A phosphorylation-dependent gating mechanism controls the SH2 domain interactions of the Shc adaptor protein

The Shc (Src homology collagen-like) adaptor protein plays a crucial role in linking stimulated receptors to mitogen-activated protein kinase activation through the formation of dynamic signalling complexes. Shc comprises an N-terminal phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain, a C-terminal Src homology 2 (SH2) domain and a central proline-rich collagen homology 1 domain. The latter domain contains three tyrosine residues that are known to become phosphorylated. We have expressed and purified the human p52Shc isoform and characterised its binding to different ligands. CD spectra revealed that some parts of the Shc protein are not fully folded, remaining largely unaffected by the binding of ligands. The PTB domain binds peptide and Ins-1,4,5-P₃ (but not Ins-1,3,5-P₃) independently, suggesting two distinct sites of interaction. In the unphosphorylated Shc, the SH2 domain is non-functional. Ligand binding to the PTB domain does not affect this. However, phosphorylation of the three tyrosine residues promotes binding to the SH2 domain. Thus, Shc has an intrinsic phosphorylation-dependent gating mechanism where the SH2 domain adopts an open conformation only when tyrosine phosphorylation has occurred.     

Negative regulation of immunoreceptor signaling by protein adapters: Shc proteins join the club

Protein adapters couple surface receptors to multiple intracellular signaling modules by acting as scaffolds for the assembly of multimolecular complexes responsible for the coordination and amplification of signals. Through the spatiotemporally controlled recruitment of mediators with opposite activities (e.g. protein tyrosine kinases and phosphatases), adapters are implicated not only in signal initiation and propagation, but also in feedback loops for signal extinction. Moreover, adaptors specialized in preventing or dampening signaling have been more recently discovered. Here we shall present of brief overview of the principal adaptors which act as negative regulators of TCR and BCR signaling, with a focus of the mechanisms underlying this function. We shall then discuss our recent findings implicating p66Shc and Rai, two members of the Shc family of cytosolic protein adapters, in the negative control of antigen receptor signaling, and their role as gatekeepers of autoimmunity and leukemia.     

接头蛋白c-Crk的结构和功能

接头蛋白c-CrK是原癌基因c-CrK表达的产物,参与了受体酪氨酸激酶和整合蛋白等多种分子的信号转导。C-CrK是最初发现于禽类病毒中的v-CrK在组织细胞中的同源物,通过mRNA选择性剪接产生两种形式的蛋白质c-CrKI和c-CrKⅡ,在各种组织中广泛表达。C-CrK分子在N端包含有一个SH2结构域,在C端两个SH3结构域。CrKL是CrK家族的另一个成员,但由不同的基因编码,其结构与c-CrKII十分相似。C-CrK蛋白质本身不具备任何酶活性,它通过SH2和SH3结构域连接蛋白质,使得不能直接相互作用的信号分子发生相互作用。c-CrK II的SH2结构域可以与含有磷酸化酪氨酸YXXP模体的蛋白质结合,如桩蛋白(paxillin)、Cas、c-Cbl和自身磷酸化的酪氨酸蛋白激酶受体等。SH3结构域与蛋白质中富含脯氨酸的PXLPXK模体结合,如C3G和DOCKl80等信号分子。由于c-CrK能够同众多的蛋白质信号分子结合,使得c-CrK广泛参与细胞内不同信号途径的信号转导。     

Platelet-derived growth factor-mediated signaling through the Shb adaptor protein: effects on cytoskeletal organization

The Src homology (SH) 2 domain adaptor protein Shb has previously been shown to interact with the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-beta receptor. In this study we show an association between Shb and the PDGF-alpha receptor which is mediated by the SH2 domain of Shb and involves tyrosine residue 720 in the kinase insert domain of the receptor. To assess the role of Shb in PDGF-mediated signaling, we have overexpressed wild-type Shb or Shb carrying a mutation (R522K) which renders the SH2 domain inactive, in Patch mouse (PhB) fibroblasts expressing both PDGF receptors (PhB/Ralpha). Overexpression of wild-type Shb, but not the R522K Shb mutant, affected PDGF-mediated reorganization of the cytoskeleton by decreasing membrane ruffle formation and stimulating the generation of filopodia relative the parental control cells. In addition, the PDGF-induced receptor-associated phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase activity and phosphorylation of Akt was similar in both PhB/Ralpha/Shb and PhB/Ralpha/ShbR522K cells compared with the parental control, whereas the activation of Rac in response to PDGF-BB was diminished only in the PhB/Ralpha/Shb cells. We conclude that Shb plays a role in PDGF-dependent regulation of certain cytoskeletal changes by modulating the ability of PDGF to activate Rac.     

Negative regulation of chemokine receptor signaling and B-cell chemotaxis by p66Shc

Shc (Src homology 2 domain containing) adaptors are ubiquitous components of the signaling pathways triggered by tyrosine kinase-coupled receptors. In lymphocytes, similar to other cell types, the p52 and p66 isoforms of ShcA/Shc participate in a self-limiting loop where p52Shc acts as a positive regulator of antigen receptor signaling by promoting Ras activation, whereas p66Shc limits this activity by competitively inhibiting p52Shc. Based on the fact that many signaling mediators are shared by antigen and chemokine receptors, including p52Shc, we have assessed the potential implication of p66Shc in the regulation of B-cell responses to chemokines, focusing on the homing receptors CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) and CXCR5 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5). The results identify p66Shc as a negative regulator of the chemotactic responses triggered by these receptors, including adhesion, polarization and migration. We also provide evidence that this function is dependent on the ability of p66Shc to interact with the chemokine receptors and promote the assembly of an inhibitory complex, which includes the phosphatases SHP-1 (Src homology phosphatase-1) and SHIP-1 (SH2 domain-containing inositol 5''-phosphatase-1), that results in impaired Vav-dependent reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. This function maps to the phosphorylatable tyrosine residues in the collagen homology 1 (CH1) domain. The results identify p66Shc as a negative regulator of B-cell chemotaxis and suggest a role for this adaptor in the control of B-cell homing.     

Mitogenic roles of Gab1 and Grb10 as direct cellular partners in the regulation of MAP kinase signaling

Functions of signaling mediators Grb10 or Gab1 have been described in mitogenesis but remained disconnected. Here, we report the peptide hormone-dependent direct association between Grb10 and Gab1 and their functional connection in mitogenic signaling via MAP kinase using cultured fibroblasts as a model. In response to PDGF-, IGF-I, or insulin increased levels of Grb10 potentiated cell proliferation or survival whereas dominant-negative, domain-specific Grb10 peptide mimetics attenuated cell proliferation. This response was sensitive to p44/42 MAPK inhibitor but not to p38 MAPK inhibitor. In response to IGF-I or insulin Raf-1, MEK 1/2, and p44/42 MAPK were regulated by Grb10 but not Ras or p38 MAPK. In response to PDGF MEK 1/2, p44/42 MAPK and p38 MAPK were regulated by Grb10 but not Ras or Raf-1. Peptide hormone-dependent co-immunoprecipitation of Grb10 and Gab1 was demonstrated and specifically blocked by a Grb10 SH2 domain peptide mimetic. This domain was sufficient for direct, peptide hormone-dependent association with Gab1 via the Crk binding region. In response to PDGF, IGF-I, or insulin, in a direct comparison, elevated levels of mouse Grb10 delta, or human Grb10 beta or zeta equally potentiated fibroblast proliferation. Proliferation was severely reduced by Gab1 gene disruption whereas an elevated Gab1 gene dose proportionally stimulated Grb10-potentiated cell proliferation. In conclusion, Gab1 and Grb10 function as direct binding partners in the regulation of the mitogenic MAP kinase signal. In cultured fibroblasts, elevated levels of human Grb10 beta, zeta or mouse Grb10 delta comparably potentiate mitogenesis in response to PDGF, IGF-I, or insulin.     

Increased connexin 43 expression improves the migratory and proliferative ability of H9c2 cells by Wnt-3a overexpression

The change of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and the biological behaviors of Cx43 in rat heart cell line H9c2, expressing Wnt-3a (wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 3A) were evaluated in the present study. Plasmid pcDNA3.1/Wnt-3a was constructed and transferred into H9c2 cells. The cell model Wnt-3a~ -H9c2 steadily expressing Wnt-3a was obtained. Compared with H9c2 and pcDNA3.1-H9c2 cells, the expression of Cx43 in Wnt-3a~ -H9c2 cells was clearly increased, the proliferation of Wnt-3a~ -H9c2 cells was significantly changed, and cell migration abilities were also improved (P<0.05). In comparison with H9c2 and pcDNA3.1-H9c2 cells, the G_2 phase of the cell cycle increased by 11% in Wnt-3a~ -H9c2 cells. Thus, Wnt-3a overexpression is associated with an increase in Cx43 expression and altered migratory and proliferative activity in H9c2 cells. Cx43 might be one of the downstream target genes regulated by Wnt-3a.     

Role of the Caenorhabditis elegans Shc adaptor protein in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are integral to the mechanisms by which cells respond to physiological stimuli and a wide variety of environmental stresses. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the stress response is controlled by a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-like mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which is regulated by MLK-1 MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK), MEK-1 MAPK kinase (MAPKK), and KGB-1 JNK-like MAPK. In this study, we identify the shc-1 gene, which encodes a C. elegans homolog of Shc, as a factor that specifically interacts with MEK-1. The shc-1 loss-of-function mutation is defective in activation of KGB-1, resulting in hypersensitivity to heavy metals. A specific tyrosine residue in the NPXY motif of MLK-1 creates a docking site for SHC-1 with the phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain. Introduction of a mutation that perturbs binding to the PTB domain or the NPXY motif abolishes the function of SHC-1 or MLK-1, respectively, thereby abolishing the resistance to heavy metal stress. These results suggest that SHC-1 acts as a scaffold to link MAPKKK to MAPKK activation in the KGB-1 MAPK signal transduction pathway.     

Distinct roles of the adaptor protein Shc and focal adhesion kinase in integrin signaling to ERK

It has been proposed that integrins activate ERK through the adaptor protein Shc independently of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) or through FAK acting on multiple target effectors, including Shc. We show that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D causes a complete inhibition of FAK but does not inhibit Shc signaling and activation of ERK. We have then generated primary fibroblasts carrying a targeted deletion of the segment of beta(1) subunit cytoplasmic domain required for activation of FAK. Analysis of these cells indicates that FAK is not necessary for efficient tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, association of Shc with Grb2, and activation of ERK in response to matrix adhesion. In addition, integrin-mediated activation of FAK does not appear to be required for signaling to ERK following growth factor stimulation. To examine if FAK could contribute to the activation of ERK in a cell type-specific manner through the Rap1/B-Raf pathway, we have used Swiss-3T3 cells, which in contrast to primary fibroblasts express B-Raf. Dominant negative studies indicate that Shc mediates the early phase and peak, whereas FAK, p130(CAS), Crk, and Rap1 contribute to the late phase of integrin-dependent activation of ERK in these cells. In addition, introduction of B-Raf enhances and sustains integrin-mediated activation of ERK in wild-type primary fibroblasts but not in those carrying the targeted deletion of the beta(1) cytoplasmic domain. Thus, the Shc and FAK pathways are activated independently and function in a parallel fashion. Although not necessary for signaling to ERK in primary fibroblasts, FAK may enhance and prolong integrin-mediated activation of ERK through p130(CAS), Crk, and Rap1 in cells expressing B-Raf.     

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate stimulates phosphorylation of the adaptor protein Shc by c-Src

The adaptor protein Shc was prepared as glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins (GST–Shc) and used as in vitro substrate for c-Src. Since phosphotyrosine-binding domain of Shc has been shown to bind phosphatidyl-inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) [Zhou et al. (1995) Nature 378, 584–592], effect of PtdIns(4,5)P2 on the phosphorylation of GST–Shc by c-Src was examined. PtdIns(4,5)P2 stimulated the phosphorylation of GST–Shc without any effect on the c-Src activity as judged by both its autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of exogenous substrate, Cdc2 peptide. On the other hand, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate but not phosphatidylcholine stimulated the c-Src activity itself. K_m for GST–Shc in the presence of 1 μM PtdIns(4,5)P2 was calculated to be 90 nM. The PtdIns(4,5)P2-dependent phosphorylation of GST–Shc was inhibited by a GST–fusion protein containing the phosphotyrosine-binding domain of Shc. These results suggest that PtdIns(4,5)P2 can act as a regulator of phosphorylation of Shc by c-Src through its binding to Shc.     

The Shc family protein adaptor, Rai, negatively regulates T cell antigen receptor signaling by inhibiting ZAP-70 recruitment and activation

Rai/ShcC is a member of the Shc family of protein adaptors expressed with the highest abundance in the central nervous system, where it exerts a protective function by coupling neurotrophic receptors to the PI3K/Akt survival pathway. Rai is also expressed, albeit at lower levels, in other cell types, including T and B lymphocytes. We have previously reported that in these cells Rai attenuates antigen receptor signaling, thereby impairing not only cell proliferation but also, opposite to neurons, cell survival. Here we have addressed the mechanism underlying the inhibitory activity of Rai on TCR signaling. We show that Rai interferes with the TCR signaling cascade one of the earliest steps--recruitment of the initiating kinase ZAP-70 to the phosphorylated subunit of the TCR/CD3 complex, which results in a generalized dampening of the downstream signaling events. The inhibitory activity of Rai is associated to its inducible recruitment to phosphorylated CD3, which occurs in the physiological signaling context of the immune synapse. Rai is moreover found as a pre-assembled complex with ZAP-70 and also constitutively interacts with the regulatory p85 subunit of PI3K, similar to neuronal cells, notwithstanding the opposite biological outcome, i.e. impairment of PI-3K/Akt activation. The data highlight the ability of Rai to establish interactions with the TCR and key signaling mediators which, either directly (e.g. by inhibiting ZAP-70 recruitment to the TCR or sequestering ZAP-70/PI3K in the cytosol) or indirectly (e.g. by promoting the recruitment of effectors responsible for signal extinction) prevent full triggering of the TCR signaling cascade.     

Molecular physiology of the tensin brotherhood of integrin adaptor proteins

Numerous proteins have been identified as constituents of the adhesome, the totality of molecular components in the supramolecular assemblies known as focal adhesions, fibrillar adhesions and other kinds of adhesive contact. The transmembrane receptor proteins called integrins are pivotal adhesome members, providing a physical link between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the actin cytoskeleton. Tensins are ever more widely investigated intracellular adhesome constituents. Involved in cell attachment and migration, cytoskeleton reorganization, signal transduction and other processes relevant to cancer research, tensins have recently been linked to functional properties of deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1) and a mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), to cell migration in breast cancer, and to metastasis suppression in the kidney. Tensins are close relatives of phosphatase homolog/tensin homolog (PTEN), an extensively studied tumor suppressor. Such findings are recasting the earlier vision of tensin (TNS) as an actin‐filament (F‐actin) capping protein in a different light. This critical review aims to summarize current knowledge on tensins and thus to highlight key points concerning the expression, structure, function, and evolution of the various members of the TNS brotherhood. Insight is sought by comparisons with homologous proteins. Some historical points are added for perspective. Proteins 2014; 82:1113–1127. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

D,L-sulforaphane-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells is regulated by the adapter protein p66Shc

Cancer chemopreventive response to D,L-sulforaphane (SFN), a synthetic racemic analogue of broccoli constituent L-sulforaphane, is partly attributable to apoptosis induction, but the mechanism of cell death is not fully understood. The present study demonstrates a critical role for adapter protein p66(Shc) in SFN-induced apoptosis. Immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) derived from p66(shc) knockout mice were significantly more resistant to SFN-induced apoptosis, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production compared with MEF obtained from the wild-type mice. Notably, a spontaneously immortalized and non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) was resistant to SFN-induced ROS production and apoptosis. Stable overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells conferred near complete protection against SFN-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse. SFN treatment resulted in increased S36 phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation of p66(shc) in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, and SFN-induced apoptosis was significantly attenuated by RNA interference of p66(shc) in both cells. SFN-treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells also exhibited a marked decrease in protein level of peptidyl prolyl isomerase (Pin1), which is implicated in mitochondrial translocation of p66(shc) . However, stable overexpression of Pin1 failed to alter proapoptotic response to SFN at least in MCF-7 cells. Finally, SFN-induced S36 phosphorylation of p66(Shc) was mediated by protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ), and pharmacological inhibition of PKCβ significantly inhibited apoptotic cell death resulting from SFN exposure. In conclusion, the present study provides new insight into the mechanism of SFN-induced apoptosis involving PKCβ -mediated S36 phosphorylation of p66(shc).     

A Dictyostelium SH2 adaptor protein required for correct DIF-1 signaling and pattern formation

Dictyostelium is the only non-metazoan with functionally analyzed SH2 domains and studying them can give insights into their evolution and wider potential. LrrB has a novel domain configuration with leucine-rich repeat, 14-3-3 and SH2 protein–protein interaction modules. It is required for the correct expression of several specific genes in early development and here we characterize its role in later, multicellular development. During development in the light, slug formation in LrrB null (lrrB-) mutants is delayed relative to the parental strain, and the slugs are highly defective in phototaxis and thermotaxis. In the dark the mutant arrests development as an elongated mound, in a hitherto unreported process we term dark stalling. The developmental and phototaxis defects are cell autonomous and marker analysis shows that the pstO prestalk sub-region of the slug is aberrant in the lrrB- mutant. Expression profiling, by parallel micro-array and deep RNA sequence analyses, reveals many other alterations in prestalk-specific gene expression in lrrB- slugs, including reduced expression of the ecmB gene and elevated expression of ampA. During culmination ampA is ectopically expressed in the stalk, there is no expression of ampA and ecmB in the lower cup and the mutant fruiting bodies lack a basal disc. The basal disc cup derives from the pstB cells and this population is greatly reduced in the lrrB- mutant. This anatomical feature is a hallmark of mutants aberrant in signaling by DIF-1, the polyketide that induces prestalk and stalk cell differentiation. In a DIF-1 induction assay the lrrB- mutant is profoundly defective in ecmB activation but only marginally defective in ecmA induction. Thus the mutation partially uncouples these two inductive events. In early development LrrB interacts physically and functionally with CldA, another SH2 domain containing protein. However, the CldA null mutant does not phenocopy the lrrB- in its aberrant multicellular development or phototaxis defect, implying that the early and late functions of LrrB are affected in different ways. These observations, coupled with its domain structure, suggest that LrrB is an SH2 adaptor protein active in diverse developmental signaling pathways.     

The helically extended SH3 domain of the T cell adaptor protein ADAP is a novel lipid interaction domain

Adhesion and degranulation-promoting adapter protein (ADAP) is critically involved in downstream signalling events triggered by the activation of the T cell receptor. Cytokine production, proliferation and integrin clustering of T cells are dependent on ADAP function, but the molecular basis for these processes is poorly understood. We now show the hSH3 domain of ADAP to be a lipid-interaction module that binds to acidic lipids, including phosphatidylinositides. Positively charged surface patches of the domain preferentially bind to polyvalent acidic lipids such as PIP2 or PIP3 over the monovalent PS phospholipid and this interaction is dependent on the N-terminal helix of the hSH3 domain fold. Basic amino acid side-chains from the SH3 scaffold also contribute to lipid binding. In the context of T cell signalling, our findings suggest that ADAP, upon recruitment to the cell-cell junction as part of a multiprotein complex, directly interacts with phosphoinositide-enriched regions of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the ADAP lipid interaction defines the helically extended SH3 scaffold as a novel member of membrane interaction domains.     

Negative regulation of Fc epsilonRI-mediated signaling and mast cell function by the adaptor protein LAX

LAX is a transmembrane adaptor protein that is expressed in both T and B cells. Upon stimulation via the antigen receptors, it is tyrosine-phosphorylated and binds Grb2 and the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Disruption of the Lax gene causes hyperresponsiveness in T and B lymphocytes. Here, we showed that LAX was also expressed in mast cells. Upon engagement of the Fc epsilonRI, LAX was also phosphorylated and interacted with Grb2 and p85. LAX-deficient mast cells were hyperresponsive to stimulation via the Fc epsilonRI, as evidenced by enhanced degranulation, p38 MAPK, Akt, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. This hyperresponsiveness was likely a consequence of reduced LAB expression after sensitization of mast cells with anti-dinitrophenyl IgE. In addition, Fc epsilonRI-mediated cytokine production and cell survival were also enhanced. These data suggested that LAX negatively regulates mast cell function.     

Signaling adaptor protein Crk is indispensable for malignant feature of glioblastoma cell line KMG4

Signaling adaptor protein Crk has been shown to be involved in pathogenesis of human cancers including brain tumor where Crk was reported to be overexpressed. In this study, we addressed whether Crk is indispensable for malignant phenotype of brain tumor. In 20 surgical specimens of glioma, mRNA of both CrkI and CrkII was found to be elevated in malignant tumor. To define a precise role of Crk, we have established Crk-knockdown cell lines of glioblastoma KMG4 by siRNA, and early phase of cell adhesion to laminin was found to be suppressed. Wound healing assay revealed the decreased cell motility in Crk knockdown cells, and suppression of both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth were demonstrated in these cells. Furthermore, in vivo tumor forming potential was also markedly suppressed. These results suggest that Crk is required for early attachment to laminin, cell motility, and growth of glioblastoma cell line KMG4.     

Regulation of neural stem cell by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling during brain development

Neurogenesis is the process in which neurons are generated from neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs). It involves the proliferation and neuronal fate specification/differentiation of NSCs, as well as migration, maturation and functional integration of the neuronal progeny into neuronal network. NSCs exhibit the two essential properties of stem cells: self-renewal and multipotency. Contrary to previous dogma that neurogenesis happens only during development, it is generally accepted now that neurogenesis can take place throughout life in mammalian brains. This raises a new therapeutic potential of applying stem cell therapy for stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases. However, the maintenance and differentiation of NSCs/NPCs are tightly controlled by the extremely intricate molecular networks. Uncovering the underlying mechanisms that drive the differentiation, migration and maturation of specific neuronal lineages for use in regenerative medicine is, therefore, crucial for the application of stem cell for clinical therapy as well as for providing insight into the mechanisms of human neurogenesis. Here, we focus on the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in NSCs during mammalian brain development.