A new member of the protein kinase C family, nPKC theta, predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle

Inhibition of SHP-1 activity by PKC-θ regulates NK cell activation threshold and cytotoxicity

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immunity, killing virally infected and cancerous cells. The balance of signals initiated upon engagement of activating and inhibitory NK receptors with cognate ligands determines killing or tolerance. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms regulating rapid NK cell discrimination between healthy and malignant cells in a heterogeneous tissue environment are incompletely understood. The SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase is the central negative NK cell regulator that dephosphorylates key activating signaling proteins. Though the mechanism by which SHP-1 mediates NK cell inhibition has been partially elucidated, the pathways by which SHP-1 is itself regulated remain unclear. Here, we show that phosphorylation of SHP-1 in NK cells on the S591 residue by PKC-θ promotes the inhibited SHP-1 ‘folded’ state. Silencing PKC-θ maintains SHP-1 in the active conformation, reduces NK cell activation and cytotoxicity, and promotes tumor progression in vivo. This study reveals a molecular pathway that sustains the NK cell activation threshold through suppression of SHP-1 activity.

Distinct mechanisms involving diacylglycerol, ceramides, and inflammation underlie insulin resistance in oxidative and glycolytic muscles from high fat-fed rats

This study investigated whether oxidative and glycolytic rat skeletal muscles respond differently to a high-fat (HF) sucrose-enriched diet with respect to diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramides accumulation, protein kinase C (PKC) activation, glucose metabolism, and the expression of inflammatory genes. HF diet (8 weeks) suppressed insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis and glucose oxidation in soleus (Sol), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and epitrochlearis (Epit) muscles. However, DAG and ceramides levels increased in Sol and EDL, but not in Epit muscles of HF-fed rats. Additionally, membrane-bound PKC-delta and PKC-theta increased in Sol and EDL, whereas in Epit muscles both PKC isoforms were reduced by HF diet. In Epit muscles, HF diet also increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptors (CD40 and FAS), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nuclear factor kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-kB), whereas in Sol and EDL muscles the expression of these inflammatory genes remained unchanged upon HF feeding. In conclusion, HF diet caused DAG and ceramides accumulation, PKC activation, and the induction of inflammatory pathways in a fiber type-specific manner. These findings help explain why oxidative and glycolytic muscles similarly develop insulin resistance, despite major differences in their metabolic characteristics and responsiveness to dietary lipid abundance.

Site-specific phosphorylation regulates the functions of kindlin-3 in a variety of cells

Studies of isolated cells, mice, and humans have demonstrated the vital role of the FERM domain protein kindlin-3 in integrin activation in certain hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, consequent to binding to integrin β-subunits. To explore regulatory mechanisms, we developed a monoclonal antibody that selectively recognizes the phosphorylated form of Ser⁴⁸⁴ (pS⁴⁸⁴) in kindlin-3. Activation of platelets, HEL megakaryocytic-like cells and BT549 breast cancer cells led to enhanced expression of pS⁴⁸⁴ as assessed by immunofluorescence or Western blotting. In platelets, pS⁴⁸⁴ rose rapidly and transiently upon stimulation. When a mutant form of kindlin-3, T⁴⁸²S⁴⁸⁴/AA kindlin-3, was transduced into mouse megakaryocytes, it failed to support activation of integrin α_IIbβ₃, whereas wild-type kindlin-3 did. In MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells, expression of T⁴⁸²S⁴⁸⁴/AA kindlin-3 suppressed cell spreading, migration, invasion, and VEGF production. Wild-type kindlin-3 expressing cells markedly increased tumor growth in vivo, whereas T⁴⁸²S⁴⁸⁴/AA kindlin-3 significantly blunted tumor progression. Thus, our data establish that a unique phosphorylation event in kindlin-3 regulates its cellular functions.

Protein kinase C and cardiac dysfunction: a review

Heart failure (HF) is a physiological state in which cardiac output is insufficient to meet the needs of the body. It is a clinical syndrome characterized by impaired ability of the left ventricle to either fill or eject blood efficiently. HF is a disease of multiple aetiologies leading to progressive cardiac dysfunction and it is the leading cause of deaths in both developed and developing countries. HF is responsible for about 73,000 deaths in the UK each year. In the USA, HF affects 5.8 million people and 550,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Cardiac remodelling (CD), which plays an important role in pathogenesis of HF, is viewed as stress response to an index event such as myocardial ischaemia or imposition of mechanical load leading to a series of structural and functional changes in the viable myocardium. Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes are a family of serine/threonine kinases. PKC is a central enzyme in the regulation of growth, hypertrophy, and mediators of signal transduction pathways. In response to circulating hormones, activation of PKC triggers a multitude of intracellular events influencing multiple physiological processes in the heart, including heart rate, contraction, and relaxation. Recent research implicates PKC activation in the pathophysiology of a number of cardiovascular disease states. Few reports are available that examine PKC in normal and diseased human hearts. This review describes the structure, functions, and distribution of PKCs in the healthy and diseased heart with emphasis on the human heart and, also importantly, their regulation in heart failure.

Disease Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of RNA Toxicity Are Independent of Protein Kinase Cα and Protein Kinase Cβ

Myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) is the prototype for diseases caused by RNA toxicity. RNAs from the mutant allele contain an expanded (CUG)_n tract within the 3' untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The toxic RNAs affect the function of RNA binding proteins leading to sequestration of muscleblind-like (MBNL) proteins and increased levels of CELF1 (CUGBP, Elav-like family member 1). The mechanism for increased CELF1 is not very clear. One favored proposition is hyper-phosphorylation of CELF1 by Protein Kinase C alpha (PKCα) leading to increased CELF1 stability. However, most of the evidence supporting a role for PKC-α relies on pharmacological inhibition of PKC. To further investigate the role of PKCs in the pathogenesis of RNA toxicity, we generated transgenic mice with RNA toxicity that lacked both the PKCα and PKCβ isoforms. We find that these mice show similar disease progression as mice wildtype for the PKC isoforms. Additionally, the expression of CELF1 is also not affected by deficiency of PKCα and PKCβ in these RNA toxicity mice. These data suggest that disease phenotypes of these RNA toxicity mice are independent of PKCα and PKCβ.

The role of individual protein kinase C isoforms in mouse mast cell function and their targeting by the immunomodulatory parasitic worm product, ES-62

ES-62, a glycoprotein secreted by the filarial nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae, has been shown to modulate the immune system through subversion of signal transduction pathways operating in various immune system cells. With respect to human bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), ES-62 was previously shown to inhibit FcϵRI-mediated mast cell functional responses such as degranulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release through a mechanism involving the degradation of PKC-α. At the same time, it was noted that the worm product was able to degrade certain other PKC isoforms but the significance of this was uncertain. In this study, we have employed PKC isoform KO mice to investigate the role of PKC-α, -β -ϵ, and -θ in mouse BMMCs in order to establish their involvement in mast cell-mediated responses and also, if their absence impacts on ES-62's activity. The data obtained support that in response to antigen cross-linking of IgE bound to FcϵRI, pro-inflammatory cytokine release is controlled in part by a partnership between one conventional and one novel isoform with PKC-α and -θ acting as positive regulators of IL-6 and TNF-α production, while PKC-β and ϵ act as negative regulators of such cytokines. Furthermore, ES-62 appears to target certain other PKC isoforms in addition to PKC-α to inhibit cytokine release and this may enable it to more efficiently inhibit mast cell responses.

The Role of PKC-θ in CD4+ T Cells and HIV Infection: To the Nucleus and Back Again

Protein kinase C (PKC)-θ is the only member of the PKC family that has the ability to translocate to the immunological synapse between T cells and antigen-presenting cells upon T cell receptor and MHC-II recognition. PKC-θ interacts functionally and physically with other downstream effector molecules to mediate T cell activation, differentiation, and migration. It plays a critical role in the generation of Th2 and Th17 responses and is less important in Th1 and CTL responses. PKC-θ has been recently shown to play a role in the nucleus, where it mediates inducible gene expression in the development of memory CD4+ T cells. This novel PKC (nPKC) can up-regulate HIV-1 transcription and PKC-θ activators such as Prostratin have been used in early HIV-1 reservoir eradication studies. The exact manner of the activation of virus by these compounds and the role of PKC-θ, particularly its nuclear form and its association with NF-κB in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, needs further precise elucidation especially given the very important role of NF-κB in regulating transcription from the integrated retrovirus. Continued studies of this nPKC isoform will give further insight into the complexity of T cell signaling kinases.

Protein kinase C in cellular transformation: a valid target for therapy?

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine protein kinases share structural homology, while exhibiting substantial functional diversity. PKC isoforms are ubiquitously expressed in tissues which makes it difficult to define roles for individual isoforms, with complexity compounded by the finding that PKC isoforms can co-operate with or antagonize other PKC family members. A number of studies suggest the involvement of PKC family members in regulating leukaemic cell survival and proliferation. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the most common leukaemia in the Western world, exhibits dysregulated expression of PKC isoforms, with recent reports indicating that PKCβ and δ play a critical role in B-cell development, due to their ability to link the B-cell receptor (BCR) with downstream signalling pathways. Given the prognostic significance of the BCR in CLL, inhibition of these BCR/PKC-mediated signalling pathways is of therapeutic relevance. The present review discusses the emerging role of PKC isoforms in the pathophysiology of CLL and assesses approaches that have been undertaken to modulate PKC activity.

Duplicity of protein kinase C-θ: Novel insights into human T-cell biology

We recently reported on a new wrinkle of complexity in how eukaryotic genes are regulated by providing evidence for a hitherto unknown nuclear function of the signaling kinase, Protein Kinase C-theta (PKC-θ). This chromatin-anchored complex positively regulates inducible immune genes and negatively regulates target miRNA genes. These data challenge the traditional view of mammalian signaling kinases and provides new avenues for therapeutic drug design.

Cross-inhibition of NMBR and GRPR signaling maintains normal histaminergic itch transmission

We previously showed that gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in the spinal cord is important for mediating nonhistaminergic itch. Neuromedin B receptor (NMBR), the second member of the mammalian bombesin receptor family, is expressed in a largely nonoverlapping pattern with GRPR in the superficial spinal cord, and its role in itch transmission remains unclear. Here, we report that Nmbr knock-out (KO) mice exhibited normal scratching behavior in response to intradermal injection of pruritogens. However, mice lacking both Nmbr and Grpr (DKO mice) showed significant deficits in histaminergic itch. In contrast, the chloroquine (CQ)-evoked scratching behavior of DKO mice is not further reduced compared with Grpr KO mice. These results suggest that NMBR and GRPR could compensate for the loss of each other to maintain normal histamine-evoked itch, whereas GRPR is exclusively required for CQ-evoked scratching behavior. Interestingly, GRPR activity is enhanced in Nmbr KO mice despite the lack of upregulation of Grpr expression; so is NMBR in Grpr KO mice. We found that NMB acts exclusively through NMBR for itch transmission, whereas GRP can signal through both receptors, albeit to NMBR to a much lesser extent. Although NMBR and NMBR(+) neurons are dispensable for histaminergic itch, GRPR(+) neurons are likely to act downstream of NMBR(+) neurons to integrate NMB-NMBR-encoded histaminergic itch information in normal physiological conditions. Together, we define the respective function of NMBR and GRPR in itch transmission, and reveal an unexpected relationship not only between the two receptors but also between the two populations of interneurons in itch signaling.

Protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) modulates the ClC-1 chloride channel activity and skeletal muscle phenotype: a biophysical and gene expression study in mouse models lacking the PKCθ

In skeletal muscle, the resting chloride conductance (gCl), due to the ClC-1 chloride channel, controls the sarcolemma electrical stability. Indeed, loss-of-function mutations in ClC-1 gene are responsible of myotonia congenita. The ClC-1 channel can be phosphorylated and inactivated by protein kinases C (PKC), but the relative contribution of each PKC isoforms is unknown. Here, we investigated on the role of PKCθ in the regulation of ClC-1 channel expression and activity in fast- and slow-twitch muscles of mouse models lacking PKCθ. Electrophysiological studies showed an increase of gCl in the PKCθ-null mice with respect to wild type. Muscle excitability was reduced accordingly. However, the expression of the ClC-1 channel, evaluated by qRT-PCR, was not modified in PKCθ-null muscles suggesting that PKCθ affects the ClC-1 activity. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that although PKCθ appreciably modulates gCl, other isoforms are still active and concur to this role. The modification of gCl in PKCθ-null muscles has caused adaptation of the expression of phenotype-specific genes, such as calcineurin and myocyte enhancer factor-2, supporting the role of PKCθ also in the settings of muscle phenotype. Importantly, the lack of PKCθ has prevented the aging-related reduction of gCl, suggesting that its modulation may represent a new strategy to contrast the aging process.

Protein Kinase C Inhibitors as Modulators of Vascular Function and their Application in Vascular Disease

Blood pressure (BP) is regulated by multiple neuronal, hormonal, renal and vascular control mechanisms. Changes in signaling mechanisms in the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and extracellular matrix cause alterations in vascular tone and blood vessel remodeling and may lead to persistent increases in vascular resistance and hypertension (HTN). In VSM, activation of surface receptors by vasoconstrictor stimuli causes an increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), which forms a complex with calmodulin, activates myosin light chain (MLC) kinase and leads to MLC phosphorylation, actin-myosin interaction and VSM contraction. Vasoconstrictor agonists could also increase the production of diacylglycerol which activates protein kinase C (PKC). PKC is a family of Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent isozymes that have different distributions in various blood vessels, and undergo translocation from the cytosol to the plasma membrane, cytoskeleton or the nucleus during cell activation. In VSM, PKC translocation to the cell surface may trigger a cascade of biochemical events leading to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and MAPK kinase (MEK), a pathway that ultimately increases the myofilament force sensitivity to [Ca(2+)]i, and enhances actin-myosin interaction and VSM contraction. PKC translocation to the nucleus may induce transactivation of various genes and promote VSM growth and proliferation. PKC could also affect endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) in the extracellular matrix further affecting vascular reactivity and remodeling. In addition to vasoactive factors, reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines and other metabolic factors could affect PKC activity. Increased PKC expression and activity have been observed in vascular disease and in certain forms of experimental and human HTN. Targeting of vascular PKC using PKC inhibitors may function in concert with antioxidants, MMP inhibitors and cytokine antagonists to reduce VSM hyperactivity in certain forms of HTN that do not respond to Ca(2+) channel blockers.

Suppression of protein kinase C theta contributes to enhanced myogenesis in vitro via IRS1 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation

Background

Differentiation and fusion of skeletal muscle myoblasts into multi-nucleated myotubes is required for neonatal development and regeneration in adult skeletal muscle. Herein, we report novel findings that protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) regulates myoblast differentiation via phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 and ERK1/2.

Results

In this study, PKCθ knockdown (PKCθ^shRNA) myotubes had reduced inhibitory insulin receptor substrate-1 ser1095 phosphorylation, enhanced myoblast differentiation and cell fusion, and increased rates of protein synthesis as determined by [³H] phenylalanine incorporation. Phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 ser632/635 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) was increased in PKCθ^shRNA cells, with no change in ERK5 phosphorylation, highlighting a PKCθ-regulated myogenic pathway. Inhibition of PI3-kinase prevented cell differentiation and fusion in control cells, which was attenuated in PKCθ^shRNA cells. Thus, with reduced PKCθ, differentiation and fusion occur in the absence of PI3-kinase activity. Inhibition of the ERK kinase, MEK1/2, impaired differentiation and cell fusion in control cells. Differentiation was preserved in PKCθ^shRNA cells treated with a MEK1/2 inhibitor, although cell fusion was blunted, indicating PKCθ regulates differentiation via IRS1 and ERK1/2, and this occurs independently of MEK1/2 activation.

Conclusion

Cellular signaling regulating the myogenic program and protein synthesis are complex and intertwined. These studies suggest that PKCθ regulates myogenic and protein synthetic signaling via the modulation of IRS1and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Myotubes lacking PKCθ had increased rates of protein synthesis and enhanced myotube development despite reduced activation of the canonical anabolic-signaling pathway. Further investigation of PKCθ regulated signaling may reveal important interactions regulating skeletal muscle health in an insulin resistant state.

The emerging role of protein kinase Cθ in cytoskeletal signaling

Cytoskeletal rearrangements often occur as the result of transduction of signals from the extracellular environment. Efficient awakening of this powerful machinery requires multiple activation and deactivation steps, which usually involve phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of different signaling units by kinases and phosphatases, respectively. In this review, we discuss the signaling characteristics of one of the nPKC isoforms, PKCθ, focusing on PKCθ-mediated signal transduction to cytoskeletal elements, which results in cellular rearrangements critical for cell type-specific responses to stimuli. PKCθ is the major PKC isoform present in hematopoietic and skeletal muscle cells. PKCθ plays roles in T cell signaling through the IS, survival responses in adult T cells, and T cell FasL-mediated apoptosis, all of which involve cytoskeletal rearrangements and relocation of this enzyme. PKCθ has been linked to the regulation of cell migration, lymphoid cell motility, and insulin signaling and resistance in skeletal muscle cells. Additional roles were suggested for PKCθ in mitosis and cell-cycle regulation. Comprehensive understanding of cytoskeletal regulation and the cellular "modus operandi" of PKCθ holds promise for improving current therapeutic applications aimed at autoimmune diseases.

Isozyme-specific interaction of protein kinase Cδ with mitochondria dissected using live cell fluorescence imaging

PKCδ signaling to mitochondria has been implicated in both mitochondrial apoptosis and metabolism. However, the mechanism by which PKCδ interacts with mitochondria is not well understood. Using FRET-based imaging, we show that PKCδ interacts with mitochondria by a novel and isozyme-specific mechanism distinct from its canonical recruitment to other membranes such as the plasma membrane or Golgi. Specifically, we show that PKCδ interacts with mitochondria following stimulation with phorbol esters or, in L6 myocytes, with insulin via a mechanism that requires two steps. In the first step, PKCδ translocates acutely to mitochondria by a mechanism that requires its C1A and C1B domains and a Leu-Asn sequence in its turn motif. In the second step, PKCδ is retained at mitochondria by a mechanism that depends on its C2 domain, a unique Glu residue in its activation loop, intrinsic catalytic activity, and the mitochondrial membrane potential. In contrast, of these determinants, only the C1B domain is required for the phorbol ester-stimulated translocation of PKCδ to other membranes. PKCδ also basally localizes to mitochondria and increases mitochondrial respiration via many of the same determinants that promote its agonist-evoked interaction. PKCδ localized to mitochondria has robust activity, as revealed by a FRET reporter of PKCδ-specific activity (δCKAR). These data support a model in which multiple determinants unique to PKCδ drive a specific interaction with mitochondria that promotes mitochondrial respiration.

PKC-theta-mediated signal delivery from the TCR/CD28 surface receptors

Protein kinase C-theta (PKCθ) is a key enzyme in T lymphocytes, where it plays an important role in signal transduction downstream of the activated T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and the CD28 costimulatory receptor. Interest in PKCθ as a potential drug target has increased following recent findings that PKCθ is essential for harmful inflammatory responses mediated by Th2 (allergies) and Th17 (autoimmunity) cells as well as for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and allograft rejection, but is dispensable for beneficial responses such as antiviral immunity and graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) response. TCR/CD28 engagement triggers the translocation of the cytosolic PKCθ to the plasma membrane (PM), where it localizes at the center of the immunological synapse (IS), which forms at the contact site between an antigen-specific T cell and antigen-presenting cells (APC). However, the molecular basis for this unique localization, and whether it is required for its proper function have remained unresolved issues until recently. Our recent study resolved these questions by demonstrating that the unique V3 (hinge) domain of PKCθ and, more specifically, a proline-rich motif within this domain, is essential and sufficient for its localization at the IS, where it is anchored to the cytoplasmic tail of CD28 via an indirect mechanism involving Lck protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) as an intermediate. Importantly, the association of PKCθ with CD28 is essential not only for IS localization, but also for PKCθ-mediated activation of downstream signaling pathways, including the transcription factors NF-κB and NF-AT, which are essential for productive T cell activation. Hence, interference with formation of the PKCθ-Lck-CD28 complex provides a promising basis for the design of novel, clinically useful allosteric PKCθ inhibitors. An additional recent study demonstrated that TCR triggering activates the germinal center kinase (GSK)-like kinase (GLK) and induces its association with the SLP-76 adaptor at the IS, where GLK phosphorylates the activation loop of PKCθ, converting it into an active enzyme. This recent progress, coupled with the need to study the biology of PKCθ in human T cells, is likely to facilitate the development of PKCθ-based therapeutic modalities for T cell-mediated diseases.

Intervention of PKC-θ as an immunosuppressive regimen

PKC-θ is selectively enriched in T cells and specifically translocates to immunological synapse where it mediates critical T cell receptor signals required for T cell activation, differentiation, and survival. T cells deficient in PKC-θ are defective in their ability to differentiate into inflammatory effector cells that mediate actual immune responses whereas, their differentiation into regulatory T cells (Treg) that inhibits the inflammatory T cells is enhanced. Therefore, the manipulation of PKC-θ activity can shift the ratio between inflammatory effector T cells and inhibitory Tregs, to control T cell-mediated immune responses that are responsible for autoimmunity and allograft rejection. Indeed, PKC-θ-deficient mice are resistant to the development of several Th2 and Th17-dependent autoimmune diseases and are defective in mounting alloimmune responses required for rejection of transplanted allografts and graft-versus-host disease. Selective inhibition of PKC-θ is therefore considered as a potential treatment for prevention of autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection.

PKC-Mediated ZYG1 Phosphorylation Induces Fusion of Myoblasts as well as of Dictyostelium Cells

We have previously demonstrated that a novel protein ZYG1 induces sexual cell fusion (zygote formation) of Dictyostelium cells. In the process of cell fusion, involvements of signal transduction pathways via Ca(2+) and PKC (protein kinase C) have been suggested because zygote formation is greatly enhanced by PKC activators. In fact, there are several deduced sites phosphorylated by PKC in ZYG1 protein. Thereupon, we designed the present work to examine whether or not ZYG1 is actually phosphorylated by PKC and localized at the regions of cell-cell contacts where cell fusion occurs. These were ascertained, suggesting that ZYG1 might be the target protein for PKC. A humanized version of zyg1 cDNA (mzyg1) was introduced into myoblasts to know if ZYG1 is also effective in cell fusion of myoblasts. Quite interestingly, enforced expression of ZYG1 in myoblasts was found to induce markedly their cell fusion, thus strongly suggesting the existence of a common signaling pathway for cell fusion beyond the difference of species.

An active kinase domain is required for retention of PKCθ at the T cell immunological synapse

Protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an essential role in antigen-regulated responses of T lymphocytes. Upon antigen stimulation, PKCθ is rapidly recruited to the immunological synapse (IS), the region of contact between the T cell and antigen-presenting cell. This behavior is unique among T cell PKC isoforms. To define domains of PKCθ required for retention at the IS, we generated deletion and point mutants of PKCθ. We used quantitative imaging analysis to assess IS retention of PKCθ mutants in antigen-stimulated T cell clones. Deletion of the kinase domain or site-directed mutation of a subset of known PKCθ phosphorylation sites abrogated or significantly reduced IS retention, respectively. IS retention did not correlate with phosphorylation of specific PKCθ residues but rather with kinase function. Thus PKCθ catalytic competence is essential for stable IS retention.

PKCθ signaling is required for myoblast fusion by regulating the expression of caveolin-3 and β1D integrin upstream focal adhesion kinase

Using both in vivo and in vitro protein kinase C (PKC) θ mutant models, we found that PKCθ, the PKC isoform predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle, is required for myoblast fusion and myofiber growth, by regulating focal adhesion kinase activity and, in turn, the expression of the pro-fusion genes caveolin-3 and β1D-integrin.

Fusion of mononucleated myoblasts to form multinucleated myofibers is an essential phase of skeletal myogenesis, which occurs during muscle development as well as during postnatal life for muscle growth, turnover, and regeneration. Many cell adhesion proteins, including integrins, have been shown to be important for myoblast fusion in vertebrates, and recently focal adhesion kinase (FAK), has been proposed as a key mediator of myoblast fusion. Here we focused on the possible role of PKCθ, the PKC isoform predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle, in myoblast fusion. We found that the expression of PKCθ is strongly up-regulated following freeze injury–induced muscle regeneration, as well as during in vitro differentiation of satellite cells (SCs; the muscle stem cells). Using both PKCθ knockout and muscle-specific PKCθ dominant-negative mutant mouse models, we observed delayed body and muscle fiber growth during the first weeks of postnatal life, when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. We also found that myofiber formation, during muscle regeneration after freeze injury, was markedly impaired in PKCθ mutant mice, as compared with WT. This phenotype was associated with reduced expression of the myogenic differentiation program executor, myogenin, but not with that of the SC marker Pax7. Indeed in vitro differentiation of primary muscle-derived SCs from PKCθ mutants resulted in the formation of thinner myotubes with reduced numbers of myonuclei and reduced fusion rate, when compared with WT cells. These effects were associated to reduced expression of the profusion genes caveolin-3 and β1D integrin and to reduced activation/phosphorylation of their up-stream regulator FAK. Indeed the exogenous expression of a constitutively active mutant form of PKCθ in muscle cells induced FAK phosphorylation. Moreover pharmacologically mediated full inhibition of FAK activity led to similar fusion defects in both WT and PKCθ-null myoblasts. We thus propose that PKCθ signaling regulates myoblast fusion by regulating, at least in part, FAK activity, essential for profusion gene expression.

Distribution and neurochemical characterization of protein kinase C-theta and -delta in the rodent hypothalamus

PKC-theta (PKC-θ), a member of the novel protein kinase C family (nPKC), regulates a wide variety of functions in the periphery. However, its presence and role in the CNS has remained largely unknown. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of PKC-θ in the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (ARC) and knockdown of PKC-θ from the ARC protected mice from developing diet-induced obesity. Another isoform of the nPKC group, PKC-delta (PKC-δ), is expressed in several non-hypothalamic brain sites including the thalamus and hippocampus. Although PKC-δ has been implicated in regulating hypothalamic glucose homeostasis, its distribution in the hypothalamus has not previously been described. In the current study, we used immunohistochemistry to examine the distribution of PKC-θ and -δ immunoreactivity in rat and mouse hypothalamus. We found PKC-θ immunoreactive neurons in several hypothalamic nuclei including the ARC, lateral hypothalamic area, perifornical area and tuberomammillary nucleus. PKC-δ immunoreactive neurons were found in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Double-label immunohistochemisty in mice expressing green fluorescent protein either with the long form of leptin receptor (LepR-b) or in orexin (ORX) neurons indicated that PKC-θ is highly colocalized in lateral hypothalamic ORX neurons but not in lateral hypothalamic LepR-b neurons. Double-label immunohistochemistry in oxytocin-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein mice or arginine vasopressin-enhanced green fluorescent protein (AVP-EGFP) transgenic rats revealed a high degree of colocalization of PKC-δ within paraventricular and supraoptic oxytocin neurons but not the vasopressinergic neurons. We conclude that PKC-θ and -δ are expressed in different hypothalamic neuronal populations.

Novel antileukemic compound ingenol 3-angelate inhibits T cell apoptosis by activating protein kinase Ctheta

Members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine-threonine kinases are important regulators of immune cell survival. Ingenol 3-angelate (PEP005) activates a broad range of PKC isoforms and induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells by activating the PKC isoform PKCdelta. We show here that, in contrast to its effect on leukemic cells, PEP005 provides a strong survival signal to resting and activated human T cells. The antiapoptotic effect depends upon the activation of PKC. This PKC isoform is expressed in T cells but is absent in myeloid cells. Further studies of the mechanism involved in this process showed that PEP005 inhibited activated CD8(+) T cell apoptosis through the activation of NFkappaB downstream of PKC, leading to increased expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L). Transfection of CD8(+) T cells with dominant-negative PKC diminished the prosurvival effect of PEP005 significantly. Ectopic expression of PKC in the acute myeloid leukemia cell line NB4 turned their response to PEP005 from an increased to decreased rate of apoptosis. Therefore, in contrast to myeloid leukemia cells, PEP005 provides a strong survival signal to T cells, and the expression of functional PKC influences whether PKC activation leads to an anti- or proapoptotic outcome in the cell types tested.

PKC and the control of localized signal dynamics

Networks of signal transducers determine the conversion of environmental cues into cellular actions. Among the main players in these networks are protein kinases, which can acutely and reversibly modify protein functions to influence cellular events. One group of kinases, the protein kinase C (PKC) family, have been increasingly implicated in the organization of signal propagation, particularly in the spatial distribution of signals. Examples of where and how various PKC isoforms direct this tier of signal organization are becoming more evident.

Protein kinase C family: on the crossroads of cell signaling in skin and tumor epithelium

The protein kinase C (PKC) family represents a large group of phospholipid dependent enzymes catalyzing the covalent transfer of phosphate from ATP to serine and threonine residues of proteins. Phosphorylation of the substrate proteins induces a conformational change resulting in modification of their functional properties. The PKC family consists of at least ten members, divided into three subgroups: classical PKCs (alpha, betaI, betaII, gamma), novel PKCs (delta, epsilon, eta, theta), and atypical PKCs (zeta, iota/lambda). The specific cofactor requirements, tissue distribution, and cellular compartmentalization suggest differential functions and fine tuning of specific signaling cascades for each isoform. Thus, specific stimuli can lead to differential responses via isoform specific PKC signaling regulated by their expression, localization, and phosphorylation status in particular biological settings. PKC isoforms are activated by a variety of extracellular signals and, in turn, modify the activities of cellular proteins including receptors, enzymes, cytoskeletal proteins, and transcription factors. Accordingly, the PKC family plays a central role in cellular signal processing. Accumulating data suggest that various PKC isoforms participate in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and death. These findings have enabled identification of abnormalities in PKC isoform function, as they occur in several cancers. Specifically, the initiation of squamous cell carcinoma formation and progression to the malignant phenotype was found to be associated with distinct changes in PKC expression, activation, distribution, and phosphorylation. These studies were recently further extended to transgenic and knockout animals, which allowed a more direct analysis of individual PKC functions. Accordingly, this review is focused on the involvement of PKC in physiology and pathology of the skin.

Protein kinase C theta (PKCtheta): a key player in T cell life and death

Protein kinase C theta (PKCtheta) is a member of the novel, Ca(2+)-independent PKC subfamily, which plays an important and non-redundant role in several aspects of T cell biology. Much progress has been accomplished in understanding the function of PKCtheta in the immune system and its unique translocation to the immunological synapse in Ag-stimulated T lymphocytes. Biochemical and genetic approaches revealed that PKCtheta is required for the activation of mature T cells as well as for their survival. Mutation of the PKCtheta gene leads to impaired receptor-induced stimulation of the transcription factors AP-1, NF-kappaB and NFAT, which results in defective T cell activation, and to aberrant expression of apoptosis-related proteins, resulting in poor T cell survival. Furthermore, PKCtheta-deficient mice display defects in the differentiation of T helper subsets, particularly in Th2- and Th17-mediated inflammatory responses. Therefore, PKCtheta is a critical enzyme that regulates T cell function at multiple stages, and it represents an attractive drug target for allergic and autoimmune diseases.

Spatiotemporal analysis of the molecular interaction between PICK1 and PKC

PICK1 is a protein which was initially identified as a protein kinase Calpha (alphaPKC) binding protein using the yeast two-hybrid system. In addition to alphaPKC, the PICK1 complex binds to and regulates various transmembrane proteins including receptors and transporters. However, it has not been clarified when and where PICK1 binds to alphaPKC. We examined the spatio-temporal interaction of PICK1 and PKC using live imaging techniques and showed that the activated alphaPKC binds to PICK1 and transports it to the plasma membrane. Although the membrane translocation of PICK1 requires the activation of alphaPKC, PICK1 is retained on the membrane even after PKC moves back to the cytosol. These results suggest that the interaction between alphaPKC and PICK1 is transient and may not be necessary for the regulation of receptors/transporters by PICK1 or by alphaPKC on the membrane.

Functional characterization of APOBEC-1 complementation factor phosphorylation sites

ApoB mRNA editing involves site-specific deamination of cytidine 6666 producing an in-frame translation stop codon. Editing minimally requires APOBEC-1 and APOBEC-1 complementation factor (ACF). Metabolic stimulation of apoB mRNA editing in hepatocytes is associated with serine phosphorylation of ACF localized to editing competent, nuclear 27S editosomes. We demonstrate that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) stimulated editing and enhanced ACF phosphorylation in rat primary hepatocytes. Conversely, activation of protein kinase A (PKA) had no effect on editing. Recombinant PKC efficiently phosphorylated purified ACF64 protein in vitro, whereas PKA did not. Mutagenesis of predicted PKC phosphorylation sites S154 and S368 to alanine inhibited ethanol-stimulated induction of editing suggesting that these sites function in the metabolic regulation of editing. Consistent with this interpretation, substitution of S154 and S368 with aspartic acid stimulated editing to levels comparable to ethanol treatment in control McArdle RH7777 cells. These data suggest that phosphorylation of ACF by PKC may be a key regulatory mechanism of apoB mRNA editing in rat hepatocytes.

Specific protein kinase C isoforms as transducers and modulators of insulin signaling

Recent studies implicate specific PKC isoforms in the insulin-signaling cascade. Insulin activates PKCs alpha, betaII, delta and zeta in several cell types. In addition, as will be documented in this review, certain members of the PKC family may also be activated and act upstream of PI3 and MAP kinases. Each of these isoforms has been shown one way or another either to mimic or to modify insulin-stimulated effects in one or all of the insulin-responsive tissues. Moreover, each of the isoforms has been shown to be activated by insulin stimulation or conditions important for effective insulin stimulation. Studies attempting to demonstrate a definitive role for any of the isoforms have been performed on different cells, ranging from appropriate model systems for skeletal muscle, liver and fat, such as primary cultures, and cell lines and even in vivo studies, including transgenic mice with selective deletion of specific PKC isoforms. In addition, studies have been done on certain expression systems such as CHO or HEK293 cells, which are far removed from the tissues themselves and serve mainly as vessels for potential protein-protein interactions. Thus, a clear picture for many of the isoforms remains elusive in spite of over two decades of intensive research. The recent intrusion of transgenic and precise molecular biology technologies into the research armamentarium has opened a wide range of additional possibilities for direct involvement of individual isoforms in the insulin signaling cascade. As we hope to discuss within the context of this review, whereas many of the long sought-after answers to specific questions are not yet clear, major advances have been made in our understanding of precise roles for individual PKC isoforms in mediation of insulin effects. In this review, in which we shall focus our attention on isoforms in the conventional and novel categories, a clear case will be made to show that these isoforms are not only expressed but are importantly involved in regulation of insulin metabolic effects.

Developing skeletal muscle cells express functional muscarinic acetylcholine receptors coupled to different intracellular signaling systems

This study analyzed the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the rat cultured skeletal muscle cells and their coupling to G protein, phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase (AC). Our results showed the presence of a homogeneous population of [(3)H]methyl-quinuclidinyl benzilate-binding sites in the membrane fraction from the rat cultured muscle (K(D) = 0.4 nM, B(max) = 8.9 fmol mg protein(-1)). Specific muscarinic binding sites were also detected in denervated diaphragm muscles from adult rats and in myoblasts isolated from newborn rats. Activation of mAChRs with carbachol induced specific [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to cultured muscle membranes and potentiated the forskolin-dependent stimulation of AC. These effects were totally inhibited by 0.1-1 microM atropine. In addition, mAChRs were able to stimulate generation of diacylglycerol (DAG) in response to acetylcholine, carbachol or selective mAChR agonist oxotremorine-M. The carbachol-dependent increase in DAG was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by mAChR antagonists atropine, pirenzepine and 4-DAMP mustard. Finally, activation of these receptors was correlated with increased synthesis of acetylcholinesterase, via a PKC-dependent pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that expression of mAChRs, coupled to G protein and distinct intracellular signaling systems, is a characteristic of noninnervated skeletal muscle cells and may be responsible for trophic influences of acetylcholine during formation of the neuromuscular synapse.

Lipid raft targeting of hematopoietic protein tyrosine phosphatase by protein kinase C theta-mediated phosphorylation

Protein kinase C theta (PKC theta) is unique among PKC isozymes in its translocation to the center of the immune synapse in T cells and its unique downstream signaling. Here we show that the hematopoietic protein tyrosine phosphatase (HePTP) also accumulates in the immune synapse in a PKC theta-dependent manner upon antigen recognition by T cells and is phosphorylated by PKC theta at Ser-225, which is required for lipid raft translocation. Immune synapse translocation was completely absent in antigen-specific T cells from PKC theta-/- mice. In intact T cells, HePTP-S225A enhanced T-cell receptor (TCR)-induced NFAT/AP-1 transactivation, while the acidic substitution mutant was as efficient as wild-type HePTP. We conclude that HePTP is phosphorylated in the immune synapse by PKC theta and thereby targeted to lipid rafts to temper TCR signaling. This represents a novel mechanism for the active immune synapse recruitment and activation of a phosphatase in TCR signaling.

Protein kinase Calpha is a calpain target in cultured embryonic muscle cells

Previously we isolated a micro-calpain/PKCalpha complex from skeletal muscle which suggested tight interactions between the Ca2+-dependent protease and the kinase in this tissue. Our previous studies also underlined the involvement of ubiquitous calpains in muscular fusion and differentiation. In order to precise the relationships between PKCalpha and ubiquitous calpains in muscle cells, the expression of these two enzymes was first examined during myogenesis of embryonic myoblasts in culture. Our results show that calpains and PKCalpha are both present in myotubes and essentially localized in the cytosolic compartment. Moreover, calpains were mainly present after 40 h of cell differentiation concomitantly with a depletion of PKCalpha content in the particulate fraction and the appearance of PKMalpha fragment. These results suggest a possible calpain dependent down-regulation process of PKCalpha in our model at the time of intense fusion. In our experimental conditions phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induced a rapid depletion of PKCalpha in the cytosolic fraction and its translocation toward the particulate fraction. Long term exposure of myotubes in the presence of PMA induced down-regulation of PKCalpha, this process being partially blocked by calpain inhibitors (CS peptide and inhibitor II) and antisense oligonucleotides for the two major ubiquitous calpain isoforms (m- and micro-calpains). Taken together, our findings argue for an involvement of calpains in the differentiation of embryonic myoblasts by limited proteolytic cleavage of PKCalpha.

Opposing cardioprotective actions and parallel hypertrophic effects of delta PKC and epsilon PKC

Conflicting roles for protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes in cardiac disease have been reported. Here, deltaPKC-selective activator and inhibitor peptides were designed rationally, based on molecular modeling and structural homology analyses. Together with previously identified activator and inhibitor peptides of epsilonPKC, deltaPKC peptides were used to identify cardiac functions of these isozymes. In isolated cardiomyocytes, perfused hearts, and transgenic mice, deltaPKC and epsilonPKC had opposing actions on protection from ischemia-induced damage. Specifically, activation of epsilonPKC caused cardioprotection whereas activation of deltaPKC increased damage induced by ischemia in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, deltaPKC and epsilonPKC caused identical nonpathological cardiac hypertrophy; activation of either isozyme caused nonpathological hypertrophy of the heart. These results demonstrate that two related PKC isozymes have both parallel and opposing effects in the heart, indicating the danger in the use of therapeutics with nonselective isozyme inhibitors and activators. Moreover, reduction in cardiac damage caused by ischemia by perfusion of selective regulator peptides of PKC through the coronary arteries constitutes a major step toward developing a therapeutic agent for acute cardiac ischemia.

Subtype-specific translocation of the delta subtype of protein kinase C and its activation by tyrosine phosphorylation induced by ceramide in HeLa cells

We investigated the functional roles of ceramide, an intracellular lipid mediator, in cell signaling pathways by monitoring the intracellular movement of protein kinase C (PKC) subtypes fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) in HeLa living cells. C(2)-ceramide but not C(2)-dihydroceramide induced translocation of delta PKC-GFP to the Golgi complex, while alpha PKC- and zeta PKC-GFP did not respond to ceramide. The Golgi-associated delta PKC-GFP induced by ceramide was further translocated to the plasma membrane by phorbol ester treatment. Ceramide itself accumulated to the Golgi complex where delta PKC was translocated by ceramide. Gamma interferon also induced the delta PKC-specific translocation from the cytoplasm to the Golgi complex via the activation of Janus kinase and Mg(2+)-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase. Photobleaching studies showed that ceramide does not evoke tight binding of delta PKC-GFP to the Golgi complex but induces the continuous association and dissociation of delta PKC with the Golgi complex. Ceramide inhibited the kinase activity of delta PKC-GFP in the presence of phosphatidylserine and diolein in vitro, while the kinase activity of delta PKC-GFP immunoprecipitated from ceramide-treated cells was increased. The immunoprecipitated delta PKC-GFP was tyrosine phosphorylated after ceramide treatment. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor abolished the ceramide-induced activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of delta PKC-GFP. These results suggested that gamma interferon stimulation followed by ceramide generation through Mg(2+)-dependent sphingomyelinase induced delta PKC-specific translocation to the Golgi complex and that translocation results in delta PKC activation through tyrosine phosphorylation of the enzyme.

A role for the beta isoform of protein kinase C in fear conditioning

The protein kinase C family of enzymes has been implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory in a wide range of animal species, but to date little information has been available concerning specific roles for individual isoforms of this category of kinases. To investigate the role of the beta isoform of PKC in mammalian learning, we characterized mice deficient in the PKC beta gene using anatomical, biochemical, physiological, and behavioral approaches. In our studies we observed that PKC beta was predominantly expressed in the neocortex, in area CA1 of the hippocampus, and in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala. Mice deficient in PKC beta showed normal brain anatomy and normal hippocampal synaptic transmission, paired pulse facilitation, and long-term potentiation and normal sensory and motor responses. The PKC beta knock-out animals exhibited a loss of learning, however; they suffered deficits in both cued and contextual fear conditioning. The PKC expression pattern and behavioral phenotype in the PKC beta knock-out animals indicate a critical role for the beta isoform of PKC in learning-related signal transduction mechanisms, potentially in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala.

NF-kappa B activation induced by T cell receptor/CD28 costimulation is mediated by protein kinase C-theta

Protein kinase C-theta (PKCtheta) is a Ca(2+)-independent member of the PKC family that is selectively expressed in skeletal muscle and T lymphocytes and plays an important role in T cell activation. However, the molecular basis for the important functions of PKCtheta in T cells and the manner in which it becomes coupled to the T cell receptor-signaling machinery are unknown. We addressed the functional relationship between PKCtheta and CD28 costimulation, which plays an essential role in T cell receptor-mediated IL-2 production. Here, we provide evidence that PKCtheta is functionally coupled to CD28 costimulation by virtue of its selective ability to activate the CD28RE/activator protein-1 (AP-1) element in the IL-2 gene promoter. First, CD28 costimulation enhanced the membrane translocation and catalytic activation of PKCtheta. Second, among several PKC isoforms, PKCtheta was the only one capable of activating NF-kappaB or CD28RE/AP-1 reporters in T cells (but not in 293T cells). Third, wild-type PKCtheta synergized with CD28/CD3 signals to activate CD28RE/AP-1. In addition, PKCtheta selectively synergized with Tat to activate a CD28RE/AP-1 reporter. Fourth, CD3/CD28-induced CD28RE/AP-1 activation and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation were blocked by a selective PKCtheta inhibitor. Last, PKCtheta-mediated activation of the same reporter was inhibited by the proteasome inhibitor MG132 (which blocks IkappaB degradation) and was found to involve IkappaB-kinase beta. These findings identify a unique PKCtheta-mediated pathway for the costimulatory action of CD28, which involves activation of the IkappaB-kinase beta/IkappaB/NF-kappaB-signaling cascade.

NF- B activation induced by T cell receptor/CD28 costimulation is mediated by protein kinase C-

Protein kinase C-theta (PKCtheta) is a Ca(2+)-independent member of the PKC family that is selectively expressed in skeletal muscle and T lymphocytes and plays an important role in T cell activation. However, the molecular basis for the important functions of PKCtheta in T cells and the manner in which it becomes coupled to the T cell receptor-signaling machinery are unknown. We addressed the functional relationship between PKCtheta and CD28 costimulation, which plays an essential role in T cell receptor-mediated IL-2 production. Here, we provide evidence that PKCtheta is functionally coupled to CD28 costimulation by virtue of its selective ability to activate the CD28RE/activator protein-1 (AP-1) element in the IL-2 gene promoter. First, CD28 costimulation enhanced the membrane translocation and catalytic activation of PKCtheta. Second, among several PKC isoforms, PKCtheta was the only one capable of activating NF-kappaB or CD28RE/AP-1 reporters in T cells (but not in 293T cells). Third, wild-type PKCtheta synergized with CD28/CD3 signals to activate CD28RE/AP-1. In addition, PKCtheta selectively synergized with Tat to activate a CD28RE/AP-1 reporter. Fourth, CD3/CD28-induced CD28RE/AP-1 activation and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation were blocked by a selective PKCtheta inhibitor. Last, PKCtheta-mediated activation of the same reporter was inhibited by the proteasome inhibitor MG132 (which blocks IkappaB degradation) and was found to involve IkappaB-kinase beta. These findings identify a unique PKCtheta-mediated pathway for the costimulatory action of CD28, which involves activation of the IkappaB-kinase beta/IkappaB/NF-kappaB-signaling cascade.

Functional interaction between RAFT1/FRAP/mTOR and protein kinase cdelta in the regulation of cap-dependent initiation of translation

Hormones and growth factors induce protein translation in part by phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). The rapamycin and FK506-binding protein (FKBP)-target 1 (RAFT1, also known as FRAP) is a mammalian homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae target of rapamycin proteins (mTOR) that regulates 4E-BP1. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in growth factor-initiated phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) associates with RAFT1 and that PKCdelta is required for the phosphorylation and inactivation of 4E-BP1. PKCdelta-mediated phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 is wortmannin resistant but rapamycin sensitive. As shown for serum, phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 by PKCdelta inhibits the interaction between 4E-BP1 and eIF4E and stimulates cap-dependent translation. Moreover, a dominant-negative mutant of PKCdelta inhibits serum-induced phosphorylation of 4E-BP1. These findings demonstrate that PKCdelta associates with RAFT1 and thereby regulates phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and cap-dependent initiation of protein translation.

Protein kinase C isoforms in pituitary cells displaying differential sensitivity to phorbol ester

Investigations with protein kinase C (PKC) isoform-specific antisera, revealed distinct profiles of PKC isoform content amongst pituitary tissues. Western analysis revealed the alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, zeta and theta isoforms of PKC are present in rat anterior and posterior pituitary tissue as well as in the GH3 somatomammotrophic cell line. AtT-20/D16-V corticotrophic and alphaT3-1 gonadotrophic murine cell lines contained no PKC-delta. The gamma or eta isoforms were undetected in any pituitary tissue. PKC activity measurements revealed Ca2+-independent PKCs in alphaT3-1 and GH3 cells which were more sensitive to activation by phorbol-dibutyrate (PDBu) than the corresponding PKC activity found in COS cells. However, Ca2+-dependent PKC activities were of similar sensitivity to PDBu in GH5, alphaT3-1 and COS cells, indicating that functional differences observed in PDBu-sensitivity in these cells may be due to differential activation of Ca2+-independent PKC isoforms. Moreover, substrate-specificity of these PKCs were also compared indicating that the amount of Ca2+-dependency of the observed PKC activity from the same pituitary tissue is dependent upon the substrate utilized by the PKC isotypes present. These findings explain differential sensitivities of PKC-mediated actions that have previously been observed in a range of pituitary cells.

Phorbol ester-induced G1 arrest in BALB/MK-2 mouse keratinocytes is mediated by delta and eta isoforms of protein kinase C

We investigated the possible negative regulation of the cell cycle by protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in synchronously grown BALB/MK-2 mouse keratinocytes, in which PKC isoforms were overexpressed by using the adenovirus vector Ax. Cells at the G1/S boundary of the cell cycle were the most sensitive to the inhibitory effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a PKC agonist, resulting in G1 arrest. TPA-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis was augmented by overexpression of the eta and delta isoforms, but rescued by the dominant-negative and antisense eta isoforms. In contrast, the alpha and zeta isoforms showed no effect on DNA synthesis with or without TPA treatment. Immunoblotting indicated cell cycle-dependent expression of the eta isoform, being highest in cells at the G1/S boundary. The present study provides evidence that the eta and delta isoforms of PKC are involved in negative regulation of cell cycle at the G1/S boundary in mouse keratinocytes.

Distinct effects of fatty acids on translocation of gamma- and epsilon-subspecies of protein kinase C

Effects of fatty acids on translocation of the gamma- and epsilon-subspecies of protein kinase C (PKC) in living cells were investigated using their proteins fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP). gamma-PKC-GFP and epsilon-PKC-GFP predominated in the cytoplasm, but only a small amount of gamma-PKC-GFP was found in the nucleus. Except at a high concentration of linoleic acid, all the fatty acids examined induced the translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane within 30 s with a return to the cytoplasm in 3 min, but they had no effect on gamma-PKC-GFP in the nucleus. Arachidonic and linoleic acids induced slow translocation of epsilon-PKC-GFP from the cytoplasm to the perinuclear region, whereas the other fatty acids (except for palmitic acid) induced rapid translocation to the plasma membrane. The target site of the slower translocation of epsilon-PKC-GFP by arachidonic acid was identified as the Golgi network. The critical concentration of fatty acid that induced translocation varied among the 11 fatty acids tested. In general, a higher concentration was required to induce the translocation of epsilon-PKC-GFP than that of gamma-PKC-GFP, the exceptions being tridecanoic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid. Furthermore, arachidonic acid and the diacylglycerol analogue (DiC8) had synergistic effects on the translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP. Simultaneous application of arachidonic acid (25 MicroM) and DiC8 (10 microM) elicited a slow, irreversible translocation of gamma-PKC- GFP from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane after rapid, reversible translocation, but a single application of arachidonic acid or DiC8 at the same concentration induced no translocation. These findings confirm the involvement of fatty acids in the translocation of gamma- and epsilon-PKC, and they also indicate that each subspecies has a specific targeting mechanism that depends on the extracellular signals and that a combination of intracellular activators alters the target site of PKCs.

An atypical PKC directly associates and colocalizes at the epithelial tight junction with ASIP, a mammalian homologue of Caenorhabditis elegans polarity protein PAR-3

Cell polarity is fundamental to differentiation and function of most cells. Studies in mammalian epithelial cells have revealed that the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity depends upon cell adhesion, signaling networks, the cytoskeleton, and protein transport. Atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isotypes PKCzeta and PKClambda have been implicated in signaling through lipid metabolites including phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphates, but their physiological role remains elusive. In the present study we report the identification of a protein, ASIP (atypical PKC isotype-specific interacting protein), that binds to aPKCs, and show that it colocalizes with PKClambda to the cell junctional complex in cultured epithelial MDCKII cells and rat intestinal epithelia. In addition, immunoelectron microscopy revealed that ASIP localizes to tight junctions in intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, ASIP shows significant sequence similarity to Caenorhabditis elegans PAR-3. PAR-3 protein is localized to the anterior periphery of the one-cell embryo, and is required for the establishment of cell polarity in early embryos. ASIP and PAR-3 share three PDZ domains, and can both bind to aPKCs. Taken together, our results suggest a role for a protein complex containing ASIP and aPKC in the establishment and/or maintenance of epithelial cell polarity. The evolutionary conservation of the protein complex and its asymmetric distribution in polarized cells from worm embryo to mammalian-differentiated cells may mean that the complex functions generally in the organization of cellular asymmetry.

Induction of differentiation in normal human keratinocytes by adenovirus-mediated introduction of the eta and delta isoforms of protein kinase C

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a crucial role(s) in regulation of growth and differentiation of cells. In the present study, we examined possible roles of the alpha, delta, eta, and zeta isoforms of PKC in squamous differentiation by overexpressing these genes in normal human keratinocytes. Because of the difficulty of introducing foreign genes into keratinocytes, we used an adenovirus vector system, Ax, which allows expression of these genes at a high level in almost all the cells infected for at least 72 h. Increased kinase activity was demonstrated in the cells overexpressing the alpha, delta, and eta isoforms. Overexpression of the eta isoform inhibited the growth of keratinocytes of humans and mice in a dose (multiplicity of infection [MOI])-dependent manner, leading to G1 arrest. The eta-overexpressing cells became enlarged and flattened, showing squamous cell phenotypes. Expression and activity of transglutaminase 1, a key enzyme of squamous cell differentiation, were induced in the eta-overexpressing cells in dose (MOI)- and time-dependent manners. The inhibition of growth and the induction of transglutaminase 1 activity were found only in the cells that express the eta isoform endogenously, i.e., in human and mouse keratinocytes but not in human and mouse fibroblasts or COS1 cells. A dominant-negative eta isoform counteracted the induction of transglutaminase 1 by differentiation inducers such as a phorbol ester, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and a high concentration of Ca2+. Among the isoforms examined, the delta isoform also inhibited the growth of keratinocytes and induced transglutaminase 1, but the alpha and zeta isoforms did not. These findings indicate that the eta and delta isoforms of PKC are involved crucially in squamous cell differentiation.

The extended protein kinase C superfamily

Members of the mammalian protein kinase C (PKC) superfamily play key regulatory roles in a multitude of cellular processes, ranging from control of fundamental cell autonomous activities, such as proliferation, to more organismal functions, such as memory. However, understanding of mammalian PKC signalling systems is complicated by the large number of family members. Significant progress has been made through studies based on comparative analysis, which have defined a number of regulatory elements in PKCs which confer specific location and activation signals to each isotype. Further studies on simple organisms have shown that PKC signalling paradigms are conserved through evolution from yeast to humans, underscoring the importance of this family in cellular signalling and giving novel insights into PKC function in complex mammalian systems.

Activated protein kinase C alpha associates with annexin VI from skeletal muscle

We have previously detected a number of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha-binding proteins in skeletal muscle cytosol by blot overlay assay, and now identify the major, 69 kDa binding protein as annexin VI by immunoblotting and overlay assay of hydroxyapatite chromatography fractions. Annexin VI was also detected in immunoprecipitates of PKC alpha. Annexin VI and PKC alpha are both calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins, and detection of the interaction was dependent on the presence of calcium and phosphatidylserine (PS). The association probably involves specific protein-protein interactions rather than mere bridging by lipid molecules: firstly, detection of PKC alpha-annexin VI complexes by overlay assay was not diminished when PS concentrations were increased over a 10-fold range, while that of other PKC alpha-binding protein complexes was reduced or abolished; secondly, the presence in the overlay assay of a PKC pseudosubstrate peptide, analogous to a PKC sequence previously found to be involved in PKC binding activity, reduced complex formation; thirdly, we were also able to detect annexin VI interaction with PKC beta by overlay of skeletal muscle cytosol, but not with PKC theta, the major novel PKC in this tissue, suggesting sequences specific to calcium-dependent PKC isoenzymes are involved. While other annexin isoforms may be PKC substrates or inhibitors, annexin VI phosphorylation by PKC alpha could not be detected after co-purification, while phosphorylation of subsequently-added histone IIIS was readily observed. Annexin VI is a major skeletal muscle protein and our data are consistent with a role for this isoform in the control of calcium-dependent PKC.

Proteolysis activated protein kinase in Dictyostelium discoideum

In the search for MBP phosphorylating activities in Dictyostelium discoideum, we have found a proteolysis-activated protein kinase. This activity which is distributed between the soluble and the particulate fractions of the cell, uses MBP and histone as substrate and has a molecular mass of 140 kDa as detected in an 'in situ' assay. This protein kinase has several features shared by the protein kinase C family, such as substrate specificity and sensitivity to proteolysis, but its molecular mass is much larger than that described for the known protein kinase C isoforms. To better characterize this activity we have studied its sensitivity to several protein kinase C inhibitors and activators. This protein kinase is activated neither by phorbol ester nor by phosphatidylserine or Ca2+. The activity is inhibited by staurosporine and PKC zeta pseudosubstrate, but is not affected by the specific protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide. These data lead us to propose that proteolytically activated Dictyostelium protein kinase belongs to the recently described protein kinase C-related family.

Dynamic equilibrium between calcineurin and kinase activities regulates the phosphorylation state and localization of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells

The nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATp) is a phosphorylated transcription factor that resides in the cytoplasm of unactivated T-cells. T-cell activation results in the activation of the phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which leads to the dephosphorylation and subsequent nuclear localization of NFATp. We have investigated the role of kinases in the phosphorylation state and subcellular localization of NFATp. The phosphorylation state and nuclear/cytoplasmic location of NFATp were determined in unstimulated murine HT-2 cells treated with a panel of kinase inhibitors. Two of the seven kinase inhibitors, staurosporine (St) and bisindolylmaleimide I (BI), resulted in the dephosphorylation and nuclear localization of NFATp. These St-induced effects were inhibited by pretreatment with FK506, indicating that CaN activity was required for the observed effects on NFATp. Treatment of cells with ionomycin resulted in NFATp dephosphorylation and nuclear localization. Removal of ionomycin from the cells resulted in the reappearance of phosphorylated NFATp in the cytosol. St and BI also inhibited the re-accumulation of NFATp in the cytoplasm and its re-phosphorylation after ionomycin removal. The re-accumulation of NFATp in the cytosol after ionomycin withdrawal was shown to be energy- and temperature-dependent. Taken together, these results suggest that in unstimulated cells NFATp is actively maintained in the cytoplasm by kinases acting in opposition to basal CaN activity.

Protein kinase C in cultured human placental trophoblasts: identification of isoforms and role in cAMP signalling

The protein kinase C (PKC) superfamily is a family of serine/threonine kinases involved in the regulation of many cell functions. The objective of the present work was to identify the PKC isoenzymes present in human placental trophoblasts and to compare their relative responses to acute and chronic phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment. In addition, the effect of PMA treatment on ligand-stimulated cAMP production was determined. In total extracts prepared from cultured or freshly purified trophoblasts, PKC isoforms alpha, epsilon and zeta were detected. Following acute treatment with PMA, PKC alpha and PKC epsilon were translocated from the cytosol to the particulate fraction. Prolonged treatment (up to 36 h) with PMA resulted in the temporal down-regulation of PKC alpha and PKC epsilon. PKC zeta did not respond to either acute or chronic treatment with PMA. An acute 10 min treatment of the cells with PMA (10(-10)-10(-6) M) enhanced isoprenaline- and adrenaline-stimulated cAMP production. An enhanced response was observed at all concentrations of isoprenaline tested (10(-9)-10(-4) M), suggesting an increased capacity to respond. The acute PMA effect was evident within 2 min and near maximal by 5 min. The acute response to PMA was lost in cells where PKC was down-regulated by prior PMA treatment. Epidermal growth factor, a potential ligand for the activation of PKC in trophoblasts, enhanced isoprenaline-stimulated cAMP production. In summary, activation of PMA-responsive PKCs (PKC alpha or PKC epsilon) appears to enhance ligand-stimulated cAMP production in trophoblasts. This may be a physiologically important example of 'cross-talk' between various signalling pathways in human placental trophoblasts.

Neural influence on protein kinase C isoform expression in skeletal muscle

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of enzymes involved in synapse formation and signal transduction at the neuromuscular junction. Two PKC isoforms, classical PKC alpha and novel PKC theta, have been shown to be enriched in skeletal muscle or localized to the endplate. We examined the role of nerve in regulating the expression of these PKC isoforms in rat skeletal muscle by denervating diaphragm muscle and measuring PKC protein expression at various postoperative times. nPKC theta protein levels decreased 65% after denervation, whereas cPKC alpha levels increased 80% compared with control hemidiaphragms. These results suggest that innervation regulates PKC theta and alpha isoform expression in skeletal muscle. To explore further how nerve regulates PKC expression, we characterized PKC isoform expression in rat myotubes deprived of neural input. Myoblast expression of nPKC theta was low, and the increase in nPKC theta expression that occurred during differentiation into myotubes resulted in levels of nPKC theta significantly below adult skeletal muscle. cPKC alpha expression in myoblastic increased during differentiation to levels that exceeded expression in adult skeletal muscle. Coculturing myotubes within neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid clonal cell line (NG108-15) increased nPKC theta expression, but not cPKC alpha, suggesting that nPKC theta in skeletal muscle and myotubes is regulated by nerve contact or by a factor(s) provided by nerve. Treating myotubes with tetrodotoxin did not affect either basal- or NG108-15 cell-stimulated nPKC theta expression. Together these results suggest that expression of nPKC theta in skeletal muscle is regulated by a transynaptic interaction with nerve that specifically influences nPKC theta expression.

Characterization of two forms of protein kinase C alpha, with different substrate specificities, from skeletal muscle

We have investigated protein kinase C (PKC) in skeletal muscle cytosol and demonstrated the presence of two major activities. These did not correspond to different PKC isoenzymes but seemed to represent two species of PKC alpha as deduced by: elution during hydroxyapatite chromatography at KH2PO4 concentrations expected of PKC alpha; detection of the two species by three specific but unrelated anti-(PKC alpha) antibodies; immunodepletion of both activities with anti-(PKC alpha) antibody; and demonstration of identical requirements of both Ca2+ ions and lipid for activation. These species, termed PKC alpha 1 and PKC alpha 2, phosphorylated the modified conventional PKC pseudosubstrate peptide (19-31, Ser-25) equally well. Importantly, however, the activities differed in that PKC alpha 1 phosphorylated histone IIIS, and also peptides derived from the EGF receptor and glycogen synthase, to a much greater extent than did PKC alpha 2. Similarly, incubation of crude muscle extracts with either PKC alpha 1 or alpha 2 gave rise to different protein phosphorylation patterns. The involvement of proteolysis, dephosphorylation or oxidative modification in the interconversion of PKC alpha 1 and PKC alpha 2 during preparation was ruled out. Although some PKC-binding proteins were detected in overlay assays, their presence did not explain the anomalous PKC alpha 2 activity. The results suggest that a modification of PKC alpha in situ limits its substrate specificity, and indicate an additional level of control of the kinase that may be a site for modulation of PKC-mediated signal transduction.

Direct interaction between protein kinase C theta (PKC theta) and 14-3-3 tau in T cells: 14-3-3 overexpression results in inhibition of PKC theta translocation and function

Recent studies have documented direct interactions between 14-3-3 proteins and several oncogene and proto-oncogene products involved in signal transduction pathways. Studies on the effects of 14-3-3 proteins on protein kinase C (PKC) activity in vitro have reported conflicting results, and previous attempts to demonstrate a direct association between PKC and 14-3-3 were unsuccessful. Here, we examined potential physical and functional interactions between PKC theta, a Ca(2+)-independent PKC enzyme which is expressed selectively in T lymphocytes, and the 14-3-3 tau isoform in vitro and in intact T cells. PKC theta and 14-3-3 tau coimmunoprecipitated from Jurkat T cells, and recombinant 14-3-3 tau interacted directly with purified PKC theta in vitro. Transient overexpression of 14-3-3 tau suppressed stimulation of the interleukin 2 (IL-2) promoter mediated by cotransfected wild-type or constitutively active PKC theta, as well as by endogenous PKC in ionomycin- and/or phorbol ester-stimulated cells. This did not represent a general inhibition of activation events, since PKC-independent (but Ca(2+)-dependent) activation of an IL-4 promoter element was not inhibited by 14-3-3 tau under similar conditions. Overexpression of wild-type 14-3-3 tau also inhibited phorbol ester-induced PKC theta translocation from the cytosol to the membrane in Jurkat cells, while a membrane-targeted form of 14-3-3 tau caused increased localization of PKC theta in the particulate fraction in unstimulated cells. Membrane-targeted 14-3-3 tau was more effective than wild-type 14-3-3 tau in suppressing PKC theta-dependent IL-2 promoter activity, suggesting that 14-3-3 tau inhibits the function of PKC theta not only by preventing its translocation to the membrane but also by associating with it. The interaction between 14-3-3 and PKC theta may represent an important general mechanism for regulating PKC-dependent signals and, more specifically, PKC theta-mediated functions during T-cell activation.