Phospholipase D1 is phosphorylated and activated by protein kinase C in caveolin-enriched microdomains within the plasma membrane

The wide world of non-mammalian phospholipase D enzymes

Phospholipase D (PLD) hydrolyses phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) to produce free choline and the critically important lipid signaling molecule phosphatidic acid (PtdOH). Since the initial discovery of PLD activities in plants and bacteria, PLDs have been identified in a diverse range of organisms spanning the taxa. While widespread interest in these proteins grew following the discovery of mammalian isoforms, research into the PLDs of non-mammalian organisms has revealed a fascinating array of functions ranging from roles in microbial pathogenesis, to the stress responses of plants and the developmental patterning of flies. Furthermore, studies in non-mammalian model systems have aided our understanding of the entire PLD superfamily, with translational relevance to human biology and health. Increasingly, the promise for utilization of non-mammalian PLDs in biotechnology is also being recognized, with widespread potential applications ranging from roles in lipid synthesis, to their exploitation for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications.

Imaging and Editing the Phospholipidome

Membranes are multifunctional supramolecular assemblies that encapsulate our cells and the organelles within them. Glycerophospholipids are the most abundant component of membranes. They make up the majority of the lipid bilayer and play both structural and functional roles. Each organelle has a different phospholipid composition critical for its function that results from dynamic interplay and regulation of numerous lipid-metabolizing enzymes and lipid transporters. Because lipid structures and localizations are not directly genetically encoded, chemistry has much to offer to the world of lipid biology in the form of precision tools for visualizing lipid localization and abundance, manipulating lipid composition, and in general decoding the functions of lipids in cells.In this Account, we provide an overview of our recent efforts in this space focused on two overarching and complementary goals: imaging and editing the phospholipidome. On the imaging front, we have harnessed the power of bioorthogonal chemistry to develop fluorescent reporters of specific lipid pathways. Substantial efforts have centered on phospholipase D (PLD) signaling, which generates the humble lipid phosphatidic acid (PA) that acts variably as a biosynthetic intermediate and signaling agent. Though PLD is a hydrolase that generates PA from abundant phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids, we have exploited its transphosphatidylation activity with exogenous clickable alcohols followed by bioorthogonal tagging to generate fluorescent lipid reporters of PLD signaling in a set of methods termed IMPACT.IMPACT and its variants have facilitated many biological discoveries. Using the rapid and fluorogenic tetrazine ligation, it has revealed the spatiotemporal dynamics of disease-relevant G protein-coupled receptor signaling and interorganelle lipid transport. IMPACT using diazirine photo-cross-linkers has enabled identification of lipid-protein interactions relevant to alcohol-related diseases. Varying the alcohol reporter can allow for organelle-selective labeling, and varying the bioorthogonal detection reagent can afford super-resolution lipid imaging via expansion microscopy. Combination of IMPACT with genome-wide CRISPR screening has revealed genes that regulate physiological PLD signaling.PLD enzymes themselves can also act as tools for precision editing of the phospholipid content of membranes. An optogenetic PLD for conditional blue-light-stimulated synthesis of PA on defined organelle compartments led to the discovery of the role of organelle-specific pools of PA in regulating oncogenic Hippo signaling. Directed enzyme evolution of PLD, enabled by IMPACT, has yielded highly active superPLDs with broad substrate tolerance and an ability to edit membrane phospholipid content and synthesize designer phospholipids in vitro. Finally, azobenzene-containing PA analogues represent an alternative, all-chemical strategy for light-mediated control of PA signaling.Collectively, the strategies described here summarize our progress to date in tackling the challenge of assigning precise functions to defined pools of phospholipids in cells. They also point to new challenges and directions for future study, including extension of imaging and membrane editing tools to other classes of lipids. We envision that continued application of bioorthogonal chemistry, optogenetics, and directed evolution will yield new tools and discoveries to interrogate the phospholipidome and reveal new mechanisms regulating phospholipid homeostasis and roles for phospholipids in cell signaling.

Effects of Apoptin-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress on Lipid Metabolism, Migration, and Invasion of HepG-2 Cells

In this study, we investigated the effects of Apoptin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on lipid metabolism, migration and invasion of HepG-2 cells, and preliminarily explored the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress, lipid metabolism, migration, and invasion. The effects of Apoptin on ER function and structure in HepG-2 cells were determined by flow cytometry, fluorescence staining and western blotting by assessing the expression levels of ER stress related proteins. The effects of Apoptin on HepG-2 cells' lipid metabolism were determined by western blot analysis of the expression levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, and lipid metabolism related enzymes. The effects of Apoptin on HepG-2 cells' migration and invasion were studied using migration and invasion assays and by Western-blot analysis of the expression of proteins involved in migration and invasion. The in vivo effects of endoplasmic reticulum stress on lipid metabolism, migration and invasion of HepG-2 cells were also investigated by immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor tissues from HepG2 cells xenografted nude mice models. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that Apoptin can cause a strong and lasting ER stress response, damage ER functional structure, significantly change the expression levels of lipid metabolism related enzymes and reduce the migration and invasion abilities of HepG-2 cells. Apoptin can also affect HepG-2 cells' lipid metabolism through endoplasmic reticulum stress and the abnormal expression of enzymes closely related to tumor migration and invasion. These results also showed that lipid metabolism may be one of the main inducements that reduce HepG-2 cells' migration and invasion abilities.

Role of Protein Kinase CK2 in Aberrant Lipid Metabolism in Cancer

Uncontrolled proliferation is a feature defining cancer and it is linked to the ability of cancer cells to effectively adapt their metabolic needs in response to a harsh tumor environment. Metabolic reprogramming is considered a hallmark of cancer and includes increased glucose uptake and processing, and increased glutamine utilization, but also the deregulation of lipid and cholesterol-associated signal transduction, as highlighted in recent years. In the first part of the review, we will (i) provide an overview of the major types of lipids found in eukaryotic cells and their importance as mediators of intracellular signaling pathways (ii) analyze the main metabolic changes occurring in cancer development and the role of oncogenic signaling in supporting aberrant lipid metabolism and (iii) discuss combination strategies as powerful new approaches to cancer treatment. The second part of the review will address the emerging role of CK2, a conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, in lipid homeostasis with an emphasis regarding its function in lipogenesis and adipogenesis. Evidence will be provided that CK2 regulates these processes at multiple levels. This suggests that its pharmacological inhibition combined with dietary restrictions and/or inhibitors of metabolic targets could represent an effective way to undermine the dependency of cancer cells on lipids to interfere with tumor progression.

Mammalian phospholipase D: Function, and therapeutics

Despite being discovered over 60 years ago, the precise role of phospholipase D (PLD) is still being elucidated. PLD enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond of glycerophospholipids producing phosphatidic acid and the free headgroup. PLD family members are found in organisms ranging from viruses, and bacteria to plants, and mammals. They display a range of substrate specificities, are regulated by a diverse range of molecules, and have been implicated in a broad range of cellular processes including receptor signaling, cytoskeletal regulation and membrane trafficking. Recent technological advances including: the development of PLD knockout mice, isoform-specific antibodies, and specific inhibitors are finally permitting a thorough analysis of the in vivo role of mammalian PLDs. These studies are facilitating increased recognition of PLD's role in disease states including cancers and Alzheimer's disease, offering potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Phospholipase D2 in prostate cancer: protein expression changes with Gleason score

BACKGROUND

Phospholipases D1 and D2 (PLD1/2) are implicated in tumorigenesis through their generation of the signalling lipid phosphatidic acid and its downstream effects. Inhibition of PLD1 blocks prostate cell growth and colony formation. Here a role for PLD2 in prostate cancer (PCa), the major cancer of men in the western world, is examined.

METHODS

PLD2 expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The effects of PLD2 inhibition on PCa cell viability and cell motility were measured using MTS, colony forming and wound-healing assays.

RESULTS

PLD2 protein is expressed about equally in luminal and basal prostate epithelial cells. In cells from different Gleason-scored PCa tissue PLD2 protein expression is generally higher than in non-tumorigenic cells and increases in PCa tissue scored Gleason 6-8. PLD2 protein is detected in the cytosol and nucleus and had a punctate appearance. In BPH tissue stromal cells as well as basal and luminal cells express PLD2. PLD2 protein co-expresses with chromogranin A in castrate-resistant PCa tissue. PLD2 inhibition reduces PCa cell viability, colony forming ability and directional cell movement.

CONCLUSIONS

PLD2 expression correlates with increasing Gleason score to GS8. PLD2 inhibition has the potential to reduce PCa progression.

An Antithrombotic Strategy by Targeting Phospholipase D in Human Platelets

Phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in many biological processes. PLD1 plays a crucial role in regulating the platelet activity of mice; however, the role of PLD in the platelet activation of humans remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether PLD is involved in the platelet activation of humans. Our data revealed that inhibition of PLD1 or PLD2 using pharmacological inhibitors effectively inhibits platelet aggregation in humans. However, previous studies have showed that PLD1 or PLD2 deletion did not affect mouse platelet aggregation in vitro, whereas only PLD1 deletion inhibited thrombus formation in vivo. Intriguingly, our data also showed that the pharmacological inhibition of PLD1 or PLD2 does not affect mouse platelet aggregation in vitro, whereas the inhibition of only PLD1 delayed thrombus formation in vivo. These findings indicate that PLD may play differential roles in humans and mice. In humans, PLD inhibition attenuates platelet activation, adhesion, spreading, and clot retraction. For the first time, we demonstrated that PLD1 and PLD2 are essential for platelet activation in humans, and PLD plays different roles in platelet function in humans and mice. Our findings also indicate that targeting PLD may provide a safe and alternative therapeutic approach for preventing thromboembolic disorders.

Phospholipase D inhibitors reduce human prostate cancer cell proliferation and colony formation

Background:

Phospholipases D1 and D2 (PLD1/2) hydrolyse cell membrane glycerophospholipids to generate phosphatidic acid, a signalling lipid, which regulates cell growth and cancer progression through effects on mTOR and PKB/Akt. PLD expression and/or activity is raised in breast, colorectal, gastric, kidney and thyroid carcinomas but its role in prostate cancer (PCa), the major cancer of men in the western world, is unclear.

Methods:

PLD1 protein expression in cultured PNT2C2, PNT1A, P4E6, LNCaP, PC3, PC3M, VCaP, 22RV1 cell lines and patient-derived PCa cells was analysed by western blotting. PLD1 protein localisation in normal, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) tissue sections and in a PCa tissue microarray (TMA) was examined by immunohistochemistry. PLD activity in PCa tissue was assayed using an Amplex Red method. The effect of PLD inhibitors on PCa cell viability was measured using MTS and colony forming assays.

Results:

PLD1 protein expression was low in the luminal prostate cell lines (LNCaP, VCaP, 22RV1) compared with basal lines (PC3 and PC3M). PLD1 protein expression was elevated in BPH biopsy tissue relative to normal and PCa samples. In normal and BPH tissue, PLD1 was predominantly detected in basal cells as well in some stromal cells, rather than in luminal cells. In PCa tissue, luminal cells expressed PLD1. In a PCa TMA, the mean peroxidase intensity per DAB-stained Gleason 6 and 7 tissue section was significantly higher than in sections graded Gleason 9. In CRPC tissue, PLD1 was expressed prominently in the stromal compartment, in luminal cells in occasional glands and in an expanding population of cells that co-expressed chromogranin A and neurone-specific enolase. Levels of PLD activity in normal and PCa tissue samples were similar. A specific PLD1 inhibitor markedly reduced the survival of both prostate cell lines and patient-derived PCa cells compared with two dual PLD1/PLD2 inhibitors. Short-term exposure of PCa cells to the same specific PLD1 inhibitor significantly reduced colony formation.

Conclusions:

A new specific inhibitor of PLD1, which is well tolerated in mice, reduces PCa cell survival and thus has potential as a novel therapeutic agent to reduce prostate cancer progression. Increased PLD1 expression may contribute to the hyperplasia characteristic of BPH and in the progression of castrate-resistant PCa, where an expanding population of neuroendocrine-like cells express PLD1.

The TLR4-associated phospholipase D1 activation is crucial for Der f 2-induced IL-13 production

BACKGROUND

House dust mites (HDMs) are the most important source of indoor aeroallergens that contribute to the rising incidence of allergic diseases such as allergic asthma. The major HDM, Der f 2, induces inflammatory cytokine expression. Little is known about the signaling pathway involved.

OBJECTIVE

We wanted to define the Der f 2 signaling pathway from its receptor to the transcription factor responsible for IL-13 expression and production.

METHODS

Human bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with Der f 2. The release and gene expression of IL-13 were measured by means of ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. In the airway inflammation mouse model, airway responses were assessed using ELISA, histology, BAL fluid, and methacholine responsiveness.

RESULTS

Here, we show that Der f 2 binds to TLR4 and induces IL-13 expression and production. In the airway inflammation mouse model, Der f 2-induced IL-13 production significantly decreased with treatment of TAK-242, a novel TLR4 inhibitor. Activation of TLR4 by Der f 2 requires the recruitment and activation of Syk, which leads to phosphorylation of PLCγ and membrane translocation of PKCα. p38 MAPK is then activated by PKCα and stimulates PLD1 activity by phosphorylating the Thr147 residue of PLD1. PLD1 activation enhanced binding of ROCK1 to ATF-2 and leads to increased expression of IL-13.

CONCLUSION

Our data extend the knowledge for a variety of possible roles of PLD1 in allergic disorders including asthma pathogenesis and suggest possible candidacy of PLD1 as a molecular target for novel therapeutic approaches.

The Role of Phospholipase D in Regulated Exocytosis

There are a diversity of interpretations concerning the possible roles of phospholipase D and its biologically active product phosphatidic acid in the late, Ca(2+)-triggered steps of regulated exocytosis. To quantitatively address functional and molecular aspects of the involvement of phospholipase D-derived phosphatidic acid in regulated exocytosis, we used an array of phospholipase D inhibitors for ex vivo and in vitro treatments of sea urchin eggs and isolated cortices and cortical vesicles, respectively, to study late steps of exocytosis, including docking/priming and fusion. The experiments with fluorescent phosphatidylcholine reveal a low level of phospholipase D activity associated with cortical vesicles but a significantly higher activity on the plasma membrane. The effects of phospholipase D activity and its product phosphatidic acid on the Ca(2+) sensitivity and rate of fusion correlate with modulatory upstream roles in docking and priming rather than to direct effects on fusion per se.

Hyper-activated motility in sperm capacitation is mediated by phospholipase D-dependent actin polymerization

In order to fertilize the oocyte, sperm must undergo a series of biochemical changes in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. Once capacitated, spermatozoon can bind to the zona pellucida of the egg and undergo the acrosome reaction (AR), a process that enables its penetration and fertilization of the oocyte. Important processes that characterize sperm capacitation are actin polymerization and the development of hyper-activated motility (HAM). Previously, we showed that Phospholipase D (PLD)-dependent actin polymerization occurs during sperm capacitation, however the role of this process in sperm capacitation is not yet known. In the present study, we showed for the first time the involvement of PLD-dependent actin polymerization in sperm motility during mouse and human capacitation. Sperm incubated under capacitation conditions revealed a time dependent increase in actin polymerization and HAM. Inhibition of Phosphatidic Acid (PA) formation by PLD using butan-1-ol, inhibited actin polymerization and motility, as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the ability of the sperm to undergo the AR. The inhibition of sperm HAM by low concentration of butan-1-ol is completely restored by adding PA, further indicating the involvement of PLD in these processes. Furthermore, exogenous PA enhanced rapid actin polymerization that was followed by a rise in the HAM, as well as an increased in IVF rate. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that PLD-dependent actin polymerization is a critical step needed for the development of HAM during mouse and human sperm capacitation.

Phospholipase D1, but not D2, regulates protein secretion via Rho/ROCK in a Ras/Raf-independent, MEK-dependent manner in rat lacrimal gland

PURPOSE

A prior study showed that cholinergic agonists activate phospholipase D (PLD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether cholinergic agonists use the PLD pathway to alter protein secretion and to identify the molecular signaling components of this pathway in rat lacrimal gland acini.

METHODS

Rat lacrimal gland acini were isolated by collagenase digestion. Presence and localization of PLD1 and -2 were determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot experiments. Acini were incubated with adenoviruses overnight or the inhibitors 1-butanol, Y-27632, or C3 exotoxin before stimulation with the cholinergic agonist carbachol (Cch, 10(-4) M) for 5 minutes. Western blot analysis was performed for 20 minutes, and protein secretion was measured spectrophotometrically. Activation of ERK, MEK, Pyk2, Ras, and Raf was determined by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

1-Butanol increased Cch-stimulated protein secretion and decreased ERK activity. Incubation with catalytically inactive PLD1, but not catalytically inactive mutant PLD2 adenovirus, also increased Cch-stimulated protein secretion and decreased ERK activity. Inhibition of Rho with C3 exotoxin and a dominant negative Rho adenovirus and inhibition of ROCK with Y-27632 inhibited Cch-stimulated PLD1 activity, increased protein secretion, and decreased ERK activity. The association of PLD1 and ROCK increased with Cch stimulation, as determined by immunoprecipitation. PMA-stimulated ERK activity was also inhibited by 1-butanol. 1-Butanol had no effect on Cch-stimulated Pyk2, Ras, and Raf activity, but decreased MEK activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholinergic agonists activate PLD1 through Rho and ROCK, which in turn activate MEK and ERK, which attenuate protein secretion in freshly isolated epithelial cells.

Heterogeneity of phosphatidic acid levels and distribution at the plasma membrane in living cells as visualized by a Föster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is one of the major phospholipids in the plasma membrane. Although it has been reported that PA plays key roles in cell survival and morphology, it remains unknown when and where PA is produced in the living cell. Based on the principle of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), we generated PA biosensor, and named Pii (phosphatidic acid indicator). In these biosensors, the lipid-binding domain of DOCK2 is sandwiched with the cyan fluorescent protein and yellow fluorescent protein and is tagged with the plasma membrane-targeting sequence of K-Ras. The addition of synthetic PA, or the activation of phospholipase D or diacylglycerol kinase at the plasma membrane, changed the level of FRET in Pii-expressing cells, demonstrating the response of Pii to PA. The biosensor also detected divergent PA content among various cell lines as well as within one cell line. Interestingly, the growth factor-induced increment in PA content correlated negatively with the basal PA content before stimulation, suggesting the presence of an upper threshold in the PA concentration at the plasma membrane. The biosensor also revealed uneven PA distribution within the cell, i.e. the basal level and growth factor-induced accumulation of PA was higher at the cell-free edges than at the cell-cell contact region. An insufficient increase in PA may account for ineffective Ras activation at areas of cell-cell contact. In conclusion, the PA biosensor Pii is a versatile tool for examining heterogeneity in the content and distribution of PA in single cells as well as among different cells.

Selective localization of phosphatidylcholine-derived signaling in detergent-resistant membranes from synaptic endings

Detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) are a class of specialized microdomains that compartmentalize several signal transduction processes. In this work, DRMs were isolated from cerebral cortex synaptic endings (Syn) on the basis of their relative insolubility in cold Triton X-100 (1%). The lipid composition and marker protein content were analyzed in DRMs obtained from adult and aged animals. Both DRM preparations were enriched in Caveolin, Flotillin-1 and c-Src and also presented significantly higher sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol content than purified Syn. Total phospholipid-fatty acid composition presented an increase in 16:0 (35%), and a decrease in 20:4n-6 (67%) and 22:6n-3 (68%) content in DRM from adults when compared to entire synaptic endings. A more dramatic decrease was observed in the 20:4n-6 and 22:6n-3 content in DRMs from aged animals (80%) with respect to the results found in adults. The coexistence of phosphatidylcholine-specific-phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD) in Syn was previously reported. The presence of these signaling pathways was also investigated in DRMs isolated from adult and aged rats. Both PC-PLC and PLD pathways generate the lipid messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) by catalyzing PC hydrolysis. PC-PLC and PLD1 localization were increased in the DRM fraction. The increase in DAG generation (60%) in the presence of ethanol, confirmed that PC-PLC was also activated when compartmentalized in DRMs. Conversely, PLD2 was excluded from the DRM fraction. Our results show an age-related differential fatty acid composition and a selective localization of PC-derived signaling in synaptic DRMs obtained from adult and aged rats.

Determination of EGFR endocytosis kinetic by auto-regulatory association of PLD1 with mu2

BACKGROUND

Upon ligand binding, cell surface signaling receptors are internalized through a process tightly regulated by endocytic proteins and adaptor protein 2 (AP2) to orchestrate them. Although the molecular identities and roles of endocytic proteins are becoming clearer, it is still unclear what determines the receptor endocytosis kinetics which is mainly regulated by the accumulation of endocytic apparatus to the activated receptors.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here we employed the kinetic analysis of endocytosis and adaptor recruitment to show that mu2, a subunit of AP2 interacts directly with phospholipase D (PLD)1, a receptor-associated signaling protein and this facilitates the membrane recruitment of AP2 and the endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We also demonstrate that the PLD1-mu2 interaction requires the binding of PLD1 with phosphatidic acid, its own product.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that the temporal regulation of EGFR endocytosis is achieved by auto-regulatory PLD1 which senses the receptor activation and triggers the translocation of AP2 near to the activated receptor.

Phospholipase D in human platelets: presence of isoenzymes and participation of autocrine stimulation during thrombin activation

Phospholipase D (PLD), which hydrolyzes phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidic acid (PA) and choline, is present in human platelets. Thrombin and other agonists have been shown to activate PLD but the precise mechanisms of activation and PLDs role in platelet activation remains unclear. We measured thrombin-stimulated PLD activity in platelets as formation of phosphatidylethanol. Since no specific PLD inhibitors exist, we investigated possible roles for PLD in platelets by correlating PLD activity with platelet responses such as thrombin-mediated secretion and F-actin formation (part of platelet shape change). Extracellular Ca2+ potentiated thrombin-stimulated PLD, but did not stimulate PLD in the absence of thrombin. Thrombin-induced PLD activity was enhanced by secreted ADP and binding of fibrinogen to its receptors. In contrast to others, we also found a basal PLD activity. Comparison of time courses and dose responses of platelets with PLD showed many points of correlation between PLD activation and lysosomal secretion and F-actin formation. The finding of different PLD activities suggested that different PLD isoenzymes exist in platelets as reported for other cells. Here we present evidence for the presence of both PLD1 and PLD2 in platelets by use of specific antibodies with immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Both isoforms were randomly localized in resting platelets, but became rapidly translocated to the proximity of the plasma membrane upon thrombin stimulation, thus indicating a role for PLD in platelet activation.

Effect of aroclor 1248 and two pure PCB congeners on phospholipase D activity in rat renal tubular cell cultures

This paper elucidates the effect of different polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the phospholipase D (PLD) activity in soluble and particulate fractions of rat renal proximal tubular culture cells. Treatment with Aroclor 1248 (a commercial PCB mixture) caused a marked increase in the activity of PLD in intact renal tubular cells. The PLD activity was increased by Aroclor 1248 in the particulate fraction while the enzyme activity was unaffected in the soluble fraction. This work also shows that PCB 153 (2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl, a di-ortho-substituted nonplanar congener) can increase the activity of PLD only in the particulate fraction. The exposure of cell cultures to PCB 77 (3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, a non-ortho-substituted planar congener) does not alter PLD activity. These results suggest that PCB effects are structure dependent. Therefore, in order to clarify the molecular mechanism of activation of PLD by PCBs, the contents of immunoreactive PLD were examined by immunoblot analysis. Renal tubular cells expressed a PLD protein of 120 kDa corresponding with the PLD1 mammalian isoform in both the particulate and the soluble fraction. Aroclor 1248, PCB 153, and PCB 77 do not induce changes in the levels of PLD protein. These data indicate that PCBs, particularly nonplanar congeners, increase PLD activity. Moreover, these changes could not be demonstrated in the enzyme content in rat renal tubular cell cultures.

Interaction of PLD1b with actin in antigen-stimulated mast cells

Phosphatidic acid, the product of phospholipase D catalysed phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis is an important signalling molecule that has been implicated in regulation of actin cytoskeleton remodelling and secretion from mast cells. We show that human PLD1b (hPLD1b) is an actin-binding protein and the N-terminus is predominantly involved in this interaction. Protein kinase C (PKC) is a major upstream regulator of PLD activity and PKC phosphorylation sites have been identified within the N-terminus of PLD1b at serine 2 and threonine 147. Over-expression of wild type hPLD1b in mast cells showed that antigen stimulation significantly enhanced co-localisation of PLD1b with actin structures. Mutation of serine 2 to alanine abolished antigen-induced co-localisation whereas mutation of threonine 147 had less dramatic effects on co-localisation. The absence of co-localisation of PLD1b (S2A) with actin coincides with a significant decrease in PLD activity in cells expressing the PLD1b (S2A) mutant. In resting RBL-2H3 cells, mutation of serine 2 to aspartate resulted in constitutive co-localisation of PLD with the actin cytoskeleton, coincident with restored PLD activity. These results reveal that serine 2 is an important regulatory site involved in controlling PLD enzyme activity and the interaction between PLD and actin.

Hippocalcin increases phospholipase D2 expression through extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and lysophosphatidic acid potentiates the hippocalcin-induced phospholipase D2 expression

We have previously isolated a 22 kDa protein from a rat brain which was found to be involved in activating phospholipsae D (PLD), and identified the protein as hippocalcin through sequence analysis. Nevertheless, the function of hippocalcin for PLD activation still remains to be resolved. Here, we proposed that hippocalcin was involved in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-mediated PLD2 expression. To elucidate a role of hippocalcin, we made hippocalcin transfected NIH3T3 cells and showed that the expression of PLD2 and basal PLD activity were increased in hippocalcin transfected cells. We performed PLD assay with dominant negative PLD2 (DN-PLD2) and hippocalcin co-transfected cells. DN-PLD2 suppressed increase of basal PLD activity in hippocalcin transfected cells, suggesting that increased basal PLD activity is due to PLD2 over-expression. Hippocalcin is a Ca2+-binding protein, which is expressed mainly in the hippocampus. Since it is known that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) increases intracellular Ca2+, we investigated the possible role of hippocalcin in the LPA-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+. When the intracellular Ca2+ level was increased by LPA, hippocalcin was translocated to the membrane after LPA treatment in hippocalcin transfected cells. In addition, treatment with LPA in hippocalcin transfected cells markedly potentiated PLD2 expression and showed morphological changes of cell shape suggesting that increased PLD2 expression acts as one of the major factors to cause change of cell shape by making altered membrane lipid composition. Hippocalcin-induced PLD2 expression potentiated by LPA in hippocalcin transfected cells was inhibited by a PI-PLC inhibitor, U73122 and a chelator of intracellular Ca2+, BAPTA-AM suggesting that activation of hippocalcin caused by increased intracellular Ca2+ is important to induce over-expression of PLD2. However, downregulation of PKC and treatment of a chelator of extracellular Ca2+, EGTA had little or no effect on the inhibition of hippocalcin-induced PLD2 expression potentiated by LPA in the hippocalcin transfected cells. Interestingly, when we over-express hippocalcin, ERK was activated, and treatment with LPA in hippocalcin transfected cells significantly potentiated ERK activation. Specific inhibition of ERK dramatically abolished hippocalcin-induced PLD2 expression. Taken together, these results suggest for the first time that hippocalcin can induce PLD2 expression and LPA potentiates hippocalcin-induced PLD2 expression, which is mediated by ERK activation.

Phagocyte cell migration is mediated by phospholipases PLD1 and PLD2

We have investigated whether the signaling protein phospholipase D is implicated in leukocyte cell motility. Treating differentiated HL-60 cells with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), to deplete endogenous expression of the PLD1 isoform, led to an abolishment of basal chemokinesis that could not be rescued with chemoattractants ENA-78, FMLP, and IL-8. Transient overexpression of PLD1 increased both chemokinesis and chemotaxis toward IL-8 and FMLP but not toward ENA-78. Chemokinesis was not mediated by the enzymatic activity of PLD1, but the chemotactic response was, because a lipase-inactive mutant (PLD1-K830R) negated all chemokine-induced potentiating actions and because IL-8 and FMLP increased activity in vitro. Gene expression silencing of the other mammalian isoform, PLD2, also led to cell migration arrest, whereas ENA-78 selectively increased endogenous PLD2 activity and chemotaxis of HL-60 cells overexpressing a myc-pcDNA-PLD2 construct. Thus, PLD1 is differentially activated by CXCR-1, whereas CXCR-2 (and possibly CXCR-1) mediates PLD2 activation. Finally, immunofluorescence microscopy showed that both isoforms were associated with cell polarity and directionality concomitantly with adhesion and F-actin polymerization in response to IL-8. These data represent the first demonstration of the involvement of PLD and its enzymatic activity toward chemokines in the key physiologic process of leukocyte migration.

Epithelial Growth Factor-induced Phosphorylation of Caveolin 1 at Tyrosine 14 Stimulates Caveolae Formation in Epithelial Cells

Caveolae are flask-shaped endocytic structures composed primarily of caveolin-1 (Cav1) and caveolin-2 (Cav2) proteins. Interestingly, a cytoplasmic accumulation of Cav1 protein does not always result in a large number of assembled caveolae organelles, suggesting a regulatory mechanism that controls caveolae assembly. In this study we report that stimulation of epithelial cells with epithelial growth factor (EGF) results in a profound increase in the number of caveolar structures at the plasma membrane. Human pancreatic tumor cells (PANC-1) and normal rat kidney cells (NRK), as a control, were treated with 30 ng/ml EGF for 0, 5, and 20 min before fixation and viewing by electron microscopy. Cells fixed without EGF treatment exhibited modest numbers of plasma membrane-associated caveolae. Cells treated with EGF for 5 or 20 min showed an 8-10-fold increase in caveolar structures, some forming long, pronounced caveolar "towers" at the cell-cell borders. It is known that Cav1 is Src-phosphorylated on tyrosine 14 in response to EGF treatment, although the significance of this modification is unknown. We postulated that phosphorylation could provide the stimulus for caveolae assembly. To this end, we transfected cells with mutant forms of Cav1 that could not be phosphorylated (Cav1Y14F) and tested if this altered protein reduced the number of EGF-induced caveolae. We observed that EGF-stimulated PANC-1 cells expressing the mutant Cav1Y14F protein exhibited a 90-95% reduction in caveolae number compared with cells expressing wild type Cav1. This study provides novel insights into how cells regulate caveolae formation and implicates EGF-based signaling cascades in the phosphorylation of Cav1 as a stimulus for caveolae assembly.

Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate specifically interacts with the phox homology domain of phospholipase D1 and stimulates its activity

Phospholipase D (PLD), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidic acid and choline, plays key roles in cellular signal transduction by mediating extracellular stimuli including hormones, growth factors, neurotransmitters, cytokines and extracellular matrix molecules. The molecular mechanisms by which domains regulate the activity of PLD - especially the phox homology (PX) domain - have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we have examined the properties of the PX domains of PLD1 and PLD2 in terms of phosphoinositide binding and PLD activity regulation. Interestingly, the PX domain of PLD1, but not that of PLD2, was found to specifically interact with phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3). We found that mutation of the conserved arginine at position 179 of the PLD1 PX domain to lysine or to alanine (R179A or R179K, respectively) disrupts PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 binding. In NIH-3T3 cells, the EGFP-PLD1 PX wild-type domain, but not the two mutants, localized to the plasma membrane after 5-minute treatment with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The enzymatic activity of PLD1 was stimulated by adding PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in vitro. Treatment with PDGF resulted in the significant increase of PLD1 activity and phosphorylation of the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), which was blocked by pre-treatment of HEK 293 cells with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor after the endogenous PLD2 had been depleted by siRNA specific for PLD2. Nevertheless, both PLD1 mutants (which cannot interact with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) did not respond to treatment with PDGF. Moreover, PLD1 was activated in HepG2 cells stably expressing the Y40/51 mutant of PDGF receptor that is required for the binding with PI3K. Our results suggest that the PLD1 PX domain enables PLD1 to mediate signal transduction via ERK1/2 by providing a direct binding site for PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and by activating PLD1.

Localization and regulation of phospholipase D2 by ARF6

Phospholipase D (PLD) and ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) have been implicated in vesicular trafficking and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. We have explored the co-localization of rat PLD1b and rat PLD2 with wild type and mutant forms of ARF6 in HeLa cells and studied their activation by ARF6 and the role of the actin cytoskeleton. GFP-tagged PLD1 had a similar pattern to multivesicular and late endosomes and the trans-Golgi apparatus, but not to other organelles. When wild type or dominant negative ARF6 and PLD1 or PLD2 were co-expressed, they had a similar localization in cytosolic particles and at the cell periphery. In contrast, dominant active ARF6 caused cell shrinkage and had a similar localization with PLD1 and PLD2 in dense structures, containing the trans-Golgi apparatus and actin. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D did not induce the formation of these structures. To determine, if ARF6 selectively activated PLD1 or PLD2, wild type and mutant forms of the ARF isoform were transfected together with PLD1 or PLD2. Wild type ARF6 did not affect either PLD isozyme, but dominant active ARF6 selectively activated PLD2 and dominant negative ARF6 selectively inhibited PLD2. In contrast, dominant active ARF1 or Rac1 stimulated both PLD isozymes but the ARF1 effect on PLD2 was very small. Cytochalasin D did not affect the activation of PLD by phorbol ester. The localizations of PLD and ARF6 were also analyzed by fractionation after methyl-beta-cyclodextrin extraction to deplete cholesterol. The results showed that all PLD isoforms and ARF6 mutants existed in the membrane fraction, but only wild type ARF6 was dependent on the presence of cholesterol. These experiments showed that wild type ARF6 had a similar location with PLD isoforms on cell staining, but it did not colocalize with PLD isoforms in fractionation experiments. It is proposed that activated ARF6 translocates to the cholesterol independent microdomain and then activates PLD2 there. It is further concluded that PLD2 is selectively activated by ARF6 in vivo and that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton does not affect this activation.

A point mutation at phenylalanine 663 abolishes protein kinase Cα’s ability to translocate to the perinuclear region and activate phospholipase D1

Previous research showed that protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha) translocated to the perinuclear region and activated phospholipase D1, but the mechanism involved was not clear. Here, we provide evidence that Phe 663 (the 10th amino acid from C-terminus) of PKC alpha is essential for its translocation. A point mutation (F663D) completely blocked PKC alpha's binding to and activation of phospholipase D1. Further studies showed that deletion of the C-terminal nine amino acids of PKC alpha did not alter its translocation to the perinuclear region but deletion of the C-terminal 10 amino acids and the F663D mutation abolished this translocation. The F663D mutant was found to be resistant to dephosphorylation, which might account for its inability to translocate to the perinuclear region and activate PLD1, since dephosphorylation of PKC alpha is required for its relocation from plasma membrane to the perinuclear region.

Phagocytic signaling molecules in lipid rafts of COS-1 cells transfected with FcgammaRIIA

COS-1 cells bearing FcgammaRIIA were used as a model to demonstrate co-localization of several enzymes previously shown to regulate neutrophil phagocytosis. In COS-1 cells, phospholipase D (PLD) in the membrane fraction was activated during phagocytosis. PLD was found almost exclusively in lipid rafts, along with RhoA and ARF1. Protein kinase C-delta (PKCdelta) and Raf-1 translocated to lipid rafts. In neutrophils, ceramide levels increase during phagocytosis, indicating that FcgammaRIIA engagement initiates ceramide generation. Applying this model, we transfected COS-1 cells with FcgammaRIIA that had been mutated in the ITAM region, rendering them unable to ingest particles. When the mutant receptors were engaged, ceramide was generated and MAPK was activated normally, thus these processes did not require actual ingestion of particles. These results indicate that signaling proteins for phagocytosis are either constitutively present in, or are recruited to, lipid rafts where they are readily available to activate one another.

Novel functions of the phospholipase D2-Phox homology domain in protein kinase Czeta activation

It has been established that protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) participates in diverse signaling pathways and cellular functions in a wide variety of cells, exhibiting properties relevant to cellular survival and proliferation. Currently, however, the regulation mechanism of PKCzeta remains elusive. Here, for the first time, we determine that phospholipase D2 (PLD2) enhances PKCzeta activity through direct interaction in a lipase activity-independent manner. This interaction of the PLD2-Phox homology (PX) domain with the PKCzeta-kinase domain also induces the activation loop phosphorylation of PKCzeta and downstream signal stimulation, as measured by p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, only the PLD2-PX domain directly stimulates PKCzeta activity in vitro, and it is necessary for the formation of the ternary complex with phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 and PKCzeta. The mutant that substitutes the triple lysine residues (Lys101, Lys102, and Lys103) within the PLD2-PX domain with alanine abolishes interaction with the PKCzeta-kinase domain and activation of PKCzeta. Moreover, breast cancer cell viability is significantly affected by PLD2 silencing. Taken together, these results suggest that the PLD2-mediated PKCzeta activation is induced by its PX domain performing both direct activation of PKCzeta and assistance of activation loop phosphorylation. Furthermore, we find it is an important factor in the survival of breast cancer cells.

1-Butanol interferes with phospholipase D1 and protein kinase Calpha association and inhibits phospholipase D1 basal activity

1-Butanol is commonly used as a substrate for phospholipase D (PLD) activity measurement. Surprisingly we found that, in the presence of 30 mM 1-butanol (standard PLD assay conditions), PLD1 activity in COS-7 cells was lost after incubation for 2 min. In contrast, in the presence of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine or dominant negative PKCalpha D481E, the activity was sustained for at least 30min. The binding between PLD1 and PKCalpha was also lost after 2 min incubation with 30 mM 1-butanol while staurosporine and D481E maintained the binding. 1-Butanol at 2 mM did not inhibit PLD1 basal activity or PLD1 binding to PKCalpha, and staurosporine and PKCalpha D481E produced a constant increase in PLD1 basal activity of 2-fold. These results indicate that 1-butanol is inhibitory to PLD1 activity by reducing its association with PKCalpha, and that the concentration of 1-butanol is an important consideration in assaying basal PLD1 activity.

Inhibition of Muscarinic Receptor-linked Phospholipase D Activation by Association with Tubulin

Mammalian phospholipase D (PLD) is considered a key enzyme in the transmission signals from various receptors including muscarinic receptors. PLD activation is a rapid and transient process, but a negative regulator has not been found that inhibits signal-dependent PLD activation. Here, for the first time, we report that tubulin binding to PLD2 is an inhibition mechanism for muscarinic receptor-linked PLD2 activation. Tubulin was identified in an immunoprecipitated PLD2 complex from COS-7 cells by peptide mass fingerprinting. The direct interaction between PLD2 and tubulin was found to be mediated by a specific region of PLD2 (amino acids 476-612). PLD2 was potently inhibited (IC50 <10 nM) by tubulin binding in vitro. In cells, the interaction between PLD2 and tubulin was increased by the microtubule disrupting agent nocodazole and reduced by the microtubule stabilizing agent Taxol. Moreover, PLD2 activity was found to be inversely correlated with the level of monomeric tubulin. In addition, we found that interaction with and the inhibition of PLD2 by monomeric tubulin is important for the muscarinic receptor-linked PLD signaling pathway. Interaction between PLD2 and tubulin was increased only after 1-2 min of carbachol stimulation when carbachol-stimulated PLD2 activity was decreased. The expression of the tubulin binding region of PLD2 blocked the later decrease in carbachol-induced PLD activity by masking tubulin binding. Taken together, these results indicate that an increase in local membrane monomeric tubulin concentration inhibits PLD2 activity, and provides a novel mechanism for the inhibition of muscarinic receptor-induced PLD2 activation by interaction with tubulin.

Lipid rafts and the regulation of exocytosis

Exocytosis is the process whereby intracellular fluid-filled vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane, incorporating vesicle proteins and lipids into the plasma membrane and releasing vesicle contents into the extracellular milieu. Exocytosis can occur constitutively or can be tightly regulated, for example, neurotransmitter release from nerve endings. The last two decades have witnessed the identification of a vast array of proteins and protein complexes essential for exocytosis. SNARE proteins fill the spotlight as probable mediators of membrane fusion, whereas proteins such as munc18/nsec1, NSF and SNAPs function as essential SNARE regulators. A central question that remains unanswered is how exocytic proteins and protein complexes are spatially regulated. Recent studies suggest that lipid rafts, cholesterol and sphingolipid-rich microdomains, enriched in the plasma membrane, play an essential role in regulated exocytosis pathways. The association of SNAREs with lipid rafts acts to concentrate these proteins at defined sites of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, cholesterol depletion inhibits regulated exocytosis, suggesting that lipid raft domains play a key role in the regulation of exocytosis. This review examines the role of lipid rafts in regulated exocytosis, from a passive role as spatial coordinator of exocytic proteins to a direct role in the membrane fusion reaction.

Phosphorylation of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase changes its properties as a substrate for phospholipases

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) phosphorylate the 3-position of the inositol ring of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate to produce phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate. It is not clear whether PI3K can phosphorylate the inositol group in other biomolecules. We sought to determine whether PI3K was able to use glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) as a substrate. This phospholipid may exist either in free form (GPIfree) or forming a lipid anchor (GPIanchor) for the attachment of extracellular proteins to the plasma membrane. We demonstrate the specific PI3K-mediated phosphorylation of the inositol 3-hydroxyl group within both types of GPI by incubating this phospholipid with immunoprecipitated PI3K. The phosphorylated product behaves in HPLC as a derivative of a PI3K lipid product. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that PI3K uses lipid substrates other than phosphoinositides. Further, we show that this has potential functional consequences. When GPIfree is phosphorylated, it becomes a poorer substrate for GPI-specific phospholipase D, but a better substrate for phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. These phosphorylation events may constitute the basis of a previously undescribed signal transduction mechanism.

Regulation of acetylcholine-induced phosphorylation of PLD1 in porcine tracheal smooth muscle

The muscarinic agonist, acetylcholine (ACh), stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) activity in tracheal smooth muscle cells. Direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) also stimulates PLD in this tissue. Activation of ACh-induced PLD was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein in a concentration-dependent manner. Presently known isoforms of PLD, PLD1 and PLD2, were identified in tracheal smooth muscle and their activation-induced phosphorylation status studied. Both ACh and PMA increased phosphorylation of PLD1 that was significantly blocked by genistein or the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. PLD2 phosphorylation was not detected in the present experiments. Western blots probed with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody indicate that PLD1 in this tissue is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues after ACh or PMA stimulation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PLD1 was blocked by genistein and calphostin C. No tyrosine residues were phosphorylated on PLD2. Taken together, these results demonstrate that porcine tracheal smooth muscle cells express both isoforms PLD1 and PLD2. However, on muscarinic activation only PLD1 in this tissue is phosphorylated by PKC via a tyrosine-kinase-dependent pathway.

Protein kinase Calpha translocates to the perinuclear region to activate phospholipase D1

The inhibition of phorbol ester activation of phospholipase D1 (PLD1) by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors has been considered proof of phosphorylation-dependent activation of PLD1 by PKCalpha. We studied the effect of the PKC inhibitors Ro-31-8220 and bisindolylmaleimide I on PLD1 activation and found that they inhibited the activation by interfering with PKCalpha binding to PLD1. Further studies showed that only unphosphorylated PKCalpha could bind to and activate PLD1 and that both inhibitors induced phosphorylation of PKCalpha. The phosphorylation status of either PLD1 or PKCalpha per se did not affect PLD1 activation in vitro. Immunofluorescence studies showed that PLD1 remained in the perinuclear region after phorbol ester treatment, whereas PKCalpha translocated from cytosol to both plasma membrane and perinuclear regions. Both Ro-31-8220 and bisindolylmaleimide I blocked the translocation of PKCalpha to the perinuclear region but not to the plasma membrane. Studies with okadaic acid suggested that phosphorylation regulated the relocation of PKCalpha from the plasma membrane to the perinuclear region. It is proposed that localization and interaction of PKCalpha with PLD1 in the perinuclear region is required for PLD1 activation and that PKC inhibitors inhibit this through phosphorylation of PKCalpha, which blocks its translocation.

Sensitization of Epidermal Growth Factor-induced Signaling by Bradykinin Is Mediated by c-Src

Communication between receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)- and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling systems has received increasing attention in recent years. Here, we report that activation of G protein-coupled bradykinin B2 receptor induces an up-regulation of cellular responses mediated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and provide essential mechanistic characteristics of this sensitization process. EGF, which failed to evoke detectable amount of calcium increase and neurotransmitter release when administrated alone in primary cultures of rat adrenal chromaffin cells and PC12 cells, became capable of inducing these responses specifically after bradykinin pretreatment. Both EGFR and non-receptor tyrosine kinase p60Src, whose kinase activities were required in the sensitization, were found to be enriched in cholesterol-rich lipid rafts. Bradykinin caused activation of p60Src and Src-dependent phosphorylation of the EGFR on Tyr-845 in lipid rafts, as well as recruitment of phospholipase C (PLC) gamma1 to the rafts. Depletion of cholesterol by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin disrupted the raft localization of EGFR and Src, as well as bradykinin-induced translocation of PLCgamma1. Furthermore, sensitization, which was impaired by cholesterol depletion, was restored by repletion of cholesterol. Therefore, we suggest that lipid rafts are essential participants in the regulation of receptor-mediated signal transduction and cross-talk via organizing signaling complexes in membrane microdomains.

Phosphatidic acid regulates systemic inflammatory responses by modulating the Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin-p70 S6 kinase 1 pathway

Macrophages are pivotal effector cells in the innate immune system. When microbial products bind to pathogen recognition receptors, macrophages are activated and release a broad array of mediators, such as cytokines, that orchestrate the inflammatory responses of the host. Phosphatidic acid (PA) has been implicated as an important metabolite of phospholipid biosynthesis and in membrane remodeling and has been further suggested to be a crucial second messenger in various cellular signaling events. Here we show that PA is an essential regulator of inflammatory response. Deleterious effects of PA are associated with the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, which are predominantly released by macrophage Raw264.7 cells. Furthermore, the administration of PA to mice increased the serum cytokine level. Moreover, direct or lipopolysaccharide-induced PA accumulation by macrophages led to the Akt-dependent activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin-p70 S6 kinase 1, a process required for the induction of inflammatory mediators. These findings demonstrate the importance of the role of PA in systemic inflammatory responses, and provide a potential usefulness as specific targets for the development of therapies.

Plant PIP2 -dependent phospholipase D activity is regulated by phosphorylation

Phospholipase D (PLD) forms the major family of phospholipases that was first discovered and cloned in plants. In this report we have shown, for the first time, that C2 phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-dependent PLD(s) from 5 day hypocotyls of Brassica oleracea associated with plasma membrane is covalently modified-phosphorylated. Pre-incubation of the plasma membrane fraction with acid phosphatase resulted in concentration-dependent inhibition of PIP2-dependent PLD activity. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry of tryptic in-gel digests, the BoPLDgamma(1,2) isoform was identified. Comparing the spectra of the proteins obtained from the plasma membrane fractions treated and non-treated with acid phosphatase, three peptides differing in the mass of the phosphate group (80 Da) were revealed: TMQMMYQTIYK, EVADGTVSVYNSPR and KASKSRGLGK which possess five potential Ser/Thr phosphorylation sites. Our findings suggest that a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanism may be involved in the regulation of plant PIP2-dependent PLDgamma activity.

Regulation of phospholipase D1 subcellular cycling through coordination of multiple membrane association motifs

The signaling enzyme phospholipase D1 (PLD1) facilitates membrane vesicle trafficking. Here, we explore how PLD1 subcellular localization is regulated via Phox homology (PX) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and a PI4,5P2-binding site critical for its activation. PLD1 localized to perinuclear endosomes and Golgi in COS-7 cells, but on cellular stimulation, translocated to the plasma membrane in an activity-facilitated manner and then returned to the endosomes. The PI4,5P2-interacting site sufficed to mediate outward translocation and association with the plasma membrane. However, in the absence of PX and PH domains, PLD1 was unable to return efficiently to the endosomes. The PX and PH domains appear to facilitate internalization at different steps. The PH domain drives PLD1 entry into lipid rafts, which we show to be a step critical for internalization. In contrast, the PX domain appears to mediate binding to PI5P, a lipid newly recognized to accumulate in endocytosing vesicles. Finally, we show that the PH domain-dependent translocation step, but not the PX domain, is required for PLD1 to function in regulated exocytosis in PC12 cells. We propose that PLD1 localization and function involves regulated and continual cycling through a succession of subcellular sites, mediated by successive combinations of membrane association interactions.

The direct interaction of phospholipase C-gamma 1 with phospholipase D2 is important for epidermal growth factor signaling

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor has an important role in cellular proliferation, and the enzymatic activity of phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 is regarded to be critical for EGF-induced mitogenesis. In this study, we report for the first time a phospholipase complex composed of PLC-gamma1 and phospholipase D2 (PLD2). PLC-gamma1 is co-immunoprecipitated with PLD2 in COS-7 cells. The results of in vitro binding analysis and co-immunoprecipitation analysis in COS-7 cells show that the Src homology (SH) 3 domain of PLC-gamma1 binds to the proline-rich motif within the Phox homology (PX) domain of PLD2. The interaction between PLC-gamma1 and PLD2 is EGF stimulation-dependent and potentiates EGF-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) formation and Ca(2+) increase. Mutating Pro-145 and Pro-148 within the PX domain of PLD2 to leucines disrupts the interaction between PLC-gamma1 and PLD2 and fails to potentiate EGF-induced IP(3) formation and Ca(2+) increase. However, neither PLD2 wild type nor PLD2 mutant affects the EGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1. These findings suggest that, upon EGF stimulation, PLC-gamma1 directly interacts with PLD2 and this interaction is important for PLC-gamma1 activity.

Transmodulation between phospholipase D and c-Src enhances cell proliferation

Phospholipase D (PLD) has been implicated in the signal transduction pathways initiated by several mitogenic protein tyrosine kinases. We demonstrate for the first time that most notably PLD2 and to a lesser extent the PLD1 isoform are tyrosine phosphorylated by c-Src tyrosine kinase via direct association. Moreover, epidermal growth factor induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PLD2 and its interaction with c-Src in A431 cells. Interaction between these proteins is via the pleckstrin homology domain of PLD2 and the catalytic domain of c-Src. Coexpression of PLD1 or PLD2 with c-Src synergistically enhances cellular proliferation compared with expression of either molecule. While PLD activity as a lipid-hydrolyzing enzyme is not affected by c-Src, wild-type PLDs but not catalytically inactive PLD mutants significantly increase c-Src kinase activity, up-regulating c-Src-mediated paxillin phosphorylation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity. These results demonstrate the critical role of PLD catalytic activity in the stimulation of Src signaling. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that c-Src acts as a kinase of PLD and PLD acts as an activator of c-Src. This transmodulation between c-Src and PLD may contribute to the promotion of cellular proliferation via amplification of mitogenic signaling pathways.

Mechanisms of regulation of phospholipase D1 by protein kinase Calpha

It has been suggested that protein-protein interaction is important for protein kinase C (PKC) alpha to activate phospholipase D1 (PLD1). To determine the one or more sites on PKCalpha that are involved in binding to PLD1, fragments containing the regulatory domain, catalytic domain, and C1-C3 domain of PKCalpha were constructed and shown to be functional, but they all failed to bind and activate PLD1 in vivo and in vitro. A C-terminal 23-amino acid (aa) deletion mutant of PKCalpha was also found to be inactive. To define the binding/activation site(s) in the C terminus of PKCalpha, 1- to 11-aa deletion mutants were made in this terminus. Deletion of up to 9 aa did not alter the ability of PKCalpha to bind and activate PLDl, whereas a 10-aa deletion was inactive. The residue at position 10 was Phe(663). Mutations of this residue (F663D and F663A) caused loss of binding, activation, and phosphorylation of PLD1, indicating that Phe(663) is essential for these activities. Time course experiments showed that the activation of PLD1 by PMA was much faster than its phosphorylation, and its activity decreased as phosphorylation increased with time. Staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, completely inhibited PLD1 phosphorylation in response to 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate PMA and blocked the later decrease in PLD activity. The same results were found with the D481E mutant of PKCalpha, which is unable to phosphorylate PLD1. These results indicate that neither the regulatory nor catalytic domains of PKCalpha alone can bind to or activate PLD1 and that a residue in the C terminus of PKCalpha (Phe(663)) is required for these effects. The initial activation of PLD1 by PMA is highly correlated with the binding of PKCalpha. Although PKCalpha can phosphorylate PLD1, this is a relatively slow process and is associated with inactivation of the enzyme.

Pulmonary phosphatidic acid phosphatase and lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase

The lung contains two distinct forms of phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP). PAP1 is a cytosolic enzyme that is activated through fatty acid-induced translocation to the endoplasmic reticulum, where it converts phosphatidic acid (PA) to diacylglycerol (DAG) for the biosynthesis of phospholipids and neutral lipids. PAP1 is Mg(2+) dependent and sulfhydryl reagent sensitive. PAP2 is a six-transmembrane-domain integral protein localized to the plasma membrane. Because PAP2 degrades sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide-1-phosphate in addition to PA and lyso-PA, it has been renamed lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase (LPP). LPP is Mg(2+) independent and sulfhydryl reagent insensitive. This review describes LPP isoforms found in the lung and their location in signaling platforms (rafts/caveolae). Pulmonary LPPs likely function in the phospholipase D pathway, thereby controlling surfactant secretion. Through lowering the levels of lyso-PA and S1P, which serve as agonists for endothelial differentiation gene receptors, LPPs regulate cell division, differentiation, apoptosis, and mobility. LPP activity could also influence transdifferentiation of alveolar type II to type I cells. It is considered likely that these lipid phosphohydrolases have critical roles in lung morphogenesis and in acute lung injury and repair.

Regulation of phospholipase D activity by actin. Actin exerts bidirectional modulation of Mammalian phospholipase D activity in a polymerization-dependent, isoform-specific manner

Many critical cellular processes, including proliferation, vesicle trafficking, and secretion, are regulated by both phospholipase D (PLD) and the actin microfilament system. Stimulation of human PLD1 results in its association with the detergent-insoluble actin cytoskeleton, but the molecular mechanisms and functional consequences of PLD-actin interactions remain incompletely defined. Biochemical and pharmacologic modulation of actin polymerization resulted in complex bidirectional effects on PLD activity, both in vitro and in vivo. Highly purified G-actin inhibited basal and stimulated PLD activity, whereas F-actin produced the opposite effects. Actin-induced modulation of PLD activity was independent of the activating stimulus. The efficacy and potency of the effects of actin were isoform-specific but broadly conserved among actin family members. Human betagamma-actin was only 45% as potent and 40% as efficacious as rabbit skeletal muscle alpha-actin, whereas its inhibitory profile was similar to the single actin species from the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Use of actin polymerization-specific reagents indicated that PLD1 binds both monomeric G-actin, as well as actin filaments. These data are consistent with a model in which the physical state of the actin cytoskeleton is a critical determinant of its regulation of PLD activity.

Localization of phospholipase D1 to caveolin-enriched membrane via palmitoylation: implications for epidermal growth factor signaling

Phospholipase D (PLD) has been suggested to mediate epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling. However, the molecular mechanism of EGF-induced PLD activation has not yet been elucidated. We investigated the importance of the phosphorylation and compartmentalization of PLD1 in EGF signaling. EGF treatment of COS-7 cells transiently expressing PLD1 stimulated PLD1 activity and induced PLD1 phosphorylation. The EGF-induced phosphorylation of threonine147 was completely blocked and the activity of PLD1 attenuated by point mutations (S2A/T147A/S561A) of PLD1 phosphorylation sites. The expression of a dominant negative PKCalpha mutant by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer greatly inhibited the phosphorylation and activation of PLD1 induced by EGF in PLD1-transfected COS-7 cells. EGF-induced PLD1 phosphorylation occurred primarily in the caveolin-enriched membrane (CEM) fraction, and the kinetics of PLD1 phosphorylation in the CEM were strongly correlated with PLD1 phosphorylation in the total membrane. Interestingly, EGF-induced PLD1 phosphorylation and activation and the coimmunoprecipitation of PLD1 with caveolin-1 and the EGF receptor in the CEM were significantly attenuated in the palmitoylation-deficient C240S/C241S mutant, which did not localize to the CEM. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that wild-type PLD1 colocalized with caveolin-1 and the EGF receptor and that phosphorylated PLD1 was localized exclusively in the plasma membrane, although some PLD1 was also detected in vesicular structures. Transfection of wild-type PLD1 but not of C240S/C241S mutant increased EGF-induced raf-1 translocation to the CEM and ERK phosphorylation. This study shows, for the first time, that EGF-induced PLD1 phosphorylation and activation occur in the CEM and that the correct localization of PLD1 to the CEM via palmitoylation is critical for EGF signaling.

Regulation of phospholipase D

Structural studies of plant and bacterial members of the phospholipase D (PLD) superfamily are providing information about the role of the conserved HKD domains in the structure of the catalytic center and the catalytic mechanism of mammalian PLD isozymes (PLD1 and PLD2). Mutagenesis and sequence comparison studies have also defined the presence of pleckstrin homology and phox homology domains in the N-terminus and have demonstrated that a conserved sequence at the C-terminus is required for catalysis. The N- and C-terminal regions of PLD1 also contain interaction sites for protein kinase C, which can directly activate the enzyme through a non-phosphorylating mechanism. Small G proteins of the Rho and ADP-ribosylation factor families also directly regulate the enzyme, with RhoA binding to a sequence in the C-terminus. Certain tyrosine kinases and members of the Ras subfamily of small G proteins can activate the enzyme, but the mechanisms appear to be indirect. The mechanisms by which agonists activate PLD in vivo probably involve multiple pathways.

The regulation of phospholipase D by inositol phospholipids and small GTPases

Phospholipase D1 and D2 (PLD1, PLD2) both have PX and PH domains in their N-terminal regions with these inositol lipid binding domains playing key roles in regulating PLD activity and localisation. The activity of PLD1 is also regulated by protein kinase C and members of the Rho and Arf families of GTPases. Each of these proteins binds to unique sites; however, there appears to be little in vitro discrimination between individual family members. In agonist-stimulated cells, however, there is specificity, with, for example in RBL-2H3 cells, antigen stimulating the activation of PLD1 by association with Arf6, Rac1 and protein kinase Calpha. PLD2 appears to be less directly regulated by GTPases and rather is primarily controlled through interaction with phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase that generates the activating phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate.