Ligand-induced tyrosine kinase activity of the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor in a murine macrophage cell line

The farnesoid X receptor negatively regulates osteoclastogenesis in bone remodeling and pathological bone loss

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Since the role of FXR in osteoclast differentiation remains ill-defined, we investigated the biological function of FXR on osteoclastogenesis, using FXR-deficient mice. We demonstrated that FXR deficiency increases osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo. First, FXR deficiency was found to accelerate osteoclast formation via down-regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 expression. Increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 (PGC-1)β seems to mediate the pro-osteoclastogenic effect of FXR deficiency via the JNK pathway. In addition, we found that FXR deficiency downregulated the expression of interferon-β (IFN-β), a strong inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, via receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). We further suggested that interference of IFN-β expression by FXR deficiency impaired the downstream JAK3-STAT1 signaling pathways, which in turn increased osteoclast formation. Finally, FXR deficiency accelerated unloading- or ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo. Thus, our findings demonstrate that FXR is a negative modulator in osteoclast differentiation and identify FXR as a potential therapeutic target for postmenopausal osteoporosis and unloading-induced bone loss.

FoxO proteins restrain osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by attenuating H2O2 accumulation

Besides their cell-damaging effects in the setting of oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in physiological intracellular signalling by triggering proliferation and survival. FoxO transcription factors counteract ROS generation by upregulating antioxidant enzymes. Here we show that intracellular H2O2 accumulation is a critical and purposeful adaptation for the differentiation and survival of osteoclasts, the bone cells responsible for the resorption of mineralized bone matrix. Using mice with conditional loss or gain of FoxO transcription factor function, or mitochondria-targeted catalase in osteoclasts, we demonstrate this is achieved, at least in part, by downregulating the H2O2-inactivating enzyme catalase. Catalase downregulation results from the repression of the transcriptional activity of FoxO1, 3 and 4 by RANKL, the indispensable signal for the generation of osteoclasts, via an Akt-mediated mechanism. Notably, mitochondria-targeted catalase prevented the loss of bone caused by loss of oestrogens, suggesting that decreasing H2O2 production in mitochondria may represent a rational pharmacotherapeutic approach to diseases with increased bone resorption.

Primary human macrophages serve as vehicles for vaccinia virus replication and dissemination

Human monocytic and professional antigen-presenting cells have been reported only to exhibit abortive infections with vaccinia virus (VACV). We found that monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), including granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-polarized M1 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-polarized M2, but not human AB serum-derived cells, were permissive to VACV replication. The titers of infectious virions in both cell-free supernatants and cellular lysates of infected M1 and M2 markedly increased in a time-dependent manner. The majority of virions produced in permissive MDMs were extracellular enveloped virions (EEV), a secreted form of VACV associated with long-range virus dissemination, and were mainly found in the culture supernatant. Infected MDMs formed VACV factories, actin tails, virion-associated branching structures, and cell linkages, indicating that MDMs are able to initiate de novo synthesis of viral DNA and promote virus release. VACV replication was sensitive to inhibitors against the Akt and Erk1/2 pathways that can be activated by VACV infection and M-CSF stimulation. Classical activation of MDMs by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus gamma interferon (IFN-γ) stimulation caused no effect on VACV replication, while alternative activation of MDMs by interleukin-10 (IL-10) or LPS-plus-IL-1β treatment significantly decreased VACV production. The IL-10-mediated suppression of VACV replication was largely due to Stat3 activation, as a Stat3 inhibitor restored virus production to levels observed without IL-10 stimulation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that primary human macrophages are permissive to VACV replication. After infection, these cells produce EEV for long-range dissemination and also form structures associated with virions which may contribute to cell-cell spread.

IMPORTANCE

Our results provide critical information to the burgeoning fields of cancer-killing (oncolytic) virus therapy with vaccinia virus (VACV). One type of macrophage (M2) is considered a common presence in tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. Our results demonstrate a preference for VACV replication in M2 macrophages and could assist in designing treatments and engineering poxviruses with special considerations for their effect on M2 macrophage-containing tumors. Additionally, this work highlights the importance of macrophages in the field of vaccine development using poxviruses as vectors. The understanding of the dynamics of poxvirus-infected foci is central in understanding the effectiveness of the immune response to poxvirus-mediated vaccine vectors. Monocytic cells have been found to be an important part of VACV skin lesions in mice in controlling the infection as well as mediating virus transport out of infected foci.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces the proliferation and survival of macrophages via a pathway involving DAP12 and beta-catenin

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) influences the proliferation and survival of mononuclear phagocytes through the receptor CSF-1R. The adaptor protein DAP12 is critical for the function of mononuclear phagocytes. DAP12-mutant mice and humans have defects in osteoclasts and microglia, as well as brain and bone abnormalities. Here we show DAP12 deficiency impaired the M-CSF-induced proliferation and survival of macrophages in vitro. DAP12-deficient mice had fewer microglia in defined central nervous system areas, and DAP12-deficient progenitors regenerated myeloid cells inefficiently after bone marrow transplantation. Signaling by M-CSF through CSF-1R induced the stabilization and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, which activated genes involved in the cell cycle. DAP12 was essential for phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the many defects of DAP12-deficient mononuclear phagocytes.

Separation and characterization of the activated pool of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor forming distinct multimeric complexes with signalling molecules in macrophages

Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) triggers the activation of intracellular proteins in macrophages through selective assembly of signalling complexes. The separation of multimeric complexes of the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) by anion-exchange chromatography enabled the enrichment of low-stoichiometry complexes. A significant proportion of the receptor in CSF-1-stimulated cells that neither possessed detectable tyrosine kinase activity nor formed complexes was separated from the receptor pool displaying autokinase activity that formed chromatographically distinct multimeric complexes. A small pool of CSF-1R formed a multimeric complex with phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase), SHP-1, Grb2, Shc, c-Src, Cbl, and a significant number of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in CSF-1-stimulated cells. The complex showed a considerable amount of CSF-1R complex-associated kinase activity. A detectable level of the complex was also present in untreated cells. PI-3 kinase in the multimeric complex displayed low lipid kinase activity despite the association with several proteins. The major pool of activated CSF-1R formed transient multimeric complexes with distinctly different tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, which included STAT3 but also PI-3 kinase, Shc, SHP-1, and Grb2. A significant level of lipid kinase activity was detected in PI-3 kinase in the latter complexes. The different specific enzyme activities of PI-3 kinase in these complexes support the notion that the activity of PI-3 kinase is modulated by its association with CSF-1R and other associated cellular proteins. Specific structural proteins associated with the separate CSF-1R multimeric complexes upon CSF-1 stimulation and the presence of the distinct pools of the CSF-1R were dependent on the integrity of the microtubular network.

A dominant-negative cyclin D1 mutant prevents nuclear import of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and its phosphorylation by CDK-activating kinase

Cyclins contain two characteristic cyclin folds, each consisting of five alpha-helical bundles, which are connected to one another by a short linker peptide. The first repeat makes direct contact with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) subunits in assembled holoenzyme complexes, whereas the second does not contribute directly to the CDK interface. Although threonine 156 in mouse cyclin D1 is predicted to lie at the carboxyl terminus of the linker peptide that separates the two cyclin folds and is buried within the cyclin subunit, mutation of this residue to alanine has profound effects on the behavior of the derived cyclin D1-CDK4 complexes. CDK4 in complexes with mutant cyclin D1 (T156A or T156E but not T156S) is not phosphorylated by recombinant CDK-activating kinase (CAK) in vitro, fails to undergo activating T-loop phosphorylation in vivo, and remains catalytically inactive and unable to phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein. Moreover, when it is ectopically overexpressed in mammalian cells, cyclin D1 (T156A) assembles with CDK4 in the cytoplasm but is not imported into the cell nucleus. CAK phosphorylation is not required for nuclear transport of cyclin D1-CDK4 complexes, because complexes containing wild-type cyclin D1 and a CDK4 (T172A) mutant lacking the CAK phosphorylation site are efficiently imported. In contrast, enforced overexpression of the CDK inhibitor p21Cip1 together with mutant cyclin D1 (T156A)-CDK4 complexes enhanced their nuclear localization. These results suggest that cyclin D1 (T156A or T156E) forms abortive complexes with CDK4 that prevent recognition by CAK and by other cellular factors that are required for their nuclear localization. These properties enable ectopically overexpressed cyclin D1 (T156A), or a more stable T156A/T286A double mutant that is resistant to ubiquitination, to compete with endogenous cyclin D1 in mammalian cells, thereby mobilizing CDK4 into cytoplasmic, catalytically inactive complexes and dominantly inhibiting the ability of transfected NIH 3T3 fibroblasts to enter S phase.

Interaction of D-type cyclins with a novel myb-like transcription factor, DMP1

The cyclin D-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6 trigger phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (RB) late in G1 phase, helping to cancel its growth-suppressive function and thereby facilitating S-phase entry. Although specific inhibition of cyclin D-dependent kinase activity in vivo can prevent cells from entering S phase, it does not affect S-phase entry in cells lacking functional RB, implying that RB may be the only substrate of CDK4 and CDK6 whose phosphorylation is necessary for G1 exit. Using a yeast two-hybrid interactive screen, we have now isolated a novel cyclin D-interacting myb-like protein (designated DMP1), which binds specifically to the nonamer DNA consensus sequences CCCG(G/T)ATGT to activate transcription. A subset of these DMP1 recognition sequences containing a GGA trinucleotide core can also function as Ets-responsive elements. DMP1 mRNA and protein are ubiquitously expressed throughout the cell cycle in mouse tissues and in representative cell lines. DMP1 binds to D-type cyclins directly in vitro and when coexpressed in insect Sf9 cells. In both settings, it can be phosphorylated by cyclin D-dependent kinases, suggesting that its transcriptional activity may normally be regulated through such mechanisms. These results raise the possibility that cyclin D-dependent kinases regulate gene expression in an RB independent manner, thereby serving to link other genetic programs to the cell cycle clock.

Rescue of defective mitogenic signaling by D-type cyclins

Three gene products, including Myc and the D- and E-type G1 cyclins, are rate limiting for G1 progression in mammalian fibroblasts. Quiescent mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts engineered to express a mutant colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) receptor (CSF-1R 809F) fail to synthesize c-myc and cyclin D1 mRNAs upon CSF-1 stimulation and remain arrested in early G1 phase. Ectopic expression of c-myc or either of three D-type cyclin genes, but not cyclin E, resensitized these cells to the mitogenic effects of CSF-1, enabling them to proliferate continuously in liquid culture and to form colonies in agar in response to the growth factor. Rescue by cyclin D1 was enhanced by c-myc but not by cyclin E and was reversed by infecting cyclin D1-reconstituted cells with a retroviral vector encoding catalytically inactive cyclin-dependent kinase 4. Induction of cyclin D1 mRNA by CSF-1 was restored in cells forced to express c-myc, and vice versa, suggesting that expression of the two genes is interdependent. Cells reconstituted with c-myc were prevented from entering S phase when microinjected with a monoclonal antibody to cyclin D1, and conversely, those rescued by cyclin D1 were inhibited from forming CSF-1-dependent colonies when challenged with a dominant-negative c-myc mutant. Cyclin D mutants defective in binding to the retinoblastoma protein were impaired in rescuing mitogenic signaling. Therefore, Myc and D-type cyclins collaborate during the mitogenic response to CSF-1, whereas cyclin E functions in a separate pathway.

Regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen activator gene transcription by macrophage colony-stimulating factor

The mouse urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) gene was used as a model macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1)-inducible gene to investigate CSF-1 signalling pathways. Nuclear run-on analysis showed that induction of uPA mRNA by CSF-1 and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was at the transcriptional level in bone marrow-derived macrophages. CSF-1 and PMA synergized strongly in the induction of uPA mRNA, showing that at least some components of CSF-1 action are mediated independently of protein kinase C. Promoter targets of CSF-1 signalling were investigated with NIH 3T3 cells expressing the human CSF-1 receptor (c-fms). uPA mRNA was induced in these cells by treatment with CSF-1, and a PEA3/AP-1 element at -2.4 kb in the uPA promoter was involved in this response. Ets transcription factors can act through PEA3 sequences, and the involvement of Ets factors in the induction of uPA was confirmed by use of a dominant negative Ets-2 factor. Expression of the DNA binding domain of Ets-2 fused to the lacZ gene product prevented CSF-1-mediated induction of uPA mRNA in NIH 3T3 cells expressing the CSF-1 receptor. Examination of ets-2 mRNA expression in macrophages showed that it was also induced synergistically by CSF-1 and PMA. In the macrophage cell line RAW264, the uPA PEA3/AP-1 element mediated a response to both PMA and cotransfected Ets-2. uPA promoter constructs were induced 60- to 130-fold by Ets-2 expression, and the recombinant Ets-2 DNA binding domain was able to bind to the uPA PEA3/AP-1 element. This work is consistent with a proposed pathway for CSF-1 signalling involving sequential activation of fms, ras, and Ets factors.

Novel INK4 proteins, p19 and p18, are specific inhibitors of the cyclin D-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6

Cyclin D-dependent kinases act as mitogen-responsive, rate-limiting controllers of G1 phase progression in mammalian cells. Two novel members of the mouse INK4 gene family, p19 and p18, that specifically inhibit the kinase activities of CDK4 and CDK6, but do not affect those of cyclin E-CDK2, cyclin A-CDK2, or cyclin B-CDC2, were isolated. Like the previously described human INK4 polypeptides, p16INK4a/MTS1 and p15INK4b/MTS2, mouse p19 and p18 are primarily composed of tandemly repeated ankyrin motifs, each ca. 32 amino acids in length, p19 and p18 bind directly to CDK4 and CDK6, whether untethered or in complexes with D cyclins, and can inhibit the activity of cyclin D-bound cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Although neither protein interacts with D cyclins or displaces them from preassembled cyclin D-CDK complexes in vitro, both form complexes with CDKs at the expense of cyclins in vivo, suggesting that they may also interfere with cyclin-CDK assembly. In proliferating macrophages, p19 mRNA and protein are periodically expressed with a nadir in G1 phase and maximal synthesis during S phase, consistent with the possibility that INK4 proteins limit the activities of CDKs once cells exit G1 phase. However, introduction of a vector encoding p19 into mouse NIH 3T3 cells leads to constitutive p19 synthesis, inhibits cyclin D1-CDK4 activity in vivo, and induces G1 phase arrest.

Activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4) by mouse MO15-associated kinase

The assembly of functional holoenzymes composed of regulatory D-type cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) is rate limiting for progression through the G1 phase of the mammalian somatic cell cycle. Complexes between D-type cyclins and their major catalytic subunit, cdk4, are catalytically inactive until cyclin-bound cdk4 undergoes phosphorylation on a single threonyl residue (Thr-172). This step is catalyzed by a cdk-activating kinase (CAK) functionally analogous to the enzyme which phosphorylates cdc2 and cdk2 at Thr-161/160. Here, we demonstrate that the catalytic subunit of mouse cdc2/cdk2 CAK (a 39-kDa protein designated p39MO15) can assemble with a regulatory protein present in either insect or mammalian cells to generate a CAK activity capable of phosphorylating and enzymatically activating both cdk2 and cdk4 in complexes with their respective cyclin partners. A newly identified 37-kDa cyclin-like protein (cyclin H [R. P. Fisher and D. O. Morgan, Cell 78:713-724, 1994]) can assemble with p39MO15 to activate both cyclin A-cdk2 and cyclin D-cdk4 in vitro, implying that CAK is structurally reminiscent of cyclin-cdk complexes themselves. Antisera produced to the p39MO15 subunit can completely deplete mammalian cell lysates of CAK activity for both cyclin A-cdk2 and cyclin D-cdk4, with recovery of activity in the resulting immune complexes. By using an immune complex CAK assay, CAK activity for cyclin A-cdk2 and cyclin D-cdk4 was detected both in quiescent cells and invariantly throughout the cell cycle. Therefore, although it is essential for the enzymatic activation of cyclin-cdk complexes, CAK appears to be neither rate limiting for the emergence of cells from quiescence nor subject to upstream regulatory control by stimulatory mitogens.

Activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4) by mouse MO15-associated kinase

The assembly of functional holoenzymes composed of regulatory D-type cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) is rate limiting for progression through the G1 phase of the mammalian somatic cell cycle. Complexes between D-type cyclins and their major catalytic subunit, cdk4, are catalytically inactive until cyclin-bound cdk4 undergoes phosphorylation on a single threonyl residue (Thr-172). This step is catalyzed by a cdk-activating kinase (CAK) functionally analogous to the enzyme which phosphorylates cdc2 and cdk2 at Thr-161/160. Here, we demonstrate that the catalytic subunit of mouse cdc2/cdk2 CAK (a 39-kDa protein designated p39MO15) can assemble with a regulatory protein present in either insect or mammalian cells to generate a CAK activity capable of phosphorylating and enzymatically activating both cdk2 and cdk4 in complexes with their respective cyclin partners. A newly identified 37-kDa cyclin-like protein (cyclin H [R. P. Fisher and D. O. Morgan, Cell 78:713-724, 1994]) can assemble with p39MO15 to activate both cyclin A-cdk2 and cyclin D-cdk4 in vitro, implying that CAK is structurally reminiscent of cyclin-cdk complexes themselves. Antisera produced to the p39MO15 subunit can completely deplete mammalian cell lysates of CAK activity for both cyclin A-cdk2 and cyclin D-cdk4, with recovery of activity in the resulting immune complexes. By using an immune complex CAK assay, CAK activity for cyclin A-cdk2 and cyclin D-cdk4 was detected both in quiescent cells and invariantly throughout the cell cycle. Therefore, although it is essential for the enzymatic activation of cyclin-cdk complexes, CAK appears to be neither rate limiting for the emergence of cells from quiescence nor subject to upstream regulatory control by stimulatory mitogens.

Regulation of cyclin D-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4) by cdk4-activating kinase

The accumulation of assembled holoenzymes composed of regulatory D-type cyclins and their catalytic partner, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), is rate limiting for progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle in mammalian fibroblasts. Both the synthesis and assembly of D-type cyclins and cdk4 depend upon serum stimulation, but even when both subunits are ectopically overproduced, they do not assemble into complexes in serum-deprived cells. When coexpressed from baculoviral vectors in intact Sf9 insect cells, cdk4 assembles with D-type cyclins to form active protein kinases. In contrast, recombinant D-type cyclin and cdk4 subunits produced in insect cells or in bacteria do not assemble as efficiently into functional holoenzymes when combined in vitro but can be activated in the presence of lysates obtained from proliferating mammalian cells. Assembly of cyclin D-cdk4 complexes in coinfected Sf9 cells facilitates phosphorylation of cdk4 on threonine 172 by a cdk-activating kinase (CAK). Assembly can proceed in the absence of this modification, but cdk4 mutants which cannot be phosphorylated by CAK remain catalytically inactive. Therefore, formation of the cyclin D-cdk4 complex and phosphorylation of the bound catalytic subunit are independently regulated, and in addition to the requirement for CAK activity, serum stimulation is required to promote assembly of the complexes in mammalian cells.

Regulation of cyclin D-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4) by cdk4-activating kinase

The accumulation of assembled holoenzymes composed of regulatory D-type cyclins and their catalytic partner, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), is rate limiting for progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle in mammalian fibroblasts. Both the synthesis and assembly of D-type cyclins and cdk4 depend upon serum stimulation, but even when both subunits are ectopically overproduced, they do not assemble into complexes in serum-deprived cells. When coexpressed from baculoviral vectors in intact Sf9 insect cells, cdk4 assembles with D-type cyclins to form active protein kinases. In contrast, recombinant D-type cyclin and cdk4 subunits produced in insect cells or in bacteria do not assemble as efficiently into functional holoenzymes when combined in vitro but can be activated in the presence of lysates obtained from proliferating mammalian cells. Assembly of cyclin D-cdk4 complexes in coinfected Sf9 cells facilitates phosphorylation of cdk4 on threonine 172 by a cdk-activating kinase (CAK). Assembly can proceed in the absence of this modification, but cdk4 mutants which cannot be phosphorylated by CAK remain catalytically inactive. Therefore, formation of the cyclin D-cdk4 complex and phosphorylation of the bound catalytic subunit are independently regulated, and in addition to the requirement for CAK activity, serum stimulation is required to promote assembly of the complexes in mammalian cells.

D-type cyclin-dependent kinase activity in mammalian cells

D-type cyclin-dependent kinase activities have not so far been detected in mammalian cells. Lysis of rodent fibroblasts, mouse macrophages, or myeloid cells with Tween 20 followed by precipitation with antibodies to cyclins D1, D2, and D3 or to their major catalytic partner, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), yielded kinase activities in immune complexes which readily phosphorylated the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) but not histone H1 or casein. Virtually all cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity in proliferating macrophages and fibroblasts could be attributed to cdk4. When quiescent cells were stimulated by growth factors to enter the cell cycle, cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity was first detected in mid G1, reached a maximum near the G1/S transition, and remained elevated in proliferating cells. The rate of appearance of kinase activity during G1 phase lagged significantly behind cyclin induction and correlated with the more delayed accumulation of cdk4 and formation of cyclin D1-cdk4 complexes. Thus, cyclin D1-associated kinase activity was not detected during the G0-to-G1 transition, which occurs within the first few hours following growth factor stimulation. Rodent fibroblasts engineered to constitutively overexpress either cyclin D1 alone or cyclin D3 together with cdk4 exhibited greatly elevated cyclin D-dependent kinase activity, which remained absent in quiescent cells but rose to supraphysiologic levels as cells progressed through G1. Therefore, despite continued enforced overproduction of cyclins and cdk4, the assembly of cyclin D-cdk4 complexes and the appearance of their kinase activities remained dependent upon serum stimulation, indicating that upstream regulators must govern formation of the active enzymes.

D-type cyclin-dependent kinase activity in mammalian cells

D-type cyclin-dependent kinase activities have not so far been detected in mammalian cells. Lysis of rodent fibroblasts, mouse macrophages, or myeloid cells with Tween 20 followed by precipitation with antibodies to cyclins D1, D2, and D3 or to their major catalytic partner, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), yielded kinase activities in immune complexes which readily phosphorylated the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) but not histone H1 or casein. Virtually all cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity in proliferating macrophages and fibroblasts could be attributed to cdk4. When quiescent cells were stimulated by growth factors to enter the cell cycle, cyclin D1-dependent kinase activity was first detected in mid G1, reached a maximum near the G1/S transition, and remained elevated in proliferating cells. The rate of appearance of kinase activity during G1 phase lagged significantly behind cyclin induction and correlated with the more delayed accumulation of cdk4 and formation of cyclin D1-cdk4 complexes. Thus, cyclin D1-associated kinase activity was not detected during the G0-to-G1 transition, which occurs within the first few hours following growth factor stimulation. Rodent fibroblasts engineered to constitutively overexpress either cyclin D1 alone or cyclin D3 together with cdk4 exhibited greatly elevated cyclin D-dependent kinase activity, which remained absent in quiescent cells but rose to supraphysiologic levels as cells progressed through G1. Therefore, despite continued enforced overproduction of cyclins and cdk4, the assembly of cyclin D-cdk4 complexes and the appearance of their kinase activities remained dependent upon serum stimulation, indicating that upstream regulators must govern formation of the active enzymes.

Inhibition of granulocyte differentiation by G1 cyclins D2 and D3 but not D1

Growth factor-induced signals govern the expression of three D-type cyclins, which, in turn, function as regulatory subunits of cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) to control cell cycle transitions during the late G1 interval. 32D myeloid cells, which self-renew as uncommitted precursors in interleukin 3 (IL-3), express cyclins D2 and D3 (but not D1) in complexes with cdk4 and cdk2. When transferred to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), 32D cells stop dividing and terminally differentiate to mature neutrophils. Cyclin D and cdk4 expression ceased as cells underwent growth arrest in G-CSF, but cdk2 levels were sustained. 32D cells engineered to ectopically express D-type cyclins exhibited contracted G1 intervals with a compensatory lengthening of S phase but remained IL-3 dependent for cell growth; those overexpressing cyclins D2 and D3 (but not D1) were unable to differentiate and died in G-CSF. Cyclin D2 mutants, which cannot efficiently bind to, or functionally interact with, the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) or its relatives (p107) did not block differentiation. Conversely, the introduction of a catalytically inactive cdk4 mutant into cells overexpressing cyclin D2 restored their G-CSF response. The persistence of cdk2 and its predilection to functionally interact with cyclins D2 and D3 rather than D1 might explain the specificity of the differentiation blockade.

Phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis and c-myc expression are in collaborating mitogenic pathways activated by colony-stimulating factor 1

Stimulation of diglyceride production via phospholipase C (PLC) hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine was an early event in the mitogenic action of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) in the murine macrophage cell line BAC1.2F5 and was followed by a second phase of diglyceride production that persisted throughout the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Addition of phosphatidylcholine-specific PLC (PC-PLC) from Bacillus cereus to the medium of quiescent cells raised the intracellular diglyceride concentration and stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation, although PC-PLC did not support continuous proliferation. PC-PLC treatment did not induce tyrosine phosphorylation or turnover of the CSF-1 receptor. The major protein kinase C (PKC) isotype in BAC1.2F5 cells was PKC-delta. Diglyceride production from PC-PLC did not target PKC-delta, since unlike phorbol esters, PC-PLC treatment neither decreased the electrophoretic mobility of PKC-delta nor increased the amount of GTP bound to Ras, and PC-PLC was mitogenically active in BAC1.2F5 cells in which PKC-delta was downregulated by prolonged treatment with phorbol ester. PC-PLC mimicked CSF-1 action by elevating c-fos and junB mRNAs to 40% of the level induced by CSF-1; however, PC-PLC induced c-myc mRNA to only 5% of the level in CSF-1-stimulated cells. PC-PLC addition to CSF-1-dependent BAC1.2F5 clones that constitutively express c-myc increased [3H]thymidine incorporation to 86% of the level evoked by CSF-1 and supported slow growth in the absence of CSF-1. Therefore, PC-PLC is a component of a signal transduction pathway leading to transcription of c-fos and junB that collaborates with c-myc and is independent of PKC-delta and Ras activation.

Phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis and c-myc expression are in collaborating mitogenic pathways activated by colony-stimulating factor 1

Stimulation of diglyceride production via phospholipase C (PLC) hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine was an early event in the mitogenic action of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) in the murine macrophage cell line BAC1.2F5 and was followed by a second phase of diglyceride production that persisted throughout the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Addition of phosphatidylcholine-specific PLC (PC-PLC) from Bacillus cereus to the medium of quiescent cells raised the intracellular diglyceride concentration and stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation, although PC-PLC did not support continuous proliferation. PC-PLC treatment did not induce tyrosine phosphorylation or turnover of the CSF-1 receptor. The major protein kinase C (PKC) isotype in BAC1.2F5 cells was PKC-delta. Diglyceride production from PC-PLC did not target PKC-delta, since unlike phorbol esters, PC-PLC treatment neither decreased the electrophoretic mobility of PKC-delta nor increased the amount of GTP bound to Ras, and PC-PLC was mitogenically active in BAC1.2F5 cells in which PKC-delta was downregulated by prolonged treatment with phorbol ester. PC-PLC mimicked CSF-1 action by elevating c-fos and junB mRNAs to 40% of the level induced by CSF-1; however, PC-PLC induced c-myc mRNA to only 5% of the level in CSF-1-stimulated cells. PC-PLC addition to CSF-1-dependent BAC1.2F5 clones that constitutively express c-myc increased [3H]thymidine incorporation to 86% of the level evoked by CSF-1 and supported slow growth in the absence of CSF-1. Therefore, PC-PLC is a component of a signal transduction pathway leading to transcription of c-fos and junB that collaborates with c-myc and is independent of PKC-delta and Ras activation.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor is indispensable for both proliferation and differentiation of osteoclast progenitors

The mechanism of action of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in osteoclast development was examined in a co-culture system of mouse osteoblastic cells and spleen cells. In this co-culture, osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (MNCs) were formed within 6 d in response to 10 nM 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 added only for the final 2 d of culture. Simultaneously adding hydroxyurea for the final 2 d completely inhibited proliferation of cultured cells without affecting 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3-stimulated MNC formation. Autoradiographic examination using [3H]-thymidine revealed that osteoclast progenitors primarily proliferated during the first 4 d, whereas their differentiation into MNCs occurred predominantly during the final 2 d of culture in response to 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3. When anti-M-CSF antibody or anti-M-CSF receptor antibody was added either for the first 4 d or for the final 2 d, the MNC formation was similarly inhibited. In co-cultures of normal spleen cells and osteoblastic cells obtained from op/op mice, which cannot produce functionally active M-CSF, the lack of M-CSF either for the first 4 d or for the final 2 d failed to form MNCs in response to 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 added for the last 2 d. These results clearly indicate that M-CSF is indispensable for both proliferation of osteoclast progenitors and their differentiation into mature osteoclasts.

Macrophage colony stimulating factor activates phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by cytoplasmic phospholipase A2

The macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) is required for the proliferation and differentiation of monocytes. Previous studies have demonstrated that M-CSF stimulation is associated with phosphatidylcholine (PC) hydrolysis and increased formation of both diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphorylcholine. The present work extends those results by demonstrating that treatment of human monocytes with M-CSF is associated with increases in a cytoplasmic Ca(2+)-dependent activity which hydrolyzes 1-palmitoyl,2-arachidonoyl PC to arachidonic acid. The finding that this hydrolysis of PC is associated with increases in production of lysophosphatidylcholine indicates that M-CSF stimulates a cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activity. These results are supported by the demonstration that M-CSF induces cPLA2 gene expression. M-CSF-induced increases in cPLA2 mRNA levels were biphasic and corresponded with rapid (30-60 min) and delayed (24-72 h) increases in cPLA2 activity. The results demonstrate that this effect of M-CSF on cPLA2 expression is controlled at least in part by post-transcriptional stabilization of cPLA2 transcripts. The finding that M-CSF treatment is also associated with phosphorylation of the cPLA2 protein further suggests that expression of this enzyme is regulated at multiple levels. Finally, the stimulation of cPLA2 activity and arachidonate release is supported by increases in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. In this regard, levels of both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were increased in response to M-CSF. Taken together, these results indicate that M-CSF stimulates PC hydrolysis in human monocytes by inducing cPLA2 activity and thereby formation of eicosanoids.

Macrophage growth arrest by cyclic AMP defines a distinct checkpoint in the mid-G1 stage of the cell cycle and overrides constitutive c-myc expression

Proliferation of a murine macrophage cell line (BAC1.2F5) in response to colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) is inhibited by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP). When BAC1.2F5 cells were growth arrested in early G1 by CSF-1 starvation and stimulated to synchronously enter the cell cycle by readdition of growth factor, PGE2 inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation when added before mid-G1, but its addition at later times did not block the onset of S phase. Reversible cell cycle arrest mediated by a cAMP analog required the presence of CSF-1 for cells to initiate DNA synthesis, whereas cells released from an aphidicolin block at the G1/S boundary entered S phase in the absence of CSF-1. PGE2 or cAMP analogs did not block the initial induction of c-myc mRNA by CSF-1 but abolished the CSF-1-dependent expression of c-myc mRNA in the mid-G1 stage of the cell cycle. The cAMP-mediated reduction in c-myc RNA levels was due to decreased c-myc transcription. However, CSF-1-dependent BAC1.2F5 clones infected with a c-myc retrovirus were growth arrested by cAMP analogs despite constitutive c-myc expression. Therefore, the reduction of endogenous c-myc expression by cAMP is neither necessary nor sufficient for growth inhibition.

Macrophage growth arrest by cyclic AMP defines a distinct checkpoint in the mid-G1 stage of the cell cycle and overrides constitutive c-myc expression

Proliferation of a murine macrophage cell line (BAC1.2F5) in response to colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) is inhibited by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP). When BAC1.2F5 cells were growth arrested in early G1 by CSF-1 starvation and stimulated to synchronously enter the cell cycle by readdition of growth factor, PGE2 inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation when added before mid-G1, but its addition at later times did not block the onset of S phase. Reversible cell cycle arrest mediated by a cAMP analog required the presence of CSF-1 for cells to initiate DNA synthesis, whereas cells released from an aphidicolin block at the G1/S boundary entered S phase in the absence of CSF-1. PGE2 or cAMP analogs did not block the initial induction of c-myc mRNA by CSF-1 but abolished the CSF-1-dependent expression of c-myc mRNA in the mid-G1 stage of the cell cycle. The cAMP-mediated reduction in c-myc RNA levels was due to decreased c-myc transcription. However, CSF-1-dependent BAC1.2F5 clones infected with a c-myc retrovirus were growth arrested by cAMP analogs despite constitutive c-myc expression. Therefore, the reduction of endogenous c-myc expression by cAMP is neither necessary nor sufficient for growth inhibition.

Tyrosine 706 and 807 phosphorylation site mutants in the murine colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor are unaffected in their ability to bind or phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase but show differential defects in their ability to induce early response gene transcription

The receptor for colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) is a receptor protein-tyrosine kinase. To study the possible function of CSF-1 receptor autophosphorylation, two autophosphorylation sites, Tyr-706, located in the kinase insert, and Tyr-807, a residue conserved in all protein-tyrosine kinases, were changed independently to either phenylalanine or glycine. Wild-type and mutant receptors were stably expressed in Rat-2 cells. In response to CSF-1, cells expressing Phe- or Gly-706 mutant receptors showed increased growth rate and altered cell morphology. Both the Phe- and Gly-706 mutant receptors associated with and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase at levels comparable with those of wild-type receptors. However, these mutant receptors differed subtly from each other and from the wild-type receptor in their ability to induce different aspects of the response to CSF-1. The Phe-706 mutant receptor was most strongly affected in its ability to increase growth rate or elevate the levels of c-fos and NGF1A mRNAs, whereas the Gly-706 mutant receptor was most markedly affected in its ability to induce a change in cell morphology or increase the levels of c-jun and NGF1A mRNAs. These findings indicate that Tyr-706 itself, or this region of the receptor, may be important for interaction of the CSF-1 receptor with different signalling pathways. Gly-807 mutant receptors lacked protein-tyrosine kinase activity, failed to respond to CSF-1, and were defective in biosynthetic processing. Phe-807 mutant receptors had 40 to 60% reduced protein-tyrosine kinase activity in vitro. Although cells expressing Phe-807 receptors were able to respond to CSF-1, the changes in growth rate and cell morphology were significantly less than seen with wild-type receptors, and the induction of early response genes was also slightly lower than for the wild-type receptor. In contrast, Phe-807 receptors were equivalent to wild-type receptors when tested for their ability to interact with phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase. These findings indicate that phosphorylation of Tyr-807 may be important for full activation of the receptor.

Tyrosine 706 and 807 phosphorylation site mutants in the murine colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor are unaffected in their ability to bind or phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase but show differential defects in their ability to induce early response gene transcription

The receptor for colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) is a receptor protein-tyrosine kinase. To study the possible function of CSF-1 receptor autophosphorylation, two autophosphorylation sites, Tyr-706, located in the kinase insert, and Tyr-807, a residue conserved in all protein-tyrosine kinases, were changed independently to either phenylalanine or glycine. Wild-type and mutant receptors were stably expressed in Rat-2 cells. In response to CSF-1, cells expressing Phe- or Gly-706 mutant receptors showed increased growth rate and altered cell morphology. Both the Phe- and Gly-706 mutant receptors associated with and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase at levels comparable with those of wild-type receptors. However, these mutant receptors differed subtly from each other and from the wild-type receptor in their ability to induce different aspects of the response to CSF-1. The Phe-706 mutant receptor was most strongly affected in its ability to increase growth rate or elevate the levels of c-fos and NGF1A mRNAs, whereas the Gly-706 mutant receptor was most markedly affected in its ability to induce a change in cell morphology or increase the levels of c-jun and NGF1A mRNAs. These findings indicate that Tyr-706 itself, or this region of the receptor, may be important for interaction of the CSF-1 receptor with different signalling pathways. Gly-807 mutant receptors lacked protein-tyrosine kinase activity, failed to respond to CSF-1, and were defective in biosynthetic processing. Phe-807 mutant receptors had 40 to 60% reduced protein-tyrosine kinase activity in vitro. Although cells expressing Phe-807 receptors were able to respond to CSF-1, the changes in growth rate and cell morphology were significantly less than seen with wild-type receptors, and the induction of early response genes was also slightly lower than for the wild-type receptor. In contrast, Phe-807 receptors were equivalent to wild-type receptors when tested for their ability to interact with phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase. These findings indicate that phosphorylation of Tyr-807 may be important for full activation of the receptor.

Peptide antisera to human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor detect ligand-induced conformational changes and a binding site for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

A peptide antiserum (anti-A) directed to the intracellular, juxtamembrane region (residues 552 to 574) of the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) precipitated only ligand-activated, native receptors from solution but bound to unstimulated forms after their denaturation. Two peptide antisera (anti-KI1 and -KI2), directed to residues 679 to 700 and 701 to 721, respectively, in the CSF-1R kinase insert (KI) domain and including mapped sites of ligand-induced phosphorylation at Tyr-699 and Tyr-708, bound at least 80% of the receptor molecules expressed in either CSF-1-stimulated or unstimulated cells. Immune complexes formed with anti-KI1, anti-A, or a peptide antiserum to the CSF-1R carboxyl terminus (anti-C-ter) coprecipitated CSF-1R complexed to a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns 3-K) from CSF-1-stimulated cells, whereas anti-KI2 serum did not. In an in vitro assay, binding of CSF-1R to PtdIns 3-K required receptor tyrosine phosphorylation but not CSF-1R-mediated phosphorylation of the lipid kinase, and the association was specifically blocked by anti-KI2 or antibodies to phosphotyrosine. Neither anti-KI1, anti-A, nor anti-C-ter serum inhibited binding. We conclude that (i) only a minority of ligand-activated receptors form a stable complex with PtdIns 3-K in vivo, (ii) efficient binding of the lipid kinase requires receptor tyrosine phosphorylation within the CSF-1R KI domain, and (iii) a region within the KI domain defined by residues 701 to 721 at least partially overlaps the PtdIns 3-K binding site.

Peptide antisera to human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor detect ligand-induced conformational changes and a binding site for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

A peptide antiserum (anti-A) directed to the intracellular, juxtamembrane region (residues 552 to 574) of the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) precipitated only ligand-activated, native receptors from solution but bound to unstimulated forms after their denaturation. Two peptide antisera (anti-KI1 and -KI2), directed to residues 679 to 700 and 701 to 721, respectively, in the CSF-1R kinase insert (KI) domain and including mapped sites of ligand-induced phosphorylation at Tyr-699 and Tyr-708, bound at least 80% of the receptor molecules expressed in either CSF-1-stimulated or unstimulated cells. Immune complexes formed with anti-KI1, anti-A, or a peptide antiserum to the CSF-1R carboxyl terminus (anti-C-ter) coprecipitated CSF-1R complexed to a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns 3-K) from CSF-1-stimulated cells, whereas anti-KI2 serum did not. In an in vitro assay, binding of CSF-1R to PtdIns 3-K required receptor tyrosine phosphorylation but not CSF-1R-mediated phosphorylation of the lipid kinase, and the association was specifically blocked by anti-KI2 or antibodies to phosphotyrosine. Neither anti-KI1, anti-A, nor anti-C-ter serum inhibited binding. We conclude that (i) only a minority of ligand-activated receptors form a stable complex with PtdIns 3-K in vivo, (ii) efficient binding of the lipid kinase requires receptor tyrosine phosphorylation within the CSF-1R KI domain, and (iii) a region within the KI domain defined by residues 701 to 721 at least partially overlaps the PtdIns 3-K binding site.

A point mutation at tyrosine-809 in the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor impairs mitogenesis without abrogating tyrosine kinase activity, association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, or induction of c-fos and junB genes

Substitution of phenylalanine for tyrosine-809 in the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibited its ability to transduce ligand-dependent mitogenic signals in mouse NIH 3T3 cells. When combined with an "activating" mutation at codon 301 that induces constitutive CSF-1R tyrosine kinase activity, the codon 809 mutation suppressed ligand-independent cell transformation. Comparative mapping of tryptic phosphopeptides from mutant and wild-type CSF-1R indicated that tyrosine-809 is a site of ligand-dependent receptor phosphorylation in vivo. The mutant receptor was active as a tyrosine kinase in vitro and in vivo, underwent CSF-1-dependent association with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and induced expression of the protooncogenes c-fos and junB, underscoring its ability to trigger some of the known cellular responses to CSF-1. The mutant receptor is likely to be impaired in its ability to interact with critical cellular effectors whose activity is required for mitogenesis.

Identification of tyrosine 706 in the kinase insert as the major colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1)-stimulated autophosphorylation site in the CSF-1 receptor in a murine macrophage cell line

The receptor for colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) is a ligand-activated protein-tyrosine kinase. It has been shown previously that the CSF-1 receptor is phosphorylated on serine in vivo and that phosphorylation on tyrosine can be induced by stimulation with CSF-1. We studied the phosphorylation of the CSF-1 receptor by using the BAC1.2F5 murine macrophage cell line, which naturally expresses CSF-1 receptors. Two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide mapping showed that the CSF-1 receptor is phosphorylated on several different serine residues in vivo. Stimulation with CSF-1 at 37 degrees C resulted in rapid phosphorylation on tyrosine at one major site and one or two minor sites. We identified the major site as Tyr-706. The identity of Tyr-706 was confirmed by mutagenesis. This residue is located within the kinase insert domain. There was no evidence that Tyr-973 (equivalent to Tyr-969 in the human CSF-1 receptor) was phosphorylated following CSF-1 stimulation. When cells were stimulated with CSF-1 at 4 degrees C, additional phosphotyrosine-containing phosphopeptides were detected and the level of phosphorylation of the individual phosphotyrosine-containing phosphopeptides was substantially increased. In addition, we show that CSF-1 receptors are capable of autophosphorylation at six to eight major sites in vitro.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of c-fms proteins expressed in FDC-P1 and BALB/c 3T3 cells

The c-fms protein is a receptor for macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) with intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity. We investigated the tyrosine phosphorylation of murine c-fms proteins expressed from a retroviral vector in factor-dependent myeloid FDC-P1 cells and in BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts transformed by the expression of the c-fms gene. FDC-P1 cells expressing c-fms were able to grow and differentiate in response to M-CSF. Their c-fms proteins were normally phosphorylated on serine and became phosphorylated on tyrosine residues contained in five tryptic peptides when the cells were exposed to M-CSF. A subset of these peptides was constitutively phosphorylated in BALB/c cells expressing c-fms, consistent with the production of M-CSF by these cells. All the peptides detected in vivo were also phosphorylated in vitro. These peptides were analyzed by susceptibility to proteases, comparison with synthetic peptides, and site-directed mutagenesis. The identities of four of the tryptic peptides were determined; they arise from three unique tyrosine phosphorylation sites. One major site of tyrosine phosphorylation at residue 697 accounted for two of the tryptic peptides. A second major site was identified at tyrosine residue 706. These two tyrosine phosphorylation sites are located within the tyrosine kinase insert region. Tyrosine 807, which has homology to the major autophosphorylation site of the p60v-src tyrosine kinase, is a minor autophosphorylation site. Possible functional roles for these phosphorylations of the c-fms protein include interactions with substrate proteins, catalytic activity, and ligand-induced degradation.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of c-fms proteins expressed in FDC-P1 and BALB/c 3T3 cells

The c-fms protein is a receptor for macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) with intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity. We investigated the tyrosine phosphorylation of murine c-fms proteins expressed from a retroviral vector in factor-dependent myeloid FDC-P1 cells and in BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts transformed by the expression of the c-fms gene. FDC-P1 cells expressing c-fms were able to grow and differentiate in response to M-CSF. Their c-fms proteins were normally phosphorylated on serine and became phosphorylated on tyrosine residues contained in five tryptic peptides when the cells were exposed to M-CSF. A subset of these peptides was constitutively phosphorylated in BALB/c cells expressing c-fms, consistent with the production of M-CSF by these cells. All the peptides detected in vivo were also phosphorylated in vitro. These peptides were analyzed by susceptibility to proteases, comparison with synthetic peptides, and site-directed mutagenesis. The identities of four of the tryptic peptides were determined; they arise from three unique tyrosine phosphorylation sites. One major site of tyrosine phosphorylation at residue 697 accounted for two of the tryptic peptides. A second major site was identified at tyrosine residue 706. These two tyrosine phosphorylation sites are located within the tyrosine kinase insert region. Tyrosine 807, which has homology to the major autophosphorylation site of the p60v-src tyrosine kinase, is a minor autophosphorylation site. Possible functional roles for these phosphorylations of the c-fms protein include interactions with substrate proteins, catalytic activity, and ligand-induced degradation.

Identification of tyrosine 706 in the kinase insert as the major colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1)-stimulated autophosphorylation site in the CSF-1 receptor in a murine macrophage cell line

The receptor for colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) is a ligand-activated protein-tyrosine kinase. It has been shown previously that the CSF-1 receptor is phosphorylated on serine in vivo and that phosphorylation on tyrosine can be induced by stimulation with CSF-1. We studied the phosphorylation of the CSF-1 receptor by using the BAC1.2F5 murine macrophage cell line, which naturally expresses CSF-1 receptors. Two-dimensional tryptic phosphopeptide mapping showed that the CSF-1 receptor is phosphorylated on several different serine residues in vivo. Stimulation with CSF-1 at 37 degrees C resulted in rapid phosphorylation on tyrosine at one major site and one or two minor sites. We identified the major site as Tyr-706. The identity of Tyr-706 was confirmed by mutagenesis. This residue is located within the kinase insert domain. There was no evidence that Tyr-973 (equivalent to Tyr-969 in the human CSF-1 receptor) was phosphorylated following CSF-1 stimulation. When cells were stimulated with CSF-1 at 4 degrees C, additional phosphotyrosine-containing phosphopeptides were detected and the level of phosphorylation of the individual phosphotyrosine-containing phosphopeptides was substantially increased. In addition, we show that CSF-1 receptors are capable of autophosphorylation at six to eight major sites in vitro.

Antibody-induced mitogenicity mediated by a chimeric CD2-c-fms receptor

A chimeric receptor composed of the extracellular domain of the human T-cell antigen CD2 (T11) joined to the membrane-spanning segment and the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) was expressed in murine NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Stimulation of these cells with monoclonal antibodies to CD2 induced phosphorylation of the chimeric glycoprotein on tyrosine, receptor downmodulation, and mitogenesis. In contrast, neither human CSF-1R nor the chimeric receptor was able to function in interleukin-2-dependent murine T cells. In fibroblasts, then, CSF-1 per se is not required for activation of the receptor kinase or for a biological response, whereas in T cells, CSF-1R may be unable to engage the downstream signal transduction machinery.

Ligand-induced phosphorylation of the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor can occur through an intermolecular reaction that triggers receptor down modulation

Ligand-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) could involve either an intra- or intermolecular mechanism. We therefore examined the ability of a CSF-1R carboxy-terminal truncation mutant to phosphorylate a kinase-defective receptor, CSF-1R[met 616], that contains a methionine-for-lysine substitution at its ATP-binding site. By using an antipeptide serum that specifically reacts with epitopes deleted from the enzymatically competent truncation mutant, cross-phosphorylation of CSF-1R[met 616] on tyrosine was demonstrated, both in immune-complex kinase reactions and in intact cells stimulated with CSF-1. Both in vitro and in vivo, CSF-1R[met 616] was phosphorylated on tryptic peptides identical to those derived from wild-type CSF-1R, suggesting that receptor phosphorylation on tyrosine can proceed via an intermolecular interaction between receptor monomers. When expressed alone, CSF-1R[met 616] did not undergo ligand-induced down modulation, but its phosphorylation in cells coexpressing the kinase-active truncation mutant accelerated its degradation.

Antibody-induced mitogenicity mediated by a chimeric CD2-c-fms receptor

A chimeric receptor composed of the extracellular domain of the human T-cell antigen CD2 (T11) joined to the membrane-spanning segment and the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) was expressed in murine NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Stimulation of these cells with monoclonal antibodies to CD2 induced phosphorylation of the chimeric glycoprotein on tyrosine, receptor downmodulation, and mitogenesis. In contrast, neither human CSF-1R nor the chimeric receptor was able to function in interleukin-2-dependent murine T cells. In fibroblasts, then, CSF-1 per se is not required for activation of the receptor kinase or for a biological response, whereas in T cells, CSF-1R may be unable to engage the downstream signal transduction machinery.

Ligand-induced phosphorylation of the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor can occur through an intermolecular reaction that triggers receptor down modulation

Ligand-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the human colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) could involve either an intra- or intermolecular mechanism. We therefore examined the ability of a CSF-1R carboxy-terminal truncation mutant to phosphorylate a kinase-defective receptor, CSF-1R[met 616], that contains a methionine-for-lysine substitution at its ATP-binding site. By using an antipeptide serum that specifically reacts with epitopes deleted from the enzymatically competent truncation mutant, cross-phosphorylation of CSF-1R[met 616] on tyrosine was demonstrated, both in immune-complex kinase reactions and in intact cells stimulated with CSF-1. Both in vitro and in vivo, CSF-1R[met 616] was phosphorylated on tryptic peptides identical to those derived from wild-type CSF-1R, suggesting that receptor phosphorylation on tyrosine can proceed via an intermolecular interaction between receptor monomers. When expressed alone, CSF-1R[met 616] did not undergo ligand-induced down modulation, but its phosphorylation in cells coexpressing the kinase-active truncation mutant accelerated its degradation.

Induction of macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent growth and differentiation after introduction of the murine c-fms gene into FDC-P1 cells

A system has been established for analyzing the functions of the c-fms/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor gene product in hematopoietic growth and differentiation. The murine c-fms gene was introduced into the factor-dependent murine hematopoietic cell line FDC-P1 by retroviral infection, and conversion to M-CSF-dependent growth was assayed in agar cultures. Expression of the c-fms gene in FDC-P1 cells, which normally do not express this gene, resulted in the conversion of resultant FD(c-fms) cells to M-CSF-dependent growth. Stimulation of FD(c-fms) cells by M-CSF led to the formation of colonies of altered morphology and produced reversible morphological changes suggestive of myeloid differentiation. M-CSF also induced expression of mature myeloid surface marker proteins in the FD(c-fms) cells. Neither multi-CSF nor granulocyte-macrophage CSF induced similar phenotypic changes but remained able to stimulate the proliferation of undifferentiated FD(c-fms) cells. These results indicate that the c-fms gene was expressed functionally in FDC-P1 cells and transmitted signals for growth. Also, the interaction of M-CSF with the c-fms gene product generated an additional signal for myeloid differentiation but did not irreversibly commit FD(c-fms) cells to terminal differentiation. This system can be used for molecular analysis of the growth- and differentiation-promoting activities of the c-fms proto-oncogene.

Induction of macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent growth and differentiation after introduction of the murine c-fms gene into FDC-P1 cells

A system has been established for analyzing the functions of the c-fms/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor gene product in hematopoietic growth and differentiation. The murine c-fms gene was introduced into the factor-dependent murine hematopoietic cell line FDC-P1 by retroviral infection, and conversion to M-CSF-dependent growth was assayed in agar cultures. Expression of the c-fms gene in FDC-P1 cells, which normally do not express this gene, resulted in the conversion of resultant FD(c-fms) cells to M-CSF-dependent growth. Stimulation of FD(c-fms) cells by M-CSF led to the formation of colonies of altered morphology and produced reversible morphological changes suggestive of myeloid differentiation. M-CSF also induced expression of mature myeloid surface marker proteins in the FD(c-fms) cells. Neither multi-CSF nor granulocyte-macrophage CSF induced similar phenotypic changes but remained able to stimulate the proliferation of undifferentiated FD(c-fms) cells. These results indicate that the c-fms gene was expressed functionally in FDC-P1 cells and transmitted signals for growth. Also, the interaction of M-CSF with the c-fms gene product generated an additional signal for myeloid differentiation but did not irreversibly commit FD(c-fms) cells to terminal differentiation. This system can be used for molecular analysis of the growth- and differentiation-promoting activities of the c-fms proto-oncogene.

Early pre-B-cell transformation induced by the v-fms oncogene in long-term mouse bone marrow cultures

Murine long-term bone marrow cultures that support B-lymphoid-cell development were infected with a helper-free retrovirus containing the v-fms oncogene. Infection of B-lymphoid cultures resulted in the rapid clonal outgrowth of early pre-B cells, which grew to high cell densities on stromal cell feeder layers, expressed v-fms-coded glycoproteins, and underwent immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangements. Late-passage cultures gave rise to factor-independent variants that proliferated in the absence of feeder layers, developed resistance to hydrocortisone, and became tumorigenic in syngeneic mice. The v-fms oncogene therefore recapitulates known effects of the v-abl and bcr-abl oncogenes on B-lineage cells. The ability of v-fms to induce transformation of early pre-B cells in vitro underscores the capacity of oncogenic mutants of the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor to function outside the mononuclear phagocyte lineage.

Early pre-B-cell transformation induced by the v-fms oncogene in long-term mouse bone marrow cultures

Murine long-term bone marrow cultures that support B-lymphoid-cell development were infected with a helper-free retrovirus containing the v-fms oncogene. Infection of B-lymphoid cultures resulted in the rapid clonal outgrowth of early pre-B cells, which grew to high cell densities on stromal cell feeder layers, expressed v-fms-coded glycoproteins, and underwent immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangements. Late-passage cultures gave rise to factor-independent variants that proliferated in the absence of feeder layers, developed resistance to hydrocortisone, and became tumorigenic in syngeneic mice. The v-fms oncogene therefore recapitulates known effects of the v-abl and bcr-abl oncogenes on B-lineage cells. The ability of v-fms to induce transformation of early pre-B cells in vitro underscores the capacity of oncogenic mutants of the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor to function outside the mononuclear phagocyte lineage.

Functional heterogeneity of proto-oncogene tyrosine kinases: the C terminus of the human epidermal growth factor receptor facilitates cell proliferation

Previous reports have indicated that the C termini of the membrane-associated tyrosine kinases encoded by c-src and c-fms proto-oncogenes have a negative effect on their biological activity and that this effect is mediated by their C-terminal tyrosine residue. To determine whether this was true for the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, which is also a membrane-associated tyrosine kinase proto-oncogene, we have constructed two premature termination mutants, dc19 and dc63, that delete the C-terminal 19 and 63 amino acids, respectively, from the human full-length receptor (hEGFR). The smaller deletion removes the C-terminal tyrosine residue, while the larger deletion removes the two most C-terminal tyrosines; similar deletions are found in v-erbB. As previously shown for the gene encoding the full-length EGF receptor, the two C-terminal mutants induced EGF-dependent focal transformation and anchorage-independent growth of NIH 3T3 cells. However, both dc19 and dc63 were quantitatively less efficient than the gene encoding the full-length receptor, with dc63 being less active than dc19. Although the C-terminal mutants displayed lower biological activity than the gene encoding the full-length receptor, the mutant receptors were found to be similar in several respects to the full-length receptor. These parameters included receptor localization, stability in the absence of EGF, receptor half-life in the presence of EGF, EGF binding, extent of EGF-dependent autophosphorylation in vitro, and EGF-dependent phosphorylation of an exogenous substrate in vitro. Therefore, the C-terminal 63 amino acids of the human receptor have no detectable influence on EGF-dependent early events. We conclude that in contrast

Functional heterogeneity of proto-oncogene tyrosine kinases: the C terminus of the human epidermal growth factor receptor facilitates cell proliferation

Previous reports have indicated that the C termini of the membrane-associated tyrosine kinases encoded by c-src and c-fms proto-oncogenes have a negative effect on their biological activity and that this effect is mediated by their C-terminal tyrosine residue. To determine whether this was true for the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, which is also a membrane-associated tyrosine kinase proto-oncogene, we have constructed two premature termination mutants, dc19 and dc63, that delete the C-terminal 19 and 63 amino acids, respectively, from the human full-length receptor (hEGFR). The smaller deletion removes the C-terminal tyrosine residue, while the larger deletion removes the two most C-terminal tyrosines; similar deletions are found in v-erbB. As previously shown for the gene encoding the full-length EGF receptor, the two C-terminal mutants induced EGF-dependent focal transformation and anchorage-independent growth of NIH 3T3 cells. However, both dc19 and dc63 were quantitatively less efficient than the gene encoding the full-length receptor, with dc63 being less active than dc19. Although the C-terminal mutants displayed lower biological activity than the gene encoding the full-length receptor, the mutant receptors were found to be similar in several respects to the full-length receptor. These parameters included receptor localization, stability in the absence of EGF, receptor half-life in the presence of EGF, EGF binding, extent of EGF-dependent autophosphorylation in vitro, and EGF-dependent phosphorylation of an exogenous substrate in vitro. Therefore, the C-terminal 63 amino acids of the human receptor have no detectable influence on EGF-dependent early events. We conclude that in contrast

Identification and subcellular localization of proteins that are rapidly phosphorylated in tyrosine in response to colony-stimulating factor 1

To investigate growth factor-mediated signal transduction, we have studied phosphorylation events that take place within seconds of the binding of colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) to its cell-surface receptor. CSF-1 stimulated rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins in murine BAC1.2F5 macrophages at 37 degrees C and 4 degrees C. The pattern of CSF-1-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of at least 15 different proteins at both temperatures was similar and unchanged by treatment of the lysate with reducing agent. With the exception of the 185-kDa CSF-1 receptor, a 260-kDa protein and a 133-kDa protein, the proteins were predominantly cytoplasmic. At 37 degrees C, all the proteins were phosphorylated within 30 sec of addition of growth factor. At 4 degrees C, CSF-1 receptor sites were saturated after 2 min of incubation in the presence of high concentrations of CSF-1 and differences in the order of appearance of phosphorylated proteins were observed: 185 kDa (CSF-1 receptor) (by 2 min); 99 kDa (by 4 min); 125 kDa (by 10 min); 61 kDa (by 30 min); and 260 kDa, 84 kDa, and 41 kDa (by 180 min). In addition to stimulating the phosphorylation of these proteins in tyrosine, CSF-1 caused dephosphorylation of phosphorylated serine residues on the receptor. As neither CSF-1 nor its receptor is internalized at 4 degrees C, analysis of these early reactions and the phosphotyrosine-containing proteins in intact cells under these conditions should lead to an understanding of the early events in growth factor receptor-mediated signal transduction.

A recessive cellular mutation in v-fes-transformed mink cells restores contact inhibition and anchorage-dependent growth

A contact-inhibited revertant of mink cells transformed by the Gardner-Arnstein strain of feline sarcoma virus was isolated by fluorescence-activated sorting of cells stained with the mitochondria-specific dye rhodamine 123. The revertant cell line exhibited a decrease in its proliferative rate and saturation density and a complete loss of its capacity for anchorage-independent growth, but it remained tumorigenic when inoculated into nude mice. The revertant cells retained a rescuable Gardner-Arnstein feline sarcoma provirus, expressed high levels of the v-fes oncogene product and its associated tyrosine kinase activity, manifested elevated levels of phosphotyrosine-containing cellular proteins similar to those observed in v-fes-transformed cells, and were refractory to retransformation by retroviruses containing the v-fes, v-fms, and v-ras oncogenes. Fusion of the revertant and parental cells generated somatic cell hybrids which formed colonies in semisolid medium, indicating that the block in transformation was recessive. These data together with the observation that the revertant phenotype is unstable in continuous culture suggest that the loss of transformation is due to the presence of limiting quantities of a gene product which functions downstream of the v-fes-coded kinase in the mitogenic pathway.

Colony-stimulating factor 1-mediated regulation of a chimeric c-fms/v-fms receptor containing the v-fms-encoded tyrosine kinase domain

A chimeric gene specifying the 308 N-terminal amino acids of the extracellular ligand binding domain of the human c-fms protooncogene joined to the remainder of the feline v-fms oncogene product encodes a functional colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) receptor. When expressed in mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, the chimeric gene product was rapidly transported to the cell surface, was autophosphorylated on tyrosine only in response to human recombinant CSF-1, underwent ligand-induced but not phorbol ester-induced down-modulation, and stimulated CSF-1-dependent cell proliferation. By contrast, the C-terminally truncated glycoprotein encoded by the v-fms oncogene is partially inhibited in its transport to the plasma membrane, is constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine, and is relatively refractory to both ligand-induced and phorbol ester-induced down-modulation. Although the v-fms oncogene can transform cells in the absence of CSF-1, its tyrosine kinase activity and turnover can be appropriately regulated by the human c-fms-encoded ligand binding domain. The results confirm that C-terminal truncation of the c-fms gene is insufficient to activate its transforming potential and suggest that an additional mutation in its distal extracellular domain is required for oncogenic activation.

A recessive cellular mutation in v-fes-transformed mink cells restores contact inhibition and anchorage-dependent growth

A contact-inhibited revertant of mink cells transformed by the Gardner-Arnstein strain of feline sarcoma virus was isolated by fluorescence-activated sorting of cells stained with the mitochondria-specific dye rhodamine 123. The revertant cell line exhibited a decrease in its proliferative rate and saturation density and a complete loss of its capacity for anchorage-independent growth, but it remained tumorigenic when inoculated into nude mice. The revertant cells retained a rescuable Gardner-Arnstein feline sarcoma provirus, expressed high levels of the v-fes oncogene product and its associated tyrosine kinase activity, manifested elevated levels of phosphotyrosine-containing cellular proteins similar to those observed in v-fes-transformed cells, and were refractory to retransformation by retroviruses containing the v-fes, v-fms, and v-ras oncogenes. Fusion of the revertant and parental cells generated somatic cell hybrids which formed colonies in semisolid medium, indicating that the block in transformation was recessive. These data together with the observation that the revertant phenotype is unstable in continuous culture suggest that the loss of transformation is due to the presence of limiting quantities of a gene product which functions downstream of the v-fes-coded kinase in the mitogenic pathway.