Csk-binding protein mediates sequential enzymatic down-regulation and degradation of Lyn in erythropoietin-stimulated cells

We have shown previously that the Src family kinase Lyn is involved in differentiation signals emanating from activated erythropoietin (Epo) receptors. The importance of Lyn to red cell maturation has been highlighted by Lyn-/- mice developing anemia. Here we show that Lyn interacts with C-terminal Src kinase-binding protein (Cbp), an adaptor protein that recruits negative regulators C-terminal Src kinase (Csk)/Csk-like protein-tyrosine kinase (Ctk). Lyn phosphorylated Cbp on several tyrosine residues, including Tyr314, which recruited Csk/Ctk to suppress Lyn kinase activity. Intriguingly, phosphorylated Tyr314 also bound suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), another well characterized negative regulator of cell signaling, resulting in elevated ubiquitination, and degradation of Lyn. In Epo-responsive primary cells and cell lines, Lyn rapidly phosphorylated Cbp, suppressing Lyn kinase activity via Csk/Ctk within minutes of Epo stimulation; hours later, SOCS1 bound to Cbp and was involved in the ubiquitination and turnover of Lyn protein. Thus, a single phosphotyrosine residue on Cbp coordinates a two-phase process involving distinct negative regulatory pathways to inactivate, then degrade, Lyn.     

Src family kinases: regulation of their activities, levels and identification of new pathways

While the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases (SFK), and the main ancillary molecules involved in their regulation, have been studied for many years, the details of their interplay are not fully understood and thus remain under active investigation. Additionally, new players that coordinate their regulation and direct their signalling cascades are also being uncovered, shedding new light on the complexity of these signalling networks. Through the utilization of novel interaction assays, several new interconnecting mediators that are helping to show the elegance of Src family kinase regulation have been discovered. This review outlines SFK regulation, the discovery of the Csk binding protein (Phosphoprotein Associated with Glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains, Cbp/PAG), and its role in regulating SFK kinase activity status, as well as protein levels. Further, details of the methods used to identify this dual mode of regulation can be applied to delineate the full gamut of SH2/SH3-directed SFK pathways and, indeed, those of any tyrosine kinase. Using Lyn as a model SFK, we and others have shown that Cbp recruits negative regulators of COOH-terminal Src kinase (Csk)/Csk-like protein-tyrosine kinase (Ctk) after Lyn is activated and bound to Cbp. Lyn phosphorylates Cbp on multiple tyrosine residues, including two that can bind Lyn's SH2 domain with high affinity. Lyn also phosphorylates Y314, which recruits Csk/Ctk to phosphorylate Lyn at its Y508 negative site, allowing an inactive conformation to form. However, the pY508 site has a low affinity for Lyn's SH2 domain, while the Cbp sites have high affinity. Thus, until these Cbp sites are dephosphorylated, Lyn can remain active. Intriguingly, phosphorylated Y314 also binds the suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1), resulting in elevated ubiquitination and degradation of Lyn. Thus, a single phosphotyrosine residue within Cbp co-ordinates a two-phase process involving distinct negative regulatory pathways that allow inactivation, followed by degradation, of SFKs.     

Targeting Lyn tyrosine kinase through protein fusions encompassing motifs of Cbp (Csk-binding protein) and the SOCS box of SOCS1

The tyrosine kinase Lyn is involved in oncogenic signalling in several leukaemias and solid tumours, and we have previously identified a pathway centred on Cbp [Csk (C-terminal Src kinase)-binding protein] that mediates both enzymatic inactivation, as well as proteasomal degradation of Lyn via phosphorylation-dependent recruitment of Csk (responsible for phosphorylating the inhibitory C-terminal tyrosine of Lyn) and SOCS1 (suppressor of cytokine signalling 1; an E3 ubiquitin ligase). In the present study we show that fusing specific functional motifs of Cbp and domains of SOCS1 together generates a novel molecule capable of directing the proteasomal degradation of Lyn. We have characterized the binding of pY (phospho-tyrosine) motifs of Cbp to SFK (Src-family kinase) SH2 (Src homology 2) domains, identifying those with high affinity and specificity for the SH2 domain of Lyn and that are preferred substrates of active Lyn. We then fused them to the SB (SOCS box) of SOCS1 to facilitate interaction with the ubiquitination-promoting elongin B/C complex. As an eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fusion, these proteins can direct the polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of active Lyn. Expressing this fusion protein in DU145 cancer cells (but not LNCaP or MCF-7 cells), that require Lyn signalling for survival, promotes loss of Lyn, loss of caspase 3, appearance of an apoptotic morphology and failure to survive/expand. These findings show how functional domains of Cbp and SOCS1 can be fused together to generate molecules capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells that express high levels of active Lyn.     

Cutting Edge: Transmembrane phosphoprotein Csk-binding protein/phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains as a negative feedback regulator of mast cell signaling through the FcepsilonRI

Tyrosine phosphorylation in the cytoplasmic domains of FcepsilonRI by the Src family kinase Lyn initiates a signaling cascade leading to mast cell activation. In this study, we show that a recently identified transmembrane protein, Csk-binding protein (Cbp), also known as phospoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains (PAG), negatively regulates FcepsilonRI signaling. In rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells, the levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbp/PAG and its association with Csk, a negative regulator for Lyn, significantly elevate immediately after aggregation of FcepsilonRI. An overexpression of Cbp/PAG in RBL-2H3 cells inhibits FcepsilonRI-mediated cell activation. This is accompanied with decreased levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of FcepsilonRI, association of FcepsilonRI with Lyn, and FcepsilonRI-associated tyrosine kinase activity. These findings combined with the fact that Cbp/PAG, Lyn, and aggregated FcepsilonRI are localized to lipid rafts, suggest that upon FcepsilonRI aggregation Cbp/PAG down-regulates the receptor-associated Lyn activity through relocating Csk to rafts, thereby efficiently mediating feedback inhibition of FcepsilonRI signaling.     

Modulation of proximal signaling in normal and transformed B cells by transmembrane adapter Cbp/PAG

The transmembrane protein Cbp/PAG (Csk binding protein/phospho-protein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains) has a negative regulatory role in T cell activation as an adapter for C-terminal Src kinase, Csk. In T cells, membrane docking of Csk is promoted by binding to FynT-phosphorylated Cbp/PAG (pTyr317) to allow targeting of substrates residing in lipid rafts. Here, we investigate a potential parallel position for Cbp/PAG and the Src kinase Lyn in early B cell receptor signaling. Using normal and transformed B cells, we have compared signal profiles of BCR-triggered responses created by phospho-specific flow cytometry. In human normal B cells, our data show that reduced Cbp/PAG levels leads to enhanced and prolonged activation of proximal signaling mediators, while over-expression of the adapter in normal, EBV-transformed cells results in reduced calcium flux. Taken together, our findings support a negative regulatory function for Cbp/PAG in proximal BCR signaling in these cells.     

Transmembrane phosphoprotein Cbp positively regulates the activity of the carboxyl-terminal Src kinase, Csk

Csk (carboxyl-terminal Src kinase) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that phosphorylates a critical tyrosine residue in each of the Src family kinases (SFKs) to inhibit their activities. Recently, we identified a transmembrane protein, Cbp (Csk-binding protein), that, when phosphorylated, can recruit Csk to the membrane where the SFKs are located. The Cbp-mediated relocation of Csk to the membrane may play a role in turning off the signaling events initiated by SFKs. To further characterize the Csk-Cbp interaction, we have generated a reconstituted system using soluble, highly purified proteins. Csk and phosphorylated Cbp were co-purified as a large protein complex consisting of at least four Csk.Cbp units. The addition of the phosphorylated, but not nonphosphorylated, Cbp to an in vitro assay stimulated Csk activity toward Src. Csk was also activated by a phosphopeptide containing the tyrosine in Cbp that binds to Csk (Tyr-314). Kinetic analysis revealed that Cbp or the phosphopeptide induced up to a 6-fold reduction in the K(m) for Src, indicating that the Csk.Cbp complex has a greater affinity for Src than free Csk. These findings suggest that Cbp is involved in the regulation of SFKs not only by relocating Csk to the membrane but also by directly activating Csk.     

HIV-1 Nef selectively activates Src family kinases Hck, Lyn, and c-Src through direct SH3 domain interaction

Nef is an HIV-1 virulence factor that promotes viral pathogenicity by altering host cell signaling pathways. Nef binds several members of the Src kinase family, and these interactions have been implicated in the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS. However, the direct effect of Nef interaction on Src family kinase (SFK) regulation and activity has not been systematically addressed. We explored this issue using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a well defined model system for the study of SFK regulation. Previous studies have shown that ectopic expression of c-Src arrests yeast cell growth in a kinase-dependent manner. We expressed Fgr, Fyn, Hck, Lck, Lyn, and Yes as well as c-Src in yeast and found that each kinase was active and induced growth suppression. Co-expression of the negative regulatory kinase Csk suppressed SFK activity and reversed the growth-inhibitory effect. We then co-expressed each SFK with HIV-1 Nef in the presence of Csk. Nef strongly activated Hck, Lyn, and c-Src but did not detectably affect Fgr, Fyn, Lck, or Yes. Mutagenesis of the Nef PXXP motif essential for SH3 domain binding greatly reduced the effect of Nef on Hck, Lyn, and c-Src, suggesting that Nef activates these Src family members through allosteric displacement of intramolecular SH3-linker interactions. These data show that Nef selectively activates Hck, Lyn, and c-Src among SFKs, identifying these kinases as proximal effectors of Nef signaling and potential targets for anti-HIV drug discovery.     

A computational model for early events in B cell antigen receptor signaling: analysis of the roles of Lyn and Fyn

BCR signaling regulates the activities and fates of B cells. BCR signaling encompasses two feedback loops emanating from Lyn and Fyn, which are Src family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs). Positive feedback arises from SFK-mediated trans phosphorylation of BCR and receptor-bound Lyn and Fyn, which increases the kinase activities of Lyn and Fyn. Negative feedback arises from SFK-mediated cis phosphorylation of the transmembrane adapter protein PAG1, which recruits the cytosolic protein tyrosine kinase Csk to the plasma membrane, where it acts to decrease the kinase activities of Lyn and Fyn. To study the effects of the positive and negative feedback loops on the dynamical stability of BCR signaling and the relative contributions of Lyn and Fyn to BCR signaling, we consider in this study a rule-based model for early events in BCR signaling that encompasses membrane-proximal interactions of six proteins, as follows: BCR, Lyn, Fyn, Csk, PAG1, and Syk, a cytosolic protein tyrosine kinase that is activated as a result of SFK-mediated phosphorylation of BCR. The model is consistent with known effects of Lyn and Fyn deletions. We find that BCR signaling can generate a single pulse or oscillations of Syk activation depending on the strength of Ag signal and the relative levels of Lyn and Fyn. We also show that bistability can arise in Lyn- or Csk-deficient cells.     

The Tyrosine Kinase Csk Dimerizes through Its SH3 Domain

The Src family kinases possess two sites of tyrosine phosphorylation that are critical to the regulation of kinase activity. Autophosphorylation on an activation loop tyrosine residue (Tyr 416 in commonly used chicken c-Src numbering) increases catalytic activity, while phosphorylation of a C-terminal tyrosine (Tyr 527 in c-Src) inhibits activity. The latter modification is achieved by the tyrosine kinase Csk (C-terminal Src Kinase), but the complete inactivation of the Src family kinases also requires the dephosphorylation of the activation loop tyrosine. The SH3 domain of Csk recruits the tyrosine phosphatase PEP, allowing for the coordinated inhibition of Src family kinase activity. We have discovered that Csk forms homodimers through interactions mediated by the SH3 domain in a manner that buries the recognition surface for SH3 ligands. The formation of this dimer would therefore block the recruitment of tyrosine phosphatases and may have important implications for the regulation of Src kinase activity.     

Dynamic interaction between Src and C-terminal Src kinase in integrin alphaIIbbeta3-mediated signaling to the cytoskeleton

Integrin-bound Src tyrosine kinase mediates alpha(IIb)beta(3) out-side-in signaling to the cytoskeleton required for platelet adhesion and thrombus formation. Src activation (signal initiation) by phosphorylation of Tyr-418 occurs at lamellipodia leading edges. However, little is known about Src inactivation mediated by C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) Tyr-529 phosphorylation. In an established platelet model cell line (A5-Chinese hamster ovary), we studied the inactivation of Src during alpha(IIb)beta(3)-mediated adhesion to fibrinogen with live cell fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy. Imaging revealed highly dynamic Src-Csk interactions at the leading edges of active lamellipodia. The Src-Csk interaction followed a highly dynamic pattern. Every 2-3 min, Src-Csk complexes moved inward in the cell, reorganized, and formed stable focal adhesions. These accumulations were primarily seen during retraction of lamellipodia, whereas no interaction was observed during protrusions. Western blot analysis during the run time of FRET signaling revealed an increase in Csk-mediated SrcTyr-529 phosphorylation with a parallel decline of tyrosine 418 phosphorylation. Mutation analysis provided additional insights into the role of Src. Although inactivation of Csk (CskK222R) had no effect on cell adhesion and spreading efficiency, cells with constitutively active expressed Src (SrcY529F) exhibited hardly any adhesion and no spreading. The few adherent cells showed weak focal adhesions that were disorganized and oversized. The data clearly demonstrate the important role of tight Src control by Csk for functional cell adhesion and spreading. The novel experimental FRET approach reported here for the inactivation of Src can be readily applied to other integrin and signaling pathways, including closely related Src family kinase members.     

Cutting edge: Fyn is essential for tyrosine phosphorylation of Csk-binding protein/phosphoprotein associated with glycolipid-enriched microdomains in lipid rafts in resting T cells

In resting T cells, Csk is constitutively localized in lipid rafts by virtue of interaction with a phosphorylated adaptor protein, Csk-binding protein (Cbp)/phosphoprotein associated with glycolipid-enriched microdomains, and sets an activation threshold in TCR signaling. In this study, we examined a kinase responsible for Cbp phosphorylation in T cell membrane rafts. By analyzing T cells from Fyn-/- mice, we clearly demonstrated that Fyn, but not Lck, has its kinase activity in membrane rafts, and plays a critical role in Cbp phosphorylation, Cbp-Csk interaction, and Csk kinase activity. Naive CD44(low)CD62 ligand(high) T cells were substantially reduced in Fyn-/- mice, presumably due to the inhibition of Cbp phosphorylation. Thus, Fyn mediates Cbp-Csk interaction and recruits Csk to rafts by phosphorylating Cbp. Csk recruited to rafts would then be activated and inhibit the kinase activity of Lck to keep resting T cells in a quiescent state. Our results elucidate a negative regulatory role for Fyn in proximal TCR signaling in lipid rafts.     

Integrating novel signaling pathways involved in erythropoiesis

Many extrinsic and intrinsic factors control the development of red blood cells from committed progenitors, with the Erythropoietin-receptor (Epo-R) signaling network being the primary controlling molecular hub. Although much is understood about erythroid signaling pathways, new and intriguing factors that influence different aspects of erythroid cell development are still being uncovered. New extrinsic effectors include hypoxia and polymeric IgA1 (pIgA1), and new Epo-R signaling pathway components include Lyn/Cbp and Lyn/Liar. Hypoxia directly activates committed erythroid progenitors to expand, whereas pIgA1 activates the Akt and MAP-Kinase (MAPK) pathways through transferrin receptors on more mature erythroid cells. The Lyn/Cbp pathway controls the activity and protein levels of Lyn through recruitment of Csk and SOCS1, as well as feeding into the control of other pathways mediated by recruitment of ras-GAP, PI3-kinase, PLCγ, Fes, and EBP50. Nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling of Lyn and other signaling molecules is influenced by Liar and results in regulation of their intersecting signaling pathways. The challenge of future research is to flesh out the details of these new signaling regulators/networks and integrate their influences during the different stages of erythropoiesis.     

Involvement of gangliosides in the process of Cbp/PAG phosphorylation by Lyn in developing cerebellar growth cones

The association of gangliosides with specific proteins in the central nervous system was examined by coimmunoprecipitation with an anti‐ganglioside antibody. The monoclonal antibody to the ganglioside GD3 (R24) immunoprecipitated the Csk (C‐terminal src kinase)‐binding protein (Cbp). Sucrose density gradient analysis showed that Cbp of rat cerebellum was detected in detergent‐resistant membrane (DRM) raft fractions. R24 treatment of the rat primary cerebellar cultures induced Lyn activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbp. Treatment with anti‐ganglioside GD1b antibody also induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, over‐expressions of Lyn and Cbp in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells resulted in tyrosine 314 phosphorylation of Cbp, which indicates that Cbp is a substrate for Lyn. Immunoblotting analysis showed that the active form of Lyn and the Tyr314‐phosphorylated form of Cbp were highly accumulated in the DRM raft fraction prepared from the developing cerebellum compared with the DRM raft fraction of the adult one. In addition, Lyn and the Tyr314‐phosphorylated Cbp were highly concentrated in the growth cone fraction prepared from the developing cerebellum. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that Cbp and GAP‐43, a growth cone marker, are localized in the same vesicles of the growth cone fraction. These results suggest that Cbp functionally associates with gangliosides on growth cone rafts in developing cerebella.     

Integrins direct Src family kinases to regulate distinct phases of oligodendrocyte development

Specific integrins expressed on oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system, promote either differentiation and survival or proliferation by amplification of growth factor signaling. Here, we report that the Src family kinases (SFKs) Fyn and Lyn regulate each of these distinct integrin-driven behaviors. Fyn associates with alpha6beta1 and is required to amplify platelet-derived growth factor survival signaling, to promote myelin membrane formation, and to switch neuregulin signaling from a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (thereby changing the response from proliferation to differentiation). However, earlier in the lineage Lyn, not Fyn, is required to drive alphaVbeta3-dependent progenitor proliferation. The two SFKs respond to integrin ligation by different mechanisms: Lyn, by increased autophosphorylation of a catalytic tyrosine; and Fyn, by reduced Csk phosphorylation of the inhibitory COOH-terminal tyrosine. These findings illustrate how different SFKs can act as effectors for specific cell responses during development within a single cell lineage, and, furthermore, provide a molecular mechanism to explain similar region-specific hypomyelination in laminin- and Fyn-deficient mice.     

Cbp deficiency alters Csk localization in lipid rafts but does not affect T-cell development

The ubiquitously expressed transmembrane adaptor Csk-binding protein (Cbp) recruits Csk to lipid rafts, where the latter exerts its negative regulatory effect on the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases. We have inactivated Cbp in the mouse germ line. In contrast to Csk gene inactivation, which leads to embryonic lethality and impaired T-cell development, Cbp-deficient mice were viable and exhibited normal T-cell development but with an increased thymocyte population. In the absence of Cbp, the amount of Csk that localizes to the lipid rafts was greatly reduced. Interestingly, this altered lipid raft localization of Csk did not lead to any detectable biochemical or functional defect in T cells. The T-cell receptor-induced intracellular calcium flux, cell proliferation, and cytokine secretion were not affected by the absence of Cbp. Peripheral T-cell tolerance to superantigen SEB was also largely intact in Cbp-deficient mice. Thus, Cbp is dispensable for T-cell development and activation.     

Coordinate interactions of Csk, Src, and Syk kinases with [alpha]IIb[beta]3 initiate integrin signaling to the cytoskeleton

Integrins regulate cell adhesion and motility through tyrosine kinases, but initiation of this process is poorly understood. We find here that Src associates constitutively with integrin alphaIIbbeta3 in platelets. Platelet adhesion to fibrinogen caused a rapid increase in alphaIIbbeta3-associated Src activity, and active Src localized to filopodia and cell edges. Csk, which negatively regulates Src by phosphorylating Tyr-529, was also constitutively associated with alphaIIbbeta3. However, fibrinogen binding caused Csk to dissociate from alphaIIbbeta3, concomitant with dephosphorylation of Src Tyr-529 and phosphorylation of Src activation loop Tyr-418. In contrast to the behavior of Src and Csk, Syk was associated with alphaIIbbeta3 only after fibrinogen binding. Platelets multiply deficient in Src, Hck, Fgr, and Lyn, or normal platelets treated with Src kinase inhibitors failed to spread on fibrinogen. Inhibition of Src kinases blocked Syk activation and inhibited phosphorylation of Syk substrates (Vav1, Vav3, SLP-76) implicated in cytoskeletal regulation. Syk-deficient platelets exhibited Src activation upon adhesion to fibrinogen, but no spreading or phosphorylation of Vav1, Vav3, and SLP-76. These studies establish that platelet spreading on fibrinogen requires sequential activation of Src and Syk in proximity to alphaIIbbeta3, thus providing a paradigm for initiation of integrin signaling to the actin cytoskeleton.     

The ubiquitously expressed Csk adaptor protein Cbp is dispensable for embryogenesis and T-cell development and function

Regulation of Src family kinase (SFK) activity is indispensable for a functional immune system and embryogenesis. The activity of SFKs is inhibited by the presence of the carboxy-terminal Src kinase (Csk) at the cell membrane. Thus, recruitment of cytosolic Csk to the membrane-associated SFKs is crucial for its regulatory function. Previous studies utilizing in vitro and transgenic models suggested that the Csk-binding protein (Cbp), also known as phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid microdomains (PAG), is the membrane adaptor for Csk. However, loss-of-function genetic evidence to support this notion was lacking. Herein, we demonstrate that the targeted disruption of the cbp gene in mice has no effect on embryogenesis, thymic development, or T-cell functions in vivo. Moreover, recruitment of Csk to the specialized membrane compartment of "lipid rafts" is not impaired by Cbp deficiency. Our results indicate that Cbp is dispensable for the recruitment of Csk to the membrane and that another Csk adaptor, yet to be discovered, compensates for the loss of Cbp.     

Proteomic identification of ZO-1/2 as a novel scaffold for Src/Csk regulatory circuit

To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of cell transformation induced by c-Src tyrosine kinase, we performed a proteomic analysis of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins that interact with c-Src and/or its negative regulator Csk. The c-Src interacting proteins were affinity-purified from Src transformed cells using the Src SH2 domain as a ligand. LC-MS/MS analysis of the purified proteins identified general Src substrates, such as focal adhesion kinase and paxillin, and ZO-1/2 as a transformation-dependent Src target. The Csk binding proteins were analyzed by a tandem affinity purification method. In addition to the previously identified Csk binding proteins, including Cbp/PAG, paxillin, and caveolin-1, we found that ZO-1/2 could also serve as a major Csk binding protein. ZO-2 was phosphorylated concurrently with Src transformation and specifically bound to Csk in a Csk SH2 dependent manner. These results suggest novel roles for ZO proteins as Src/Csk scaffolds potentially involved in the regulation of Src transformation.     

Identification of a New Interaction Mode between the Src Homology 2 Domain of C-terminal Src Kinase (Csk) and Csk-binding Protein/Phosphoprotein Associated with Glycosphingolipid Microdomains

Proteins with Src homology 2 (SH2) domains play major roles in tyrosine kinase signaling. Structures of many SH2 domains have been studied, and the regions involved in their interactions with ligands have been elucidated. However, these analyses have been performed using short peptides consisting of phosphotyrosine followed by a few amino acids, which are described as the canonical recognition sites. Here, we report the solution structure of the SH2 domain of C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) in complex with a longer phosphopeptide from the Csk-binding protein (Cbp). This structure, together with biochemical experiments, revealed the existence of a novel binding region in addition to the canonical phosphotyrosine 314-binding site of Cbp. Mutational analysis of this second region in cells showed that both canonical and novel binding sites are required for tumor suppression through the Cbp-Csk interaction. Furthermore, the data indicate an allosteric connection between Cbp binding and Csk activation that arises from residues in the βB/βC loop of the SH2 domain.     

Coupled motions in the SH2 and kinase domains of Csk control Src phosphorylation

The C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) phosphorylates and down-regulates Src family tyrosine kinases. The Csk-binding protein (Cbp) localizes Csk close to its substrates at the plasma membrane, and increases the specific activity of the kinase. To investigate this long-range catalytic effect, the phosphorylation of Src and the conformation of Csk were investigated in the presence of a high-affinity phosphopeptide derived from Cbp. This peptide binds tightly to the SH2 domain and enhances Src recognition (lowers K(m)) by increasing the apparent phosphoryl transfer rate in the Csk active site, a phenomenon detected in rapid quench flow experiments. Previous studies demonstrated that the regulation of Csk activity is linked to conformational changes in the enzyme that can be probed with hydrogen-deuterium exchange methods. We show that the Cbp peptide impacts deuterium incorporation into its binding partner (the SH2 domain), and into the SH2-kinase linker and several sequences in the kinase domain, including the glycine-rich loop in the active site. These findings, along with computational data from normal mode analyses, suggest that the SH2 domain moves in a cantilever fashion with respect to the small lobe of the kinase domain, ordering the active site for catalysis. The binding of a small Cbp-derived peptide to the SH2 domain of Csk modifies these motions, enhancing Src recognition.