Regulation of EGF-induced ERK/MAPK activation and EGFR internalization by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2

G protein-coupled receptor kinases （GRKs） mediate agonist-induced phosphorylation and desensitization of various G protein-coupled receptors （GPCRs）. We investigate the role of GRK2 on epidermal growth factor （EGF） receptor signaling, including EGF-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase （ERK/MAPK） activation and EGFR internalization. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments show that EGF stimulates GRK2 binding to EGFR complex and GRK2 translocating from cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Western blotting assay shows that EGF-induced ERK/MAPK phosphorylation increases 1.9-fold, 1.1-fold and 1.5fold （P〈0.05） at time point 30, 60 and 120 min, respectively when the cells were transfected with GRK2,suggesting the regulatory role of GRK2 on EGF-induced ERK/MAPK activation. Flow cytometry experiments show that GRK2 overexpression has no effect on EGF-induced EGFR internalization, however, it increases agonist-induced G protein-coupled δ5 opioid receptor internalization by approximately 40% （P〈0.01）. Overall,these data suggest that GRK2 has a regulatory role in EGF-induced ERK/MAPK activation, and that the mechanisms underlying the modulatory role of GRK2 in EGFR and GPCR signaling pathways are somewhat different at least in receptor internalization.     

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is a Rho-activated scaffold protein for the ERK MAP kinase cascade

The G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) are best known for their role in phosphorylating and desensitising G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The GRKs also regulate signalling downstream of other families of receptors and have a number of non-receptor substrates and binding partners. Here we identify RhoA_GTP and Raf1 as novel binding partners of GRK2 and report a previously unsuspected function for this kinase. GRK2 is a RhoA effector that serves as a RhoA-activated scaffold protein for the ERK MAP kinase cascade. The ability of GRK2 to bind to Raf1, MEK1 and ERK2 is dependent on RhoA_GTP binding to the catalytic domain of the kinase. Exogenous GRK2 has previously been shown to increase ERK activation downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here we find that GRK2-mediated ERK activation downstream of the EGFR is Rho-dependent and that treatment with EGF promotes RhoA_GTP binding and ERK scaffolding by GRK2. Depletion of GRK2 expression by RNAi reveals that GRK2 is required for EGF-induced, Rho- and ERK-dependent thymidine incorporation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We therefore hypothesise that Rho-dependent ERK MAPK scaffolding by GRK2 downstream of the EGFR may have an important role in the vasculature, where increased levels of both GRK2 and RhoA have been associated with hypertension.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor activation of calpain is required for fibroblast motility and occurs via an ERK/MAP kinase signaling pathway

To become migratory, cells must reorganize their connections to the substratum, and during locomotion they must break rear attachments. The molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying these biophysical processes are unknown. Recent studies have implicated both extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein (ERK/MAP) kinase and calpain (EC 3.4.22.17) in these processes, but it is uncertain whether these are two distinct pathways acting on different modes of motility. We report that cell deadhesion involved in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor-mediated fibroblast motility requires activation of M-calpain downstream of ERK/MAP kinase signaling. NR6 fibroblasts expressing full-length wild type epidermal growth factor receptor required both calpain and ERK activation, as demonstrated by pharmacological inhibitors (calpeptin and calpain inhibitor I and PD98059, respectively) for EGF-induced deadhesion and motility. EGF induced rapid activation of calpain that was preventable by molecular inhibition of the Ras-Raf-MEK but not phospholipase Cgamma signaling pathway, and calpain was stimulated by transfection of constitutively active MEK. Enhanced calpain activity was not mirrored by increased calpain protein levels or decreased levels of its endogenous inhibitor calpastatin. The link between ERK/MAP kinase signaling and cell motility required the M-isoform of calpain (calpain II), as determined by specific antisense-mediated down-regulation. These data promote a previously undescribed signaling pathway of ERK/MAP kinases activating calpain to destabilize cell-substratum adhesions in response to EGF stimulation.     

beta-Migrating very low density lipoprotein (beta VLDL) activates smooth muscle cell mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase via G protein-coupled receptor-mediated transactivation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor: effect of MAP kinase activation on beta VLDL plus EGF-induced cell proliferation

This study examined the premise that the atherogenic lipoprotein, beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein (betaVLDL), might activate the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1/ERK2, thereby contributing to the induction of smooth muscle cell proliferation in atherosclerosis. The data show that betaVLDL activates rabbit smooth muscle cell ERK1/ERK2. Interestingly, ERK1/ERK2 activation is mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that transactivate the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. betaVLDL-induced MAP kinase activation depends on Ras and Src activity as well as protein kinase C. The inhibition of lysosomal degradation of betaVLDL has no effect on ERK1/ERK2 activation. The contribution of betaVLDL-induced activation of ERK1/ERK2 to smooth muscle cell proliferation was also explored. betaVLDL induces expression of egr-1 and c-fos mRNA. Despite its ability to stimulate early gene expression, betaVLDL alone is unable to inspire quiescent cells into S phase. When added in conjunction with EGF, however, stimulation of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and an increase in histone gene expression are observed. Moreover, betaVLDL plus EGF synergistically induce cyclin D1 expression and down-regulate p27(KIP1) expression. The addition of either betaVLDL or EGF stimulates a robust activation of ERK1/ERK2, but the addition of both agents simultaneously sustains the activation for a longer time period. Inhibition of MAP kinase kinase, pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, the EGF receptor, or protein kinase C blocks betaVLDL plus EGF-induced proliferation, demonstrating that activation of the betaVLDL-induced signaling pathway results in smooth muscle cell proliferation.     

The beta(2)-adrenergic receptor mediates extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation via assembly of a multi-receptor complex with the epidermal growth factor receptor

Many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activate MAP kinases by stimulating tyrosine kinase signaling cascades. In some systems, GPCRs stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation by inducing the "transactivation" of a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). The mechanisms underlying GPCR-induced RTK transactivation have not been clearly defined. Here we report that GPCR activation mimics growth factor-mediated stimulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with respect to many facets of RTK function. beta(2)-Adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) stimulation of COS-7 cells induces EGFR dimerization, tyrosine autophosphorylation, and EGFR internalization. Coincident with EGFR transactivation, isoproterenol exposure induces the formation of a multireceptor complex containing both the beta(2)AR and the "transactivated" EGFR. beta(2)AR-mediated EGFR phosphorylation and subsequent beta(2)AR stimulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 are sensitive to selective inhibitors of both EGFR and Src kinases, indicating that both kinases are required for EGFR transactivation. beta(2)AR-dependent signaling to ERK1/2, like direct EGF stimulation of ERK1/2 activity, is sensitive to inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, suggesting that signaling downstream of both the EGF-activated and the GPCR-transactivated EGFRs requires a productive engagement of the complex with the cellular endocytic machinery. Thus, RTK transactivation is revealed to be a process involving both association of receptors of distinct classes and the interaction of the transactivated RTK with the cells endocytic machinery.     

EBP50 inhibits EGF-induced breast cancer cell proliferation by blocking EGFR phosphorylation

Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein-50 (EBP50) suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation, potentially through its regulatory effect on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, although the mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. Thus in our studies, we aimed to determine the effect of EBP50 expression on EGF-induced cell proliferation and activation of EGFR signaling in the breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. In MDA-MB-231 cells, which express low levels of EBP50, EBP50 overexpression inhibited EGF-induced cell proliferation, ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation. In MCF-7 cells, which express high levels of EBP50, EBP50 knockdown promoted EGF-induced cell proliferation, ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation. Knockdown of EBP50 in EBP50-overexpressed MDA-MB-231 cells abrogated the inhibitory effect of EBP50 on EGF-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and restoration of EBP50 expression in EBP50-knockdown MCF-7 cells rescued the inhibition of EBP50 on EGF-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, further confirming that the activation of EGF-induced downstream molecules could be specifically inhibited by EBP50 expression. Since EGFR signaling was triggered by EGF ligands via EGFR phosphorylation, we further detected the phosphorylation status of EGFR in the presence or absence of EBP50 expression. Overexpression of EBP50 in MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited EGF-stimulated EGFR phosphorylation, whereas knockdown of EBP50 in MCF-7 cells enhanced EGF-stimulated EGFR phosphorylation. Meanwhile, total expression levels of EGFR were unaffected during EGF stimulation. Taken together, our data shows that EBP50 can suppress EGF-induced proliferation of breast cancer cells by inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation and blocking EGFR downstream signaling in breast cancer cells. These results provide further insight into the molecular mechanism by which EBP50 regulates the development and progression of breast cancer.     

Growth hormone-induced phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in 3T3-F442A cells. Modulation of EGF-induced trafficking and signaling

Growth hormone (GH) promotes signaling by causing activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, JAK2, which associates with the GH receptor. GH causes phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; ErbB-1) and its family member, ErbB-2. For EGFR, JAK2-mediated GH-induced tyrosine phosphorylation may allow EGFR to serve as a scaffold for GH signaling. For ErbB-2, GH induces serine/threonine phosphorylation that dampens basal and EGF-induced ErbB-2 kinase activation. We now further explore GH-induced EGFR phosphorylation in 3T3-F442A, a preadipocytic fibroblast cell line that expresses endogenous GH receptor, EGFR, and ErbB-2. Using a monoclonal antibody that recognizes ERK consensus site phosphorylation (PTP101), we found that GH caused PTP101-reactive phosphorylation of EGFR. This GH-induced EGFR phosphorylation was prevented by MEK1 inhibitors but not by a protein kinase C inhibitor. Although GH did not discernibly affect EGF-induced EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, we observed by immunoblotting a substantial decrease of EGF-induced EGFR degradation in the presence of GH. Fluorescence microscopy studies indicated that EGF-induced intracellular redistribution of an EGFR-cyan fluorescent protein chimera was markedly reduced by GH cotreatment, in support of the immunoblotting results. Notably, protection from EGF-induced degradation and inhibition of EGF-induced intracellular redistribution afforded by GH were both prevented by a MEK1 inhibitor, suggesting a role for GH-induced ERK activation in regulating the trafficking itinerary of the EGF-stimulated EGFR. Finally, we observed augmentation of early aspects of EGF signaling (EGF-induced ERK2 activation and EGF-induced Cbl tyrosine phosphorylation) by GH cotreatment; the GH effect on EGF-induced Cbl tyrosine phosphorylation was also prevented by MEK1 inhibition. These data indicate that GH, by activating ERKs, can modulate EGF-induced EGFR trafficking and signaling and expand our understanding of mechanisms of cross-talk between the GH and EGF signaling systems.     

Different protein kinase C isoforms determine growth factor specificity in neuronal cells

Although mitogenic and differentiating factors often activate a number of common signaling pathways, the mechanisms leading to their distinct cellular outcomes have not been elucidated. In a previous report, we demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (ERK) activation by the neurogenic agents fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and nerve growth factor is dependent on protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta), whereas MAP kinase activation in response to the mitogen epidermal growth factor (EGF) is independent of PKCdelta in rat hippocampal (H19-7) and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. We now show that EGF activates MAP kinase through a PKCzeta-dependent pathway involving phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and PDK1 in H19-7 cells. PKCzeta, like PKCdelta, acts upstream of MEK, and PKCzeta can potentiate Raf-1 activation by EGF. Inhibition of PKCzeta also blocks EGF-induced DNA synthesis as monitored by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in H19-7 cells. Finally, in embryonic rat brain hippocampal cell cultures, inhibitors of PKCzeta or PKCdelta suppress MAP kinase activation by EGF or FGF, respectively, indicating that these factors activate distinct signaling pathways in primary as well as immortalized neural cells. Taken together, these results implicate different PKC isoforms as determinants of growth factor signaling specificity within the same cell. Furthermore, these data provide a mechanism whereby different growth factors can differentially activate a common signaling intermediate and thereby generate biological diversity.     

Protein kinase C-alpha and protein kinase C-epsilon are required for Grb2-associated binder-1 tyrosine phosphorylation in response to platelet-derived growth factor

Grb2-associated binder-1 (Gab1) is an adapter protein related to the insulin receptor substrate family. It is a substrate for the insulin receptor as well as the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and other receptor-tyrosine kinases. To investigate the role of Gab1 in signaling pathways downstream of growth factor receptors, we stimulated rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) with EGF and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Gab1 was tyrosine-phosphorylated by EGF and PDGF within 1 min. AG1478 (an EGF receptor kinase-specific inhibitor) failed to block PDGF-induced Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that transactivated EGF receptor is not responsible for this signaling event. Because Gab1 associates with phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma), we studied the role of the PLCgamma pathway in Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation by PDGF was impaired in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing mutant PDGFbeta receptor (Y977F/Y989F: lacking the binding site for PLCgamma). Pretreatment of VSMC with (a specific PLCgamma inhibitor) inhibited Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation as well, indicating the importance of the PLCgamma pathway. Gab1 was tyrosine-phosphorylated by phorbol ester to the same extent as PDGF stimulation. Studies using antisense protein kinase C (PKC) oligonucleotides and specific inhibitors showed that PKCalpha and PKCepsilon are required for Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation. Binding of Gab1 to the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase was significantly decreased by PLCgamma and/or PKC inhibition, suggesting the importance of the PLCgamma/PKC-dependent Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation for the interaction with other signaling molecules. Because PDGF-mediated ERK activation is enhanced in Chinese hamster ovary cells that overexpress Gab1, Gab1 serves as an important link between PKC and ERK activation by PDGFbeta receptors in VSMC.     

Protein kinase Cepsilon may act as EGF-inducible scaffold protein for phospholipase Cgamma1

Phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) represents a major downstream signalling component of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) and is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Here we show for the first time that cellular knockdown of protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon) leads to decreased activation of PLCgamma1 by EGF and that EGF induces tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCepsilon as well as association of PKCepsilon with both EGFR and PLCgamma1. Using several mutants, co-immunoprecipitation and phosphopeptide-based pull-down experiments we found that in dependency on c-Src and EGF-stimulation PKCepsilon may bind to the c-Src-specific phosphorylation site pY845-EGFR. Furthermore, we identified a single tyrosine residue, PKCepsilon-Y573, within a consensus binding sequence of the C-terminal SH2 domain of PLCgamma1 which is critical for both tyrosine phosphorylation of PKCepsilon and its association with PLCgamma1. Thus, in particular cells and independent of the kinase activity PKCepsilon may form a signalling module with EGFR and PLCgamma1. Thereby the tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCgamma1 via the EGFR may be facilitated. This is a novel function of PKCepsilon upstream of PLCgamma1 and a novel paradigm for the EGF-induced formation of multi-protein complexes.     

Overexpression of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III enhances the epidermal growth factor-induced phosphorylation of ERK in HeLaS3 cells by up-regulation of the internalization rate of the receptors

N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) is a key enzyme that inhibits the extension of N-glycans by introducing a bisecting N-acetylglucosamine residue. In this study we investigated the effect of GnT-III on epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling in HeLaS3 cells. Although the binding of EGF to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was decreased in GnT-III transfectants to a level of about 60% of control cells, the EGF-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in GnT-III transfectants was enhanced to approximately 1.4-fold that of the control cells. A binding analysis revealed that only low affinity binding of EGF was decreased in the GnT-III transfectants, whereas high affinity binding, which is considered to be responsible for the downstream signaling, was not altered. EGF-induced autophosphorylation and dimerization of the EGFR in the GnT-III transfectants were the same levels as found in the controls. The internalization rate of EGFR was, however, enhanced in the GnT-III transfectants as judged by the uptake of (125)I-EGF and Oregon Green-labeled EGF. When the EGFR internalization was delayed by dansylcadaverine, the up-regulation of ERK phosphorylation in GnT-III transfectants was completely suppressed to the same level as control cells. These results suggest that GnT-III overexpression in HeLaS3 cells resulted in an enhancement of EGF-induced ERK phosphorylation at least in part by the up-regulation of the endocytosis of EGFR.     

Synergy in ERK activation by cytokine receptors and tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signal through EGF and PDGF receptors, which are important receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) are four helical bundle peptide hormones that signal via GHR and PRLR, members of the cytokine receptor superfamily. In this study, we examine crosstalk between signaling pathways emanating from these disparate receptor groups (RTKs and cytokine receptors). We find that GH and EGF specifically synergize for activation of ERK in murine preadipocytes. The locus of this synergy resides at the level of MEK activation, but not above this level (i.e., not at the level of EGFR, SHC, or Raf activation). Furthermore, dephosphorylation of the scaffold protein, KSR, at a critical serine residue is also synergistically promoted by GH and EGF, suggesting that GH sensitizes these cells to EGF-induced ERK activation by augmenting the actions of KSR in facilitating MEK-ERK activation. Similarly specific synergy in ERK activation is also detected in human T47D breast cancer cells by cotreatment with PRL and PDGF. This synergy also resides at the level of MEK activation. Consistent with this synergy, PRL and PDGF also synergized for c-fos-dependent transactivation of a luciferase reporter gene in T47D cells, indicating that events downstream of ERK activation reflect this signaling synergy. Important conceptual and physiological implications of these findings are discussed.     

Sustained mitogen-activated protein kinase activation is induced by transforming erbB receptor complexes.

We used a genetic approach to characterize features of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation occurring as a consequence of expression of distinct erbB receptor combinations in transformed human cells. Kinase-deficient erbB proteins reduced epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous Shc proteins and also reduced immediate and sustained EGF-induced ERK MAPK activities in human glioblastoma cells, although basal ERK MAPK activities were unaffected. Basal and EGF-induced JNK and p38 MAPK kinase activities were equivalent in parental cancer cells and EGFR-inhibited subclones. When ectopically overexpressed in murine fibroblasts and human glioblastoma cells, a constitutively activated human EGF receptor oncoprotein (deltaEGFR) induced EGF-independent elevation of basal ERK MAPK activity. Basal JNK MAPK kinase activity was also specifically induced by deltaEGFR, which correlated with increased phosphorylation of a 54-kDa JNK2 protein observed in deltaEGFR-containing cells. The JNK activities in response to DNA damage were comparably increased in cells containing wildtype EGFR or deltaEGFR. Consistent with the notion that transforming erbB complexes induce sustained and unregulated MAPK activities, coexpression of p185(neu) and EGFR proteins to levels sufficient to transform murine fibroblasts also resulted in prolonged EGF-induced ERK in vitro kinase activation. Transforming erbB complexes, including EGFR homodimers, deltaEGFR homodimers, and p185(neu)/EGFR heterodimers, appear to induce sustained, unattenuated activation of MAPK activities that may contribute to increased transformation and resistance to apoptosis in primary human glioblastoma cells.     

Activation loop phosphorylation of ERK3/ERK4 by group I p21-activated kinases (PAKs) defines a novel PAK-ERK3/4-MAPK-activated protein kinase 5 signaling pathway

Classical mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are activated by dual phosphorylation of the Thr-Xxx-Tyr motif in their activation loop, which is catalyzed by members of the MAP kinase kinase family. The atypical MAP kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) and ERK4 contain a single phospho-acceptor site in this segment and are not substrates of MAP kinase kinases. Previous studies have shown that ERK3 and ERK4 are phosphorylated on activation loop residue Ser-189/Ser-186, resulting in their catalytic activation. However, the identity of the protein kinase mediating this regulatory event has remained elusive. We have used an unbiased biochemical purification approach to isolate the kinase activity responsible for ERK3 Ser-189 phosphorylation. Here, we report the identification of group I p21-activated kinases (PAKs) as ERK3/ERK4 activation loop kinases. We show that group I PAKs phosphorylate ERK3 and ERK4 on Ser-189 and Ser-186, respectively, both in vitro and in vivo, and that expression of activated Rac1 augments this response. Reciprocally, silencing of PAK1/2/3 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) completely abolishes Rac1-induced Ser-189 phosphorylation of ERK3. Importantly, we demonstrate that PAK-mediated phosphorylation of ERK3/ERK4 results in their enzymatic activation and in downstream activation of MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5) in vivo. Our results reveal that group I PAKs act as upstream activators of ERK3 and ERK4 and unravel a novel PAK-ERK3/ERK4-MK5 signaling pathway.     

Metalloproteinase-dependent transforming growth factor-alpha release mediates neurotensin-stimulated MAP kinase activation in human colonic epithelial cells

Expression of the neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) and its high affinity receptor (NTR1) is increased during the course of Clostridium difficile toxin A-induced acute colitis, and NTR1 antagonism attenuates the severity of toxin A-induced inflammation. We recently demonstrated in non-transformed human colonic epithelial NCM460 cells that NT treatment caused activation of a Ras-mediated MAP kinase pathway that significantly contributes to NT-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion. Here we used NCM460 cells, which normally express low levels of NTR1, and NCM460 cells stably transfected with NTR1 to identify the upstream signaling molecules involved in NT-NTR1-mediated MAP kinase activation. We found that inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by either an EGFR neutralizing antibody or by its specific inhibitor AG1478 (0.2 microm) blocked NT-induced MAP kinase activation. Moreover, NT stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGFR, and pretreatment with a broad spectrum metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat reduced NT-induced MAP kinase activation. Using neutralizing antibodies against the EGFR ligands EGF, heparin-binding-EGF, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha), or amphiregulin we have shown that only the anti-TGFalpha antibody significantly decreases NT-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and MAP kinases. Furthermore, inhibition of the EGF receptor by AG1478 significantly reduced NT-induced IL-8 promoter activity and IL-8 secretion. This is the first report demonstrating that NT binding to NTR1 transactivates the EGFR and that this response is linked to NT-mediated proinflammatory signaling. Our findings indicate that matrix metalloproteinase-mediated release of TGFalpha and subsequent EGFR transactivation triggers a NT-mediated MAP kinase pathway that leads to IL-8 gene expression in human colonic epithelial cells.     

p42/p44 MAP kinase activation is localized to caveolae-free membrane domains in airway smooth muscle

Caveolae are abundant plasma membrane invaginations in airway smooth muscle that may function as preorganized signalosomes by sequestering and regulating proteins that control cell proliferation, including receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their signaling effectors. We previously demonstrated, however, that p42/p44 MAP kinase, a critical effector for cell proliferation, does not colocalize with RTKs in caveolae of quiescent airway myocytes. Therefore, we investigated the subcellular sites of growth factor-induced MAP kinase activation. In quiescent myocytes, though epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was almost exclusively found in caveolae, p42/p44 MAP kinase, Grb2, and Raf-1 were absent from these membrane domains. EGF induced concomitant phosphorylation of caveolin-1 and p42/p44 MAP kinase; however, EGF did not promote the localization of p42/p44 MAP kinase, Grb2, or Raf-1 to caveolae. Interestingly, stimulation of muscarinic M(2) and M(3) receptors that were enriched in caveolae-deficient membranes also induced p42/p44 MAP kinase phosphorylation, but this occurred in the absence of caveolin-1 phosphorylation. This suggests that the localization of receptors to caveolae and interaction with caveolin-1 is not directly required for p42/p44 MAP kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, we found that EGF exposure induced rapid translocation of EGFR from caveolae to caveolae-free membranes. EGFR trafficking coincided temporally with EGFR and p42/p44 MAP kinase phosphorylation. Collectively, this indicates that although caveolae sequester some receptors associated with p42/p44 MAP kinase activation, the site of its activation is associated with caveolae-free membrane domains. This reveals that directed trafficking of plasma membrane EGFR is an essential element of signal transduction leading to p42/p44 MAP kinase activation.     

Molecular networks in FGF signaling: flotillin-1 and cbl-associated protein compete for the binding to fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2

Fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2α) is a signaling adaptor protein that regulates downstream signaling of many receptor tyrosine kinases. During signal transduction, FRS2 can be both tyrosine and threonine phosphorylated and forms signaling complexes with other adaptor proteins and tyrosine phosphatases. We have here identified flotillin-1 and the cbl-associated protein/ponsin (CAP) as novel interaction partners of FRS2. Flotillin-1 binds to the phosphotyrosine binding domain (PTB) of FRS2 and competes for the binding with the fibroblast growth factor receptor. Flotillin-1 knockdown results in increased Tyr phosphorylation of FRS2, in line with the inhibition of ERK activity in the absence of flotillin-1. CAP directly interacts with FRS2 by means of its sorbin homology (SoHo) domain, which has previously been shown to interact with flotillin-1. In addition, the third SH3 domain in CAP binds to FRS2. Due to the overlapping binding domains, CAP and flotillin-1 appear to compete for the binding to FRS2. Thus, our results reveal a novel signaling network containing FRS2, CAP and flotillin-1, whose successive interactions are most likely required to regulate receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, especially the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway.