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Mutations in the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) are causative of autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD). We have previously reported that PINK1 is activated by mitochondrial depolarisation and phosphorylates serine 65 (Ser65) of the ubiquitin ligase Parkin and ubiquitin to stimulate Parkin E3 ligase activity. Here, we have employed quantitative phosphoproteomics to search for novel PINK1-dependent phosphorylation targets in HEK (human embryonic kidney) 293 cells stimulated by mitochondrial depolarisation. This led to the identification of 14,213 phosphosites from 4,499 gene products. Whilst most phosphosites were unaffected, we strikingly observed three members of a sub-family of Rab GTPases namely Rab8A, 8B and 13 that are all phosphorylated at the highly conserved residue of serine 111 (Ser111) in response to PINK1 activation. Using phospho-specific antibodies raised against Ser111 of each of the Rabs, we demonstrate that Rab Ser111 phosphorylation occurs specifically in response to PINK1 activation and is abolished in HeLa PINK1 knockout cells and mutant PINK1 PD patient-derived fibroblasts stimulated by mitochondrial depolarisation. We provide evidence that Rab8A GTPase Ser111 phosphorylation is not directly regulated by PINK1 in vitro and demonstrate in cells the time course of Ser111 phosphorylation of Rab8A, 8B and 13 is markedly delayed compared to phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser65. We further show mechanistically that phosphorylation at Ser111 significantly impairs Rab8A activation by its cognate guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), Rabin8 (by using the Ser111Glu phosphorylation mimic). These findings provide the first evidence that PINK1 is able to regulate the phosphorylation of Rab GTPases and indicate that monitoring phosphorylation of Rab8A/8B/13 at Ser111 may represent novel biomarkers of PINK1 activity in vivo. Our findings also suggest that disruption of Rab GTPase-mediated signalling may represent a major mechanism in the neurodegenerative cascade of Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously reported that the Parkinson's diseaseassociated kinase PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) is activated by mitochondrial depolarization and stimulates the Parkin E3 ligase by phosphorylating Ser65 within its Ubl (ubiquitin-like) domain. Using phosphoproteomic analysis, we identified a novel ubiquitin phosphopeptide phosphorylated at Ser65 that was enriched 14-fold in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells overexpressing wild-type PINK1 stimulated with the mitochondrial uncoupling agent CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone), to activate PINK1, compared with cells expressing kinase-inactive PINK1. Ser65 in ubiquitin lies in a similar motif to Ser65 in the Ubl domain of Parkin. Remarkably, PINK1 directly phosphorylates Ser65 of ubiquitin in vitro. We undertook a series of experiments that provide striking evidence that Ser65-phosphorylated ubiquitin (ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65) functions as a critical activator of Parkin. First, we demonstrate that a fragment of Parkin lacking the Ubl domain encompassing Ser65 (AUbl-Parkin) is robustly activated by ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, but not by non-phosphorylated ubiquitin. Secondly, we find that the isolated Parkin Ubl domain phosphorylated at Ser65 (UblPhospho-Ser65) can also activate AUbl- Parkin similarly to ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65. Thirdly, we establish that ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, but not non-phosphorylated ubiquitin or UblPhosPho-Se65, activates full-length wild-type Parkin as well as the non-phosphorylatable S65A Parkin mutant. Fourthly, we provide evidence that optimal activation of full-length Parkin E3 ligase is dependent on PINK1-mediated phosphorylation of both Parkin at Ser65 and ubiquitin at Ser65, since only mutation of both proteins at Ser65 completely abolishes Parkin activation. In conclusion, the findings of the present study reveal that PINK1 controls Parkin E3 ligase activity not only by phosphorylating Parkin at Ser65, but also by phosphorylating ubiquitin at Ser65. We propose that phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser65 serves to prime the E3 ligase enzyme for activation by ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, suggesting that small molecules that mimic ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65 could hold promise as novel therapies for Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise homoeostasis of the intracellular concentration of Cl- is achieved via the co-ordinated activities of the Cl- influx and efflux. We demonstrate that the WNK (WNK lysine-deficient protein kinase)-activated SPAK (SPS1-related proline/alaninerich kinase)/OSR1 (oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1) knownto directly phosphorylate and stimulate the N[K]CCs (Na+-K+ ion co-transporters), also promote inhibition of the KCCs (K+ -Cl- co-transporters) by directly phosphorylating a recently described C-terminal threonine residue conserved in allKCCisoforms [Site- 2 (Thr1048)]. First, we demonstrate that SPAK and OSR1, in the presence of theMO25 regulatory subunit, robustly phosphorylates allKCC isoforms at Site-2 in vitro. Secondly, STOCK1S-50699, a WNK pathway inhibitor, suppresses SPAK/OSR1 activation and KCC3ASite-2 phosphorylationwith similar efficiency. Thirdly, in ES (embryonic stem) cells lacking SPAK/OSR1 activity, endogenous phosphorylation of KCC isoforms at Site-2 is abolished and these cells display elevated basal activity of 86Rb+ uptake thatwas not markedly stimulated further by hypotonic highK+ conditions, consistent withKCC3Aactivation. Fourthly, a tight correlation exists between SPAK/OSR1 activity and the magnitude of KCC3A Site-2 phosphorylation. Lastly, a Site-2 alanine KCC3A mutant preventing SPAK/OSR1 phosphorylation exhibits increased activity. We also observe that KCCs are directly phosphorylated by SPAK/OSR1, at a novel Site-3 (Thr5 in KCC1/KCC3 and Thr6 in KCC2/KCC4), and a previously recognized KCC3- specific residue, Site-4 (Ser96). These data demonstrate that the WNK-regulated SPAK/OSR1 kinases directly phosphorylate the N[K]CCs and KCCs, promoting their stimulation and inhibition respectively. Given these reciprocal actions with anticipated net effects of increasing Cl- influx, we propose that the targeting of WNK-SPAK/OSR1 with kinase inhibitors might be a novel potent strategy to enhance cellular Cl- extrusion, with potential implications for the therapeutic modulation of epithelial and neuronal ion transport in human disease states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compound BAY 11-7082 inhibits I?Ba [inhibitor of NF- ?B (nuclear factor ?B)a] phosphorylation in cells and has been used to implicate the canonical IKKs (I?B kinases) and NF-?B in >350 publications. In the present study we report that BAY 11-7082 does not inhibit the IKKs, but suppresses their activation in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated RAW macrophages and IL (interleukin)-1-stimulated IL-1R (IL-1 receptor) HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells. BAY 11-7082 exerts these effects by inactivating the E2-conjugating enzymes Ubc (ubiquitin conjugating) 13 and UbcH7 and the E3 ligase LUBAC (linear ubiquitin assembly complex), thereby preventing the formation of Lys63-linked and linear polyubiquitin chains. BAY 11-7082 prevents ubiquitin conjugation to Ubc13 and UbcH7 by forming a covalent adduct with their reactive cysteine residues via Michael addition at the C3 atom of BAY 11-7082, followed by the release of 4-methylbenzene-sulfinic acid. BAY 11-7082 stimulated Lys48- linked polyubiquitin chain formation in cells and protected HIF1a (hypoxia-inducible factor 1a) from proteasomal degradation, suggesting that it inhibits the proteasome. The results of the present study indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of BAY 11-7082, its ability to induce B-cell lymphoma and leukaemic T-cell death and to prevent the recruitment of proteins to sites of DNA damage are exerted via inhibition of components of the ubiquitin system and not by inhibiting NF-?B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we describe a phosphorylation-based reverse myristoyl switch for mammalian ZNRF2, and show that this E3 ubiquitin ligase and its sister protein ZNRF1 regulate the Na+/K+ pump (Na+/K+ATPase). N-myristoylation localizes ZNRF1 and ZNRF2 to intracellular membranes and enhances their activity. However, when ZNRF2 is phosphorylated in response to agonists including insulin and growth factors, it binds to 14-3-3 and is released into the cytosol. On membranes, ZNRF1 and ZNRF2 interact with the Na+/K+ATPase a1 subunit via their UBZ domains, while their RING domains interact with E2 proteins, predominantly Ubc13 that, together with Uev1a, mediates formation of Lys63-ubiquitin linkages. ZNRF1 and ZNRF2 can ubiquitylate the cytoplasmic loop encompassing the nucleotide-binding and phosphorylation regions of the Na+/K+ATPase a1 subunit. Ouabain, a Na+/K+ATPase inhibitor and therapeutic cardiac glycoside, decreases ZNRF1 protein levels, whereas knockdown of ZNRF2 inhibits the ouabain-induced decrease of cell surface and total Na+/K+ ATPase a1 levels. Thus, ZNRF1 and ZNRF2 are new players in regulation of the ubiquitous Na+/K+ATPase that is tuned to changing demands in many physiological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 on tyrosine residues is a key event in IGF-1/insulin signaling and leads to activation ofthe PI 3- kinase and the Ras/MAPK pathway. Furthermore, phosphorylated serine/threonine residues on IRS-2 can induce 14-3-3 binding. In this study we searched IRS-2 for novel phosphorylation sites and investigated the interaction between IRS-2 and 14-3-3. Mass spectrometry identified a total of 24 serine/threonine residues on IRS-2 with 12 sites unique for IRS-2 while the other residues are conserved in IRS-1 and IRS-2. IGF-1 stimulation led to increased binding of 14-3-3 to IRS-2 in transfected HEK293 cells and this binding was prevented by inhibition of the PI 3-kinase pathway and an Akt/PKB inhibitor. Insulin-stimulated interaction between endogenous IRS-2 and 14-3-3 was observed in rat hepatoma cells and in mice liver after an acute insulin stimulus and refeeding. Using different IRS-2 fragments enabled localization of the IGF-1-dependent 14-3-3 binding region spanning amino acids 300-600. The 24 identified residues on IRS-2 included several 14-3-3 binding candidates in the region 300-600. Single alanine mutants of these candidates led to the identification of serine 573 as 14-3-3 binding site. A phospho-site specific antibody was generated to further characterize serine 573. IGF-1-dependent phosphorylation of serine 573 was reduced by inhibition of PI 3-kinase and Akt/PKB. A negative role of this phosphorylation site was implicated by the alanine mutant of serine 573 which led to enhanced phosphorylation of Akt/PKB in an IGF-1 time course experiment. To conclude, our data suggest a physiologically relevant role for IGF-1/insulin-dependent 14-3-3 binding to IRS-2 involving serine 573. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ERK5 is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family that, after stimulation, is activated selectively by dual phosphorylation in the TEY motif by MAPK kinase 5 (MEK5). ERK5 plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and stress response. Moreover, it is involved in G2/M progression and timely mitotic entry. ERK5 is phosphorylated during mitosis, but the molecular mechanism by which it is regulated during this phase is still unclear. Here we show that although ERK5 is phosphorylated in mitosis, this does not occur on the activation motif (TEY), but at its C-terminal half. We have identified five sites of ERK5 phosphorylation in mitosis, two of them unknown. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ERK5 phosphorylation in mitosis is not MEK5-dependent, but rather, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-dependent. Using a mutagenesis approach, we analysed the importance of the phosphorylated residues in ERK5 function; our evidence show that phosphorylation in mitosis of the residues identified inhibits ERK5 activity and regulates ERK5 shuttling from cytoplasm to the nucleus. These results reveal a previously unreported form of ERK5 regulation by phosphorylation and establish a link between CDK and ERK5 pathways during mitosis, which could be crucial for the correct progression of the cell cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is an important Ca2+ entry pathway that regulates many cell functions. Upon store depletion, STIM1, a transmembrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), aggregates and relocates close to the plasma membrane (PM) where it activates store-operated calcium channels (SOCs). Although STIM1 was early defined as a phosphoprotein, the contribution of the phosphorylation has been elusive. In the present work, STIM1 was found to be a target of extracellular-signalregulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in vitro, and we have defined the ERK1/2-phosphorylated sites on the STIM1 sequence. Using HEK293 cells stably transfected for the expression of tagged STIM1, we found that alanine substitution mutants of ERK1/2 target sites reduced SOCE significantly, suggesting that phosphorylation of these residues are required to fully accomplish SOCE. Indeed, the ERK1/2 inhibitors PD184352 and PD0325901 decreased SOCE in transfected cells. Conversely, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13- acetate, which activates ERK1/2, enhanced SOCE in cells expressing wild-type tagged STIM1, but did not potentiate Ca2+ influx in cells expressing serine to alanine mutations in ERK1/2 target sites of STIM1. Alanine substitution mutations decreased Ca2+ influx without disturbing the aggregation of STIM1 upon store depletion and without affecting the relocalization in ER-PM punctae. However, our results suggest that STIM1 phosphorylation at ERK1/2 target sites can modulate SOCE by altering STIM1 binding to SOCs, because a significant decrease in FRET efficiency was observed between alanine substitution mutants of STIM1-GFP and ORAI1-CFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Human disc-large (hDlg) is a scaffold protein critical for the maintenance of cell polarity and adhesion. hDlg is thought to be a tumour suppressor that regulates the cell cycle and proliferation. However, the mechanism and pathways involved in hDlg regulation during these processes is still unclear. Here we report that hDlg is phosphorylated during mitosis, and we establish the identity of at least three residues phosphorylated in hDlg; some are previously unreported. Phosphorylation affects hDlg localisation excluding it from the contact point between the two daughter cells. Our results reveal a previously unreported pathway for hDlg phosphorylation in mitosis and show that ERK5 pathway mediates hDlg cell cycle dependent phosphorylation. This is likely to have important implications in the correct timely mitotic entry and mitosis progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pim-1, 2 and 3 are a group of enzymes related to the calcium calmodulin family of protein kinases. Over-expression of Pim-1 and Pim-2 in mice promotes the development of lymphomas, and up-regulation of Pim expression has been observed in several human cancers. Results: Here we show that the pim kinases are constitutively active when expressed in HEK-293 cells and are able to phosphorylate the Bcl-2 family member Bad on three residues, Ser112, Ser136 and Ser155 in vitro and in cells. In vitro mapping showed that Pim-2 predominantly phosphorylated Ser112, while Pim-1 phosphorylated Ser112, but also Ser136 and Ser155 at a reduced rate compared to Ser112. Pim-3 was found to be the least specific for Ser112, and the most effective at phosphorylating Ser136 and Ser155. Pim-3 was also able to phosphorylate other sites in Bad in vitro, including Ser170, another potential in vivo site. Mutation of Ser136 to alanine prevented the phosphorylation of Ser112 and Ser155 by Pim kinases in HEK-293 cells, suggesting that this site must be phosphorylated first in order to make the other sites accessible. Pim phosphorylation of Bad was also found to promote the 14-3-3 binding of Bad and block its association with Bcl-XL. Conclusion: All three Pim kinase family members predominantly phosphorylate Bad on Ser112 and in addition are capable of phosphorylating Bad on multiple sites associated with the inhibition of the pro-apoptotic function of Bad in HEK-293 cells. This would be consistent with the proposed function of Pim kinases in promoting cell proliferation and preventing cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pim-1, 2 and 3 are a group of enzymes related to the calcium calmodulin family of protein kinases. Over-expression of Pim-1 and Pim-2 in mice promotes the development of lymphomas, and up-regulation of Pim expression has been observed in several human cancers. Results: Here we show that the pim kinases are constitutively active when expressed in HEK-293 cells and are able to phosphorylate the Bcl-2 family member Bad on three residues, Ser112, Ser136 and Ser155 in vitro and in cells. In vitro mapping showed that Pim-2 predominantly phosphorylated Ser112, while Pim-1 phosphorylated Ser112, but also Ser136 and Ser155 at a reduced rate compared to Ser112. Pim-3 was found to be the least specific for Ser112, and the most effective at phosphorylating Ser136 and Ser155. Pim-3 was also able to phosphorylate other sites in Bad in vitro, including Ser170, another potential in vivo site. Mutation of Ser136 to alanine prevented the phosphorylation of Ser112 and Ser155 by Pim kinases in HEK-293 cells, suggesting that this site must be phosphorylated first in order to make the other sites accessible. Pim phosphorylation of Bad was also found to promote the 14-3-3 binding of Bad and block its association with Bcl-XL. Conclusion: All three Pim kinase family members predominantly phosphorylate Bad on Ser112 and in addition are capable of phosphorylating Bad on multiple sites associated with the inhibition of the pro-apoptotic function of Bad in HEK-293 cells. This would be consistent with the proposed function of Pim kinases in promoting cell proliferation and preventing cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the role of LKB1 tumour suppressor kinase in the activity and localization of QSK and SIK proteins. The LKB1 tumour suppressor kinase phosphorylates and activates a number of protein kinases belonging to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) subfamily. The study found that mutation of the T-loop Thr phosphorylated by LKB1, prevented QSK and SIK from interacting with 14-3-3 in vitro. The study also provided the first example of 14-3-3 binding directly to the T-loop of a protein kinase and influencing its catalytic activity and cellular localization.

Phosphorylation regulates both normal and pathological Tau functioning. This microtubule-associated protein plays a role in the organization and integrity of the neuronal cytoskeleton under normal conditions and becomes hyperphosphorylated and aggregated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases referred to as tauopathies. In this study, we identify and compare the residues in human Tau phosphorylated in vitro by all four p38 MAPK isoforms, and study the regulation of the phosphorylation of Thr50, under conditions where p38 MAPKs are active in cells. Through biochemical analysis, loss of function studies and analysis of endogenous and overexpressed Tau proteins, we show that SAPK4/p38δ is the major kinase phosphorylating Thr50 in Tau, when cells are exposed to osmotic stress. We also show that mutation of Thr50 to glutamic acid, which mimics phosphorylation, increases the ability of Tau to promote tubulin polymerisation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we show that Thr50 is phosphorylated in filamentous Tau from Alzheimer's disease brain. These findings suggest a role for Tau in the adaptative response of neurons to stress and indicate that SAPK4/p38δ and/or SAPK3/p38γ may contribute to the hyperphosphorylation of Tau in the human tauopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MDM2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase which mediates ubiquitylation and proteasome-dependent degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. Phosphorylation of MDM2 by the protein kinase AKT is thought to regulate MDM2 function in response to survival signals, but there has been uncertainty concerning the identity of the sites phosphorylated by AKT. In the present study, we identify Ser-166, a site previously reported as an AKT target, and Ser-188, a novel site which is the major site of phosphorylation of MDM2 by AKT in vitro. Analysis of MDM2 in cultured cells confirms that Ser-166 and Ser-188 are phosphorylated by AKT in a physiological context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (fru-2,6-P2) is a signalling metabolite that regulates photosynthetic carbon partitioning in plants. The content of fru-2,6-P2 in Arabidopsis leaves varied in response to photosynthetic activity with an abrupt decrease at the start of the photoperiod, gradual increase through the day, and modest decrease at the start of the dark period. In Arabidopsis suspension cells, fru-2,6-P2 content increased in response to an unknown signal upon transfer to fresh culture medium. This increase was blocked by either 2-deoxyglucose or the protein phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A, and the effects of calyculin A were counteracted by the general protein kinase inhibitor K252a. The changes in fru-2,6-P2 at the start of dark period in leaves and in the cell experiments generally paralleled changes in nitrate reductase (NR) activity. NR is inhibited by protein phosphorylation and binding to 14-3-3 proteins, raising the question of whether fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase protein from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtF2KP), which both generates and hydrolyses fru-2,6-P2, is also regulated by phosphorylation and 14-3-3s. Consistent with this hypothesis, AtF2KP and NR from Arabidopsis cell extracts bound to a 14-3-3 column, and were eluted specifically by a synthetic 14-3-3-binding phosphopeptide (ARAApSAPA). 14-3-3s co-precipitated with recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)-AtF2KP that had been incubated with Arabidopsis cell extracts in the presence of Mg-ATP. 14-3-3s bound directly to GST-AtF2KP that had been phosphorylated on Ser220 (SLSASGpSFR) and Ser303 (RLVKSLpSASSF) by recombinant Arabidopsis calcium-dependent protein kinase isoform 3 (CPK3), or on Ser303 by rat liver mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK; homologue of plant SNF-1 related protein kinases (SnRKs)) or an Arabidopsis cell extract. We have failed to find any direct effect of 14-3-3s on the F2KP activity in vitro to date. Nevertheless, our findings indicate the possibility that 14-3-3 binding to SnRK1-phosphorylated sites on NR and F2KP may regulate both nitrate assimilation and sucrose/starch partitioning in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipopotysaceharide (LPS) stimulates production of inflammatory mediators, partly by stabilizing Inter-leukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2)I and/or stimulating translation [tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) of their mRNAs. Such regulation depends on AU-rich elements (AREs) within the 3'-untranslated regions and is partially suppressed by SB 203580 (which inhibits SAPK2a/p38). The LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 is suppressed in MAPKAP-K2-deficient mice (a kinase activated by SAPK2a/p38). Here, we identify 18 macrophage proteins that bind to AREs and show that hnRNP A0 is a major substrate for MAPKAP-K2 in this fraction. MAPKAP-K2 phosphorylated hnRNP A0 at Ser84 in vitro and this residue became phosphorylated in LPS-stimulated cells. Phosphorylation was prevented by SB 203580 and suppressed in macrophages derived from MAPKAP-K2-deficient mice. The mRNAs encoding TNF-α, COX-2 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) bound to hnRNP A0 in LPS- stimulated macrophages, an interaction prevented by SB 203580. The LPS-induced stabilization of MIP-2 mRNA and production of MIP-2 protein were abolished when macrophages were incubated with SB 203580 plus PD 184352 (which inhibits the classical MAP kinase cascade). Our data suggest that LPS- induced binding of hnRNP A0 to AREs may contribute to the post-transcriptional regulation of specific mRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have examined the sites phosphorylated on acetyl-CoA carboxylase by three protein kinases which have been shown to inactivate the enzyme, i.e. cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase kinase-2 (ACK2, purified from rat mammary gland) and the AMP-activated protein kinase (formerly called acetyl-CoA carboxylase kinase-3, purified from rat liver). Each protein kinase phosphorylates two out of three sites (termed 1-3) which have been established by amino acid sequencing. The two sites phosphorylated by each kinase can be recovered on separate peptides, TC1 and TC2, derived by combined digestion of the native enzyme by trypsin and chymotrypsin: TC1 = Ser-²Ser(P)-Met-³Ser(P)-Gly-Leu; TC2 = Arg-Met-¹Ser(P)-Phe-Cyclic-AMP -dependent protein kinase phosphorylates sites 1 and 2 exclusively, whereas the AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylates sites 1 and 3, plus at least one other minor site. ACK2 phosphorylates site 1 and, more slowly, an unidentified site(s) within TC1. We have also established the structures of the single major phosphopeptides (T1 and C1 respectively) which are recovered by HPLC after acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylated by cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase is digested with trypsin or chymotrypsin alone. T1 is related to TC1, and has the structure: Ser-Ser(P)-Met-Ser-Gly-Leu-His-Leu-Val-Lys. C1 is identical with TC2. We have carried out studies on the correlation of the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase with the occupancy of sites 1, 2 and 3 during phosphorylation by each of the three protein kinases. The results suggest that phosphorylation of site 3 is primarily responsible for the large decrease in Vmax, produced by the AMP-activated protein kinase, while phosphorylation of site 1 may be primarily responsible for the increase in A0.5 for citrate and more modest depression of Vmax produced by cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase and ACK2. Our results emphasize that amino acid sequence information is essential in the unequivocal interpretation of data from phosphopeptide mapping experiments and allow a more complete interpretation of previous data on phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in intact cells. They also open the way to experiments which could establish the physiological roles of these protein kinases in the control of fatty acid synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) can be phosphorylated on its a subunit by two well-characterised protein kinases, termed the haem-controlled repressor (HCR) and the double-stranded RNA-activated inhibitor (dsI). Phosphorylation of eIF-2 by these kinases is thought to be important in the regulation of peptide-chain initiation. We report the location of the serine residue in the α subunit, which is phosphorylated by both these enzymes. Limited tryptic digestion and subsequent cyanogen bromide treatment of rat liver eIF-2 phosphorylated by HCR yielded one major phosphopeptide. This peptide had the sequence Ile-Leu-Leu-Ser-Glu-Leu-Ser(P)-Arg-Arg. The same major phosphopeptide was obtained from rabbit reticulocyte eIF-2 phosphorylated by HCR or dsI as judged by its behaviour on two-dimensional mapping and reverse-phase chromatography. In all cases the phosphorylated residue was found to be serine-7, and not serine-4, of the above sequence as determined front sequence analysis and by subdigestion of the peptide with Staphylococcus aureus V8 proteinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitogen-activated protein-kinase (MAP) kinase-activated protein kinases 1 and 2 (MAPKAP kinase-1, MAPKAP kinase-2), were found to phosphorylate bacterially expressed human tyrosine hydroxylase in vitro at comparable rates to other proteins thought to be physiological substrates of these protein kinases. The phosphorylation of all four alternatively spliced forms of human tyrosine hydroxylase by MAPKAP kinases-1 and -2 reached plateau values at 1 mol/mol subunit and 2 mol/mol subunit, respectively; the sites of phosphorylation were identified as Ser40 (MAPKAP kinase-1) and Ser19 and Ser40 (MAPKAP kinase-2). In contrast to calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II, which phosphorylates Ser19 faster than Ser40, MAPKAP kinase-2 phosphorylated Ser40 about twice as fast as Ser19. The maximal activation of tyrosine hydroxylase by MAPKAP kinase-1 or-2 was about 3-fold, and activation by MAPKAP kinases-1 and -2 or calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II correlated with the extent of phosphorylation of Ser40. The four alternatively spliced forms of human tyrosine hydroxylase were phosphorylated at Ser31 by MAP kinase, but at markedly different rates (3 = 4 > 1 > 2). Forms 3 and 4 were phosphorylated rapidly and stoichiometrically by MAP kinase doubling the activity, while phosphorylation of form 1 by MAP kinase to 0.4 mol/mol subunit increased activity by 40%. The effect on activity of phosphorylating both Ser31 and Ser40 was not additive. The possible roles of MAPKAP kinase-1, MAPKAP kinase-2 and MAP kinase in the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in vivo are discussed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion cotransporters, such as the Na+/Cl- cotransporter (NCC), control renal salt re-absorption and are regulated by the WNK-signalling pathway, which is over-stimulated in patients suffering from Gordon's hypertension syndrome. Here, we study the regulation of the NKCC2 (SLC12A1) ion cotransporter that contributes towards ~25% of renal salt re-absorption and is inhibited by loop-diuretic hypertensive drugs. We demonstrate that hypotonic low-chloride conditions that activate the WNK1-SPAK and OSR1 pathway promote phosphorylation of NKCC2 isoforms (A, B and F) at five residues (Ser91, Thr95, Thr100, Thr105 and Ser130). We establish that the SPAK and OSR1 kinases activated by WNK interact with an RFQV motif on NKCC2 and directly phosphorylate Thr95, Thr100, Thr105 and, possibly, Ser91. Our data indicate that a SPAK-OSR1-independent kinase, perhaps AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylates Ser130 and that phosphorylation of Thr105 and Ser130 plays the most important roles in stimulating NKCC2 activity. In contrast with NCC, whose membrane translocation is triggered by SPAK-OSR1 phosphorylation, NKCC2 appears to be constitutively at the membrane. Our findings provide new insights into how NKCC2 is regulated and suggest that inhibitors of SPAK and/or OSR1 for the treatment of hypertension would be therapeutically distinct from thiazide or loop diuretics, as they would suppress the activity of both NCC and NKCC2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations increasing WNK1 kinase expression in humans cause the pseudohypoaldosteronism type II hypertension syndrome. This condition is treated effectively by thiazide diuretics, which exert their effects by inhibiting the Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC), suggesting a link between WNK1 and NCC. Here, we demonstrate that the SPAK and OSR1 kinases that are activated by WNK1 phosphorylate human NCC at three conserved residues (Thr46, Thr55 and Thr60). Activation of the WNK1-SPAK/OSR1 signalling pathway by treatment of HEK293 or mpkDCT kidney distal-convoluted-tubule-derived cells with hypotonic low-chloride conditions induced phosphorylation of NCC at residues phosphorylated by SPAK/OSR1. Efficient phosphorylation of NCC was dependent upon a docking interaction between an RFXI motif in NCC and SPAK/OSR1. Mutation of Thr60 to Ala in NCC markedly inhibited phosphorylation of Thr46 and Thr55 as well as NCC activation induced by hypotonic low-chloride treatment of HEK293 cells. Our results establish that the WNK1-SPAK/OSR1 signalling pathway plays a key role in controlling the phosphorylation and activity of NCC. They also suggest a mechanism by which increased WNK1 overexpression could lead to hypertension and that inhibitors of SPAK/OSR1 might be of use in reducing blood pressure by suppressing phosphorylation and hence activity of NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Slx4 is essential for cell viability in the absence of the Sgs1 helicase and for recovery from DNA damage. Here we report that cells lacking Slx4 have difficulties in completing DNA synthesis during recovery from replisome stalling induced by the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Although DNA synthesis restarts during recovery, cells are left with unreplicated gaps in the genome despite an increase in translesion synthesis. In this light, epistasis experiments show that SLX4 interacts with genes involved in error-free bypass of DNA lesions. Slx4 associates physically, in a mutually exclusive manner, with two structure-specific endonucleases, Rad1 and Slx1, but neither of these enzymes is required for Slx4 to promote resistance to MMS. However, Rad1-dependent DNA repair by single-strand annealing (SSA) requires Slx4. Strikingly, phosphorylation of Slx4 by the Mec1 and Tel1 kinases appears to be essential for SSA but not for cell viability in the absence of Sgs1 or for cellular resistance to MMS. These results indicate that Slx4 has multiple functions in responding to DNA damage and that a subset of these are regulated by Mec1/Tel1-dependent phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously reported that the Parkinson's diseaseassociated kinase PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) is activated by mitochondrial depolarization and stimulates the Parkin E3 ligase by phosphorylating Ser65 within its Ubl (ubiquitin-like) domain. Using phosphoproteomic analysis, we identified a novel ubiquitin phosphopeptide phosphorylated at Ser65 that was enriched 14-fold in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells overexpressing wild-type PINK1 stimulated with the mitochondrial uncoupling agent CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone), to activate PINK1, compared with cells expressing kinase-inactive PINK1. Ser65 in ubiquitin lies in a similar motif to Ser65 in the Ubl domain of Parkin. Remarkably, PINK1 directly phosphorylates Ser65 of ubiquitin in vitro. We undertook a series of experiments that provide striking evidence that Ser65-phosphorylated ubiquitin (ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65) functions as a critical activator of Parkin. First, we demonstrate that a fragment of Parkin lacking the Ubl domain encompassing Ser65 (AUbl-Parkin) is robustly activated by ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, but not by non-phosphorylated ubiquitin. Secondly, we find that the isolated Parkin Ubl domain phosphorylated at Ser65 (UblPhospho-Ser65) can also activate AUbl- Parkin similarly to ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65. Thirdly, we establish that ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, but not non-phosphorylated ubiquitin or UblPhosPho-Se65, activates full-length wild-type Parkin as well as the non-phosphorylatable S65A Parkin mutant. Fourthly, we provide evidence that optimal activation of full-length Parkin E3 ligase is dependent on PINK1-mediated phosphorylation of both Parkin at Ser65 and ubiquitin at Ser65, since only mutation of both proteins at Ser65 completely abolishes Parkin activation. In conclusion, the findings of the present study reveal that PINK1 controls Parkin E3 ligase activity not only by phosphorylating Parkin at Ser65, but also by phosphorylating ubiquitin at Ser65. We propose that phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser65 serves to prime the E3 ligase enzyme for activation by ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65, suggesting that small molecules that mimic ubiquitinPhospho-Ser65 could hold promise as novel therapies for Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FOXO3a is a forkhead transcription factor that regulates a multitude of important cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and metabolism. Doxorubicin treatment of MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells results in FOXO3a nuclear relocation and the induction of the stressactivated kinase p38 MAPK. Here, we studied the potential regulation of FOXO3a by p38 in response to doxorubicin. Co-immunoprecipitation studies in MCF-7 cells demonstrated a direct interaction between p38 and FOXO3a. We also showed that p38 can bind and phosphorylate a recombinant FOXO3a directly in vitro. HPLC-coupled phosphopeptide mapping and mass spectrometric analyses identified serine 7 as a major site for p38 phosphorylation. Using a phosphorylated Ser-7 FOXO3a antibody, we demonstrated that FOXO3a is phosphorylated on Ser-7 in response to doxorubicin. Immunofluorescence staining studies showed that upon doxorubicin treatment, the wild-type FOXO3a relocalized to the nucleus, whereas the phosphorylation-defective FOXO3a (Ala-7) mutant remained largely in the cytoplasm. Treatment with SB202190 also inhibits the doxorubicin-induced FOXO3a Ser-7 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation in MCF-7 cells. In addition, doxorubicin caused the nuclear translocation of FOXO3a in wild-type but not p38- depleted mouse fibroblasts. Together, our results suggest that p38 phosphorylation of FOXO3a on Ser-7 is essential for its nuclear relocalization in response to doxorubicin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]