Co-transfected HEK293 Cells Research Articles

PSD-95 regulates D1 dopamine receptor resensitization, but not receptor-mediated Gs-protein activation

The present study aims to define the role of postsynaptic density (PSD)-95 in the regulation of dopamine (DA) receptor function. We found that PSD-95 physically associates with either D(1) or D(2) DA receptors in co-transfected HEK-293 cells. Stimulation of DA receptors altered the association between D(1) receptor and PSD-95 in a time-dependent manner. Functional assays indicated that PSD-95 co-expression did not affect D(1) receptor-stimulated cAMP production, Gs-protein activation or receptor desensitization. However, PSD-95 accelerated the recovery of internalized membrane receptors by promoting receptor recycling, thus resulting in enhanced resensitization of internalized D(1) receptors. Our results provide a novel mechanism for regulating DA receptor recycling that may play an important role in postsynaptic DA functional modulation and synaptic neuroplasticity.

Regulation Of Photoreceptor Guanylyl Cyclase By Ca2+/Mg2+ Exchange In GCAPs

Photon absorption by rods and cones activates transduction cascade that shuts down cGMP-gated channels and thus decreases free Ca2+ concentrations in outer segment. The Ca2+ feedback, which activates guanylyl cyclase (retGC) through guanylyl cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs), accelerates cGMP re-synthesis in photoreceptors and thus expedites their recovery. GCAP1 and GCAP2, two ubiquitous among vertebrate species GCAPs that sequentially activate retGC during physiological response of rods to light, are Ca2+/Mg2+-binding proteins. They have one non-metal binding EF-hand, EF1, and three metal-binding EF-hands - EF2, EF3, and EF4. For each metal-binding EF-hand in GCAP1 we found point mutations that can block binding of Ca2+, but not Mg2+, and those that can block both Ca2+ and Mg2+ binding. We tested their effects on activation of retGC at physiological Mg2+ and either low Ca2+ (conditions representing light adaptation) or high Ca2+ (dark adaptation). Mg2+ binding in EF-2 and EF3 was essential for activation of retGC in the conditions of light adaptation. Mg2+ in EF2 was especially critical for the binding of GCAP1-GFP to retGC1 in co-transfected HEK293 cells, as revealed by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Mg2+ binding in EF4 contributed to neither retGC1 docking nor its activation. Instead, the replacement of Mg2+ by Ca2+ in this domain in the conditions of dark adaptation was the key event that switched the cyclase off. The Mg2+/Ca2+exchange in EF3 was required for the subsequent binding of Ca2+ in EF4. Contrary to EF3 and EF4, Mg2+/Ca2+ exchange in EF2 was not essential for retGC inhibition. Binding of Mg2+ versus Ca2+ causes characteristic changes in the intrinsic Trp fluorescence of GCAP1 corresponding to its activator versus inhibitor states, including the non-metal binding EF1.

Phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I by mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1

Mst1 (mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase and its activation in the heart causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Its myocardial substrates, however, remain unknown. In a yeast two-hybrid screen of a human heart cDNA library with a dominant-negative Mst1 (K59R) mutant used as bait, cTn [cardiac Tn (troponin)] I was identified as an Mst1-interacting protein. The interaction of cTnI with Mst1 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation in both co-transfected HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) and native cardiomyocytes, in which cTnI interacted with full-length Mst1, but not with its N-terminal kinase fragment. in vitro phosphorylation assays demonstrated that cTnI is a sensitive substrate for Mst1. In contrast, cTnT was phosphorylated by Mst1 only when it was incorporated into the Tn complex. MS analysis indicated that Mst1 phosphorylates cTnI at Thr(31), Thr(51), Thr(129) and Thr(143). Substitution of Thr(31) with an alanine residue reduced Mst1-mediated cTnI phosphorylation by 90%, whereas replacement of Thr(51), Thr(129) or Thr(143) with alanine residues reduced Mst1-catalysed cTnI phosphorylation by approx. 60%, suggesting that Thr(31) is a preferential phosphorylation site for Mst1. Furthermore, treatment of cardiomyocytes with hydrogen peroxide rapidly induced Mst1-dependent phosphorylation of cTnI at Thr(31). Protein epitope analysis and binding assays showed that Mst1-mediated phosphorylation modulates the molecular conformation of cTnI and its binding affinity to TnT and TnC, thus indicating functional significances. The results of the present study suggest that Mst1 is a novel mediator of cTnI phosphorylation in the heart and may contribute to the modulation of myofilament function under a variety of physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Deactivation of Sphingosine Kinase 1 by Protein Phosphatase 2A

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) is an important regulator of cellular signaling that has been implicated in a broad range of cellular processes. Cell exposure to a wide array of growth factors, cytokines, and other cell agonists can result in a rapid and transient increase in SK activity via an activating phosphorylation. We have previously identified extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) as the kinases responsible for the phosphorylation of human SK1 at Ser(225), but the corresponding phosphatase targeting this phosphorylation has remained undefined. Here, we provide data to support a role for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the deactivation of SK1 through dephosphorylation of phospho-Ser(225). The catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac) was found to interact with SK1 using both GST-pulldown and coimmunoprecipitation analyses. Coexpression of PP2Ac with SK1 resulted in reduced Ser(225) phosphorylation of SK1 in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. In vitro phosphatase assays showed that PP2Ac dephosphorylated both recombinant SK1 and a phosphopeptide based on the phospho-Ser(225) region of SK1. Finally, both basal and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated cellular SK1 activity were regulated by molecular manipulation of PP2Ac activity. Thus, PP2A appears to function as an endogenous regulator of SK1 phosphorylation.

Abstract 1573: Phosphorylation of Cardiac Troponin I by Mammalian Sterile20-like Kinase Mst1

Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase and its activation in the heart causes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Its myocardial substrates, however, remain unknown. In a yeast two-hybrid screen of human heart cDNA library with a dominant negative Mst1 (K59R) as bait, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was identified as an Mst1-interacting protein. The interaction of cTnI with Mst1 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation in both co-transfected HEK293 cells and native cardiac myocytes, in which cTnI interacted with full length Mst1, but not with its N-terminal kinase fragment. In vitro phosphorylation assays demonstrated that cTnI is a sensitive substrate for Mst1 in its free form or in reconstituted troponin complex. In contrast, cardiac TnT was phosphorylated by Mst1 only when incorporated in the troponin complex. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that Mst1 phosphorylates cTnI at Thr 31 , Thr 51 , Thr 129 , and Thr 143 . Substitution of Thr 31 with Ala substantially reduced Mst1-mediated cTnI phosphorylation by approximately 90%, while replacement of either Thr 51 orThr 129 , or Thr 143 with Ala reduced Mst1-catalyzed cTnI phosphorylation by approximately 60%, suggesting that Thr 31 is a preferential phosphorylation site for Mst1. Protein epitope analysis and binding assays showed that Mst1 mediated phosphorylation modulates the molecular conformation of cTnI and its binding affinity to TnT and TnC, thus indicating functional significances. Our results suggest that Mst1 is a novel mediator of cTnI and/or cTnT phosphorylation in the heart and may contribute to the modulation of myofilament function under a variety of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, AHA National Center.

Palmitoylation and Membrane Interactions of the Neuroprotective Chaperone Cysteine-string Protein

Cysteine-string protein (CSP) is an extensively palmitoylated DnaJ-family chaperone, which exerts an important neuroprotective function. Palmitoylation is required for the intracellular sorting and function of CSP, and thus it is important to understand how this essential modification of CSP is regulated. Recent work identified 23 putative palmitoyl transferases containing a conserved DHHC domain in mammalian cells, and here we show that palmitoylation of CSP is enhanced specifically by co-expression of the Golgi-localized palmitoyl transferases DHHC3, DHHC7, DHHC15, or DHHC17. Indeed, these DHHC proteins promote stable membrane attachment of CSP, which is otherwise cytosolic. An inverse correlation was identified between membrane affinity of unpalmitoylated CSP mutants and subsequent palmitoylation: mutants with an increased membrane affinity localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are physically separated from the Golgi-localized DHHC proteins. Palmitoylation of an ER-localized mutant could be rescued by brefeldin A treatment, which promotes the mixing of ER and Golgi membranes. Interestingly though, the palmitoylated mutant remained at the ER following brefeldin A washout and did not traffic to more distal membrane compartments. We propose that CSP has a weak membrane affinity that allows the protein to locate its partner Golgi-localized DHHC proteins directly by membrane "sampling." Mutations that enhance membrane association prevent sampling and lead to accumulation of CSP on cellular membranes such as the ER. The coupling of CSP palmitoylation to Golgi membranes may thus be an important requirement for subsequent sorting.

Binding of Guanylyl Cyclase Activating Protein 1 (GCAP1) to Retinal Guanylyl Cyclase (RetGC1): THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL EF-HANDS

Guanylyl cyclase activating protein 1 (GCAP1), after substitution of Ca(2+) by Mg(2+) in its EF-hands, stimulates photoreceptor guanylyl cyclase, RetGC1, in response to light. We inactivated metal binding in individual EF-hands of GCAP1 tagged with green fluorescent protein to assess their role in GCAP1 binding to RetGC1 in co-transfected HEK293 cells. When expressed alone, GCAP1 was uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm and the nuclei of the cells, but when co-expressed with either fluorescently tagged or non-tagged RetGC1, it co-localized with the cyclase in the membranes. The co-localization did not occur when the C-terminal portion of RetGC1, containing its regulatory and catalytic domains, was removed. Mutations that preserved Mg(2+) binding in all three metal-binding EF-hands did not affect GCAP1 association with the cyclase in live cells. Locking EF-hand 4 in its apo-conformation, incapable of binding either Ca(2+) or Mg(2+), had no effect on GCAP1 association with the cyclase. In contrast to EF-hand 4, inactivation of EF-hand 3 reduced the efficiency of the co-localization, and inactivation of EF-hand 2 drastically suppressed GCAP1 binding to the cyclase. These results directly demonstrate that metal binding in EF-hand 2 is crucial for GCAP1 attachment to RetGC1, and that in EF-hand 3 it is less critical, although it enhances the efficiency of the GCAP1 docking on the target enzyme. Metal binding in EF-hand 4 has no role in the primary attachment of GCAP1 to the cyclase, and it only triggers the activator-to-inhibitor functional switch in GCAP1.

Characterization of IRA/IRB hybrid insulin receptors using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

The insulin receptor (IR) is composed of two α-chains that bind ligands and two β-chains that possess an intracellular tyrosine kinase activity. The IR is expressed in cells as two isoforms containing or not exon 11 (IRB and IRA, respectively). Several mRNA studies have demonstrated that the two isoforms are co-expressed in different tissues and in several cancer cells. IRA/IRB hybrid receptors, constituting of an αβ-chain from IRA and an αβ-chain from IRB, are likely to occur in cells co-expressing both isoforms, but their study has been hampered by the lack of specific tools. In previous work, we used BRET to study IR and IGF1R homodimers and heterodimers. Here, we have used BRET to characterize IRA/IRB hybrids. BRET saturation experiments showed that IRA/IRB hybrids are randomly formed in cells. Moreover, by co-transfecting HEK-293 cells with a luciferase-tagged kinase-dead version of one isoform and a wild-type untagged version of the other isoform, we showed that IRA/IRB hybrids can recruit, upon ligand stimulation, a YFP-tagged intracellular partner. Finally, using BRET, we have studied ligand-induced conformational changes within IRA/IRB hybrids. Dose-response experiments showed that hybrid receptors bind IGF-2 with the same affinity than IRA homodimers, whereas they bind IGF-1 with a lower affinity. Altogether, our data indicate that IRA/IRB hybrid receptors can form in cells co-expressing both IR isoforms, that they are capable of recruiting intracellular partners upon ligand stimulation, and that they have pharmacological properties more similar to those of IRA than those of IRB homodimers with regards to IGF-2.

Interactions between histamine H 3 and dopamine D 2 receptors and the implications for striatal function

The striatum contains a high density of histamine H 3 receptors, but their role in striatal function is poorly understood. Previous studies have demonstrated antagonistic interactions between striatal H 3 and dopamine D 1 receptors at the biochemical level, while contradictory results have been reported about interactions between striatal H 3 and dopamine D 2 receptors. In this study, by using reserpinized mice, we demonstrate the existence of behaviorally significant antagonistic postsynaptic interactions between H 3 and D 1 and also between H 3 and dopamine D 2 receptors. The selective H 3 receptor agonist imetit inhibited, while the H 3 receptor antagonist thioperamide potentiated locomotor activation induced by either the D 1 receptor agonist SKF 38393 or the D 2 receptor agonist quinpirole. High scores of locomotor activity were obtained with H 3 receptor blockade plus D 1 and D 2 receptor co-activation, i.e., when thioperamide was co-administered with both SKF 38393 and quinpirole. Radioligand binding experiments in striatal membrane preparations showed the existence of a strong and selective H 3–D 2 receptor interaction at the membrane level. In agonist/antagonist competition experiments, stimulation of H 3 receptors with several H 3 receptor agonists significantly decreased the affinity of D 2 receptors for the agonist. This kind of intramembrane receptor–receptor interactions are a common biochemical property of receptor heteromers. In fact, by using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer techniques in co-transfected HEK-293 cells, H 3 (but not H 4) receptors were found to form heteromers with D 2 receptors. This study demonstrates an important role of postsynaptic H 3 receptors in the modulation of dopaminergic transmission by means of a negative modulation of D 2 receptor function.

Down-regulation of Mammalian Sterile 20–Like Kinase 1 by Heat Shock Protein 70 Mediates Cisplatin Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells

Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1) is an ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase, and its activation results in cell apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that Mst1 may function as a tumor suppressor. Here, we reported that heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), which is thought to protect cells against cellular stress, has been identified as an Mst1-interacting protein, in a yeast two-hybrid screen of human adult prostate cDNA library with a dominant-negative Mst1 (K59R) as bait. The interaction of Mst1 with Hsp70 was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation in both cotransfected HEK293 cells and prostate cancer cells. Hsp70 colocalized with Mst1 in the cytoplasm of LNCaP cells. The interaction sites with Mst1 consisted of NH(2)-terminal ATPase domain in Hsp70, whereas the inhibitory domain of Mst1 mediates the binding of Hsp70 in Mst1. Overexpression of Hsp70 mediates proteasomal degradation of Mst1 in a Hsp70 interacting protein (CHIP)-dependent manner. Furthermore, the proapoptotic effect of Mst1 was markedly inhibited by overexpression of Hsp70 or CHIP. Most strikingly, in response to the treatment of anticancer drug cisplatin, the induction of Hsp70 expression is higher in the androgen-independent DU145 cells compared with the androgen-dependent LNCaP cells. The higher levels of Hsp70 induction and subsequent Mst1 degradation mediate cisplatin resistance in prostate cancer DU145 cells. Moreover, overexpression of Mst1 sensitizes prostate cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. These findings implicate that Mst1, a downstream target of Hsp70, may be developed as a target for sensitizing hormone-refractory prostate cancers to chemotherapy.

P24A, a Type I Transmembrane Protein, Controls ARF1-dependent Resensitization of Protease-activated Receptor-2 by Influence on Receptor Trafficking

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), the second member of the G protein-coupled PAR family, is irreversibly activated by trypsin or tryptase and then targeted to lysosomes for degradation. Intracellular presynthesized receptors stored at the Golgi apparatus repopulate the cell surface after trypsin stimulation, thereby leading to rapid resensitization to trypsin signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms of the exocytic trafficking of PAR-2 from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane remain largely unclear. Here we show that p24A, a type I transmembrane protein, which is a crucial constituent of the Golgi apparatus, associates with PAR-2 at the Golgi apparatus. The protein interaction occurs between the N-terminal region of p24A (residues 1-105; p24A-GL (GOLD domain with a small linker)) and the second extracellular loop of PAR-2. After receptor activation, PAR-2 dissociates from p24A. Importantly, we found that ADP-ribosylation factor 1 regulated the dissociation process and initiated PAR-2 trafficking to the plasma membrane. Conversely, overexpression of the fragment p24A-GL, but not other mutants containing the functional coiled-coil domain of p24A, arrested PAR-2 at the Golgi apparatus and inhibited receptor trafficking to the plasma membrane, which consequently prevented resensitization of PAR-2. These findings identify a new function of p24A as a regulator of signal-dependent trafficking that regulates the life cycle of PAR-2, Thus, we reveal a new molecular mechanism underlying resensitization of PAR-2.

Heterooligomerization of human dopamine receptor 2 and somatostatin receptor 2: Co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis

Somatostatin and dopamine receptors are well expressed and co-localized in several brain regions, suggesting the possibility of functional interactions. In the present study we used a combination of pharmacological, biochemical and photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer (pbFRET) to determine the functional interactions between human somatostatin receptor 2 (hSSTR2) and human dopamine receptor 2 (hD2R) in both co-transfected CHO-K1 or HEK-293 cells as well as in cultured neuronal cells which express both the receptors endogenously. In monotransfected CHO-K1 or HEK-293 cells, D2R exists as a preformed dimer which is insensitive to agonist or antagonist treatment. In control CHO-K1 cells stably co-transfected with hD2R and hSSTR2, relatively low FRET efficiency and weak expression in co-immunoprecipitate from HEK-293 cells suggest the absence of preformed heterooligomers. However, upon treatment with selective ligands, hD2R and hSSTR2 exhibit heterodimerization. Agonist-induced heterodimerization was accompanied by increased affinity for dopamine and augmented hD2R signalling as well as prolonged hSSTR2 internalization. In contrast, cultured striatal neurons display constitutive heterodimerization between D2R and SSTR2, which were agonist-independent. However, heterodimerization in neurons was completely abolished in the presence of the D2R antagonist eticlopride. These findings suggest that hD2R and hSSTR2 operate as functional heterodimers modulated by ligands in situ, which may prove to be a useful model in designing new therapeutic drugs.

Modulation of D-Serine Levels via Ubiquitin-dependent Proteasomal Degradation of Serine Racemase

Mammalian serine racemase is a brain-enriched enzyme that converts L- into D-serine in the nervous system. D-Serine is an endogenous co-agonist at the "glycine site" of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors that is required for the receptor/channel opening. Factors regulating the synthesis of D-serine have implications for the NMDA receptor transmission, but little is known on the signals and events affecting serine racemase levels. We found that serine racemase interacts with the Golgin subfamily A member 3 (Golga3) protein in yeast two-hybrid screening. The interaction was confirmed in vitro with the recombinant proteins in co-transfected HEK293 cells and in vivo by co-immunoprecipitation studies from brain homogenates. Golga3 and serine racemase co-localized at the cytosol, perinuclear Golgi region, and neuronal and glial cell processes in primary cultures. Golga3 significantly increased serine racemase steady-state levels in co-transfected HEK293 cells and primary astrocyte cultures. This observation led us to investigate mechanisms regulating serine racemase levels. We found that serine racemase is degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasomal system in a Golga3-modulated manner. Golga3 decreased the ubiquitylation of serine racemase both in vitro and in vivo and significantly increased the protein half-life in pulse-chase experiments. Our results suggest that the ubiquitin system is a main regulator of serine racemase and D-serine levels. Modulation of serine racemase degradation, such as that promoted by Golga3, provides a new mechanism for regulating brain d-serine levels and NMDA receptor activity.

Constitutively active Src tyrosine kinase changes gating of HCN4 channels through direct binding to the channel proteins.

Cardiac pacemaker current, if, is generated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. Our previous studies demonstrated that altered tyrosine phosphorylation can modulate the properties of both if and HCN channels. To assess a hypothesis that the intracellular tyrosine kinase Src may play a role in modulation by tyrosine phosphorylation of if, we cotransfected HEK293 cells with HCN4 and Src proteins. When HCN4 was cotransfected with a constitutively activated Src protein (Src529), the resultant voltage-dependent HCN4 activation was positively shifted (HCN4: V1/2 = -93 mV; Src529: V1/2 = -80 mV). The activation kinetics were accelerated at some potentials but not over the entire voltage range tested (eg, at -95 mV, tau_act(HCN4) = 3,243 ms; tau_act(Src529) = 1,113 ms). When HCN4 was cotransfected with a dominant negative Src protein (Src296), the HCN4 activation was shifted more negative to a smaller degree (HCN4: V1/2 = -93 mV; Src296: V1/2 = -98 mV; statistically insignificant) and the activation kinetics were slowed at most test potentials (eg, at -95 mV, tau_act(Src296) = 7,396 ms). Neither Src529 nor Src296 significantly altered HCN4 current density. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Src forms a complex with HCN4 in HEK293 cells and in rat ventricular myocytes. Our data provide a novel mechanism of if regulation by Src tyrosine phosphorylation.

Intravesical Antisense Therapy for Cystitis Using TAT-Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugates

The present study investigated the potential of intravesical instillation for localized reduction of NGF (nerve growth factor) expression in the urinary bladder. Overexpression of NGF has been linked to the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis (IC). A minimum free energy algorithm was used to predict suitable regions in mRNA of rat betaNGF, which can be targeted for an antisense approach. The candidate antisense oligos were evaluated for their ability to reduce NGF expression in vitro by cotransfecting HEK293 cells with NGF cDNA. A single oligonucleotide ODN sequence was chosen for testing in an acute cystitis model in rat induced by cyclophosphamide. Overexpression of NGF is known to mediate inflammation of bladder in this model. For improved stability, antisense ODN was replaced with antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and its penetration into bladder was facilitated by tethering TAT peptide sequence. Rat bladders were instilled with either antisense or its scrambled control prior to cystitis induction. Cystometrograms performed on rats under urethane anaesthesia exhibited bladder contraction frequency that was significantly decreased in the antisense treated rats than rats treated with the control. NGF immunoreactivity was also decreased in the urothelium of the antisense treated bladders. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using TAT-PNA conjugates for intravesical antisense therapy.

A Specific Heat Shock Protein Enhances the Expression of Mammalian Olfactory Receptor Proteins

Multiple trials failed to express significant amounts of olfactory receptors in heterologous cells as they are typically retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Evidence is accumulating that cell-type-specific accessory proteins regulate the folding of olfactory receptors, their exit from the ER, and the trafficking to the plasma membrane of the olfactory cilia where the receptors gain access to odorants. We found Hsc70t, a testis-enriched variant of the Hsp70 family of heat shock proteins which is specifically expressed in post-meiotic germ cells, in the olfactory epithelium of mouse and human. Cotransfected HEK293 cells with Hsc70t and different green fluorescent protein-tagged odorant receptors (ORs) from mouse and man showed a significantly enhanced OR expression. Hsc70t expression also changed the amount of cells functionally expressing olfactory receptors at the cell surface as the number of cells responding to odorants in Ca2+-imaging experiments significantly increased. Our results show that Hsc70t helps expression of ORs in heterologous cell systems and helped the characterization of an "orphan" human olfactory receptor.

HIC-5 Is a Novel Repressor of Lymphoid Enhancer Factor/T-cell Factor-driven Transcription

Activation of Wnt/beta-catenin target genes is regulated by a heterodimer of beta-catenin and the high mobility group box transcription factors of the lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF)/T-cell factor (TCF) family. In vertebrates, four LEF/TCF family members have been identified. They all contain a conserved beta-catenin-binding motif at the N terminus and a highly conserved high mobility group box for DNA binding. The core sequence between these motifs is less conserved and contributes to the specific properties of the individual family members. To identify interacting proteins that allocate specific functions to the individual LEF/TCF transcription factors, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen using the less conserved core sequence as bait. We isolated the murine LIM protein HIC-5 (hydrogen peroxide-induced clone 5; also termed ARA-55 (androgen receptor activator of 55 kDa)) and cloned the highly conserved Xenopus homolog. In addition, we report that the LIM domain-containing C-terminal half of HIC-5 binds to a conserved alternatively spliced exon in LEF/TCF transcription factors. Our functional analyses revealed that HIC-5 acts as negative regulator of a subset of LEF/TCF family members, which have been characterized as activators in reporter gene analyses and in the Xenopus axis induction assay. In addition, we observed a repressive interference of LEF/TCF family members with HIC-5-mediated activation of glucocorticoid-driven transcription, which again could be allocated to specific LEF/TCF subtypes. With the characterization of HIC-5 as a binding partner of the alternatively spliced exon in LEF/TCF transcription factors, we identified a novel molecular mechanism in the dialog of steroid and canonical Wnt signaling that is LEF/TCF subtype-dependent.

Sumoylation and Acetylation Play Opposite Roles in the Transactivation of PLAG1 and PLAGL2*

PLAG1 (pleomorphic adenoma gene 1) and PLAGL2 (PLAG-like 2) are oncogenes involved in various malignancies. Thus the study of their regulatory mechanisms may lead to identification of novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we provide supporting evidence that sumoylation and acetylation regulate functions of PLAG1 and PLAGL2. A conserved transcriptional repression domain exists in both PLAG1 and PLAGL2, whose activity depends on the presence of three sumoylation motifs and an intact sumoylation pathway. In vivo sumoylation assays confirmed that lysines 244, 263, and 353 of PLAG1 and lysines 250, 269, and 356 of PLAGL2 are indeed sumoylation sites. Further study showed that sumoylation inhibits PLAG1-induced IGF-II expression in reporter assays. The repression mediated by sumoylation may be partially explained by its effect on the cellular localization of PLAG1 and PLAGL2, because sumoylation-deficient but not wild-type PLAG1 and PLAGL2 concentrate in the nucleolus. PLAG1 and PLAGL2 are also regulated by acetylation. They are acetylated and activated by p300 and deacetylated and repressed by HDAC7. Interestingly, the sumoylation-deficient mutant of PLAGL2 is acetylated at a lower level than its wild-type counterpart, suggesting that some of the lysine residues may be targets for both modifications. Finally, mutation of three lysine residues in sumoylation motifs significantly impairs the transformation ability of PLAG1 and PLAGL2, suggesting the essential roles of these sites in the oncogenic potential of PLAG proteins. Taken together, the activities of PLAG1 and PLAGL2 are tightly modulated by both sumoylation and acetylation, which have opposite effects on their transactivation. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that oncoproteins can be regulated by both sumoylation and acetylation.

PHR1, an integral membrane protein of the inner ear sensory cells, directly interacts with myosin 1c and myosin VIIa

By using the yeast two-hybrid technique, we identified a candidate protein ligand of the myosin 1c tail, PHR1, and found that this protein can also bind to the myosin VIIa tail. PHR1 is an integral membrane protein that contains a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. Myosin 1c and myosin VIIa are two unconventional myosins present in the inner ear sensory cells. We showed that PHR1 immunoprecipitates with either myosin tail by using protein extracts from cotransfected HEK293 cells. In vitro binding assays confirmed that PHR1 directly interacts with these two myosins. In both cases the binding involves the PH domain. In vitro interactions between PHR1 and the myosin tails were not affected by the presence or absence of Ca2+ and calmodulin. Finally, we found that PHR1 is able to dimerise. As PHR1 is expressed in the vestibular and cochlear sensory cells, its direct interactions with the myosin 1c and VIIa tails are likely to play a role in anchoring the actin cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane of these cells. Moreover, as both myosins have been implicated in the mechanotransduction slow adaptation process that takes place in the hair bundles, we propose that PHR1 is also involved in this process.

Effect of Walker A mutation (K86M) on oligomerization and surface targeting of the multidrug resistance transporter ABCG2

The ATP binding cassette (ABC) half-transporter ABCG2 (MXR/BCRP/ABCP) is associated with mitoxantrone resistance accompanied by cross-resistance to a broad spectrum of cytotoxic drugs. Here we investigate the functional consequences of mutating a highly conserved lysine in the Walker A motif of the nucleotide binding domain (NBD) known to be critical for ATP binding and/or hydrolysis in ABC transporters. The mutant (ABCG2-K86M) was inactive as expected but was expressed at similar levels as the wild-type (wt) protein. The mutation did not affect the predicted oligomerization properties of the transporter; hence, co-immunoprecipitation experiments using differentially tagged transporters showed evidence for oligomerization of both ABCG2-wt and of ABCG2-wt with ABCG2-K86M. We also obtained evidence that both ABCG2-wt and ABCG2-K86M exist in the cells as disulfide-linked dimers. Moreover, measurement of prazosin-stimulated ATPase activity revealed a dominant-negative effect of ABCG2-K86M on ABCG2-wt function in co-transfected HEK293 cells. This is consistent with the requirement for at least two active NBDs for transporter activity and suggests that the transporter is a functional dimer. Finally, we analyzed targeting of ABCG2-wt and ABCG2-K86M and observed that they localize to two distinct subcellular compartments: ABCG2-wt targets the cell surface whereas ABCG2-K86M is targeted to the Golgi apparatus followed by retrieval to the endoplasmic reticulum. This suggests an as yet unknown role of the NBDs in assisting proper surface targeting of ABC transporters.