An essential role for phospholipase D in the activation of protein kinase C and degranulation in mast cells

Activation of phospholipase D (PLD) and protein kinase C (PKC) as well as calcium mobilization are essential signals for degranulation of mast cells. However, the exact role of PLD in degranulation remains undefined. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that the PLD product, phosphatidic acid, and diacylglycerides generated therefrom might promote activation of PKC. Studies were conducted in two rodent mast cell lines that were stimulated with Ag via FcepsilonRI and a pharmacologic agent, thapsigargin. Diversion of production of phosphatidic acid to phosphatidylbutanol (the transphosphatidylation reaction) by addition of l-butanol suppressed both the translocation of diacylglyceride-dependent isoforms of PKC to the membrane and degranulation. Tertiary-butanol, which is not a substrate for the transphosphatidylation, had a minimal effect on PKC translocation and degranulation, and 1-butanol itself had no effect on PKC translocation when PKC was stimulated directly with phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Also, in cells transfected with small inhibitory RNAs directed against PLD1 and PLD2, activation of PLD, generation of diacylglycerides, translocation of PKC, and degranulation were all suppressed. Phorbol ester, which did not stimulate degranulation by itself, restored degranulation when used in combination with thapsigargin whether PLD function was disrupted with 1-butanol or the small inhibitory RNAs. However, degranulation was not restored when cells were costimulated with Ag and phorbol ester. These results suggested that the production of phosphatidic acid by PLD facilitates activation of PKC and, in turn, degranulation, although additional PLD-dependent processes appear to be critical for Ag-mediated degranulation.     

Antigen-induced phospholipase D activation in rat mast cells is independent of protein kinase C

In the present study, we investigated the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in antigen (Ag, DNP-Ascaris suum)-induced phospholipase D (PLD) activation of rat peritoneal mast cells. Phorbor myristate acetate (PMA) as well as Ag activated PLD as inferred by phosphatidylethanol (PEt) production. PKC inhibitors, staurosporine and H-7, however, failed to suppress PMA-stimulated PLD activation, suggesting that PLD activation by PMA is independent of PKC. By contrast, Ag-stimulated PLD activity was significantly reduced by staurosporine and slightly by H-7. Surprisingly, the inhibitors inhibited Ag-stimulated phospholipase C (PLC), correlated to the inhibition of PLD. These observations lead us to conclude that in Ag-stimulated mast cells 1,2-diacylglycerol (DG) formed by PLC directly or indirectly stimulates PLD, independently of PKC.     

TGF-beta induced hyaluronan synthesis in orbital fibroblasts involves protein kinase C betaII activation in vitro

Graves' ophthalmopathy is accompanied by hyaluronan (HA) accumulation in the orbital space and infiltration of immunocompetent cells and cytokines, including IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, and TGF-beta. We examined the signal transduction pathways by which TGF-beta induces HA synthesis in normal orbital fibroblasts, orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy, and abdominal fibroblasts. Calphostin C inhibited the stimulation of HA synthesis by TGF-beta. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) activation of PKC stimulated HA production. The effects of TGF-beta and PMA were not synergistic. Stimulation by TGF-beta and PMA were dependent on protein synthesis and their effects were inhibited by cycloheximide. Since TGF-beta-induced HA synthesis was inhibited by BAPTA or by PKC inhibitors, a calcium-dependent PKC was most likely involved. The PKA inhibitor H-89 enhanced TGF-beta- and PMA-induced HA synthesis, thus showing that communication between the PKA and PKC pathways was evident. TGF-beta stimulated the translocation of PKCbetaII to the cell membrane. PKCbetaII, a key enzyme in the regulation of HA synthesis by TGF-beta, might be an appropriate target for therapeutic compounds to be used to treat Graves' ophthalmopathy accompanied by inflammation.     

Effect of protein kinase C activation on mast cell histamine release

The role of protein Kinase C activators in the process of histamine secretion has been studied in rat peritoneal mast cells purified by a density gradient. TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate), a tumor promoter which activates protein kinase C, induced histamine release in the presence and in the absence of external free Ca2+. TPA and the calcium ionophore A23187 have an additive effect on secretion. Histamine release induced by TPA is energy-dependent. In the presence of 100 microM KCN secretion was moderately inhibited, however when glucose was removed from the incubation medium TPA-induced histamine release in the presence of KCN was strongly depressed.     

Membrane binding kinetics of protein kinase C betaII mediated by the C2 domain.

Conventional isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) are activated when their two membrane-targeting modules, the C1 and C2 domains, bind the second messengers diacylglycerol (DG) and Ca2+, respectively. This study investigates the mechanism of Ca2+-induced binding of PKC betaII to anionic membranes mediated by the C2 domain. Stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy reveals that Ca2+-induced binding of the isolated C2 domain to anionic vesicles proceeds via at least two steps: (1) rapid binding of two or more Ca2+ ions to the free domain with relatively low affinity and (2) diffusion-controlled association of the Ca2+-occupied domain with vesicles. Ca2+ increases the affinity of the C2 domain for anionic membranes by both decreasing the dissociation rate constant (k(off)) and increasing the association rate constant (k(on)) for membrane binding. For binding to vesicles containing 40 mol % anionic lipid in the presence of 200 microM Ca2+, k(off) and k(on) are 8.9 s(-1) and 1.2 x 10(10) M(-1) x s(-1), respectively. The k(off) value increases to 150 s(-1) when free Ca2+ levels are rapidly reduced, decreasing the average lifetime of the membrane-bound C2 domain (tau = k(off)(-1)) from 110 ms in the presence of Ca2+ to 6.7 ms when Ca2+ is rapidly removed. Experiments addressing the role of electrostatic interactions reveal that they stabilize either the initial C2 domain-membrane encounter complex or the high-affinity membrane-bound complex. Specifically, lowering the phosphatidylserine mole fraction or including MgCl2 in the binding reaction decreases the affinity of the C2 domain for anionic vesicles by both reducing k(on) and increasing k(off) measured in the presence of 200 microM Ca2+. These species do not affect the k(off) value when Ca2+ is rapidly removed. Studies with PKC betaII reveal that Ca2+-induced binding to membranes by the full-length protein proceeds minimally via two kinetically resolvable steps: (1) a rapid bimolecular association of the enzyme with vesicles near the diffusion-controlled limit and, most likely, (2) subsequent conformational changes of the membrane-bound enzyme. As is the case for the C2 domain, k(off) for full-length PKC betaII increases when Ca2+ is rapidly removed, reducing tau from 11 s in the presence of Ca2+ to 48 ms in its absence. Thus, both the C2 domain and the slow conformational change prolong the lifetime of the PKC betaII-membrane ternary complex in the presence of Ca2+, with rapid membrane release triggered by removal of Ca2+. These results provide a molecular basis for cofactor regulation of PKC whereby the C2 domain searches three-dimensional space at the diffusion-controlled limit to target PKC to relatively common anionic phospholipids, whereupon a two-dimensional search is initiated by the C1 domain for the more rare, membrane-partitioned DG.     

The role of protein kinase C activation in signal transmission by interleukin 2

Role of protein kinase C (PKC) in interleukin (IL) 2-induced proliferation was investigated by utilizing two murine IL 2-dependent cell lines, CT6 and CTLL-2 cell lines. CT6 cells showed a marked proliferative response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), while CTLL-2 did not. PMA induced PKC translocation from cytosol to membrane only in a PMA-responsive cell line. IL 2 failed to stimulate PKC translocation in both cell lines. H-7, a potent and specific PKC inhibitor, however, inhibited the proliferation of both cell lines induced by IL 2. Taken collectively, IL 2 may induce PKC activation without its translocation.     

The involvement of protein kinase C in exocytosis in mast cells.

Diacylglycerol generated from inositolphospholipid hydrolysis and tumor-promoting phorbol esters stimulate protein kinase C. The synthetic diacylglycerol 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-rac-glycerol and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) have been used in pure rat peritoneal mast cells. Both caused histamine release associated with exocytosis. The release by the stimulation of protein kinase C alone in the absence of secretagogues was slow although up to 50% of the histamine content was released by TPA in 120 min. Remarkable potentiation of histamine release was observed when the mast cells were preincubated with TPA before exposure to the calcium ionophore A23187. The potentiation of histamine release corresponded with an intensification of exocytosis. The potentiation is consistent with a participation of protein kinase C in the secretory process. An inhibitory effect due to protein kinase C activity was also demonstrated using TPA and mast cells from sensitized rats. When sensitized mast cells preincubated with 50 nM TPA for 5 min were exposed to the antigen, the histamine release was substantially reduced compared to the sum of the release by the antigen and TPA or by the antigen alone. There was a corresponding decrease in exocytosis. The inhibition of exocytosis and histamine release seems to reflect a regulatory function of protein kinase C for the termination of the response, as demonstrated in other types of cells apparently acting through an inhibition of inositolphospholipid hydrolysis.     

Protein kinase C phosphorylates ribosomal protein S6 kinase betaII and regulates its subcellular localization

The ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) belongs to the AGC family of Ser/Thr kinases and is known to be involved in the regulation of protein synthesis and the G(1)/S transition of the cell cycle. There are two forms of S6K, termed S6Kalpha and S6Kbeta, which have cytoplasmic and nuclear splice variants. Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling has been recently proposed for S6Kalpha, based on the use of the nuclear export inhibitor, leptomycin B. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating subcellular localization of S6Ks in response to mitogenic stimuli remain to be elucidated. Here we present data on the in vitro and in vivo phosphorylation of S6Kbeta, but not S6Kalpha, by protein kinase C (PKC). The site of phosphorylation was identified as S486, which is located within the C-terminal nuclear localization signal. Mutational analysis and the use of phosphospecific antibodies provided evidence that PKC-mediated phosphorylation at S486 does not affect S6K activity but eliminates the function of its nuclear localization signal and causes retention of an activated form of the kinase in the cytoplasm. Taken together, this study uncovers a novel mechanism for the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of S6KbetaII by PKC-mediated phosphorylation.     

Stimulation of hyaluronan synthesis by interleukin-1beta involves activation of protein kinase C betaII in fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy

Hyaluronan accumulation in the retroorbital connective tissue is one of the pathological features of Graves' ophthalmopathy. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is known to stimulate hyaluronan synthesis in orbital fibroblasts. In the present study, the intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in this stimulatory effect were investigated in cultured human retroorbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. IL-1beta-induced hyaluronan synthesis was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with two protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, chlerythrine chloride and H-7. In addition, treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a direct PKC activator, also resulted in increased hyaluronan production. IL-1beta- or PMA-stimulated hyaluronan synthesis was blocked by the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. Moreover, the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of the orbital fibroblasts was also involved in the IL-1beta induced transduction pathway, the effect being completely inhibited by BAPTA, an internal calcium chelator. In addition, A23187, a calcium ionophore, increased hyaluronan synthesis in unstimulated cells. These results suggest that the Ca(2+)-dependent PKC signal transduction pathway plays an important role in the IL-1beta-induced hyaluronan synthesis. Moreover, IL-1beta treatment resulted in increased PKC activity and the rapid translocation of PKC betaII from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. These results indicate that cytosolic Ca(2+) and PKC betaII are involved in IL-1beta-induced hyaluronan synthesis in cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy.     

Protective role of protein kinase C epsilon activation in ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmia

PURPOSE: Ischemic heart disease carries an increased risk of malignant ventricular tachycardia (VT), fibrillation (VF), and sudden cardiac death. Protein kinase C (PKC) epsilon activation has been shown to improve the hemodynamics in hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion. However, very little is known about the role of epsilon PKC in reperfusion arrhythmias. Here we show that epsilon PKC activation is anti-arrhythmic and its inhibition is pro-arrhythmic. METHOD: Langendorff-perfused isolated hearts from epsilonPKC agonist (epsilonPKC activation), antagonist (epsilonPKC inhibition) transgenic (TG), and wild-type control mice were subjected to 30 min stabilization period, 10 min global ischemia, and 30 min reperfusion. Action potentials (APs) and calcium transients (CaiT) were recorded simultaneously at 37 degrees C using optical mapping techniques. The incidence of VT and VF was assessed during reperfusion. RESULTS: No VT/VF was seen in any group during the stabilization period in which hearts were perfused with Tyrode's solution. Upon reperfusion, 3 out of the 16 (19%) wild-type mice developed VT but no VF. In epsilonPKC antagonist group, in which epsilonPKC activity was downregulated, 10 out of 13 (76.9%) TG mice developed VT, of which six (46.2%) degenerated into sustained VF upon reperfusion. Interestingly, in epsilonPKC agonist mice, in which the activity of epsilonPKC was upregulated, no VF was observed and only 1 out of 12 mice showed only transient VT during reperfusion. During ischemia and reperfusion, CaiT decay was exceedingly slower in the antagonist mice compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: Moderate in vivo activation of epsilonPKC exerts beneficial antiarrhythmic effect vis-a-vis the lethal reperfusion arrhythmias. Abnormal CaiT decay may, in part, contribute to the high incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias in the antagonist mice. These findings have important implications for the development of PKC isozyme targeted therapeutics and subsequently for the treatment of ischemic heart diseases.     

Human biliverdin reductase, a previously unknown activator of protein kinase C betaII

Human biliverdin reductase (hBVR), a dual specificity kinase (Ser/Thr/Tyr) is, as protein kinase C (PKC) betaII, activated by insulin and free radicals (Miralem, T., Hu, Z., Torno, M. D., Lelli, K. M., and Maines, M. D. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 17084-17092; Lerner-Marmarosh, N., Shen, J., Torno, M. D., Kravets, A., Hu, Z., and Maines, M. D. (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 102, 7109-7114). Here, by using 293A cells co-transfected with pcDNA3-hBVR and PKC betaII plasmids, we report the co-immunoprecipitation of the proteins and co-purification in the glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assay. hBVR and PKC betaII, but not the reductase and PKC zeta, transphosphorylated in assay systems supportive of activity of only one of the kinases. PKC betaII K371R mutant protein ("kinase-dead") was also a substrate for hBVR. The reductase increased the Vmax but not the apparent Km values of PKC betaII for myelin basic protein; activation was independent of phospholipids and extended to the phosphorylation of S2, a PKC-specific substrate. The increase in substrate phosphorylation was blocked by specific inhibitors of conventional PKCs and attenuated by sihBVR. The effect of the latter could be rescued by subsequent overexpression of hBVR. To a large extent, the activation was a function of the hBVR N-terminal chain of valines and intact ATP-binding site and the cysteine-rich C-terminal segment. The cobalt protoporphyrin-activated hBVR phosphorylated a threonine in a peptide corresponding to the Thr500 in the human PKC betaII activation loop. Neither serine nor threonine residues in peptides corresponding to other phosphorylation sites of the PKC betaII nor PKC zeta activation loop-derived peptides were substrates. The phosphorylation of Thr500 was confirmed by immunoblotting of hBVR.PKC betaII immunocomplex. The potential biological relevance of the hBVR activation of PKC betaII was suggested by the finding that in cells transfected with the PKC betaII, hBVR augmented phorbol myristate acetate-mediated c-fos expression, and infection with sihBVR attenuated the response. Also, in cells overexpressing hBVR and PKC betaII, as well as in untransfected cells, upon treatment with phorbol myristate acetate, the PKC translocated to the plasma membrane and co-localized with hBVR. hBVR activation of PKC betaII underscores its potential function in propagation of signals relayed through PKCs.     

Human T lymphocyte activation by tumor promoters: role of protein kinase C

Protein kinase C (PKC) has a major role in a ligand-receptor-mediated signal transduction system in a variety of cell types including T lymphocytes. One of the early phenotypic changes associated with T cell activation is the expression of cell surface receptors for interleukin 2 (IL 2). To test the role of PKC in regulation of IL 2 receptor (IL 2-R) expression and T cell activation in general, we used tumor promoters (TP) as modulators of PKC and compared their effects on intact human T cells and on the enzymatic activity of T cell-derived PKC in a cellfree system. In T cells, the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) induced IL 2-R expression and proliferation associated with cytosol-to-membrane PKC translocation. A dose of TPA (1 to 4 ng/ml) that induced about 50% of the maximal activation of PKC in the enzymatic assay also induced half-maximal effects on cell proliferation, IL 2-R expression, and PKC redistribution in intact T cells. Structure-function studies with several phorbol ester analogs and non-phorbol ester TP directly correlated tumor promotion activity with the ability to activate PKC and induce IL 2-R. An inhibitor of PKC, chlorpromazine, was found to suppress TPA-mediated proliferation and IL 2-R expression, and inhibited T cell-derived PKC by competing with the phospholipid. Ca2+ ionophore, which synergizes with TPA in induction of T cell proliferation, facilitated the TPA-induced PKC translocation to the membrane. The results thus demonstrate a direct correlation between the effects of various chemicals on: subcellular redistribution of PKC in T cells; induction of T cell proliferation and IL 2-R expression; and activation of T cell-derived PKC in vitro. These data provide further support for the role of PKC in transduction of activation signals in T cells and in regulation of IL 2-R expression.     

Role of protein kinase C betaII in influenza virus entry via late endosomes

Many viruses take advantage of receptor-mediated endocytosis in order to enter target cells. We have utilized influenza virus and Semliki Forest virus (SFV) to define a role for protein kinase C betaII (PKCbetaII) in endocytic trafficking. We show that specific PKC inhibitors prevent influenza virus infection, suggesting a role for classical isoforms of PKC. We also examined virus entry in cells overexpressing dominant-negative forms of PKCalpha and -beta. Cells expressing a phosphorylation-deficient form of PKCbetaII (T500V), but not an equivalent mutant form of PKCalpha, inhibited successful influenza virus entry-with the virus accumulating in late endosomes. SFV, however, believed to enter cells from the early endosome, was unaffected by PKCbetaII T500V expression. We also examined the trafficking of two cellular ligands, transferrin and epidermal growth factor (EGF). PKCbetaII T500V expression specifically blocked EGF receptor trafficking and degradation, without affecting transferrin receptor recycling. As with influenza virus, in PKCbetaII kinase-dead cells, EGF receptor was trapped in a late endosome compartment. Our findings suggest that PKCbetaII is an important regulator of a late endosomal sorting event needed for influenza virus entry and infection.     

The role of PAR1 in protective action of activated protein C during nonimmune activation of mast cells

Activated protein C (APC) regulates the functional activity of mast cells by reducing release of β-hexosaminidase, the marker of mast cell degranulation. APC modulated not only spontaneous secretion from mast cells, but also secretion induced by the degranulators, proteinase-activated receptor agonist peptide (PAR1-AP) and compound 48/80. PAR1 desensitization by thrombin abolished the decrease of β-hexosaminidase secretion induced by low APC concentrations (≤1.5 nM). APC inactivated by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), did non mimic the enzyme action on mast cells. Duodenase (the duodenal proteinase) activated peritoneal mast cell via PAR1. APC abolished the proinflammatory effect of duodenase and PAR1-AP by reducing release of mast cell mediators. The effect of APC could be attributed to nitric oxide generation by mast cells because in the presence of L-NAME the secretory function restored. These data suggest involvement of mast cell PAR1 into regulatory mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of APC.     

Synergistic augmentation of inflammatory cytokine productions from murine mast cells by monomeric IgE and toll-like receptor ligands

Simultaneous activation of murine mast cells by monomeric IgE and toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands was examined. Inflammatory cytokine production elicited by the binding of IgE in the absence of antigen, was further enhanced by the addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peptidoglycan (PGN). Enhancement by LPS or PGN on cytokine production was mediated by TLR4 and TLR2, respectively, since TLR4- and TLR2-deficient mast cells did not show synergistic activation by monomeric IgE and LPS/PGN. Synergistic activation of mast cells was obtained via phosphorylation of several mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Furthermore, MAPK inhibitors, significantly attenuated the augmentation of inflammatory cytokine production by monomeric IgE and LPS or PGN. Altogether, these results suggest that simultaneous TLR activation of mast cells with IgE molecules, particularly highly cytokinergic (HC) IgE, might contribute to the exacerbation of allergic diseases associated with infection even in the absence of a specific antigen.     

A role for protein kinase C during rat egg activation

Upon sperm-egg interaction, an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) is observed. Several studies reported that cortical reaction (CR) can be triggered not only by a [Ca(2+)](i) rise but also by protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Because the CR is regarded as a Ca(2+)-dependent exocytotic process and because the calcium-dependent conventional PKCs (cPKC) alpha and beta II are considered as exocytosis mediators in various cell systems, we chose to study activation of the cPKC in the rat egg during in vivo fertilization and parthenogenetic activation. By using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy techniques, we demonstrated, for the first time, the activation of the cPKC alpha, beta I, and beta II during in vivo fertilization. All three isozymes examined presented translocation to the egg's plasma membrane as early as the sperm-binding stage. However, the kinetics of their translocation was not identical. Activation of cPKC alpha was obtained by the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or by 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) but not by the calcium ionophore ionomycin. PKC alpha translocation was first detected 5-10 min after exposure to TPA and reached a maximum at 20 min, whereas in eggs activated by OAG, translocation of PKC alpha was observed almost immediately and reached a maximum within 5 min. These results suggest that, although [Ca(2+)](i) elevation on its own does not activate PKC alpha, it may accelerate OAG-induced PKC alpha activation. We also demonstrate a successful inhibition of the CR by a myristoylated PKC pseudosubstrate (myrPKCPsi), a specific PKC inhibitor. Our study suggests that exocytosis can be triggered independently either by a [Ca(2+)](i) rise or by PKC.     

Palmitoylcarnitine modulates interaction between protein kinase C betaII and its receptor RACK1

Palmitoylcarnitine, known to promote differentiation of neuroblastoma NB-2a cells as well as to inhibit protein kinase C (PKC) activity and to decrease phorbol ester binding, was shown previously to diminish the amount of complex formed between PKCdelta and its substrate GAP-43. In the present work we studied the effect of palmitoylcarnitine on the interaction between PKCbetaII and its receptor RACK1. Palmitoylcarnitine was found to decrease autophosphorylation of PKCbetaII on serine in a concentration-dependent manner and to decrease the amount of PKCbetaII/RACK1 complex. The effect of palmitoylcarnitine on cellular localization was found to be dependent on the presence of ATP; palmitoylcarnitine lowered the amount of PKCbetaII in cytosol and decreased the amount of PKCbetaII-RACK1 complex in membrane in the absence of ATP. Palmitoylcarnitine also reversed the effect of phorbol ester on the increase in the amount of PKCbetaII in membrane. Palmitoylcarnitine binds to PKCbetaII through hydrophobic interactions, although acylation of PKCbetaII by the palmitate moiety has been excluded. The presence of palmitoylcarnitine did not have any additive effect on the diminution of PKCbetaII-RACK1 complex formation in the presence of a RACK1-binding peptide from within the C2 region of PKCbetaII. These results rather exclude a possibility of interaction of palmitoylcarnitine with the C2 domain and suggest a possible interaction with the V5 domain and a conformational change affecting the C1 region.     

Rapid activation by erythropoietin of protein kinase C in nuclei of erythroid progenitor cells

The glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (Ep) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells by a signal transduction system which is not well understood. It has recently been reported that prolactin, a mitogen and trophic hormone for liver, will activate a nuclear protein kinase C in hepatocytes. As similarities exist in the actions of Ep and prolactin in their target cells, we tested the hypothesis that Ep could activate protein kinase C in nuclei isolated from erythroid progenitor cells. In a pure population of such nuclei, Ep induced a rapid, time- and dose-dependent increase in phosphorylation of endogenous nuclear substrate which could be blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C or by antibody to Ep. Other known activators of protein kinase C were also effective in this system. These findings show that Ep may exert its effects by a novel signalling pathway, the activation of a nuclear protein kinase C.     

Mechanism of inhibition of sequestration of protein kinase C alpha/betaII by ceramide. Roles of ceramide-activated protein phosphatases and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of protein kinase C alpha/betaII on threonine 638/641

Sustained activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes alpha and betaII leads to their translocation to a perinuclear region and to the formation of the pericentrion, a PKC-dependent subset of recycling endosomes. In MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, the action of the PKC activator 4beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) evokes ceramide formation, which in turn prevents PKCalpha/betaII translocation to the pericentrion. In this study we investigated the mechanisms by which ceramide negatively regulates this translocation of PKCalpha/betaII. Upon PMA treatment, HEK-293 cells displayed dual phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at carboxyl-terminal sites (Thr-638/641 and Ser-657/660), whereas in MCF-7 cells PKCalpha/betaII were phosphorylated at Ser-657/660 but not Thr-638/641. Inhibition of ceramide synthesis by fumonisin B1 overcame the defect in PKC phosphorylation and restored translocation of PKCalpha/betaII to the pericentrion. To determine the involvement of ceramide-activated protein phosphatases in PKC regulation, we employed small interference RNA to silence individual Ser/Thr protein phosphatases. Knockdown of isoforms alpha or beta of the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 1 not only increased phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at Thr-638/641 but also restored PKCbetaII translocation to the pericentrion. Mutagenesis approaches in HEK-293 cells revealed that mutation of either Thr-641 or Ser-660 to Ala in PKCbetaII abolished sequestration of PKC, implying the indispensable roles of phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII at those sites for their translocation to the pericentrion. Reciprocally, a point mutation of Thr-641 to Glu, which mimics phosphorylation, in PKCbetaII overcame the inhibitory effects of ceramide on PKC translocation in PMA-stimulated MCF-7 cells. Therefore, the results demonstrate a novel role for carboxyl-terminal phosphorylation of PKCalpha/betaII in the translocation of PKC to the pericentrion, and they disclose specific regulation of PKC autophosphorylation by ceramide through the activation of specific isoforms of protein phosphatase 1.     

Calcium- and guanine-nucleotide-dependent exocytosis in permeabilized rat mast cells. Modulation by protein kinase C.

We have used a digitonin-permeabilized cell system to study the signal transduction pathways responsible for stimulus-secretion coupling in the rat peritoneal mast cell. Conditions were established for permeabilizing the mast cell plasma membrane without disrupting secretory vesicles. Exocytotic release of histamine from digitonin-permeabilized cells required a combination of micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ and the stable guanine nucleotide analogue guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]), but was independent of exogenous ATP. In the presence of 40 microM-GTP[S], exocytosis was half-maximal at 1.3 microM-Ca2+ and maximal at 10 microM-Ca2+; GTP[S] alone (100 microM) had no effect on histamine release in the absence of added Ca2+. In the presence of 10 microM free Ca2+, 5 microM-GTP[S] was required for half-maximal exocytosis. To examine the possible role of protein kinase C (PKC) in exocytosis, we utilized 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) to activate PKC and studied its effect on histamine release from permeabilized mast cells. Cells that had been incubated with TPA (25 nM for 5 min) exhibited increased sensitivity to both GTP[S] and Ca2+. The PKC inhibitor staurosporine blocked the effect of TPA without inhibiting normal exocytosis in response to the combination of GTP[S] and Ca2+. In addition, down-regulation of mast-cell PKC by long-term TPA treatment (25 nM for 20 h) blocked the ability of the cells to respond to TPA and inhibited exocytosis in response to Ca2+ and GTP[S] by 40-50%. These results suggest that the sensitivity of the exocytotic machinery of the mast cell can be altered by PKC-catalysed phosphorylation events, but that activation of PKC is not required for exocytosis to occur.