKs); Jak1/Tyk2 and Jak1/Jak2 for IFN-alpha/beta and IFN-gamma, respectively. Jak PTK activation by these IFNs is commonly followed by tyrosine phosphorylation of the transcription factor Stat1 at Y701, which is essential for dimerization, translocation to the nucleus and DNA-binding activity. To gain full transcriptional activity, Stat1 also requires serine phosphorylation at S727. In this paper we demonstrate that Pyk2, which belongs to another PTK family, is critical for the Jak-mediated MAPK and Stat1 activation by IFN-gamma, but not IFN-alpha. Pyk2 is selectively associated with Jak2 and activated by IFN-gamma. Overexpression of PKM, a dominant interfering form of Pyk2, in NIH 3T3 cells results in a strong inhibition of the IFN-gamma-induced activation of Erk2, serine phosphorylation of Stat1 and Stat1-dependent gene transcription. Finally, the antiviral action of IFN-gamma, but not IFN-alpha, is severely impaired by PKM overexpression. Thus, the two types of IFN may utilize distinct Jak-mediated Erk2, and possibly other MAPK activation pathways for their antiviral action.

Association of TGF-beta signaling in angiotensin II-induced PAI-1 mRNA upregulation in mesangial cells: role of PKC

This study aimed to identify the intracellular signaling pathway in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells, and to examine the interaction between Ang II and TGF-beta signaling. Ang II-induced upregulation of PAI-1 mRNA expression was prevented by a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, bisindorylmaleimide I. While phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) upregulated the PAI-1 mRNA expression, a calcium ionophore, ionomycin, had little effect. Mesangial cells pretreated with PMA for 24 h to downregulate PKC demonstrated attenuated response to Ang II. A protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, completely blocked both Ang II- and PMA-induced PAI-1 mRNA expression. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) alone induced the expression, and in the presence of Ang II, TGF-beta1 superinduced PAI-1 mRNA expression to a higher extent. Both bisindorylmaleimide I and genistein suppressed the Ang II plus TGF-beta1-induced PAI-1 mRNA upregulation to the basal level, while downregulation of PKC attenuated the synergistic upregulation of PAI-1 mRNA expression to the level comparable to TGF-beta1 alone. These data suggest that, in rat mesangial cells, (1) PKC and protein tyrosine kinase(s) are involved in the Ang II signaling cascade, (2) protein tyrosine kinase(s) works downstream from PKC in the cascade, and (3) there is an interaction between the Ang II and TGF-beta signal pathways downstream from PKC. In in vivo settings, local activation of renin-angiotensin and TGF-beta systems in the glomeruli may synergistically augment PAI-1 expression, promote mesangial matrix accumulation and progression of glomerular injury.

Interactions between two cytoskeleton-associated tyrosine kinases: calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase and focal adhesion tyrosine kinase

The calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase (CADTK), also known as Pyk2/RAFTK/CAKbeta/FAK2, is a cytoskeleton-associated tyrosine kinase. We compared CADTK regulation with that of the highly homologous focal adhesion tyrosine kinase (FAK). First, we generated site-specific CADTK mutants. Mutation of Tyr402 eliminated autophosphorylation and significantly decreased kinase activity. Mutation of Tyr881, a putative Src kinase phosphorylation site predicted to bind Grb2, had little effect on CADTK regulation. Src family tyrosine kinases resulted in CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation even when co-expressed with the Tyr402/Tyr881 double mutant, suggesting that Src/Fyn etc. phosphorylate additional tyrosine residues. Interestingly, CADTK tyrosine-phosphorylated FAK when both were transiently expressed, but FAK did not phosphorylate CADTK. Biochemical experiments confirmed direct CADTK phosphorylation of FAK. This phosphorylation utilized tyrosine residues other than Tyr397, Tyr925, or Tyr576/Tyr577, suggesting that new SH2-binding sites might be created by CADTK-dependent FAK phosphorylation. Last, expression of the CADTK carboxyl terminus (CRNK) abolished CADTK but not FAK autophosphorylation. In contrast, FAK carboxyl terminus overexpression inhibited both FAK and CADTK autophosphorylation, suggesting that a FAK-dependent cytoskeletal function may be necessary for CADTK activation. Thus, CADTK and FAK, which both bind to some, but not necessarily the same, cytoskeletal elements, may be involved in coordinate regulation of cytoskeletal structure and signaling.

Epidermal growth factor and angiotensin II regulation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase in rat liver epithelial WB cells

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) is considered essential for mitogenesis. In the present study, rat liver epithelial WB cells were used to investigate the relative roles of Ca2+, protein kinase C (PKC), and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in mitogenesis and activation of the ERK pathway stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and angiotensin II (Ang II). The sensitivity of the ERK pathway to Ca2+ was studied by using 1,2-bis (O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) to chelate intracellular Ca2+ and a low extracellular Ca2+ concentration to prevent Ca2+ influx. Agonist-induced PKC activation was diminished by inhibition of PKC by GF-109203X (bisindolylmaleimide) or by down-regulation of PKC by long-term treatment of the cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Our results show that although activation of PKC was critical for mitogenesis induced by Ang II or EGF, the initial activation of ERK by both agonists in these cells was essentially independent of PKC activation and was insensitive to Ca2+ mobilization. This is in contrast to the findings in some cell types that exhibit a marked dependency on mobilization of Ca2+ and/or PKC activation. On the other hand, an obligatory tyrosine phosphorylation step for activation of ERK was indicated by the use of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which profoundly inhibited the activation of ERK by EGF, Ang II, and PMA. Additional experiments indicated that tyrosine phosphorylation by a cytosolic tyrosine kinase may represent a general mechanism for G-protein coupled receptor mediated ERK activation.

Angiotensin AT1 receptors in Clone 9 rat liver cells: Ca2+ signaling and c-fos expression

In C9 (Clone 9) liver cells, angiotensin 11 increased the intracellular Ca2+ content, inositol phosphate production and c-fos mRNA expression. Other angiotensins were also active with the order of potency being angiotensin II = angiotensin III >> angiotensin I > angiotensin IV. Losartan, but not PD 123177 (1-(4-amino-3-methyl)-5-diphenylacetyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imida zo [4,5c]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid), blocked the effects of angiotensin II. Pertussis toxin did not alter these actions of angiotensin II. These data indicate that the effects were mediated through angiotensin AT1 receptors involving pertussis toxin-insensitive G-proteins. Phorbol myristate acetate was also able to increase c-fos mRNA expression. The action of angiotensin II was consistently greater than that of the active phorbol ester. Staurosporine but not genistein inhibited this effect of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II- and phorbol myristate acetate-induced proto-oncogene mRNA expression was attenuated in cells incubated overnight with the active phorbol ester, which suggests a major role of protein kinase C.

Vanadate-dependent FAK activation is accomplished by the sustained FAK Tyr-576/577 phosphorylation

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase implicated in cell-matrix interaction and integrin signaling. It is well established that Tyr-397 is the FAK autophosphorylation site and Tyr-407, -576/577, -861, and -925 are the sites on murine FAK that are mediated by Src family kinases. To study how FAK is regulated by tyrosine phosphatase(s), cells overexpressing chicken FAK are treated with sodium vanadate. Both the phosphotyrosine content and the enzymatic activity of FAK are increased in response to vanadate. Interestingly, sustained FAK Tyr-576/577 and -863 phosphorylations are detected in vanadate-treated FAK overexpressors and are dependent on FAK autophosphorylation. Further analysis of sodium vanadate-treated FAK overexpressors reveals that the enhanced FAK kinase activity parallels its elevated Tyr-576/577 phosphorylation. Thus, we conclude that Src-mediated FAK phosphorylation is regulated by a tyrosine phosphatase(s) and may be of physioligical significance.

Involvement of protein kinase C and Src family tyrosine kinase in Galphaq/11-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated by various extracellular stimuli. The signaling pathways from G protein-coupled receptors to extracellular signal-regulated kinase have been partially elucidated, whereas the mechanisms by which G protein-coupled receptors stimulate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK activities remain largely unknown. We have recently demonstrated that the signal from Gq/11-coupled m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor to p38 MAPK is mediated by both Galphaq/11 and Gbeta gamma in HEK-293 cells (Yamauchi, J., Nagao, M., Kaziro, Y., and Itoh, H. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 27771-27777). In the present study, we report that a constitutively activated mutant of Galpha11 (Galpha11 Q209L) activated not only p38 MAPK, but also JNK, and the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK by Galpha11 Q209L was partially inhibited by prolonged treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calphostin C. In addition, the Galpha11 Q209L-stimulated activation of both kinases was blocked by a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases (PP2) and Csk (C-terminal Src kinase). Furthermore, we demonstrated that Galpha11 Q209L stimulated Src family kinase activity and induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins in HEK-293 cells. These results suggest that Galphaq/11 stimulates JNK and p38 MAPK activities through protein kinase C- and Src family kinase-dependent signaling pathways.

Phosphorylation of p130Cas by angiotensin II is dependent on c-Src, intracellular Ca2+, and protein kinase C

p130Cas is a signaling molecule that was initially found to be tyrosine-phosphorylated in v-Crk and v-Src transformed cells. We characterized the regulation of p130Cas tyrosine phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells by angiotensin II (Ang II). This ligand induced a transient increase in p130Cas tyrosine phosphorylation, which was sensitive to the actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin D and to the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM but not the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil. The Ang II-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p130Cas was also dependent on an active Src family tyrosine kinase, since it could be blocked by the Src kinase inhibitors geldanamycin and PP1. Ang II treatment resulted in the ability of p130Cas to bind at least 11 different phosphate-containing proteins. Analysis of these proteins revealed that protein kinase Calpha and the cell adhesion signaling molecule pp120 formed temporal associations with p130Cas in response to Ang II. c-Src was found to associate with p130Cas in a manner that was independent of Ang II treatment. Inhibition of protein kinase C by either calphostin C or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate downregulation inhibited the Ang II-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p130Cas. These results are the first to demonstrate that the tyrosine phosphorylation of p130Cas by Ang II is transduced by the Src, intracellular Ca2+, protein kinase C signaling pathway.

The Related Adhesion Focal Tyrosine Kinase (RAFTK) Is Tyrosine Phosphorylated and Participates in Colony-Stimulating Factor-1/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Signaling in Monocyte-Macrophages

RAFTK, a novel nonreceptor protein kinase, has been shown to be involved in focal adhesion signal transduction pathways in neuronal PC12 cells, megakaryocytes, platelets, and T cells. Because focal adhesions may modulate cytoskeletal functions and thereby alter phagocytosis, cell migration, and adhesion in monocyte-macrophages, we investigated the role of RAFTK signaling in these cells. RAFTK was abundantly expressed in THP1 monocytic cells as well as in primary alveolar and peripheral blood-derived macrophages. Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1)/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) stimulation of THP1 cells increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK; similar increases in phosphorylation were also detected after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. RAFTK was phosphorylated with similar kinetics in THP1 cells and peripheral blood-derived macrophages. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed associations between RAFTK and the signaling molecule phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase. PI-3 kinase enzyme activity also coprecipitated with the RAFTK antibody, further confirming this association. The CSF-1/M-CSF receptor c-fms and RAFTK appeared to associate in response to CSF-1/M-CSF treatment of THP1 cells. Inhibition of RAFTK by a dominant-negative kinase mutant reduced CSF-1/M-CSF–induced MAPK activity. These data indicate that RAFTK participates in signal transduction pathways mediated by CSF-1/M-CSF, a cytokine that regulates monocyte-macrophage growth and function.

The Related Adhesion Focal Tyrosine Kinase (RAFTK) Is Tyrosine Phosphorylated and Participates in Colony-Stimulating Factor-1/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Signaling in Monocyte-Macrophages

RAFTK, a novel nonreceptor protein kinase, has been shown to be involved in focal adhesion signal transduction pathways in neuronal PC12 cells, megakaryocytes, platelets, and T cells. Because focal adhesions may modulate cytoskeletal functions and thereby alter phagocytosis, cell migration, and adhesion in monocyte-macrophages, we investigated the role of RAFTK signaling in these cells. RAFTK was abundantly expressed in THP1 monocytic cells as well as in primary alveolar and peripheral blood-derived macrophages. Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1)/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) stimulation of THP1 cells increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK; similar increases in phosphorylation were also detected after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. RAFTK was phosphorylated with similar kinetics in THP1 cells and peripheral blood-derived macrophages. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed associations between RAFTK and the signaling molecule phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase. PI-3 kinase enzyme activity also coprecipitated with the RAFTK antibody, further confirming this association. The CSF-1/M-CSF receptor c-fms and RAFTK appeared to associate in response to CSF-1/M-CSF treatment of THP1 cells. Inhibition of RAFTK by a dominant-negative kinase mutant reduced CSF-1/M-CSF–induced MAPK activity. These data indicate that RAFTK participates in signal transduction pathways mediated by CSF-1/M-CSF, a cytokine that regulates monocyte-macrophage growth and function.

Angiotensin II stimulates ERK via two pathways in epithelial cells: protein kinase C suppresses a G-protein coupled receptor-EGF receptor transactivation pathway

In GN4 rat liver epithelial cells, angiotensin II (Ang II) produces intracellular calcium and protein kinase C (PKC) signals and stimulates ERK and JNK activity. JNK activation appears to be mediated by a calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase (CADTK). To define the ERK pathway, we established GN4 cells expressing an inhibitory Ras(N17). Induction of Ras(N17) blocked EGF- but not Ang II- or phorbol ester (TPA)-dependent ERK activation. In control cells, Ang II and TPA produced minimal increases in Ras-GTP level and Raf kinase activity. PKC depletion by chronic TPA exposure abolished TPA-dependent ERK activation but failed to diminish the effect of Ang II. In PKC-depleted cells, Ang II increased Ras-GTP level and activated Raf and ERK in a Ras-dependent manner. In PKC depleted cells, Ang II stimulated Shc and Cbl tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that without PKC, Ang II activates another tyrosine kinase. PKC-depletion did not alter Ang II-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation or activity of p125(FAK), CADTK, Fyn or Src, but PKC depletion or incubation with GF109203X resulted in Ang II-dependent EGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. In PKC-depleted cells, EGF receptor-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors blocked Ang II-dependent EGF receptor and Cbl tyrosine phosphorylation, and ERK activation. In summary, Ang II can activate ERK via two pathways; the latent EGF receptor, Ras-dependent pathway is equipotent to the Ras-independent pathway, but is masked by PKC action. The prominence of this G-protein coupled receptor to EGF receptor pathway may vary between cell types depending upon modifiers such as PKC.

A calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase splice variant in human monocytes. Activation by a two-stage process involving adherence and a subsequent intracellular signal

Freshly isolated human monocytes do not express p125(FAK) but upon adherence to substrata activate the highly related calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase (CADTK), also known as Pyk2, CAKbeta, RAFTK, and FAK2. The monocyte CADTK was 5 kDa smaller than protein from epithelial cells; isolation and sequencing of the monocyte CADTK cDNA revealed a predicted 42-amino acid deletion between the two proline-rich domains of the enzyme. The nucleic acid sequence suggests that the deletion is caused by alternative RNA splicing. This species was also found in T and B lymphocytes and appears to be the predominant form of cytoskeletal associated tyrosine kinase in non-neoplastic, circulating, hematopoietic cells. CADTK was not activated when monocytes maintained in suspension were treated with agents that produce an intracellular calcium (thapsigargin) or protein kinase C (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) signal including a chemokine, RANTES, that binds to the HIV co-receptor, CCK5. In contrast, monocyte adherence to tissue culture plastic-stimulated CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation, a process that was enhanced by thapsigargin, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and RANTES but that was completely blocked by preincubation with cytochalasin D. When compared with plastic, adherence to fibronectin- or collagen-coated surfaces produced only minimal CADTK activation but permitted significant stimulation by added thapsigargin. These data suggest that in a cell type that lacks p125(FAK), CADTK plays an early role in post-adherence signaling. Its activation involves two stages, cytoskeletal engagement, which is permissive, and co-stimulatory signals (calcium or protein kinase C) generated by extensive cell surface engagement, agonists, or inflammatory chemokines.

Angiotensin II activates mitogen-activated protein kinase via protein kinase C and Ras/Raf-1 kinase in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates growth and mitogenesis in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells, but little is known about the signaling pathways that mediate these responses. An analysis of the growth-promoting pathways in cultured bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells revealed that Ang II, acting via the AT1 receptor, caused rapid but transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), with an ED50 of 10-50 pM. Although neither Ca2+ influx nor Ca2+ release from intracellular stores was sufficient to activate MAPK, Ca2+ appeared to play a permissive role in this response. A major component of Ang II-induced MAPK activation was insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX), although a minor PTX-sensitive component could not be excluded. Ang II also induced the rapid activation of ras and raf-1 kinase with time-courses that correlated with that of MAPK. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was sufficient to activate both MAPK and raf-1 kinase. However, whereas PKC depletion had no effect on Ang II-induced raf-1 kinase activation, it attenuated Ang II-induced MAPK activation. Ang II also stimulated a mobility shift of raf-1, reflecting hyperphosphorylation of the kinase. However, unlike its activation, raf-1 hyperphosphorylation was dependent on PKC and its time-course correlated not with activation, but rather with deactivation of the kinase. Taken together, these findings indicate that Ang II stimulates multiple pathways to MAPK activation via PKC and ras/raf-1 kinase in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Regulation of a calcium-dependent tyrosine kinase in vascular smooth muscle cells by angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor. Dependence on calcium and the actin cytoskeleton

A novel, p125FAK homologue, CADTK, has been detected in neural, epithelial, or hematopoietic cells but not in fibroblasts. We now demonstrate CADTK expression in a mesenchymal cell, rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RSMC). Angiotensin II (Ang II) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB and PDGF-AA) markedly stimulated CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation in RSMC but did not affect p125FAK phosphorylation. The PDGF-depedent CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation was slower and more prolonged than that of Ang II, correlating well with the differential effects of these agonists on cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) signaling. An intracellular calcium chelator inhibited both the rapid and sustained activation of CADTK by Ang II and PDGF. Extracellular calcium chelation inhibited the PDGF-stimulated increase in CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation as well as the sustained (but not the early) activation by Ang II. In contrast, p125FAK tyrosine phosphorylation was maximal in quiescent, adherent RSMC and was not affected by incubation with EGTA. Depletion of protein kinase C activity partially inhibited both the Ang II- and PDGF-induced CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation. Additional results confirm a relation between CADTK and the cytoskeleton. First, the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxilin correlated with activation of CADTK; this increase was inhibited by EGTA. Second, cytochalasin D blocked the PDGF- or Ang II-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of CADTK, suggesting a role for the cytoskeleton in agonist-dependent CADTK activation. Third, immunofluorescence analysis of CADTK localization demonstrated actin-like cytoskeleton staining extending into focal contacts. These results suggest that in mesenchymal cells, CADTK is localized to and activated by an actin cytoskeleton-dependent mechanism; a mechanism that is regulated in a calcium and protein kinase C-dependent manner independently of p125FAK.

Cross-talk between phorbol ester-mediated signaling and tyrosine kinase proto-oncogenes. I. Activation of protein kinase C stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of ErbB2 and ErbB3

The tumor-promoting phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), acutely stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins of approximately 190, 120, and 70 kDa in the well differentiated Fao rat hepatoma cell line. This phosphorylation is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) and is abolished by down-regulation of PKC or pretreatment with a PKC inhibitor. Purification of the 190-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein revealed that it consists of both ErbB2 and ErbB3. Following PMA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, ErbB2 and ErbB3 were able to associate with the SH2 domains of several signaling proteins including the p85alpha subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Syp, and Grb2. The 120-kDa protein phosphorylated in response to PMA consists of at least two proteins: focal adhesion kinase that exhibits a minor increase in tyrosine phosphorylation following treatment with PMA, and a major 120-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated species in PMA-stimulated Fao cells which as yet is unidentified. Similarly, the 70-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein also appears to represent more than one protein, including paxillin and a second protein of similar mobility which appears to be the major tyrosine phosphorylation in response to PMA. Both ErbB2 and paxillin also exhibit reduced migration on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis following PMA treatment, suggesting that they are also phosphorylated on serine/threonine residues. The mobility shift of both of these proteins is abolished by treatment with inhibitors of PKC or mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase kinase. These results suggest a novel mechanism of cross-talk between the serine/threonine kinase PKC and tyrosine phosphorylation pathways. The activation of ErbB2 and ErbB3 that is initiated by PMA may contribute to the tumor promoting activity of these compounds.