The SH2 inositol 5-phosphatase Ship1 is recruited in an SH2-dependent manner to the erythropoietin receptor

Molecular Pathways Involved in the Development of Congenital Erythrocytosis

Patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis are directed to targeted genetic testing including nine genes involved in oxygen sensing pathway in kidneys, erythropoietin signal transduction in pre-erythrocytes and hemoglobin-oxygen affinity regulation in mature erythrocytes. However, in more than 60% of cases the genetic cause remains undiagnosed, suggesting that other genes and mechanisms must be involved in the disease development. This review aims to explore additional molecular mechanisms in recognized erythrocytosis pathways and propose new pathways associated with this rare hematological disorder. For this purpose, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed and different in silico tools were used. We identified genes involved in several mechanisms and molecular pathways, including mRNA transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications, membrane transport, regulation of signal transduction, glucose metabolism and iron homeostasis, which have the potential to influence the main erythrocytosis-associated pathways. We provide valuable theoretical information for deeper insight into possible mechanisms of disease development. This information can be also helpful to improve the current diagnostic solutions for patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis.

The Role of PI3K/AKT and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Erythropoietin Signalization

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein cytokine known for its pleiotropic effects on various types of cells and tissues. EPO and its receptor EPOR trigger signaling cascades JAK2/STAT5, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT that are interconnected and irreplaceable for cell survival. In this article, we describe the role of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways during red blood cell formation as well as in non-hematopoietic tissues and tumor cells. Although the central framework of these pathways is similar for most of cell types, there are some stage-specific, tissue, and cell-lineage differences. We summarize the current state of research in this field, highlight the novel members of EPO-induced PI3K and MAPK signaling, and in this respect also the differences between erythroid and non-erythroid cells.

Phospho-PTM proteomic discovery of novel EPO- modulated kinases and phosphatases, including PTPN18 as a positive regulator of EPOR/JAK2 Signaling

The formation of erythroid progenitor cells depends sharply upon erythropoietin (EPO), its cell surface receptor (erythropoietin receptor, EPOR), and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Clinically, recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) additionally is an important anti-anemia agent for chronic kidney disease (CKD), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chemotherapy, but induces hypertension, and can exert certain pro-tumorigenic effects. Cellular signals transduced by EPOR/JAK2 complexes, and the nature of EPO-modulated signal transduction factors, therefore are of significant interest. By employing phospho-tyrosine post-translational modification (p-Y PTM) proteomics and human EPO- dependent UT7epo cells, we have identified 22 novel kinases and phosphatases as novel EPO targets, together with their specific sites of p-Y modification. New kinases modified due to EPO include membrane palmitoylated protein 1 (MPP1) and guanylate kinase 1 (GUK1) guanylate kinases, together with the cytoskeleton remodeling kinases, pseudopodium enriched atypical kinase 1 (PEAK1) and AP2 associated kinase 1 (AAK1). Novel EPO- modified phosphatases include protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type A (PTPRA), phosphohistidine phosphatase 1 (PHPT1), tensin 2 (TENC1), ubiquitin associated and SH3 domain containing B (UBASH3B) and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 18 (PTPN18). Based on PTPN18's high expression in hematopoietic progenitors, its novel connection to JAK kinase signaling, and a unique EPO- regulated PTPN18-pY389 motif which is modulated by JAK2 inhibitors, PTPN18's actions in UT7epo cells were investigated. Upon ectopic expression, wt-PTPN18 promoted EPO dose-dependent cell proliferation, and survival. Mechanistically, PTPN18 sustained the EPO- induced activation of not only mitogen-activated protein kinases 1 and 3 (ERK1/2), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1-3 (AKT), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A and 5B (STAT5), but also JAK2. Each effect further proved to depend upon PTPN18's EPO- modulated (p)Y389 site. In analyses of the EPOR and the associated adaptor protein RHEX (regulator of hemoglobinization and erythroid cell expansion), wt-PTPN18 increased high molecular weight EPOR forms, while sharply inhibiting the EPO-induced phosphorylation of RHEX-pY141. Each effect likewise depended upon PTPN18-Y389. PTPN18 thus promotes signals for EPO-dependent hematopoietic cell growth, and may represent a new druggable target for myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Three Tyrosine Residues in the Erythropoietin Receptor Are Essential for Janus Kinase 2 V617F Mutant-induced Tumorigenesis

The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) regulates development of blood cells, and its full activation normally requires the cytokine erythropoietin (Epo). In the case of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), Epo-independent signaling through EpoR can be caused by a point mutation, V617F, in the EpoR-interacting tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). In cells expressing the JAK2 V617F mutant, eight tyrosine residues in the intracellular domain of EpoR are phosphorylated, but the functional role of these phosphorylations in oncogenic signaling is incompletely understood. Here, to evaluate the functional consequences of the phosphorylation of these tyrosine residues, we constructed an EpoR-8YF mutant in which we substituted all eight tyrosine residues with phenylalanine. Co-expression of EpoR-8YF with the JAK2 V617F mutant failed to induce cytokine-independent cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, indicating that JAK2-mediated EpoR phosphorylation is the reason for JAK2 V617F mutant-induced oncogenic signaling. An exhaustive mutational analysis of the eight EpoR tyrosine residues indicated that three of these residues, Tyr-343, Tyr-460, and Tyr-464, are required for the JAK2 V617F mutant to exhibit its oncogenic activity. We also showed that phosphorylation at these three residues was necessary for full activation of the transcription factor STAT5, which is a critical downstream factor of JAK2 V617F-induced oncogenic signaling. In contrast, Epo stimulation could moderately stimulate the proliferation of cells expressing wild type JAK2 and EpoR-8YF, suggesting that the requirement of the phosphorylation of these three tyrosine residues seems to be specific for the oncogenic proliferation provoked by V617F mutation. Collectively, these results have revealed that phosphorylation of Tyr-343, Tyr-460, and Tyr-464 in EpoR underlies JAK2 V617F mutant-induced tumorigenesis. We propose that the targeted disruption of this pathway has therapeutic utility for managing MPN.

Genetics ignite focus on microglial inflammation in Alzheimer's disease

In the past five years, a series of large-scale genetic studies have revealed novel risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Analyses of these risk factors have focused attention upon the role of immune processes in AD, specifically microglial function. In this review, we discuss interpretation of genetic studies.  We then focus upon six genes implicated by AD genetics that impact microglial function: TREM2, CD33, CR1, ABCA7, SHIP1, and APOE. We review the literature regarding the biological functions of these six proteins and their putative role in AD pathogenesis. We then present a model for how these factors may interact to modulate microglial function in AD.

Erythropoietin action in stress response, tissue maintenance and metabolism

Erythropoietin (EPO) regulation of red blood cell production and its induction at reduced oxygen tension provides for the important erythropoietic response to ischemic stress. The cloning and production of recombinant human EPO has led to its clinical use in patients with anemia for two and half decades and has facilitated studies of EPO action. Reports of animal and cell models of ischemic stress in vitro and injury suggest potential EPO benefit beyond red blood cell production including vascular endothelial response to increase nitric oxide production, which facilitates oxygen delivery to brain, heart and other non-hematopoietic tissues. This review discusses these and other reports of EPO action beyond red blood cell production, including EPO response affecting metabolism and obesity in animal models. Observations of EPO activity in cell and animal model systems, including mice with tissue specific deletion of EPO receptor (EpoR), suggest the potential for EPO response in metabolism and disease.

The SH2B1 adaptor protein associates with a proximal region of the erythropoietin receptor

Gene targeting experiments have shown that the cytokine erythropoietin (EPO), its cognate erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R), and associated Janus tyrosine kinase, JAK2, are all essential for erythropoiesis. Structural-functional and murine knock-in experiments have suggested that EPO-R Tyr-343 is important in EPO-mediated mitogenesis. Although Stat5 binds to EPO-R phosphotyrosine 343, the initial Stat5-deficient mice did not have profound erythroid abnormalities suggesting that additional Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing effectors may bind to EPO-R Tyr-343 and couple to downstream signaling pathways. We have utilized cloning of ligand target (COLT) screening to demonstrate that EPO-R Tyr(P)-343 and Tyr(P)-401 bind to the SH2 domain-containing adaptor protein SH2B1β. Immunoprecipitation and in vitro mixing experiments reveal that EPO-R binds to SH2B1 in an SH2 domain-dependent manner and that the sequence that confers SH2B1 binding to the EPO-R is pYXXL. Previous studies have shown that SH2B1 binds directly to JAK2, but we show that in hematopoietic cells, SH2B1β preferentially associates with the EPO-R. SH2B1 is capable of constitutive association with EPO-R, which is necessary for its optimal SH2-dependent recruitment to EPO-R-Tyr(P)-343/Tyr(P)-401. We also demonstrate that SH2B1 is responsive to EPO stimulation and becomes phosphorylated, most likely on serines/threonines, in an EPO dose- and time-dependent manner. In the absence of SH2B1, we observe enhanced activation of signaling pathways downstream of the EPO-R, indicating that SH2B1 is a negative regulator of EPO signaling.

Integrating novel signaling pathways involved in erythropoiesis

Many extrinsic and intrinsic factors control the development of red blood cells from committed progenitors, with the Erythropoietin-receptor (Epo-R) signaling network being the primary controlling molecular hub. Although much is understood about erythroid signaling pathways, new and intriguing factors that influence different aspects of erythroid cell development are still being uncovered. New extrinsic effectors include hypoxia and polymeric IgA1 (pIgA1), and new Epo-R signaling pathway components include Lyn/Cbp and Lyn/Liar. Hypoxia directly activates committed erythroid progenitors to expand, whereas pIgA1 activates the Akt and MAP-Kinase (MAPK) pathways through transferrin receptors on more mature erythroid cells. The Lyn/Cbp pathway controls the activity and protein levels of Lyn through recruitment of Csk and SOCS1, as well as feeding into the control of other pathways mediated by recruitment of ras-GAP, PI3-kinase, PLCγ, Fes, and EBP50. Nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling of Lyn and other signaling molecules is influenced by Liar and results in regulation of their intersecting signaling pathways. The challenge of future research is to flesh out the details of these new signaling regulators/networks and integrate their influences during the different stages of erythropoiesis.

Involvement of phosphatases in proliferation, maturation, and hemoglobinization of developing erythroid cells

Production of RBCs is triggered by the action of erythropoietin (Epo) through its binding to surface receptors (Epo-R) on erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. The intensity and the duration of the Epo signal are regulated by several factors, including the balance between the activities of kinesase and phosphatases. The Epo signal determines the proliferation and maturation of the precursors into hemoglobin (Hb)-containing RBCs. The activity of various protein tyrosine phosphatases, including those involved in the Epo pathway, can be inhibited by sodium orthovanadate (Na₃VO₄, vanadate). Adding vanadate to cultured erythroid precursors of normal donors and patients with β-thalassemia enhanced cell proliferation and arrested maturation. This was associated with an increased production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Increased HbF in patients with β-hemoglobinopathies (β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease) ameliorates the clinical symptoms of the disease. These results raise the possibility that specific and nontoxic inhibitors of phosphatases may be considered as a therapeutic modality for elevating HbF in patients with β-hemoglobinopathies as well as for intensifying the Epo response in other forms of anemia.

The inositol phosphatase SHIP-1 is negatively regulated by Fli-1 and its loss accelerates leukemogenesis

The activation of Fli-1, an Ets transcription factor, is the critical genetic event in Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV)-induced erythroleukemia. Fli-1 overexpression leads to erythropoietin-dependent erythroblast proliferation, enhanced survival, and inhibition of terminal differentiation, through activation of the Ras pathway. However, the mechanism by which Fli-1 activates this signal transduction pathway has yet to be identified. Down-regulation of the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing inositol-5-phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) is associated with erythropoietin-stimulated erythroleukemic cells and correlates with increased proliferation of transformed cells. In this study, we have shown that F-MuLV-infected SHIP-1 knockout mice display accelerated erythroleukemia progression. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated suppression of SHIP-1 in erythroleukemia cells activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathways, blocks erythroid differentiation, accelerates erythropoietin-induced proliferation, and leads to PI 3-K-dependent Fli-1 up-regulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays confirmed that Fli-1 binds directly to an Ets DNA binding site within the SHIP-1 promoter and suppresses SHIP-1 transcription. These data provide evidence to suggest that SHIP-1 is a direct Fli-1 target, SHIP-1 and Fli-1 regulate each other in a negative feedback loop, and the suppression of SHIP-1 by Fli-1 plays an important role in the transformation of erythroid progenitors by F-MuLV.

Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of primary familial and congenital polycythaemia

Primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP) is an autosomal-dominant proliferative disorder characterized by erythrocytosis and hypersensitivity of erythroid progenitors to erythropoietin (Epo). Several lines of evidence suggest a causal role of truncated erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) in this disease. In this review, we discuss PFCP in the context of erythrocytosis and EpoR signalling. We focus on recent studies describing mechanisms underlying Epo-dependent EpoR down-regulation. One mechanism depends on internalization mediated through the p85 regulatory subunit of the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase, and the other utilizes ubiquitin-based proteasomal degradation. Truncated PFCP EpoRs are not properly down-regulated upon stimulation, underscoring the importance of these mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PFCP.

The SH2 domains of inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatases SHIP1 and SHIP2 have similar ligand specificity but different binding kinetics

SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatases 1 (SHIP1) and 2 (SHIP2) are structurally similar proteins that catalyze the degradation of lipid secondary messenger phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate to produce phosphatidylinositol 3,4-diphosphate. Despite their high sequence identity (51%), SHIP1 and SHIP2 share little overlap in their in vivo functions. In this work, the sequence specificity of the SHIP2 SH2 domain was systematically defined through the screening of a combinatorial pY peptide library. Comparison of its specificity profile with that of the SHIP1 SH2 domain showed that the two SH2 domains have similar specificities, both recognizing pY peptides of the consensus sequence pY[S/Y][L/Y/M][L/M/I/V], although there are also subtle differences such as the tolerance of an arginine at the pY + 1 position by the SHIP2 but not SHIP1 SH2 domain. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of their interaction with various pY peptides suggested that the two domains have similar binding affinities but dramatically different binding kinetics, with the SHIP1 SH2 domain having fast association and dissociation rates while the SHIP2 domain showing apparent slow-binding behavior. Site-directed mutagenesis and kinetic studies indicated that the SHIP2 SH2 domain exists as a mixture of two conformational isomers. The major, inactive isomer apparently contains two cis peptidyl-prolyl bonds at positions 88 and 105, whereas the minor, active isomer has both proline residues in their trans configuration. Cis-trans isomerization of the peptidyl-prolyl bonds may provide a potential mechanism for regulating the interaction between SHIP2 and pY proteins. These data suggest that a combination of tissue distribution, specificity, and kinetic differences is likely responsible for their in vivo functional differences.

The erythropoietin receptor in normal and cancer tissues

The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is essential for the survival, proliferation and differentiation of the erythrocytic progenitors. The EPO receptor (EPO-R) of erythrocytic cells belongs to the cytokine class I receptor family and signals through various protein kinases and STAT transcription factors. The EPO-R is also expressed in many organs outside the bone marrow, suggesting that EPO is a pleiotropic anti-apoptotic factor. The controversial issue as to whether the EPO-R is functional in tumor tissue is critically reviewed. Importantly, most studies of EPO-R detection in tumor tissue have provided falsely positive results because of the lack of EPO-R specific antibodies. However, endogenous EPO appears to be necessary to maintain the viability of endothelial cells and to promote tumor angiogenesis. Although there is no clinical proof that the administration of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) promotes tumor growth and mortality, present recommendations are that (i) ESAs should be administered at the lowest dose sufficient to avoid the need for red blood cell transfusions, (ii) ESAs should not be used in patients with active malignant disease not receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, (iii) ESAs should be discontinued following the completion of a chemotherapy course, (iv) the target Hb should be 12 g/dL and not higher and (v) the risks of shortened survival and tumor progression have not been excluded when ESAs are dosed to target Hb <12 g/dL.

Phosphoinositide phosphatases in a network of signalling reactions

Phosphoinositide phosphatases dephosphorylate the three positions (D-3, 4 and 5) of the inositol ring of the poly-phosphoinositides. They belong to different families of enzymes. The PtdIns(3,4)P(2) 4-phosphatase family, the tumour suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), SAC1 domain phosphatases and myotubularins belong to the tyrosine protein phosphatases superfamily. They share the presence of a conserved cysteine residue in the consensus CX(5)RT/S. Another family consists of the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase isoenzymes. The importance of these phosphoinositide phosphatases in cell regulation is illustrated by multiple examples of their implications in human diseases such as Lowe syndrome, X-linked myotubular myopathy, cancer, diabetes or bacterial infection.

Sequence specificity of SHP-1 and SHP-2 Src homology 2 domains. Critical roles of residues beyond the pY+3 position

A combinatorial phosphotyrosyl (pY) peptide library was screened to determine the amino acid preferences at the pY+4 to pY+6 positions for the four SH2 domains of protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2. Individual binding sequences selected from the library were resynthesized and their binding affinities and specificities to various SH2 domains were further evaluated by SPR studies, stimulation of SHP-1 and SHP-2 phosphatase activity, and in vitro pulldown assays. These studies reveal that binding of a pY peptide to the N-SH2 domain of SHP-2 is greatly enhanced by a large hydrophobic residue (Trp, Tyr, Met, or Phe) at the pY+4 and/or pY+5 positions, whereas binding to SHP-1 N-SH2 domain is enhanced by either hydrophobic or positively charged residues (Arg, Lys, or His) at these positions. Similar residues at the pY+4 to pY+6 positions are also preferred by SHP-1 and SHP-2 C-SH2 domains, although their influence on the overall binding affinities is much smaller compared with the N-SH2 domains. A structural model was generated to qualitatively interpret the contribution of the pY+4 and pY+5 residues to the overall binding affinity. Examination of pY motifs from known SHP-1 and SHP-2-binding proteins shows that many of the pY motifs contain a hydrophobic or positively charged residue(s) at the pY+4 and pY+5 positions.

Signals for stress erythropoiesis are integrated via an erythropoietin receptor-phosphotyrosine-343-Stat5 axis

Anemia due to chronic disease or chemotherapy often is ameliorated by erythropoietin (Epo). Present studies reveal that, unlike steady-state erythropoiesis, erythropoiesis during anemia depends sharply on an Epo receptor-phosphotyrosine-343-Stat5 signaling axis. In mice expressing a phosphotyrosine-null (PY-null) Epo receptor allele (EpoR-HM), severe and persistent anemia was induced by hemolysis or 5-fluorouracil. In short-term transplantation experiments, donor EpoR-HM bone marrow cells also failed to efficiently repopulate the erythroid compartment. In each context, stress erythropoiesis was rescued to WT levels upon the selective restoration of an EpoR PY343 Stat5-binding site (EpoR-H allele). As studied using a unique primary culture system, EpoR-HM erythroblasts exhibited marked stage-specific losses in Epo-dependent growth and survival. EpoR-H PY343 signals restored efficient erythroblast expansion, and the selective Epo induction of the Stat5 target genes proviral integration site-1 (Pim-1) and oncostatin-M. Bcl2-like 1 (Bcl-x), in contrast, was not significantly induced via WT-EpoR, EpoR-HM, or EpoR-H alleles. In Kit+ CD71+ erythroblasts, EpoR-PY343 signals furthermore enhanced SCF growth effects, and SCF modulation of Pim-1 kinase and oncostatin-M expression. In maturing Kit- CD71+ erythroblasts, oncostatin-M exerted antiapoptotic effects that likewise depended on EpoR PY343-mediated events. Stress erythropoiesis, therefore, requires stage-specific EpoR-PY343-Stat5 signals, some of which selectively bolster SCF and oncostatin-M action.

Antiapoptotic effects of erythropoietin in differentiated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells require activation of both the STAT5 and AKT signaling pathways

The hematopoietic cytokine erythropoietin (Epo) prevents neuronal death during ischemic events in the brain and in neurodegenerative diseases, presumably through its antiapoptotic effects. To explore the role of different signaling pathways in Epo-mediated antiapoptotic effects in differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, we employed a prolactin receptor (PrlR)/erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) chimera system, in which binding of prolactin (Prl) to the extracellular domain activates EpoR signaling in the cytosol. On induction of apoptosis by staurosporine, Prl supports survival of the SH-SY5Y cells expressing the wild-type PrlR/EpoR chimera. In these cells Prl treatment strongly activates the STAT5, AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways and induces weak activation of the p65 NF-kappaB factor. Selective mutation of the eight tyrosine residues of the EpoR cytoplasmic domain results in impaired or absent activation of either STAT5 (mutation of Tyr(343)) or AKT (mutation of Tyr(479)) or both (mutation of all eight tyrosine residues). Most interestingly, Prl treatment does not prevent apoptosis in cells expressing mutant PrlR/EpoR chimeras in which either the STAT5 or the AKT signaling pathways are not activated. In contrast, ERK 1/2 is fully activated by all mutant PrlR/EpoR chimeras, comparable with the level seen with the wild-type PrlR/EpoR chimera, implying that activation of the MAPK signaling pathway per se is not sufficient for antiapoptotic activity. Therefore, the antiapoptotic effects of Epo in neuronal cells require the combinatorial activation of multiple signaling pathways, including STAT5, AKT, and potentially MAPK as well, in a manner similar to that observed in hematopoietic cells.

Decoding protein-protein interactions through combinatorial chemistry: sequence specificity of SHP-1, SHP-2, and SHIP SH2 domains

A general, combinatorial library method for the rapid identification of high-affinity peptide ligands of protein modular domains is reported. The validity of this method has been demonstrated by determining the sequence specificity of four Src homology 2 (SH2) domains derived from protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 and SHP-2 and inositol phosphatase SHIP. A phosphotyrosyl (pY) peptide library was screened against the SH2 domains, and the beads that carry high-affinity ligands of the SH2 domains were identified and peptides were sequenced by partial Edman degradation and mass spectrometry. The results reveal that the N-terminal SH2 domain of SHP-2 is capable of recognizing four different classes of pY peptides. Binding competition studies suggest that the four classes of pY peptides all bind to the same site on the SH2 domain surface. The C-terminal SH2 domains of SHP-1 and SHP-2 and the SHIP SH2 domain each bind to pY peptides of a single consensus sequence. Database searches using the consensus sequences identified most of the known as well as many potential interacting proteins of SHP-1 and/or SHP-2. Several proteins are found to bind to the SH2 domains of SHP-1 and SHP-2 through a new, nonclassical ITIM motif, (V/I/L)XpY(M/L/F)XP, which corresponds to the class IV peptides selected from the pY library. The combinatorial library method should be generally applicable to other protein domains.

Core erythropoietin receptor signals for late erythroblast development

Critical signals for erythroblast formation are transduced by activated, tyrosine-phosphorylated erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) complexes. Nonetheless, steady-state erythropoiesis is supported effectively by EpoR alleles that are deficient in cytoplasmic phosphotyrosine sites. To better define core EpoR action mechanisms, signaling capacities of minimal PY-null (EpoR-HM) and PY343-retaining (EpoR-H) alleles were analyzed for the first time in bone marrow-derived erythroblasts. Jak2 activation via each allele was comparable. Stat5 (and several Stat5-response genes) were induced via EpoR-H but not via EpoR-HM. Stat1 and Stat3 activation was nominal for all EpoR forms. For both EpoR-HM and EpoR-H, Akt and p70S6-kinase activation was decreased multifold, and JNK activation was minimal. ERKs, however, were hyperactivated uniquely via EpoR-HM. In vivo, Epo expression in EpoR-HM mice was elevated, while Epo-induced reticulocyte production was diminished. In vitro, EpoR-HM erythroblast maturation also was attenuated (based on DNA content, forward-angle light scatter, and hemoglobinization). These EpoR-HM-specific defects were corrected not only upon PY343 site restoration in EpoR-H, but also upon MEK1,2 inhibition. Core EpoR PY site-independent signals for erythroblast formation therefore appear to be Stat5, Stat1, Stat3, p70S6-kinase, and JNK independent, but ERK dependent. Wild-type signaling capacities, however, depend further upon signals provided via an EpoR/PY343/Stat5 axis.

Turning cells red: signal transduction mediated by erythropoietin

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the crucial cytokine regulator of red blood-cell production. Since the discovery of EPO in 1985 and the isolation of its cognate receptor four years later, there has been significant interest in understanding the unique ability of this ligand-receptor pair to promote erythroid mitogenesis, survival and differentiation. The development of knockout mice has elucidated the precise role of the ligand, receptor and downstream players in murine erythroid development. In this review, we summarize EPO-mediated signaling pathways and examine their significance in vivo.

Activated Fps/Fes tyrosine kinase regulates erythroid differentiation and survival

OBJECTIVE

A substantial body of evidence implicates the cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase Fps/Fes in regulation of myeloid differentiation and survival. In this study we wished to determine if Fps/Fes also plays a role in the regulation of erythropoiesis.

METHODS

Mice tissue-specifically expressing a "gain-of-function" mutant fps/fes transgene (fps(MF)) encoding an activated variant of Fps/Fes (MFps), were used to explore the in vivo biological role of Fps/Fes. Erythropoiesis in these mice was assessed by hematological analysis, lineage marker analysis, bone-marrow colony assays, and biochemical approaches.

RESULTS

fps(MF) mice displayed reductions in peripheral red cell counts. However, there was an accumulation of immature erythroid precursors, which displayed increased survival. Fps/Fes and the related Fer kinase were both detected in early erythroid progenitors/blasts and in mature red cells. Fps/Fes was also activated in response to erythropoietin (EPO) and stem cell factor (SCF), two critical factors in erythroid development. In addition, increased Stat5A/B activation and reduced Erk1/2 phosphorylation was observed in fps(MF) primary erythroid cells in response to EPO or SCF, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support a role for Fps/Fes in regulating the survival and differentiation of erythroid cells through modulation of Stat5A/B and Erk kinase pathways induced by EPO and SCF. The increased numbers and survival of erythroid progenitors from fps(MF) mice, and their differential responsiveness to SCF and EPO, implicates Fps/Fes in the commitment of multilineage progenitors to the erythroid lineage. The anemic phenotype in fps(MF) mice suggests that downregulation of Fps/Fes activity might be required for terminal erythroid differentiation.

Familial and congenital polycythemias: a diagnostic approach

The rare absolute polycythemias with an innate and hereditary character can be grouped together under the heading "familial and congenital polycythemias" (FCPs). Primary forms, due to an intrinsic defect in the erythroid progenitor cells, and secondary forms, resulting from extrinsic factors such as an elevated erythropoietin level, have both been reported. Despite the widely divergent characteristics of the different FCPs, the range of possible diagnoses is much more restricted and the distribution of disorders markedly different compared with polycythemias in general. Therefore, in FCP, one can argue against following the algorithm of the Polycythemia Vera Study Group for the evaluation of an elevated hematocrit level, following instead a more specific algorithm. In this article the authors describe a child with primary FCP, review the different FCPs, and propose an adapted work-up scheme.

Regulation of erythropoietin-induced STAT serine phosphorylation by distinct mitogen-activated protein kinases

The STAT proteins are a family of latent transcription factors that are activated by a wide variety of cytokines. Upon receptor engagement, STATs become tyrosine phosphorylated, translocate to the nucleus, and induce expression of target genes. In addition to tyrosine phosphorylation, maximal activation of some STAT proteins requires serine phosphorylation within the transactivation domain. Here we focus on STAT phosphorylation after engagement of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R). In Ba/F3-EPO-R cells, EPO induces tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A, and STAT5B. Identical regions of the EPO-R couple to both tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of each cognate STAT protein. A proximal region of the EPO-R lacking cytoplasmic tyrosines couples to STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation as well as ERK and p38(HOG) activation, but not JNK/SAPK. STAT1 serine phosphorylation was perturbed by inhibition of ERK and p38 pathways, whereas only inhibition of ERK activation blocked STAT3 serine phosphorylation in response to EPO. STAT5A/B phosphorylation is downstream of EPO-R Tyr(343), however, STAT5A/B serine phosphorylation is unaffected by either ERK or p38 inhibition. Physiological responses induced by EPO may depend on regulation of serine phosphorylation of the STAT molecules by p38(HOG) and the ERK family of kinases as well as additional serine/threonine kinases.

Erythropoietin receptor-dependent erythroid colony-forming unit development: capacities of Y343 and phosphotyrosine-null receptor forms

Red cell development depends on the binding of erythropoietin (EPO) to receptors expressed by erythroid colony-forming units (CFUe) and the subsequent activation of receptor-bound Janus kinase (Jak2). Jak2 then mediates the phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine sites and the recruitment of 25 or more Src homology 2 domain-encoding proteins and associated factors. Previous studies have shown that an EPO receptor form containing Jak2-binding domains plus a single phosphotyrosine343 (PY343)–STAT5-binding site provides all signals needed for erythroid cell development. However, roles for PY343 and STAT5 remain controversial, and findings regarding PY-null receptor activities and erythropoiesis in STAT5-deficient mice are disparate. To study activities of a PY-null EPO receptor in primary cells while avoiding compensatory mechanisms, a form retaining domains for Jak2 binding and activation, but lacking all cytoplasmic tyrosine sites, was expressed in transgenic mice from aGATA1 gene-derived vector as a human epidermal growth factor receptor- murine EPO receptor chimera (EE-T-Y343F). The bio-signaling capacities of this receptor form were investigated in CFUe from thiamphenicol-treated mice. Interestingly, this PY-null EPO receptor form supported CFUe development (in the absence of detectable STAT5 activation) at efficiencies within 3-fold of those levels mediated by either an EE-T-Y343 form or the endogenous EPO receptor. However, EE-T-Y343F–dependent Ter119+ erythroblast maturation was attenuated. In tests of cosignaling with c-Kit, EE-T-Y343F nonetheless retained full capacity to synergize with c-Kit in promoting erythroid progenitor cell proliferation. Thus, EPO receptor PY-dependent events can assist late erythropoiesis but may be nonessential for EPO receptor–c-Kit synergy.

Regulation of the immune response by SHIP

Multiple lines of experimental data indicate that SHIP1 is an important negative regulator of the immune system. SHIP1 has been demonstrated to control survival and proliferation, as well as differentiation. In the cases of some inhibitory receptors, such as Fc gamma RIIB1, the molecular mechanisms of control by SHIP1 are established. For other receptors, particularly activating receptors where SHIP1 appears to set activation thresholds, the mechanisms remain to be discovered. Further study on SHIP and other SHIP family members could be critical for our understanding the negative regulation in multiple hematopoietic lineages and the immune system as a whole.

Erythropoietin receptor-dependent erythroid colony-forming unit development: capacities of Y343 and phosphotyrosine-null receptor forms

Red cell development depends on the binding of erythropoietin (EPO) to receptors expressed by erythroid colony-forming units (CFUe) and the subsequent activation of receptor-bound Janus kinase (Jak2). Jak2 then mediates the phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine sites and the recruitment of 25 or more Src homology 2 domain-encoding proteins and associated factors. Previous studies have shown that an EPO receptor form containing Jak2-binding domains plus a single phosphotyrosine(343) (PY(343))-STAT5-binding site provides all signals needed for erythroid cell development. However, roles for PY(343) and STAT5 remain controversial, and findings regarding PY-null receptor activities and erythropoiesis in STAT5-deficient mice are disparate. To study activities of a PY-null EPO receptor in primary cells while avoiding compensatory mechanisms, a form retaining domains for Jak2 binding and activation, but lacking all cytoplasmic tyrosine sites, was expressed in transgenic mice from a GATA1 gene-derived vector as a human epidermal growth factor receptor- murine EPO receptor chimera (EE-T-Y343F). The bio-signaling capacities of this receptor form were investigated in CFUe from thiamphenicol-treated mice. Interestingly, this PY-null EPO receptor form supported CFUe development (in the absence of detectable STAT5 activation) at efficiencies within 3-fold of those levels mediated by either an EE-T-Y343 form or the endogenous EPO receptor. However, EE-T-Y343F-dependent Ter119(+) erythroblast maturation was attenuated. In tests of cosignaling with c-Kit, EE-T-Y343F nonetheless retained full capacity to synergize with c-Kit in promoting erythroid progenitor cell proliferation. Thus, EPO receptor PY-dependent events can assist late erythropoiesis but may be nonessential for EPO receptor-c-Kit synergy.

Interferon signaling is dependent on specific tyrosines located within the intracellular domain of IFNAR2c. Expression of IFNAR2c tyrosine mutants in U5A cells

Type I interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that play a central role in mediating antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory activities in virtually all cells. These activities are entirely dependent on the interaction of IFNs with their particular cell surface receptor. In this report, we identify two specific tyrosine residues located within the cytoplasmic domain of IFNAR2c that are obligatory for IFN-dependent signaling. Various IFNAR2c tyrosine mutants were expressed in a human lung fibroscarcoma cell line lacking IFNAR2c (U5A). Stable clones expressing these mutants were analyzed for their ability to induce STAT1 and STAT2 activation, ISGF3 transcriptional complex formation, gene expression, and cell growth regulation in response to stimulation with type I IFNs. The replacement of all seven cytoplasmic tyrosine residues of IFNAR2c with phenylalanine resulted in a receptor unable to respond to IFN stimulation. Substitution of single tyrosines at amino acid residue 269, 316, 318, 337, or 512 with phenylalanine had no effect on IFN-dependent signaling, suggesting that no single tyrosine is essential for IFN receptor-mediated signaling. In addition, IFNAR2c retaining five proximal tyrosines residues (269, 306, 316, 318, and 337) or either two distal tyrosine residues (411 or 512) continued to be responsive to IFN stimulation. Surprisingly, the presence of only a single tyrosine at either position 337 or 512 was sufficient to restore a complete IFN response. These results indicate that IFN-dependent signaling proceeds through the redundant usage of two tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of IFNAR2c.

Identification of the human erythropoietin receptor region required for Stat1 and Stat3 activation

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat) proteins play important roles in the regulation of hematopoiesis as downstream molecules of cytokine signal transduction. It was previously demonstrated that erythropoietin (EPO), a major regulator of erythropoiesis, activates 3 different Stat members, Stat1, Stat3, and Stat5, in a human EPO-dependent cell line, UT-7/EPO. To clarify the mechanism by which EPO activates Stat1 and Stat3 via the EPO receptor (EPOR), a series of chimeric receptors was constructed bearing the extracellular domain of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor linked to the transmembrane domain of EPOR and the full length or several mutants of the cytoplasmic domain of EPOR, and these chimeric receptor complementary DNAs were introduced into UT-7/EPO cells. Tyr432 on human EPOR was important for activation of Stat1 and Stat3 and c-myc gene induction. In addition, Jak2 and Fes tyrosine kinases were involved in EPO-induced activation of Stat1 and Stat3. These results indicate that Stat1 and Stat3 are activated by EPO via distinct mechanisms from Stat5.

CrkL is recruited through its SH2 domain to the erythropoietin receptor and plays a role in Lyn-mediated receptor signaling

The erythropoietin (Epo) receptor transduces its signals by activating physically associated tyrosine kinases, mainly Jak2 and Lyn, and thereby inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of various substrates including the Epo receptor (EpoR) itself. We previously demonstrated that, in Epo-stimulated cells, an adapter protein, CrkL, becomes tyrosine-phosphorylated, physically associates with Shc, SHP-2, and Cbl, and plays a role in activation of the Ras/Erk signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrate that Epo induces binding of CrkL to the tyrosine-phosphorylated EpoR and SHIP1 in 32D/EpoR-Wt cells overexpressing CrkL. In vitro binding studies showed that the CrkL SH2 domain directly mediates the EpoR binding, which was specifically inhibited by a synthetic phosphopeptide corresponding to the amino acid sequences at Tyr(460) in the cytoplasmic domain of EpoR. The CrkL SH2 domain was also required for tyrosine phosphorylation of CrkL in Epo-stimulated cells. Overexpression of Lyn induced constitutive phosphorylation of CrkL and activation of Erk, whereas that of a Lyn mutant lacking the tyrosine kinase domain attenuated the Epo-induced phosphorylation of CrkL and activation of Erk. Furthermore, Lyn, but not Jak2, phosphorylated CrkL on tyrosine in in vitro kinase assays. Together, the present study suggests that, upon Epo stimulation, CrkL is recruited to the EpoR through interaction between the CrkL SH2 domain and phosphorylated Tyr(460) in the EpoR cytoplasmic domain and undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation by receptor-associated Lyn to activate the downstream signaling pathway leading to the activation of Erk and Elk-1.

DNA damage-induced cell-cycle arrest of hematopoietic cells is overridden by activation of the PI-3 kinase/Akt signaling pathway

Exposure of hematopoietic cells to DNA-damaging agents induces cell-cycle arrest at G1 and G2/M checkpoints. Previously, it was shown that DNA damage-induced growth arrest of hematopoietic cells can be overridden by treatment with cytokine growth factors, such as erythropoietin (EPO) or interleukin-3 (IL-3). Here, the cytokine-activated signaling pathways required to override G1 and G2/M checkpoints induced by gamma-irradiation (gamma-IR) are characterized. Using factor-dependent myeloid cells stably expressing EPO receptor (EPO-R) mutants, it is shown that removal of a minimal domain required for PI-3K signaling abrogated the ability of EPO to override gamma-IR-induced cell-cycle arrest. Similarly, the ability of cytokines to override gamma-IR-induced arrest was abolished by an inhibitor of PI-3K (LY294002) or by overexpression of dominant-negative Akt. Moreover, the ability of EPO to override these checkpoints in cells expressing defective EPO-R mutants could be restored by overexpression of a constitutively active Akt. Thus, activation of a PI-3K/Akt signaling pathway is required for cytokine-dependent suppression of DNA-damage induced checkpoints. Together, these findings suggest a novel role for PI-3K/Akt pathways in the modulation of growth arrest responses to DNA damage in hematopoietic cells. (Blood. 2001;98:834-841)

The Src Homology 2 Domain Containing Inositol 5-Phosphatase SHIP2 Is Recruited to the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Receptor and Dephosphorylates Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-Trisphosphate in EGF-stimulated COS-7 Cells

The lipid phosphatase SHIP2 (Src homology 2 domain containing inositol 5-phosphatase 2) has been shown to be expressed in nonhemopoietic and hemopoietic cells. It has been implicated in signaling events initiated by several extracellular signals, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin. In COS-7 cells, SHIP2 was tyrosine-phosphorylated at least at two separated tyrosine phosphorylation sites in response to EGF. SHIP2 was coimmunoprecipitated with the EGF receptor (EGFR) and also with the adaptor protein Shc. A C-terminal truncated form of SHIP2 that lacks the 366 last amino acids, referred to as tSHIP2, was also precipitated with the EGFR when transfected in COS-7 cells. The Src homology 2 domain of SHIP2 was unable to precipitate the EGFR in EGF-stimulated cells. Moreover, when transfected in COS-7 cells, it could not be detected in immunoprecipitates of the EGFR. When the His-tagged full-length enzyme was expressed in COS-7 cells and stained with anti-His6 monoclonal antibody, a signal was observed at plasma membranes in EGF-stimulated cells that colocalize with the EGFR by double staining. Upon stimulation by EGF, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and protein kinase B activity were decreased in SHIP2-transfected COS-7 cells as compared with the vector alone. SHIP2 appears therefore in a tyrosine-phosphorylated complex with at least two other proteins, the EGFR and Shc.

A common epitope is shared by activated signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) and the phosphorylated erythropoietin receptor: implications for the docking model of STAT activation

Erythropoietin (EPO) specifically activates the Janus kinase JAK2 and the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5). All members of the STAT family are tyrosine phosphorylated in response to cytokine stimulation at a conserved carboxy-terminal tyrosine, Y694, in the case of STAT5. To determine structural features important for STAT signaling, we generated an activation-specific STAT5 antibody using a phosphopeptide containing amino acids 687 to 698 of STAT5 as antigen. This antibody specifically recognizes tyrosine- phosphorylated STAT5 but not nonphosphorylated STAT5. In immunoprecipitation reactions from cell lines and primary erythroblasts, 2 distinct polyclonal activation-specific STAT5 antibodies selectively immunoprecipitate the tyrosine phosphorylated EPO receptor (EPO-R) in addition to STAT5 under native and denaturing conditions. We propose that the activation-specific STAT5 antibody recognizes the 2 substrates to which the STAT5 SH2 domain interacts, namely, the tyrosine- phosphorylated EPO-R and STAT5 itself. Several studies have implicated EPO-R Y343, Y401, Y431, and Y479 in the recruitment of STAT5. Using a series of EPO-R tyrosine mutants expressed in Ba/F3 cells, we have shown that the activation-specific STAT5 antibody immunoprecipitates an EPO-R containing only 2 tyrosines at positions 343 and 401, confirming the importance of these tyrosines in STAT5 recruitment. These data uncover a novel aspect of STAT SH2 domain recognition and demonstrate the utility of activation-specific antibodies for examining the specificity of STAT-cytokine receptor interactions.

A minimal cytoplasmic subdomain of the erythropoietin receptor mediates p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a lineage-restricted growth factor that is required for erythroid proliferation and differentiation. EPO stimulates the phosphorylation and activation of p70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K), which is required for cell cycle progression. Here, the minimal cytoplasmic domains of the EPO receptor (EPO-R) required for p70 S6K activation were determined.Ba/F3 cells were stably transfected with wild-type (WT) EPO-R or EPO-R carboxyl-terminal deletion mutants, designated by the number of amino acids deleted from the cytoplasmic tail (-99, -131, -221). Transfected cells were growth factor deprived and then stimulated with EPO. p70 S6K, JAK2, IRS-2, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation/activation were examined. The ability of transfected 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) to reconstitute p70 S6K phosphorylation in EPO-R mutants also was determined. Phosphorylation and activation of p70 S6K, JAK2, IRS-2, and ERK1/2 in Ba/F3 cells transfected with EPO-R-99 or EPO-R-99Y343F were similar to WT EPO-R. In contrast, EPO-dependent p70 S6K phosphorylation/activation, as well as IRS-2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, were minimal or absent in cells transfected with EPO-R-131 or EPO-R-221. JAK2 phosphorylation was reduced significantly in cells transfected with EPO-R-131 and abolished with EPO-R-221. To examine the role of PDK1, a kinase known to phosphorylate p70 S6K, Ba/F3 EPO-R-131 cells were transiently transfected with PDK1. WT constitutively active PDK1 restored p70 S6K phosphorylation in Ba/F3 EPO-R-131 cells but not in Ba/F3 EPO-R-221 cells. The results demonstrate that a minimal cytoplasmic subdomain of the EPO-R extending between -99 and -131 is required for p70 S6K phosphorylation and activation. The results also demonstrate that PDK1 is a critical component in this signaling pathway, which requires the presence of domains between -131 and -221 for its activation of p70 S6K.

Molecular basis of the recruitment of the SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatases SHIP1 and SHIP2 by fcgamma RIIB

FcgammaRIIB are single-chain low affinity receptors for IgG that negatively regulate immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-dependent cell activation. They bear one immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) that becomes tyrosyl-phosphorylated upon coaggregation of FcgammaRIIB with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-bearing receptors and that recruits SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatases (SHIPs) in vivo. Synthetic FcgammaRIIB ITIM phosphopeptides, however, also bind SH2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatases (SHPs) in vitro. To identify SHIP-binding sites, we exchanged residues between the FcgammaRIIB ITIM and the N-terminal ITIM of a killer cell Ig-like receptor that does not bind SHIPs. Loss of function and gain of function substitutions identified the Y+2 leucine, in the FcgammaRIIB ITIM, as determining the binding of both SHIP1 and SHIP2, but not the binding of SHP-1 or SHP-2. Conversely, the Y-2 isoleucine that determines the in vitro binding of SHP-1 and SHP-2 affected neither the binding nor the recruitment of SHIP1 or SHIP2. One hydrophobic residue, in the ITIM of FcgammaRIIB therefore determines the affinity for SHIPs. This residue is symmetrical to the hydrophobic residue that determines the affinity of all ITIMs for SHPs. It defines a SHIP-binding site, distinct from a SHP-binding site, that enables FcgammaRIIB to recruit SHIP1 and SHIP2 and that is preferentially used in vivo.

p135 src homology 2 domain-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase (SHIPbeta ) isoform can substitute for p145 SHIP in fcgamma RIIB1-mediated inhibitory signaling in B cells

The inositol 5'-phosphatase, SHIP (also referred to as SHIP-1 or SHIPalpha), is expressed in all cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Depending on the cell type being investigated and the state of differentiation, SHIP isoforms of several different molecular masses (170, 160, 145, 135, 125, and 110 kDa) have been seen in immunoblots. However, the function of the individual isoforms and the effect of expressing multiple isoforms simultaneously are not understood. Some of these SHIP isoforms have recently been characterized at the level of primary sequence. In this report, we investigated the function of the recently characterized 135-kDa SHIP isoform (SHIPbeta), which appears to possess the catalytic domain but lacks some of the protein-protein interaction motifs at the C terminus. By reconstituting SHIP-deficient DT40 B cells with either SHIPbeta or the better-characterized p145 SHIPalpha, we addressed the function of SHIPbeta in the complete absence of SHIPalpha. We observed that SHIPbeta had enzymatic activity comparable with SHIPalpha and that SHIPbeta was able to reconstitute F(c)gammaRIIB1-mediated inhibition of B cell receptor-induced signaling events such as calcium flux and Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. SHIPbeta was readily phosphorylated in response to B cell receptor cross-linking with the inhibitory receptor F(c)gammaRIIB1 and SHIPbeta also interacted with the adapter protein Shc. During these studies we also observed that the SHIPalpha or SHIPbeta interaction with Grb2 is not required for F(c)gammaRIIB1-mediated inhibition of calcium flux. These data suggest that SHIPbeta, which is normally expressed in B cells along with SHIPalpha, functions comparably with SHIPalpha and that these two isoforms are not likely to be antagonistic in their function in vivo.