Protein phosphatase 2Cepsilon is an endoplasmic reticulum integral membrane protein that dephosphorylates the ceramide transport protein CERT to enhance its association with organelle membranes

Protein phosphatase 2Cepsilon (PP2Cepsilon), a mammalian PP2C family member, is expressed in various tissues and is implicated in the negative regulation of stress-activated protein kinase pathways. We show that PP2Cepsilon is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein with a transmembrane domain at the amino terminus and the catalytic domain facing the cytoplasm. Yeast two-hybrid screening of a human brain library using PP2Cepsilon as bait resulted in the isolation of a cDNA that encoded vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein A (VAPA). VAPA is an ER resident integral membrane protein involved in recruiting lipid-binding proteins such as the ceramide transport protein CERT to the ER membrane. Expression of PP2Cepsilon resulted in dephosphorylation of CERT in a VAPA expression-dependent manner, which was accompanied by redistribution of CERT from the cytoplasm to the Golgi apparatus. The expression of PP2Cepsilon also enhanced the association between CERT and VAPA. In addition, knockdown of PP2Cepsilon expression by short interference RNA attenuated the interaction between CERT and VAPA and the sphingomyelin synthesis. These results suggest that CERT is a physiological substrate of PP2Cepsilon and that dephosphorylation of CERT by PP2Cepsilon may play an important role in the regulation of ceramide trafficking from the ER to the Golgi apparatus.     

Regulation of the interleukin-1-induced signaling pathways by a novel member of the protein phosphatase 2C family (PP2Cepsilon)

Although TAK1 signaling plays essential roles in eliciting cellular responses to interleukin-1 (IL-1), a proinflammatory cytokine, how the IL-1-TAK1 signaling pathway is positively and negatively regulated remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the possible role of a novel protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) family member, PP2Cepsilon, in the regulation of the IL-1-TAK1 signaling pathway. PP2Cepsilon was composed of 303 amino acids, and the overall similarity of amino acid sequence between PP2Cepsilon and PP2Calpha was found to be 26%. Ectopic expression of PP2Cepsilon inhibited the IL-1- and TAK1-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase or MKK3-p38 signaling pathway. PP2Cepsilon dephosphorylated TAK1 in vitro. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that PP2Cepsilon associates stably with TAK1 and attenuates the binding of TAK1 to MKK4 or MKK6. Ectopic expression of a phosphatase-negative mutant of PP2Cepsilon, PP2Cepsilon(D/A), which acted as a dominant negative form, enhanced both the association between TAK1 and MKK4 or MKK6 and the TAK1-induced activation of an AP-1 reporter gene. The association between PP2Cepsilon and TAK1 was transiently suppressed by IL-1 treatment of the cells. Taken together, these results suggest that, in the absence of IL-1-induced signal, PP2Cepsilon contributes to keeping the TAK1 signaling pathway in an inactive state by associating with and dephosphorylating TAK1.     

Regulation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 by protein phosphatase 2Cepsilon

ASK1 (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1), a MKKK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase), is activated in response to cytotoxic stresses, such as H2O2 and TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha). ASK1 induction initiates a signalling cascade leading to apoptosis. After exposure of cells to H2O2, ASK1 is transiently activated by autophosphorylation at Thr845. The protein then associates with PP5 (protein serine/threonine phosphatase 5), which inactivates ASK1 by dephosphorylation of Thr845. Although this feedback regulation mechanism has been elucidated, it remains unclear how ASK1 is maintained in the dephosphorylated state under non-stressed conditions. In the present study, we have examined the possible role of PP2Cepsilon (protein phosphatase 2Cepsilon), a member of PP2C family, in the regulation of ASK1 signalling. Following expression in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells), wild-type PP2Cepsilon inhibited ASK1-induced activation of an AP-1 (activator protein 1) reporter gene. Conversely, a dominant-negative PP2Cepsilon mutant enhanced AP-1 activity. Exogenous PP2Cepsilon associated with exogenous ASK1 in HEK-293 cells under non-stressed conditions, inactivating ASK1 by decreasing Thr845 phosphorylation. The association of endogenous PP2Cepsilon and ASK1 was also observed in mouse brain extracts. PP2Cepsilon directly dephosphorylated ASK1 at Thr845 in vitro. In contrast with PP5, PP2Cepsilon transiently dissociated from ASK1 within cells upon H2O2 treatment. These results suggest that PP2Cepsilon maintains ASK1 in an inactive state by dephosphorylation in quiescent cells, supporting the possibility that PP2Cepsilon and PP5 play different roles in H2O2-induced regulation of ASK1 activity.     

Inhibition of thioredoxin reductase induces apoptosis in neuronal cell lines: role of glutathione and the MKK4/JNK pathway

The Thioredoxin (Trx)/Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR)-system has emerged as a crucial component of many cellular functions particularly antioxidant defence. We investigated the effect of the selective TrxR inhibitor 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) on survival and redox status in neuronal cell lines. CDNB was found to cause apoptosis without depletion of glutathione or loss of mitochondrial complex I-activity. Cells treated with CDNB displayed an early increase of reactive oxygen species and rapid activation of stress inducible protein kinases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4). Thus TrxR inhibition by CDNB results in generation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent activation of stress-inducible kinases without impairment of the cellular antioxidant status or mitochondrial function. Inhibition of the specific kinases involved in cell death triggered by Trx/TrxR dysfunction could represent a novel and selective therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative disorders.     

The identification and characterization of novel PKCepsilon phosphorylation sites provide evidence for functional cross-talk within the PKC superfamily

PKCepsilon (protein kinase Cepsilon) is a phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinase that has been implicated in a broad array of cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and transformation. Here we demonstrate that, in vitro, PKCepsilon undergoes autophosphorylation at three novel sites, Ser(234), Ser(316) and Ser(368), each of which is unique to this PKC isoform and is evolutionarily conserved. We show that these sites are phosphorylated over a range of mammalian cell lines in response to a number of different stimuli. Unexpectedly, we find that, in a cellular context, these phosphorylation events can be mediated in-trans by cPKC (classical PKC) isoforms. The functional significance of this cross-talk is illustrated through the observation that the cPKC-mediated phosphorylation of PKCepsilon at residue Ser(368) controls an established PKCepsilon scaffold interaction. Thus our current findings identify three new phosphorylation sites that contribute to the isoform-specific function of PKCepsilon and highlight a novel and direct means of cross-talk between different members of the PKC superfamily.     

Convergence of multiple signaling pathways is required to coordinately up-regulate mtDNA and mitochondrial biogenesis during T cell activation

The quantity and activity of mitochondria vary dramatically in tissues and are modulated in response to changing cellular energy demands and environmental factors. The amount of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes essential subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes required for cellular ATP production, is also tightly regulated, but by largely unknown mechanisms. Using murine T cells as a model system, we have addressed how specific signaling pathways influence mitochondrial biogenesis and mtDNA copy number. T cell receptor (TCR) activation results in a large increase in mitochondrial mass and membrane potential and a corresponding amplification of mtDNA, consistent with a vital role for mitochondrial function for growth and proliferation of these cells. Independent activation of protein kinase C (via PMA) or calcium-related pathways (via ionomycin) had differential and sub-maximal effects on these mitochondrial parameters, as did activation of naïve T cells with proliferative cytokines. Thus, the robust mitochondrial biogenesis response observed upon TCR activation requires synergy of multiple downstream signaling pathways. One such pathway involves AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which we show has an unprecedented role in negatively regulating mitochondrial biogenesis that is mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent. That is, inhibition of AMPK after TCR signaling commences results in excessive, but uncoordinated mitochondrial proliferation. Thus mitochondrial biogenesis is not under control of a single master regulatory circuit, but rather requires the convergence of multiple signaling pathways with distinct downstream consequences on the organelle’s structure, composition, and function.     

Protein kinase Cepsilon: multiple roles in the function of, and signaling mediated by, the cytoskeleton

Recent studies have established essential roles of protein kinase Cepsilon in signaling pathways controlling various functions of microfilaments and intermediate filaments by modulating multiple cytoskeletal proteins. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of the roles of protein kinase Cepsilon in the functions and signaling of microfilaments and intermediate filaments, with a focus mainly on cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, migrations and contraction, in addition to its relevance in the development of several diseases, such as malignant tumors or cardiac disease.     

Protein kinase Cepsilon: function in neurons

Protein kinase Cepsilon is expressed at higher levels in the brain compared to other tissues such as the heart and kidney, suggesting that it plays an important role in the nervous system. Several neural functions of PKCepsilon, including neurotransmitter release and ion channel regulation, have been identified using PKCepsilon knockout mice. In this review, we focus on the involvement of protein kinase Cepsilon in neurite outgrowth, presynaptic regulation, alcohol actions, ischemic preconditioning and pain.     

Down-regulation of particulate protein kinase Cepsilon and up-regulation of nuclear activator protein-1 DNA binding in liver following in vivo exposure of B6C3F1 male mice to heptachlor epoxide

The effects of in vivo administration of the cyclodiene tumor promoter heptachlor epoxide on mouse liver protein kinase C were studied in male B6C3F1 mice by protein kinase C activity assays and Western blotting under conditions known to increase the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma because protein kinase C is thought to be critical in phorbol ester-induced tumor promotion. Under these test conditions, 20 ppm dietary heptachlor epoxide for 1-20 days increased cytosolic and decreased particulate total protein kinase C activities, while 10 ppm had no effect. Further, total cytosolic and particulate protein kinase C activities were decreased within 1 hour by 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) heptachlor epoxide. Western blotting showed that conventional protein kinase Calpha and beta isoforms were unaffected by heptachlor epoxide. Particulate novel protein kinase Cepsilon, however, was selectively down-regulated by 1, 10, and 20 ppm dietary heptachlor epoxide, whereas the cytosolic isoform was decreased by 1 and 10 ppm heptachlor epoxide for 10 days. The high-dose treatment for 24 hours also decreased particulate novel protein kinase Cepsilon but increased the cytosolic titer. These results demonstrate that this isoform is unique in its sensitivity to heptachlor epoxide. Activator protein-1 DNA binding, a critical factor in tumor promotion, was substantially increased at 3 and 6 hours with 3.7 mg/kg (i.p.) heptachlor epoxide and at 3 and 10 days with 20 ppm dietary heptachlor epoxide. The effects of heptachlor epoxide on protein kinase C and activator protein-1 are similar to those caused by phorbol ester treatments and correlate well to heptachlor levels found to induce tumors in mice. However, heptachlor epoxide did not initially activate protein kinase C with in vivo treatments or with in vitro treatments of a plasma membrane fraction aimed at demonstrating direct activation, as has been shown for phorbol esters. The ability of heptachlor epoxide to down-regulate particulate novel protein kinase Cepsilon correlates to dosages used in in vivo tumor promotion studies. However, this may represent a negative feedback response rather than a causative effect.     

The yeast cAMP protein kinase Tpk3p is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial enzymatic content during growth

During aerobic cell growth, mitochondria must meet energy demand either by adjusting cellular mitochondrial content or by adjusting ATP production flux, allowing a constant growth yield. On respiratory substrate, the Ras/cAMP pathway has been shown to be involved in this process in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that of the three cAMP protein kinase catalytic subunits, Tpk3p is the one specifically involved in the regulation of cellular mitochondrial content when energy demand decreases. In decreased energy demand, the Deltatpk3 mitochondrial enzymatic content decreases leading to a subsequent decrease in the cellular growth rate. Moreover, enzymatic content decreases in the Deltatpk3 isolated mitochondria, suggesting that the amount of cellular mitochondria is not affected, but rather that the mitochondria are modified. Our study points to an important decrease in the cytochrome c content in the Deltatpk3 mitochondria, which leads to a decrease in the slipping process at the level of cytochrome-c-oxidase.     

The role of mitochondria in protection of the heart by preconditioning

A prolonged period of ischaemia followed by reperfusion irreversibly damages the heart. Such reperfusion injury (RI) involves opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) under the conditions of calcium overload and oxidative stress that accompany reperfusion. Protection from MPTP opening and hence RI can be mediated by ischaemic preconditioning (IP) where the prolonged ischaemic period is preceded by one or more brief (2-5 min) cycles of ischaemia and reperfusion. Following a brief overview of the molecular characterisation and regulation of the MPTP, the proposed mechanisms by which IP reduces pore opening are reviewed including the potential roles for reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein kinase cascades, and mitochondrial potassium channels. It is proposed that IP-mediated inhibition of MPTP opening at reperfusion does not involve direct phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins, but rather reflects diminished oxidative stress during prolonged ischaemia and reperfusion. This causes less oxidation of critical thiol groups on the MPTP that are known to sensitise pore opening to calcium. The mechanisms by which ROS levels are decreased in the IP hearts during prolonged ischaemia and reperfusion are not known, but appear to require activation of protein kinase Cepsilon, either by receptor-mediated events or through transient increases in ROS during the IP protocol. Other signalling pathways may show cross-talk with this primary mechanism, but we suggest that a role for mitochondrial potassium channels is unlikely. The evidence for their activity in isolated mitochondria and cardiac myocytes is reviewed and the lack of specificity of the pharmacological agents used to implicate them in IP is noted. Some K(+) channel openers uncouple mitochondria and others inhibit respiratory chain complexes, and their ability to produce ROS and precondition hearts is mimicked by bona fide uncouplers and respiratory chain inhibitors. IP may also provide continuing protection during reperfusion by preventing a cascade of MPTP-induced ROS production followed by further MPTP opening. This phase of protection may involve survival kinase pathways such as Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) either increasing ROS removal or reducing mitochondrial ROS production.     

Isoform-specific localization of A-RAF in mitochondria

RAF kinase is a family of isoforms including A-RAF, B-RAF, and C-RAF. Despite the important role of RAF in cell growth and proliferation, little evidence exists for isoform-specific function of RAF family members. Using Western analysis and immunogold labeling, A-RAF was selectively localized in highly purified rat liver mitochondria. Two novel human proteins, which interact specifically with A-RAF, were identified, and the full-length sequences are reported. These proteins, referred to as hTOM and hTIM, are similar to components of mitochondrial outer and inner membrane protein-import receptors from lower organisms, implicating their involvement in the mitochondrial transport of A-RAF. hTOM contains multiple tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains, which function in protein-protein interactions. TPR domains are frequently present in proteins involved in cellular transport systems. In contrast, protein 14-3-3, an abundant cytosolic protein that participates in many facets of signal transduction, was found to interact with C-RAF but not with A-RAF N-terminal domain. This information is discussed in view of the important role of mitochondria in cellular functions involving energy balance, proliferation, and apoptosis and the potential role of A-RAF in regulating these systems.     

Functional role of catalytic triad and oxyanion hole-forming residues on enzyme activity of Escherichia coli thioesterase I/protease I/phospholipase L1

The serine/threonine protein kinase Sgk1 (serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1) is characterized by a short half-life and has been implicated in the control of a large variety of functions in different subcellular compartments and tissues. Here, we analysed the influence of the N-terminus of Sgk1 on protein turnover and subcellular localization. Using green fluorescent protein-tagged Sgk1 deletion variants, we identified amino acids 17-32 to function as an anchor for the OMM (outer mitochondrial membrane). Subcellular fractionation of mouse tissue revealed a predominant localization of Sgk1 to the mitochondrial fraction. A cytosolic orientation of the kinase at the OMM was determined by in vitro import of Sgk1 and protease protection assays. Pulse-chase experiments showed that half-life and subcellular localization of Sgk1 are inseparable and determined by identical amino acids. Our results provide evidence that Sgk1 is primarily localized to the OMM and shed new light on the role of Sgk1 in the control of cellular function.     

Protein Kinase C Overexpression Suppresses Calcineurin-Associated Defects in Aspergillus nidulans and Is Involved in Mitochondrial Function

In filamentous fungi, intracellular signaling pathways which are mediated by changing calcium levels and/or by activated protein kinase C (Pkc), control fungal adaptation to external stimuli. A rise in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels activates calcineurin subunit A (CnaA), which regulates cellular calcium homeostasis among other processes. Pkc is primarily involved in maintaining cell wall integrity (CWI) in response to different environmental stresses. Cross-talk between the Ca²⁺ and Pkc-mediated pathways has mainly been described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in a few other filamentous fungi. The presented study describes a genetic interaction between CnaA and PkcA in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Overexpression of pkcA partially rescues the phenotypes caused by a cnaA deletion. Furthermore, CnaA appears to affect the regulation of a mitogen-activated kinase, MpkA, involved in the CWI pathway. Reversely, PkcA is involved in controlling intracellular calcium homeostasis, as was confirmed by microarray analysis. Furthermore, overexpression of pkcA in a cnaA deletion background restores mitochondrial number and function. In conclusion, PkcA and CnaA-mediated signaling appear to share common targets, one of which appears to be MpkA of the CWI pathway. Both pathways also regulate components involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. This study describes targets for PkcA and CnaA-signaling pathways in an A. nidulans and identifies a novel interaction of both pathways in the regulation of cellular respiration.     

Congenital semilunar valvulogenesis defect in mice deficient in phospholipase C epsilon

Phospholipase Cepsilon is a novel class of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C, identified as a downstream effector of Ras and Rap small GTPases. We report here the first genetic analysis of its physiological function with mice whose phospholipase Cepsilon is catalytically inactivated by gene targeting. The hearts of mice homozygous for the targeted allele develop congenital malformations of both the aortic and pulmonary valves, which cause a moderate to severe degree of regurgitation with mild stenosis and result in ventricular dilation. The malformation involves marked thickening of the valve leaflets, which seems to be caused by a defect in valve remodeling at the late stages of semilunar valvulogenesis. This phenotype has a remarkable resemblance to that of mice carrying an attenuated epidermal growth factor receptor or deficient in heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor. Smad1/5/8, which is implicated in proliferation of the valve cells downstream of bone morphogenetic protein, shows aberrant activation at the margin of the developing semilunar valve tissues in embryos deficient in phospholipase Cepsilon. These results suggest a crucial role of phospholipase Cepsilon downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor in controlling semilunar valvulogenesis through inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein signaling.     

The key role of protein flexibility in modulating IgE interactions

The interaction between IgE and its high affinity receptor (FcepsilonRI) is a critical step in the development of allergic responses. Detailed characterization of the IgE-FcepsilonRI interaction may offer insights into possible modes of inhibiting the interaction, which could thereby act as a potential therapy for allergy. In this study, NMR, CD, and fluorescence spectroscopies have been used to characterize structurally the Cepsilon3 domain of IgE and its interaction with other protein ligands, namely, Cepsilon2, Cepsilon4, sFcepsilonRIalpha, and CD23. We have shown that the recombinant Cepsilon3 domain exists alone in solution as a "molten globule." On interaction with sFcepsilonRIalpha, Cepsilon3 adopts a folded tertiary structure, as shown by the release of the fluorescent probe 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonate and by characteristic changes in the (1)H, (15)N heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR spectrum. However, the interactions between the Cepsilon3 domain and Cepsilon2, Cepsilon4, or CD23 do not induce such folding and would therefore be expected to involve only local interaction surfaces. The conformational flexibility of the Cepsilon3 domain of the whole IgE molecule may play a role in allowing fine tuning of the affinity and specificity of IgE for a variety of different physiological ligands and may be involved in the conformational change of IgE postulated to occur on interaction with FcepsilonRI.     

mTOR integrates amino acid- and energy-sensing pathways

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) exists as a heterotrimetric complex comprising a catalytic alpha subunit and non-catalytic beta and gamma subunits. Under conditions of hypoxia, exercise, ischemia, heat shock, and low glucose, AMPK is activated allosterically by rising cellular AMP and by phosphorylation of the catalytic alpha subunit. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cellular functions in response to amino acids and growth factors. Recent reports including our study have demonstrated the possible interplay between mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways, supporting a model in which mitochondrial dysfunction caused by the mitochondrial inhibitors or ATP depletion inhibits activation of p70 S6 kinase alpha (p70alpha), a downstream effector of mTOR, by activating AMPK. Leucine may stimulate p70alpha phosphorylation via mTOR pathway, in part, by serving both as a mitochondrial fuel through oxidative carboxylation and an allosteric activation of glutamate dehydrogenase. This hypothesis may support an idea in which leucine modulates mTOR function, in part by regulating mitochondrial function and AMPK. Further understanding of the role of mTOR in coordinating amino acid- and energy-sensing pathways would provide new insights into relationship between nutrients and cellular functions.