CKII Activity Research Articles

Novel effect of the high risk-HPV E7 CKII phospho-acceptor site on polarity protein expression

BackgroundOncogenic Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) base their transforming potential on the action of both E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins, which perform cooperative or antagonistic actions and thus interfere with a variety of relevant cellular targets. Among them, the expression of some PDZ-containing polarity proteins, as DLG1 and hScrib, is altered during the HPV life cycle and the consequent malignant transformation. Together with the well-established interference of E6 with PDZ proteins, we have recently shown that E7 viral oncoprotein is also responsible for the changes in abundance and localization of DLG1 observed in HPV-associated lesions. Given that the mechanisms involved remained only partially understood, we here thoroughly analyse the contribution of a crucial E7 post-translational modification: its CKII-dependent phosphorylation. Moreover, we extended our studies to hScrib, in order to investigate possible conserved regulatory events among diverse PDZ targets of HPV.MethodsWe have acutely analysed the expression of DLG1 and hScrib in restrictive conditions for E7 phosphorylation by CKII in epithelial culture cells by western blot and confocal fluorescence microscopy. We made use of genome-edited HPV-positive cells, specific inhibitors of CKII activity and transient expression of the viral oncoproteins, including a mutant version of E7.ResultsWe here demonstrate that the functional phosphorylation of E7 oncoprotein by the CKII cellular kinase, a key regulatory event for its activities, is also crucial to counteract the E6-mediated degradation of the PDZ-polarity protein DLG1 and to promote its subcellular redistribution. Moreover, we show that the CKII-dependent phosphorylation of E7 is able to control the expression of another PDZ target of HPV: hScrib. Remarkably, we found this is a shared feature among different oncogenic HPV types, suggesting a common path towards viral pathogenesis.ConclusionsThe present study sheds light into the mechanisms behind the misexpression of PDZ-polarity proteins during HPV infections. Our findings stress the relevance of the CKII-mediated regulation of E7 activities, providing novel insights into the joint action of HPV oncoproteins and further indicating a conserved and most likely crucial mechanism during the viral life cycle and the associated transformation.

Graphene Oxide–Peptide Nanocomplex as a Versatile Fluorescence Probe of Protein Kinase Activity Based on Phosphorylation Protection against Carboxypeptidase Digestion

The research on complicated kinomics and kinase-target drug discovery requires the development of simple, cost-effective, and multiplex kinase assays. Herein, we propose a novel and versatile biosensing platform for the detection of protein kinase activity based on graphene oxide (GO)-peptide nanocomplex and phosphorylation-induced suppression of carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) cleavage. Kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation protects the fluorophore-labeled peptide probe against CPY digestion and induces the formation of a GO/peptide nanocomplex resulting in fluorescence quenching, while the nonphosphopeptide is degraded by CPY to release free fluorophore as well as restore fluorescence. This GO-based nanosensor has been successfully applied to sensitively detect two model kinases, casein kinase (CKII) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) with low detection limits of 0.0833 mU/μL and 0.134 mU/μL, respectively. The feasibility of this GO-based sensor was further demonstrated by the assessment of kinase inhibition by staurosporine and H-89, in vitro kinase assay in cell lysates, and simultaneous detection of CKII and PKA activity. Moreover, the GO-based fluorescence anisotropy (FA) kinase assay has been also developed using GO as a FA signal amplifier. The proposed sensor is homogeneous, facile, universal, label-free, and applicable for multiplexed kinase assay, presenting a promising method for kinase-related biochemical fundamental research and inhibitor screening.

Capsaicin, a component of red peppers, stimulates protein kinase CKII activity

Protein kinase CKII (CKII), a heterotetramer composed of two catalytic (alpha or alpha') subunits and two regulatory (beta) subunits, plays a critical role in cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. Recently, capsaicin was shown to trigger apoptosis. Therefore, we examined the effect of capsaicin on CKII activity. Although capsaicin induced apoptotic death in HeLa cells, CKII activity was increased in the cytosolic fraction of HeLa cells after treatment. Capsaicin did not change the expression of the CKIIalpha and CKIIbeta proteins. Capsaicin stimulated the catalytic activity of recombinant CKII tetramer, but not the CKIIalpha subunit. Moreover, capsaicin enhanced the autophosphorylation of CKIIalpha and CKIIbeta. Taken together, our data suggest that capsaicin stimulates the phosphotransferase activity of CKII holoenzyme by interacting with the CKIIbeta subunit.

Capsaicin, a component of red peppers, stimulates protein kinase CKII activity

Capsaicin, a component of red peppers, stimulates protein kinase CKII activity

The p53-p21Cip1/WAF1 Pathway Is Necessary for Cellular Senescence Induced by the Inhibition of Protein Kinase CKII in Human Colon Cancer Cells

We have previously shown that the down-regulation of protein kinase CKII activity is tightly associated with cellular senescence of human fibroblast IMR-90 cells. Here, we examined the roles of p53 and p21(Cip1/WAF1) in senescence development induced by CKII inhibition using wild-type, isogenic p53-/- and isogenic p21-/- HCT116 human colon cancer cell lines. A senescent marker appeared after staining for senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity in wild-type HCT116 cells treated with CKII inhibitor or CKIIalpha siRNA, but this response was almost abolished in p53- or p21(Cip1/WAF1)-null cells. Increased cellular levels of p53 and p21(Cip1/WAF1) protein occurred with the inhibition of CKII. CKII inhibition upregulated p53 and p21(Cip1/WAF1) expression at post-transcriptional level and transcription level, respectively. RB phosphorylation significantly decreased in cells treated with CKII inhibitor. Taken together, this study shows that the activation of the p53-p21(Cip1/WAF1) pathway acts as a major mediator of cellular senescence induced by CKII inhibition.

A Role for the PERIOD:PERIOD Homodimer in the Drosophila Circadian Clock

Circadian clocks in eukaryotes rely on transcriptional feedback loops, in which clock genes repress their own transcription resulting in molecular oscillations with a period of ∼24 h. In Drosophila, the clock proteins Period (PER) and Timeless (TIM) operate in such a feedback loop, whereby they first accumulate in the cytoplasm of clock cells as a heterodimer. Nuclear translocation of the complex or the individual PER and TIM proteins is followed by repression of per and tim transcription, whereby PER seems to act as the prime repressor. We found that in addition to PER:TIM complexes, functional PER:PER homodimers exist in flies. Specific disruption of PER homodimers results in drastically impaired behavioral and molecular rhythmicity, pointing the biological importance of this clock protein complex. Analysis of PER subcellular distribution and repressor competence in the PER dimer mutant revealed defects in PER nuclear translocation and a disruption of rhythmic period transcription. The striking similarity of these phenotypes with that of reduced CKII activity suggests that the formation or function of the PER dimer is closely linked to this kinase. Our results confirm a previous structural model for PER and provide strong evidence that PER homodimers are important for circadian clock function.

Over-expression of phospholipase D isozymes down-regulates protein kinase CKII activity via proteasome-dependent CKIIbeta degradation in NIH3T3 cells.

Over-expression of phospholipase D (PLD) 1 or PLD2 down-regulated CKII activity in NIH3T3 cells. The same results were found with catalytically inactive mutants of PLD isozymes, indicating that the catalytic activity of PLD is not required for PLD-mediated CKII inhibition. Consistent with this, 1-butanol did not alter CKII activity. The reduction in CKII activity in PLD-over-expressing NIH3T3 cells was due to reduced protein level, but not mRNA level, of the CKIIbeta subunit. This PLD-induced CKIIbeta degradation was mediated by ubiquitin-proteasome machinery, but MAP kinase and mTOR were not involved in CKIIbeta degradation. PLD isozymes interacted with the CKIIbeta subunit. Immunocyto-chemical staining revealed that PLD and CKIIbeta colocalize in the cytoplasm of NIH3T3 cells, especially in the perinuclear region. PLD binding to CKIIbeta inhibited CKIIbeta autophosphory-lation, which is known to be important for CKIIbeta stability. In summary, the current data indicate that PLD isozymes can down-regulate CKII activity through the acceleration of CKIIbeta degradation by ubiquitin-proteasome machinery.

Apoptotic cell death through inhibition of protein kinase CKII activity by 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde purified from Xanthium strumarium

The CKII inhibitory compound was purified from the fruit of Xanthium strumarium by organic solvent extraction and silica gel chromatography. The inhibitory compound was identified as 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde by analysis with FT-IR, FAB-Mass, EI-Mass, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde inhibited the phosphotransferase activity of CKII with IC50 of about 783 µM. Steady-state studies revealed that the inhibitor acts as a competitive inhibitor with respect to the substrate ATP. A value of 138.6 µM was obtained for the apparent K i. Concentration of 300 µM 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde caused 50% growth inhibition of human cancer cell U937. 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde-induced cell death was characterised with the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and procaspase-3. Furthermore, the inhibitor induced the fragmentation of DNA into multiples of 180 bp, indicating that it triggered apoptosis. This induction of apoptosis by 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was also confirmed by using flow cytometry analysis. Since CKII is involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis, these results suggest that 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde may function by inhibiting oncogenic disease, at least in part, through the inhibition of CKII activity.

Silencing of the CKIIα and CKIIα' genes during cellular senescence is mediated by DNA methylation

Previously we reported that down-regulation of CKII activity is tightly associated with cellular senescence and that the mRNA and protein levels of CKIIα decrease during senescence. The present study demonstrates that the mRNA and protein levels of CKIIα' also decrease during senescence. Knockdown of CKIIα' in IMR-90 cells by RNA interference induced the senescent phenotype. Treatment of senescent IMR-90 cells with a demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine induced CKIIα and CKIIα' expression, suggesting that DNA hypermethylation might be involved in the silencing of CKIIα and CKIIα' genes in senescent cells. However, bisulfite sequencing analysis revealed that the methylation status of the CpG islands within the reported CKIIα and CKIIα' promoters was not associated with senescence. Instead, senescence-dependent hypermethylation was observed in the region ranging from position + 1112 to + 1128 of the CKIIα gene and at positions − 527 and + 829 of the CKIIα' gene. In addition, this study indicates that DNA methylation-dependent down-regulation of transcription factors Sp1, Ets1 and NF-κB might be involved in silencing of the CKIIα and CKIIα' genes during cellular senescence.

NS1 Interaction with CKIIα: Novel Protein Complex Mediating Parvovirus-Induced Cytotoxicity

During a productive infection, the prototype strain of the parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVMp) induces dramatic morphological alterations in permissive A9 fibroblasts, culminating in cell lysis at the end of infection. These cytopathic effects (CPE) result from rearrangements and destruction of the cytoskeletal micro- and intermediate filaments, while other structures such as the nuclear lamina and particularly the microtubule network remain protected throughout the infection (J. P. F. Nüesch et al., Virology 331:159-174, 2005). In order to unravel the mechanism(s) by which parvoviruses trigger CPE, we searched for NS1 interaction partners by differential affinity chromatography, using distinct NS1 mutants debilitated specifically for this function. Thereby, we isolated an NS1 partner polypeptide, whose interaction with NS1 correlated with the competence of the viral product for CPE induction, and further identified it by tandem mass spectrometry and Western blotting analyses to consist of the catalytic subunit of casein kinase II, CKIIalpha. This interaction of NS1 with CKIIalpha suggested interference by the viral protein with intracellular signaling. Using permanent cell lines expressing dominant-negative CKIIalpha mutants, we were able to show that this kinase activity was indeed specifically involved in parvoviral CPE and progeny particle release. Furthermore, the NS1/CKIIalpha complex proved to be able to specifically phosphorylate viral capsids, indicating a mediator function of NS1 for CKII activity and specificity, at least in vitro. Altogether our data suggest that parvovirus-induced CPE is mediated by NS1 interference with intracellular CKII signaling.

Downregulation of protein kinase CKII is associated with cellular senescence

Protein kinase CKII (CKII) plays a critical role in cell growth and proliferation. In this study, we examine how CKII activity is regulated during cellular senescence. Our results demonstrate that CKII activity apparently decreases during both replicative and H2O2-induced senescence in human diploid fibroblast IMR-90 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of CKIIα decreases significantly during replicative and H2O2-induced senescence, while only slight reduction in those of CKIIβ is observed during replicative senescence. Treatment of IMR-90 cells with CKII inhibitors 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole and apigenin led cells to acquire a senescent phenotype as judged by the senescence-associated β-galactosidase marker and overexpression of p53 and p21Waf-1. Knockdown of CKIIα in IMR-90 cells by RNA interference also dramatically induced the senescent phenotype. In parallel, CKII activity was transcriptional downregulated in rat liver and testis with advancing age. Taken together, these results suggest that downregulation of CKII activity is tightly associated not only with cellular senescence but also with organism aging.

Regulation of Yeast mRNA 3′ End Processing by Phosphorylation

Recent studies have found that the phosphatase Glc7 associates with the yeast cleavage/polyadenylation factor (CPF), but the role of Glc7 in 3' end processing has not been investigated. Here, we report that depletion of Glc7 causes shortened poly(A) tails in vivo and accumulation of phosphorylated Pta1, a CPF subunit. Removal of Glc7 also gives extract defective for poly(A) addition but normal for cleavage at the poly(A) site. Polyadenylation is rescued by addition of Glc7 or Pta1, but not by phosphorylated Pta1. Moreover, Ypi1, a Glc7-specific inhibitor, or the Cka1 kinase blocks poly(A) addition in wild-type (wt) extract. Pta1 interacts physically and genetically with Glc7, suggesting that Pta1 may also regulate Glc7 or recruit it to CPF. A weakened association of Fip1 with phosphorylated CPF may explain the specific effect on polyadenylation. These results support a model in which poly(A) synthesis is controlled by cycles of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation that require the action of Glc7.

Inhibition of Protein Kinase CKII Activity by Euchrestaflavanone B Purified From Cudrania tricuspidata

The CKII (EC 2.7.1.37) inhibitory compound was purified from the root barks of Cudrania tricuspidata and identified as (2S)-2-[2,4-dihydroxy-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-phenyl]-5,7-dihyroxy-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)chroman-4-one (euchrestaflavanone B). Euchrestaflavanone B was shown to inhibit the phosphotransferase activity of CKII with IC50 of about 78 microM. Steady-state studies revealed that euchrestaflavanone B acted as a competitive inhibitor with respect to the substrate ATP. A value of 16.4 microM was obtained for the apparent Ki. Concentration of 0.8 microM euchrestaflavanone B caused 50% growth inhibition of human cancer cells U937 and HeLa. Euchrestaflavanone B-induced cell death was characterized with the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and procaspase-3, indicating that the inhibitor triggered apoptosis. Because protein kinase CKII is involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis, these results suggest that euchrestaflavanone B may function by inhibiting oncogenic disease, at least in part, through the inhibition of CKII activity.

The effects of cholesterol-3-sulfate (CH-3S) on the phosphorylation of human C3a (hC3a) in vitro and on the ability of hC3a to induce vascular permeability in rats.

The phosphorylation of human C3a (hC3a, anaphylatoxin) by two distinct protein kinases (PKA and CK-I) and the effect of cholesterol-3-sulfate (CH-3S) on this phosphorylation were biochemically investigated in vitro. It was found that (i) hC3a functions as a phosphate acceptor for PKA and CK-I, but not for CK-II; (ii) the CK-I-mediated phosphorylation of hC3a requires the presence of 3 microM CH-3S in a manner similar to the phosphorylation of HMG1 (CH-3S-binding protein) by CK-I; and (iii) CH-3S inhibits the PKA-mediated phosphorylation of hC3a in a dose-dependent manner (ID50=approximately 2 microM). As expected, hC3a containing high levels of Arg- and Lys-residues stimulated approx. 3-fold CK-II activity (phosphorylation of alpha-casein) in vitro. However, no significant effect of hC3a on CK-II activity was observed when hC3a was preincubated with CH-3S or fully phosphorylated by PKA in vitro. Furthermore, preincubation of hC3a with CH-3S diminished the ability of hC3a to induce vascular permeability in rats. The results provided here suggest that (i) hC3a is a CH-3S-binding protein; and (ii) CH-3S functions as a potent inhibitor for its physiological activities, including phosphorylation by PKA and CK-I, in vitro.

A Positive Feedback Loop between Protein Kinase CKII and Cdc37 Promotes the Activity of Multiple Protein Kinases

We report here the identification of CDC37, which encodes a putative Hsp90 co-chaperone, as a multicopy suppressor of a temperature-sensitive allele (cka2-13(ts)) of the CKA2 gene encoding the alpha' catalytic subunit of protein kinase CKII. Unlike wild-type cells, cka2-13 cells were sensitive to the Hsp90-specific inhibitor geldanamycin, and this sensitivity was suppressed by overexpression of either Hsp90 or Cdc37. However, only CDC37 was capable of suppressing the temperature sensitivity of a cka2-13 strain, implying that Cdc37 is the limiting component. Immunoprecipitation of metabolically labeled Cdc37 from wild-type versus cka2-13 strains revealed that Cdc37 is a physiological substrate of CKII, and Ser-14 and/or Ser-17 were identified as the most likely sites of CKII phosphorylation in vivo. A cdc37-S14,17A strain lacking these phosphorylation sites exhibited severe growth and morphological defects that were partially reversed in a cdc37-S14,17E strain. Reduced CKII activity was observed in both cdc37-S14A and cdc37-S17A mutants at 37 degrees C, and cdc37-S14A or cdc37-S14,17A overexpression was incapable of protecting cka2-13 mutants on media containing geldanamycin. Additionally, CKII activity was elevated in cells arrested at the G(1) and G(2)/M phases of the cell cycle, the same phases during which Cdc37 function is essential. Collectively, these data define a positive feedback loop between CKII and Cdc37. Additional genetic assays demonstrate that this CKII/Cdc37 interaction positively regulates the activity of multiple protein kinases in addition to CKII.

Inhibition of protein kinase CKII activity by resveratrol, a natural compound in red wine and grapes

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin found in grapes and other foods that has been shown to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Because protein kinase CKII is involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis, we examined whether resveratrol could modulate CKII activity. Resveratrol was shown to inhibit the phosphotransferase activity of CKII with IC 50 of about 10 μM. Steady state studies revealed that resveratrol acted as a competitive inhibitor with respect to the substrate ATP. A value of 1.2 μM was obtained for the apparent K i. Resveratrol also inhibited the catalytic reaction of CKII with GTP as substrate. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibits endogenous CKII activity on protein substrates in HeLa cell lysates. These results suggest that resveratrol is likely to function by inhibiting oncogenic disease, at least in part, through the inhibition of CKII activity.

Casein Kinase II Phosphorylates Lens Connexin 45.6 and Is Involved in Its Degradation

Connexin (Cx) 45.6, an avian counterpart of rodent Cx50, is phosphorylated in vivo, but the sites and function of the phosphorylation have not been elucidated. Our peptide mapping experiments showed that the Ser(363) site in the carboxyl (COOH) terminus of Cx45.6 was phosphorylated and that this site is within casein kinase (CK) II consensus sequence, although showing some similarity to CKI sequence. The peptide containing Ser(363) could be phosphorylated in vitro by CKII, but not by CKI. Furthermore, CKII phosphorylated Cx45.6 in embryonic lens membrane and the fusion protein containing the COOH terminus of Cx45.6. Two-dimensional peptide mapping experiments showed that one of the Cx45.6 peptides phosphorylated in vivo migrated to the same spot as one of those phosphorylated by CKII in vitro. Furthermore, CKII activity could be detected in lens lysates. To assess the function of this phosphorylation event, exogenous wild type and mutant Cx45.6 (Ser(363) --> Ala) were expressed in lens primary cultures by retroviral infection. The mutant Cx45.6 was shown to be more stable having a longer half-life compared with wild type Cx45.6. Together, the evidence suggests that CKII is likely a kinase responsible for the Ser(363) phosphorylation, leading to the destablization and degradation of Cx45.6. The connexin degradation induced by phosphorylation has a broad functional significance in the regulation of gap junctions in vivo.

The Highly Basic Ribosomal Protein L41 Interacts with the β Subunit of Protein Kinase CKII and Stimulates Phosphorylation of DNA Topoisomerase IIα by CKII

Protein kinase CKII (CKII) is a heterotetramer composed of two catalytic (α or α′) and two regulatory (β) subunits. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified the highly basic, ribosomal protein L41 as a cellular protein capable of interacting with the β subunit of CKII. We show, furthermore, using purified proteins, that L41 protein and CKIIβ associate directlyin vitro.L41 protein is not a substrate for CKII phosphorylation, and it does not stimulate CKII activity with either β-casein or synthetic peptide substrate (RRREEETEEE). However, L41 protein stimulates the phosphorylation of DNA topoisomerase IIα by CKII by 2.5 times. Additionally, L41 protein enhances the autophosphorylation of CKIIα. The data indicate that L41 protein associates with CKII and can modulate its activity toward a specific substrate or substrates. The direct interaction of CKIIβ with ribosomal proteins also suggests that CKIIβ itself or CKII holoenzyme may be involved in ribosome assembly or translational control.

Identification of two different molecular forms of Arabidopsis thaliana casein kinase II

We have isolated and identified two different molecular forms of casein kinase II (CKIIA and CKIIB) from Arabidopsis thaliana. The use of heterologous antibodies that react with both catalytic and regulatory subunits in animal systems, revealed that CKIIB contains a single type of polypeptide with a molecular mass of 43 000 Da, whereas CKIIA is composed of two different polypeptides of 43 000 and 27 000 Da, respectively. Both forms show enzymatic characteristics typical of CKII activity, such as phosphorylation of the acidic peptide RRRDDDSDDD, use of GTP as phosphate donor, inhibition of their activity by low concentrations of heparin and stimulation by polylysine. K m values for β-casein are 0.068 mg/ml for CKIIA and 0.175 mg/ml for CKIIB. Calmodulin, a well-characterized substrate for casein kinases II, is significantly better phosphorylated by the CKIIB form than by the CKIIA form, suggesting and inhibitory effect of β-subunit on the enzymatic activity for this substrate. However, no autophosphorylation of the 27-kDa polypeptide has been detected, which can be explained by the lack of the conserved β-autophosphorylation site in Arabidopsis thaliana, as deduced from its cDNA sequence (Collinge and Walker, 1994, Plant Mol. Biol. 25, 649–658). In contrast, CKIIB form, devoid of regulatory subunit, co-purifies with a protein substrate of 15-kDa and efficiently phosphorylates it. A distinct pattern of mRNA accumulation for the catalytic and regulatory subunits suggests a different distribution of the molecular isoforms in the adult plant, that may reflect a functional specialization.

Down-Regulation of Protein Kinase CKII Activity by Sodium Butyrate

Butyrate, a dietary fiber derivative, is a well-known differentiating agent in cultured cell lines. In addition, its antineoplastic activity toward colon-rectum cancers has been documented bothin vivoandin vitro.Despite the large amount of information on the potential clinical efficacy of butyrate, its mechanism of action at the molecular level has only been partially investigated. Here, we show that serine/threonine protein kinase CKII is a target of butyrate activity. In the human adenocarcinoma cell line, HT29, treated with 2 mM sodium butyrate, CKII activity decreases 50% at 24 and 48 hours after drug addition. The enzyme down-regulation is not due to changes in protein amount since the levels of the different CKII subunits remain constant during butyrate treatment. The data reported provide the first evidence that CKII down-regulation is involved in the signal transduction pathway started by butyrate.