Novel functions of the phospholipase D2-Phox homology domain in protein kinase Czeta activation

It has been established that protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) participates in diverse signaling pathways and cellular functions in a wide variety of cells, exhibiting properties relevant to cellular survival and proliferation. Currently, however, the regulation mechanism of PKCzeta remains elusive. Here, for the first time, we determine that phospholipase D2 (PLD2) enhances PKCzeta activity through direct interaction in a lipase activity-independent manner. This interaction of the PLD2-Phox homology (PX) domain with the PKCzeta-kinase domain also induces the activation loop phosphorylation of PKCzeta and downstream signal stimulation, as measured by p70 S6 kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, only the PLD2-PX domain directly stimulates PKCzeta activity in vitro, and it is necessary for the formation of the ternary complex with phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 and PKCzeta. The mutant that substitutes the triple lysine residues (Lys101, Lys102, and Lys103) within the PLD2-PX domain with alanine abolishes interaction with the PKCzeta-kinase domain and activation of PKCzeta. Moreover, breast cancer cell viability is significantly affected by PLD2 silencing. Taken together, these results suggest that the PLD2-mediated PKCzeta activation is induced by its PX domain performing both direct activation of PKCzeta and assistance of activation loop phosphorylation. Furthermore, we find it is an important factor in the survival of breast cancer cells.     

ANG II stimulates phospholipase D through PKCzeta activation in VSMC: implications in adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy

ANG II stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) activity and growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The atypical protein kinase C-zeta (PKCzeta) plays a central role in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between ANG II-induced activation of PKCzeta and PLD and their implication in VSMC adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy. ANG II stimulated PKCzeta activity with maximal activation at 30 s followed by a decline in its activity to 45% above basal at 5 min. Inhibition of PKCzeta activity with a myristoylated pseudosubstrate peptide or overexpression of a kinase-inactive form of PKCzeta decreased ANG II-induced PLD activity. Moreover, depletion of PKCzeta with selective antisense oligonucleotides also decreased ANG II-induced PLD activity. Interaction between PLD2 and PKCzeta in VSMC was detected by coimmunoprecipitation. ANG II-induced PLD activity was inhibited by the primary alcohol n-butanol but not the tertiary alcohol t-butanol. The functional significance of PKCzeta and PLD2 in VSMC adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy was investigated. Inhibition of PKCzeta and PLD2 activity or expression attenuated VSMC adhesion to collagen I and ANG II-induced cell spreading and hypertrophy. These results demonstrate that ANG II-induced PLD activation is regulated by PKCzeta and suggest a crucial role of PKCzeta-dependent PLD2 in VSMC functions such as adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy, which are associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and malignant hypertension.     

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-stimulated phospholipase D2 activity by Ser/Thr phosphorylation

Treatment of HeLa cells overexpressing PLD2 with the Ser/Thr-specific protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, augmented spontaneous phosphorylation of PLD2 with concomitant inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2))-stimulated PLD2 activity. Dephosphorylation of the immunoprecipitated, spontaneously phosphorylated PLD2 in COS-7 cells by catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1gamma1 resulted in the stimulation of the PLD2 catalytic activity. These observations suggest that Ser/Thr phosphorylation regulates PLD2 activity.     

Protein kinase Czeta attenuates hypoxia-induced proliferation of fibroblasts by regulating MAP kinase phosphatase-1 expression

We have previously found that hypoxia stimulates proliferation of vascular fibroblasts through Galphai-mediated activation of ERK1/2. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxia also activates the atypical protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) isozyme and stimulates the expression of ERK1/2-specific phosphatase, MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), which attenuates ERK1/2-mediated proliferative signals. Replication repressor activity is unique to PKCzeta because the blockade of classical and novel PKC isozymes does not affect fibroblast proliferation. PKCzeta is phosphorylated upon prolonged (24 h) exposure to hypoxia, whereas ERK1/2, the downstream kinases, are maximally activated in fibroblasts exposed to acute (10 min) hypoxia. However, PKCzeta blockade results in persistent ERK1/2 phosphorylation and marked increase in hypoxia-induced replication. Similarly prolonged ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increase in hypoxia-stimulated proliferation are also observed upon blockade of MKP-1 activation. Because of the parallel suppressive actions of PKCzeta and MKP-1 on ERK1/2 phosphorylation and proliferation, the role of PKCzeta in the regulation of MKP-1 expression was evaluated. PKCzeta attenuation reduces MKP-1 expression, whereas PKCzeta overexpression increases MKP-1 levels. In conclusion, our results indicate for the first time that hypoxia activates PKCzeta, which acts as a terminator of ERK1/2 activation through the regulation of downstream target, MKP-1 expression and thus serves to limit hypoxia-induced proliferation of fibroblasts.     

Modulation of Na+/H+ exchange and intracellular pH by protein kinase C and protein phosphatase in blood platelets.

Phosphorylation of the Na+/H+ exchanger in human platelets is apparently controlled by the balancing activities of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein phosphatase (PP). To explore cellular expressions of these activities, we have examined the impact of modulation of PKC and PP on Na+/H+ exchange activity, its pHi set point and intracellular pH (pHi). These parameters were followed spectrofluorimetrically in BCECF-loaded platelets. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and dihexanoylglycerol (DHG), which stimulate PKC, and okadaic acid, which inhibits PP 1 and 2A, elevate the measured parameters in concert, while staurosporine, which inhibits protein kinases, had opposite effects. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects are similarly very rapid, being discerned within seconds. It is concluded that: (a) phosphorylation of the Na+/H+ exchanger is the common origin of the diverse effects of PMA, DHG, okadaic acid and staurosporine, (b) Na+/H+ exchange properties are tightly regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and (c) the exchanger plays a major role in pHi regulation in platelets.     

Regulation of LFA-1 avidity in human B cells. Requirements for dephosphorylation events for high avidity ICAM-1 binding.

Regulation of the avidity of LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18, alpha L beta 2) for its ligand ICAM-1 (CD54) was studied in human B cells by evaluating the effects of a phorbol ester, anti-IgM antibodies, staurosporine, and okadaic acid. We monitored changes in LFA-1 avidity by quantifying binding of cells to an immobilized rICAM-1 fusion protein. In this assay, the protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester PDB and anti-IgM antibodies, as well as the protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, were able to induce LFA-1-dependent binding to ICAM-1. This demonstrates that the high avidity state of LFA-1 can be induced by a protein kinase C-dependent and by a protein kinase C-independent pathway. Furthermore, treatment of the cells with the protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, inhibited binding to ICAM-1. Treatment with staurosporine before addition of okadaic acid not only induced enhanced binding of cells to ICAM-1, but also dramatically reduced the ability of okadaic acid to inhibit binding. These results suggest a critical role for a protein phosphatase in inducing the high avidity state of LFA-1 as well as a role for a protein kinase in inducing the low avidity state of LFA-1.     

Protein kinase C zeta plays an essential role for Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation in monocytes/macrophages via Toll-like receptor 2

This study characterized the upstream signalling molecules involved in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation and determined their effects on differential tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha expression by monocytes/macrophages infected with virulent or avirulent mycobacteria. The avirulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strain H37Ra (MTBRa) induced higher levels of activation of ERK 1/2 and the upstream MAPK kinase (MEK)1 and, subsequently, higher levels of TNF-alpha expression in human primary monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages, as compared with MTB strain H37Rv (MTBRv). The MTB-induced activation of ERK 1/2 was not dependent on Ras or Raf. However, inhibition of the activity of atypical protein kinase C (PKC) zeta decreased the in vitro phosphorylation of MEK, ERK 1/2 activation and subsequent TNF-alpha induction caused by MTBRv or MTBRa. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 was found to play a major role in MTB-induced TNF-alpha expression and PKCzeta phosphorylation. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that PKCzeta interacts physically with TLR2 after MTB stimulation. Moreover, PKCzeta phosphorylation was increased more in macrophages following MTBRa, versus MTBRv, infection. This is the first demonstration that PKCzeta interacts with TLR2 to play an essential role in MTB-induced ERK 1/2 activation and subsequent TNF-alpha expression in monocytes/macrophages.     

PAK1 and CtBP1 Regulate the Coupling of Neuronal Activity to Muscle Chromatin and Gene Expression

Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) expression in innervated muscle is limited to the synaptic region. Neuron-induced electrical activity participates in this compartmentalization by promoting the repression of AChR expression in the extrasynaptic regions. Here, we show that the corepressor CtBP1 (C-terminal binding protein 1) is present on the myogenin promoter together with repressive histone marks. shRNA-mediated downregulation of CtBP1 expression is sufficient to derepress myogenin and AChR expression in innervated muscle. Upon denervation, CtBP1 is displaced from the myogenin promoter and relocates to the cytoplasm, while repressive histone marks are replaced by activating ones concomitantly to the activation of myogenin expression. We also observed that upon denervation the p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) expression is upregulated, suggesting that phosphorylation by PAK1 may be involved in the relocation of CtBP1. Indeed, preventing CtBP1 Ser158 phosphorylation induces CtBP1 accumulation in the nuclei and abrogates the activation of myogenin and AChR expression. Altogether, these findings reveal a molecular mechanism to account for the coordinated control of chromatin modifications and muscle gene expression by presynaptic neurons via a PAK1/CtBP1 pathway.     

1-Butanol interferes with phospholipase D1 and protein kinase Calpha association and inhibits phospholipase D1 basal activity

1-Butanol is commonly used as a substrate for phospholipase D (PLD) activity measurement. Surprisingly we found that, in the presence of 30 mM 1-butanol (standard PLD assay conditions), PLD1 activity in COS-7 cells was lost after incubation for 2 min. In contrast, in the presence of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine or dominant negative PKCalpha D481E, the activity was sustained for at least 30min. The binding between PLD1 and PKCalpha was also lost after 2 min incubation with 30 mM 1-butanol while staurosporine and D481E maintained the binding. 1-Butanol at 2 mM did not inhibit PLD1 basal activity or PLD1 binding to PKCalpha, and staurosporine and PKCalpha D481E produced a constant increase in PLD1 basal activity of 2-fold. These results indicate that 1-butanol is inhibitory to PLD1 activity by reducing its association with PKCalpha, and that the concentration of 1-butanol is an important consideration in assaying basal PLD1 activity.     

Protein kinase C mediates erythrocyte "programmed cell death" following glucose depletion

Glucose depletion of erythrocytes leads to activation of Ca²⁺-permeable cation channels, Ca²⁺ entry, activation of a Ca²⁺-sensitive erythrocyte scramblase, and subsequent exposure of phosphatidylserine at the erythrocyte surface. Ca²⁺ entry into erythrocytes was previously shown to be stimulated by phorbol esters and to be inhibited by staurosporine and chelerythrine and is thus thought to be regulated by protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, presumably via protein kinase C (PKC) and the corresponding phosphoserine/threonine phosphatases. The present experiments explored whether PKC could contribute to effects of energy depletion on erythrocyte phosphatidylserine exposure and cell volume. Phosphatidylserine exposure was estimated from annexin binding and cell volume from forward scatter in fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Removal of extracellular glucose led to depletion of cellular ATP, stimulated PKC activity, led to translocation of PKC, enhanced serine phosphorylation of membrane proteins, decreased cell volume, and increased annexin binding, the latter effect being blunted but not abolished in the presence of 1 µM staurosporine or 50 nM calphostin C. The PKC stimulator phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (3 µM) and the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (1–10 µM) mimicked the effect of glucose depletion and similarly led to translocation of PKC and enhanced serine phosphorylation, increased annexin binding, and decreased forward scatter, the latter effects being abrogated by PKC inhibitor staurosporine (1 µM). Fluo-3 fluorescence measurements revealed that okadaic acid also enhanced erythrocyte Ca²⁺ activity. The present observations suggest that protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation via PKC and the corresponding protein phosphatases contribute to phosphatidylserine exposure and cell shrinkage after energy depletion. cell volume; eryptosis; calcium; okadaic acid; staurosporine     

Regulation of caspase 9 through phosphorylation by protein kinase C zeta in response to hyperosmotic stress

Caspase 9 is a critical component of the mitochondrial or intrinsic apoptotic pathway and is activated by Apaf-1 following release of cytochrome c from mitochondria in response to a variety of stimuli. Caspase 9 cleaves and activates effector caspases, mainly caspase 3, leading to the demise of the cell. Survival signaling pathways can impinge on this pathway to restrain apoptosis. Here, we have identified Ser144 of human caspase 9as an inhibitory site that is phosphorylated in a cell-free system and in cells in response to the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. Inhibitor sensitivity and interactions with caspase 9 indicate that the predominant kinase that targets Ser144 is the atypical protein kinase C isoform zeta (PKCzeta). Prevention of Ser144 phosphorylation by inhibition of PKCzeta or mutation of caspase 9 promotes caspase 3 activation. Phosphorylation of serine 144 in cells is also induced by hyperosmotic stress, which activates PKCzeta and regulates its interaction with caspase 9, but not by growth factors, phorbol ester, or other cellular stresses. These results indicate that phosphorylation and inhibition of caspase 9 by PKCzeta restrain the intrinsic apoptotic pathway during hyperosmotic stress. This work provides further evidence that caspase 9 acts as a focal point for multiple protein kinase signaling pathways that regulate apoptosis.     

Characterization of PDK2 activity against protein kinase B gamma

Protein kinase B (PKB), also known as Akt, is a serine/threonine protein kinase controlled by insulin, various growth factors, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Full activation of the PKB enzyme requires phosphorylation of a threonine in the activation loop and a serine in the C-terminal tail. PDK1 has clearly been shown to phosphorylate the threonine, but the mechanism leading to phosphorylation of the serine, the PDK2 site, is unclear. A yeast two-hybrid screen using full-length human PKBgamma identified protein kinase C (PKC) zeta, an atypical PKC, as an interactor with PKBgamma, an association requiring the pleckstrin homology domain of PKBgamma. Endogenous PKBgamma was shown to associate with endogenous PKCzeta both in cos-1 cells and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, demonstrating a physiological interaction. Immunoprecipitates of PKCzeta, whether endogenous PKCzeta from insulin-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes or overexpressed PKCzeta from cos-1 cells, phosphorylated S472 (the C-terminal serine phosphorylation site) of PKBgamma, in vitro. In vivo, overexpression of PKCzeta stimulated the phosphorylation of approximately 50% of the PKBgamma molecules, suggesting a physiologically meaningful effect. However, pure PKCzeta protein was incapable of phosphorylating S472 of PKBgamma. Antisense knockout studies and use of a PDK1 inhibitor showed that neither PKB autophosphorylation nor phosphorylation by PDK1 accounted for the S472 phosphorylation in PKCzeta immunoprecipitates. Staurosporine inhibited the PKCzeta activity but not the PDK2 activity in PKCzeta immunoprecipitates. Together these results indicate that an independent PDK2 activity exists that physically associates with PKCzeta and that PKCzeta, by binding PKBgamma, functions to deliver the PDK2 to a required location. PKCzeta thus functions as an adaptor, associating with a staurosporine-insensitive PDK2 enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of S472 of PKBgamma. Because both PKCzeta and PKB have been proposed to be required for mediating a number of crucial insulin responses, formation of an active signaling complex containing PKCzeta, PKB, and PDK2 is an attractive mechanism for ensuring that all the critical sites on targets such as glycogen synthase kinase-3 are phosphorylated.