Constitutive activation of S6 kinase by deletion of amino-terminal autoinhibitory and rapamycin sensitivity domains

Metformin Pre-Treatment as a Means of Mitigating Disuse-Induced Rat Soleus Muscle Wasting

Currently, no ideal treatment exists to combat skeletal muscle disuse-induced atrophy and loss of strength. Because the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in rat soleus muscle is suppressed at the early stages of disuse, we hypothesized that pre-treatment of rats with metformin (an AMPK activator) would exert beneficial effects on skeletal muscle during disuse. Muscle disuse was performed via hindlimb suspension (HS). Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control (C), (2) control + metformin for 10 days (C+Met), (3) HS for 7 days (HS), (4) metformin treatment for 7 days before HS and during the first 3 days of 1-week HS (HS+Met). Anabolic and catabolic markers were assessed using WB and RT-PCR. Treatment with metformin partly prevented an HS-induced decrease in rat soleus weight and size of slow-twitch fibers. Metformin prevented HS-related slow-to-fast fiber transformation. Absolute soleus muscle force in the HS+Met group was increased vs. the HS group. GSK-3β (Ser9) phosphorylation was significantly increased in the HS+Met group vs. the HS group. Metformin pre-treatment partly prevented HS-induced decrease in 18S+28S rRNA content and attenuated upregulation of calpain-1 and ubiquitin. Thus, pre-treatment of rats with metformin can ameliorate disuse-induced reductions in soleus muscle weight, the diameter of slow-type fibers, and absolute muscle strength.

Inhibition of mTORC1 differentially affects ribosome biogenesis in rat soleus muscle at the early and later stages of hindlimb unloading

Prolonged inactivity of skeletal muscles due to limb immobilization, bedrest, and exposure to microgravity results in a significant muscle atrophy. Inactivity-induced muscle atrophy is caused by a downregulation of protein synthesis (PS) and increased proteolysis. Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is considered to be one of the main regulators of translational capacity (quantity of ribosomes), a key determinant of PS. Using a specific mTORC1 inhibitor (rapamycin) we aimed to determine if mTORC1 activity would influence ribosome biogenesis in rat soleus muscle at both early and later stages of mechanical unloading. Wistar rats were subjected to 1- and 7-day hindlimb suspension (HS) with and without rapamycin injections (1.5 mg/kg) and compared to weight-bearing control animals. The key markers of ribosome biogenesis were assessed by RT-PCR or agarose gel electrophoresis. The rate of PS was measured by SUnSET method. Both 1-day and 7-day HS resulted in a significant downregulation of ribosome biogenesis markers (c-Myc, 47S pre-rRNA, 18S + 28S rRNAs) and the rate of PS. Rapamycin administration during 1-day HS fully prevented a decrease in 47S pre-rRNA expression and amount of 18S + 28S rRNAs (without affecting c-Myc mRNA expression) and partially attenuated a decline in PS. Rapamycin treatment during 7-day HS significantly decreased p70S6K phosphorylation but failed to rescue a reduction in both the markers of ribosome biogenesis and the rate of PS. All together, our results suggest that mTORC1 inhibition at the initial (1 day), but not later (7 days) stage of HS can be beneficial for the maintenance of translational capacity (ribosome biogenesis) and the rate of PS in rat soleus muscle.

OGT suppresses S6K1-mediated macrophage inflammation and metabolic disturbance

Enhanced inflammation is believed to contribute to overnutrition-induced metabolic disturbance. Nutrient flux has also been shown to be essential for immune cell activation. Here, we report an unexpected role of nutrient-sensing O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) signaling in suppressing macrophage proinflammatory activation and preventing diet-induced metabolic dysfunction. Overnutrition stimulates an increase in O-GlcNAc signaling in macrophages. O-GlcNAc signaling is down-regulated during macrophage proinflammatory activation. Suppressing O-GlcNAc signaling by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) knockout enhances macrophage proinflammatory polarization, promotes adipose tissue inflammation and lipolysis, increases lipid accumulation in peripheral tissues, and exacerbates tissue-specific and whole-body insulin resistance in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. OGT inhibits macrophage proinflammatory activation by catalyzing ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) O-GlcNAcylation and suppressing S6K1 phosphorylation and mTORC1 signaling. These findings thus identify macrophage O-GlcNAc signaling as a homeostatic mechanism maintaining whole-body metabolism under overnutrition.

N-terminal variant Asp14Asn of the human p70 S6 Kinase 1 enhances translational signaling causing different effects in developing and mature neuronal cells

The ribosomal p70 S6 Kinase 1 (S6K1) has been implicated in the etiology of complex neurological diseases including autism, depression and dementia. Though no major gene disruption has been reported in humans in RPS6KB1, single nucleotide variants (SNVs) causing missense mutations have been identified, which have not been assessed for their impact on protein function. These S6K1 mutations have the potential to influence disease progression and treatment response. We mined the Simon Simplex Collection (SSC) and SPARK autism database to find inherited SNVs in S6K1 and characterized the effect of two missense SNVs, Asp14Asn (allele frequency = 0.03282%) and Glu44Gln (allele frequency = 0.0008244%), on S6K1 function in HEK293, human ES cells and primary neurons. Expressing Asp14Asn in HEK293 cells resulted in increased basal phosphorylation of downstream targets of S6K1 and increased de novo translation. This variant also showed blunted response to the specific S6K1 inhibitor, FS-115. In human embryonic cell line Shef4, Asp14Asn enhanced spontaneous neural fate specification in the absence of differentiating growth factors. In addition to enhanced translation, neurons expressing Asp14Asn exhibited impaired dendritic arborization and increased levels of phosphorylated ERK 1/2. Finally, in the SSC families tracked, Asp14Asn segregated with lower IQ scores when found in the autistic individual rather than the unaffected sibling. The Glu44Gln mutation showed a milder, but opposite phenotype in HEK cells as compared to Asp14Asn. Although the Glu44Gln mutation displayed increased neuronal translation, it had no impact on neuronal morphology. Our results provide the first characterization of naturally occurring human S6K1 variants on cognitive phenotype, neuronal morphology and maturation, underscoring again the importance of translation control in neural development and plasticity.

The activation mechanism of plant S6 kinase (S6K), a substrate of TOR kinase, is different from that of mammalian S6K

The S6 kinases (S6Ks) are known to be activated by the target of rapamycin through phosphorylation of their hydrophobic motif (HM). However, our previous research showed that the HM site of plant S6Ks is not phosphorylated and is not essential for their activity in yeast cells lacking Ypk3, an ortholog of mammalian S6K. Here, we demonstrate that the HM site of mammalian S6Ks is phosphorylated and is indispensable for their activity in yeast ypk3∆ cells. Furthermore, pseudo-phosphorylation at the HM site of plant S6Ks results in regaining of activity that is lost due to mutation in the conserved phosphorylation sites, namely the T-loop and Turn motif. These results indicate the activation mechanism of plant S6Ks is different from that of mammals.

Multisite Phosphorylation of S6K1 Directs a Kinase Phospho-code that Determines Substrate Selection

Multisite phosphorylation of kinases can induce on-off or graded regulation of catalytic activity; however, its influence on substrate specificity remains unclear. Here, we show that multisite phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) alters target selection. Agonist-inducible phosphorylation of glutamyl-prolyl tRNA synthetase (EPRS) by S6K1 in monocytes and adipocytes requires not only canonical phosphorylation at Thr389 by mTORC1 but also phosphorylation at Ser424 and Ser429 in the C terminus by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5). S6K1 phosphorylation at these additional sites induces a conformational switch and is essential for high-affinity binding and phosphorylation of EPRS, but not canonical S6K1 targets, e.g., ribosomal protein S6. Unbiased proteomic analysis identified additional targets phosphorylated by multisite phosphorylated S6K1 in insulin-stimulated adipocytes-namely, coenzyme A synthase, lipocalin 2, and cortactin. Thus, embedded within S6K1 is a target-selective kinase phospho-code that integrates signals from mTORC1 and Cdk5 to direct an insulin-stimulated, post-translational metabolon determining adipocyte lipid metabolism.

Acute recovery from disuse atrophy: the role of stretch-activated ion channels in the activation of anabolic signaling in skeletal muscle

The aim of the study was to 1) measure time-course alternations in the rate of protein synthesis (PS) and phosphorylation status of the key anabolic markers, and 2) find out the role of stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) in the activation of anabolic signaling in the rat soleus during an acute reloading following disuse atrophy. Wistar rats were subjected to 14-day hindlimb suspension (HS) followed by 6, 12, and 24 h of reloading. To examine the role of SAC in the reloading-induced activation of anabolic signaling, the rats were treated with gadolinium (Gd³⁺), a SAC blocker. The content of signaling proteins was determined by Western blot. c-Myc mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR. After 24-h reloading, the PS rate was elevated by 44% versus control. After 6-h reloading, the p-70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6k) and translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) did not differ from control; however, 12-h reloading resulted in an upregulation of both p70s6k and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation versus control. The phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (Ser9) was reduced after HS and then completely restored by 12-h reloading. c-Myc was significantly upregulated during the entire reloading. Gd³⁺ treatment during reloading (12 h) prevented a full phosphorylation of p70S6k, rpS6, 4E-BP1, as well as PS activation. The results of the study suggest that 1) enhanced PS during the acute recovery from HS may be associated with the activation of ribosome biogenesis as well as mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent signaling pathways, and 2) functional SACs are necessary for complete activation of mTORC1 signaling in rat soleus during acute recovery from HS.

Plant S6 kinases do not require hydrophobic motif phosphorylation for activity in yeast lacking Ypk3

The ribosomal protein S6 kinases (S6K) are among the major substrates and crucial effectors of the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase, which is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Recent research indicates that yeast Ypk3 is an ortholog of mammalian S6Ks. Here, we find that plant S6Ks restore ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation in a rapamycin-sensitive manner in yeast cells lacking Ypk3. However, phosphorylation of a hydrophobic motif, which is mediated through TOR signaling and essential for mammalian S6K activity, is not detected in plant S6Ks. Furthermore, deletion of the N-terminal region of rice S6Ks shows phosphorylation of the hydrophobic motif and reduced rapamycin sensitivity. Our findings suggest a mechanism of plant S6K activation distinct from that of mammalian S6Ks.

Divergent Anabolic Signalling responses of Murine Soleus and Tibialis Anterior Muscles to Chronic 2G Hypergravity

The purpose of the study was to assess the rate of protein synthesis (PS) and elucidate signalling pathways regulating PS in mouse soleus (Sol) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles following chronic hypergravity (30-day centrifugation at 2G). The content of the key signalling proteins of the various anabolic signalling pathways was determined by Western-blotting. The rate of PS was assessed using in-vivo SUnSET technique. An exposure to 2G centrifugation did not induce any significant changes in the rate of PS as well as phosphorylation status of the key anabolic markers (AKT, p70s6k, 4E-BP1, GSK-3beta, eEF2) in Sol. On the contrary, a significant 55% increase in PS (p < 0.05) was found in TA. The cause of such a rise in PS could be associated with an increase in AKT (+72%, p < 0.05), GSK-3beta (+60%, p < 0.05) and p70s6k (+40%, p < 0.05) phosphorylation, as well as a decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation (−46%, p < 0.05) as compared to control values. Thus, the results of our study indicate that 30-day 2G centrifugation induces a distinct anabolic response in mouse Sol and TA muscles. The activation of the PS rate in TA could be linked to an up-regulation of both mTORC1-dependent and mTORC1-independent signalling pathways.

Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 (Cdk5)-dependent Phosphorylation of p70 Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1 (S6K) Is Required for Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis

The maturation and maintenance of dendritic spines depends on neuronal activity and protein synthesis. One potential mechanism involves mammalian target of rapamycin, which promotes protein synthesis through phosphorylation of eIF4E-binding protein and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K). Upon extracellular stimulation, mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylates S6K at Thr-389. S6K also undergoes phosphorylation at other sites, including four serine residues in the autoinhibitory domain. Despite extensive biochemical studies, the importance of phosphorylation in the autoinhibitory domain in S6K function remains unresolved, and its role has not been explored in the cellular context. Here we demonstrated that S6K in neuron was phosphorylated at Ser-411 within the autoinhibitory domain by cyclin-dependent kinase 5. Ser-411 phosphorylation was regulated by neuronal activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Knockdown of S6K in hippocampal neurons by RNAi led to loss of dendritic spines, an effect that mimics neuronal activity blockade by tetrodotoxin. Notably, coexpression of wild type S6K, but not the phospho-deficient S411A mutant, could rescue the spine defects. These findings reveal the importance of cyclin-dependent kinase 5-mediated phosphorylation of S6K at Ser-411 in spine morphogenesis driven by BDNF and neuronal activity.

Rapamycin inhibition of baculovirus recombinant (BVr) ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) is mediated by an event other than phosphorylation

Background

Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1(S6K1) is an evolutionary conserved kinase that is activated in response to growth factors and viral stimuli to influence cellular growth and proliferation. This downstream effector of target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling cascade is known to be directly activated by TOR- kinase mediated hydrophobic motif (HM) phosphorylation at Threonine 412 (T412). Selective loss of this phosphorylation by inactivation of TOR kinase or activation/recruitment of a phosphatase has accordingly been implicated in mediating inhibition by rapamycin.

Findings

We present evidence that baculovirus driven expression of S6K1 in insect cells (Sf9) fails to activate the enzyme and instead renders it modestly active representing 4-6 folds less activity than its fully active mammalian counterpart. Contrary to the contention that viral infection activates TOR signaling pathway, we report that BVr enzyme fails to exhibit putative TOR dependent phosphorylation at the HM and the resultant phosphorylation at the activation loop (AL) of the enzyme, correlating with the level of activity observed. Surprisingly, the BVr enzyme continued to exhibit sensitivity to rapamycin that remained unaffected by mutations compromised for TOR phosphorylation (T412A) or deletions compromised for TOR binding (ΔNH _2-46/ΔCT₁₀₄).

Conclusions

These data together with the ability of the BVr enzyme to resist inactivation by phosphatases indicate that inhibition by rapamycin is not mediated by any phosphorylation event in general and TOR dependent phosphorylation in particular.

Proteolytic cleavage of p70 ribosomal S6 kinase by caspase-3 during DNA damage-induced apoptosis

p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) plays an important role in protein translation and cell cycle progression. Increased levels of p70S6K have been associated with drug resistance. In this study, we have investigated the involvement of p70S6K in DNA damage-induced apoptosis. The DNA-damaging agent cisplatin caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the level of full-length p70S6K in small cell lung cancer H69 and non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells with a concomitant increase in the level of an approximately 45 kDa fragment. The proteolytic cleavage of p70S6K was inhibited by a broad specificity caspase inhibitor but not by the proteosome or calpain inhibitor. Cell-permeable peptide inhibitor and siRNA against caspase-3 inhibited cisplatin-induced proteolytic cleavage of p70S6K. In vitro-translated p70S6K was cleaved by human recombinant caspase-3. Cisplatin failed to induce cleavage of p70S6K in MCF-7 cells that lack functional caspase-3, but ectopic expression of caspase-3 in MCF-7 cells resulted in the cleavage of p70S6K. p70S6K was primarily cleaved at a noncanonical recognition site, Thr-Pro-Val-Asp, after Asp-393. Site-directed mutagenesis of Asp-393 to Ala resulted in protection against cisplatin-mediated apoptosis, whereas introduction of the N-terminal cleaved fragment resulted in potentiation of cisplatin-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that p70S6K is a novel substrate for caspase-3 and that the proteolytic cleavage of p70S6K is important for cisplatin-induced apoptosis.

Akt as a therapeutic target in cancer

BACKGROUND

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is central in the transmission of growth regulatory signals originating from cell surface receptors.

OBJECTIVE

This review discusses how mutations occur that result in elevated expression the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway and lead to malignant transformation, and how effective targeting of this pathway may result in suppression of abnormal growth of cancer cells.

METHODS

We searched the literature for articles which dealt with altered expression of this pathway in various cancers including: hematopoietic, melanoma, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, endometrial and ovarian, breast, prostate and hepatocellular.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

The PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway is frequently aberrantly regulated in various cancers and targeting this pathway with small molecule inhibitors and may result in novel, more effective anticancer therapies.

Regulation of mTOR and S6K1 activation by the nPKC isoforms, PKCepsilon and PKCdelta, in adult cardiac muscle cells

Activation of both mTOR and its downstream target, S6K1 (p70 S6 kinase) have been implicated to affect cardiac hypertrophy. Our earlier work, in a feline model of 1-48 h pressure overload, demonstrated that mTOR/S6K1 activation occurred primarily through a PKC/c-Raf pathway. To further delineate the role of specific PKC isoforms on mTOR/S6K1 activation, we utilized primary cultures of adult feline cardiomyocytes in vitro and stimulated with endothelin-1 (ET-1), phenylephrine (PE), TPA, or insulin. All agonist treatments resulted in S2248 phosphorylation of mTOR and T389 and S421/T424 phosphorylation of S6K1, however only ET-1 and TPA-stimulated mTOR/S6K1 activation was abolished with infection of a dominant negative adenoviral c-Raf (DN-Raf) construct. Expression of DN-PKC(epsilon) blocked ET-1-stimulated mTOR S2448 and S6K1 S421/T424 and T389 phosphorylation but had no effect on insulin-stimulated S6K1 phosphorylation. Expression of DN-PKC(delta) or pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with rottlerin, a PKC(delta) specific inhibitor, blocked both ET-1 and insulin stimulated mTOR S2448 and S6K1 T389 phosphorylation. However, treatment with Gö6976, a specific classical PKC (cPKC) inhibitor did not affect mTOR/S6K1 activation. These data indicate that: (i) PKC(epsilon) is required for ET-1-stimulated T421/S424 phosphorylation of S6K1, (ii) both PKC(epsilon) and PKC(delta) are required for ET-1-stimulated mTOR S2448 and S6K1 T389 phosphorylation, (iii) PKC(delta) is also required for insulin-stimulated mTOR S2448 and S6K1 T389 phosphorylation. Together, these data delineate both distinct and combinatorial roles of specific PKC isoforms on mTOR and S6K1 activation in adult cardiac myocytes following hypertrophic stimulation.

The mammalian target of rapamycin pathway as a potential target for cancer chemoprevention

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key signaling node coordinating cell cycle progression and cell growth in response to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental conditions. Pathways involved in mTOR signaling are dysregulated in precancerous human tissues. These findings, together with the intriguing possibility that mTOR suppression may be associated with antitumor actions of caloric restriction, suggest that mTOR signaling may be an important target for chemopreventive drugs.

Alcohol and indinavir adversely affect protein synthesis and phosphorylation of MAPK and mTOR signaling pathways in C2C12 myocytes

BACKGROUND

Alcohol and the antiretroviral drug indinavir (Ind) decrease protein synthesis in skeletal muscle under in vivo and in vitro conditions. The goal of the present study was to identify signaling mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory effect of ethanol (EtOH) and Ind on protein synthesis.

METHODS

C2C12 mouse myocytes were incubated with EtOH, Ind, or a combination of both for 24 hours. The rate of protein synthesis was determined by [35S]methionine/cysteine incorporation into cellular protein. Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation and elongation factors were quantitated by Western blot analysis to identify potential mechanisms for regulating translation.

RESULTS

Treatment of myocytes with Ind or EtOH for 24 hours decreased protein synthesis by 19 and 22%, respectively, while a 35% decline was observed in cells treated simultaneously with both agents. Mechanistically, treatment with EtOH or Ind decreased the phosphorylation of the S6 ribosomal protein, and this reduction was associated with decreased S6K1 and p90rsk phosphorylation. Ethanol also decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, mTOR, and 4EBP1, while Ind only suppressed ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Both agents inhibited the phosphorylation of Mnk1 and its upstream regulator p38 MAPK, and they decreased the amount of the active eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G/eIF4E complex. Finally, EtOH and/or Ind increased phosphorylation of the eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF)-2 by 1.6- to 6-fold. The effects of these agents were not additive, although the combination did exert a greater effect on S6K1 and eEF2 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol and Ind decreased protein synthesis in myocytes and this response was associated with changes in the phosphorylation of proteins that regulate translation initiation and elongation.

Modulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway by diacylglycerol kinase-produced phosphatidic acid

The protein known as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates cell growth by integrating different stimuli, such as available nutrients and mitogenic factors. The lipid messenger phosphatidic acid (PA) binds and positively regulates the mitogenic response of mTOR. PA generator enzymes are consequently potential regulators of mTOR. Here we explored the contribution to this pathway of the enzyme diacylglycerol kinase (DGK), which produces PA through phosphorylation of diacylglycerol. We found that overexpression of the DGKzeta, but not of the alpha isoform, in serum-deprived HEK293 cells induced mTOR-dependent phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase (p70S6K). After serum addition, p70S6K phosphorylation was higher and more resistant to rapamycin treatment in cells overexpressing DGKzeta. The effect of this DGK isoform on p70S6K hyperphosphorylation required the mTOR PA binding region. Down-regulation of endogenous DGKzeta by small interfering RNA in HEK293 cells diminished serum-induced p70S6K phosphorylation, highlighting the role of this isoform in the mTOR pathway. Our results confirm a role for PA in mTOR regulation and describe a novel pathway in which DGKzeta-derived PA acts as a mediator of mTOR signaling.

Indinavir impairs protein synthesis and phosphorylations of MAPKs in mouse C2C12 myocytes

Anti-retroviral therapy promotes clinical, immunologic, and virologic improvement in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Whereas this therapy adversely affects carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the effects of anti-retroviral drugs on muscle protein synthesis and degradation have not been reported. To examine these processes, we treated C2C12 myocytes with increasing concentrations of the protease inhibitor indinavir for 1 or 2 days. Treatment of myocytes with a therapeutic concentration of indinavir (20 microM) for 24 h decreased basal protein synthesis by 18%, whereas a 42% decline was observed after 48 h. A similar decrement, albeit quantitatively smaller, was detected with other protease inhibitors. Indinavir did not alter the rate of proteolysis. Likewise, indinavir did not impair the anabolic effect of insulin-like growth factor-I on protein synthesis. Mechanistically, indinavir decreased the phosphorylation of the S6 ribosomal protein (rpS6), and this reduction was associated with a decreased phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase and p90rsk as well as the upstream regulators ERK1/2 and MEK1/2. Indinavir also decreased the phosphorylation of Mnk1 and its upstream effectors, p38 MAPK and ERK1/2. Indinavir did not affect the phosphorylation of mTOR or 4E-BP1, but it did decrease the amount of the active eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4G-eIF4E complex. In conclusion, indinavir decreased protein synthesis in myocytes. This decrease was associated with the disruption of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways and a reduction in both the level of functional eIF4F complex and rpS6 phosphorylation.

Target of rapamycin (TOR): an integrator of nutrient and growth factor signals and coordinator of cell growth and cell cycle progression

Cell growth (an increase in cell mass and size through macromolecular biosynthesis) and cell cycle progression are generally tightly coupled, allowing cells to proliferate continuously while maintaining their size. The target of rapamycin (TOR) is an evolutionarily conserved kinase that integrates signals from nutrients (amino acids and energy) and growth factors (in higher eukaryotes) to regulate cell growth and cell cycle progression coordinately. In mammals, TOR is best known to regulate translation through the ribosomal protein S6 kinases (S6Ks) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding proteins. Consistent with the contribution of translation to growth, TOR regulates cell, organ, and organismal size. The identification of the tumor suppressor proteins tuberous sclerosis1 and 2 (TSC1 and 2) and Ras-homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) has biochemically linked the TOR and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways, providing a mechanism for the crosstalk that occurs between these pathways. TOR is emerging as a novel antitumor target, since the TOR inhibitor rapamycin appears to be effective against tumors resulting from aberrantly high PI3K signaling. Not only may inhibition of TOR be effective in cancer treatment, but rapamycin is an FDA-approved immunosuppressive and cardiology drug. We review here what is known (and not known) about the function of TOR in cellular and animal physiology.

G1 cell cycle progression and the expression of G1 cyclins are regulated by PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling in human ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Recent studies demonstrated that the gene encoding the p110alpha catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is frequently amplified in ovarian cancer cells. PI3K is involved in multiple cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, antiapoptosis, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that the inhibition of PI3K activity by LY-294002 inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induced G(1) cell cycle arrest. This effect was accompanied by the decreased expression of G(1)-associated proteins, including cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, CDC25A, and retinoblastoma phosphorylation at Ser(780), Ser(795), and Ser(807/811). Expression of CDK6 and beta-actin was not affected by LY-294002. Expression of the cyclin kinase inhibitor p16(INK4a) was induced by the PI3K inhibitor, whereas steady-state levels of p21(CIP1/WAF1) were decreased in the same experiment. The inhibition of PI3K activity also inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6K1, but not extracellular regulated kinase 1/2. The G(1) cell cycle arrest induced by LY-294002 was restored by the expression of active forms of AKT and p70S6K1 in the cells. Our study shows that PI3K transmits a mitogenic signal through AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to p70S6K1. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin had similar inhibitory effects on G(1) cell cycle progression and on the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, CDC25A, and retinoblastoma phosphorylation. These results indicate that PI3K mediates G(1) progression and cyclin expression through activation of an AKT/mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling pathway in the ovarian cancer cells.

Retroviral oncogenes and TOR

Retroviruses have recruited the catalytic subunit of PI 3-kinase and its downstream target, Akt, as oncogenes. These viruses cause tumors in animals and induce oncogenic transformation in cell culture. The oncogenicity of these viruses is specifically inhibited by rapamycin; retroviruses carrying other oncogenes are insensitive to this macrolide antibiotic. Rapamycin is an inhibitor of the TOR (target of rapamycin) kinase whose downstream targets include p70 S6 kinase and the negative regulator of translation initiation 4E-BP. Emerging evidence suggests that the TOR signals transmitted to the translational machinery are essential for oncogenic transformation by the PI 3-kinase pathway.

Differential control of the NIMA-related kinases, Nek6 and Nek7, by serum stimulation

Neks (NIMA-related kinases) are mammalian serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases structurally related to Aspergillus NIMA (Never in Mitosis, gene A), which plays essential roles in mitotic signaling. Among these kinases, Nek6 and Nek7 are structurally related and constitute a subfamily in the NIMA/Nek family, although their functions still remain almost elusive. In this report, we studied the enzymatic regulation of Nek6 and Nek7 to gain an insight into their cellular functions. Recombinant Nek7 produced in bacteria was active comparably to Nek6; however, the Nek7 activity in mammalian cells was found to be significantly lower than Nek6. Since Nek6 previously has been reported to in vitro phosphorylate p70 ribosomal S6 kinase at Thr412, we examined if Nek6 and Nek7 activities were controlled by the amino acid supplement, which is known to affect the phosphorylation at Thr412, and did not observe any significant effect. However, we unexpectedly found that Nek7 kinase activity was rapidly and efficiently increased by serum deprivation, while Nek6 activity was decreased. This is well consistent with the lower activity of Nek7 in cells under normal growth conditions. In addition, it was suggested that Nek7 activity would be regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner, although Nek6 was not. These clear differences in enzymatic control between the highly similar kinases, Nek6 and Nek7, suggest their distinct signaling functions in mammalian cells.

Paclitaxel induces inactivation of p70 S6 kinase and phosphorylation of Thr421 and Ser424 via multiple signaling pathways in mitosis

The 70 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K) is important for cell growth and survival. Activation of p70S6K requires sequential phosphorylation of multiple serine and threonine sites often triggered by growth factors and hormones. Here, we report that paclitaxel, a microtubule-damaging agent, induces phosphorylation of p70S6K at threonine 421 and serine 424 (T421/S424) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in multiple breast and ovarian cancer cell lines demonstrated by a T421/S424 phospho-p70S6K antibody. Phosphoamino-acid analysis and Western blot analysis by serine-/threonine-specific antibodies further confirms that both serine and threonine residues are phosphorylated in p70S6K following treatment with paclitaxel. Paclitaxel-induced p70S6K(T421/S424) phosphorylation requires both de novo RNA and protein synthesis via multiple signaling pathways including ERK1/2 MAP kinase, JNK, PKC, Ca(++), PI3K, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Despite phosphorylation of p70S6K(T421/S424), paclitaxel inactivates this kinase in a concentration- and time-dependent manner as illustrated by in vitro kinase assay. Inhibitors of mTOR, PI3K, and Ca(++) impair p70S6K activity, whereas inhibitors of JNK and PKC stimulate p70S6K activity. Inhibition of PKC and JNK prevents paclitaxel-induced p70S6K inactivation. Moreover, the paclitaxel-induced phosphorylation and low activity of p70S6K mainly occurs during mitosis. In summary, paclitaxel is able to induce p70S6K(T421/S424) phosphorylation and decrease its activity in mitotic cells via multiple signaling pathways. Our data suggest that paclitaxel-induced p70S6K(T421/S424) phosphorylation and kinase inactivation are differentially regulated. Our data also indicate that paclitaxel may exert its antitumor effect, at least in part, via inhibition of p70S6K.

Elucidating TOR signaling and rapamycin action: lessons from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

TOR (target of rapamycin) is a phosphatidylinositol kinase-related protein kinase that controls cell growth in response to nutrients. Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive and anticancer drug that acts by inhibiting TOR. The modes of action of TOR and rapamycin are remarkably conserved from S. cerevisiae to humans. The current understanding of TOR and rapamycin is derived largely from studies with S. cerevisiae. In this review, we discuss the contributions made by S. cerevisiae to understanding rapamycin action and TOR function.

Role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and mTOR/P70S6-kinase pathways in the proliferation and apoptosis in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy preliminary localized in the bone marrow and characterized by its capacity to disseminate. IL-6 and IGF-1 have been shown to mediate proliferative and anti-apoptotic signals in plasmocytes. However, in primary plasma-cell leukemia (PCL) and in end-stage aggressive extramedullar disease, the cytokine requirement for both effects may be not mandatory. This suggests that constitutive activation of signaling pathways occurs. One of the signaling pathways whose deregulation may play an oncogenic role in MM is the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) pathway. In human growth factor-independent MM cell lines OPM2 and RPMI8226, we show that the PI 3-K inhibitors LY294002 and Wortmannin strongly inhibited cell proliferation, whereas inhibition of the mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR)/P70-S6-kinase (P70(S6K)) pathway with rapamycin or of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway with PD98059 had minimal effect on proliferation. In both cell lines, constitutive activation of the PI 3-K/Akt/FKHRL-1, mTOR/P70(S6K) and MAPK pathways was detected. LY294002 inhibited phosphorylation of Akt, FKHRL-1 and P70(S6K) but had no effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating that the PI 3-K and MAPK pathways are independent. IGF-1 but not IL-6 increased phosphorylation of Akt, FKHRL-1 and P70(S6K). Purified plasmocytes from four patients with MM and two patients with primary PCL were studied. In three of them including the two patients with PCL, constitutive phosphorylation of Akt, FKHRL-1 and P70(S6K) was present, inhibited by LY294002 and enhanced by IGF-1. In these patients with constitutive Akt activation, normal PTEN expression was detected. PI 3-K inhibition induced caspase-dependent apoptosis as confirmed by inhibition with the large spectrum caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and cleavage of pro-caspase-3. Both cell lines spontaneously expressed Skp2 and cyclin D1 proteins at high levels but no p27(Kip1) protein. In the presence of LY294002, cell-cycle arrest in G0/G1 was observed, p27(Kip1) protein expression was up-regulated whereas the expression of both Skp2 and cyclin D1 dramatically diminished. PI 3-K-dependent GSK-3alpha/beta constitutive phosphorylation was also detected in OPM2 cells that may contribute to high cyclin D1 expression. Overall, our results suggest that PI 3-K has a major role in the control of proliferation and apoptosis of growth factor-independent MM cell lines. Most of the biological effects of PI 3-K activation in these cell lines may be mediated by the opposite modulation of p27(Kip1) and Skp2 protein expression. Moreover, constitutive activation of this pathway is a frequent event in the biology of MM in vivo and may be more frequently observed in PCL.

c-Raf/MEK/ERK pathway controls protein kinase C-mediated p70S6K activation in adult cardiac muscle cells

p70S6 kinase (S6K1) plays a pivotal role in hypertrophic cardiac growth via ribosomal biogenesis. In pressure-overloaded myocardium, we show S6K1 activation accompanied by activation of protein kinase C (PKC), c-Raf, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). To explore the importance of the c-Raf/MAPK kinase (MEK)/MAPK pathway, we stimulated adult feline cardiomyocytes with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), insulin, or forskolin to activate PKC, phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase, or protein kinase A (PKA), respectively. These treatments resulted in S6K1 activation with Thr-389 phosphorylation as well as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 protein phosphorylation. Thr-421/Ser-424 phosphorylation of S6K1 was observed predominantly in TPA-treated cells. Dominant negative c-Raf expression or a MEK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) treatment showed a profound blocking effect only on the TPA-stimulated phosphorylation of S6K1 and mTOR. Whereas p38 MAPK inhibitors exhibited only partial effect, MAPK-phosphatase-3 expression significantly blocked the TPA-stimulated S6K1 and mTOR phosphorylation. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin blocked the Thr-389 but not the Thr-421/Ser-424 phosphorylation of S6K1. Therefore, during PKC activation, the c-Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway mediates both the Thr-421/Ser-424 and the Thr-389 phosphorylation in an mTOR-independent and -dependent manner, respectively. Together, our in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that the PKC/c-Raf/MEK/ERK pathway plays a major role in the S6K1 activation in hypertrophic cardiac growth.

Green tea polyphenol stimulates a Ras, MEKK1, MEK3, and p38 cascade to increase activator protein 1 factor-dependent involucrin gene expression in normal human keratinocytes

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an important bioactive constituent of green tea that efficiently reduces epidermal cancer cell proliferation. This inhibition is associated with a reduction in activator protein 1 (AP1) transcription factor level and activity. However, its effects on AP1 function in normal epidermal cells have not been extensively explored. Our present studies show that EGCG regulates normal keratinocyte function. To understand the mechanism of action, we examined the effects of EGCG on AP1 factor activity, MAPK signal transduction, and expression of the AP1 factor-regulated human involucrin (hINV) gene. EGCG increases hINV promoter activity in a concentration-dependent manner that requires the presence of an intact hINV promoter AP1 factor binding site. This response appears to be physiologic, as endogenous hINV gene expression is also increased. Fra-1, Fra-2, FosB, JunB, JunD, c-Jun, and c-Fos levels are increased by EGCG treatment, as is AP1 factor binding to hINV promoter AP1 site. Gel mobility shift studies show that this complex contains Fra-1 and JunD. Signal transduction analysis indicates that the EGCG response requires Ras, MEKK1, MEK3, and p38 kinases. Kinase assays and inhibitor studies suggest that p38delta is the p38 isoform responsible for the regulation. These changes are also associated with a cessation of cell proliferation and enhanced cornified envelope formation. These studies show that in normal human keratinocytes EGCG markedly increases, via a MAPK signaling mechanism, AP1 factor-associated responses.

A new role for the p85-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit linking FRAP to p70 S6 kinase activation

The serine/threonine kinase p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) phosphorylates the 40 S ribosomal protein S6, modulating the translation of an mRNA subset that encodes ribosomal proteins and translation elongation factors. p70S6K is activated in response to mitogenic stimuli and is required for progression through the G(1) phase of the cell cycle and for cell growth. Activation of p70S6K is regulated by phosphorylation of seven different residues distributed throughout the protein, a subset of which depends on the activity of p85/p110 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K); in fact, the phosphorylation status of Thr(229) and Thr(389) is intimately linked to PI3K activity. In the full-length enzyme, however, these sites are also acutely sensitive to the action of FKBP 12-rapamycin-associated protein (FRAP). The mechanism by which PI3K and FRAP cooperate to induce p70S6K activation remains unclear. Here we show that the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K also controls p70S6K activation by mediating formation of a ternary complex with p70S6K and FRAP. The p85 C-terminal SH2 domain is responsible for p85 coupling to p70S6K and FRAP, because deletion of the C-terminal SH2 domain inhibits complex formation and impairs p70S6K activation by PI3K. Formation of this complex is not required for activation of a FRAP-independent form of p70S6K, however, underscoring the role of p85 in regulating FRAP-dependent p70S6K activation. These studies thus show that, in addition to the contribution of PI3K activity, the p85 regulatory subunit plays a critical role in p70S6K activation.

Mechanisms of resistance to rapamycins

Rapamycins represent a novel family of anticancer agents, currently including rapamycin and its derivatives, CCI-779 and RAD001. Rapamycins inhibit the function of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and potently suppress tumor cell growth by arresting cells in G1 phase or potentially inducing apoptosis of cells, in culture or in xenograft tumor models. However, recent data indicate that genetic mutations or compensatory changes in tumor cells influence the sensitivity of rapamycins. First, mutations of mTOR or FKBP12 prevent rapamycin from binding to mTOR, conferring rapamycin resistance. Second, mutations or defects of mTOR-regulated proteins, including S6K1, 4E-BP1, PP2A-related phosphatases, and p27(Kip1) also render rapamycin insensitivity. In addition, the status of ATM, p53, PTEN/Akt and 14-3-3 are also associated with rapamycin sensitivity. To better explore the role of rapamycins against tumors, this review will summarize the current knowledge of the mechanism of action of rapamycins, and progress in understanding mechanisms of acquired or intrinsic resistance.

Regulation of translation via TOR signaling: insights from Drosophila melanogaster

The target of rapamycin (TOR) proteins are large protein kinases evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human. A large body of evidence demonstrates that TOR proteins function in a nutrient-sensing checkpoint whose role is to restrict growth under conditions of low nutrient availability. Under such conditions, TOR blocks the transmission of growth-promoting signals from extracellular stimuli. Recent data obtained by genetic studies in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster demonstrate the importance of both insulin-like signaling and TOR signaling in promoting growth. Importantly, these studies identified a major downstream target of TOR and insulin-like signaling as the translational machinery.

Protein kinases: getting NEKed for S6K activation

The 70/85 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase is regulated through the concerted actions of multiple phosphatases and kinases. A newly identified S6 kinase kinase, NEK6, appears to provide the penultimate activation step.

The target of rapamycin (TOR) proteins

Rapamycin potently inhibits downstream signaling from the target of rapamycin (TOR) proteins. These evolutionarily conserved protein kinases coordinate the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation in response to nutrient quality and quantity. The TOR proteins regulate (i) the initiation and elongation phases of translation, (ii) ribosome biosynthesis, (iii) amino acid import, (iv) the transcription of numerous enzymes involved in multiple metabolic pathways, and (v) autophagy. Intriguingly, recent studies have also suggested that TOR signaling plays a critical role in brain development, learning, and memory formation.

A role of the kinase mTOR in cellular transformation induced by the oncoproteins P3k and Akt

The oncoproteins P3k (homolog of the catalytic subunit of class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and Akt (protein kinase B) induce oncogenic transformation of chicken embryo fibroblasts. The transformed cells show constitutive phosphorylation of the positive regulator of translation p70S6 kinase (S6K) and of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-BP1 binding protein (4E-BP1), a negative regulator of translation. Phosphorylation activates S6K and inactivates 4E-BP1. A mutant of Akt that retains kinase activity but does not induce phosphorylation of S6K or of 4E-BP1 fails to transform chicken embryo fibroblasts, suggesting a correlation between the oncogenicity of Akt and phosphorylation of S6K and 4E-BP1. The macrolide antibiotic rapamycin effectively blocks oncogenic transformation induced by either P3k or Akt but does not reduce the transforming activity of 11 other oncoproteins. Rapamycin inhibits the kinase mTOR, an important regulator of translation, and this inhibition requires binding of the antibiotic to the immunophilin FKBP12. Displacement of rapamycin from FKBP12 relieves the inhibition of mTOR and also restores P3k-induced transformation. These data are in accord with the hypothesis that transformation by P3k or Akt involves intervention in translational controls.

A role of the kinase mTOR in cellular transformation induced by the oncoproteins P3k and Akt

The oncoproteins P3k (homolog of the catalytic subunit of class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and Akt (protein kinase B) induce oncogenic transformation of chicken embryo fibroblasts. The transformed cells show constitutive phosphorylation of the positive regulator of translation p70S6 kinase (S6K) and of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-BP1 binding protein (4E-BP1), a negative regulator of translation. Phosphorylation activates S6K and inactivates 4E-BP1. A mutant of Akt that retains kinase activity but does not induce phosphorylation of S6K or of 4E-BP1 fails to transform chicken embryo fibroblasts, suggesting a correlation between the oncogenicity of Akt and phosphorylation of S6K and 4E-BP1. The macrolide antibiotic rapamycin effectively blocks oncogenic transformation induced by either P3k or Akt but does not reduce the transforming activity of 11 other oncoproteins. Rapamycin inhibits the kinase mTOR, an important regulator of translation, and this inhibition requires binding of the antibiotic to the immunophilin FKBP12. Displacement of rapamycin from FKBP12 relieves the inhibition of mTOR and also restores P3k-induced transformation. These data are in accord with the hypothesis that transformation by P3k or Akt involves intervention in translational controls.

Farnesyltransferase inhibitor induces rapid growth arrest and blocks p70s6k activation by multiple stimuli

We have previously shown that the peptidomimetic farnesyltransferase inhibitor L-744,832 (FTI) inhibits p70s6k activation and cell growth in a mouse keratinocyte cell line but only at concentrations of FTI significantly higher than those required for the inhibition of Ras farnesylation. Here we show that the rapid kinetics of FTI inhibition of DNA synthesis (within 1.5 h) in both normal and v-K-Ras transformed keratinocytes matches the rapid kinetics of p70s6k inhibition observed previously. It is further shown that FTI inhibits p70s6k activation in response to serum, phorbol myristate acetate, and increased amino acid levels. The phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A partially reverses the FTI-induced dephosphorylation of p70s6k, suggesting that FTI may act upstream of a protein phosphatase. A rapamycin-resistant mutant of p70s6k is shown to be resistant to FTI-induced dephosphorylation of the major rapamycin-sensitive phosphorylation site of p70s6k, Thr(389). Together, these data demonstrate that FTI rapidly inhibits DNA synthesis irrespective of the presence of v-K-Ras and that FTI inhibits p70s6k activation in response to multiple stimuli. Because the FTI L-744,832 mimics many of the effects of rapamycin, this FTI may prove effective against tumors that exhibit inappropriate activation of the mTOR/p70s6k pathway.

Serum-stimulated, rapamycin-sensitive phosphorylation sites in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4GI

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) proteins play a critical role in the recruitment of the translational machinery to mRNA. The eIF4Gs are phosphoproteins. However, the location of the phosphorylation sites, how phosphorylation of these proteins is modulated and the identity of the intracellular signaling pathways regulating eIF4G phosphorylation have not been established. In this report, two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping demonstrates that the phosphorylation state of specific eIF4GI residues is altered by serum and mitogens. Phosphopeptides resolved by this method were mapped to the C-terminal one-third of the protein. Mass spectrometry and mutational analyses identified the serum-stimulated phosphorylation sites in this region as serines 1108, 1148 and 1192. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors and rapamycin, an inhibitor of the kinase FRAP/mTOR (FKBP12-rapamycin-associated protein/mammalian target of rapamycin), prevent the serum-induced phosphorylation of these residues. Finally, the phosphorylation state of N-terminally truncated eIF4GI proteins acquires resistance to kinase inhibitor treatment. These data suggest that the kinases phosphorylating serines 1108, 1148 and 1192 are not directly downstream of PI3K and FRAP/mTOR, but that the accessibility of the C-terminus to kinases is modulated by this pathway(s).

Osmotic stress inhibits p70/85 S6 kinase through activation of a protein phosphatase

While studying the stress regulation of p70/85 S6 kinase (S6K), we observed that anisomycin and UV light stimulated S6K activity, but that sorbitol inactivated S6K. Pretreatment with hyperosmotic stress also prevented the activation of S6K by both 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and anisomycin. Comparison of sorbitol and rapamycin revealed that both agents inactivated S6K and caused dephosphorylation of Ser/Thr-Pro sites in the COOH terminus of S6K, including Thr(412), a residue essential to S6K regulation, as determined by phospho-specific antibodies. Rapamycin-resistant S6K truncation mutants were similarly resistant to deactivation by sorbitol. Additionally, the PHAS-1 mobility shift, which is sensitive to rapamycin, was also found to be sensitive to osmotic stress. Experiments using the p38 inhibitor SB203580 and dominant negative mutants involving both stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase and p38 stress pathways indicated that these pathways are probably not involved in osmotic stress inhibition of S6K. Examining the potential involvement of a phosphatase, we found that sodium pyrophosphate, sodium vanadate, cyclosporin A, tautomycin, and okadaic acid had no effect on osmotic stress inhibition of S6K. However, calyculin A prevented both rapamycin- and sorbitol-mediated deactivation of S6K. Our results suggest that osmotic stress and rapamycin act through a calyculin A-sensitive phosphatase to cause dephosphorylation and deactivation of S6K.

Protein kinase D activation by deletion of its cysteine-rich motifs

Protein kinase D is a serine/threonine kinase that binds phorbol esters in a phospholipid-dependent manner via a tandemly repeated cysteine-rich, zinc finger-like motif (the cysteine-rich domain). Here, we examined whether the cysteine-rich domain plays an additional role in the control of the catalytic kinase activity independently of the binding of allosteric effectors. We found that deletion of cys1, cys2 or the entire cysteine-rich domain increases the basal activity of protein kinase D leading to a constitutively active form of this enzyme. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that the cysteine-rich domain of Protein kinase D plays a negative role in the regulation of protein kinase D kinase activity.

Rapamycin-sensitive phosphorylation of PKC on a carboxy-terminal site by an atypical PKC complex

BACKGROUND

The protein kinase C (PKC) family has been implicated in the control of many cellular functions. Although PKC isotypes are characterized by their allosteric activation, phosphorylation also plays a key role in controlling activity. In classical PKC isotypes, one of the three critical sites is a carboxy-terminal hydrophobic site also conserved in other AGC kinase subfamily members. Although this site is crucial to the control of this class of enzymes, the upstream kinase(s) has not been identified.

RESULTS

A membrane-associated kinase activity that phosphorylates the hydrophobic site in PKCalpha was detected. This activity was suppressed when cells were pretreated with the immunosuppresant drug rapamycin or the phosphoinositide (Pl) 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. These pretreatments also blocked specifically the serum-induced phosphorylation of the hydrophobic site in PKCdelta in vivo. The most highly purified hydrophobic site kinase preparations ( approximately 10,000-fold) reacted with antibodies to PKCzeta/iota. Consistent with this, rapamycin and LY294002 reduced the recovery of PKCzeta from the membrane fraction of transfected cells. An activated mutant of PKCzeta, but not wild-type PKCzeta, induced phosphorylation of the PKCdelta hydrophobic site in a rapamycin-independent manner, whereas a kinase-dead PKCzeta mutant suppressed this serum-induced phosphorylation. The immunopurified, activated mutant of PKCzeta could phosphorylate the PKCdelta hydrophobic site in vitro, whereas wild-type PKCzeta could not.

CONCLUSIONS

PKCzeta is identified as a component of the upstream kinase responsible for the phosphorylation of the PKCdelta hydrophobic site in vitro and in vivo. PKCzeta can therefore control the phosphorylation of this PKCdelta site, antagonizing a rapamycin-sensitive pathway.

Inhibition of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I cascade by cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Several recent studies have shown that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CaMKI) is phosphorylated and activated by a protein kinase (CaMKK) that is itself subject to regulation by Ca2+/calmodulin. In the present study, we demonstrate that this enzyme cascade is regulated by cAMP-mediated activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). In vitro, CaMKK is phosphorylated by PKA and this is associated with inhibition of enzyme activity. The major site of phosphorylation is threonine 108, although additional sites are phosphorylated with lower efficiency. In vitro, CaMKK is also phosphorylated by CaMKI at the same sites as PKA, suggesting that this regulatory phosphorylation might play a role as a negative-feedback mechanism. In intact PC12 cells, activation of PKA with forskolin resulted in a rapid inhibition of both CaMKK and CaMKI activity. In hippocampal slices CaMKK was phosphorylated under basal conditions, and activation of PKA led to an increase in phosphorylation. Two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping indicated that activation of PKA led to increased phosphorylation of multiple sites including threonine 108. These results indicate that in vitro and in intact cells the CaMKK/CaMKI cascade is subject to inhibition by PKA-mediated phosphorylation of CaMKK. The phosphorylation and inhibition of CaMKK by PKA is likely to be involved in modulating the balance between cAMP- and Ca2+-dependent signal transduction pathways.