Phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor at threonine 654 inhibits ligand-induced internalization and down-regulation

To assess the functional significance of phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor at Thr654, we compared the effects of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-acetate (TPA) on ligand-induced internalization and down-regulation between wild-type and mutant receptors that contain an alanine substitution at position 654. Activation of protein kinase C with TPA blocked EGF-induced internalization and down-regulation of Thr654 receptors and inhibited in vivo tyrosine kinase activity by 80%. TPA did not inhibit transferrin receptor internalization or constitutive EGF receptor internalization, suggesting that protein kinase C activation inhibits only the ligand-induced process. Inhibition by TPA of induced internalization, down-regulation, and kinase activity required threonine at position 654 since full-length Ala654 EGF receptors were significantly resistant to TPA inhibition of these ligand-induced activities. However, C'-terminal truncation further enhanced this resistance to TPA inhibition. The EGF-dependent internalization of kinase-inactive receptors truncated at residue 1022 was also impaired by TPA in Thr654 receptors, but not in Ala654 receptors, indicating that phosphorylation at Thr654 also interferes with tyrosine kinase-independent receptor activities. We conclude that the dominant regulatory effect of protein kinase C on the EGF receptor is mediated through phosphorylation at Thr654 which effectively inactivates the receptor. The submembrane region of the EGF receptor appears to regulate transmission of conformational information from the extracellular ligand-binding site to the cytoplasmic kinase and regulatory domains.     

The role of tyrosine kinase activity in endocytosis, compartmentation, and down-regulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

Occupancy-induced down-regulation of cell surface epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors attenuates signal transduction. To define mechanisms through which down-regulation of this class of growth factor receptors occurs, we have investigated the relative roles of ligand-induced internalization and recycling in this process. Occupied, kinase-active EGF receptors were internalized through a high affinity, saturable endocytic system at rates up to 10-fold faster than empty receptors. In contrast, full length EGF receptors lacking tyrosine kinase activity underwent internalization at a rate independent of occupancy. This "kinase-independent" internalization rate appeared to reflect constitutive receptor internalization since it was similar to the internalization rate of both receptors lacking a cytoplasmic domain and of antibodies bound to empty receptors. EGF internalized by either kinase-active or kinase-inactive receptors was efficiently recycled and was found within endosomes containing recycling transferrin receptors. However, targeting of internalized receptors to lysosomes did not require receptor kinase activity. All receptors that displayed ligand-induced internalization also underwent down-regulation, indicating that the proximal cause of down-regulation is occupancy-induced endocytosis. Tyrosine kinase activity greatly enhances this process by stabilizing receptor association with the endocytic apparatus.     

Epidermal growth factor stimulates phosphorylation of RAF-1 independently of receptor autophosphorylation and internalization.

Phosphorylation of the RAF-1 protooncogene product and activation of its associated serine/threonine kinase are common features of the response of cells to peptide growth factors. We have used wild-type and mutant epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors to investigate mechanisms of RAF-1 phosphorylation. In vivo EGF treatment rapidly stimulated phosphorylation of RAF-1 exclusively on serine residues. Stimulation of RAF-1 phosphorylation occurred at 37 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C and persisted after dissociation of EGF from its receptor. EGF-induced RAF-1 serine phosphorylation required the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF receptor but was independent of EGF receptor self-phosphorylation and of ligand-induced receptor internalization. Down-regulation of protein kinase C did not affect the EGF-induced increase in RAF-1 phosphorylation. These data suggest that the activated tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF receptor enhances serine phosphorylation of RAF-1 via an intermediary molecule(s).     

Insulin-EGF receptor chimerae mediate tyrosine transphosphorylation and serine/threonine phosphorylation of kinase-deficient EGF receptors.

To study cross-talk between unoccupied epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and activated EGF receptor kinases, we have used double-transfected cells, IHE2 cells, expressing both an enzymatically active insulin-EGF chimeric receptor and an inactive kinase EGF receptor mutant. Using immunoaffinity-purified receptors, we show that insulin increased phosphorylation of the insulin-EGF chimeric beta subunit and of the kinase-deficient EGF receptor. Stimulation of intact IHE2 cells with insulin leads to a rapid tyrosine autophosphorylation of the insulin-EGF chimeric beta subunit and to tyrosine phosphorylation of the unoccupied kinase-deficient EGF receptor. Insulin-stimulated transphosphorylation of the kinase-deficient EGF receptor yields the same pattern of tryptic phosphopeptides as those in EGF-induced autophosphorylation of the wild-type human EGF receptor. We conclude that insulin, through activation of the insulin-EGF chimeric receptor, mediates transphosphorylation of the kinase-deficient EGF receptor, further confirming that EGF receptor autophosphorylation may proceed by an intermolecular mechanism. In addition to receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, we find that exposure of cells to insulin results in enhanced phosphorylation on serine and threonine residues of the unoccupied kinase-deficient EGF receptor. These results suggest that insulin-EGF chimeric receptor activation stimulates at least one serine/threonine kinase, which in turn phosphorylates the kinase-deficient EGF receptor. Finally, we show that transphosphorylation and coexpression of an active kinase cause a decrease in the number of cell surface kinase-deficient EGF receptors without increasing their degradation rate.     

Ligand-induced endocytosis of the EGF receptor is blocked by mutational inactivation and by microinjection of anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies

Early events in ligand-induced endocytosis of the EGF receptor have been examined. A mutant EGF receptor devoid of intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity bound EGF and dimerized normally yet failed to undergo ligand-induced internalization. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that receptors lacking kinase activity failed to undergo the ligand-induced internalization characteristic of receptors with kinase activity. Monoclonal anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies effectively inhibited phosphorylation of exogenous substrates in vitro and, when microinjected into cells containing active EGF receptors, prevented internalization of the receptor when cells were subsequently challenged with EGF. These results point to a crucial role for the kinase activity of the EGF receptor in the process of ligand-induced endocytosis of receptors, and imply that a phosphorylated substrate(s) is required.     

Phosphorylation of the surface transferrin receptor stimulates receptor internalization in HL60 leukemic cells

The transferrin receptor is a target protein for phosphorylation by activated intracellular protein kinase C (May, W. S., Sahyoun, N., Jacobs, S., Wolf, M., and Cuatrecasas, P. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 9419-9426). Recently we reported that the potent tumor-promoting agent phorbol diester or a synthetic diacylglycerol could mediate rapid down-regulation of the surface transferrin receptor in association with receptor phosphorylation in HL60 leukemic cells and suggested that this phosphorylation may provide a signal for receptor internalization. In this communication we have tested experimentally the predictions generated by the hypothesis that receptor phosphorylation may play such a role in the intracellular cycling of the transferrin receptor. Results indicate that phorbol diester-stimulated phosphorylation occurs stoichiometrically only on the surface-oriented receptor and precedes internalization. Using a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, it was found that both phorbol diester-mediated receptor phosphorylation and down-regulation could be antagonized. While the mechanism of internalization of the phosphorylated receptor is not clear, phorbol diester treatment significantly increases the rate constant for endocytosis from 0.183 to 0.462 min-1, while inhibiting only slightly the rate constant for exocytosis of the internalized receptor from 0.113 to 0.079 min-1. Thus, we conclude that phorbol diester treatment affects intracellular cycling of receptors and establishes a new steady state distribution of surface and intracellular receptors. These data support a role for receptor phosphorylation as a trigger for internalization primarily by stimulating the process of transferrin receptor endocytosis while affecting the subsequent exocytosis of the receptor cycling only slightly.     

Compartmentalization of SHC, GRB2 and mSOS, and hyperphosphorylation of Raf-1 by EGF but not insulin in liver parenchyma.

Rat liver parenchyma harbors equal numbers of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin receptors. Following administration of a saturating dose of EGF (10 micrograms/100 g body weight), there was a rapid (t1/2 approximately 1.1 min) internalization of receptor coincident with its tyrosine phosphorylation at residue 1173 and receptor recruitment of the adaptor protein SHC, its tyrosine phosphorylation and its association with GRB2 and the Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor, mSOS, largely in endosomes. This led to a cytosolic pool of a complex of tyrosine-phosphorylated SHC, GRB2 and mSOS. It was demonstrated that these constituents were linked to Ras activation by the characteristic decrease in Raf-1 mobility on SDS-PAGE, which was maintained for 60 min after a single bolus of administered EGF. While insulin administration (15 micrograms/100 g body weight) led to insulin receptor beta-subunit tyrosine phosphorylation and internalization, there was little detectable tyrosine phosphorylation of SHC, recruitment of GRB2, association of a complex with mSOS or any detectable change in the mobility of Raf-1. Therefore, in normal physiological target cells in vivo, distinct signaling pathways are realized after EGF or insulin receptor activation, with regulation of this specificity most probably occurring at the locus of the endosome.     

EGF transregulates opioid receptors through EGFR-mediated GRK2 phosphorylation and activation

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) are key regulators of GPCR function. Here we demonstrate that activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a member of receptor tyrosine kinase family, stimulates GRK2 activity and transregulates the function of G protein-coupled opioid receptors. Our data showed that EGF treatment promoted DOR internalization induced by DOR agonist and this required the intactness of GRK2-phosphorylation sites in DOR. EGF stimulation induced the association of GRK2 with the activated EGFR and the translocation of GRK2 to the plasma membrane. After EGF treatment, GRK2 was phosphorylated at tyrosyl residues. Mutational analysis indicated that EGFR-mediated phosphorylation occurred at GRK2 N-terminal tyrosyl residues previously shown as c-Src phosphorylation sites. However, c-Src activity was not required for EGFR-mediated phosphorylation of GRK2. In vitro assays indicated that GRK2 was a direct interactor and a substrate of EGFR. EGF treatment remarkably elevated DOR phosphorylation in cells expressing the wild-type GRK2 in an EGFR tyrosine kinase activity-dependent manner, whereas EGF-stimulated DOR phosphorylation was greatly decreased in cells expressing mutant GRK2 lacking EGFR tyrosine kinase sites. We further showed that EGF also stimulated internalization of mu-opioid receptor, and this effect was inhibited by GRK2 siRNA. These data indicate that EGF transregulates opioid receptors through EGFR-mediated tyrosyl phosphorylation and activation of GRK2 and propose GRK2 as a mediator of cross-talk from RTK to GPCR signaling pathway.     

Multiple autophosphorylation sites of the epidermal growth factor receptor are essential for receptor kinase activity and internalization. Contrasting significance of tyrosine 992 in the native and truncated receptors.

The role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor autophosphorylation sites in the regulation of receptor functions has been studied using cells transfected with mutant EGF receptors. Simultaneous point mutation of 4 tyrosines (Y1068, Y1086, Y1148, Y1173) to phenylalanine, as well as removal of these sites by truncation of the carboxyl-terminal 123 amino acid residues, resulted in reduced receptor phosphorylation of an in vivo specific substrate phospholipase C-gamma 1 to less than 50% compared to the wild-type receptor. The internalization rate constant Ke was also significantly lower in these mutants (0.15/min) compared to cells transfected with wild-type receptor (0.27/min). Additional mutation of tyrosine 992 to phenylalanine in the truncated receptor mutant (Dc-123F) further decreased the receptor internalization rate to a minimal level (ke = 0.07-0.10/min), equivalent to the ke measured for cells expressing kinase-negative receptor (A721). Moreover, tyrosine kinase activity of the Dc-123F receptor toward phospholipase C-gamma 1, compared to wild-type receptor, was reduced by 90%. Taken together, these results show that EGF receptor lacking five autophosphorylation sites functions similar to a kinase-negative receptor. Mutation of tyrosine residue Y992 alone in the context of full length EGF receptor, however, did not affect receptor internalization or kinase activity toward phospholipase C-gamma 1. These data indicate that tyrosine 992 is critical for substrate phosphorylation and internalization only in the context of the truncated receptor, and that minor autophosphorylation sites, such as Y992, may act as compensatory regulatory sties in the absence of the major EGF receptor autophosphorylation sites.     

Activation and targeting of mitogen-activated protein kinases by G-protein-coupled receptors

Over the past decade, it has become apparent that many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) generate signals that control cellular differentiation and growth, including stimulation of Ras family GTPases and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. The mechanisms that GPCRs use to control the activity of MAP kinases vary between receptor and cell type but fall broadly into one of three categories: signals initiated by classical G protein effectors, e.g., protein kinase (PK)A and PKC, signals initiated by cross-talk between GPCRs and classical receptor tyrosine kinases, e.g., "transactivation" of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, and signals initiated by direct interaction between beta-arrestins and components of the MAP kinase cascade, e.g., beta-arrestin "scaffolds". While each of these pathways results in increased cellular MAP kinase activity, emerging data suggest that they are not functionally redundant. MAP kinase activation occurring via PKC-dependent pathways and EGF receptor transactivation leads to nuclear translocation of the kinase and stimulates cell proliferation, while MAP kinase activation via beta-arrestin scaffolds primarily increases cytosolic kinase activity. By controlling the spatial and temporal distribution of MAP kinase activity within the cell, the consequences of GPCR-stimulated MAP kinase activation may be determined by the mechanism by which they are activated.     

Specific association of annexin 1 with plasma membrane-resident and internalized EGF receptors mediated through the protein core domain

Phosphorylation of the Ca2+ and membrane-binding protein annexin 1 by epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase has been thought to be involved in regulation of the EGF receptor trafficking. To elucidate the interaction of annexin 1 during EGF receptor internalization, we followed the distribution of annexin 1-GFP fusion proteins at sites of internalizing EGF receptors. The observed association of annexin 1 with EGF receptors was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. We found that this interaction was independent of a functional phosphorylation site in the annexin 1 N-terminal domain but mediated through the Ca2+ binding core domain.     

EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of p185neu: a potential model for receptor interactions.

p185neu is a receptor-like protein encoded by the neu/erbB-2 proto-oncogene. This protein is closely related to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, but does not bind EGF. We report here that incubation of Rat-1 cells with EGF stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of p185. This effect is specific to EGF since neither platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) nor insulin, which also bind to receptors with ligand-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity, induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p185. The EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of p185 and of the EGF receptor occurred with similar kinetics and EGF dose-responses, and both phosphorylations were prevented by down-regulation of the EGF receptor with EGF. Since p185 does not bind EGF, these results suggested that p185 is a substrate for the EGF receptor kinase. Incubation of cells with EGF before lysis stimulated the tyrosine phosphorylation of p185 in immune complexes. This suggested that EGF, acting through the EGF receptor, can regulate the intrinsic kinase activity of p185.     

Cross-talk between tyrosine kinase and G-protein-linked receptors. Phosphorylation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors in response to insulin.

Protein kinases play a pivotal role in the propagation and modulation of transmembrane signaling pathways. Two major classes of receptors, G-protein-linked and tyrosine kinase receptors not only propagate signals but also are substrates for phosphorylation in response to stimulation by agonist ligands. Insulin (operating via tyrosine kinase receptors) and catecholamines (operating by G-protein-linked receptors) are counterregulatory with respect to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. How, on a cellular level, these two distinct classes of receptors may cross-regulate each other remains controversial. In the present work we identify a novel cross-talk between members of two distinct classes of receptors, tyrosine kinase (insulin) and G-protein-linked (beta-adrenergic) receptors. Treatment of DDT1 MF-2 hamster vas deferens smooth muscle cells with insulin promoted a marked attenuation (desensitization) of beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of adenylylcyclase. Measured by immune precipitation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors from cells metabolically labeled with [32P]orthophosphate, the basal state of receptor phosphorylation was increased 2-fold by insulin. Phosphoamino acid analysis revealed that for insulin-stimulated cells, the beta 2-adrenergic receptors showed increased phosphorylation on tyrosyl and decreased phosphorylation on threonyl residues. Phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor was rapid and peaked at 30 min following stimulation of cells by insulin. beta-Adrenergic receptor phosphorylation and attenuation of catecholamine-sensitive adenylylcyclase provide a biochemical basis for the counterregulatory effects of insulin upon catecholamine action.     

The SRC homology 2 domain of Rin1 mediates its binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor and regulates receptor endocytosis

Activated epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) recruit intracellular proteins that mediate receptor signaling and endocytic trafficking. Rin1, a multifunctional protein, has been shown to regulate EGFR internalization (1). Here we show that EGF stimulation induces a specific, rapid, and transient membrane recruitment of Rin1 and that recruitment is dependent on the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of Rin1. Immunoprecipitation of EGFR is accompanied by co-immunoprecipitation of Rin1 in a time- and ligand-dependent manner. Association of Rin1 and specifically the SH2 domain of Rin1 with the EGFR was dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular domain of the EGFR. The recruitment of Rin1, observed by light microscopy, indicated that although initially cytosolic, Rin1 was recruited to both plasma membrane and endosomes following EGF addition. Moreover, the expression of the SH2 domain of Rin1 substantially impaired the internalization of EGF without affecting internalization of transferrin. Finally, we found that Rin1 co-immunoprecipitated with a number of tyrosine kinase receptors but not with cargo endocytic receptors. These results indicate that Rin1 provides a link via its SH2 domain between activated tyrosine kinase receptors and the endocytic pathway through the recruitment and activation of Rab5a.     

Differential internalization of mammalian and non-mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors. Uncoupling of dynamin-dependent internalization from mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling

Desensitization and internalization of G-protein-coupled receptors can reflect receptor phosphorylation-dependent binding of beta-arrestin, which prevents G-protein activation and targets receptors for internalization via clathrin-coated vesicles. These can be pinched off by a dynamin collar, and proteins controlling receptor internalization can also mediate mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates internalization of its receptors via clathrin-coated vesicles. Mammalian GnRH receptors (GnRH-Rs) are unique in that they lack C-terminal tails and do not rapidly desensitize, whereas non-mammalian GnRH-R have C-terminal tails and, where investigated, do rapidly desensitize and internalize. Using recombinant adenovirus expressing human and Xenopus GnRH-Rs we have explored the relationship between receptor internalization and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in HeLa cells with regulated tetracycline-controlled expression of wild-type or a dominant negative mutant (K44A) of dynamin. These receptors were phospholipase C-coupled and had appropriate ligand affinity and specificity. K44A dynamin expression did not alter human GnRH-R internalization but dramatically reduced internalization of Xenopus GnRH-R (and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor). Blockade of clathrin-mediated internalization (sucrose) abolished internalization of all three receptors. Both GnRH-Rs also mediated phosphorylation of ERK 2 and for both receptors, this was inhibited by K44A dynamin. The same was true for EGF- and protein kinase C-mediated ERK 2 phosphorylation. ERK 2 phosphorylation was also inhibited by a protein kinase C inhibitor but not affected by an EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We conclude that a) desensitizing and non-desensitizing GnRH-Rs are targeted for clathrin-coated vesicle-mediated internalization by functionally distinct mechanisms, b) GnRH-R signaling to ERK 2 is dynamin-dependent and c) this does not reflect a dependence on dynamin-dependent GnRH-R internalization.     

Sphingosine 1-phosphate-mediated α1B-adrenoceptor desensitization and phosphorylation. Direct and paracrine/autocrine actions

Sphingosine-1-phosphate-induced α1B-adrenergic receptor desensitization and phosphorylation were studied in rat-1 fibroblasts stably expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged adrenoceptors. Sphingosine-1-phosphate induced adrenoceptor desensitization and phosphorylation through a signaling cascade that involved phosphoinositide 3-kinase and protein kinase C activities. The autocrine/paracrine role of sphingosine-1-phosphate was also studied. It was observed that activation of receptor tyrosine kinases, such as insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors increased sphingosine kinase activity. Such activation and consequent production of sphingosine-1-phosphate appear to be functionally relevant in IGF-I- and EGF-induced α1B-adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization as evidenced by the following facts: a) expression of a catalytically inactive (dominant-negative) mutant of sphingosine kinase 1 or b) S1P1 receptor knockdown markedly reduced this growth factor action. This action of sphingosine-1-phosphate involves EGF receptor transactivation. In addition, taking advantage of the presence of the eGFP tag in the receptor construction, we showed that S1P was capable of inducing α1B-adrenergic receptor internalization and that its autocrine/paracrine generation was relevant for internalization induced by IGF-I. Four distinct hormone receptors and two autocrine/paracrine mediators participate in IGF-I receptor-α1B-adrenergic receptor crosstalk.     

Differential modulation of the tyrosine phosphorylation state of the insulin receptor by IRS (insulin receptor subunit) proteins.

In response to insulin, tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor is stimulated, leading to autophosphorylation and tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins including insulin receptor subunit (IRS)-1, IRS-2, and Shc. Phosphorylation of these proteins leads to activation of downstream events that mediate insulin action. Insulin receptor kinase activity is requisite for the biological effects of insulin, and understanding regulation of insulin receptor phosphorylation and kinase activity is essential to understanding insulin action. Receptor tyrosine kinase activity may be altered by direct changes in tyrosine kinase activity, itself, or by dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor by protein-tyrosine phosphatases. After 1 min of insulin stimulation, the insulin receptor was tyrosine phosphorylated 8-fold more and Shc was phosphorylated 50% less in 32D cells containing both IRS-1 and insulin receptors (32D/IR+IRS-1) than in 32D cells containing only insulin receptors (32D/IR), insulin receptors and IRS-2 (32D/IR+IRS-2), or insulin receptors and a form of IRS-1 that cannot be phosphorylated on tyrosine residues (32D/IR+IRS-1F18). Therefore, IRS-1 and IRS-2 appeared to have different effects on insulin receptor phosphorylation and downstream signaling. Preincubation of cells with pervanadate greatly decreased protein-tyrosine phosphatase activity in all four cell lines. After pervanadate treatment, tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptors in insulin-treated 32D/IR, 32D/ IR+IRS-2, and 32D/IR+IRS-1F18 cells was markedly increased, but pervanadate had no effect on insulin receptor phosphorylation in 32D/IR+IRS-1 cells. The presence of tyrosine-phosphorylated IRS-1 appears to increase insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and potentially tyrosine kinase activity via inhibition of protein-tyrosine phosphatase(s). This effect of IRS-1 on insulin receptor phosphorylation is unique to IRS-1, as IRS-2 had no effect on insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. Therefore, IRS-1 and IRS-2 appear to function differently in their effects on signaling downstream of the insulin receptor. IRS-1 may play a major role in regulating insulin receptor phosphorylation and enhancing downstream signaling after insulin stimulation.     

Independent mechanisms account for the regulation by protein kinase C of the epidermal growth factor receptor affinity and tyrosine-protein kinase activity

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is a substrate for phosphorylation by the calcium- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) at Thr654. The hypothesis that this phosphorylation is causally related to the regulation of the functional properties of the EGF receptor was tested by substitution of Thr654 with an alanine residue. Activation of protein kinase C using phorbol ester caused a decrease in the high affinity binding of EGF to Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing wild-type [Thr654]EGF receptors. Similar results were obtained with cells expressing mutated [Ala654]EGF receptors. The regulation of the protein kinase activity of the EGF receptor by protein kinase C was examined using a synthetic peptide substrate for tyrosine phosphorylation. Protein kinase C caused a Ca2+-dependent decrease in the tyrosine-protein kinase activity of the wild-type [Thr654]EGF receptor. In contrast, no inhibition of the tyrosine-protein kinase activity of the mutated [Ala654]EGF receptor caused by protein kinase C was detected. In further experiments, the desensitization of EGF action caused by the activation of protein kinase C was examined by investigating the regulation of the transferrin receptor by EGF. Phorbol ester was observed to cause the desensitization of signaling by the wild-type [Thr654] and mutated [Ala654]EGF receptors. These data are consistent with a role for the phosphorylation of EGF receptor Thr654 in the regulation of the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase activity. However, the inhibition of the high affinity binding of EGF to cell-surface receptors caused by protein kinase C does not require Thr654. It is concluded that independent mechanisms account for the regulation by protein kinase C of the EGF receptor affinity and tyrosine-protein kinase activity.     

Quantitative analysis of the endocytic system involved in hormone-induced receptor internalization

We have developed a quantitative method to evaluate the interaction between cell surface receptors and the endocytic apparatus. This method exploits occupancy-dependent changes in internalization rates that occur in cells expressing high numbers of receptors. We found that constitutive internalization of the transferrin receptor behaves as a simple, first order process that is unaltered by ligand. Internalization of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, however, behaves as a saturable, second order process that is induced by receptor occupancy. Internalization of EGF receptors occurs through at least two distinct pathways: a low capacity pathway that has a relatively high affinity for occupied receptors, and a low affinity pathway that has a much higher capacity. The high affinity pathway was observed in all cells having receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Mutant EGF receptors lacking kinase activity could not utilize the high affinity pathway and were internalized only through the low affinity one. Mutated receptors with decreased affinity for kinase substrates were also internalized at decreased rates through the high affinity, inducible pathway. In the case of vitellogenin receptors in Xenopus oocytes, occupied receptors competed more efficiently for internalization than empty ones. Insulin increased the endocytic capacity of oocytes for vitellogenin receptors. Similarly, serum increased the capacity of the inducible pathway for EGF receptors in mammalian cells. These data are consistent with a model of internalization in which occupied receptors bind to specific cellular components that mediate rapid internalization. Ligand-induced internalization results from an increase in the affinity of occupied receptors for the endocytic apparatus. Hormones can also indirectly regulate endocytosis by increasing the number of coated pits or their rate of internalization. The ability to dissect receptor-specific effects from cell-specific ones should be very useful in investigating the molecular mechanisms of receptor mediated endocytosis.     

Novel mechanism for regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor endocytosis revealed by protein kinase A inhibition

Current models put forward that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is efficiently internalized via clathrin-coated pits only in response to ligand-induced activation of its intrinsic tyrosine kinase and is subsequently directed into a lysosomal-proteasomal degradation pathway by mechanisms that include receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Herein, we report a novel mechanism of EGFR internalization that does not require ligand binding, receptor kinase activity, or ubiquitylation and does not direct the receptor into a degradative pathway. Inhibition of basal protein kinase A (PKA) activity by H89 and the cell-permeable substrate peptide Myr-PKI induced internalization of 40-60% unoccupied, inactive EGFR, and its accumulation into early endosomes without affecting endocytosis of transferrin and mu-opioid receptors. This effect was abrogated by interfering with clathrin function. Thus, the predominant distribution of inactive EGFR at the plasma membrane is not simply by default but involves a PKA-dependent restrictive condition resulting in receptor avoidance of endocytosis until it is stimulated by ligand. Furthermore, PKA inhibition may contribute to ligand-induced EGFR endocytosis because epidermal growth factor inhibited 26% of PKA basal activity. On the other hand, H89 did not alter ligand-induced internalization of EGFR but doubled its half-time of down-regulation by retarding its segregation into degradative compartments, seemingly due to a delay in the receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Our results reveal that PKA basal activity controls EGFR function at two levels: 1) residence time of inactive EGFR at the cell surface by a process of "endocytic evasion," modulating the accessibility of receptors to stimuli; and 2) sorting events leading to the down-regulation pathway of ligand-activated EGFR, determining the length of its intracellular signaling. They add a new dimension to the fine-tuning of EGFR function in response to cellular demands and cross talk with other signaling receptors.