Structural requirements of lyngbyatoxin A for activation and downregulation of protein kinase C.

Structure-activity studies of novel synthetic analogues of lyngbyatoxin A reveal that the lactam ring but not the 7-linalyl moiety of lyngbyatoxin A is essential for the in vitro stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC). (-)-Indolactam V (ILV), which contains no hydrophobic substituent at C-7, or analogues containing either a linalyl or n-hexyl group at C-7 were equally efficacious in stimulating HeLa cell PKC in vitro and in competing with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate for binding to PKC in intact cells. The hydrophobicity of alkyl groups at C-7, however, influenced the potency of these compounds to bind to and activate PKC. In addition, these compounds exhibited differences in their ability to translocate PKC. Lyngbyatoxin A (0.1 microM) like TPA induced a rapid translocation of PKC from the cytosol to the membrane and subsequently led to a sustained decrease in both cytosolic and membrane PKC activity. In contrast, (-)-n-hexylILV (0.1 microM) and (-)-ILV (1 microM) produced a transient and attenuated decrease in cytosolic PKC activity. At concentrations that produced half-maximal PKC stimulation, (-)-ILV did not cause any downregulation of PKC whereas lyngbyatoxin A and (-)-n-hexylILV led to 60% and 40% PKC downregulation, respectively. Western blot analyses with monoclonal antibodies to PKC isoforms indicated that reduction in PKC activity by chronic exposure to TPA or lyngbyatoxin A analogues could be explained by downregulation of PKC alpha. Constitutive expression of PKC beta and PKC gamma isoforms was low in HeLa cells and was not affected significantly by TPA or lyngbyatoxin A analogues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Protein Kinase C Regulates the Expression of M1 Receptors and BDNF in Rat Retinal Cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a key role in cellular events including proliferation, survival and differentiation. Our previous study showed the effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, inducing a decrease in retinal cells proliferation. This effect was mediated by muscarinic type 1 receptors (M1) activation and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) treatment also induced a decrease in cell proliferation. Based on these results we analyzed the expression of either M1 receptors or BDNF following PMA treatment of retinal cell cultures. Our data demonstrated that PMA induced a decrease in both protein expressions after 48 h in culture. However, after 45 min, PMA induced a transient increase in BDNF expression and a decrease in M1 receptors expression. Analyzing the expression of M1 receptors and BDNF during the postnatal development in vivo, we observed a decrease in both proteins. Taken together our results suggest the involvement of PKC in the control of M1 expression in retinal cells.     

Protein kinase C-dependent upregulation of N-cadherin expression by phorbol ester in human calvaria osteoblasts

Cell-cell adhesion mediated by cadherins is believed to play an essential role in the control of cell differentiation and tissue formation. Our recent studies indicate that N-cadherin is involved in human osteoblast differentiation. However, the signalling molecules that regulate cadherins in osteoblasts are not known. We tested the possibility that N-cadherin expression and function may be regulated by direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in human osteoblasts. Treatment of immortalized human neonatal calvaria (IHNC) cells with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (100 nM) transiently increased PKC activity. RT-PCR analysis showed that transient treatment with phorbol ester transiently increased N-cadherin mRNA levels at 4-12 h. Western blot analysis showed that N-cadherin protein levels were increased by phorbol ester at 24-48 h, and this was confirmed by immunocytochemical analysis. In contrast, E-cadherin expression was not affected. Transient treatment of IHNC cells with phorbol ester increased cell-cell aggregation, which was suppressed by neutralizing N-cadherin antibody, showing that the increased N-cadherin induced by phorbol ester was functional. Finally, phorbol ester dose-dependently increased alkaline phosphatase activity, an early marker of osteoblast differentiation. This effect was comparable to the promoting effect of BMP-2, a potent activator of osteoblast differentiation. These data show that direct activation of PKC by phorbol ester increases N-cadherin expression and function, and promotes ALP activity in human calvaria osteoblasts, which provides a signaling mechanism by which N-cadherin is regulated and suggests a role for PKC in N-cadherin-mediated control of human osteoblast differentiation.     

Molecular genetic analysis of the regulatory and catalytic domains of protein kinase C

We have constructed the expression plasmids harboring protein kinase C (PKC) mutant cDNAs with a series of deletions in the PKC coding region. These plasmids were transfected into COS7 cells to characterize the PKC mutants. Immunoblot analysis using the anti-PKC antibody identified proteins with the Mr values expected from the PKC mutant cDNAs in the extracts from COS7 cells. The wild-type PKC, when expressed in COS7 cells, conferred increased phorbol ester binding activity on intact cells; but the PKC mutants with the deletion around the C1 region did not show this activity. The wild-type PKC showed protein kinase activity dependent on phospholipid, Ca2+, and phorbol ester, whereas these PKC mutants exhibited protein kinase activity independent of the activators in a cell-free system. A PKC mutant cDNA with the deletion in the C2 region gave increased phorbol ester binding activity. Protein kinase activity of this mutant was much less dependent on Ca2+ compared with the wild-type PKC. A PKC mutant cDNA with the deletion in the C3 region conferred increased phorbol ester binding activity, but neither activator-dependent nor -independent protein kinase activity. These results indicate that elimination of the C1 region of PKC gives rise to constitutively active PKC independent of phospholipid, Ca2+, and phorbol ester and that the C1-C3 regions play distinct roles in the regulatory and catalytic function of PKC. In another series of experiments, transfection of some PKC mutant cDNAs with the deletions around the C1 region into Chinese hamster ovary and Jurkat cells activated the activator protein-1-binding element or the c-fos gene enhancer linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene in the absence of phorbol ester. Microinjection of these constructs into Xenopus oocytes induced initiation of germinal vesicle breakdown, indicating that they stimulated the PKC pathway in vivo. Thus, the phorbol ester-independent PKC mutant cDNAs could be a powerful tool to investigate the transmembrane signaling pathway mediated by PKC.     

Dopamine Release via Protein Kinase C Activation in the Fish Retina

Calcium-dependent phospholipid-sensitive protein kinase [protein kinase C (PKC)] was partially purified from the carp (Cyprinus carpio) retina through DE 52 ion exchange and Cellulofine gel filtration chromatography. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) activated PKC in the nanomolar range. A major 38-kDa protein in the retinal supernatants (105,000 g) was phosphorylated in vitro by PKC during a short period (3 min). Other phosphoproteins also appeared during a further prolonged period (greater than 15 min). Rod-bipolar and dopamine (DA) interplexiform cells in the fish retina were immunoreactive to a monoclonal antibody to PKC (alpha/beta-subtype). The PKC antibody recognized a 78-kDa native PKC enzyme by means of an immunoblotting method. Subsequently, the effects of two kinds of PKC activators were investigated on [3H]DA release from retinal cell fractions containing DA cells that had been preloaded with [3H]DA. A phorbol ester (TPA) induced a calcium- and dose-dependent [3H]DA release during a short period (2 min), with the minimal effective dose being approximately 1 nM. Other phorbols having no tumor-promoting activity, such as 4 beta-phorbol and 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, were ineffective on [3H]DA release. A synthetic diacylglycerol [1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG)], which is an endogenous PKC activator, was also able to induce a significant release of [3H]DA. Furthermore, TPA was found to release endogenous DA from isolated fish retina by a highly sensitive HPLC with electrochemical detection method. The OAG- or TPA-induced [3H]DA or DA release was completely blocked by inhibitors of PKC, such as 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7) and staurosporine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Muscarinic receptors couple to modulation of nicotinic ACh receptor desensitization in myenteric neurons

Signaling mechanisms coupled to activation of different neurotransmitter receptors interact in the enteric nervous system. ACh excites myenteric neurons by activating nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and muscarinic receptors expressed by the same neurons. These studies tested the hypothesis that muscarinic receptor activation alters the functional properties of nAChRs in guinea pig small intestinal myenteric neurons maintained in primary culture. Whole cell patch-clamp techniques were used to measure inward currents caused by ACh (1 mM) or nicotine (1 mM). Currents caused by ACh and nicotine were blocked by hexamethonium (100 microM) and showed complete cross desensitization. The rate and extent of nAChR desensitization was greater when recordings were obtained with ATP/GTP-containing compared with ATP/GTP-free pipette solutions. These data suggest that ATP/GTP-dependent mechanisms increase nAChR desensitization. The muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine (1 microM) decreased desensitization caused by ACh but not by nicotine, which does not activate muscarinic receptors. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (10-100 nM), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC), but not 4-alpha-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (a PKC inactive phorbol ester), increased nAChR desensitization caused by ACh and nicotine. Forskolin (1 microM), an activator of adenylate cyclase, increased nAChR desensitization, but this effect was mimicked by dideoxyforskolin, an adenylate cyclase inactive forskolin analog. These data indicate that simultaneous activation of nAChRs and muscarinic receptors increases nAChR desensitization. This effect may involve activation of a PKC-dependent pathway. These data also suggest that nAChRs and muscarinic receptors are coupled functionally through an intracellular signaling pathway in myenteric neurons.     

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (92-kDa gelatinase/type IV collagenase) is induced in rabbit articular chondrocytes by cotreatment with interleukin 1 beta and a protein kinase C activator.

The synthesis of an 88-kDa gelatinolytic enzyme, identified as a zymogen of matrix metalloproteinase (proMMP)-9, was induced in the primary culture of rabbit articular chondrocytes by cotreatment with recombinant interleukin 1 beta (rIL-1 beta) and the protein kinase C (PKC) agonists, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) or mezerein. Negligible 88-kDa gelatinolytic activity was produced by unstimulated cells or cells treated with a PKC activator alone at concentrations up to 100 ng/ml, and only a modest induction occurred with rIL-1 beta alone at concentrations of 1-100 ng/ml. However, when these cells were treated with a PKC activator in the presence of IL-1 beta (1 ng/ml), induction was striking, with enzymic activity detectable at a concentration as low as 1 ng/ml of mezerein or 10 ng/ml of PDBu. Rabbit chondrocytes in culture constitutively produced the zymogen of MMP-2 (proMMP-2) and its production was not altered by treatment with IL-1 beta or PKC agonists alone or in combination. Recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (rTNF alpha) did not substitute for IL-1 beta in inducing proMMP-9 in the presence of PKC activators, nor was the combination of IL-1 beta or TNF alpha alone effective. These data indicate that rabbit articular chondrocytes have a potential to synthesize and secrete proMMP-9 under certain biological and pathological conditions but that the expression of proMMP-9 is differently regulated from that of other MMPs.     

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) blocks CD3-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in Jurkat T cells independently of protein kinase C activation

Stimulation of Jurkat T cells with antibodies against the T cell receptor/CD3 complex induces a rise in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ within seconds. The inositol phosphate-dependent Ca2+ mobilization induced by OKT3 was completely abrogated when Jurkat cells were pretreated for 1 min with the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate TPA (10nM), a concentration which activates protein kinase C (PKC). The effects of TPA on the Ca2+ fluxes were insensitive to treatment of the cells with known PKC inhibitors (H-7 and staurosporin) under conditions where the PKC-mediated phosphorylation was blocked. Furthermore, another activator of PKC, mezerein, inhibited the Ca2+ signal induced by OKT3. This inhibition, however, could completely be reversed by pretreatment with H-7 or staurosporine. We conclude that the TPA-mediated inhibition of Ca2+ fluxes in Jurkat T cells largely acts through a PKC-independent pathway.     

Activation of MAP kinase by muscarinic cholinergic receptors induces cell proliferation and protein synthesis in human breast cancer cells

Carbachol (Cch), a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonist, increases intracellular-free Ca(2+) mobilization and induces mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) phosphorylation in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Pretreatment of cells with the selective phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122, or incubation of cells in a Ca(2+)-free medium did not alter Cch-stimulated MAPK/ERK phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of MAPK/ERK was mimicked by phorbol 12-myristate acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC), but Cch-evoked MAPK/ERK activation was unaffected by down-regulation of PKC or by pretreatment of cells with GF109203X, a PKC inhibitor. However, Cch-stimulated MAPK/ERK phosphorylation was completely blocked by myristoylated PKC-zeta pseudosubstrate, a specific inhibitor of PKC-zeta, and high doses of staurosporine. Pretreatment of human breast cancer cells with wortmannin or LY294002, selective inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), diminished Cch-mediated MAPK/ERK phosphorylation. Similar results were observed when MCF-7 cells were pretreated with genistein, a non-selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, or with the specific Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2. Moreover, in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells mAChR stimulation induced an increase of protein synthesis and cell proliferation, and these effects were prevented by PD098059, a specific inhibitor of the mitogen activated kinase kinase. In conclusion, analyses of mAChR downstream effectors reveal that PKC-zeta, PI3K, and Src family of tyrosine kinases, but not intracellular-free Ca(2+) mobilization or conventional and novel PKC activation, are key molecules in the signal cascade leading to MAPK/ERK activation. In addition, MAPK/ERK are involved in the regulation of growth and proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.     

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate competitively inhibits phorbol ester binding to protein kinase C

Calcium phospholipid dependent protein kinase C (PKC) is activated by diacylglycerol (DG) and by phorbol esters and is recognized to be the phorbol ester receptor of cells; DG displaces phorbol ester competitively from PKC. A phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), can also activate PKC in the presence of phosphatidylserine (PS) and Ca2+ with a KPIP2 of 0.04 mol %. Preliminary experiments have suggested a common binding site for PIP2 and DG on PKC. Here, we investigate the effect of PIP2 on phorbol ester binding to PKC in a mixed micellar assay. In the presence of 20 mol % PS, PIP2 inhibited specific binding of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) in a dose-dependent fashion up to 85% at 1 mol %. Inhibition of binding was more pronounced with PIP2 than with DG. Scatchard analysis indicated that the decrease in binding of PDBu in the presence of PIP2 is the result of an altered affinity for the phorbol ester rather than of a change in maximal binding. The plot of apparent dissociation constants (Kd') against PIP2 concentration was linear over a range of 0.01-1 mol % with a Ki of 0.043 mol % and confirmed the competitive nature of inhibition between PDBu and PIP2. Competition between PIP2 and phorbol ester could be demonstrated in a liposomal assay system also. These results indicate that PIP2, DG, and phorbol ester all compete for the same activator-receiving region on the regulatory moiety of protein kinase C, and they lend support to the suggestion that PIP2 is a primary activator of the enzyme.     

Possible involvement of arachidonic acid metabolites in the synergistic action of endothelial mitogenesis by basic fibroblast growth factor and phorbol ester.

Our object was to obtain information about the regulatory mechanism which modulates the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on commitment to growth in human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells. Firstly, phorbol ester PMA, a known activator of protein kinase C (PKC), was found to be able to act synergistically with bFGF to stimulate 3H thymidine incorporation in HUVE cells. Secondly, bFGF and PMA induced a stimulated phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-catalyzed release of 14C arachidonate. Thirdly, inhibitors of PLA2, PKC and HETE, but not an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase metabolites, inhibited FGF/PMA-stimulated DNA synthesis. Fourth, the stable cyclooxygenase metabolite of prostacyclin was not found to be changed when cells were treated with bFGF plus PMA. The present data suggest that PKC is able of acting synergistically with bFGF in order to stimulate DNA-primary initiation activity in HUVE cells via the PLA2-dependent generation of lipoxygenase metabolites such as HETE.     

Cross-talk regulation between cyclic AMP production and phosphoinositide hydrolysis induced by prostaglandin E2 in osteoblast-like cells.

In cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, PGE2 stimulated both cAMP accumulation and the formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) dose dependently. The cAMP accumulation showed the peak value at 5 min and decreased thereafter, whereas the IP3 formation reached a plateau almost within 10 min and sustained it up to 30 min. The effect of PGE2 on cAMP accumulation (EC50 was 80 nM) was more potent than that on IP3 formation (EC50 was 0.8 microM). 12-O-Tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester, reduced the PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation, whereas 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a PKC-nonactivating phorbol ester, had little effect on the cAMP accumulation. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol, a specific activator for PKC, inhibited PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation. TPA had little effect on cAMP accumulation induced by forskolin or NaF, a GTP-binding protein activator. So, the effect of TPA is presumed to be exerted at the point between the PGE2 receptor and Gs. On the other hand, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP had little effect on the IP3 formation stimulated by PGE2. H-7, a PKC inhibitor, enhanced the PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation in comparison with HA1004, a control for H-7. Our data suggest that PGE2 regulates cAMP production through self-induced activation of PKC. These results strongly suggest that there is an autoregulatory mechanism in PGE2 signaling, and PGE2 modulates osteoblast functions through a cross-talk interaction between cAMP production and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells.     

Sequence and comparative analysis of three Enterobacter cloacae ampC beta-lactamase genes and their products.

Changes in cyclic AMP concentrations were studied in intact PC12 pheochromocytoma cells exposed to a variety of treatments. A marked increase was triggered by N-(L-2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine, the activator of an adenosine receptor, whereas a decrease (observed even after phosphodiesterase blockade) was induced by carbachol, working through a muscarinic receptor inhibited by the selective muscarinic blocker pirenzepine, only at high concentration (Ki 450 nM). A decrease in cyclic AMP was also induced by clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic-receptor agonist. Both the alpha 2-adrenergic and the muscarinic inhibitions were prevented by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, and were unaffected by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. The latter drug caused a decrease in the resting cyclic AMP concentrations, and a potentiation of the increase induced by adenosine-receptor activation. Except for clonidine, all these treatments were found to be effective in both growing PC12 cells and, although to a smaller degree, in cells that had stopped growing and had acquired a neuron-like phenotype after prolonged treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF). Neither forskolin (a direct activator of adenylate cyclase) nor the activation of adenosine and alpha-adrenergic receptors was able to modify the resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i in PC12 cells. Likewise, the K+-induced [Ca2+]i transients were unchanged after these treatments, whereas the transients induced by carbachol through the activation of a muscarinic receptor highly sensitive to pirenzepine were moderately potentiated by forskolin (and, to a lesser degree, by the adenosine analogue) and attenuated by clonidine. These results characterize in further detail the spectrum and the mutual interrelationships of the intracellular signals induced by receptor activation in PC12 cells, also as a function of the NGF-induced differentiation.     

Protein kinase C activation amplifies prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis in osteoblast-like cells.

In cloned osteoblast-like cells, MC3T3-E1, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 1 nM and 10 microM. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, which by itself had little effect on AA release, markedly amplified the release of AA stimulated by PGF2 alpha in a dose-dependent manner. 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a phorbol ester which is inactive for PKC, showed little effect on the PGF2 alpha-induced AA release. 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG), a specific activator for PKC, mimicked TPA by enhancement of the AA release induced by PGF2 alpha. H-7, a PKC inhibitor, markedly suppressed the effect of OAG on PGF2 alpha-induced AA release. Quinacrine, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, showed partial inhibitory effect on PGF2 alpha-induced AA release, while it suppressed the amplification by OAG of PGF2 alpha-induced AA release almost to the control level. Furthermore, TPA enhanced the AA release induced by melittin, known as a phospholipase A2 activator. On the other hand, TPA inhibited the formation of inositol trisphosphate stimulated by PGF2 alpha. Under the same condition, PGF2 alpha indeed stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and TPA markedly amplified the PGF2 alpha-induced PGE2 synthesis as well as AA release. These results indicate that the activation of PKC amplifies PGF2 alpha-induced both AA release and PGE2 synthesis through the potentiation of phospholipase A2 activity in osteoblast-like cells.     

Phosphoinositides and synaptic function in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells.

1. The second-messengers system of bradykinin (BK) receptors was examined in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. 2. An application of BK induced an immediate outward (K+) current and acetylcholine (ACh) release, which are generated through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-dependent Ca2+ ions. 3. Application of phorbol dibutyrate (a protein kinase C activator) produced a voltage-dependent inward current and inhibited another K+ (M)-current. 4. A similar current response has been produced by ACh in NG108-15 cells transfected with rodent muscarinic ACh receptor I and III subtype genes. 5. These results suggest a dual and time-dependent role for these two intracellular messengers in the control of neuronal signalling by BK and ACh.     

The protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine, like phorbol esters, induces the association of protein kinase C with membranes

Staurosporine induced the association of purified protein kinase C (PKC) with inside-out vesicles from erythrocyte membranes. This effect was Ca2+ and concentration dependent, and maximum PKC translocation was observed at 50 nM staurosporine and 0.5 microM Ca2+, or higher. A significant effect of staurosporine was already obtained at free Ca2+ concentrations in the range found in resting cells. Under these conditions, the PKC activator 4-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate was by itself inactive, but enhanced translocation by staurosporine. Protein phosphorylation by staurosporine-translocated PKC was inhibited in the presence or absence of phorbol esters. Translocation and inhibition of PKC occurred in the same staurosporine concentration range.     

Staurosporine induces dissolution of microfilament bundles by a protein kinase C-independent pathway

The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine was found to dramatically alter the actin microfilament cytoskeleton of a variety of cultured cells, including PTK2 epithelial cells, Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, and human foreskin fibroblasts. For example, PTK2 cells exposed to 20 nM staurosporine exhibited a progressive thinning and loss of cytoplasmic actin microfilament bundles over a 60-min period. During this time microtubule and intermediate filament systems remained intact (as shown by immunofluorescence and at higher resolution by photoelectron microscopy), and the cells remained spread even though microfilament bundles were absent. Higher doses of staurosporine or longer exposure times at lower doses resulted in morphological alterations, but even severely arborized cells recovered normal morphology and actin patterns after a wash and an incubation for several hours in fresh medium. The actin filament disruption induced by staurosporine was distinguishable from the actin reorganization induced by exposure to the tumor promoter (and activator of PKC) phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Swiss 3T3 cells made deficient in PKC by prolonged exposure to PMA (PKC down-regulation) exhibited actin alterations in response to staurosporine which were comparable to those in cells which had not been exposed to the phorbol ester. In a parallel control experiment, the actin cytoskeleton of PKC-deficient 3T3 cells was unaffected in response to PMA, consistent with down-regulation of this kinase. While the exact mechanism of staurosporine-induced actin reorganization remains to be determined, the observed effects of staurosporine on PKC-deficient cells make a role for PKC unlikely. These results indicate the need for care when staurosporine is employed as an inhibitor of protein kinase C in studies involving intact cells.     

Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C isoforms induce cholestasis in rat liver

Bile secretion is regulated by different signaling transduction pathways including protein kinase C (PKC). However, the role of different PKC isoforms for bile formation is still controversial. This study investigates the effects of PKC isoform selective activators and inhibitors on PKC translocation, bile secretion, bile acid uptake, and subcellular transporter localization in rat liver, isolated rat hepatocytes and in HepG2 cells. In rat liver activation of Ca(2+)-dependent cPKCalpha and Ca(2+)-independent PKCepsilon by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10nmol/liter) is associated with their translocation to the plasma membrane. PMA also induced translocation of the cloned rat PKCepsilon fused to a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), which was transfected into HepG2 cells. In the perfused liver, PMA induced marked cholestasis. The PKC inhibitors G?6850 (1 micromol/liter) and G?6976 (0.2 micromol/liter), a selective inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent PKC isoforms, diminished the PMA effect by 50 and 60%, respectively. Thymeleatoxin (Ttx,) a selective activator of Ca(2+)-dependent cPKCs, did not translocate rat PKCepsilon-YFP transfected in HepG2 cells. However, Ttx (0.5-10 nmol/liter) induced cholestasis similar to PMA and led to a retrieval of Bsep from the canalicular membrane in rat liver while taurocholate-uptake in isolated hepatocytes was not affected. G?6976 completely blocked the cholestatic effect of Ttx but had no effect on tauroursodeoxycholate-induced choleresis. The data identify Ca(2+)-dependent PKC isoforms as inducers of cholestasis. This is mainly due to inhibition of taurocholate excretion involving transporter retrieval from the canalicular membrane.     

Staurosporine induces a neuronal phenotype in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells that resembles that induced by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13 acetate (TPA).

Treatment of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine, induced both morphological and functional differentiation in these cells. The effects of staurosporine were comparable to those induced by the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), with respect to induction of neuronal differentiation, i.e. neurite outgrowth, inhibition of DNA synthesis, induction and down-regulation of c-myc protein expression, induction of mRNA for both neuropeptide Y (NPY) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and stimulation of tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Staurosporine failed to translocate PKC to the membrane fraction or to stimulate phosphorylation of the endogenous PKC substrate M(r) 80,000 (p80). Instead, staurosporine inhibited TPA-induced phosphorylation of p80.