Differential effects of spermine on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinase

The metabolism of phosphoinositides plays an important role in the signal transduction pathways. We report here that naturally occuring polyamines affect the activities of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and PI 4-phosphate (PIP) 5-kinase differently. While polyamines inhibited the PI 3-kinase activity, they stimulated the activity of PIP 5-kinase in the order of spermine > spermidine > putrescine. Spermine inhibited the PI 3-kinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ of 100 μM. On the other hand, spermine (5 mH) stimulated the activity of PIP 5-kinase 2–3 fold. Kinetic studies of spermine-mediated inhibition of PI 3-kinase revealed that it was noncompetitive with respect to ATP. The effect of Mg²⁺ and PIP, concentration on kinase activity was sigmoidal, with spermine inhibiting PI 3-kinase activity at all PIP₂ concentrations. While 1 mH calcium stimulated PI 3-kinase activity at submaximal concentrations of Mg²⁺ (1.25 mH), inhibition was observed at optimal concentration of Mg²⁺(2 mM). We propose that spermine may modulate the cellular signal by virtue of its differential effects on phosphoinositide kinases.     

New Functions for PI3K in the Control of Cell Division

Although cell lipids were initially envisioned as structural components of the cell, their essential contribution to initiation and regulation of cell responses is now clearly established. Among the different lipids that regulate cell responses, those produced by class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphatidylinositol (3,4)P₂ (PIP₂), and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)P₃ (PIP₃), have concentrated much attention in recent years. PIP2 and PIP3 are involved in cell division and survival control, and mutations in the PI3K pathway are linked to autoimmunity and cancer. Here we discuss two novel observations: a PI3K function in the late-G₁ phase of the cell cycle and the contribution of the p85 PI3K regulatory subunit in the control of cytokinesis.     

Specific binding of the C-terminal Src homology 2 domain of the p85alpha subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. Localization and engineering of the phosphoinositide-binding motif

Phosphoinositide second messengers, generated from the action of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mediate an array of signaling pathways through the membrane recruitment and activation of downstream effector proteins. Although pleckstrin domains of many target proteins have been shown to bind phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) and/or phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P(2)) with high affinity, published data concerning the phosphoinositide binding specificity of Src homology 2 (SH2) domains remain conflicting. Using three independent assays, we demonstrated that the C-terminal (CT-)SH2 domain, but not the N-terminal SH2 domain, on the PI3K p85alpha subunit displayed discriminative affinity for PIP(3). However, the binding affinity diminished precipitously when the acyl chain of PIP(3) was shortened. In addition, evidence suggests that the charge density on the phosphoinositol ring represents a key factor in determining the phosphoinositide binding specificity of the CT-SH2 domain. In light of the largely shared structural features between PIP(3) and PI(4,5)P(2), we hypothesized that the PIP(3)-binding site on the CT-SH2 domain encompassed a sequence that recognized PI(4,5)P(2). Based on a consensus PI(4,5)P(2)-binding sequence (KXXXXXKXKK; K denotes Arg, Lys, and His), we proposed the sequence (18)RNKAENLLRGKR(29) as the PIP(3)-binding site. This binding motif was verified by using a synthetic peptide and site-directed mutagenesis. More importantly, neutral substitution of flanking Arg(18) and Arg(29) resulted in a switch of ligand specificity of the CT-SH2 domain to PI(4,5)P(2) and PI(3,4)P(2), respectively. Together with computer modeling, these mutagenesis data suggest a pseudosymmetrical relationship in the recognition of the phosphoinositol head group at the binding motif.     

The SH2 domain-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase (SHIP) recruits the p85 subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase during FcgammaRIIb1-mediated inhibition of B cell receptor signaling

Coligation of FcgammaRIIb1 with the B cell receptor (BCR) or FcepsilonRI on mast cells inhibits B cell or mast cell activation. Activity of the inositol phosphatase SHIP is required for this negative signal. In vitro, SHIP catalyzes the conversion of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) product phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate (PIP3) into phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate. Recent data demonstrate that coligation of FcgammaRIIb1 with BCR inhibits PIP3-dependent Btk (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) activation and the Btk-dependent generation of inositol trisphosphate that regulates sustained calcium influx. In this study, we provide evidence that coligation of FcgammaRIIb1 with BCR induces binding of PI3K to SHIP. This interaction is mediated by the binding of the SH2 domains of the p85 subunit of PI3K to a tyrosine-based motif in the C-terminal region of SHIP. Furthermore, the generation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate was only partially reduced during coligation of BCR with FcgammaRIIb1 despite a drastic reduction in PIP3. In contrast to the complete inhibition of Tec kinase-dependent calcium signaling, activation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt was partially preserved during BCR and FcgammaRIIb1 coligation. The association of PI3K with SHIP may serve to activate PI3K and to regulate downstream events such as B cell activation-induced apoptosis.     

A membrane-permeant ester of phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) is an activator of human neutrophil migration

Activity of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase is required for optimal migration of human neutrophils [Niggli and Keller (1999) Eur. J. Pharmacol. 335, 43-52]. We have tested the direct effect of a product of PI 3-kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)), on neutrophil migration. To this end, a membrane-permeant ester of PIP(3), dilauroyl phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate-heptakis-(acetooxymethyl)ester (PIP(3)/AM) was used. PIP(3)/AM (ED(50): 10-17 microM) induced development of polarity and accumulation of F-actin in the leading lamellae in up to 70% of the cells. These cells exhibited stimulated random migration, comparable to that observed in uniform concentrations of chemotactic peptide. Evidence is provided for a role of Rho-kinase and for activation of PI 3-kinase in a positive feedback loop in PIP(3)/AM-induced motility.     

Nonradioactive analysis of phosphatidylinositides and other anionic phospholipids by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP(2)) modulates the function of numerous ion transporters and channels, as well as cell signaling and cytoskeletal proteins. To study PIP(2) levels of cells without radiolabeling, we have developed a new method to quantify anionic phospholipid species. Phospholipids are extracted and deacylated to glycero-head groups, which are then separated by anion-exchange HPLC and detected by suppressed conductivity measurements. The major anionic head groups can be quantified in single runs with practical detection limits of about 100 pmol, and the D3 isoforms of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) and PIP(2) are detected as shoulder peaks. In HeLa, Hek 293 and COS cells, as well as intact heart, PIP(2) amounts to 0.5 to 1.5% of total anionic phospholipid (10 to 30 micromol/liter cell water or 0.15 to 0.45 nmol/mg protein). In cell cultures, overexpression of Type I PIP5-kinase specifically increases PIP(2), whereas overexpression of Type II PI4-kinase can increase both PIP and PIP(2). Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)) and the D3 isomers of PIP(2) are detected after treatment of cells with pervanadate; in yeast, overexpression of a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (VPS34) specifically increases phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P). Using isolated cardiac membranes, lipid kinase and lipid phosphatase activities can be monitored with the same methods. Upon addition of ATP, PIP increases while PIP(2) remains low; exogenous PIP(2) is rapidly degraded to PIP and phosphatidylinositol (PI). In summary, the HPLC methods described here can be used to probe multiple aspects of phosphatidylinositide (Ptide) metabolism without radiolabeling.     

Asymmetric distribution of phosphoinositides and phosphatidic acid in the human erythrocyte membrane.

The distribution of phosphoinositides and phosphatidic acid (PA) between the outer and inner layers of the human erythrocyte membrane was investigated by using two complementary methodologies: hydrolysis by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and immunofluorescence detection with monoclonal antibodies against polyphosphoinositides. The contents of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and PA were decreased by 15-20% after 60 min incubation with PLA2, while that of phosphatidylinositol (PI) was increased. Studies with 32P-labelled cells revealed that PLA2 treatment led to indirect effects on the metabolism of these phospholipids. Therefore, the asymmetric distribution of phosphoinositides and PA was inferred from the data obtained in ATP-depleted erythrocytes. In these cells with arrested phosphoinositide metabolism, the asymmetric distribution of the major phospholipids was maintained: PLA2 hydrolyzed approx. 20% of PI, PIP2 and PA (but no PIP) indicating their localization in the outer layer of the membrane. This finding was confirmed by immunofluorescence studies with antibodies specific to each phosphoinositide. External addition of anti-PIP2 but not anti-PIP gave a positive reaction both in control and in ATP-depleted erythrocytes. A pretreatment of cells with PLA2 led to a decrease in the intensity of anti-PIP2 staining. These results demonstrate that significant fractions of PIP2, PI and PA are localized on the outer surface of the erythrocyte membrane.     

Novel PI(4)P 5-kinase homologue, Fab1p, essential for normal vacuole function and morphology in yeast.

The FAB1 gene of budding yeast is predicted to encode a protein of 257 kDa that exhibits significant sequence homology to a human type II PI(4)P 5-kinase (PIP5K-II). The recently cloned human PIP5K-II specifically converts PI(4)P to PI(4,5)P2 (Boronenkov and Anderson, 1995). The region of highest similarity between Fab1p and PIP5K-II includes a predicted nucleotide binding motif, which is likely to correspond to the catalytic domain of the protein. Interestingly, neither PIP5K-II nor Fab1p exhibit significant homology with cloned PI 3-kinases or PI 4-kinases. fab1 mutations result in the formation of aploid and binucleate cells (hence the name FAB). In addition, loss of Fab1p function causes defects in vacuole function and morphology, cell surface integrity, and cell growth. Experiments with a temperature conditional fab1 mutant revealed that their vacuoles rapidly (within 30 min) enlarge to more than double the size upon shifting cells to the nonpermissive temperature. Additional experiments with the fab1 ts mutant together with results obtained with fab1 vps (vacuolar protein sorting defective) double mutants indicate that the nuclear division and cell surface integrity defects observed in fab1 mutants are secondary to the vacuole morphology defects. Based on these data, we propose that Fab1p is a PI(4)P 5-kinase and that the product of the Fab1p reaction, PIP2, functions as an important regulator of vacuole homeostasis perhaps by controlling membrane flux to and/or from the vacuole. Furthermore, a comparison of the phenotypes of fab1 mutants and other yeast mutants affecting PI metabolism suggests that phosphoinositides may serve as general regulators of several different membrane trafficking pathways.     

Synergism between thrombin and adrenaline (epinephrine) in human platelets. Marked potentiation of inositol phospholipid metabolism.

We have studied synergism between adrenaline (epinephrine) and low concentrations of thrombin in gel-filtered human platelets prelabelled with [32P]Pi. Suspensions of platelets, which did not contain added fibrinogen, were incubated at 37 degrees C to measure changes in the levels of 32P-labelled phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidate (PA), aggregation and dense-granule secretion after stimulation. Adrenaline alone (3.5-4.0 microM) did not cause a change in any parameter (phosphoinositide metabolism, aggregation and dense-granule secretion), but markedly enhanced the thrombin-induced responses over a narrow range of thrombin concentrations (0.03-0.08 units/ml). The thrombin-induced hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids by phospholipase C, which was measured as the formation of [32P]PA, was potentiated by adrenaline, as was the increase in the levels of [32P]PIP2 and [32P]PIP. The presence of adrenaline caused a shift to the left for the thrombin-induced changes in the phosphoinositide metabolism, without affecting the maximal levels of 32P-labelled compounds obtained. A similar shift by adrenaline in the dose-response relationship was previously demonstrated for thrombin-induced aggregation and dense-granule secretion. Also, the narrow range of concentrations of thrombin over which adrenaline potentiates thrombin-induced platelet responses is the same for changes in phosphoinositide metabolism and physiological responses (aggregation and dense-granule secretion). Our observations clearly indicate that adrenaline directly or indirectly influences thrombin-induced changes in phosphoinositide metabolism.     

Calcium-induced human keratinocyte differentiation requires src- and fyn-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent activation of phospholipase C-gamma1

We have previously demonstrated that phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 is required for calcium-induced human keratinocyte differentiation. In the present study, we investigated whether the activation of PLC-gamma1 by nonreceptor kinases such as src and fyn plays a role in mediating this process. Our results showed that the combination of dominant negative src and fyn blocked calcium-stimulated PLC-gamma1 activity and human keratinocyte differentiation, whereas each separately has little effect. However, unlike the activation of PLC-gamma1 by epidermal growth factor, calcium-induced activation of PLC-gamma1 was not a result of direct tyrosine phosphorylation. Therefore, we examined an alternative mechanism, in particular phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) formed as a product of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. PIP3 binds to and activates PLC-gamma1. The combination of dominant negative src and fyn blocked calcium-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of PI3K, p85alpha, and the activity of the catalytic subunit of PI3K. PI3K inhibitors blocked calcium activation of PLC-gamma1 as well as the induction of keratinocyte differentiation markers involucrin and transglutaminase. These data indicate that calcium activates PLC-gamma1 via increased PIP3 formation mediated by c-src- and fyn-activated PI3K. This activation is required for calcium-induced human keratinocyte differentiation.     

Phosphoinositide turnover enhanced by angiotensin II in isolated rat glomeruli

To clarify the signal transduction mechanism of angiotensin II in renal glomeruli, we studied the effect of the hormone on phospholipid metabolism using isolated rat glomeruli. Stimulation of the glomeruli pulse-chase labeled with [3H]glycerol by angiotensin II caused a rapid (within 15 s) breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) with a concurrent production of 1,2-diacylglycerol. This effect of angiotensin II was in a dose-dependent manner within the range from 10(-12) M to 10(-6) M, and was inhibited by saralasin. Angiotensin II also decreased the 3H radioactivity of PIP slightly only at 15 s and increased that of phosphatidic acid after 15 s, with no significant effect upon the labelings of phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) within 1 min. The change in phospholipid metabolism by angiotensin II was similar when the glomeruli were labeled with [32P]orthophosphate: the decrease in the labeling of PIP2 and the increase in the labeling of phosphatidic acid after 15 s. In addition, 32P labeling of PI increased after 2 min. These results suggest that angiotensin II, after binding to glomerular receptors, induces initial PIP2 hydrolysis to diacylglycerol and subsequent resynthesis of PIP2 through phosphoinositide turnover.     

A unique phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase is activated by ADP-ribosylation factor in Plasmodium falciparum

In eukaryotes, calcium signalling has been linked to hydrolysis of the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P₂). The final enzyme in the synthesis of this phosphoinositide, a Type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K), is activated by the small G protein ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1). In mammals, the ARF-PIP5K pathway is a key regulator of cell motility, secretion and cell signalling. We report the characterisation of a unique, putative bifunctional PIP5K in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The protein comprises a C-terminal, functional PIP5K domain with catalytic specificity for phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate. The recombinant enzyme is activated by ARF1 but not phosphatidic acid. The protein also incorporates an unusual N-terminal domain with potential helix-loop-helix EF-hand-like motifs that is a member of the neuronal calcium sensor family (NCS). Intriguingly, NCS-1 has been shown to stimulate phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate synthesis by activating mammalian and yeast phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase β in vitro in a calcium-dependent manner. The unexpected physical attachment of an NCS-like domain to the plasmodial PIP5K might reflect a unique functional link between the calcium and PtdIns(4,5)P₂ pathways allowing modulation of PtdIns(4,5)P₂ production in response to changes in intracellular calcium concentrations within the parasite.     

The phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate and TORC2 binding proteins Slm1 and Slm2 function in sphingolipid regulation

The Stt4 phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase has been shown to generate a pool of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) at the plasma membrane, critical for actin cytoskeleton organization and cell viability. To further understand the essential role of Stt4-mediated PI4P production, we performed a genetic screen using the stt4(ts) mutation to identify candidate regulators and effectors of PI4P. From this analysis, we identified several genes that have been previously implicated in lipid metabolism. In particular, we observed synthetic lethality when both sphingolipid and PI4P synthesis were modestly diminished. Consistent with these data, we show that the previously characterized phosphoinositide effectors, Slm1 and Slm2, which regulate actin organization, are also necessary for normal sphingolipid metabolism, at least in part through regulation of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, which binds directly to both proteins. Additionally, we identify Isc1, an inositol phosphosphingolipid phospholipase C, as an additional target of Slm1 and Slm2 negative regulation. Together, our data suggest that Slm1 and Slm2 define a molecular link between phosphoinositide and sphingolipid signaling and thereby regulate actin cytoskeleton organization.     

Type I phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase directly interacts with ADP-ribosylation factor 1 and is responsible for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate synthesis in the golgi compartment

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 4,5-bisphosphate is involved in many aspects of membrane traffic, but the regulation of its synthesis is only partially understood. Golgi membranes contain PI 4-kinase activity and a pool of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP), which is further increased by ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1). COS7 cells were transfected with alpha and beta forms of PI 4-kinase, and only membranes from COS7 cells transfected with PI 4-kinase beta increased their content of PIP when incubated with ARF1. PtdIns(4, 5)P(2) content in Golgi membranes was nonexistent but could be increased to a small extent upon adding either cytosol or Type I or Type II PIP kinases. However, when ARF1 was present, PtdIns(4,5)P(2) levels increased dramatically when membranes were incubated in the presence of cytosol or Type I, but not Type II, PIP kinase. To examine whether ARF1 could directly activate Type I PIP 5-kinase, we used an in vitro assay consisting of phosphatidycholine-containing liposomes, ARF1, and PIP 5-kinase. ARF1 increased Type I PIP 5-kinase activity in a guanine nucleotide-dependent manner, identifying this enzyme as a direct effector for ARF1.     

Effect of genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on U46619-induced phosphoinositide phosphorylation in human platelets

Recent evidence suggests that the agonist-induced formation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) via PI and PIP kinases may play an important role in transmembrane signalling. In the present work, the effect of genistein, a specific inhibitor of protein-tyrosine kinase, on phosphoinositide phosphorylation was studied in human platelets stimulated with the endoperoxide analogue, U46619. At 100 microM concentration, genistein, but not the related compounds, flavone and biochanin A, which possess only weak anti-protein-tyrosine kinase activity, significantly inhibited the U46619-induced accumulation of [3H]PIP (by 71%) and [3H]PIP2. These data suggest that phosphoinositide phosphorylation may be regulated, in part, by tyrosine phosphorylation in U46619-stimulated platelets.     

Effect of high K+ exposure on phosphoinositide metabolism in frog skeletal muscle.

Using [3H]myo-inositol labeled frog skeletal muscles, we have studied the effect of high K+ exposure on phosphoinositide metabolism. After 12 hours labeling, 80mM K+ exposure induced a time-dependent change. The labeling associated with phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) gradually increased and decreased, respectively. The labeled phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) first decreased, and then recovered. An accumulation of the labeling in inositol phosphates was shown. In shortening the labeling to 30 min, 15 min high K+ exposure was found to only increase the labeling in all fractions. Taken together, these results show that high K+ exposure can activate the turnover of phosphoinositides, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the metabolism of phosphoinositides may regulate excitation- contraction (e-c) coupling.     

Profiling of phosphoinositide molecular species in human and mouse platelets identifies new species increasing following stimulation

Phosphoinositides are bioactive lipids essential in the regulation of cell signaling as well as cytoskeleton and membrane dynamics. Their metabolism is highly active in blood platelets where they play a critical role during activation, at least through two well identified pathways involving phospholipase C and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K). Here, using a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method recently developed, we monitored for the first time the profiling of phosphatidylinositol (PI), PIP, PIP₂ and PIP₃ molecular species (fatty-acyl profiles) in human and mouse platelets during the course of stimulation by thrombin and collagen-related peptide. Furthermore, using class IA PI3K p110α or p110β deficient mouse platelets and a pharmacological inhibitor, we show the crucial role of p110β and the more subtle role of p110α in the production of PIP₃ molecular species following stimulation. This comprehensive platelet phosphoinositides profiling provides important resources for future studies and reveals new information on phosphoinositides biology, similarities and differences in mouse and human platelets and unexpected dramatic increase in low-abundance molecular species of PIP₂ during stimulation, opening new perspectives in phosphoinositide signaling in platelets.     

Metabolism and function of 3-D-phosphorylated phosphoinositides in C5a-stimulated eosinophils

Eosinophils play a central role in the pathogenesis of parasitic infections, atopic diseases, and bullous dermatoses. To understand the regulative function of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases in cell responses of eosinophils, phospholipid metabolism and production of reactive oxygen metabolites were followed after stimulation with C5a. Measurements of phosphatidylinositol lipids and analysis of deacylated products of separated lipid extracts showed fast and transient formation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP(3)). Cell studies in the presence of the tyrosine kinase blocker genistein indicated that C5a-stimulated PIP(3) formation occurred independently of tyrosine kinase activity. To analyze the function of PI4,5P(2)-3-kinase in eosinophils, the influence of wortmannin and LY294002 on production of reactive oxygen metabolites was studied. Both compounds inhibited with similar concentration dependency C5a-induced formation of PIP(3) and production of reactive oxygen metabolites. In summary, these data showed for the first time the involvement of PI4,5P(2)-3-kinase in the production of reactive oxygen metabolites in eosinophils.     

Characterization of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C from human platelets.

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from human platelet cytosol was purified 190-fold to a specific activity of 0.68 mumol of phosphatidylinositol (PI) cleaved/min per mg of protein. It hydrolyses PI and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), but not phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylethanolamine. The enzyme exhibits an acid pH optimum of 5.5 and has a molecular mass of 98 kDa as determined by Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. It required millimolar concentrations of Ca2+ for PI hydrolysis, whereas micromolar concentrations are optimal for PIP2 hydrolysis. Mg2+ could substitute for Ca2+ when PIP2, but not PI, was used as the substrate. EDTA was more effective than EGTA in inhibiting the basal PI-PLC activity towards PIP2. Sodium deoxycholate strongly inhibits the purified PI-PLC activity with either PI or PIP2 as substrate. Ras proteins, either alone or in the form of liposomes, have no effect on PI-PLC activity.     

Effect of insulin and insulin-like growth factors I and II on phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate breakdown in liver from humans with and without type II diabetes

We have characterized a plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) and a cytosolic phosphatidylinositol (PI)-specific PLC in human liver. Epinephrine, 1 x 10(-5) M, and vasopressin, 1 x 10(-8) M, stimulated PIP2-PLC which was enhanced by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S). PI-PLC stimulation was not observed by these agents. Insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II) in the presence and absence of GTP gamma S did not stimulate PIP2-PLC or PI-PLC in plasma membranes and cytosol preparations nor phosphoinositide breakdown in isolated human hepatocytes. Furthermore, serendipitly we found that PIP2-PLC activity was increased in liver membranes from obese patients with type II diabetes when compared to obese and lean controls. We conclude that in human liver, insulin and IGFs are not members of the family of hormones generating inositol trisphosphate (IP3) as a second messenger. Furthermore, the increased PIP2-PLC in diabetic liver may result in: (a) increased intracellular concentrations of IP3 and thus increased Ca2+, which has been postulated to induce insulin resistance; and (b) increased diacylglycerol and thus increased protein kinase C which phosphorylates the insulin receptor at serine residues inactivating the insulin receptor kinase. While the mechanism of increased PIP2-PLC activity in diabetes is unknown, it may initiate a cascade of events that result in insulin resistance.