A uniform procedure for the purification of CDK7/CycH/MAT1, CDK8/CycC and CDK9/CycT1

Isolation of the AccCDK8 gene of Apis cerana cerana and its functional analysis under pesticide and heavy metal stress

Environmental pollution has gained negative attention in recent years. The pesticides and heavy metals are top list of environmental toxicants directly endangering the survival and development of Apis cerana cerana. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are heteromeric serine/threonine kinases that participate in cell cycle regulation and have a vital role in pesticide and heavy metal stress in Apis cerana cerana. In this experiment, we filtered out CDK8 gene from Apis cerana cerana (AccCDK8) and investigated its functions of pesticide and heavy metals resistance. Sequence analysis indicated that AccCDK8 is highly homologous to multiple CDK8s and contains a highly conserved CDK active site sequence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AmCDK8 and AccCDK8 were closely related evolutionarily in Apis mellifera. Transcriptome analysis revealed that AccCDK8 expression was differentially affected after exposure to pesticide and heavy metal stresses. This indicates that AccCDK8 has a significant role in the resistance of Apis cerana cerana to pesticide and heavy metal stresses. It has implications for studying the function of CDK in other insects in response to stress.

A review on kinases phosphorylating the carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II-Biological functions and inhibitors

RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) plays a major role in gene transcription for eukaryote. One of the major modes of regulation in eukaryotes is the phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA Pol II. The current study found that the phosphorylation of Ser2, Ser5, Ser7, Thr4 and Tyr1 among the heptapeptide repeats of CTD plays a key role in the transcription process. We therefore review the biological functions and inhibitors of kinases that phosphorylate these amino acid residues including transcriptional cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs), bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), Polo-like kinases 3 (Plk3) and Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene 1 and 2 (c-Abl1/2).

Substrate Specificity of SAMHD1 Triphosphohydrolase Activity Is Controlled by Deoxyribonucleoside Triphosphates and Phosphorylation at Thr592

The sterile alpha motif (SAM) and histidine-aspartate (HD) domain containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) constitute a triphosphohydrolase that converts deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) into deoxyribonucleosides and triphosphates. SAMHD1 exists in multiple states. The monomer and apo- or GTP-bound dimer are catalytically inactive. Binding of dNTP at allosteric site 2 (AS2), adjacent to GTP-binding allosteric site 1 (AS1), induces formation of the tetramer, the catalytically active form. We have developed an enzyme kinetic assay, tailored to control specific dNTP binding at each site, allowing us to determine the kinetic binding parameters of individual dNTPs at both the AS2 and catalytic sites for all possible combinations of dNTP binding at both sites. Here, we show that the apparent K_m values of dNTPs at AS2 vary in the order of dCTP < dGTP < dATP < dTTP. Interestingly, dCTP binding at AS2 significantly reduces the dCTP hydrolysis rate, which is restored to a rate comparable to that of other dNTPs upon dGTP, dATP, or dTTP binding at AS2. Strikingly, a phosphomimetic mutant, Thr592Asp SAMHD1 as well as phospho-Thr592, show a significantly altered substrate specificity, with the rate of dCTP hydrolysis being selectively reduced regardless of which dNTP binds at AS2. Furthermore, cyclin A2 binding at the C-terminus of SAMHD1 induces the disassembly of the SAMHD1 tetramer, suggesting an additional layer of SAMHD1 activity modulation by cyclin A2/CDK2 kinase. Together, our results reveal multiple allosteric mechanisms for controlling the rate of dNTP destruction by SAMHD1.

Structures of the CDK12/CycK complex with AMP-PNP reveal a flexible C-terminal kinase extension important for ATP binding

Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) promotes transcriptional elongation by phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain (CTD). Structure-function studies show that this activity is dependent on a C-terminal kinase extension, as well as the binding of cyclin K (CycK). To better define these interactions we determined the crystal structure of the human CDK12/CycK complex with and without the kinase extension in the presence of AMP-PNP. The structures revealed novel features for a CDK, including a large β4-β5 loop insertion that contributes to the N-lobe interaction with the cyclin. We also observed two different conformations of the C-terminal kinase extension that effectively open and close the ATP pocket. Most notably, bound AMP-PNP was only observed when trapped in the closed state. Truncation of this C-terminal structure also diminished AMP-PNP binding, as well as the catalytic activity of the CDK12/CycK complex. Further kinetic measurements showed that the full length CDK12/CycK complex was significantly more active than the two crystallised constructs suggesting a critical role for additional domains. Overall, these results demonstrate the intrinsic flexibility of the C-terminal extension in CDK12 and highlight its importance for both ATP binding and kinase activity.

The cyclin-dependent kinase family in the social amoebozoan Dictyostelium discoideum

Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk) are a family of serine/threonine protein kinases that regulate eukaryotic cell cycle progression. Their ability to modulate the cell cycle has made them an attractive target for anti-cancer therapies. Cdk protein function has been studied in a variety of Eukaryotes ranging from yeast to humans. In the social amoebozoan Dictyostelium discoideum, several homologues of mammalian Cdks have been identified and characterized. The life cycle of this model organism is comprised of a feeding stage where single cells grow and divide mitotically as they feed on their bacterial food source and a multicellular developmental stage that is induced by starvation. Thus it is a valuable system for studying a variety of cellular and developmental processes. In this review I summarize the current knowledge of the Cdk protein family in Dictyostelium by highlighting the research efforts focused on the characterization of Cdk1, Cdk5, and Cdk8 in this model Eukaryote. Accumulated evidence indicates that each protein performs distinct functions during the Dictyostelium life cycle with Cdk1 being required for growth and Cdk5 and Cdk8 being required for processes that occur during development. Recent studies have shown that Dictyostelium Cdk5 shares attributes with mammalian Cdk5 and that the mammalian Cdk inhibitor roscovitine can be used to inhibit Cdk5 activity in Dictyostelium. Together, these results show that Dictyostelium can be used as a model system for studying Cdk protein function.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor roscovitine inhibits kinase activity, cell proliferation, multicellular development, and Cdk5 nuclear translocation in Dictyostelium discoideum

Roscovitine, a cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor, inhibited kinase activity and the axenic growth of Dictyostelium discoideum at micromolar concentrations. Growth was almost fully rescued in 50 µM and ≈ 50% rescued in 100 µM roscovitine-treated cultures by the over-expression of Cdk5-GFP. This supports the importance of Cdk5 function during cell proliferation in Dictyostelium and indicates that Cdk5 is a primary target of the drug. Roscovitine did not affect the expression of Cdk5 protein during axenic growth but did inhibit its nuclear translocation. This novel result suggests that the effects of roscovitine could be due in part to altering Cdk5 translocation in other systems as well. Kinase activity was inhibited by roscovitine in assays using AX3 whole cell lysates, but not in assays using lysates from Cdk5-GFP over-expressing cells. At higher concentrations, roscovitine impaired slug and fruiting body formation. Fruiting bodies that did form were small and produced relatively fewer spores many of which were round. However, roscovitine did not affect stalk cell differentiation. Together with previous findings, these data reveal that roscovitine inhibits Cdk5 during growth and as yet undefined Cdks during mid-late development.

CDK INHIBITORY NUCLEOSIDE ANALOGS PREVENT TRANSCRIPTION FROM VIRAL GENOMES

Targeting viral proteins has lead to many successful antivirals. Yet, such antivirals rapidly select for resistance, tend to be active against only a few related viruses, and require previous characterization of the target proteins. Alternatively, antivirals may be targeted to cellular proteins. Replication of many viruses requires cellular CDKs and pharmacological CDK inhibitors (PCIs), such as the purine-based roscovitine (Rosco), are proving safe in clinical trials against cancer. Rosco inhibits replication of wild-type or (multi-)drug resistant HIV, HCMV, EBV, VZV, and HSV-1 and 2. However, the antiviral mechanisms of purine PCIs remain unknown. Our objective is to characterize these mechanisms using HSV as a model We have shown that Rosco prevents initiation of transcription from viral, but not cellular, genomes. This inhibition is promoter independent, but genome dependent, and requires no viral proteins. This is a novel antiviral mechanism and a previously unknown activity for purine PCIs.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor roscovitine suppresses the invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effects of cyclin-dependent kinases on the invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells in vitro and explore potential mechanisms involved.

METHODS: SMMC-7721 cells were divided into two groups: control group (untreated with roscovitine) and treatment group (treated with 32 μmol/L of roscovitine for 24 hours). The ell cycle distribution of SMMC-7721 cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cell invasion and motility were evaluated by Transwell chamber assay and wound healing assay, respectively. The mRNA expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS: The percentage of SMMC-7721 cells in G₀/G₁ phase was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (72.19% ± 0.47% vs 59.22% ± 0.54%, P < 0.05). The number of cells passing through the Transwell membrane was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (71.40 ± 5.59 vs 149.60 ± 16.36, P < 0.05). Roscovitine treatment also significantly decreased cell motility (P < 0.05). RT-PCR analysis revealed that roscovitine treatment downregulated the expression of uPA mRNA expression but had no significant impact on MMP-9 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION: Roscovitine treatment decreases the invasion and motility of SMMC-7721 cells possibly via a mechanism associated with changing cell cycle and downregulating uPA mRNA expression.

Five years of progress on cyclin-dependent kinases and other cellular proteins as potential targets for antiviral drugs

In 1997-1998, the pharmacological cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors (PCIs) were independently discovered to inhibit replication of human cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and HIV-1. The results from small clinical trials against cancer were then suggesting that PCIs could be safe enough to be used clinically. It was thus hypothesized that PCIs could have the potential to be developed as novel antivirals targeting cellular proteins. Consequently, Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy published in 2001 the first review on the potential of CDKs, and cellular proteins in general, as potential targets for antivirals. The viral functions inhibited by PCIs, or their cellular targets, were then just starting to be characterized. The antiviral spectrum of PCIs and their effects on viral disease were still mostly untested. Even their actual specificity was not yet completely characterized. In addition, cellular proteins were not accepted as valid targets for antivirals. Significant progress has been made in the last 5 years in understanding the antiviral activities of PCIs and the potential roles of cellular proteins in general as targets for antivirals. The first clinical trials of the antiviral activities of PCIs and other inhibitors of cellular protein kinases have now been scheduled. Herein, we review the progress made since the publication of the first review on PCIs as potential antiviral drugs and on CDKs, and cellular proteins in general, as potential targets for antiviral drugs. We also highlight the major issues that still need to be addressed before PCIs or other drugs targeting cellular proteins can be developed as clinical antivirals.

Expression, purification, and circular dichroism analysis of human CDK9

The human cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 using the pET23a vector at 30 degrees C. Several milligrams of protein were purified from soluble fraction using ionic exchange and ATP-affinity chromatography. The structural quality of recombinant CDK9 and the estimation of its secondary structure were obtained by circular dichroism. Structural models of CDK9 presented 26% of helices in agreement with the spectra by circular dichroism analysis. This is the first report on human CDK9 expression in Escherichia coli and structure analysis and provides the first step for the development of CDK9 inhibitors.

Cyclin H binding to the RARalpha activation function (AF)-2 domain directs phosphorylation of the AF-1 domain by cyclin-dependent kinase 7

The transcriptional activity of nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), which act as RAR/retinoid X receptor (RXR) heterodimers, depends on two activation functions, AF-1 and AF-2, which are targets for phosphorylations and synergize for the activation of retinoic acid target genes. The N-terminal AF-1 domain of RARalpha is phosphorylated at S77 by the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)-activating kinase (CAK) subcomplex (cdk7/cyclin H/MAT1) of the general transcription factor TFIIH. Here, we show that phosphorylation of S77 governing the transcriptional activity of RARalpha depends on cyclin H binding at a RARalpha region that encompasses loop 8-9 and the N-terminal tip of helix 9 of the AF-2 domain. We propose a model in which the structural constraints of this region control the architecture of the RAR/RXR/TFIIH complex and therefore the efficiency of RARalpha phosphorylation by cdk7. To our knowledge, this study provides the first example of a cooperation between the AF-2 and AF-1 domains of RARs through a kinase complex.

Acetylation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 by p300/CREB-binding protein regulates coactivation of NF-kappaB-dependent transcription

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) have both been demonstrated to play a pathophysiological role in a number of inflammatory disorders. We recently presented evidence that PARP-1 can act as a promoter-specific coactivator of NF-kappaB in vivo independent of its enzymatic activity. PARP-1 directly interacts with p300 and both subunits of NF-kappaB (p65 and p50) and synergistically coactivates NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. Here we show that PARP-1 is acetylated in vivo at specific lysine residues by p300/CREB-binding protein upon stimulation. Furthermore, acetylation of PARP-1 at these residues is required for the interaction of PARP-1 with p50 and synergistic coactivation of NF-kappaB by p300 and the Mediator complex in response to inflammatory stimuli. PARP-1 physically interacts with the Mediator. Interestingly, PARP-1 interacts in vivo with histone deacetylases (HDACs) 1-3 but not with HDACs 4-6 and might be deacetylated in vivo by HDACs 1-3. Thus, acetylation of PARP-1 by p300/CREB-binding protein plays an important regulatory role in NF-kappaB-dependent gene activation by enhancing its functional interaction with p300 and the Mediator complex.