Disrupted signaling in a mutant J2E cell line that shows enhanced viability, but does not proliferate or differentiate, with erythropoietin

Csk-binding protein can regulate Lyn signals controlling cell morphology

The Src family kinase Lyn is involved in differentiation signals emanating from activated erythropoietin (Epo) receptors, it interacts with COOH-terminal Src kinase-binding protein (Cbp), an adaptor protein that recruits negative regulators COOH-terminal Src kinase (Csk) and suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1). Lyn phosphorylates Cbp on several tyrosine residues, including Tyr314, which recruits Csk/SOCS1, as well as Tyr381 and Tyr409 that bind Lyns own SH2 domain. We show that Cbp alters not only the ability of erythroid cells to differentiate but also their colony morphology. Consequently, we detailed the ability of Cbp to interact with and influence Lyns ability to initiate changes in cellular architecture, which affect cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions. Over-expression of active Lyn promotes filopodia formation while inactive Lyn promotes lamellipodia formation. Conversely, Cbp over-expression, which inhibits Lyn activity, promotes lamellipodia formation, while Cbp mutants preventing its interaction/signaling consequently allow Lyn to promote filopodia formation. Thus, the Lyn-Cbp pathway and subsequent regulation of Lyn signaling and cell morphology involves a dynamic and complex series of interactions.

Effect of chronic administration of ethanol on the regulation of tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor subunits in the rat brain

One of the many pharmacological targets of ethanol is the GABA inhibitory system, and chronic ethanol (CE) is known to alter the polypeptide levels of the GABA(A )receptor subunits in rat brain regions. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of the tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the GABA(A) receptor alpha(1)-, beta(2)- and gamma(2)-subunits in the rat cerebellum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus following chronic administration of ethanol to the rats. We observed either down-regulation or no change in the tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the alpha(1) subunit, whereas there was an up-regulation or no change in the case of beta(2)- and gamma(2)-subunits of the GABA(A) receptors depending on the brain region following chronic administration of ethanol to the rats. These changes reverted back to the control level following 48 h of ethanol-withdrawal. These results suggest that tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of GABA(A )receptors may play a significant role in ethanol dependence.

Csk-binding protein mediates sequential enzymatic down-regulation and degradation of Lyn in erythropoietin-stimulated cells

We have shown previously that the Src family kinase Lyn is involved in differentiation signals emanating from activated erythropoietin (Epo) receptors. The importance of Lyn to red cell maturation has been highlighted by Lyn-/- mice developing anemia. Here we show that Lyn interacts with C-terminal Src kinase-binding protein (Cbp), an adaptor protein that recruits negative regulators C-terminal Src kinase (Csk)/Csk-like protein-tyrosine kinase (Ctk). Lyn phosphorylated Cbp on several tyrosine residues, including Tyr314, which recruited Csk/Ctk to suppress Lyn kinase activity. Intriguingly, phosphorylated Tyr314 also bound suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), another well characterized negative regulator of cell signaling, resulting in elevated ubiquitination, and degradation of Lyn. In Epo-responsive primary cells and cell lines, Lyn rapidly phosphorylated Cbp, suppressing Lyn kinase activity via Csk/Ctk within minutes of Epo stimulation; hours later, SOCS1 bound to Cbp and was involved in the ubiquitination and turnover of Lyn protein. Thus, a single phosphotyrosine residue on Cbp coordinates a two-phase process involving distinct negative regulatory pathways to inactivate, then degrade, Lyn.

Tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of GABAA receptor subunits following chronic ethanol exposure of cultured cortical neurons of mice

Previous studies from our laboratory revealed that acute ethanol exposure inhibits phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) in mice. In the present study, we have further investigated effect of chronic administration of ethanol on tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of GABA(A) receptor subunits in the mouse cultured cortical neurons. We observed that there was an up-regulation in tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the GABA(A) receptor beta(2) and gamma(2) subunits following chronic ethanol exposure, whereas there was no effect on alpha(1) subunit of the GABA(A) receptor in the cultured cortical neurons of mice as determined by Western blotting. These results suggest a potential role for tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of some of the GABA(A) receptor subunits in chronic ethanol-induced tolerance and dependence.

Lyn deficiency reduces GATA-1, EKLF and STAT5, and induces extramedullary stress erythropoiesis

In vitro studies have implicated the Lyn tyrosine kinase in erythropoietin signaling. In this study, we show that J2E erythroid cells lacking Lyn have impaired signaling and reduced levels of transcription factors STAT5a, EKLF and GATA-1. Since mice lacking STAT5, EKLF or GATA-1 have red cell abnormalities, this study also examined the erythroid compartment of Lyn(-/-) mice. Significantly, STAT5, EKLF and GATA-1 levels were appreciably lower in Lyn(-/-) erythroblasts, and the phenotype of Lyn(-/-) animals was remarkably similar to GATA-1(low) animals. Although young adult Lyn-deficient mice had normal hematocrits, older mice developed anemia. Grossly enlarged erythroblasts and florid erythrophagocytosis were detected in the bone marrow of mice lacking Lyn. Markedly elevated erythroid progenitors and precursor levels were observed in the spleens, but not bone marrow, of Lyn(-/-) animals indicating that extramedullary erythropoiesis was occurring. These data indicate that Lyn(-/-) mice display extramedullary stress erythropoiesis to compensate for intrinsic and extrinsic erythroid defects.

Phosphoprotein profiling of erythropoietin receptor- dependent pathways using different proteomic strategies

Proteomic techniques provide new tools for the global analysis of protein profiles but also for the investigation of specific protein functions. The analysis of signaling cascades has traditionally been performed by the determination of enzymatic or transcription factor activities representing a certain pathway. Functional proteomics now allows more comprehensive approaches to study cellular responses induced during ligand/receptor interactions. In this study we evaluated proteomic strategies for the investigation of structure-function relationships in the erythropoietin receptor signalling complex. After expression of epidermal growth factor/erythropoietin receptor mutant molecules in an identical cellular background we characterized their potential to induce cellular activities. Using this system we focused our efforts on post-translational modifications of signalling proteins reflecting a substantial part of receptor-dependent signaling events. Although tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were enriched by immunoprecipitation the analysis using the classical approach combining two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identification by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry revealed that low expressed signaling proteins cannot be detected by this technique. An alternative strategy using one-dimensional gel separation of phosphoproteins and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, however, allowed us to identify multiple proteins involved in intracellular signalling representing already established pathways but also proteins which have not been linked to EPO-induced signaling so far. This approach offers the potential to extend functional proteomic studies to complex signaling processes.

Opposite effects of inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways on the egr-1 and β-globin expression in erythropoietin-responsive murine erythroleukemia cells

The effect of erythropoietin (Epo) on the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) target genes egr-1 and c-fos was investigated in Epo-responsive murine erythroblastic cell line ELM-I-1. Epo induced a transient rise in egr-1 mRNA without a similar effect on c-fos expression. The induction of egr-1 correlated with a rapid ERK1/2 phosphorylation and was prevented with MEK1/2 inhibitors PD 98059 and UO126. The p38 inhibitor SB 203580 enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and egr-1 mRNA levels. Longer incubations of ELM-I-1 cells with Epo revealed a second later phase of increase in egr-1 expression which was also prevented by MEK1/2 inhibitors, whereas SB 203580 had a stimulatory effect. In contrast, the beta-globin mRNA production was enhanced in the presence of PD 98059 and UO126 and reduced by SB 203580. The results suggest a regulatory role of egr-1 expression in Epo signal transduction and provide pharmacological evidence for the negative modulation of differentiation-specific gene expression by the ERK1/2 pathway in murine erythroleukemia cells.

Differential regulation of SOCS genes in normal and transformed erythroid cells

The SOCS family of genes are negative regulators of cytokine signalling with SOCS-1 displaying tumor suppressor activity. SOCS-1, CIS and SOCS-3 have been implicated in the regulation of red blood cell production. In this study, a detailed examination was conducted on the expression patterns of these three SOCS family members in normal erythroid progenitors and a panel of erythroleukemic cell lines. Unexpectedly, differences in SOCS gene expression were observed during maturation of normal red cell progenitors, viz changes to CIS were inversely related to the alterations of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3. Similarly, these SOCS genes were differentially expressed in transformed erythoid cells - erythroleukemic cells immortalized at an immature stage of differentiation expressed SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 mRNA constitutively, whereas in more mature cell lines SOCS-1 and CIS were induced only after exposure to erythropoietin (Epo). Significantly, when ectopic expression of the tyrosine kinase Lyn was used to promote differentiation of immature cell lines, constitutive expression of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 was completely suppressed. Modulation of intracellular signalling via mutated Epo receptors in mature erythroleukemic lines also highlighted different responses by the three SOCS family members. Close scrutiny of SOCS-1 revealed that, despite large increases in mRNA levels, the activity of the promoter did not alter after erythropoietin stimulation; in addition, erythroid cells from SOCS-1-/- mice displayed increased sensitivity to Epo. These observations indicate complex, stage-specific regulation of SOCS genes during normal erythroid maturation and in erythroleukemic cells.

Type I interferon differential therapy for erythroleukemia: specificity of STAT activation

Type I interferons (IFNs), pleiotropic cytokines with antiviral, antiproliferative, apoptotic, and immunoregulatory functions, are efficacious in the treatment of malignancies, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. Binding of these cytokines to their cognate receptor leads to activation of the Jak-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway and altered gene expression. This signal pathway has been intensely studied using human IFN-alpha 2 and IFN-beta. However, there are over 14 human IFN-alpha subtypes and over 10 murine IFN-alpha subtypes, with a single IFN-beta subtype in both species. J2E cells are immortalized at the proerythroblast stage of development and produce a rapid and fatal erythroleukemia in vivo. These cells retain the ability to respond to erythropoietin in vitro by proliferating, differentiating, and remaining viable in the absence of serum. Here, we show that J2E cells are also functionally regulated differentially by IFN subtype treatment in vitro. A novel finding was the selective activation of STAT and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) molecules by different subtypes binding the IFN receptor. These findings indicate distinct effects for individual type I IFN subtypes, which are able to differentially activate members of the STAT and MAPK family. Finally, we investigated the efficacy of IFN naked DNA therapy in treating J2E-induced erythroleukemia in athymic nude mice. IFN subtypes differentially regulated the onset of erythroleukemia with delayed onset and increased survival, possibly via a reduction in cell viability, and enhanced antiproliferative and apoptotic effects observed for IFNA6 and IFNA9 treatment, respectively. Moreover, these data highlight the necessity to choose the best IFN subtype in disease treatment.

The death-promoting activity of p53 can be inhibited by distinct signaling pathways

Various cytokines have been shown to protect cells from p53-dependent apoptosis. To investigate the mechanism underlying cytokine-mediated survival, we used a Friend virus-transformed erythroleukemia cell line that expresses a temperature-sensitive p53 allele. These cells express the spleen focus-forming virus-encoded envelope glycoprotein gp55 that allows the cells to proliferate in the absence of erythropoietin (EPO). These cells respond to p53 activation at 32 degrees C by undergoing G(1) cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In the presence of EPO, p53 activation leads only to prolonged but viable G(1) arrest. These findings indicate that EPO functions as a survival factor and that gp55/EPO receptor signaling is distinct from EPO/EPO receptor signaling. We demonstrate that p53-dependent apoptosis results in mitochondrial damage as shown by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in intracellular calcium, and release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol. EPO prevented all of these changes including the subsequent activation of caspases. We identify an intrinsic phosphatidylinositol-3'-OH kinase/protein kinase B (PI3'K/PKB)-dependent survival pathway that is constitutively active in these cells. This survival pathway limits p53-dependent apoptosis. We propose that EPO promotes survival through a distinct pathway that is dependent on JAK2 but independent of STAT5 and PI3'K.

Enforced expression of HOX11 is associated with an immature phenotype in J2E erythroid cells

The HOX11 gene encodes a homeodomain transcription factor that is essential for spleen development during embryogenesis. HOX11 is also leukaemogenic, both through its clinical association with childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and its ability to immortalize other haematopoietic cell lineages experimentally. To examine the pathological role of HOX11 in tumorigenesis, we constitutively expressed HOX11 cDNA in J2E murine erythroleukaemic cells, which are capable of terminal differentiation. Enforced HOX11 expression was found to induce a profound alteration in J2E cellular morphology and differentiation status. Our analyses revealed that HOX11 produced clones with a preponderance of less differentiated cells that were highly adherent to plastic. Morphologically, the cells overexpressing HOX11 were larger and had decreased globin levels, as well as a reduction in haemoglobin synthesis in response to erythropoietin (EPO). Immunocytochemical analysis confirmed the immature erythroid phenotype imposed by HOX11, with clones transfected with HOX11 demonstrating expression of the c-Kit stem cell marker, while retaining EPO receptor expression. Taken together, these results show that HOX11 alters erythroid differentiation, favouring a less mature progenitor-like stage. This supports the notion that disrupted haematopoietic cell differentiation is responsible for pre-leukaemic immortalization by the HOX11 oncoprotein.

Erythropoietin-stimulated Raf-1 tyrosine phosphorylation is associated with the tyrosine kinase Lyn in J2E erythroleukemic cells

The serine/threonine kinase Raf-1 is crucial for transducing intracellular signals emanating from numerous growth factors. Here we used the J2E erythroid cell line transformed by the nu-raf/nu-myc oncogenes to examine the effects of erythropoietin on endogenous Raf-1 activity. Despite the presence of constitutively active v-raf in these cells, Raf-1 exokinase activity increased after erythropoietin stimulation. This increase in enzymatic activity coincided with tyrosine phosphorylation of Raf-1 on residue Y341. Significantly, the tyrosine kinase Lyn coimmunoprecipitated with Raf-1, and Raf-1 was not tyrosine-phosphorylated in a J2E subclone lacking Lyn. Therefore, it was concluded that Lyn may be the kinase responsible for tyrosine phosphorylating Raf-1 and increasing its exokinase activity in response to erythropoietin.

Thyroid hormone receptor-interacting protein 1 modulates cytokine and nuclear hormone signaling in erythroid cells

Erythropoietin (Epo) and thyroid hormone (T(3)) are key molecules in the development of red blood cells. We have shown previously that the tyrosine kinase Lyn is involved in differentiation signals emanating from an activated erythropoietin receptor. Here we demonstrate that Lyn interacts with thyroid hormone receptor-interacting protein 1 (Trip-1), a transcriptional regulator associated with the T(3) receptor, providing a link between the Epo and T(3) signaling pathways. Trip-1 co-localized with Lyn and the T(3) receptor alpha in the cytoplasm/plasma membrane of erythroid cells but translocated to discrete nuclear foci shortly after Epo-induced differentiation. Our data reveal that T(3) stimulated the proliferation of immature erythroid cells, and inhibited maturation promoted by erythropoietin. Removal of T(3) reduced cell division and enhanced terminal differentiation. This was accompanied by large increases in the cell cycle inhibitor p27(Kip1) and by increasing expression of erythroid transcription factors GATA-1, EKLF, and NF-E2. Strikingly, a truncated Trip-1 inhibited both erythropoietin-induced maturation and T(3)-initiated cell division. This mutant Trip-1 acted in a dominant negative fashion by eliminating endogenous Lyn, elevating p27(Kip1), and blocking T(3) response elements. These data demonstrate that Trip-1 can simultaneously modulate responses involving both cytokine and nuclear receptors.

Activation of Raf/ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway is involved in GM-CSF-induced proliferation and survival but not in erythropoietin-induced differentiation of TF-1 cells

The involvement of MAPK pathways in differentiation, proliferation and survival was investigated by comparing Epo and GM-CSF signalling in human factor-dependent myeloerythroid TF-1 cells with abnormal Epo-R. GM-CSF withdrawal induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis accompanied by increased caspase-3 activity, DNA degradation and reduced expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl proteins. Readministration of GM-CSF but not Epo reversed these processes and induced proliferation. The GM-CSF promoted cell survival and proliferation correlated with MEK-1 dependent ERK1/2, Elk-1 and CREB phosphorylation and Egr-1, c-Fos expression as well as with increased STAT-5, AP-1, c-Myb and NF-kappaB DNA-binding. In contrast, Epo failed to activate the Raf-1/ERK1/2 MAPK pathway or to induce Egr-1 and/or c-Fos expression, while it induced erythroid differentiation in GM-CSF-deprived cells. In addition, the Epo-induced haemoglobin production was inhibited in the presence of GM-CSF. These results demonstrate that the activation of MAPK cascade is not necessary for Epo-induced haemoglobin production in TF-1 cells and suggest a negative cross-talk between the signalling of GM-CSF-stimulated cell proliferation and Epo-induced erythroid differentiation.

Protein kinase C alpha controls erythropoietin receptor signaling

Protein kinase C (PKC) is implied in the activation of multiple targets of erythropoietin (Epo) signaling, but its exact role in Epo receptor (EpoR) signal transduction and in the regulation of erythroid proliferation and differentiation remained elusive. We analyzed the effect of PKC inhibitors with distinct modes of action on EpoR signaling in primary human erythroblasts and in a recently established murine erythroid cell line. Active PKC appeared essential for Epo-induced phosphorylation of the Epo receptor itself, STAT5, Gab1, Erk1/2, AKT, and other downstream targets. Under the same conditions, stem cell factor-induced signal transduction was not impaired. LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphoinositol 3-kinase, also suppressed Epo-induced signal transduction, which could be partially relieved by activators of PKC. PKC inhibitors or LY294002 did not affect membrane expression of the EpoR, the association of JAK2 with the EpoR, or the in vitro kinase activity of JAK2. The data suggest that PKC controls EpoR signaling instead of being a downstream effector. PKC and phosphoinositol 3-kinase may act in concert to regulate association of the EpoR complex such that it is responsive to ligand stimulation. Reduced PKC-activity inhibited Epo-dependent differentiation, although it did not effect Epo-dependent "renewal divisions" induced in the presence of Epo, stem cell factor, and dexamethasone.

Ectopic expression of transcription factor NF-E2 alters the phenotype of erythroid and monoblastoid cells

In this study, regulation of transcription factor NF-E2 was examined in differentiating erythroid and myeloid cells, and the impact of raising NF-E2 concentrations within these cell types was assessed. NF-E2 was expressed in the J2E erythroid cell line, but the levels increased only marginally during erythropoietin-induced differentiation. In contrast, rare myeloid variants of J2E cells did not express NF-E2. Although NF-E2 was present in M1 monoblastoid cells, it was undetectable as these cells matured into macrophages. Compared with erythroid cells, transcription of the NF-E2 gene was reduced, and the half-life of the mRNA was significantly shorter in monocytoid cells. Ectopic expression of NF-E2 had a profound impact upon the J2E cells; morphologically mature erythroid cells spontaneously emerged in culture, but the cells failed to synthesize hemoglobin, even in the presence of erythropoietin. Although proliferation and viability increased in the NF-E2-transfected J2E cells, their responsiveness to erythropoietin was severely diminished. Strikingly, increasing the expression of NF-E2 in M1 cells produced sublines that contained erythroid or immature megakaryocytic cells. Finally, overexpression of NF-E2 in primary hemopoietic progenitors from fetal liver increased erythroid colony formation in the absence of erythropoietin. These data demonstrate that elevated NF-E2 (i) had a dominant effect on the phenotype and maturation of J2E erythroid cells, (ii) was able to reprogram the M1 monocytoid line, and (iii) promoted the development of erythroid colonies by normal progenitors.

HS1 interacts with Lyn and is critical for erythropoietin-induced differentiation of erythroid cells

Erythroid cells terminally differentiate in response to erythropoietin binding its cognate receptor. Previously we have shown that the tyrosine kinase Lyn associates with the erythropoietin receptor and is essential for hemoglobin synthesis in three erythroleukemic cell lines. To understand Lyn signaling events in erythroid cells, the yeast two-hybrid system was used to analyze interactions with other proteins. Here we show that the hemopoietic-specific protein HS1 interacted directly with the SH3 domain of Lyn, via its proline-rich region. A truncated HS1, bearing the Lyn-binding domain, was introduced into J2E erythroleukemic cells to determine the impact upon responsiveness to erythropoietin. Truncated HS1 had a striking effect on the phenotype of the J2E line-the cells were smaller, more basophilic than the parental proerythoblastoid cells and had fewer surface erythropoietin receptors. Moreover, basal and erythropoietin-induced proliferation and differentiation were markedly suppressed. The inability of cells containing the truncated HS1 to differentiate may be a consequence of markedly reduced levels of Lyn and GATA-1. In addition, erythropoietin stimulation of these cells resulted in rapid, endosome-mediated degradation of endogenous HS1. The truncated HS1 also suppressed the development of erythroid colonies from fetal liver cells. These data show that disrupting HS1 has profoundly influenced the ability of erythroid cells to terminally differentiate.

Dominant action of mutated erythropoietin receptors on differentiation in vitro and erythroleukemia development in vivo

J2E cells produce rapid, fatal erythroleukemias in vivo but still respond to erythropoietin (epo) in vitro by differentiating, proliferating and remaining viable in the absence of serum. Mutant epo receptors were introduced into these cells to determine whether they could influence the different biological responses to epo in vitro and the development of erythroleukemias. Three mutant receptors were used as cytoplasmic truncation mutants Delta257 and Delta321 (above box 1 and below box 2 respectively), and the cytoplasmic point mutant W282R (defective for JAK2 activation). Strikingly, the Delta321 mutation produced a hyper-sensitive response in vitro to epo-induced differentiation and viability, but not to proliferation. In contrast with the Delta321 receptor, the Delta257 and W282R mutants inhibited all biological responses to epo due to impaired JAK2 phosphorylation. Significantly, erythroleukemias took almost twice as long to develop with cells containing the W282R mutation, indicating that JAK2 plays an important role in the emergence of these leukemias. These data demonstrate that mutant epo receptors dominantly altered responses of J2E cells to epo in culture and the development of erythroleukemias. Oncogene (2000) 19, 953 - 960.

Activation of STAT5 during EPO-directed suppression of apoptosis

The ligand-dependent activation of the JAK/STAT (Januskinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) pathway has been implicated in the explanation of cytokine-specific regulation of gene expression. Previous studies have reported conflicting results on the role of the transcription factor STAT5 in erythropoietin (EPO)-induced cellular responses. In this study we focused on the functional importance of STAT5 docking sites in the intracellular EPO receptor (EPOR) domain for the mediation of antiapoptotic activities. We demonstrate that EPO-dependent survival of erythroleukemic cell lines is accompanied by sustained STAT5 DNA-binding activity. The role of single tyrosine residues was dissected by the analysis of myeloid FDCP-1 cells stably expressing mutant EPOR proteins. The data show that receptors having a high potential to mediate antiapoptotic signals also effectively activate STAT5, whereas receptors lacking STAT5 docking sites are diminished in both activities. We conclude that the transcription factor STAT5 is functionally implicated in the EPO-dependent survival of cells.

SHIP-mediated inhibition of K562 erythroid differentiation requires an intact catalytic domain and Shc binding site

Growing evidence supports a role for the SHIP inositol 5'-phosphatase in the negative regulation of a variety of receptor-mediated signaling pathways in hematopoietic cells. SHIP expression among cultured cell lines was examined and found to be restricted to cells of hematopoietic origin, with the exception of the K562 erythroleukemia cell line, in which SHIP protein and mRNA were undetectable. The absence of endogenous SHIP in K562 cells provided a useful system to study the role of SHIP in growth and differentiation. When stably expressed in K562 cells, SHIP was found to be constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated and associated with endogenous Shc and Grb-2. Stable expression of SHIP did not affect growth of the cells but resulted in decreased synthesis of hemoglobin protein and epsilon-globin mRNA in response to hemin, an inducer of erythroid differentiation. This effect was not due to increased cell death in the SHIP-expressing lines following hemin stimulation, but was likely the result of an impaired differentiation program in these cells. Mutational analysis indicated that SHIP must retain both an intact catalytic domain and Shc binding site to efficiently inhibit K562 erythroid differentiation.

The erythropoietin receptor

The erythropoietin (epo) receptor is a member of the cytokine receptor family. It is expressed almost exclusively on erythroid precursor cells and controls the development of red blood cells. The epo receptor has no intrinsic kinase activity, but binds intracellular tyrosine kinases to elicit its signals. Alterations in the transmission of the signalling cascade lead to clinically abnormal red blood cell production.

SHP1 protein tyrosine phosphatase negatively modulates erythroid differentiation and suppression of apoptosis in J2E erythroleukemic cells

The SH2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase SHP1 is known to play a crucial role in the regulation of hematopoiesis. It has been shown previously that SHP1 associates with the activated erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and negatively regulates mitogenic signaling. To further elucidate the role of SHP1 in erythropoietin (EPO)-induced cellular responses we employed J2E erythroleukemic cells as a model for erythroid maturation and cytokine-triggered suppression of apoptosis. Our data indicate that overexpressed SHP1 inhibits both EPO-induced differentiation as well as prevention of apoptosis. The specific signaling pathways responsible are not unraveled so far. Therefore, we analyzed the involvement of SHP1 in two established EPO-stimulated pathways, the JAK/STAT and the MAP kinase cascades, by transient coexpression of reporter constructs containing binding sites for transcription factors targeted by these pathways and a SHP1 cDNA. Both pathways are inhibited by SHP1 as indicated by the lower induction of reporter gene activity. In conclusion, SHP1 regulates the transcriptional activity stimulated by the EPO-induced JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways and is involved in the signaling machinery responsible for erythroid differentiation and suppression of apoptosis.

Genetic Evidence for an Additional Factor Required for Erythropoietin-Induced Signal Transduction

Erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor (EPOR) are required for the development of mature erythrocytes. After binding of ligand, the EPOR activates a variety of signaling pathways that ultimately control cellular proliferation, survival, and specific gene expression. Although erythroid progenitors appear to be the principal EPO-responsive cell type in vivo due to the restricted expression of the EPOR, many growth factor–dependent cell lines expressing the EPOR can respond to EPO by activating many or all of these pathways. In the present study, we have identified a cellular context (the interleukin-2 [IL-2]–dependent HT-2 line) in which the EPO stimulation of the EPOR fails to support cellular proliferation, STAT-5 induction, or MAPK activation, despite efficient phosphorylation of the EPOR and JAK2 and inhibition of apoptosis after withdrawal of IL-2. Interestingly, when we fused HT-2 cells expressing the EPOR with Ba/F3 cells in a complementation assay, the resulting hybridomas proliferated and potently activated STAT-5 and MAPK in response to EPO. These data indicate that an unidentified cellular factor is needed to mediate signaling by the EPOR. Moreover, Ba/F3 cells apparently express this factor(s) and somatic fusions can, therefore, confer EPO-responsiveness to HT-2 cells that lack this factor.

Complex post-transcriptional regulation of EGF-receptor expression by EGF and TGF-alpha in human prostate cancer cells

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in the development and progression of prostate cancer and its overexpression is associated with decreased survival. With progression, prostate cancer cells switch from epidermal growth factor (EGF) to transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) synthesis, which contributes to autocrine growth and unrestrained proliferation. To define the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of EGFR expression by EGF and TGF-alpha we studied three human prostate cancer cell lines, androgen-responsive (LNCaP) and -unresponsive (DU145 and PC3). Here we show that TGF-alpha stabilized EGFR mRNA two- to threefold in all three cell lines, whilst EGF stabilized EGFR mRNA approximately twofold in LNCaP and DU145 cells, but not in PC3 cells. Both ligands increased EGFR transcription in LNCaP and DU145 cells, with less effect in PC3 cells. In all three cell lines EGF reduced total EGFR protein levels more than TGF-alpha, but this was associated with a greater increase in de novo protein synthesis with EGF compared to TGF-alpha. Only EGF, however, shortened EGFR protein stability (half-life decreased from 5 h to 120 min), resulting in rapid disappearance of newly synthesized EGFR protein. Both ligands increased total LNCaP and DU145 cell numbers. These studies demonstrate that the EGF- and TGF-alpha-induced upregulation of EGFR mRNA and protein in human prostate cancer cell lines is complex and occurs at multiple, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Taken together, these data provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms by which TGF-alpha would preferentially maintain an autocrine loop in human prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, this work suggests that in human prostate cancer cells ligand-specific differential intracellular trafficking of the EGFR plays a major role in regulating its expression.

Transcription factor erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF) is essential for the erythropoietin-induced hemoglobin production but not for proliferation, viability, or morphological maturation

The erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF) is essential for the transcription of betamaj globin in erythroid cells. We show here that RNA for this transcription factor did not alter during erythropoietin-induced differentiation of J2E cells; however, EKLF protein content decreased and was inversely related to globin production. This unexpected result was also observed during chemically induced maturation of two murine erythroleukemia cell lines. To explore the role of EKLF in erythroid terminal differentiation, an antisense EKLF construct was introduced into J2E cells. As a consequence EKLF RNA and protein levels fell by approximately 80%, and the cells were unable to manufacture hemoglobin in response to erythropoietin. The failure to produce hemoglobin was due to reduced transcription of not only globin genes but also key heme enzyme genes. However, numerous other genes, including several erythroid transcription factors, were unaffected by the decrease in EKLF. Although hemoglobin synthesis was severely impaired with depleted EKLF levels, morphological maturation in response to erythropoietin continued normally. Moreover, erythropoietin-induced proliferation and viability were unaffected by the decrease in EKLF levels. We conclude that EKLF affects a specific set of genes, which regulates hemoglobin production and has no obvious effect on morphological changes, cell division, or viability in response to erythropoietin.

Haemoglobin synthesis in erythropoietin-stimulated J2E cells does not require increased numbers of transferrin receptors

Changes in transferrin-receptor numbers and iron utilisation were monitored during erythropoietin-induced maturation of J2E erythroid cells. Uptake of transferrin and iron doubled 24 h after exposure to erythropoietin, due to a twofold rise in surface transferrin receptors. In addition, a tenfold increase in iron incorporation into haem was observed after erythropoietin stimulation, as iron taken up from transferrin was directed towards haem biosynthesis and away from storage in ferritin. The rise in iron chelation into haem correlated extremely well with haemoglobin synthesis. However, the increase in numbers of transferrin receptors was not essential for haemoglobin synthesis; rather, it was linked with a burst in proliferation stimulated by erythropoietin. We have shown previously that amiloride blocks erythropoietin-enhanced proliferation of J2E cells, but potentiates maturation [Callus, B. A., Tilbrook, P. A., Busfield, S. J. & Klinken, S. P. (1995) Exp. Cell Res. 219, 39-46]. Here we demonstrate that amiloride suppressed the hormone-induced increase in transferrin receptors, whereas the enhanced incorporation of iron into haem was not inhibited. Similarly, when sodium butyrate was used to induce differentiation of J2E cells, proliferation ceased and surface transferrin receptors remained unaltered, while haemoglobin production was accelerated. It was concluded from these experiments that the erythropoietin-stimulated rise in transferrin receptors during the final stages of J2E cell maturation is linked to cell division, and is not essential for haemoglobin synthesis.

Complex regulation of transferrin receptors during erythropoietin-induced differentiation of J2E erythroid cells--elevated transcription and mRNA stabilisation produce only a modest rise in protein content

The regulation of transferrin-receptor synthesis was studied in J2E erythroid cells induced to differentiate with erythropoietin. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrated that transcription of the transferrin-receptor gene rose markedly after erythropoietin treatment. In addition, transferrin-receptor mRNA was stabilised and this was associated with an increase in the activity of the RNA-binding protein IRP (iron regulatory protein). As a result of increased transcription and mRNA stabilisation, steady-state RNA levels increased 10-20-fold. However, despite these large increases in mRNA, translation only doubled; consequently, modest increases in total protein and surface transferrin receptors were observed. Moreover, this rise in transferrin receptors was transient, and correlated with a burst of proliferation shortly after erythropoietin treatment. The expected inverse relationship between transferrin receptors and ferritin did not occur during J2E maturation as translation of both ferritin subunits increased when transferrin-receptor mRNA levels rose. Analysis of mutant J2E clones incapable of synthesising haemoglobin revealed that surface transferrin-receptor levels were only 15-25% that of the parental erythroid line. We propose that the surface expression of transferrin receptors in J2E cells is governed by three factors: basal levels essential for normal growth in culture; elevated levels needed for haemoglobin synthesis; and a transient erythropoietin-induced increase that is required for the final burst of proliferation. It was concluded that the regulation of transferrin-receptor production in erythropoietin-stimulated J2E cells is complex and that there are several sites of control.

Selective block in erythropoietin-induced differentiation of growth factor-independent retrovirally-infected TF-1 cells

The erythroleukaemic cell line TF-1, infected with either the pBabe neo retrovirus or the retrovirus bearing the human erythropoietin (hEpo) gene, developed three growth factor-independent clones. Erythropoietin (Epo), interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) accelerated the proliferation of these clones. Autonomous growth of the clones was independent of Epo because it was not altered by Epo anti-sense oligonucleotides, nor was Epo detectable in culture supernatants. Cells from the mutant clones could not be induced by Epo to express glycophorin A and haemoglobin synthesis was markedly reduced. Haemin reversed the block in Epo-induced haemoglobin synthesis. Acquisition of growth factor-independence appears to be linked with the selective loss of differentiation capacity. These cells may provide a useful model for the study of the mechanisms involved in leukaemic transformation.

Lyn tyrosine kinase is essential for erythropoietin-induced differentiation of J2E erythroid cells

Erythropoietin stimulates the immature erythroid J2E cell line to terminally differentiate and maintains the viability of the cells in the absence of serum. In contrast, a mutant J2E clone (J2E-NR) fails to mature in response to erythropoietin; however, it remains viable in the presence of the hormone. We have shown previously that intracellular signalling is disrupted in the J2E-NR cell line and that tyrosine phosphorylation is dramatically reduced after erythropoietin stimulation. In this study we investigated the defect in J2E-NR cells that is responsible for their inability to differentiate. Screening of numerous signalling molecules revealed that the lyn tyrosine kinase appeared to be absent from J2E-NR cells. On closer examination, both lyn mRNA and protein content were reduced >500-fold. Consistent with a defect in lyn, amphotropic retroviral infection of J2E-NR cells with lyn restored the ability of the cells to synthesize haemoglobin and enabled the cells to mature morphologically. Conversely, the ability of J2E cells to differentiate in response to epo was severely curtailed when antisense lyn oligonucleotides or a dominant negative lyn were introduced into the cells. However, erythropoietin-supported viability was unaffected by reducing lyn activity. The ability of two other erythropoietin-responsive cell lines (R11 and R24) to differentiate in response to the hormone was also reduced by dominant negative lyn. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid analyses indicated that lyn directly associated with the erythropoietin receptor complex. These data indicate for the first time an essential role for lyn in erythropoietin-initiated differentiation of J2E cells but not in the maintenance of cell viability.

Requirement for JAK2 in erythropoietin-induced signalling pathways

Erythropoietin (EPO) exerts its activities by the induction of multiple signalling pathways through interaction with the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR). Previous studies have suggested that the Ras/MAP kinase as well as the JAK/STAT signalling cascades play significant roles in the induction of EPO-responsive genes. Here we show that, in HCD-57 erythroleukemic cells, both pathways are activated by EPO in a dose-dependent manner with similar sensitivities and kinetics. The activation of signalling molecules is closely related to the proliferative status of the cells. Using an antisense strategy, we were able to show that the downregulation of the JAK2 protein level in HCD-57 cells results in a distinct reduction of the ability to induce not only STAT5 DNA-binding, but also MAP kinase activity. Our results thus provide evidence for a significant contribution of the cytosolic tyrosine kinase JAK2 to the EPO-induced activation of the Ras/MAP kinase cascade.