Tcl1 enhances Akt kinase activity and mediates its nuclear translocation

The TCL1 oncogene at 14q32.1 is involved in the development of human mature T-cell leukemia. The mechanism of action of Tcl1 is unknown. Because the virus containing the v-akt oncogene causes T-cell lymphoma in mice and Akt is a key player in transduction of antiapoptotic and proliferative signals in T-cells, we investigated whether Akt and Tcl1 function in the same pathway. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that endogenous Akt1 and Tcl1 physically interact in the T-cell leukemia cell line SupT11; both proteins also interact when cotransfected into 293 cells. Using several AKT1 constructs in cotransfection experiments, we determined that this interaction occurs through the pleckstrin homology domain of the Akt1 protein. We further demonstrated that, in 293 cells transfected with TCL1, the endogenous Akt1 bound to Tcl1 is 5-10 times more active compared with Akt1 not bound to Tcl1. The intracellular localization of Tcl1 and Akt1 in mouse fibroblasts was investigated by immunofluorescence. When transfected alone, Akt1 was found only in cytoplasm whereas Tcl1 was localized in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Interestingly, Akt1 was also found in the nucleus when AKT1 was cotransfected with TCL1, suggesting that Tcl1 promotes the transport of Akt1 to the nucleus. These findings were supported by the intracellular localization of Akt1 or Tcl1 when Tcl1 or Akt1, respectively, were confined to the specific cellular compartments. Thus, we demonstrate that Tcl1 is a cofactor of Akt1 that enhances Akt1 kinase activity and promotes its nuclear transport.     

Tumor suppressor function of Liver kinase B1 (Lkb1) is linked to regulation of epithelial integrity

Although loss of epithelial integrity is a hallmark of advanced cancer, it remains poorly understood whether genetic alterations corrupting this integrity causally facilitate tumorigenesis. We show that conditional deletion of tumor suppressor gene Lkb1 (Par-4) in the mammary gland compromises epithelial integrity manifested by mislocalization of cell polarity markers, lateralization of tight junctions, deterioration of desmosomes and basement membrane (BM), and hyperbranching of the mammary ductal tree. We identify the desmosomal BM remodelling serine protease Hepsin as a key factor mediating Lkb1 loss-induced structural alterations in mammary epithelium and BM fragmentation. Although loss of Lkb1 alone does not promote mammary tumorigenesis, combination of Lkb1 deficiency with oncogenic c-Myc leads to dramatic acceleration in tumor formation. The results coupling Lkb1 loss-mediated epithelial integrity defects to mislocalization of serine protease Hepsin and to oncogenic synergy with c-Myc imply that Lkb1 loss facilitates oncogenic proliferation by releasing epithelial cells from structural BM boundaries.     

Id1 cooperates with oncogenic Ras to induce metastatic mammary carcinoma by subversion of the cellular senescence response

Recent evidence demonstrates that senescence acts as a barrier to tumorigenesis in response to oncogene activation. Using a mouse model of breast cancer, we tested the importance of the senescence response in solid cancer and identified genetic pathways regulating this response. Mammary expression of activated Ras led to the formation of senescent cellular foci in a majority of mice. Deletion of the p19(ARF), p53, or p21(WAF1) tumor suppressors but not p16(INK4a) prevented senescence and permitted tumorigenesis. Id1 has been implicated in the control of senescence in vitro, and elevated expression of Id1 is found in a number of solid cancers, so we tested whether overexpression of Id1 regulates senescence in vivo. Although overexpression of Id1 in the mammary epithelium was not sufficient for tumorigenesis, mice with expression of both Id1 and activated Ras developed metastatic cancer. These tumors expressed high levels of p19(Arf), p53, and p21(Waf1), demonstrating that Id1 acts to make cells refractory to p21(Waf1)-dependent cell cycle arrest. Inactivation of the conditional Id1 allele in established tumors led to widespread senescence within 10 days, tumor growth arrest, and tumor regression in 40% of mice. Mice in which Id1 expression was inactivated also exhibited greatly reduced pulmonary metastatic load. These data demonstrate that established tumors remain sensitive to senescence and that Id1 may be a valuable target for therapy.     

c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 is deleterious to the function and survival of murine pancreatic islets

Aims/hypothesis  Inhibition of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) favours pancreatic islet function and survival. Since two JNK isoforms are present in the pancreas (JNK1 and JNK2), we addressed their specific roles in experimental islet transplantation. Methods  C57BL/6J (wild-type [WT]), Jnk1 (also known as Mapk8)^−/− and Jnk2 (also known as Mapk9)^−/− mice were used as donor/recipients in a syngeneic islet transplantation model. Islet cell composition, function, viability, production of cytokines and of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also studied in vitro. Results   Jnk1 ^−/− islets secreted more insulin in response to glucose and were more resistant to cytokine-induced cell death compared with WT and Jnk2 ^−/− islets (p < 0.01). Cytokines reduced VEGF production in WT and Jnk2 ^−/− but not Jnk1 ^−/− islets; VEGF blockade restored Jnk1 ^−/− islet susceptibility to cytokine-induced cell death. Transplantation of Jnk1 ^−/− or WT islets into WT recipients made diabetic had similar outcomes. However, Jnk1 ^−/− recipients of WT islets had shorter time to diabetes reversal (17 vs 55 days in WT, p = 0.033), while none of the Jnk2 ^−/− recipients had diabetes reversal (0% vs 71% in WT, p = 0.0003). Co-culture of WT islets with macrophages from each strain revealed a discordant cytokine production. Conclusions/interpretation  We have shown a deleterious effect of JNK2 deficiency on islet graft outcome, most likely related to JNK1 activation, suggesting that specific JNK1 blockade may be superior to general JNK inhibition, particularly when administered to transplant recipients.     

Two nuclear localization signals present in the basic-helix 1 domains of MyoD promote its active nuclear translocation and can function independently.

MyoD, a member of the family of helix-loop-helix myogenic factors that plays a crucial role in skeletal muscle differentiation, is a nuclear phosphoprotein. Using microinjection of purified MyoD protein into rat fibroblasts, we show that the nuclear import of MyoD is a rapid and active process, being ATP and temperature dependent. Two nuclear localization signals (NLSs), one present in the basic region and the other in the helix 1 domain of MyoD protein, are demonstrated to be functional in promoting the active nuclear transport of MyoD. Synthetic peptides spanning these two NLSs and biochemically coupled to IgGs can promote the nuclear import of microinjected IgG conjugates in muscle and nonmuscle cells. Deletion analysis reveals that each sequence can function independently within the MyoD protein since concomittant deletion of both sequences is required to alter the nuclear import of this myogenic factor. In addition, the complete cytoplasmic retention of a beta-galactosidase-MyoD fusion mutant protein, double deleted at these two NLSs, argues against the existence of another functional NLS motif in MyoD.     

Histone deacetylase SIRT1 modulates neuronal differentiation by its nuclear translocation

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in response to intrinsic and extrinsic changes. Notch signals maintain undifferentiated NPCs, but the mechanisms underlying the neuronal differentiation are largely unknown. We show that SIRT1, an NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylase, modulates neuronal differentiation. SIRT1 was found in the cytoplasm of embryonic and adult NPCs and was transiently localized in the nucleus in response to differentiation stimulus. SIRT1 started to translocate into the nucleus within 10 min after the transfer of NPCs into differentiation conditions, stayed in the nucleus, and then gradually retranslocated to the cytoplasm after several hours. The number of neurospheres that generated Tuj1(+) neurons was significantly decreased by pharmacological inhibitors of SIRT1, dominant-negative SIRT1 and SIRT1-siRNA, whereas overexpression of SIRT1, but not that of cytoplasm-localized mutant SIRT1, enhanced neuronal differentiation and decreased Hes1 expression. Expression of SIRT1-siRNA impaired neuronal differentiation and migration of NPCs into the cortical plate in the embryonic brain. Nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR), which has been reported to bind SIRT1, promoted neuronal differentiation and synergistically increased the number of Tuj1(+) neurons with SIRT1, and both bound the Hes1 promoter region in differentiating NPCs. Hes1 transactivation by Notch1 was inhibited by SIRT1 and/or N-CoR. Our study indicated that SIRT1 is a player of repressing Notch1-Hes1 signaling pathway, and its transient translocation into the nucleus may have a role in the differentiation of NPCs.     

Activation and nuclear translocation of protein kinase during transsynaptic induction of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase.

The tyrosine-3-monooxygenase activity [L-tyrosine, tetrahydropteridine: oxygen oxidoreductase (3-hydroxylating); EC 1.14.16.2] of rat adrenal medulla is induced 20-24 hr after the injection of reserpine (16 mumol/kg intraperitoneally). This and other inducing stimuli increase the 3': 5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP) content in the medulla for longer than 60 min and activate the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (ATP: protein phosphotransferase; EC 2.7.1.37) for several hours. Corticotropin (ACTH), dopamine, and propranolol do not induce the monooxygenase, but elicit an increase in the cAMP content of the medulla which fails to activate protein kinase and lasts less than 1 hr. A high- and low-molecular-weight protein kinase are separated by gel filtration from the 20,000 X g pellet extract of adrenal medulla homogenate. The activity of the low-molecular-weight enzyme is expressed as its ability to phosphorylate histone. The protein kinase activity of the pellet is increased between 3 and 17 hr after reserpine injection. Our evidence indicates that this increase is due to a translocation from cytosol to subcellular structures of a kinase that utilizes lysine-rich histone as phosphate acceptor. The protein kinase activity that is extracted from a purified nuclear fraction prepared from the adrenal medulla of rats injected 7 hr previously with reserpine is greater than that extracted from medulla of saline-treated rats.     

Nuclear translocation of 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK-1): a potential regulatory mechanism for PDK-1 function

3'-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK-1) phosphorylates and activates members of the AGC protein kinase family and plays an important role in the regulation of cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation. However, how PDK-1 is regulated in cells remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that PDK-1 can shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus. Treatment of cells with leptomycin B, a nuclear export inhibitor, results in a nuclear accumulation of PDK-1. PDK-1 nuclear localization is increased by insulin, and this process is inhibited by pretreatment of cells with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitors. Consistent with the idea that PDK-1 nuclear translocation is regulated by the PI3-kinase signaling pathway, PDK-1 nuclear localization is increased in cells deficient of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10). Deletion mapping and mutagenesis studies unveiled that presence of a functional nuclear export signal (NES) in mouse PDK-1 located at amino acid residues 382 to 391. Overexpression of constitutively nuclear PDK-1, which retained autophosphorylation at Ser-244 in the activation loop in cells and its kinase activity in vitro, led to increased phosphorylation of the predominantly nuclear PDK-1 substrate p70 S6KbetaI. However, the ability of constitutively nuclear PDK-1 to induce anchorage-independent growth and to protect against UV-induced apoptosis is greatly diminished compared with the wild-type enzyme. Taken together, these findings suggest that nuclear translocation may be a mechanism to sequestrate PDK-1 from activation of the cytosolic signaling pathways and that this process may play an important role in regulating PDK-1-mediated cell signaling and function.     

Src-family protein tyrosine kinase phosphorylates WNK4 and modulates its inhibitory effect on KCNJ1 (ROMK)

With-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) inhibits the activity of the potassium channel KCNJ1 (ROMK) in the distal nephron, thereby contributing to the maintenance of potassium homeostasis. This effect is inhibited via phosphorylation at Ser1196 by serum/glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1), and this inhibition is attenuated by the Src-family protein tyrosine kinase (SFK). Using Western blot and mass spectrometry, we now identify three sites in WNK4 that are phosphorylated by c-Src: Tyr¹⁰⁹², Tyr¹⁰⁹⁴, and Tyr¹¹⁴³, and show that both c-Src and protein tyrosine phosphatase type 1D (PTP-1D) coimmunoprecipitate with WNK4. Mutation of Tyr¹⁰⁹² or Tyr¹¹⁴³ to phenylalanine decreased the association of c-Src or PTP-1D with WNK4, respectively. Moreover, the Tyr1092Phe mutation markedly reduced ROMK inhibition by WNK4; this inhibition was completely absent in the double mutant WNK4^Y1092/1094F. Similarly, c-Src prevented SGK1-induced phosphorylation of WNK4 at Ser¹¹⁹⁶, an effect that was abrogated in the double mutant. WNK4^Y1143F inhibited ROMK activity as potently as wild-type (WT) WNK4, but unlike WT, the inhibitory effect of WNK4^Y1143F could not be reversed by SGK1. The failure to reverse WNK4^Y1143F-induced inhibition of ROMK by SGK1 was possibly due to enhancing endogenous SFK effect on WNK4 by decreasing the WNK4–PTP-1D association because inhibition of SFK enabled SGK1 to reverse WNK4^Y1143F-induced inhibition of ROMK. We conclude that WNK4 is a substrate of SFKs and that the association of c-Src and PTP-1D with WNK4 at Tyr¹⁰⁹² and Tyr¹¹⁴³ plays an important role in modulating the inhibitory effect of WNK4 on ROMK.With-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) is expressed in the connecting tubule (CNT) and cortical collecting duct (CCD) (1, 2) and plays an important role in modulating the balance between renal K secretion and Na reabsorption (3–8). The effect of WNK4 on renal K secretion is partially mediated through inhibition of KCNJ1 (ROMK) channels in the CNT and in the CCD. ROMK inhibition is achieved by a stimulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (1), an effect that is dependent on intersectin, a scaffold protein containing two Eps15 homology domains (9).Serum/glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1), a downstream mediator of aldosterone signaling, suppresses the inhibitory effect of WNK4 on ROMK channels through phosphorylation of WNK4 at Ser¹¹⁶⁹ (2) and Ser¹¹⁹⁶ (5). Both volume depletion and high K intake increase aldosterone and SGK1 levels (10). However, it is not clear why a high K intake or volume depletion modulates differently the effect of SGK1 on ROMK channels.Candidate regulators of differential ROMK expression in hyperkalemia and hypovolemia should be regulated in a potassium-dependent manner. One such protein is the protein tyrosine kinase c-Src, whose expression in renal cortex is reduced in states of high potassium intake (11). We have previously demonstrated a key role of c-Src in determining the effect of SGK1 on WNK4 (12). C-Src abolishes SGK1-induced phosphorylation of WNK4 and restores the inhibitory effect of WNK4 on ROMK channels in the presence of SGK1 (13). This effect may play a role in preventing K secretion in the absence of hyperkalemia. High potassium intake, in contrast, will diminish c-Src levels, restore SGK1-induced phosphorylation of WNK4, and lead to increased renal potassium secretion via ROMK.Whereas protein phosphatase activity has been shown to be involved in c-Src–mediated modulation of the interaction between SGK1 and WNK4 (13), the molecular mechanism of c-Src’s interaction with WNK4 has been elusive. We here identify previously undescribed tyrosine phosphorylation sites in WNK4 that are targets of c-Src. We characterize the effects of tyrosine phosphorylation on the SGK1–WNK4 interaction, as well as WNK4-mediated ROMK inhibition.     

Mixed-lineage kinase 3 regulates B-Raf through maintenance of the B-Raf/Raf-1 complex and inhibition by the NF2 tumor suppressor protein

The Ras --> Raf --> MEK1/2 --> extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway couples mitogenic signals to cell proliferation. B-Raf and Raf-1 function within an oligomer wherein they are regulated in part by mutual transactivation. The MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is required for mitogen activation of B-Raf and cell proliferation. Here we show that the kinase activity of MLK3 is not required for support of B-Raf activation. Instead, MLK3 is a component of the B-Raf/Raf-1 complex and is required for maintenance of the integrity of this complex. We show that the activation of ERK and the proliferation of human schwannoma cells bearing a loss-of-function mutation in the neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) gene require MLK3. We find that merlin, the product of NF2, blunts the activation of both ERK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Finally, we demonstrate that merlin and MLK3 can interact in situ and that merlin can disrupt the interactions between B-Raf and Raf-1 or those between MLK3 and either B-Raf or Raf-1. Thus, MLK3 is part of a multiprotein complex and is required for ERK activation. The levels of this complex may be negatively regulated by merlin.     

Enhanced NF-kappaB activation and cellular function in macrophages lacking IkappaB kinase 1 (IKK1)

IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex plays a key regulatory role in macrophages for NF-kappaB activation during both innate and adaptive immune responses. Because IKK1-/- mice died at birth, we differentiated functional macrophages from embryonic day 15.5 IKK1 mutant embryonic liver. The embryonic liver-derived macrophage (ELDM) showed enhanced phagocytotic clearance of bacteria, more efficient antigen-presenting capacity, elevated secretion of several key proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and known NFkappaB target genes. Increased NFkappaB activity in IKK1 mutant ELDM was the result of prolonged degradation of IkappaBalpha in response to infectious pathogens. The delayed restoration of IkappaBalpha in pathogen-activated IKK1-/- ELDM was a direct consequence of uncontrolled IKK2 kinase activity. We hypothesize that IKK1 plays a checkpoint role in the proper control of IkappaBalpha kinase activity in innate and adaptive immunity.     

Protein kinase Ypk1 phosphorylates regulatory proteins Orm1 and Orm2 to control sphingolipid homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Orm family proteins are conserved integral membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum that are key homeostatic regulators of sphingolipid biosynthesis. Orm proteins bind to and inhibit serine:palmitoyl-coenzyme A transferase, the first enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Orm1 and Orm2 are inactivated by phosphorylation in response to compromised sphingolipid synthesis (e.g., upon addition of inhibitor myriocin), thereby restoring sphingolipid production. We show here that protein kinase Ypk1, one of an essential pair of protein kinases, is responsible for this regulatory modification. Myriocin-induced hyperphosphorylation of Orm1 and Orm2 does not occur in ypk1 cells, and immunopurified Ypk1 phosphorylates Orm1 and Orm2 robustly in vitro exclusively on three residues that are known myriocin-induced sites. Furthermore, the temperature-sensitive growth of ypk1(ts) ypk2 cells is substantially ameliorated by deletion of ORM genes, confirming that a primary physiological role of Ypk1-mediated phosphorylation is to negatively regulate Orm function. Ypk1 immunoprecipitated from myriocin-treated cells displays a higher specific activity for Orm phosphorylation than Ypk1 from untreated cells. To identify the mechanism underlying Ypk1 activation, we systematically tested several candidate factors and found that the target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) kinase plays a key role. In agreement with prior evidence that a TORC2-dependent site in Ypk1(T662) is necessary for cells to exhibit a wild-type level of myriocin resistance, a Ypk1(T662A) mutant displays only weak Orm phosphorylation in vivo and only weak activation in vitro in response to sphingolipid depletion. Additionally, sphingolipid depletion increases phosphorylation of Ypk1 at T662. Thus, Ypk1 is both a sensor and effector of sphingolipid level, and reduction in sphingolipids stimulates Ypk1, at least in part, via TORC2-dependent phosphorylation.     

IkappaB kinase beta phosphorylates Dok1 serines in response to TNF, IL-1, or gamma radiation

Dok1 is an abundant Ras-GTPase-activating protein-associated tyrosine kinase substrate that negatively regulates cell growth and promotes migration. We now find that IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta) associated with and phosphorylated Dok1 in human epithelial cells and B lymphocytes. IKKbeta phosphorylation of Dok1 depended on Dok1 S(439), S(443), S(446), and S(450). Recombinant IKKbeta also phosphorylated Dok1 or Dok1 amino acids 430-481 in vitro. TNF-alpha, IL-1, gamma radiation, or IKKbeta overexpression phosphorylated Dok1 S(443), S(446), and S(450) in vivo, as detected with Dok1 phospho-S site-specific antisera. Moreover, Dok1 with S(439), S(443), S(446), and S(450) mutated to A was not phosphorylated by IKKbeta in vivo. Surprisingly, mutant Dok1 A(439), A(443), A(446), and A(450) differed from wild-type Dok1 in not inhibiting platelet-derived growth factor-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation or cell growth. Mutant Dok1 A(439), A(443), A(446), and A(450) also did not promote cell motility, whereas wild-type Dok1 promoted cell motility, and Dok1 E(439), E(443), E(446), and E(450) further enhanced cell motility. These data indicate that IKKbeta phosphorylates Dok1 S(439)S(443) and S(446)S(450) after TNF-alpha, IL-1, or gamma-radiation and implicate the critical Dok1 serines in Dok1 effects after tyrosine kinase activation.