Levels Of Protein Phosphatase 2A Research Articles

Downregulation of protein phosphatase 2A by apolipoprotein E: Implications for Alzheimer's disease.

The apolipoprotein E ε4 allele is the single most important genetic risk factor associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau phosphorylation and hyperphosphorylation is an underlying feature of AD and is regulated by specific kinases and phosphatases. Among phosphatases, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is the principal tau dephosphorylating enzyme in the brain. Several abnormalities of PP2A have been reported in AD, including among others decreased protein levels of PP2A, decreased mRNA and protein levels of the catalytic subunit PP2AC and variable regulatory B subunits and reduced methylation of the catalytic subunit, all of which results in disruption of the PP2A phosphatase activity. In earlier studies we described a novel mechanism for ApoE as a transcription factor that binds regions of double-stranded DNA with high affinity, including the promoter regions of ~3000 different genes. The list of genes also included PPP2R5E (B56ε), a regulatory B' subunit of protein phosphatase 2A. Using a combination of A172 human glioblastoma cells, ApoE3/4 and ApoE-/- NSC and human postmortem tissue, we now demonstrate that ApoE not only binds to the PPP2R5E promoter but also triggers a significant reduction in PP2A activity by two mechanisms: 1) ApoE transcriptionally represses PPP2R5E and reduces protein expression, and 2) ApoE triggers demethylation of the catalytic subunit (PP2AC) of PP2A, resulting in the disruption of the PPP2R5E-PP2AC complex. Our results indicated a significant down-regulation of PPP2R5E gene expression and reduction in PP2A activity by ApoE4 compared with ApoE3. This may also explain an elevated Tau phosphorylation in AD human brains that featured at least one ApoE4 allele. Thus, our present work links ApoE and PPP2R5E expression to a reduction in the PP2A catalytic activity that has implications for Alzheimer's disease.

The impact of tau hyperphosphorylation at Ser262 on memory and learning after global brain ischaemia in a rat model of reversible cardiac arrest

An increase in phosphorylated tau (p-tau) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and brain hypoxia. Investigation of the association of residue-specific tau hyperphosphorylation and changes in cognition, leads to greater understanding of its potential role in the pathology of memory impairment. The aims of this study are to investigate the involvement of the main metabolic kinases, Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) and Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase Protein Kinase (AMPK), in tau phosphorylation-derived memory impairment, and to study the potential contribution of the other tau kinases and phosphatases including Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK-3β), Protein kinase A (PKA) and Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Spatial memory and learning were tested in a rat global brain ischemic model of reversible cardiac arrest (CA). The phosphorylation levels of LKB1, AMPK, GSK-3β, PP2A, PKA and tau-specific phosphorylation were assessed in rats, subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion and in clinically diagnosed AD and normal human brains. LKB1 and AMPK phosphorylation increased 4 weeks after CA as did AMPK related p-tau (Ser262). The animals showed unchanged levels of GSK-3β specific p-tau (Ser202/Thr205), phospho-PP2A (Tyr307), total GSK-3β, PP2A, phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) which is an indicator of PKA activity, and no memory deficits. AD brains had hyperphosphorylated tau in all the residues of Ser262, Ser202 and Thr205, with increased phosphorylation of both AMPK (Thr172) and GSK-3β (Ser9), and reduced PP2A levels. Our data suggests a crucial role for a combined activation of tau kinases and phosphatases in adversely affecting memory and that hyperphosphorylation of tau in more than one specific site may be required to create memory deficits.

Leucine Carboxyl Methyltransferase 1 (LCMT-1) Methylates Protein Phosphatase 4 (PP4) and Protein Phosphatase 6 (PP6) and Differentially Regulates the Stable Formation of Different PP4 Holoenzymes

The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) subfamily of phosphatases, PP2A, PP4, and PP6, are multifunctional serine/threonine protein phosphatases involved in many cellular processes. Carboxyl methylation of the PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac) C-terminal leucine is regulated by the opposing activities of leucine carboxyl methyltransferase 1 (LCMT-1) and protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PME-1) and regulates PP2A holoenzyme formation. The site of methylation on PP2Ac is conserved in the catalytic subunits of PP4 and PP6, and PP4 is also methylated on that site, but the identities of the methyltransferase enzyme for PP4 are not known. Whether PP6 is methylated is also not known. Here we use antibodies specific for the unmethylated phosphatases to show that PP6 is carboxyl-methylated and that LCMT-1 is the major methyltransferase for PP2A, PP4, and PP6 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Analysis of PP2A and PP4 complexes by blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) indicates that PP4 holoenzyme complexes, like those of PP2A, are differentially regulated by LCMT-1, with the PP4 regulatory subunit 1 (PP4R1)-containing PP4 complex being the most dramatically affected by the LCMT-1 loss. MEFs derived from LCMT-1 knock-out mouse embryos have reduced levels of PP2A B regulatory subunit and PP4R1 relative to control MEFs, indicating that LCMT-1 is important for maintaining normal levels of these subunits. Finally, LCMT-1 homozygous knock-out MEFs exhibited hyperphosphorylation of HDAC3, a reported target of the methylation-dependent PP4R1-PP4c complex. Collectively, our data suggest that LCMT-1 coordinately regulates the carboxyl methylation of PP2A-related phosphatases and, consequently, their holoenzyme assembly and function.

The Role of Ceramide in the Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Liver Disease.

Ceramide is an important second messenger in the sphingomyelin signaling pathway. In this review, we will focus on the potential role of ceramide in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We have summarized the relevant studies and reviews about the role of ceramide in ALD. In addition, we have discussed the role of acid sphingomyelinase and protein phosphatase 2A in ALD, which are associated with ceramide and hepatic steatosis. Recent studies have proved that the immunoreactivity and content of ceramide were increased, both in experimental models of chronic alcohol-induced steatohepatitis and human livers with severe chronic alcohol-related liver disease. Consistent with that, the levels of protein phosphatase 2A and acid sphingomyelinase were increased. Of relevance, the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was inhibited, which could block the fatty acid oxidation and promote its synthesis. It was hypothesized that ethanol promoted ceramide accumulation and increased PP2A activity by activating ASMase, which may be an important mechanism in the inhibitory effect on AMPK phosphorylation and then contributed to the progression of steatosis. ASMase, a specific mechanism of ceramide generation, was proved to be a regulator of steatosis, fibrosis, lipotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Networks of protein kinases and phosphatases in the individual phases of contextual fear conditioning in the C57BL/6J mouse

Although protein kinases and phosphatases have been reported to be involved in fear memory, information about these signalling molecules in the individual phases of contextual fear conditioning (cFC) is limited. C57BL/6J mice were tested in cFC, sacrificed and hippocampi were used for screening of approximately 800 protein kinases and phosphatases by protein microarrays with subsequent Western blot confirmation of threefold higher or lower hippocampal levels as compared to foot shock controls. Immunoblotting of the protein kinases and phosphatases screened out was carried out by Western blotting. A network of protein kinases and phosphatases was generated (STRING 9.1). Animals learned the task in the paradigm and protein kinase and phosphatase levels were determined in the individual phases acquisition, consolidation and retrieval and compared to foot shock controls. Protein kinases discoidin containing receptor 2 (DDR2), mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase 7 (TAK1), protein phosphatases dual specificity protein phosphatase (PTEN) and protein phosphatase 2a (PP2A) were modulated in the individual phases of cFC. Phosphatidyl-inositol-3,4,5-triphosphate 3-phosphatase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) that is interacting with PTEN were modulated as well. Freezing time was correlating with PP2A levels in the retrieval phase of cFC. The abovementioned protein kinases, phosphatases and inositol-signalling enzymes were not reported so far in cFC and the results are relevant for interpretation of previous and design of future studies in cFC or fear memory. Protein phosphatase PP2A was, however, the only signalling compound tested that was directly linked to retrieval in the cFC.

Altered protein phosphatase 2A methylation and Tau phosphorylation in the young and aged brain of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficient mice.

Common functional polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, a key enzyme in folate and homocysteine metabolism, influence risk for a variety of complex disorders, including developmental, vascular, and neurological diseases. MTHFR deficiency is associated with elevation of homocysteine levels and alterations in the methylation cycle. Here, using young and aged Mthfr knockout mouse models, we show that mild MTHFR deficiency can lead to brain-region specific impairment of the methylation of Ser/Thr protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Relative to wild-type controls, decreased expression levels of PP2A and leucine carboxyl methyltransferase (LCMT1) were primarily observed in the hippocampus and cerebellum, and to a lesser extent in the cortex of young null Mthfr−/− and aged heterozygous Mthfr+/− mice. A marked down regulation of LCMT1 correlated with the loss of PP2A/Bα holoenzymes. Dietary folate deficiency significantly decreased LCMT1, methylated PP2A and PP2A/Bα levels in all brain regions examined from aged Mthfr+/+ mice, and further exacerbated the regional effects of MTHFR deficiency in aged Mthfr+/− mice. In turn, the down regulation of PP2A/Bα was associated with enhanced phosphorylation of Tau, a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our findings identify hypomethylation of PP2A enzymes, which are major CNS phosphatases, as a novel mechanism by which MTHFR deficiency and Mthfr gene-diet interactions could lead to disruption of neuronal homeostasis, and increase the risk for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including age-related diseases like sporadic AD.

Role of NMDA receptors in noise-induced tau hyperphosphorylation in rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex

Chronic noise exposure has been associated with abnormalities in glutamate (Glu)-NMDAR signaling and tau hyperphosphorylation. However, further studies are necessary to clarify potential causal relationships. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of NMDA receptors in noise-induced tau hyperphosphorylation in the rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups in the present study: control with isotonic saline instillation (n=10); noise exposure (100dB SPL white noise, 4h/d×14d) and treated with saline (n=10); and noise exposure and treated with MK-801 (0.5mg/kg, intraperitoneally; n=10). The levels of tau phosphorylated at Ser202 and Ser396, and proteins involved in hyperphosphorylation, namely glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), were measured in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) after the last noise exposure. We showed that phosphorylated tau levels were enhanced in noise-exposed-rat hippocampus and PFC. MK-801 decreased the hyperphosphorylation of tau at Ser202 and Ser396 sites in the hippocampus and PFC. Furthermore, MK-801 reversed noise-induced GSK3β overexpression but had no significant effect on PP2A levels. This suggests that MK-801 protects against chronic-noise-induced tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus and PFC. These findings demonstrate that Glu-NMDAR signaling may be involved in triggering aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus and PFC after chronic noise exposure.

Upregulation of Protein Phosphatase 2A and NR3A-Pleiotropic Effect of Simvastatin on Ischemic Stroke Rats

Ca2+ influxes are regulated by the functional state of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Dephosphorylation of NMDARs subunits decreases Ca2+ influxes. NR3, a novel subunit of NMDARs, also decreases Ca2+ influxes by forming new NMDARs with NR1 and NR2. It is meaningful to uncover whether protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and NR3A play a role in the protective effect of Simvastatin on ischemic stroke. In the present study, the Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with Simvastatin for 7 days before middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed to mimic ischemic stroke. The results showed that Simvastatin decreased brain ischemic infarct area significantly while increasing the expression levels of PP2A and NR3A, thus dephosphorylating the serine sites of NR1 (ser896 and ser897) along with increased enzymatic activities of PP2A. The protein levels of NR3A decreased as the enzymatic activities of PP2A were inhibited by okadaic acid. The results indicated that Simvastatin could protect the cerebrum from ischemic injury through a signaling mechanism involving elevated levels of PP2A and NR3A, and that PP2A might involve in the regulatory mechanism of NR3A expression.

Calpain 2 Regulates Akt-FoxO-p27Kip1 Protein Signaling Pathway in Mammary Carcinoma

Calpain 2 Regulates Akt-FoxO-p27Kip1 Protein Signaling Pathway in Mammary Carcinoma

Regulation of α‐synuclein expression in down syndrome

The triplication of genes located on chromosome 21 is known to cause a wide spectrum of pathology seen in Down syndrome (DS), including leukemia, seizures, stroke, and mental retardation. Studies on RNA and protein expression of genes in DS brain have demonstrated the role of triplicated genes in several DS phenotypes. Significant changes in the expression of nontriplicated genes have also been observed. However, little information is available regarding the role of nonchromosome 21 genes in DS pathology. We have found that α-synuclein (SNCA), a presynaptic protein whose gene is located on chromosome 6 in the Ts65Dn mouse model for DS, is significantly reduced in the cortex and other brain regions. We hypothesize that this alteration may play a critical role in the reduced synaptic function observed in DS. We have found an increase in the level of neurosin, a key negative regulator of SNCA in Ts65Dn cortex. We have also found increased levels of protein phosphatase 2A, a negative regulator of the activation of tyrosine hydroxylase and a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway for dopamine in Ts65Dn cortex. These findings reveal potential target sites for intervention in the treatment of DS pathology.

Protein phosphatases 2A as well as reactive oxygen species involved in tributyltin-induced apoptosis in mouse livers

Tributyltin (TBT), a highly toxic environmental contaminant, has been shown to induce caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in human amniotic cells through protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibition and consequent JNK activation. This in vivo study was undertaken to further verify the results derived from our previous in vitro study. Mice were orally dosed with 0, 10, 20, and 60 mg/kg of body weight TBT, and levels of PP2A, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3 were detected in the mouse livers. Apoptosis was also evaluated using the TUNEL assay. The results showed that PP2A activity was inhibited, ROS levels were elevated, and MAPKs including ERK, JNK, and p38 were activated in mouse livers treated with the highest dose of TBT. Additionally, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was increased, caspase-3 was activated, and apoptosis in mouse livers could be detected in the highest dose group. Therefore, a possible signaling pathway in TBT-induced apoptosis in mouse livers involves PP2A inhibition and ROS elevation serving a pivotal function as upstream activators of MAPKs; activation of MAPKs in turn leads to an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, ultimately leading to the activation of caspase-3. The results give a comprehensive and novel description of the mechanism of TBT-induced toxicity.

Prolonged effect of fluid flow stress on the proliferative activity of mesothelial cells after abrupt discontinuation of fluid streaming

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) often develops after transfer to hemodialysis and transplantation. Both termination of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and transplantation-related factors are risks implicated in post-PD development of EPS, but the precise mechanism of this late-onset peritoneal fibrosis remains to be elucidated. We previously demonstrated that fluid flow stress induced mesothelial proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Therefore, we speculated that the prolonged bioactive effect of fluid flow stress may affect mesothelial cell kinetics after cessation of fluid streaming. To investigate how long mesothelial cells stay under the bioactive effect brought on by fluid flow stress after removal of the stress, we initially cultured mesothelial cells under fluid flow stress and then cultured the cells under static conditions. Mesothelial cells exposed to fluid flow stress for a certain time showed significantly high proliferative activity compared with static conditions after stoppage of fluid streaming. The expression levels of protein phosphatase 2A, which dephosphorylates MAPK, in mesothelial cells changed with time and showed a biphasic pattern that was dependent on the duration of exposure to fluid flow stress. There were no differences in the fluid flow stress-related bioactive effects on mesothelial cells once a certain time had passed. The present findings show that fluid flow stress exerts a prolonged bioactive effect on mesothelial cells after termination of fluid streaming. These findings support the hypothesis that a history of PD for a certain period could serve as a trigger of EPS after stoppage of PD.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β regulates Tyr307 phosphorylation of protein phosphatase-2A via protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B but not Src

GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β), a crucial tau kinase, negatively regulates PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A), the most active tau phosphatase that is suppressed in the brain in AD (Alzheimer's disease). However, the molecular mechanism is not understood. In the present study we found that activation of GSK-3β stimulates the inhibitory phosphorylation of PP2A at Tyr307 (pY307-PP2A), whereas inhibition of GSK-3β decreased the level of pY307-PP2A both in vitro and in vivo. GSK-3β is a serine/threonine kinase that can not phosphorylate tyrosine directly, therefore we measured PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) and Src (a tyrosine kinase) activities. We found that GSK-3β can modulate both PTP1B and Src protein levels, but it only inhibits PTP1B activity, with no effect on Src. Furthermore, only knockdown of PTP1B but not Src by siRNA (small interfering RNA) eliminates the effects of GSK-3β on PP2A. GSK-3β phosphorylates PTP1B at serine residues, and activation of GSK-3β reduces the mRNA level of PTP1B. Additionally, we also observed that GSK-3 negatively regulates the protein and mRNA levels of PP2A, and knockdown of CREB (cAMP-response-element-binding protein) abolishes the increase in PP2A induced by GSK-3 inhibition. The results of the present study suggest that GSK-3β inhibits PP2A by increasing the inhibitory Tyr307 phosphorylation and decreasing the expression of PP2A, and the mechanism involves inhibition of PTP1B and CREB.

505 Role for PP2A Regulatory Subunit B55alpha as a Regulator of AKT and Other Signaling Pathways in AML

Abstract Abstract 1668 Activation of survival kinases such as Protein Kinase B (AKT), Protein Kinase C (PKC), and Extracellular Receptor Activated Kinase (ERK) predict poor clinical outcome for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML; Kornblau et al Blood 2006). A better understanding of how the activities of these kinases are regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation will enable the development of targeted therapies directed against this axis. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) negatively regulates PKC, AKT, and ERK but its role in AML is not clear. In the current study we examined the role of PP2A in regulating AKT in AML. Activation of AKT involves phosphorylation of threonine 308 (T308) and serine 473 (S473). A recent study has indicated that phosphorylation of AKT at T308 but not S473 is a poor prognostic factor for AML patients and that PP2A activity negatively correlated with T308 phosphorylation (Gallay et al Leukemia 2009). PP2A is a family of different isoforms that form hetero-trimers consisting of a catalytic C subunit, a scaffold A subunit, and one of at least 21 different regulatory B subunits. The functionality of each PP2A isoform is determined by the regulatory B subunit. Thus to understand PP2A regulation of AKT in AML, it is essential to study the B subunit that regulates the AKT phosphatase. The PP2A isoform regulating AKT in the AML patients is currently unknown. Evidence suggests that the B55a subunit is responsible for dephosphorylation of AKT at T308. In the current study, we compared B55α gene expression in blast cells derived from AML patients with normal counterpart (i.e. CD34+) cells derived from normal bone marrow donors by real time PCR. Surprisingly, B55α gene expression was higher in the patients. Reverse Phase Protein Analysis (RPPA) is a powerful tool that allows for the analysis of protein expression from patient samples. Protein levels of the PP2A B subunit were analyzed by RPPA in AML blast cells obtained from 511 newly diagnosed AML patients and CD34+ cells obtained from 11 normal bone marrow donors. Levels of B55α protein were significantly lower in the blast cells from the AML patients compared to normal CD34+ cells. While the mechanism for the observed difference in gene versus protein expression in the leukemia cells has yet to be determined, a plausible mechanism is that the B55α protein is being proteolyzed since monomeric PP2A B subunits that are not part of the PP2A hetero-trimer are degraded. Importantly the reduced levels of B55α protein observed would be predicted if AKT were activated in the AML blast cells. We next compared AKT phosphorylation status with B55α protein expression in the AML blast cells using RPPA to answer this question. Analysis of RPPA data revealed that there was no correlation between B55α protein levels and levels of total AKT protein or with levels of AKT phosphorylated at S473 in the AML samples. However, there was a moderate but significant negative correlation between B55α protein levels and levels of AKT phosphorylated at T308. This result suggests that B55α is mediating dephosphorylation of AKT at T308 but not S473 in the AML cells. B55α expression was not associated with FAB classification but was positively correlated with high blast and peripheral blood counts. While the level of expression of the B subunit did not correlate with overall survival, intermediate levels of B55α expression were associated with longer complete remission duration. We predict that higher levels of B55α would reflect low levels of other PP2A B subunits. Consistent with this prediction, B55α expression positively correlated with MYC expression in the AML patients. MYC expression is regulated by a B subunit that competes with B55α (i.e. B56α). These findings suggest that B55α may play an important role in AML as a negative regulator of AKT and perhaps by other as yet unidentified functions. Activation of B55α is a potential therapeutic target for overcoming the AKT activation frequently observed in AML. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 2222: Identify and evaluate novel biomarker CIP2A for cervical cancer diagnostics

Abstract Early detection of cervical cancer is critical for a favorable prognosis. HPV infection is not a reliable marker for predicting the malignancy potential of cervical lesions. Standard cytological detection methods such as Pap smear are highly subjective. As a result, there remains a very high demand for a diagnostic assay capable of determining which early stage cervical lesions will progress to cervical cancer. We sought to identify cervical cancer biomarkers and to test the hypothesis that the small percentage of HPV positive patients who progress to cervical cancer have aberrant expression of the cell signaling component, c-myc and its regulators, including protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A). In this study, Bio-Plex liquid microarray analysis was used to determine the HPV status cervical specimens (NNon-tumor=28, NTumor=30). qRT-PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and ELISA analysis were used to access expression levels of CIP2A, c-myc, PP2A, Ki67, TOP2A, MCM2, MCM5, p14ARF, and p16INK4a. Our studies indicate CIP2A was abundantly expressed in cervical cancer cell lines and it was not expressed in normal epithelial cells. CIP2A mRNA levels were higher in cervical tissues from stage I, II, and III cervical cancer patients in comparison to the level of CIP2A mRNA in normal tissue. CIP2A protein was specifically expressed in cervical cancer tissues at different cancer stages, and not in non-cancer or adjacent non-tumor cervical tissue. Our data showed that CIP2A mRNA detection had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 91% and CIP2A protein expression detection had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100%, similar to that of p16INK4a biomarker. Although CIP2A/PP2A/c-myc pathway may work together in the development of cervical cancer, our data strongly indicate that only CIP2A (but not PP2A or c-myc) is a reliable biomarker for detection of cervical cancer. In this study, we also examined the combined use of at least two biomarkers as a tool to detect cervical cancer. Our studies also suggest there was no strong correlation of CIP2A expression with HPV subtype, age, ethnical background, or other patient characteristics. In conclusion, our clinical studies suggest that CIP2A is a reliable and sensitive biomarker for detection of cervical cancer. CIP2A mRNA or protein can both serve as reliable markers. A combined use of CIP2A with at least on additional marker selected from the group consisting of Ki67, TOP2A, MCM2, MCM5, and p16 will improve the assay sensitivity and specificity. CIP2A is a novel biomarker for early detection of cervical cancer in humans. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2222. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2222

Effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on tau phosphorylation in the rat brain

Brain protein kinase B (Akt) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activities are adaptable to changes of peripheral blood glucose level in vivo. GSK-3 phosphorylates microtube-associated protein tau at multiple sites, which can be antagonized by protein phosphatase-2A (PP-2A). The imbalance among these enzymes might have potential connections with diabetes mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study hyperglycemia rat DM model was achieved by streptozotocin (STZ) treatment. The phosphorylation of tau in the rat hippocampus was detected with specific antibodies. Insulin and Li2CO3 administration were also employed to find out the regulatory efforts of the kinases. We observed that rat hippocampus tau was hyperphosphorylated at Ser396/Ser404 (PHF-1 sites) in STZ-induced DM model, accompanied by lowered phosphorylation levels of Akt, GSK-3 and PP-2A. Lithium, a specific GSK-3 inhibitor, nearly reversed all phosphorylation of tau at above sites in 30days. Insulin administration restored the blood glucose level in DM rats but suppressed PP-2A activity, resulting in the PHF-1 sites of tau not being dephosphorylated. These findings strongly suggest that STZ-induced hyperglycemia may cause disorder of Akt/GSK-3/PP-2A regulations in rat brain and further lead to abnormal phosphorylation of hippocampus tau.

Autocrine transforming growth factor β signaling regulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation via modulation of protein phosphatase 2A expression in scleroderma fibroblasts

BackgroundDuring scleroderma (SSc) pathogenesis, fibroblasts acquire an activated phenotype characterized by enhanced production of extracellular matrix (ECM) and constitutive activation of several major signaling pathways including extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2). Several studies have addressed the role of ERK1/2 in SSc fibrosis however the mechanism of its prolonged activation in SSc fibroblasts is still unknown. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a key serine threonine phosphatase responsible for dephosphorylation of a wide array of signaling molecules. Recently published microarray data from cultured SSc fibroblasts suggests that the catalytic subunit (C-subunit) of PP2A is downregulated in SSc. In this study we examined the role and regulation of PP2A in SSc fibroblasts in the context of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and matrix production.ResultsWe show for the first time that PP2A mRNA and protein expression are significantly reduced in SSc fibroblasts and correlate with an increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation and collagen expression. Furthermore, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), a major profibrotic cytokine implicated in SSc fibrosis, downregulates PP2A expression in healthy fibroblasts. PP2A-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was utilized to confirm the role of PP2A in ERK1/2 dephosphorylation in dermal fibroblasts. Accordingly, blockade of autocrine TGFβ signaling in SSc fibroblasts using soluble recombinant TGFβ receptor II (SRII) restored PP2A levels and decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and collagen expression. In addition, we observed that inhibition of ERK1/2 in SSc fibroblasts increased PP2A expression suggesting that ERK1/2 phosphorylation also contributes to maintaining low levels of PP2A, leading to an even further amplification of ERK1/2 phosphorylation.ConclusionsTaken together, these studies suggest that decreased PP2A levels in SSc is a result of constitutively activated autocrine TGFβ signaling and could contribute to enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and matrix production in SSc fibroblasts.

Role for PP2A Regulatory Subunit B55α as A Regulator of AKT and Other Signaling Pathways In AML.

AbstractAbstract 1668Activation of survival kinases such as Protein Kinase B (AKT), Protein Kinase C (PKC), and Extracellular Receptor Activated Kinase (ERK) predict poor clinical outcome for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML; Kornblau et al Blood 2006). A better understanding of how the activities of these kinases are regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation will enable the development of targeted therapies directed against this axis. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) negatively regulates PKC, AKT, and ERK but its role in AML is not clear. In the current study we examined the role of PP2A in regulating AKT in AML. Activation of AKT involves phosphorylation of threonine 308 (T308) and serine 473 (S473). A recent study has indicated that phosphorylation of AKT at T308 but not S473 is a poor prognostic factor for AML patients and that PP2A activity negatively correlated with T308 phosphorylation (Gallay et al Leukemia 2009). PP2A is a family of different isoforms that form hetero-trimers consisting of a catalytic C subunit, a scaffold A subunit, and one of at least 21 different regulatory B subunits. The functionality of each PP2A isoform is determined by the regulatory B subunit. Thus to understand PP2A regulation of AKT in AML, it is essential to study the B subunit that regulates the AKT phosphatase. The PP2A isoform regulating AKT in the AML patients is currently unknown. Evidence suggests that the B55a subunit is responsible for dephosphorylation of AKT at T308. In the current study, we compared B55α gene expression in blast cells derived from AML patients with normal counterpart (i.e. CD34+) cells derived from normal bone marrow donors by real time PCR. Surprisingly, B55α gene expression was higher in the patients. Reverse Phase Protein Analysis (RPPA) is a powerful tool that allows for the analysis of protein expression from patient samples. Protein levels of the PP2A B subunit were analyzed by RPPA in AML blast cells obtained from 511 newly diagnosed AML patients and CD34+ cells obtained from 11 normal bone marrow donors. Levels of B55α protein were significantly lower in the blast cells from the AML patients compared to normal CD34+ cells. While the mechanism for the observed difference in gene versus protein expression in the leukemia cells has yet to be determined, a plausible mechanism is that the B55α protein is being proteolyzed since monomeric PP2A B subunits that are not part of the PP2A hetero-trimer are degraded. Importantly the reduced levels of B55α protein observed would be predicted if AKT were activated in the AML blast cells. We next compared AKT phosphorylation status with B55α protein expression in the AML blast cells using RPPA to answer this question. Analysis of RPPA data revealed that there was no correlation between B55α protein levels and levels of total AKT protein or with levels of AKT phosphorylated at S473 in the AML samples. However, there was a moderate but significant negative correlation between B55α protein levels and levels of AKT phosphorylated at T308. This result suggests that B55α is mediating dephosphorylation of AKT at T308 but not S473 in the AML cells. B55α expression was not associated with FAB classification but was positively correlated with high blast and peripheral blood counts. While the level of expression of the B subunit did not correlate with overall survival, intermediate levels of B55α expression were associated with longer complete remission duration. We predict that higher levels of B55α would reflect low levels of other PP2A B subunits. Consistent with this prediction, B55α expression positively correlated with MYC expression in the AML patients. MYC expression is regulated by a B subunit that competes with B55α (i.e. B56α). These findings suggest that B55α may play an important role in AML as a negative regulator of AKT and perhaps by other as yet unidentified functions. Activation of B55α is a potential therapeutic target for overcoming the AKT activation frequently observed in AML. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Loss of Hsp110 Leads to Age-Dependent Tau Hyperphosphorylation and Early Accumulation of Insoluble Amyloid β

Accumulation of tau into neurofibrillary tangles is a pathological consequence of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Failures of the quality control mechanisms by the heat shock proteins (Hsps) positively correlate with the appearance of such neurodegenerative diseases. However, in vivo genetic evidence for the roles of Hsps in neurodegeneration remains elusive. Hsp110 is a nucleotide exchange factor for Hsp70, and direct substrate binding to Hsp110 may facilitate substrate folding. Hsp70 complexes have been implicated in tau phosphorylation state and amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing. To provide evidence for a role for Hsp110 in central nervous system homeostasis, we have generated hsp110(-)(/)(-) mice. Our results show that hsp110(-)(/)(-) mice exhibit accumulation of hyperphosphorylated-tau (p-tau) and neurodegeneration. We also demonstrate that Hsp110 is in complexes with tau, other molecular chaperones, and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Surprisingly, high levels of PP2A remain bound to tau but with significantly reduced activity in brain extracts from aged hsp110(-)(/)(-) mice compared to brain extracts from wild-type mice. Mice deficient in the Hsp110 partner (Hsp70) also exhibit a phenotype comparable to that of hsp110(-)(/)(-) mice, confirming a critical role for Hsp110-Hsp70 in maintaining tau in its unphosphorylated form during aging. In addition, crossing hsp110(-)(/)(-) mice with mice overexpressing mutant APP (APPβsw) leads to selective appearance of insoluble amyloid β42 (Aβ42), suggesting an essential role for Hsp110 in APP processing and Aβ generation. Thus, our findings provide in vivo evidence that Hsp110 plays a critical function in tau phosphorylation state through maintenance of efficient PP2A activity, confirming its role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.

Progesterone regulates the phosphorylation of protein phosphatases in the brain

Previous studies have shown that progesterone modulates the activity of different kinases and the phosphorylation of Tau in the brain. These actions of progesterone may be involved in the hormonal regulation of neuronal differentiation, neuronal function, and neuroprotection. However, the action of progesterone on protein phosphatases in the nervous system has not been explored previously. In this study we have assessed the effect of the administration of progesterone to adult ovariectomized rats on protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the cerebellum. Total levels of PP2A, the state of methylation of PP2A, and total levels of PTEN were unaffected by the hormone in the three brain regions studied. In contrast, progesterone significantly increased the levels of PP2A phosphorylated in tyrosine 307 in the hippocampus and the cerebellum and significantly decreased the levels of PTEN phosphorylated in serine 380 in the hypothalamus and in the hippocampus compared with control values. Estradiol priming blocked the effect of progesterone on PP2A phosphorylation in the hippocampus and on PTEN phosphorylation in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. In contrast, the action of progesterone on PP2A phosphorylation in the cerebellum was not modified by estradiol priming. These findings suggest that the regulation of the phosphorylation of PP2A and PTEN may be involved in the effects of progesterone on the phosphorylation of Tau and on the activity of phophoinositide-3 kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase in the brain.