MAP kinases p38 and JNK are activated by the steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 in the C2C12 muscle cell line

In chick skeletal muscle cell primary cultures, we previously demonstrated that 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3], the hormonally active form of vitamin D, increases the phosphorylation and activity of the extracellular signal-regulated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase isoforms ERK1 and ERK2, their subsequent translocation to the nucleus and involvement in DNA synthesis stimulation. In this study, we show that other members of the MAP kinase superfamily are also activated by the hormone. Using the muscle cell line C2C12 we found that 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 within 1 min phosphorylates and increases the activity of p38 MAPK. The immediately upstream mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 3/6 (MKK3/MKK6) were also phosphorylated by the hormone suggesting their participation in p38 activation. 1Alpha,25(OH)2D3 was able to dephosphorylate/activate the ubiquitous cytosolic tyrosine kinase c-Src in C2C12 cells and studies with specific inhibitors imply that Src participates in hormone induced-p38 activation. Of relevance, 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 induced in the C2C12 line the stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase activating protein kinase 2 (MAPKAP-kinase 2) and subsequent phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in a p38 kinase activation-dependent manner. Treatment with the p38 inhibitor, SB203580, blocked p38 phosphorylation caused by the hormone and inhibited the phosphorylation of its downstrean substrates. 1Alpha,25(OH)2D3 also promotes the phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNK 1/2), the response is fast (0.5-1 min) and maximal phosphorylation of the enzyme is observed at physiological doses of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 (1 nM). The relative contribution of ERK-1/2, p38, and JNK-1/2 and their interrelationships in hormonal regulation of muscle cell proliferation and differentiation remain to be established.     

Regulation of Na+, K+ -ATPase Isoforms in Rat Neostriatum by Dopamine and Protein Kinase C

Our previous studies showed that dopamine inhibits Na+,K+-ATPase activity in acutely dissociated neurons from striatum. In the present study, we have found that in this preparation, dopamine inhibited significantly (by approximately 25%) the activity of the alpha3 and/or alpha2 isoforms, but not the alpha1 isoform, of Na+,K+-ATPase. Dopamine, via D1 receptors, activates cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in striatal neurons. Dopamine is also known to activate the calcium- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (PKC) in a number of different cell types. The PKC activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate reduced the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase alpha3 and/or alpha2 isoforms (by approximately 30%) as well as the alpha1 isoform (by approximately 15%). However, dopamine-mediated inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity was unaffected by calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor. Dopamine did not affect the phosphorylation of Na+,K+-ATPase isoforms at the PKA-dependent phosphorylation site. Phorbol ester treatment did not alter the phosphorylation of alpha2 or alpha3 isoforms of Na+,K+-ATPase in neostriatal neurons but did increase the phosphorylation of the alpha1 isoform. Thus, in rat neostriatal neurons, treatment with either dopamine or PKC activators results in inhibition of the activity of specific (alpha3 and/or alpha2) isoforms of Na+,K+-ATPase, but this is not apparently mediated through direct phosphorylation of the enzyme. In addition, PKC is unlikely to mediate inhibition of rat Na+,K+-ATPase activity by dopamine in neostriatal neurons.     

Characterization of the cDNA and Gene Encoding Human PDE3B, the cGIP1 Isoform of the Human Cyclic GMP-Inhibited Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase Family

Two distinct PDE3 [cyclic GMP-inhibited cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (cGI PDE)] isoforms, cGIP1 and cGIP2, have been identified. Here we report cloning of the cDNA and gene encoding human (H)cGIP1 (classified as PDE3B). The cDNA encodes a protein of 1112 amino acids (123 kDa). Northern blots indicate that its mRNA is expressed in several adipose tissue depots. The human PDE3B gene is composed of 16 exons spanning more than 114 kb and was localized to chromosome 11p15 byin situhybridization. Exon/intron boundaries were determined, and genetic polymorphism, confirmed by single-strand conformational polymorphism of DNA from 25 healthy subjects, was demonstrated in exon 4 at nucleotide 1389 (A/G). Two polymorphic dinucleotide repeat sequences were identified in introns 5 and 12.     

Cell-free phosphorylation of the murine small heat-shock protein hsp25 by an endogenous kinase from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

The small heat-shock protein hsp25 of the Ehrlich ascites tumor exists in one non-phosphorylated (hsp25/1) and two phosphorylated (hsp25/2, hsp25/3) isoforms. In stationary phase tumor cells, a protein kinase activity was detected which phosphorylates hsp25/1, resulting in the formation of several phosphorylated hsp25 isoforms, including those occurring naturally in the tumor. Cell-free phosphorylation of hsp25 required Mg2+ and ATP and was independent of Ca2+, phosphatidylserine, cAMP and cGMP. Polymyxin B inhibited, specifically, hsp25 phosphorylation, whereas trifluoperazine, staurosporine and the protein inhibitor of protein kinase A had no effect. In its properties, the hsp25 phosphorylating kinase differs from other common kinases such as protein kinases A and C, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases, and the ribosomal protein S6 kinase.     

Functional properties of the native type 3 ryanodine receptor Ca2+-release channel from canine diaphragm

mRNA and protein analyses have previously shown that the diaphragm expresses two ryanodine receptor isoforms: RyR1 and RyR3. RyR1 is the main Ca2+-releasing pathway in this muscle type. We now report the conducting, gating, and immunological properties of the native and purified forms of the less abundant RyR3 channel. The conductance of this native Ca2+-release channel was 330 pS in 50 mM/250 mM trans/cis CsCH3SO3. It was activated by Ca2+ concentrations of 1-1000 microM, and did not inactivate at mM concentrations of Ca2+. Both isoforms were purified by either a sucrose density gradient or immunoprecipitation as > 450 kDa proteins on SDS-PAGE. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of RyR1 and RyR3, which displayed conductances of 740 +/- 30 and 800 +/- 25 pS, respectively, in 250 mM KCl. We thus provide evidence that one form of the diaphragm SR Ca2+-release channels may be classified as RyR3, with gating properties different from those of the well-characterized RyR1 and RyR2 isoforms.     

The smaller isoforms of ankyrin 3 bind to the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase and enhance platelet-derived growth factor receptor down-regulation

The Src homology 2 (SH2) domains of the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase have been shown to bind to the tyrosine-phosphorylated platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). Previously, we have demonstrated that p85 SH2 domains can also bind to the serine/threonine kinase A-Raf via a unique phosphorylation-independent interaction. In this report, we describe a new phosphotyrosine-independent p85 SH2-binding protein, ankyrin 3 (Ank3). In general, ankyrins serve a structural role by binding to both integral membrane proteins at the plasma membrane and spectrin/fodrin proteins of the cytoskeleton. However, smaller isoforms of Ank3 lack the membrane domain and are localized to late endosomes and lysosomes. We found that p85 binds directly to these smaller 120- and 105-kDa Ank3 isoforms. Both the spectrin domain and the regulatory domain of Ank3 are involved in binding to p85. At least two domains of p85 can bind to Ank3, and the interaction involving the p85 C-SH2 domain was found to be phosphotyrosine-independent. Overexpression of the 120- or 105-kDa Ank3 proteins resulted in significantly enhanced PDGFR degradation and a reduced ability to proliferate in response to PDGF. Ank3 overexpression also differentially regulated signaling pathways downstream from the PDGFR. Chloroquine, an inhibitor of lysosomal-mediated degradation pathways, blocked the ability of Ank3 to enhance PDGFR degradation. Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that both small Ank3 isoforms colocalized with the lysosomal-associated membrane protein and with p85 and the PDGFR. These results suggest that Ank3 plays an important role in lysosomal-mediated receptor down-regulation, likely through a p85-Ank3 interaction.     

The activity of the anti-apoptotic fragment generated by the caspase-3/p120 RasGAP stress-sensing module displays strict Akt isoform specificity

The caspase-3/p120 RasGAP module acts as a stress sensor that promotes pro-survival or pro-death signaling depending on the intensity and the duration of the stressful stimuli. Partial cleavage of p120 RasGAP generates a fragment, called fragment N, which protects stressed cells by activating Akt signaling. Akt family members regulate many cellular processes including proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis and metabolism. These cellular processes are regulated by three distinct Akt isoforms: Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3. However, which of these isoforms are required for fragment N mediated protection have not been defined. In this study, we investigated the individual contribution of each isoform in fragment N-mediated cell protection against Fas ligand induced cell death. To this end, DLD1 and HCT116 isogenic cell lines lacking specific Akt isoforms were used. It was found that fragment N could activate Akt1 and Akt2 but that only the former could mediate the protective activity of the RasGAP-derived fragment. Even overexpression of Akt2 or Akt3 could not rescue the inability of fragment N to protect cells lacking Akt1. These results demonstrate a strict Akt isoform requirement for the anti-apoptotic activity of fragment N.     

Modulation of the expression of p16INK4a and p14ARF by hnRNP A1 and A2 RNA binding proteins: implications for cellular senescence

Cellular senescence is a terminal growth phase characteristic of normal human diploid fibroblasts. Altered gene expression during cellular senescence is numerous compared to that of younger proliferative cells in culture. We have previously reported that the levels and activities of hnRNP A1 and A2 RNA binding proteins are decreased in senescent human fibroblasts. Both proteins are multifunctional and may influence the expression of mRNA isoforms during development. In this study, we tested whether overexpression of either protein could modulate the mRNA isoforms of the INK4a locus, specifically p14(ARF) and p16(INK4a). Both INK4a mRNA isoforms have been shown to be growth suppressors and deletions of this locus allow cells to escape cellular senescence. We have found that increasing the ratio of either hnRNP A1 or A2 over that of splicing factor SF2/ASF results in the preferential generation of the p14(ARF) isoform. Overexpression of A1 or A2 RNA binding proteins also appear to increase the steady state mRNA levels of both isoforms, suggesting that in addition to alternative splicing, A1 and A2 may effect p14(ARF) and p16(INK4a) mRNA stability. A constitutive decrease in the ratio of hnRNP A1 or A2 to SF2/ASF in senescent fibroblasts is typically accompanied by an increase in the level of p16(INK4a) isoform. Our studies suggest that hnRNP A1 and A2 may exert an important role during replicative senescence by altering expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins through mRNA metabolism.     

Positive and negative roles of p85 alpha and p85 beta regulatory subunits of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in insulin signaling

Class IA phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase is composed of a p110 catalytic subunit and a p85 regulatory subunit and plays a pivotal role in insulin signaling. To explore the physiological roles of two major regulatory isoforms, p85 alpha and p85 beta, we have established brown adipose cell lines with disruption of the Pik3r1 or Pik3r2 gene. Pik3r1-/- (p85 alpha-/-) cells show a 70% reduction of p85 protein and a parallel reduction of p110. These cells have a 50% decrease in PI 3-kinase activity and a 30% decrease in Akt activity, leading to decreased insulin-induced glucose uptake and anti-apoptosis. Pik3r2-/- (p85 beta-/-) cells show a 25% reduction of p85 protein but normal levels of p85-p110 and PI 3-kinase activity, supporting the fact that p85 is more abundant than p110 in wild type. p85 beta-/- cells, however, exhibit significantly increased insulin-induced Akt activation, leading to increased anti-apoptosis. Reconstitution experiments suggest that the discrepancy between PI 3-kinase activity and Akt activity is at least in part due to the p85-dependent negative regulation of downstream signaling of PI 3-kinase. Indeed, both p85 alpha-/- cells and p85 beta-/- cells exhibit significantly increased insulin-induced glycogen synthase activation. p85 alpha-/- cells show decreased insulin-stimulated Jun N-terminal kinase activity, which is restored by expression of p85 alpha, p85 beta, or a p85 mutant that does not bind to p110, indicating the existence of p85-dependent, but PI 3-kinase-independent, signaling pathway. Furthermore, a reduction of p85 beta specifically increases insulin receptor substrate-2 phosphorylation. Thus, p85 alpha and p85 beta modulate PI 3-kinase-dependent signaling by multiple mechanisms and transmit signals independent of PI 3-kinase activation.     

MO25 is a master regulator of SPAK/OSR1 and MST3/MST4/YSK1 protein kinases

Mouse protein-25 (MO25) isoforms bind to the STRAD pseudokinase and stabilise it in a conformation that can activate the LKB1 tumour suppressor kinase. We demonstrate that by binding to several STE20 family kinases, MO25 has roles beyond controlling LKB1. These new MO25 targets are SPAK/OSR1 kinases, regulators of ion homeostasis and blood pressure, and MST3/MST4/YSK1, involved in controlling development and morphogenesis. Our analyses suggest that MO25α and MO25β associate with these STE20 kinases in a similar manner to STRAD. MO25 isoforms induce approximately 100-fold activation of SPAK/OSR1 dramatically enhancing their ability to phosphorylate the ion cotransporters NKCC1, NKCC2 and NCC, leading to the identification of several new phosphorylation sites. siRNA-mediated reduction of expression of MO25 isoforms in mammalian cells inhibited phosphorylation of endogenous NKCC1 at residues phosphorylated by SPAK/OSR1, which is rescued by re-expression of MO25α. MO25α/β binding to MST3/MST4/YSK1 also stimulated kinase activity three- to four-fold. MO25 has evolved as a key regulator of a group of STE20 kinases and may represent an ancestral mechanism of regulating conformation of pseudokinases and activating catalytically competent protein kinases.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives as novel PI3 kinase p110alpha inhibitors

3-{1-[(4-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, 2a, was discovered in our chemical library as a novel p110alpha inhibitor with an IC(50) of 0.67microM, through screening in a scintillation proximity assay. Optimization of the substituents of 2a increased the p110alpha inhibitory activity by more than 300-fold (2g: IC(50)=0.0018microM). Further structural modification of 2g afforded thiazole derivative 12, which has potent p110alpha inhibitory activity (IC(50) of 0.0028microM) and is highly selective for p110alpha over other PI3K isoforms. Compound 12 also inhibited serum-induced cell proliferation of A375 and HeLa cells in vitro with IC(50) values of 0.14microM and 0.21microM, respectively, and suppressed tumor growth by 37% in a mouse HeLa xenograft model when dosed intraperitoneally at 25mg/kg. These results suggest that selective p110alpha inhibitors may have potential as cancer therapeutic agents.     

Differentiation-inducing potency of the seco-steroid JK-1624F2-2 can be increased by combination with an antioxidant and a p38MAPK inhibitor which upregulates the JNK pathway

Low calcemic analogs of vitamin D are candidates for differentiation therapy of human myeloid leukemias. We report here that the seco-steroid synthesized to have resistance to intracellular degradation and low calcemia-inducing activity, 1alpha-hydroxymethyl-3beta-16-ene-24,24-difluoro-25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (JKF), induces monocytic differentiation in four established human myeloid leukemia cell lines, HL60, U937, THP-1, NB-4, and murine myeloid leukemia cells WEHI-3B D⁻. JKF has differentiation-inducing potency which is slightly lower than the physiologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)₂vitamin D₃ (1,25D). However, simultaneous addition of carnosic acid (CA), an antioxidant, and SB20190 (SB), an inhibitor of p38MAP kinase, increases the differentiation efficiency of JKF to a level similar to the level observed when 1,25D is used in such combinations. We also show for the first time that SB inhibits the phosphorylation of MAPKAPK2, a downstream target of p38MAPK, but upregulates the phosphorylation of at least one of the isoforms of JNK (p46 JNK1) and of c-jun in all four human myeloid cell lines studied here. These studies indicate that the JNK1 pathway is positively associated with monocytic differentiation of several subtypes of myeloid leukemia cells arrested at different developmental stages. Further, since JKF is less calcemic than 1,25D, the data suggest that JKF combined with CA and SB is likely to have a therapeutic advantage over 1,25D-based experimental regimens for myeloid leukemias.