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.     

Epidermal growth factor induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 via multiple pathways.

Expression of p21rasAsn-17, a dominant negative mutant of p21ras that blocks p21ras activation by growth factors, inhibits activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) by insulin and platelet-derived growth factor in rat-1 cells [A. M. M. de Vries-Smits, B. M. T. Burgering, S. J. Leevers, C. J. Marshall, and J. L. Bos, Nature (London) 357:602-604, 1992]. Here we report that expression of p21rasAsn-17 does not abolish epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced phosphorylation of ERK2 in fibroblasts. Since EGF activates p21ras in these cells, this indicates that EGF induces a p21ras-independent pathway for the phosphorylation of ERK2 as well. We investigated whether activation of protein kinase C (PKC) or increase in intracellular calcium could be involved in p21ras-independent signaling. In rat-1 cells, inhibition of either PKC, by prolonged 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) pretreatment, or calcium influx, by ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) pretreatment, did not abolish EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. However, a combined inhibition of both p21ras and calcium influx, but not PKC, resulted in a complete inhibition of EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. In contrast, in Swiss 3T3 cells, inhibition of both p21ras activation and TPA-sensitive PKC, but not calcium influx, inhibited EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that in fibroblasts, EGF induces alternative pathways of ERK2 phosphorylation in a cell-type-specific manner.     

Basic and acidic fibroblast growth factors modulate the epidermal growth factor receptor by a protein kinase C-independent pathway

Human acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF) inhibit epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor binding in mouse Swiss 3T3 cells. Scatchard analysis indicates that aFGF and bFGF cause a decrease in the high affinity EGF receptor population, similar to that observed for activators of protein kinase C such as phorbol esters, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and bombesin. However, unlike phorbol esters, aFGF and bFGF inhibit EGF binding in protein kinase C-deficient cells. The time course and dose response of inhibition of EGF binding by both aFGF and bFGF are very similar, with an ID50 of approximately 0.10 ng/ml. In contrast to bombesin but like PDGF, neither aFGF nor bFGF act on the EGF receptor through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein. These results indicate that both acidic and basic FGF depress high affinity EGF binding in Swiss 3T3 cells with similar potency through a protein kinase C/Gi-independent pathway.     

Epidermal growth factor up-regulates transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II in human dermal fibroblasts via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

TGF-beta receptors (TbetaRs) are serine/threonine kinase receptors that bind to TGF-beta and propagate intracellular signaling through Smad proteins. TbetaRs are repressed in some human cancers and expressed at high levels in several fibrotic diseases. We demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) up-regulates type II TGF-beta receptor (TbetaRII) expression in human dermal fibroblasts. EGF-mediated induction of TbetaRII expression was inhibited by the treatment of fibroblasts with a specific p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, SB203580, whereas MEK inhibitor PD98059 did not block the up-regulation of TbetaRII by EGF. EGF induced the TbetaRII promoter activity, and this induction was significantly blocked by SB203580, but not by PD98059. The overexpression of the dominant negative form of p38alpha or p38beta significantly reduced the induction of TbetaRII promoter activity by EGF. These results indicate that the EGF-mediated induction of TbetaRII expression involves the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. The EGF-mediated induction of TbetaRII expression may participate in a synergistic interplay between EGF and TGF-beta signaling pathway.     

Protein kinase C induces actin reorganization via a Src- and Rho-dependent pathway

We have investigated the mechanism of PKC-induced actin reorganization in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. PKC activation by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induces the disassembly of actin stress fibers concomitant with the appearance of membrane ruffles. PKC also induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation in these cells. As we could show, utilizing the Src-specific inhibitor PP2 and a kinase-deficient c-Src mutant, actin reorganization is dependent on PKC-induced Src activation. Subsequently, the activity of the small G-protein RhoA is decreased, whereas Rac and Cdc42 activities remain unchanged. Disassembly of actin stress fibers could also be observed using the Rho kinase-specific inhibitor Y-27632, indicating that the decrease in RhoA activity on its own is responsible for actin reorganization. In addition, we show that tyrosine phosphorylation of p190RhoGAP is increased upon 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulation, directly linking Src activation to a decrease in RhoA activity. Our data provide substantial evidence for a model elucidating the molecular mechanisms of PKC-induced actin rearrangements.     

Hyperactivation of the G12-mediated signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans induces a developmental growth arrest via protein kinase C

The G(12) type of heterotrimeric G-proteins play an important role in development and behave as potent oncogenes in cultured cells. However, little is known about the molecular nature of the components that act in the G(12)-signaling pathway in an organism. We characterized a C. elegans Galpha subunit gene, gpa-12, which is a homolog of mammalian G(12)/G(13)alpha, and found that animals defective in gpa-12 are viable. Expression of activated GPA-12 (G(12)QL) results in a developmental growth arrest caused by a feeding behavior defect that is due to a dramatic reduction in pharyngeal pumping. To elucidate the molecular nature of the signaling pathways in which G(12) participates, we screened for suppressors of the G(12)QL phenotype. We isolated 50 suppressors that contain mutations in tpa-1, which encodes two protein kinase C isoforms, TPA-1A and TPA-1B, most similar to PKCtheta/delta. TPA-1 mediates the action of the tumor promoter PMA. Expression of G(12)QL and treatment of wild-type animals with PMA induce an identical growth arrest caused by inhibition of larval feeding, which is dependent on TPA-1A and TPA-1B function. These results suggest that TPA-1 is a downstream target of both G(12) signaling and PMA in modulating feeding and growth in C. elegans. Taken together, our findings provide a potential molecular mechanism for the transforming capability of G(12) proteins.     

Epidermal growth factor activates phosphoinositide turnover and protein kinase C in BALB/MK keratinocytes

BALB/MK is a nontransformed epithelial cell line derived from primary BALB/c mouse keratinocytes that requires epidermal growth factor (EGF) for growth. Using a defined-medium culture system, we investigated the role of physiological concentrations of EGF on phosphoinositide metabolism in these cells. The results show that EGF rapidly activates phospholipase-C mediated phosphoinositide metabolism resulting in the generation of the second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These metabolites control intracellular Ca2+ levels and activate protein kinase C, respectively. Protein kinase C activation in response to EGF was evidenced by the phosphorylation of the acidic 80 kilodalton endogenous protein substrate (p80) specific for this kinase. In contrast, insulin, which acts in concert with EGF to cause BALB/MK cell proliferation, had no effect on phosphoinositide metabolism nor led to any additional stimulation when added in combination with EGF. Taken together, our results show that rapid alterations in phosphoinositide metabolism and protein kinase C activation are associated with the normal mitogenic response of keratinocytes to EGF.     

Platelet-derived growth factor and lysophosphatidic acid inhibit growth hormone binding and signaling via a protein kinase C-dependent pathway

Growth hormone (GH) regulates body growth and metabolism. GH exerts its biological action by stimulating JAK2, a GH receptor (GHR)-associated tyrosine kinase. Activated JAK2 phosphorylates itself and GHR, thus initiating multiple signaling pathways. In this work, we demonstrate that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) down-regulate GH signaling via a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway. PDGF substantially reduces tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 induced by GH but not interferon-gamma or leukemia inhibitory factor. PDGF, but not epidermal growth factor, decreases tyrosyl phosphorylation of GHR (by approximately 90%) and the amount of both total cellular GHR (by approximately 80%) and GH binding (by approximately 70%). The inhibitory effect of PDGF on GH-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 and GHR is abolished by depletion of 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-sensitive PKCs with chronic PMA treatment and is severely inhibited by GF109203X, an inhibitor of PKCs. In contrast, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase appear not to be involved in this inhibitory effect of PDGF. LPA, a known activator of PKC, also inhibits GH-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 and GHR and reduces the number of GHR. We propose that ligands that activate PKC, including PDGF, LPA, and PMA, down-regulate GH signaling by decreasing the number of cell surface GHR through promoting GHR internalization and degradation and/or cleavage of membrane GHR and release of the extracellular domain of GHR.     

Hypoxia induces epidermal keratinocyte matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion via the protein kinase C pathway

Hypoxia promotes keratinocyte migration on wound bed connective tissues and is a profound biological signal that transforms a basal keratinocyte, destined to differentiate, into a motile cell that is essential for re-epithelialization. In this study, we examined the effect of hypoxia on keratinocyte-derived collagenases associated with keratinocyte migration. Cells plated on various connective tissue matrices under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, demonstrated a two-fold increase in the 92 kDa, type IV collagenase (MMP-9) when examined by quantitative zymography and ELISA. Western blotting and ELISA demonstrated a two-fold increase in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), an enzyme that binds to MMP-9 and inhibits its activity. The hypoxia-induced increase in cell motility could be inhibited by a neutralizing antibody to MMP-9. Northern blotting demonstrated that MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA increased 2.5- to 4-fold, 2-12 h after the cells were made hypoxic. The hypoxia-induced changes in MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were inhibited by staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide, inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), but not by inhibitors of tyrosine phosphorylation and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Inhibition of PKC also inhibited hypoxia-induced keratinocyte migration on type I collagen. These data provide evidence that hypoxia-induced keratinocyte migration is mediated by increased cellular secretion of MMP-9 via the PKC pathway.     

Epidermal growth factor induces activation of protein kinase FA and ATP.Mg-dependent protein phosphatase in A431 cells

The cytosolic fractions from epidermal growth factor (EGF)-treated A431 cells exhibit a marked increase in activities of ATP.Mg-dependent protein phosphatase and its activating factor (protein kinase FA) when compared to controls in the absence of EGF. By contrast, the Triton X-100-solubilized membrane fractions from the same EGF-treated cells exhibit a corresponding decrease in protein kinase FA activity. The EGF-dependent activation of protein kinase FA and ATP.Mg-dependent protein phosphatase occurred within physiological concentrations of EGF (ED50 = 5 x 10(-10) M). The changes of kinase and phosphatase activities which were measured concomitantly exhibit very similar characteristics as to EGF sensitivity and time dependence. The EGF-induced kinase and phosphatase activation occurred very rapidly, reaching the maximal activity levels within 3 min. Moreover, the EGF effect is transient; both EGF-stimulated phosphatase and kinase activities returned to control levels within 30 min. Taken together, the results suggest that EGF may induce the activation of kinase FA in the membrane and thereby promotes the activation of ATP.Mg-dependent phosphatase in the cytosol. Exposure of A431 cells to exogenous phospholipase C also resulted in the activation of endogenous kinase FA and ATP.Mg-dependent phosphatase in a similar pattern produced by EGF. This further suggests that phospholipase C can mimic EGF to mediate the activation of kinase FA and ATP.Mg-dependent phosphatase in A431 cells. By its dual role as a multisubstrate protein kinase and as an activating factor of multisubstrate protein phosphatase, protein kinase FA may represent a transmembrane signal of EGF.     

Epidermal growth factor receptors destined for the nucleus are internalized via a clathrin-dependent pathway

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) transduces its actions via the EGF receptor (EGFR), which can traffic from the plasma membrane to either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. However, the mechanism by which EGFR reaches the nucleus is unclear. To investigate these questions, liver cells were analyzed by immunoblot of cell fractions, confocal immunofluorescence and real time confocal imaging. Cell fractionation studies showed that EGFR was detectable in the nucleus after EGF stimulation with a peak in nuclear receptor after 10 min. Movement of EGFR to the nucleus was confirmed by confocal immunofluorescence and labeled EGF moved with the receptor to the nucleus. Small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown clathrin in order to assess the first endocytic steps of EGFR nuclear translocation in liver cells. A mutant dynamin (dynamin K44A) was also used to determine the pathways for this traffic. Movement of labeled EGF or EGFR to the nucleus depended upon dynamin and clathrin. This identifies the pathway that mediates the first steps for EGFR nuclear translocation in liver cells.     

The mitogenic signaling pathway of fibroblast growth factor is not mediated through polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and protein kinase C activation in hamster fibroblasts

Basic or acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), alone, was found to be as potent as alpha-thrombin to reinitiate DNA synthesis in G0-arrested Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CCL39). Basic FGF at 50 ng/ml or thrombin at 1 unit/ml rapidly initiated early events such as cytoplasmic alkalinization (0.2-0.3 pH units), rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+, phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 and increased c-myc expression, followed by a 30-40-fold increase in labeled nuclei. Whereas thrombin is a potent activator of phospholipase C as judged by the rapid release of inositol trisphosphate, inositol bisphosphate and by the massive accumulation of total inositol phosphate (IP) in the presence of 20 mM Li+, FGF failed to induce the breakdown of polyphosphoinositides in quiescent CCL39 cells. Indeed, no inositol trisphosphate nor inositol bisphosphate could be detected in response to FGF; in presence of Li+ the total IP release never exceeded 8% of the IP released by the action of thrombin. Two additional findings indicated that FGF and thrombin activate different signaling pathways. First, we found that, in contrast to thrombin, the FGF-induced rise in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration measured by quin-2 fluorescence, is strictly dependent upon the presence of Ca2+ in the external medium. Second, we found that FGF failed to activate protein kinase C as judged by the epidermal growth factor-receptor binding assay. Treatment of the cells with either thrombin or phorbol esters, rapidly inhibited 125I-labeled epidermal growth factor binding (50-60%). Basic or acidic FGF had no effect. We conclude that: the FGF-receptor signaling pathway is not coupled to phospholipase C activation, and early mitogenic events and reinitiation of DNA synthesis can be initiated independently of inositol lipid breakdown and protein kinase C activation.     

The protein kinase C pathway mediates cardioprotection induced by cardiac-specific overexpression of fibroblast growth factor-2

Elucidation of protective mechanisms against ischemia-reperfusion injury is vital to the advancement of therapeutics for ischemic heart disease. Our laboratory has previously shown that cardiac-specific overexpression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) results in increased recovery of contractile function and decreased infarct size following ischemia-reperfusion injury and has established a role for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade in the cardioprotective effect of FGF2. We now show an additional role for the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling cascade in the mediation of FGF2-induced cardioprotection. Overexpression of FGF2 (FGF2 Tg) in the heart resulted in decreased translocation of PKC-delta but had no effect on PKC-alpha, -epsilon, or -zeta. In addition, multiple alterations in PKC isoform translocation occur during ischemia-reperfusion injury in FGF2 Tg hearts as assessed by Western blot analysis and confocal immunofluorescent microscopy. Treatment of FGF2 Tg and nontransgenic (NTg) hearts with the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (1 micromol/l) revealed the necessity of PKC signaling for FGF2-induced reduction of contractile dysfunction and myocardial infarct size following ischemia-reperfusion injury. Western blot analysis of FGF2 Tg and NTg hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury in the presence of a PKC pathway inhibitor (bisindolylmaleimide, 1 micromol/l), an mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathway inhibitor (U-0126, 2.5 micromol/l), or a p38 pathway inhibitor (SB-203580, 2 micromol/l) revealed a complicated signaling network between the PKC and MAPK signaling cascades that may participate in FGF2-induced cardioprotection. Together, these data suggest that FGF2-induced cardioprotection is mediated via a PKC-dependent pathway and that the PKC and MAPK signaling cascades are integrally connected downstream of FGF2.     

Epidermal growth factor stimulates phosphatidylinositol turnover in human foreskin fibroblasts without activation of protein kinase C

Epidermal growth factor stimulates phosphatidylinositol turnover in human foreskin fibroblasts. This is a primary cell culture with normal numbers of epidermal growth factor receptors that is stimulated to divide by epidermal growth factor. Increases are seen in the inositol phospholipids and inositol phosphates. Despite this activation of phosphatidylinositol turnover, there is no detectable activation of protein kinase C.     

Epidermal growth factor-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Modulation by protein kinase C

A short-term treatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) was found to inhibit totally the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in A431 cells, whereas long-term pretreatment with PDBu, which is known to down regulate protein kinase C, induced a greater accumulation of the EGF-triggered inositol phosphate accumulation, particularly of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. The increased Ins(1,4,5)P3/Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 formation in the PDBu long-term pretreated cells was coincident with the increased Ca2+ influx stimulated by EGF in the same cells. Since long-term pretreatment with PDBu was found to enhance the EGF signals, an explanation for the synergism between EGF and phorbol esters in the induction of DNA synthesis is provided.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor governs endothelial nitric-oxide synthase expression via a KDR/Flk-1 receptor and a protein kinase C signaling pathway.

The mechanism by which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) expression is presently unclear. Here we report that VEGF treatment of bovine adrenal cortex endothelial cells resulted in a 5-fold increase in both eNOS protein and activity. Endothelial NOS expression was maximal following 2 days of constant VEGF exposure (500 pM) and declined to base-line levels by day 5. The elevated eNOS protein level was sustained over the time course if VEGF was co-incubated with L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester, a competitive eNOS inhibitor. Addition of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, a nitric oxide donor, prevented VEGF-induced eNOS up-regulation. These data suggest that nitric oxide participates in a negative feedback mechanism regulating eNOS expression. Various approaches were used to investigate the role of the two high affinity VEGF receptors in eNOS up-regulation. A KDR receptor-selective mutant increased eNOS expression, whereas an Flt-1 receptor-selective mutant did not. Furthermore, VEGF treatment increased eNOS expression in a KDR but not in an Flt-1 receptor-transfected porcine aorta endothelial cell line. SU1498, a selective inhibitor of the KDR receptor tyrosine kinase, blocked eNOS up-regulation, thus providing further evidence that the KDR receptor signals for eNOS up-regulation. Finally, treatment of adrenal cortex endothelial cells with VEGF or phorbol ester resulted in protein kinase C activation and elevated eNOS expression, whereas inhibition of protein kinase C with isoform-specific inhibitors abolished VEGF-induced eNOS up-regulation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that VEGF increases eNOS expression via activation of the KDR receptor tyrosine kinase and a downstream protein kinase C signaling pathway.     

Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor,protein kinase C and members of the apoptotic pathway in skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

This study investigated the potential mechanisms that may underlie diabetes induced amyoatrophy. Sprague-Dawley rats were either injected intraperiotneally with STZ (test group; N = 8) to induce diabetic-like symptoms (blood glucose level ≥16.65 mmol/L) or with buffer (control group; N = 8). Differences in muscle structure between the STZ-induced diabetic and control groups were evaluated by histochemistry. Protein and mRNA levels of basic FGF (bFGF), bax, bcl-2, and caspase 3 in skeletal muscle were compared between the 2 groups using immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR, respectively. Serum level of insulin and protein kinase C (PKC) were measured by competitive RIA and ELISA, respectively. Unlike control animals, the skeletal muscle fibers from STZ-induced diabetic animals were broken and pyknotic, the sarcomeric structure disrupted, and mild hyperplasia of interstitial adipose tissues was detected. The serum level of PKC was higher (P = 0.003) and the protein and mRNA levels of bFGF in skeletal muscle were lower (P = 0.001) in STZ-induced diabetic versus control animals. Protein and mRNA levels of the apoptosis promoting genes caspase-3 and bax were higher in skeletal muscle from STZ-induced diabetic rats as compared to control animals (P < 0.001 and P = 0.037, respectively), while mRNA and protein levels of bcl-2, an inhibitor of apoptosis, was lower in STZ-induced diabetic rats versus control animals (P = 0.026). Increasing apoptosis in skeletal muscle from STZ-induced diabetic rats was further demonstrated by TNNEL assay. Our findings suggest that enhanced PKC levels, reduction of bFGF expression, and increased in apoptosis might be associated with the development of diabetes-induced myoatrophy.     

Epidermal growth factor regulates astrocyte expression of the interleukin-4 receptor via a MAPK-independent pathway

Human astrocytes express the interleukin (IL)-4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4R alpha) in vitro and in vivo but mechanisms governing astrocyte IL-4R alpha expression have not been established. We hypothesized that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and IL-4, agents that profoundly affect astrocyte proliferation, might also alter IL-4R alpha expression. Exposure to EGF for 24 h enhanced IL-4R alpha mRNA levels; in contrast, IL-4 yielded no increase. Immunoblotting demonstrated that EGF but not IL-4 increased astrocyte IL-4R alpha protein after 2--4 days of exposure. Similarly, EGF but not IL-4 strongly activated phosphorylation of p42/p44 extracellular regulated kinase isoforms, a reaction blocked by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, PD98059. PD98059 also blocked EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis but not IL-4R alpha mRNA levels, while antibody to the EGF receptor (erbB1) blocked both EGF effects. Data suggest that astrocyte IL-4R alpha expression is upregulated by EGF but not by IL-4 in an EGF-receptor-dependent manner and that mechanisms are independent of MAPK activation.     

Progesterone induces acrosome reaction in stallion spermatozoa via a protein tyrosine kinase dependent pathway

Progesterone (P(4)) is a physiological inducer of the acrosome reaction (AR) in stallion spermatozoa. However, the capacitation-dependent changes that enable progesterone binding, and the nature of the signaling cascade that is triggered by progesterone and results in induction of the AR, are poorly understood. The aim of the current study was, therefore, to investigate the protein kinase dependent signaling cascades involved in progesterone-mediated induction of the AR in stallion spermatozoa. In addition, we aimed to determine whether bicarbonate, an inducer of sperm capacitation, acted via the same pathway as P(4) or whether it otherwise synergized P(4)-mediated induction of the AR. We examined the effect on AR progression of specific inhibitors and stimulators of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase G (PKG), and protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), in the presence or absence of 15 mM bicarbonate and/or 1 microg/ml progesterone. Progression of the AR was assessed using the Pisum sativum agglutinin conjugated to fluorescein iso thiocyanate (PSA-FITC) staining technique. Bicarbonate specifically activated a PKA-dependent signaling pathway, whereas the effect of P(4) was independent of PKA. Conversely, while P(4)-mediated AR induction was dependent on PTK, the effects of bicarbonate were PTK-independent. Finally, although the AR inducing effects of both P(4) and bicarbonate were sensitive to staurosporin, a potent blocker of PKC activity at moderate (50 nM) concentrations, the effect of P(4) was completely blocked at 50 nM staurosporin, whereas that of bicarbonate was only completely inhibited by much higher concentrations (2 microM) where staurosporin also inhibits PKA activity. In conclusion, P(4)-mediated activation of the AR is dependent on a pathway that includes both PTK and PKC. While the effects of bicarbonate on the AR are mediated via a separate PKA-dependent signaling pathway, P(4) and bicarbonate have synergistic effects on the AR.