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For the C-HPP consortium, dark proteins include not only uPE1, but also missing proteins (MPs, PE2-4), smORFs, proteins from lncRNAs, and products from uncharacterized transcripts. Here, we investigated the expression of dark proteins in the human testis by combining public mRNA and protein expression data for several tissues and performing LC-MS/MS analysis of testis protein extracts. Most uncharacterized proteins are highly expressed in the testis. Thirty could be identified in our data set, of which two were selected for further analyses: (1) A0AOU1RQG5, a putative cancer/testis antigen specifically expressed in the testis, where it accumulates in the cytoplasm of elongated spermatids; and (2) PNMA6E, which is enriched in the testis, where it is found in the germ cell nuclei during most stages of spermatogenesis. Both proteins are coded on Chromosome X. Finally, we studied the expression of other dark proteins, uPE1 and MPs, in a series of human tissues. Most were highly expressed in the testis at both the mRNA and protein levels. The testis appears to be a relevant organ to study the dark proteome, which may have a function related to spermatogenesis and germ cell differentiation. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited with the ProteomeXchange Consortium under the data set identifier PXD009598.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is activated by a variety of stimuli, including nutrients such as glucose and amino acids. The Ste20 family kinase MAP4K3 is regulated by amino acids and acts upstream of mTORC1. Here we investigate how MAP4K3 activity is regulated by amino acid sufficiency. We identify a transautophosphorylation site in the MAP4K3 kinase activation segment (Ser170) that is required for MAP4K3 activity and its activation of mTORC1 signaling. Following amino acid withdrawal, Ser170 is dephosphorylated via PP2A complexed to PR61 epsilon, a PP2A-targeting subunit. Inhibition of PR61 epsilon expression prevents MAP4K3 Ser170 dephosphorylation and impairs mTORC1 inhibition during amino acid withdrawal. We propose that during amino acid sufficiency Ser170-phosphorylated MAP4K3 activates mTORC1, but that upon amino acid restriction MAP4K3 preferentially interacts with PP2A(T61 epsilon), promoting dephosphorylation of Ser170, MAP4K3 inhibition, and, subsequently, inhibition of mTORC1 signaling.

The members of the AGC kinase family frequently exhibit three conserved phosphorylation sites: the activation loop, the hydrophobic motif (HM), and the zipper (Z)/turn-motif (TM) phosphorylation site. 3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) phosphorylates the activation loop of numerous AGC kinases, including the protein kinase C-related protein kinases (PRKs). Here we studied the docking interaction between PDK1 and PRK2 and analyzed the mechanisms that regulate this interaction. In vivo labeling of recombinant PRK2 by (32)P(i) revealed phosphorylation at two sites, the activation loop and the Z/TM in the C-terminal extension. We provide evidence that phosphorylation of the Z/TM site of PRK2 inhibits its interaction with PDK1. Our studies further provide a mechanistic model to explain different steps in the docking interaction and regulation. Interestingly, we found that the mechanism that negatively regulates the docking interaction of PRK2 to the upstream kinase PDK1 is directly linked to the activation mechanism of PRK2 itself. Finally, our results indicate that the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the interaction between PRK2 and PDK1 are specific for PRK2 and do not apply for other AGC kinases.

AS160 (Akt substrate of 160 kDa) and TBC1D1 are related RabGAPs (Rab GTPase-activating proteins) implicated in regulating the trafficking of GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) storage vesicles to the cell surface. All animal species examined contain TBC1D1, whereas AS160 evolved with the vertebrates. TBC1D1 has two clusters of phosphorylated residues, either side of the second PTB (phosphotyrosine-binding domain). Each cluster contains a 14-3-3-binding site. When AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is activated in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells, 14-3-3s bind primarily to pSer 237 (where pSer is phosphorylated serine) in TBC1D1, whereas 14-3-3 binding depends primarily on pThr 596 (where pThr is phosphorylated threonine) in cells stimulated with IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), EGF (epidermal growth factor) and PMA; and both pSer 237 and pThr 596 contribute to 14-3-3 binding in cells stimulated with forskolin. In HEK-293 cells, LY294002 inhibits phosphorylation of Thr 596 of TBC1D1, and promotes phosphorylation of AMPK and Ser 237 of TBC1D1. In vitro phosphorylation experiments indicated regulatory interactions among phosphorylated sites, for example phosphorylation of Ser 235 prevents subsequent phosphorylation of Ser 237 . In rat L6 myotubes, endogenous TBC1D1 is strongly phosphorylated on Ser 237 and binds to 14-3-3s in response to the AMPK activators AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside), phenformin and A-769662, whereas insulin promotes phosphorylation of Thr 596 but not 14-3-3 binding. In contrast, AS160 is phosphorylated on its 14-3-3-binding sites (Ser 341 and Thr 642 ) and binds to 14-3-3s in response to insulin, but not A-769662, in L6 cells. These findings suggest that TBC1D1 and AS160 may have complementary roles in regulating vesicle trafficking in response to insulin and AMPK-activating stimuli in skeletal muscle.

MSK1 (mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1) is a dual kinase domain protein that acts downstream of the ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathways in cells. MSK1, and its related isoform MSK2, phosphorylate the transcription factors CREB (cAMP-response-element-binding protein) and ATF1 (activating transcription factor 1), and the chromatin proteins histone H3 and HMGN1 (high-mobility-group nucleosomal-binding protein 1) in response to either mitogenic stimulation or cellular stress. MSK1 activity is tightly regulated in cells, and activation requires the phosphorylation of MSK1 by either ERK1/2 or p38α. This results in activation of the C-terminal kinase domain, which then phosphorylates further sites in MSK1, leading to the activation of the N-terminal kinase domain and phosphorylation of substrates. Here, we use precursor ion scanning MS to identify five previously unknown sites in MSK1: Thr630, Ser647, Ser657, Ser695 and Thr700. One of these sites, Thr700, was found to be a third site in MSK1 phosphorylated by the upstream kinases ERK1/2 and p38α. Mutation of Thr700 resulted in an increased basal activity of MSK1, but this could be further increased by stimulation with PMA or UV-C radiation. Surprisingly, however, mutation of Thr700 resulted in a dramatic loss of Thr581 phosphorylation, a site essential for activity. Mutation of Thr700 and Thr581 to an alanine residue resulted in an inactive kinase, while mutation of both sites to an aspartic acid residue resulted in a kinase with a significant basal activity that could not be further stimulated. Together these results are consistent with a mechanism by which Thr700 phosphorylation relieves the inhibition of MSK1 by a C-terminal autoinhibitory helix and helps induce a conformational shift that protects Thr581 from dephosphorylation.

Mutations within the WNK1 (with-no-K[Lys] kinase-1) gene cause Gordon's hypertension syndrome. Little is known about how WNK1 is regulated. We demonstrate that WNK1 is rapidly activated and phosphorylated at multiple residues after exposure of cells to hyperosmotic conditions and that activation is mediated by the phosphorylation of its T-loop Ser382 residue, possibly triggered by a transautophosphorylation reaction. Activation of WNK1 coincides with the phosphorylation and activation of two WNK1 substrates, namely, the protein kinases STE20/SPS1-related proline alanine–rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress response kinase-1 (OSR1). Small interfering RNA depletion of WNK1 impairs SPAK/OSR1 activity and phosphorylation of residues targeted by WNK1. Hyperosmotic stress induces rapid redistribution of WNK1 from the cytosol to vesicular structures that may comprise trans-Golgi network (TGN)/recycling endosomes, as they display rapid movement, colocalize with clathrin, adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1), and TGN46, but not the AP-2 plasma membrane–coated pit marker nor the endosomal markers EEA1, Hrs, and LAMP1. Mutational analysis suggests that the WNK1 C-terminal noncatalytic domain mediates vesicle localization. Our observations shed light on the mechanism by which WNK1 is regulated by hyperosmotic stress.

The Pim family of Ser/Thr kinases has been implicated in the process of lymphomagenesis and cell survival. Known substrates of Pim kinases are few and poorly characterized. In this study we set out to identify novel Pim-2 substrates using the Kinase Substrate Tracking and Elucidation (KESTREL) approach. Two potential substrates, eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) and apoptosis inhibitor 5 (API-5), were identified from rat thymus extracts. Sequence comparison of the Pim-2 kinase phosphorylation sites of eIF4B and mouse BAD, the only other known Pim-2 substrate, revealed conserved amino acids preceding the phosphorylated serine residue. Stepwise replacement of the conserved residues produced a consensus sequence for Pim kinase recognition: RXRHXS. Pim-1 and Pim-2 catalyzed the phosphorylation of this recognition sequence 20-fold more efficiently than the original (K/R-K/R-R-K/R-L-S/T-a; a = small chain amino acid) Pim-1 phosphorylation site. The identification of the novel Pim kinase consensus sequence provides a more sensitive and versatile peptide based assay for screening modulators of Pim kinase activity.

Members of the PAR-1/MARK kinase family play critical roles in polarity and cell cycle control and are regulated by 14-3-3 scaffolding proteins, as well as the LKB1 tumour suppressor kinase and atypical protein kinase C (PKC). In this study, we initially investigated the mechanism underlying the interaction of mammalian MARK3 with 14-3-3. We demonstrate that 14-3-3 binding to MARK3 is dependent on phosphorylation, and necessitates the phosphate-binding pocket of 14-3-3. We found that interaction with 14-3-3 was not mediated by the previously characterised MARK3 phosphorylation sites, which led us to identify 15 novel sites of phosphorylation. Single point mutation of these sites, as well as the previously identified LKB1-(T211) and the atypical PKC sites (T564/S619), did not disrupt 14-3-3 binding. However, a mutant in which all 17 phosphorylation sites had been converted to alanine residues (termed 17A-MARK3), was no longer able to bind 14-3-3. Wild-type MARK3 was present in both the cytoplasm and plasma membrane, whereas the 17A-MARK3 mutant was strikingly localised at the plasma membrane. We provide data indicating that the membrane localisation of MARK3 required a highly conserved C-terminal domain, which has been termed kinase-associated domain-1 (KA-1). We also show that dissociation of 14-3-3 from MARK3 did not affect catalytic activity, and that a MARK3 mutant, which could not interact with 14-3-3, was normally active. Finally, we establish that there are significant differences in the subcellular localisation of MARK isoforms, as well as in the impact that atypical PKC overexpression has on 14-3-3 binding and localisation. Collectively, these results indicate that 14-3-3 binding to MARK isoforms is mediated by multiple phosphorylation sites, and serves to anchor MARK isoforms in the cytoplasm.

The LKB1 tumour suppressor kinase phosphorylates and activates a number of protein kinases belonging to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) subfamily. We have used a modified tandem affinity purification strategy to identify proteins that interact with AMPKα, as well as the twelve AMPK-related kinases that are activated by LKB1. The AMPKβ and AMPKγ regulatory subunits were associated with AMPKα, but not with any of the AMPK-related kinases, explaining why AMP does not influence the activity of these enzymes. In addition, we identified novel binding partners that interacted with one or more of the AMPK subfamily enzymes, including fat facets/ubiquitin specific protease-9 (USP9), AAA-ATPase-p97, adenine nucleotide translocase, protein phosphatase 2A holoenzyme and isoforms of the phospho-protein binding adaptor 14-3-3. Interestingly, the 14-3-3 isoforms bound directly to the T-loop Thr residue of QSK and SIK, after these were phosphorylated by LKB1. Consistent with this, the 14-3-3 isoforms failed to interact with non-phosphorylated QSK and SIK, in LKB1 knockout muscle or in HeLa cells in which LKB1 is not expressed. Moreover, mutation of the T-loop Thr phosphorylated by LKB1, prevented QSK and SIK from interacting with 14-3-3 in vitro. Binding of 14-3-3 to QSK and SIK, enhanced catalytic activity towards the TORC2 protein and the AMARA peptide, and was required for the cytoplasmic localization of SIK and for localization of QSK to punctate structures within the cytoplasm. To our knowledge, this study provides 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.

Mutations in the human genes encoding WNK1 [with no K (lysine) protein kinase-1] and the related protein kinase WNK4 are the cause of Gordon's hypertension syndrome. Little is known about the molecular mechanism by which WNK isoforms regulate cellular processes. We immunoprecipitated WNK1 from extracts of rat testis and found that it was specifically associated with a protein kinase of the STE20 family termed ‘STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase’ (SPAK). We demonstrated that WNK1 and WNK4 both interacted with SPAK as well as a closely related kinase, termed ‘oxidative stress response kinase-1’ (OSR1). Wildtype (wt) but not catalytically inactive WNK1 and WNK4 phosphorylated SPAK and OSR1 to a much greater extent than with other substrates utilized previously, such as myelin basic protein and claudin-4. Phosphorylation by WNK1 or WNK4 markedly increased SPAK and OSR1 activity. Phosphopeptide mapping studies demonstrated that WNK1 phosphorylated kinase-inactive SPAK and OSR1 at an equivalent residue located within the T-loop of the catalytic domain (Thr233 in SPAK, Thr185 in OSR1) and a serine residue located within a C-terminal non-catalytic region (Ser373 in SPAK, Ser325 in OSR1). Mutation of Thr185 to alanine prevented the activation of OSR1 by WNK1, whereas mutation of Thr185 to glutamic acid (to mimic phosphorylation) increased the basal activity of OSR1 over 20-fold and prevented further activation by WNK1. Mutation of Ser325 in OSR1 to alanine or glutamic acid did not affect the basal activity of OSR1 or its ability to be activated by WNK1. These findings suggest that WNK isoforms operate as protein kinases that activate SPAK and OSR1 by phosphorylating the T-loops of these enzymes, resulting in their activation. Our analysis also describes the first facile assay that can be employed to quantitatively assess WNK1 and WNK4 activity.

Recent work has shown that the LKB1 tumour suppressor protein kinase phosphorylates and activates protein kinases belonging to the AMP activated kinase (AMPK) subfamily. In this study, we identify the sucrose non-fermenting protein (SNF1)-related kinase (SNRK), a largely unstudied AMPK subfamily member, as a novel substrate for LKB1. We demonstrate that LKB1 activates SNRK by phosphorylating the T-loop residue (Thr173), and that the LKB1 regulatory subunits STRAD and MO25 are required for LKB1 to activate SNRK. We find that SNRK is not active when expressed in HeLa cells that lack expression of LKB1, and its activity is restored by expression of wild type LKB1, but not catalytically deficient LKB1. We also present evidence that two other AMPK-related kinases more distantly related to AMPK than SNRK, namely NIM1 and testis-specific serine/threonine kinase-1 (TSSK1) are not substrates for LKB1. Tissue distribution analysis indicates that SNRK protein is mainly expressed in testis, similar to TSSK isoforms, whereas NIM1 is more widely expressed. These results provide evidence that SNRK could mediate some of the physiological effects of LKB1.

Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is regulated by protein stability. However, its function is unknown and no physiological substrates for ERK3 have yet been identified. Here we demonstrate a specific interaction between ERK3 and MAPK‐activated protein kinase‐5 (MK5). Binding results in nuclear exclusion of both ERK3 and MK5 and is accompanied by ERK3‐dependent phosphorylation and activation of MK5 in vitro and in vivo . Endogenous MK5 activity is significantly reduced by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of ERK3 and also in fibroblasts derived from ERK3 −/− mice. Furthermore, increased levels of ERK3 protein detected during nerve growth factor‐induced differentiation of PC12 cells are accompanied by an increase in MK5 activity. Conversely, MK5 depletion causes a dramatic reduction in endogenous ERK3 levels. Our data identify the first physiological protein substrate for ERK3 and suggest a functional link between these kinases in which MK5 is a downstream target of ERK3, while MK5 acts as a chaperone for ERK3. Our findings provide valuable tools to further dissect the regulation and biological roles of both ERK3 and MK5.

We recently demonstrated that the LKB1 tumour suppressor kinase, in complex with the pseudokinase STRAD and the scaffolding protein MO25, phosphorylates and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). A total of 12 human kinases (NUAK1, NUAK2, BRSK1, BRSK2, QIK, QSK, SIK, MARK1, MARK2, MARK3, MARK4 and MELK) are related to AMPK. Here we demonstrate that LKB1 can phosphorylate the T-loop of all the members of this subfamily, apart from MELK, increasing their activity >50-fold. LKB1 catalytic activity and the presence of MO25 and STRAD are required for activation. Mutation of the T-loop Thr phosphorylated by LKB1 to Ala prevented activation, while mutation to glutamate produced active forms of many of the AMPK-related kinases. Activities of endogenous NUAK2, QIK, QSK, SIK, MARK1, MARK2/3 and MARK4 were markedly reduced in LKB1-deficient cells. Neither LKB1 activity nor that of AMPK-related kinases was stimulated by phenformin or AICAR, which activate AMPK. Our results show that LKB1 functions as a master upstream protein kinase, regulating AMPK-related kinases as well as AMPK. Between them, these kinases may mediate the physiological effects of LKB1, including its tumour suppressor function.

LKB1 is a widely expressed serine/threonine protein kinase that is mutated in the inherited Peutz—Jeghers cancer syndrome. Recent findings indicate that LKB1 functions as a tumour suppressor, but little is known regarding the detailed mechanism by which LKB1 regulates cell growth. In this study we have purified LKB1 from cells and establish that it is associated with the heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) chaperone and the Cdc37 kinase-specific targetting subunit for Hsp90. We demonstrate that Cdc37 and Hsp90 bind specifically to the kinase domain of LKB1. We also perform experiments using Hsp90 inhibitors, which indicate that the association of Hsp90 and Cdc37 with LKB1 regulates LKB1 stability and prevents its degradation by the proteasome. Hsp90 inhibitors are being considered as potential anti-cancer agents. However, our observations indicate that prolonged usage of these drugs could possibly lead to tumour development by decreasing cellular levels of LKB1.

Recombinant human tyrosine hydroxylase (hTH1) was found to be phosphorylated by mitogen and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1) at Ser40 and by p38 regulated/activated kinase (PRAK) on Ser19. Phosphorylation by MSK1 induced an increase in Vmax and a decrease in Km for 6-(R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), while these kinetic parameters were unaffected as a result of phosphorylation by PRAK. Phosphorylation of both Ser40 and Ser19 induced a high-affinity binding of 14-3-3 proteins, but only the interaction of 14-3-3 with Ser19 increased the hTH1 activity. The 14-3-3 proteins also inhibited the rate of dephosphorylation of Ser19 and Ser40 by 82 and 36%, respectively. The phosphorylation of hTH1 on Ser19 caused a threefold increase in the rate of phosphorylation of Ser40. These studies provide new insights into the possible roles of stress-activated protein kinases in the regulation of catecholamine biosynthesis.

The protein kinase activity of the DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit) and its autophosphorylation are critical for DBS (DNA double-strand break) repair via NHEJ (non-homologous end-joining). Recent studies have shown that depletion or inactivation of DNA-PKcs kinase activity also results in mitotic defects. DNA-PKcs is autophosphorylated on Ser2056, Thr2647 and Thr2609 in mitosis and phosphorylated DNA-PKcs localize to centrosomes, mitotic spindles and the midbody. DNA-PKcs also interacts with PP6 (protein phosphatase 6), and PP6 has been shown to dephosphorylate Aurora A kinase in mitosis. Here we report that DNA-PKcs is phosphorylated on Ser3205 and Thr3950 in mitosis. Phosphorylation of Thr3950 is DNA-PK-dependent, whereas phosphorylation of Ser3205 requires PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1). Moreover, PLK1 phosphorylates DNA-PKcs on Ser3205 in vitro and interacts with DNA-PKcs in mitosis. In addition, PP6 dephosphorylates DNA-PKcs at Ser3205 in mitosis and after IR (ionizing radiation). DNA-PKcs also phosphorylates Chk2 on Thr68 in mitosis and both phosphorylation of Chk2 and autophosphorylation of DNA-PKcs in mitosis occur in the apparent absence of Ku and DNA damage. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into the roles of DNA-PKcs and PP6 in mitosis and suggest that DNA-PKcs’ role in mitosis may be mechanistically distinct from its well-established role in NHEJ., PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1) phosphorylates and PP6 (protein phosphatase 6) dephosphorylates DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit) in mitosis. DNA-PKcs autophosphorylation and DNA-PKcs dependent phosphorylation of Chk2 in mitosis occur in the absence of Ku and DNA damage.

3-Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) expressed in unstimulated 293 cells was phosphorylated at Ser-25, Ser-241, Ser-393, Ser-396 and Ser-410 and the level of phosphorylation of each site was unaffected by stimulation with insulin-like growth factor-1. Mutation of Ser-241 to Ala abolished PDK1 activity, whereas mutation of the other phosphorylation sites individually to Ala did not affect PDK1 activity. Ser-241, unlike the other phosphorylation sites on PDK1, was resistant to dephosphorylation by protein phosphatase 2A1. Ser-241 lies in the activation loop of the PDK1 kinase domain between subdomains VII and VIII in the equivalent position to the site that PDK1 phosphorylates on its protein kinase substrates. PDK1 expressed in bacteria was active and phosphorylated at Ser-241, suggesting that PDK1 can phosphorylate itself at this site, leading to its own activation.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is activated by a variety of stimuli, including nutrients such as glucose and amino acids. The Ste20 family kinase MAP4K3 is regulated by amino acids and acts upstream of mTORC1. Here we investigate how MAP4K3 activity is regulated by amino acid sufficiency. We identify a transautophosphorylation site in the MAP4K3 kinase activation segment (Ser170) that is required for MAP4K3 activity and its activation of mTORC1 signaling. Following amino acid withdrawal, Ser170 is dephosphorylated via PP2A complexed to PR61 epsilon, a PP2A-targeting subunit. Inhibition of PR61 epsilon expression prevents MAP4K3 Ser170 dephosphorylation and impairs mTORC1 inhibition during amino acid withdrawal. We propose that during amino acid sufficiency Ser170-phosphorylated MAP4K3 activates mTORC1, but that upon amino acid restriction MAP4K3 preferentially interacts with PP2A(T61 epsilon), promoting dephosphorylation of Ser170, MAP4K3 inhibition, and, subsequently, inhibition of mTORC1 signaling.

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.

Contains fulltext : 70900.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Deregulation of myosin II-based contractility contributes to the pathogenesis of human diseases, such as cancer, which underscores the necessity for tight spatial and temporal control of myosin II activity. Recently, we demonstrated that activation of the mammalian alpha-kinase TRPM7 inhibits myosin II-based contractility in a Ca(2+)- and kinase-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanism is poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that TRPM7 phosphorylates the COOH-termini of both mouse and human myosin IIA heavy chains--the COOH-terminus being a region that is critical for filament stability. Phosphorylated residues were mapped to Thr1800, Ser1803 and Ser1808. Mutation of these residues to alanine and that to aspartic acid lead to an increase and a decrease, respectively, in myosin IIA incorporation into the actomyosin cytoskeleton and accordingly affect subcellular localization. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that TRPM7 regulates myosin IIA filament stability and localization by phosphorylating a short stretch of amino acids within the alpha-helical tail of the myosin IIA heavy chain.

AS160 (Akt substrate of 160 kDa) mediates insulin-stimulated GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) translocation, but is widely expressed in insulin-insensitive tissues lacking GLUT4. Having isolated AS160 by 14-3-3-affinity chromatography, we found that binding of AS160 to 14-3-3 isoforms in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells was induced by IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), EGF (epidermal growth factor), PMA and, to a lesser extent, AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside). AS160-14-3-3 interactions were stabilized by chemical cross-linking and abolished by dephosphorylation. Eight residues on AS160 (Ser318, Ser341, Thr568, Ser570, Ser588, Thr642, Ser666 and Ser751) were differentially phosphorylated in response to IGF-1, EGF, PMA and AICAR. The binding of 14-3-3 proteins to HA–AS160 (where HA is haemagglutinin) was markedly decreased by mutation of Thr642 and abolished in a Thr642Ala/Ser341Ala double mutant. The AGC (protein kinase A/protein kinase G/protein kinase C-family) kinases RSK1 (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 1), SGK1 (serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1) and PKB (protein kinase B) displayed distinct signatures of AS160 phosphorylation in vitro: all three kinases phosphorylated Ser318, Ser588 and Thr642; RSK1 also phosphorylated Ser341, Ser751 and to a lesser extent Thr568; and SGK1 phosphorylated Thr568 and Ser751. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) preferentially phosphorylated Ser588, with less phosphorylation of other sites. In cells, the IGF-1-stimulated phosphorylations, and certain EGF-stimulated phosphorylations, were inhibited by PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) inhibitors, whereas the RSK inhibitor BI-D1870 inhibited the PMA-induced phosphorylations. The expression of LKB1 in HeLa cells and the use of AICAR in HEK-293 cells promoted phosphorylation of Ser588, but only weak Ser341 and Thr642 phosphorylations and binding to 14-3-3s. Paradoxically however, phenformin activated AMPK without promoting AS160 phosphorylation. The IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of the novel phosphorylated Ser666-Pro site was suppressed by AICAR, and by combined mutation of a TOS (mTOR signalling)-like sequence (FEMDI) and rapamycin. Thus, although AS160 is a common target of insulin, IGF-1, EGF, PMA and AICAR, these stimuli induce distinctive patterns of phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding, mediated by at least four protein kinases.

Overlooked until recently, mitochondrial protein phosphorylation is now emerging as a key post-translational mechanism in the regulation of mitochondrial functions. In particular, tyrosine phosphorylation represents a promising field to discover new mechanisms of bioenergetic regulation. Tyrosine kinases belonging to the Src kinase family have been observed in mitochondrial compartments, however their substrates are almost unknown.Here, we provide evidence that the flavoprotein of succinate dehydrogenase and aconitase are “in vitro” substrates of Fgr tyrosine kinase. Fgr phosphorylates flavoprotein of succinate dehydrogenase at Y535 and Y596 and aconitase at Y71, Y544 and Y665. The significance of these findings is discussed.

The SPAK (STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase) and OSR1 (oxidative stress-responsive kinase-1) kinases interact and phosphorylate NKCC1 (Na + –K + –2Cl − co-transporter-1), leading to its activation. Recent studies indicated that SPAK and OSR1 are phosphorylated and activated by the WNK1 [with no K (lysine) protein kinase-1] and WNK4, genes mutated in humans affected by Gordon9s hypertension syndrome. In the present study, we have identified three residues in NKCC1 (Thr 175 /Thr 179 /Thr 184 in shark or Thr 203 /Thr 207 /Thr 212 in human) that are phosphorylated by SPAK and OSR1, and have developed a peptide substrate, CATCHtide (cation chloride co-transporter peptide substrate), to assess SPAK and OSR1 activity. Exposure of HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney) cells to osmotic stress, which leads to phosphorylation and activation of NKCC1, increased phosphorylation of NKCC1 at the sites targeted by SPAK/OSR1. The residues on NKCC1, phosphorylated by SPAK/OSR1, are conserved in other cation co-transporters, such as the Na + –Cl − co-transporter, the target of thiazide drugs that lower blood pressure in humans with Gordon9s syndrome. Furthermore, we characterize the properties of a 92-residue CCT (conserved C-terminal) domain on SPAK and OSR1 that interacts with an RFXV (Arg-Phe-Xaa-Val) motif present in the substrate NKCC1 and its activators WNK1/WNK4. A peptide containing the RFXV motif interacts with nanomolar affinity with the CCT domains of SPAK/OSR1 and can be utilized to affinity-purify SPAK and OSR1 from cell extracts. Mutation of the arginine, phenylalanine or valine residue within this peptide abolishes binding to SPAK/OSR1. We have identified specific residues within the CCT domain that are required for interaction with the RFXV motif and have demonstrated that mutation of these in OSR1 inhibited phosphorylation of NKCC1, but not of CATCHtide which does not possess an RFXV motif. We establish that an intact CCT domain is required for WNK1 to efficiently phosphorylate and activate OSR1. These data establish that the CCT domain functions as a multipurpose docking site, enabling SPAK/OSR1 to interact with substrates (NKCC1) and activators (WNK1/WNK4).

The protein kinase COT/Tpl2 is activated by interleukin-1 (IL-1), TNFalpha and lipopolysaccharide, and its activation by these agonists involves the IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta) catalysed phosphorylation of the p105 regulatory subunit. Here, we show that COT activation also requires catalytic subunit phosphorylation, since IL-1beta induced a 5-10-fold activation of a COT mutant unable to bind p105. Activation was paralleled by the phosphorylation of Thr290 and Ser62 and unaffected by the IKKbeta inhibitor PS1145 at concentrations which prevented the degradation of IkappaBalpha. Mutagenesis experiments indicated that COT activation is initiated by Thr290 phosphorylation catalysed by an IL-1-stimulated protein kinase distinct from IKKbeta, while Ser62 phosphorylation is an autophosphorylation event required for maximal activation.

Elevated glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity is associated with Alzheimer disease. We have found that collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMP) 2 and 4 are physiological substrates of GSK-3. The amino acids targeted by GSK-3 comprise a hyperphosphorylated epitope first identified in plaques isolated from Alzheimer brain. Expression of wild type CRMP2 in primary hippocampal neurons or SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells promotes axon elongation. However, a GSK-3-insensitive CRMP2 mutant has dramatically reduced ability to promote axon elongation, a similar effect to pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3. Hence, we propose that phosphorylation of CRMP proteins by GSK-3 regulates axon elongation. This work provides a direct connection between hyperphosphorylation of these residues and elevated GSK-3 activity, both of which are observed in Alzheimer brain.

The PII signal transduction protein is regulated by covalent modification in most prokaryotic organisms. In enteric bacteria PII is uridylylated on a specific tyrosine residue in the T-loop region, while in certain cyanobacteria it is phosphorylated at the serine residue two positions away from the equivalent modified tyrosine of enteric bacteria. Covalent modification functions primarily to signal cellular nitrogen status in prokaryotes. Here we have examined the phospho-status of Arabidopsis thaliana PII under various growth conditions employing a variety of techniques, including in vivo labeling, phosphospecific antibodies, protein phosphatase treatment, mass spectrometry and protein kinase assays. All results indicate that plant PII is not regulated by phosphorylation. Edman sequencing of immunoprecipitated A. thaliana PII revealed the N-terminal sequences AQISSD and QISSDY, indicating that the mature protein is cleaved from its transit peptide in vivo at the site(s) predicted by ChloroP. Western blot analysis also demonstrated that plant PII protein expression varies little with nutrient regime.

Mutations in the LKB1 protein kinase result in the inherited Peutz Jeghers cancer syndrome. LKB1 has been implicated in regulating cell proliferation and polarity although little is known about how this enzyme is regulated. We recently showed that LKB1 is activated through its interaction with STRADalpha, a catalytically deficient pseudokinase. Here we show that endogenous LKB1-STRADalpha complex is associated with a protein of unknown function, termed MO25alpha, through the interaction of MO25alpha with the last three residues of STRADalpha. MO25alpha and STRADalpha anchor LKB1 in the cytoplasm, excluding it from the nucleus. Moreover, MO25alpha enhances the formation of the LKB1-STRADalpha complex in vivo, stimulating the catalytic activity of LKB1 approximately 10-fold. We demonstrate that the related STRADbeta and MO25beta isoforms are also able to stabilize LKB1 in an active complex and that it is possible to isolate complexes of LKB1 bound to STRAD and MO25 isoforms, in which the subunits are present in equimolar amounts. Our results indicate that MO25 may function as a scaffolding component of the LKB1-STRAD complex and plays a crucial role in regulating LKB1 activity and cellular localization.

The LKB1 gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase mutated in Peutz-Jeghers cancer syndrome. Despite several proposed models for LKB1 function in development and in tumour suppression, the detailed molecular action of LKB1 remains undefined. Here, we report the identification and characterization of an LKB1-specific adaptor protein and substrate, STRAD (STe20 Related ADaptor). STRAD consists of a STE20- like kinase domain, but lacks several residues that are indispensable for intrinsic catalytic activity. Endogenous LKB1 and STRAD form a complex in which STRAD activates LKB1, resulting in phosphorylation of both partners. STRAD determines the subcellular localization of wild-type, but not mutant LKB1, translocating it from nucleus to cytoplasm. One LKB1 mutation previously identified in a Peutz-Jeghers family that does not compromise its kinase activity is shown here to interfere with LKB1 binding to STRAD, and hence with STRAD-dependent regulation. Removal of endogenous STRAD by siRNA abrogates the LKB1-induced G(1) arrest. Our results imply that STRAD plays a key role in regulating the tumour suppressor activities of LKB1.

Recombinant human tyrosine hydroxylase (hTH1) was found to be phosphorylated by mitogen and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1) at Ser40 and by p38 regulated/activated kinase (PRAK) on Ser19. Phosphorylation by MSK1 induced an increase in Vmax and a decrease in Km for 6-(R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), while these kinetic parameters were unaffected as a result of phosphorylation by PRAK. Phosphorylation of both Ser40 and Ser19 induced a high-affinity binding of 14-3-3 proteins, but only the interaction of 14-3-3 with Ser19 increased the hTH1 activity. The 14-3-3 proteins also inhibited the rate of dephosphorylation of Ser19 and Ser40 by 82 and 36%, respectively. The phosphorylation of hTH1 on Ser19 caused a threefold increase in the rate of phosphorylation of Ser40. These studies provide new insights into the possible roles of stress-activated protein kinases in the regulation of catecholamine biosynthesis.

The cap-binding translation initiation factor eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is phosphorylated in vivo at Ser209 in response to a variety of stimuli. In this paper, we show that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal-integrating kinase Mnk2 phosphorylates eIF4E at this residue. Mnk2 binds to the scaffolding protein eIF4G, and overexpression of Mnk2 results in increased phosphorylation of endogenous eIF4E, showing that it can act as an eIF4E kinase in vivo. We have identified eight phosphorylation sites in Mnk2, of which at least three potential MAPK sites are likely to be essential for Mnk2 activity. In contrast to that of Mnk1, the activity of overexpressed Mnk2 is high under control conditions and could only be reduced substantially by a combination of PD98059 and SB203580, while the activity of endogenous Mnk2 in Swiss 3T3 cells was hardly affected upon treatment with these inhibitors. These compounds did not abolish phosphorylation of eIF4E, implying that Mnk2 may mediate phosphorylation of eIF4E in Swiss 3T3 cells. In vitro phosphorylation studies show that Mnk2 is a significantly better substrate than Mnk1 for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), p38MAPKalpha, and p38MAPKbeta. Therefore, the high levels of activity of Mnk2 under several conditions may be explained by efficient activation of Mnk2 by low levels of activity of the upstream kinases. Interestingly, we found that the association of both Mnk1 and Mnk2 with eIF4G increased upon inhibition of the MAPK pathways while activation of ERK resulted in decreased binding to eIF4G. This might reflect a mechanism to ensure rapid, but transient, phosphorylation of eIF4E upon stimulation of the MAPK pathways.

Proteolysis of the smooth muscle myosin-light-chain kinase with either thermolysin or endoproteinase Lys-C cleaves the enzyme towards the amino-terminus between the first and second unc domains, unc-11-1 and unc-112, and in the calmodulin-binding domain. The thermolytic fragment extends 532 residues from Ser275 to Ala806 and is resistant to further digestion. It is catalytically inactive and does not bind calmodulin. Further proteolysis of the thermolytic fragment with trypsin generates a constitutively active fragment. Digestion with endoproteinase Lys-C initially results in an inactive fragment of 516 residues, Ala287 to Lys802. Further digestion with Lys-C endoproteinase results in a constitutively active 474-residue fragment with the same amino-terminus, but a carboxyl-terminus at Lys760, near Arg762, the last conserved residue of protein kinase catalytic domains. There is no cleavage in the acidic-residue-rich connecting peptide between the amino-terminus of the catalytic domain and the unc-I domain, nor within the unc-I1 or unc-I domains or between the adjacent unc-11-2 and unc-I domains. The pattern of cleavages by these proteases reflects well the predicted domain structure of the myosin-light-chain kinase and further delineates the regulatory pseudosubstrate region. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the pseudosubstrate sequence, MLCK(787 - 807) was a more potent inhibitor by three orders of magnitude than the overlapping peptide MLCK(777-793) proposed by Ikebe et al. (1989) [Ikebe, M., Maruta, S. & Reardon, S. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 6967 - 69711 to be important in autoregulation of the myosin-light-chain kinase.

Summary of procedure.7 used lo purifi, (I +4)-1$,rylan endo- hydroluses from extracts of germinated barley Polybuffer 74/HC1, pH 4 (Pharmacia LKB) (Fig. 4). During the chromatofocusing step, rccovery of xylan hydrolase ac- tivity was less than 5% (Table 1) and most of the protein applied to the column rcmained bound under the conditions uscd (Table 1, Fig. 4). To remove Polybuffer and traces of contaminating proteins, pooled fractions were concentrated by ultrafiltration and simultaneously re-equilibrated in 50 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0. and applied to a 76cm x 1 cm column of Ultrogel AcA44 (IBF Biotechnics, France) equiIi- brated at 4°C in the same buffer. Fractions containing activity were examined by SDS/PAGE, pooled, concentrated by ultrafiltration and stored at ~ 80°C. Significant losses in ac- tivity were also observed during this gel filtration chro- matography step (Table 1). Carhox2,metlzyl-cellulo~se chromatography. During ultra- filtration, fractions XH2/XH3 from the Procion blue dye chromatography (Fig. 3) were equilibrated in 20 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0 and applied to a 32.5 cm

Wheat embryo Ca 2+ -dependent protein kinase (CDPK) phosphorylates a variety of synthetic peptides having a Basic-X-X-Ser sequence but peptides with a Basic-Basic-X-Ser(Thr) sequence are relatively poor substrates. Wheat germ CDPK phosphorylates a variety of proteins of which histone H1 and bovine serum albumin are among the better substrates. A single phosphorylated tryptic peptide was purified from bovine histone H1 phosphorylated by wheat embryo CDPK and subjected to Edman degradation yielding the sequence Gly 97 -Thr-Gly-Ala-Ser-Gly-Ser(PO 4 )-Phe-Lys 105 . Ser 103 on bovine histone H1 is also the residue phosphorylated by rat brain protein kinase C.

We have purified a form of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) from HeLa cell nuclei, in which the phosphatase is complexed to a regulatory subunit termed p99. We report here the cloning and characterisation of the p99 component. p99 mRNA is widely expressed in human tissues and immunofluorescence analysis with anti-p99 antibodies showed a punctate nucleoplasmic staining with additional accumulations within the nucleolus. The C-terminus of p99 contains seven RGG RNA-binding motifs, followed by eleven decapeptide repeats containing six or more of the following conserved residues (GHRPHEGPGG), and finally a putative zinc finger domain. Recombinant p99 suppresses the phosphorylase phosphatase activity of PP1 by >90% and the canonical PP1-binding motif on p99 (residues 396–401) is unusual in that the phenylalanine residue is replaced by tryptophan.

Native uncoupling protein 1 was purified from rat brown adipose tissue of cold-acclimated rats and rats kept at room temperature, in the presence of phosphatase inhibitors. The purified protein from cold-acclimated animals was digested with trypsin and immobilized metal affinity chromatography was used to select for phosphopeptides. Tandem mass spectroscopic analysis of the peptides derived from uncoupling protein 1, suggests phosphorylation of serine 3 or 4 and identified phosphorylation of serine 51. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that antibodies to phosphoserine detect full-length UCP 1 and that the proportion of phosphoserine on UCP1, purified from cold-acclimated rats, was significantly greater than that on UCP 1 from rats kept at room temperature (90 ± 4% compared to 62 ± 8%, p = 0.013), respectively). We conclude that uncoupling protein 1 is a phosphoprotein and that cold-acclimation increases the proportion of UCP1 that is serine phosphorylated.

A (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan 3-glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.39) of apparent M(r) 32,000, designated GII, has been purified from germinated barley grain and characterized. The isoenzyme is resolved from a previously purified isoenzyme (GI) on the basis of differences in their isoelectric points; (1-->3)-beta-glucanases GI and GII have pI values of 8.6 and > or = 10.0, respectively. Comparison of the sequences of their 40 NH2-terminal amino acids reveals 68% positional identity. A 1265 nucleotide pair cDNA encoding (1-->3)-beta-glucanase isoenzyme GII has been isolated from a library prepared with mRNA of 2-day germinated barley scutella. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cDNA has enabled the complete primary structure of the 306 amino acid (1-->3)-beta-glucanase to be deduced, together with that of a putative NH2-terminal signal peptide of 28 amino acid residues. The (1-->3)-beta-glucanase cDNA is characterized by a high (G+C) content, which reflects a strong bias for the use of G or C in the wobble base position of codons. The amino acid sequence of the (1-->3)-beta-glucanase shows highly conserved internal domains and 52% overall positional identity with barley (1-->3, 1-->4)-beta-glucanase isoenzyme EII, an enzyme of related but quite distinct substrate specificity. Thus, the (1-->3)-beta-glucanases, which may provide a degree of protection against microbial invasion of germinated barley grain through their ability to degrade fungal cell wall polysaccharides, appear to share a common evolutionary origin with the (1-->3, 1-->4)-beta-glucanases, which function to depolymerize endosperm cell walls in the germinated grain.