Phosphotyrosine Protein Research Articles

Phosphotyrosine protein dynamics in cell membrane rafts of sphingosine-1-phosphate-stimulated human endothelium: Role in barrier enhancement

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid growth factor, is critical to the maintenance and enhancement of vascular barrier function via processes highly dependent upon cell membrane raft-mediated signaling events. Anti-phosphotyrosine 2 dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) immunoblots confirmed that disruption of membrane raft formation (via methyl-β-cyclodextrin) inhibits S1P-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. To explore S1P-induced dynamic changes in membrane rafts, we used 2-D techniques to define proteins within detergent-resistant cell membrane rafts which are differentially expressed in S1P-challenged (1μM, 5min) human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (EC), with 57 protein spots exhibiting >3-fold change. S1P induced the recruitment of over 20 cell membrane raft proteins exhibiting increasing levels of tyrosine phosphorylation including known barrier-regulatory proteins such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), cortactin, p85α phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p85αPI3K), myosin light chain kinase (nmMLCK), filamin A/C, and the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, c-Abl. Reduced expression of either FAK, MLCK, cortactin, filamin A or filamin C by siRNA transfection significantly attenuated S1P-induced EC barrier enhancement. Furthermore, S1P induced cell membrane raft components, p-caveolin-1 and glycosphingolipid (GM1), to the plasma membrane and enhanced co-localization of membrane rafts with p-caveolin-1 and p-nmMLCK. These results suggest that S1P induces both the tyrosine phosphorylation and recruitment of key actin cytoskeletal proteins to membrane rafts, resulting in enhanced human EC barrier function.

CD137 ligand‐mediated reverse signals increase cell viability and cytokine expression in murine myeloid cells: Involvement of mTOR/p70S6 kinase and Akt

Cross-linking of CD137 ligand (CD137L), a member of the TNF family, with recombinant CD137-Fc (rCD137-Fc) protein enhanced adherence of bone marrow-derived macrophages, and increased the expression of ICAM-1, IL-1beta, IL-6, M-CSF and phosphotyrosine proteins. In RAW264.7 cells, a murine myeloid cell line, rCD137-Fc not only increased adherence but also cell multiplication, in a manner comparable to LPS or M-CSF. In addition, it up-regulated expression of IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, COX2, tenascin C, neuropeptide Y and M-CSF mRNA. Neutralization of M-CSF by incubating the RAW264.7 cells with anti-M-CSF mAb did not prevent the CD137L signal-induced viability. Viability was blocked by PP2, an Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor, rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor and LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, but not by Wortmannin, another PI3K inhibitor. Cross-linking of CD137L increased phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6 kinase. The latter was blocked by PP2, rapamycin or LY294002, but not by Wortmannin, whereas phosphorylation of Akt was blocked by LY294002 or Wortmannin. These findings demonstrate that reverse signals evoked by CD137L regulate immune functions in macrophages.

Putative Roles of Tyrosine Kinase in Sperm Functions.Pierre Leclerc, Ph.D.

An increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation has been shown to occur during sperm capacitation. The effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors strongly suggest the involvement of src-related kinase in this phenomenon. Our group has recently reported the presence and activity of SRC in human spermatozoa. This kinase is present both in the acrosomal region of the head and in the flagellum of ejaculated human spermatozoa. It is associated with the plasma membrane and its partial extraction with non-ionic detergents suggests that SRC is also associated with cytoskeletal elements. Its tyrosine kinase activity is dependent on the presence of Ca2+ and is modulated by cAMP. Our results show that SRC is active throughout sperm capacitation and might be involved in the increase in protein phosphotyrosine content related to different sperm functions. Although many SRC substrates, which are present in sperm, have been identified in different cell types, no direct SRC interacting protein has been identified in sperm. Two different approaches were used to identify putative SRC substrates in order to characterize its role in sperm functions. At first, sperm homogenates were incubated with active recombinant SRC and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS after 2D-gel electrophoresis. In the second assay, proteins extracted from sperm were subjected to 2D-electrophoresis, and a far western overlay was performed using a recombinant His-tagged SH2-SH3 domains from SRC. As for the first approach, proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS. The identified SRC substrates or interacting proteins will help to define the role of SRC mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm functions.

Oxidative stress induces lipid-raft-mediated activation of Src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 2 in astrocytes

Several protein phosphatases are involved in neuroprotection in response to ischemic brain injury. Here, we report that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress promotes phosphorylation of endogenous SHP-2 through lipid rafts in rat primary astrocytes. SHP-2 was transiently phosphorylated during hypoxia/reoxygenation, an effect abrogated by a ROS scavenger and an NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Additionally, exogenous treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2) triggered SHP-2 phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner and led to its translocation into lipid rafts. H 2O 2-mediated SHP-2 phosphorylation and translocation were inhibited by filipin III and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD), lipid-raft-disrupting agents. In the presence of H 2O 2, SHP-2 formed a complex with STAT-3 and reduced the steady-state STAT-3 phosphorylation level. Interestingly, the effect of H 2O 2 on SHP-2 phosphorylation was cell-type specific. Remarkably, SHP-2 phosphorylation was induced strongly by H 2O 2 in astrocytes, but barely detectable in microglia. Our results collectively indicate that SHP-2 is activated by ROS-mediated oxidative stress in astrocytes and functions as a component of the raft-mediated signaling pathway that acts through dephosphorylation and inactivation of other phosphotyrosine proteins, such as STAT-3.

Tyrosine phosphoproteome of hamster spermatozoa: Role of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase 2 in sperm capacitation

Capacitation confers on the spermatozoa the competence to fertilize the oocyte. At the molecular level, a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation pathway operates in capacitated spermatozoa, thus resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of specific proteins. Identification of these tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins and their function with respect to hyperactivation and acrosome reaction, would unravel the molecular basis of capacitation. With this in view, 21 phosphotyrosine proteins have been identified in capacitated hamster spermatozoa out of which 11 did not identify with any known sperm protein. So, in the present study attempts have been made to ascertain the role of one of these eleven proteins namely glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2) in hamster sperm capacitation. GPD2 is phosphorylated only in capacitated hamster spermatozoa and is noncanonically localized in the acrosome and principal piece in human, mouse, rat, and hamster spermatozoa, though in somatic cells it is localized in the mitochondria. This noncanonical localization may imply a role of GPD2 in acrosome reaction and hyperactivation. Further, enzymatic activity of GPD2 during capacitation correlates positively with hyperactivation and acrosome reaction thus demonstrating that GPD2 may be required for sperm capacitation.

FAK mediates the inhibition of glioma cell migration by truncated 24 kDa FGF-2

A truncated form of 24 kDa FGF-2 consisting of 86 NH 2-terminal amino acids (ATE+31) inhibits cell migration in vitro and tumor development and angiogenesis in vivo. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is phosphorylated on tyrosine and serine sites after cell stimulation by growth factors. This study examined the effect of ATE+31 on FAK phosphorylation in human glioma cells. FAK and Pyk phosphorylation were evaluated at serines known to be involved with cell migration. We demonstrated that ATE+31 at 3 × 10 −11 M decreases phosphorylation levels of Tyr 407-FAK and Ser 732-FAK in the presence of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), that ATE+31 in the presence of PDGF alters the distribution of FAK and other phosphotyrosine proteins in the adhesion contacts, and that ATE+31 in the presence of PDGF has no effect on the activation of Pyk2. These data suggest that the inhibition of cell migration by ATE+31 occurs via Tyr 407-FAK and Ser 732-FAK.

Model cell systems representing expression regulation and signal transduction of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in the development of asthmatic symptoms

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a novel interleukin-7-like cytokine, which triggers dendritic cell-mediated inflammatory responses ultimately executed by Th2 helper cells. TSLP is a central player in the development of allergic, especially asthmatic symptoms, and has been suggested to represent a missing link in the information flow from antigen-exposed epithelial cells via dendritic cells (DCs) to T helper cells. We have challenged the lung epithelial cell line A549 with various allergens such as extracts from dust mites, pollen and fungi, and could show by real time PCR for the first time an allergen-dependent specific transcriptional upregulation of TSLP. To approach the as yet poorly defined TSLP-induced signal transduction in dendritic cells, we established a cellular model system on the basis of the murine pro-B cell line Ba/F3. The heterodimeric human TSLP receptor (hTSLPR) consisting of the novel TSLP receptor chain and the IL-7 receptor alpha chain was functionally reconstituted in factor-dependent Ba/F3 cells. We could demonstrate by phosphotyrosine protein analysis and by STAT type-specific reporter gene assays, that the ligand-stimulated TSLPR triggers activation of STAT3 and STAT5 as well as of STAT1. Employment of specific inhibitors proved the functional involvement of Janus kinases (JAKs) in TSLP-dependent, receptor-mediated cellular responses. These achievements provide tools for research towards a better molecular understandimg of atopic asthma and for the future development of new therapeutics interfering with TSLP function.

Fluorine‐18 labeling of phosphopeptides: A potential approach for the evaluation of phosphopeptide metabolism in vivo

Phosphopeptides are very useful reagents to study signal transduction pathways related with cellular protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Phosphopeptides have also been identified as important drug candidates to modulate intracellular signaling mechanisms through targeting phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, or phosphothreonine residue-binding protein domains. In this report, we describe the development of a convenient method for the mild and sufficient radiolabeling of phosphopeptides with the short-lived positron emitter fluorine-18 (18F) to allow radiopharmacological studies on phosphopeptide metabolism in vivo by means of positron emission tomography (PET). Radiolabeling was accomplished via conjugation of the N-terminus of polo-box domain (PBD)-binding phosphopeptide H-Met-Gln-Ser-pThr-Pro-Leu-OH with the bifunctional labeling agent N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) in reproducible isolated radiochemical yields of 25-28%. Radiopharmacological evaluation in vitro and in vivo of radiolabeled phosphopeptide [18F]FB-Met-Gln-Ser-pThr-Pro-Leu-OH [18F]-3 and its non-phosphorylated analog [18F]FB-Met-Gln-Ser-Thr-Pro-Leu-OH [18F]-4 involved metabolic stability, cell uptake studies, and small animal PET experiments. Radiolabeled phosphopeptide [18F]-3 showed a remarkable high metabolic stability in vivo compared to the corresponding non-phosphorylated peptide [18F]-4. The presented method indicates that radiolabeling of phosphopeptides with [18F]SFB is a promising approach for studying phosphopeptide metabolism in vivo.

Modulation of bovine sperm signalling pathways: correlation between intracellular parameters and sperm capacitation and acrosome exocytosis

In the present study, the viability, intracellular pH (pHi), cAMP ([cAMP]i), calcium concentration and protein phosphotyrosine content were evaluated in relation to the acrosomal and capacitation status of freshly ejaculated bull spermatozoa. These parameters were evaluated before and after incubation with the capacitation inducer heparin, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), the phosphotyrosyl-protein phosphatase inhibitors phenylarsine oxide (PAO) and sodium orthovanadate, and hydrogen peroxide. The results obtained were integrated to address the physiological interactions between the different signalling events affecting sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. As expected, heparin promoted the expression of the 'B' pattern of chlortetracycline binding, increased pHi, [cAMP]i and the phosphotyrosine content of sperm proteins. The effects of heparin were enhanced by IBMX. Both PAO and sodium orthovanadate stimulated protein phosphotyrosine content and acrosomal exocytosis, although only PAO affected pH, Ca2+ and cAMP levels. Intracellular pH was increased while both Ca2+ and [cAMP]i were decreased. Physiological concentrations of H2O2 increased [cAMP]i and promoted acrosomal exocytosis. A significant positive correlation was found between sperm capacitation, protein phosphotyrosine content and stored Ca2+ concentration, whereas the acrosome reaction was correlated with pHi and Ca2+ concentration. This study presents the first global analysis of the major elements individually described during sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction signalling pathways, supported by statistical correlations.

226 TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION PATTERN IN PORCINE EJACULATED AND EPIDIDYMAL CAPACITATED BOAR SPERM

After ejaculation, mammalian sperm must undergo a preparation period know as capacitation to be competent to fertilize. Capacitation normally occurs in the female genital tract; however, it can also be achieved in vitro by removing seminal plasma and incubating sperm in capacitation media. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that ejaculated spermatozoa washed through a Percoll® gradient can penetrate the oocyte faster than epididymal sperm. It has been shown that capacitation is associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins, and many studies utilize protein phosphorylation as an indicator of sperm capacitation (Tardif S et al. 2001 Biol. Reprod 65, 784–792). The main objective of this experiment was to determine the protein tyrosine phosphorylation patterns of ejaculated and epididymal boar spermatozoa washed through a Percoll® gradient and incubated in a capacitating medium (TALP) without albumin. Ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa were each divided into 3 groups: (1) spermatozoa without any treatment (control = C), (2) spermatozoa washed through Percoll® gradient (P), and (3) spermatozoa washed through Percoll® and incubated 3 h in TALP medium (P-3hr). The sperm plasma membranes were isolated (as described in Bravo M et al. 2005 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 71, 88–96), and sperm soluble proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE 12% acrylamide. Afterward, the proteins were transferred onto a nitrocellulose membrane and blocked with TBST-albumin 5% and were then incubated with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (4G10 Upstate Biotechnology, Lake Placid, NY, USA; 1:20000), then with an anti-mouse IgG (1:20000; Biorad, Hercules, CA, USA) and revealed with ECL + Plus (Amersham, São Paulo, Brazil). Five replicates were conducted for this experience. The results showed a band of tyrosine phosphoprotein of 19 kDa in all experimental groups except the ejaculated control group. A band with a range of 40–43 kDa appears strongly phosphorylated in the ejaculated spermatozoa, while in the epididymal spermatozoa was poorly labeled. In conclusion, the ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa have different pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation with the same treatment. It is probably that the seminal plasma proteins could be regulated by the phosphorylation of the 19 kDa of protein. However, further studies are necessary to elicit what kind of proteins in seminal plasma change this stage of phosphorylation and their role in an IVF system. Supported by MEC (AGL2006-03495).

Proteomics study of medullary thyroid carcinomas expressing RET germ‐line mutations: Identification of new signaling elements

Proteomics may help to elucidate differential signaling networks underlying the effects of compounds and to identify new therapeutic targets. Using a proteomic-multiplexed analysis of the phosphotyrosine signaling together with antibody-based validation techniques, we identified several candidate molecules for RET (rearranged during transfection) tyrosine kinase receptor carrying mutations responsible for the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and 2B (MEN2A and MEN2B) syndromes in two human medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) cell lines, TT and MZ-CRC-1, which express the RET-MEN2A and RET-MEN2B oncoproteins, respectively. Signaling elements downstream of these oncoproteins were identified after treating cells with the indolinone tyrosine kinase inhibitor RPI-1 to knock down RET phosphorylation activity. We detected 23 and 18 affinity-purified phosphotyrosine proteins in untreated TT and MZ-CRC-1 cells, respectively, most of which were shared and sensitive to RPI-1 treatment. However, our data clearly point to specific signaling features of the RET-MEN2A and RET-MEN2B oncogenic pathways. Moreover, the detection of high-level expression of minimally phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in both TT and MZ-CRC-1 cells, together with our data on the effects of EGF stimulation on the proteomic profiles and the response to Gefitinib treatment, suggest the relevance of EGFR signaling in these cell lines, especially since analysis of 14 archival MTC specimens revealed EGFR mRNA expression in all samples. Together, our data suggest that RET/EGFR multi-target inhibitors might be beneficial for therapy of MTC.

Increased Activity of the Human Sperm Tyrosine Kinase SRC by the cAMP-Dependent Pathway in the Presence of Calcium1

SRC-related tyrosine kinases are suggested to play a role in the increase of sperm protein phosphotyrosine content that occurs during capacitation. In our laboratory, we previously demonstrated that the SRC-related tyrosine kinase YES1 (also known as c-YES) is present in human spermatozoa. However, since it is negatively regulated by Ca(2+), whose intracellular concentration increases during capacitation, another kinase would most likely be involved in the capacitation-related increase in sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The present study represents the first direct assessment of SRC tyrosine kinase activity in ejaculated mammalian sperm. By immunohistochemistry on human testis sections, it is clearly shown that SRC is expressed during spermatogenesis, mainly in round and elongating spermatids. Using an indirect immunofluorescence approach, SRC is detected in the acrosomal region of the head and in the sperm flagellum of ejaculated sperm. This tyrosine kinase is associated with the plasma membrane and with cytoskeletal elements, as suggested by its partial solubility in nonionic detergents. Despite its partial solubility, SRC kinase activity was assayed after immunoprecipitation using acid-denatured enolase as a substrate. It is clearly demonstrated that SRC activity is inhibited by SU6656 and PP1, selective SRC family tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and activated in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Furthermore, it is shown that SRC is activated in a cAMP/PRKA-dependent manner; SRC coimmunoprecipitates with the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PRKAC) and is phosphorylated by this latter kinase, resulting in an increase in enolase phosphorylation. All these results support the involvement of the tyrosine kinase SRC in the increase in sperm protein phosphotyrosine content observed during capacitation.

PTP1B Regulates Cortactin Tyrosine Phosphorylation by Targeting Tyr446

The emergence of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a potential drug target for treatment of diabetes, obesity, and cancer underlies the importance of understanding its full range of cellular functions. Here, we have identified cortactin, a central regulator of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, as a substrate of PTP1B. A trapping mutant of PTP1B binds cortactin at the phosphorylation site Tyr(446), the regulation and function of which have not previously been characterized. We show that phosphorylation of cortactin Tyr(446) is induced by hyperosmolarity and potentiates apoptotic signaling during prolonged hyperosmotic stress. This study advances the importance of Tyr(446) in the regulation of cortactin and provides a potential mechanism to explain the effects of PTP1B on processes including cell adhesion, migration, and tumorigenesis.

Atrial Remodeling and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice. It can occur at any age but is very rare in children and becomes extremely common in the elderly, with a prevalence approaching 20% in patients >85 years of age.1 AF is associated with a wide range of potential complications and contributes significantly to population morbidity and mortality. Present therapeutic approaches to AF have major limitations, including limited efficacy and significant adverse effect liability. These limitations have inspired substantial efforts to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying AF, with the premise that improved mechanistic insights will lead to innovative and improved therapeutic approaches.2 Our understanding of AF pathophysiology has advanced significantly over the past 10 to 15 years through an increased awareness of the role of “atrial remodeling.” Any persistent change in atrial structure or function constitutes atrial remodeling. Many forms of atrial remodeling promote the occurrence or maintenance of AF by acting on the fundamental arrhythmia mechanisms illustrated in Figure 1. Both rapid ectopic firing and reentry can maintain AF. Reentry requires a suitable vulnerable substrate, as well as a trigger that acts on the substrate to initiate reentry. Ectopic firing contributes to reentry by providing triggers for reentry induction. Atrial remodeling has the potential to increase the likelihood of ectopic or reentrant activity through a multitude of potential mechanisms. This article reviews the types of atrial remodeling, their underlying pathophysiology, the molecular basis of their occurrence, and finally, their potential therapeutic significance. Figure 1. General schema representing AF mechanisms and the role of remodeling. The mechanisms underlying AF are portrayed schematically in Figure 2. AF can be maintained by rapid focal firing, which may itself be regular but result in fibrillatory activity because of wave breakup in portions of the atrium that …

Cysteine-Rich Protein 61 and Connective Tissue Growth Factor Induce Deadhesion and Anoikis of Retinal Pericytes

Loss of retinal pericytes is one of the distinctive features of diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is characterized by retinal capillary obliteration. The matricellular proteins, cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), are aberrantly expressed in the retinal vasculature from the early stages of DR, but their effects on retinal pericytes are unknown. We show herein that rat retinal pericytes (RRPs) exposed to advanced glycosylation-end products, an important injurious stimulus of diabetes, express increased levels of both Cyr61 and CTGF, and concomitantly undergo anoikis, a form of apoptosis by loss of cell-matrix interactions. Adenovirus-mediated expression of Cyr61 and/or CTGF conferred an anoikis-prone phenotype to rat retinal pericytes, including decreased phosphotyrosine protein levels at focal adhesion points and formation of cortical actin rings. When used as substrates for pericyte attachment and compared with other matrix proteins (e.g. type IV collagen), recombinant Cyr61 and CTGF proteins exhibited antiadhesive and apoptogenic activities. Phosphatase inhibitors reversed these effects, suggesting that Cyr61 and CTGF promote dephosphorylation events. Furthermore, Cyr61- and CTGF-induced apoptosis was mediated through the intrinsic pathway and involved the expression of genes that have been functionally grouped as p53 target genes. Expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene, a known target of p53, was increased in pericytes overexpressing either Cyr61 or CTGF. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 had, at least in part, a protective effect against Cyr61- and CTGF-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these findings support the involvement of Cyr61 and CTGF in pericyte detachment and anoikis, implicating these proteins in the pathogenesis of DR.

Modulation of gold(III) porphyrin 1a-induced apoptosis by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways

Gold(III) porphyrin 1a is a novel gold(III) complex with selective anticancer effect in a number of human carcinoma cell lines. We have previously shown that gold(III) porphyrin 1a mediated mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) depletion, leading to cytochrome c release, nucleus translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The current study addressed gold(III) porphyrin 1a-induced phosphoproteome alterations and modulation of cell death by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family proteins. ERK and p38MAPK were transiently activated upon gold(III) porphyrin 1a treatment. Inhibition of p38MAPK phosphorylation rescued gold(III) porphyrin 1a-induced cell death upstream of caspase activation. Attenuation of ΔΨm was the primary effect of gold(III) porphyrin 1a leading to p38MAPK phosphorylation. Further functional proteomic study suggested that differential regulation of phosphotyrosine proteins were related to p38MAPK activation in gold(III) porphyrin 1a-induced signal transduction cascade. In summary, p38MAPK modulated gold(III) porphyrin 1a-induced cell death downstream of mitochondria, and phosphorylation of multiple proteins also involved in this process. These results suggested that gold(III) porphyrin 1a is a promising anticancer agent directed toward the mitochondria.

Mitochondrial H 2O 2 limits U937 cell survival to peroxynitrite by promoting ERK1/2 dephosphorylation

Sequential activation of cytosolic phospholipase A 2 (cPLA 2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), critically regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)-dependent phosphorylation, mediates U937 cell survival to peroxynitrite. In contrast, a limiting factor is represented by the parallel mitochondrial formation of H 2O 2 leading to suppression of the survival signaling. We now report that the inhibitory effects of H 2O 2 are at the level of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and involve activation of orthovanadate-sensitive phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase(s). Under these conditions, the otherwise stimulatory effects of peroxynitrite on ERK1/2 phosphorylation are concealed by phosphatase-dependent dephosphorylation and the activities of cPLA 2 and 5-LO are significantly reduced or suppressed, respectively. The ensuing inhibition of downstream events preventing mitochondrial permeability transition rapidly leads these cells to death. Thus, endogenous H 2O 2 limits U937 cell survival to peroxynitrite via activation of phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase(s) promoting upstream inhibition of the survival signaling critically regulated by the extent of ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Involvement of cortactin and phosphotyrosine proteins in cell–cell contact formation in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells

Phosphotyrosine proteins involvement, particularly cortactin, was studied in cell-cell contacts of cultured bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells. These proteins, including alpha-catenin, vinculin and cortactin, are localized at cell-cell contacts separate from the cortical actin ring. Approximately 50% of cortactin isoforms p80 and p85 were associated with the Triton-insoluble fraction while phosphotyrosine proteins were in the soluble fraction. Disruption of cell-cell contacts by EDTA treatment was associated with a decrease in cortactin isoforms p80 (26%) and p85 (57%). Cortactin isoform p85 was phosphorylated at Y466, expressed in reattaching cells and associated with the Triton-soluble fraction, whereas cortactin isoform p80 was phosphorylated at Y421 and associated with the Triton-insoluble fraction. In sub-confluent cultures, pY421-cortactin was localized at the leading edge and pY466-cortactin at a perinuclear area. In confluent cultures both pY466- and pY421-cortactin isoforms were localized at the cell-cell contacts. In conclusion, in BCE cells, the most prominent appearance of cortactin was at the cell-cell contacts separate from the cortical actin ring. Isoform p80 was phosphorylated at Y421 and associated with the Triton-insoluble fraction and isoform p85 was phosphorylated at Y466 and associated with the Triton-insoluble fraction.

Extracellular acidic environments induce phosphorylation of ZAP-70 in Jurkat T cells

In solid tumor and inflammation loci, low pH conditions have been observed as a consequence of either a lack of sufficient vascularization or excess activity of tumor cells, and T cells have been reported to infiltrate tumors and inflammation sites. However, it remains unclear how extracellular acidic environments affect immune cell function. A previous report proposed that a different signal transduction cascade might occur under low pH conditions in Jurkat T cells (Fukamachi T, Saito H, Kakegawa T, Kobayashi H. Different proteins are phosphorylated under acidic environments in Jurkat cells. Immunol Lett 2002;82:155–8). In this study, we investigated the protein phosphotyrosine level in Jurkat and Jurkat mutant cells under different pH conditions. The ZAP-70 phosphorylation level increased under acidic environments. P38 MAPK was more activated at acidic pH. The level of active p38 was low in mutant P116 deficient in ZAP-70, and interestingly the level remained consistently low at all pH values tested. The activation of ERK was not stimulated at low pH. These results suggest that extracellular low pH stimulates or enhances TCR signaling via ZAP-70 and p38.

Inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity prevents the adhesive and cohesive properties of platelets and the expression of procoagulant activity in response to collagen

Introduction Platelet activation leads to signal transduction mechanisms, in which phosphotyrosine proteins play a relevant role. Material and methods Platelet suspensions were independently activated by collagen and thrombin in the absence and in the presence of two tyrosine kinase inhibitors, tyrphostin 47 and genistein. Samples were processed to visualize morphological changes by electron microscopy, to evaluate changes in cytoskeletal assembly, to analyze modifications in the expression of activation dependent antigens, and the procoagulant activity at the surface level by flow cytometry. Additional experiments applying flow conditions were performed to assess the effect of inhibiting tyrosine phosphorylation on primary platelet adhesion and fibrin formation. Results Inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation blocked shape change and cytoskeletal assembly induced by collagen, and inhibited, though partially, those effects due to thrombin. Both activating agents induced the expression of the intraplatelet antigens CD62P and CD63 at the surface, although only collagen promoted expression of anionic phospholipids. Both tyrphostin 47 and genistein prevented those effects. The extent of platelet adhesion on both collagen-coated and subendothelial surfaces was significantly diminished by the presence of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors assayed. Fibrin formation was also significantly reduced. Conclusions Platelet shape change and secretion during platelet activation depends on tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, primary adhesion of platelets induces signaling through tyrosine kinases to achieve full spreading, and results in the exposure of a procoagulant surface on platelets.