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The Escherichia coli cAMP receptor protein (CRP) represses the Rhizobium meliloti dctA promoter in a cAMP-dependent fashion.

The expression of the Rhizobium meliloti C4-dicarboxylic acid permease gene (dctA) is controlled by the sensor DctB and the transcriptional regulator, DctD. The R. meliloti Dct system has been reconstituted in Escherichia coli. Expression of the dctA promoter is DctBD dependent and is induced in the presence of C4-dicarboxylic acids (dCA). Other carbon sources also influence dctA expression. We demonstrate that the cAMP receptor protein (CRP) has a repressive effect on the dctA promoter. A mutated CRP molecule (CRP-H159L), unable to activate catabolic promoters (but still proficient in DNA binding), gives similar results. This suggests that the CRP-cAMP complex represses the dctA promoter activity by direct interaction with the DNA. Direct binding of the CRP-cAMP complex to the dctA promoter was confirmed in vitro by gel mobility-shift assays. Sequence analysis of the dctA promoter indicates that the most likely binding sites for CRP are the two confirmed DctD-binding sites. It is proposed that the CRP-cAMP complex competes with DctD for occupancy of these sites. Since in the presence of CRP-cAMP complex the uninduced levels of dctA expression are reduced, whereas induced levels are largely unaffected, such competition appears to be an essential regulatory feature of dctA expression.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Ethanol stimulates cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-mediated transcription via CRE-binding protein and cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Alcoholism is characterized by tolerance, dependence, and unrestrained craving for alcohol. Adaptive responses, including changes in gene expression in neurons, are thought to account for some of these complex behavioral abnormalities. We have shown in the NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cell line that ethanol increases cellular cAMP levels via activation of adenosine A(2) receptors, leading to phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). However, phosphorylation of CREB is not sufficient to activate cAMP response element (CRE)-mediated gene expression. Here we investigate whether ethanol increases CRE-mediated gene expression via endogenous CREB using a CRE-regulated luciferase reporter construct, transfected into NG108-15 cells. We find increased luciferase activity as a function of time of exposure to ethanol. Coexpression of a dominant-negative CREB construct blocked ethanol-stimulated CRE-luciferase expression, further suggesting that CREB is required for this response. We also determined whether ethanol-induced increases in gene expression are mediated by ethanol-induced increases in extracellular adenosine. We found that CRE-mediated gene expression induced by ethanol occurs in two phases: an early phase (4 h), in which adenosine receptor blockade prevents ethanol-induced gene expression, and a later phase (14 h), which is not blocked by an adenosine receptor antagonist. In both phases, inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activity prevented ethanol-induced CRE-mediated luciferase expression. Our data suggest that ethanol induces cAMP-dependent gene expression regulated by CREB and PKA and that this signaling pathway may mediate some of the addictive behaviors underlying alcoholism.

Animals↗

In vivo preparation of [32P]cAMP and thin-layer chromatography of cAMP-related compounds.

A simple and rapid method for preparing [32P]adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is described. A culture of an Escherichia coli mutant which excretes cAMP about 150 times faster than does a wild-type strain was incubated overnight with [32P]orthophosphate of high specific activity (e.g., 4000 Ci/mol (1 Ci = 37 GBq). The [32P]cAMP which accumulated extracellularly was then purified to 99.9% radiochemical purity in less than 4 h by adsorption to charcoal and alumina column chromatography. A two-dimensional chromatography system using a PEI-cellulose plate is also described which should prove useful for studying cAMP metabolism with 32P- or 3H-labeled cAMP or ATP.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗

Impaired cAMP-mediated gene expression and decreased cAMP response element binding protein in senescent cells.

The capacity of various growth factors to induce c-fos expression is diminished with senescence. Because adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated responses are also blunted with aging, we wondered whether cAMP-induced c-fos gene expression might be impaired with senescence. Using IMR fibroblasts, we found that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and forskolin, stimulators of cAMP accumulation in young and senescent cells, increased abundance of c-fos and junB mRNA more in young than senescent cells. The abundance of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor which enhances gene expression when phosphorylated by protein kinase A, was markedly decreased in both whole cell and nuclear extracts of senescent cells, in both Western blotting and in gel retardation assays. Also, PGE1-induced phosphorylation of CREB by protein kinase A was markedly attenuated in senescent cells. There is a marked decrement in expression of CREB with senescence, and the results suggest the possibility that the diminished expression of CREB may contribute to altered cAMP-mediated regulation of gene expression with senescence.

Aging↗

Increased cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity mediate anti-CD2 induced suppression of anti-CD3-driven interleukin-2 production and CD25 expression.

Anti-CD2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) can act synergistically with anti-CD3 to produce tolerance and diminish the anti-CD3-induced cytokine syndrome. Since interleukin(IL)-2 production and IL-2 receptor (IL-2R; CD25) expression are important determinants of CD3-driven T cell activation, the effects of anti-CD2 on anti-CD3-induced CD25 expression and IL-2 production were analyzed and related mechanistically to CD2-stimulated cAMP signaling with an in vitro model of T cell activation. The anti-CD2 mAb, 12-15, alone had no effect on splenic T cell CD25 expression and IL-2 production, while the anti-CD3 mAb, 145-2C11, caused significant increases in both CD25 expression and IL-2 production. The addition of anti-CD2 inhibited anti-CD3-induced increases in CD25 and IL-2. The inhibitory signal delivered by anti-CD2 was effective in many forms of T cell activation, since other stimuli which increased CD25, such as concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), could also be inhibited by anti-CD2. The inhibitory effect of anti-CD2 on CD25 could not be reversed by high doses of supplemental IL-2 added to the culture. Anti-CD2 increased cytoplasmic cAMP in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Reagents that increased cytoplasmic cAMP such as forskolin, cholera toxin, and 3'-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine could mimic the inhibitory effect of anti-CD2 on anti-CD3-driven CD25 expression. Anti-CD2 also increased the activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). H8, a PKA antagonist, blocked the inhibitory effect of anti-CD2 on CD25 expression, further confirming the role of PKA in CD2-induced negative signaling. The use of paired agonists to PKA demonstrated that a type I PKA was the preferential enzyme isoform stimulated by CD2 ligation. These findings show that increased cAMP and PKA activity mediate anti-CD2-induced suppression of anti-CD3-driven IL-2 production and CD25 expression, and provide mechanisms for anti-CD2-induced immunosuppression and inhibition of the cytokine syndrome associated with anti-CD3 treatment.

Animals↗

Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) enhances cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) protein phosphorylation and phospho-CREB interaction with the mouse steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene promoter.

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) transcription is regulated through cAMP-protein kinase A-dependent mechanisms that involve multiple transcription factors including the cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) family members. Classically, binding of phosphorylated CREB to cis-acting cAMP-responsive elements (5'-TGACGTCA-3') within target gene promoters leads to recruitment of the coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP). Herein we examined the extent of CREB family member phosphorylation on protein-DNA interactions and CBP recruitment with the StAR promoter. Immunoblot analysis revealed that CREB, cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), and activating transcription factor (ATF)-1 are expressed in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells, yet only CREB and ATF-1 are phosphorylated. (Bu)2cAMP treatment of MA-10 cells increased CREB phosphorylation approximately 2.3-fold within 30 min but did not change total nuclear CREB expression levels. Using DNA-affinity chromatography, we now show that CREB and ATF-1, but not CREM, interact with the StAR promoter, and this interaction is dependent on the activator protein-1 (AP-1) cis-acting element within the cAMP-responsive region. In addition, (Bu)2cAMP-treatment increased phosphorylated CREB (P-CREB) association with the StAR promoter but did not influence total CREB interaction. In vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated CREB binding to the StAR proximal promoter is independent of (Bu)2cAMP-treatment, confirming our in vitro analysis. However, (Bu)2cAMP-treatment increased P-CREB and CBP interaction with the StAR promoter, demonstrating for the first time the physical role of P-CREB:DNA interactions in CBP recruitment to the StAR proximal promoter.

Acetylation↗

Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-binding proteins and cAMP-dependent protein kinases in bovine adrenal cortical cell plasma membrane.

A cAMP-binding protein and cAMP-dependent protein kinase have been identified and partially characterized in bovine adrenocortical plasma membranes. [3H]cAMP binding to the plasma membrane preparation demonstrates both high (Ka = 4.2 X 10(9) M-1) and low (Ka = 1.3 X 10(8) M-1) affinity binding sites. cAMP-dependent protein kinase was demonstrated using both bovine histone and endogenous substrates. The detergent-dependent solubilization characteristics of this cAMP-dependent protein kinase indicate that it is an integral membrane protein.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Differential regulation of messenger ribonucleic acids for specific subunits of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase by cAMP in rat Sertoli cells.

In the present study we have examined the effects of FSH, forskolin, and (Bu)2cAMP on messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for all known subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in rat Sertoli cells, using newly developed complementary DNA (cDNA) probes. mRNAs for the three regulatory subunits [RI alpha, RII51, (RII beta), and RII54 (RII alpha)] and the catalytic subunit C alpha were shown to be present in cultured rat Sertoli cells, whereas mRNAs for the subunits designated RI beta and C beta were below the level of detection. A high-levelled, concentration-dependent increase in a 3.2 kilobase mRNA for RII51 was observed when cultured immature Sertoli cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of (Bu)2cAMP (10(-6) to 5 X 10(-3) M) for 16 h. Densitometric scanning indicated a maximal stimulation by (Bu)2cAMP of 30- to 40-fold. Incubation with forskolin (100 microM) and FSH (200 ng/ml) gave rise to a smaller but significant increase in mRNA for RII51. When cultured Sertoli cells were incubated in the presence of 10(-4) M (Bu)2cAMP for varying time periods, there was a biphasic regulation of mRNA for RII51. (Bu)2cAMP caused an initial increase in mRNA for RII51 with maximal levels obtained after 10-16 h, after which a time-dependent decrease was observed. For the other three subunits present in Sertoli cells (RI alpha, RII54, and C alpha) a smaller but significant stimulation by (Bu)2cAMP and forskolin (2-4 fold) was seen. The functional implications of these changes in mRNA levels for the different subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase have not yet been revealed. However, our data clearly demonstrate differential regulation of the various subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in Sertoli cells. Furthermore, these results document the presence of distinct adaptational changes taking place at the level of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in response to long term elevation of cAMP.

Animals↗

Biphasic response to 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) at the messenger ribonucleic acid level for a regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

In the present study we have examined the effect of long-term stimulation with (Bu)2cAMP on mRNA levels for the hormone responsive regulatory subunit (RII beta) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in cultured rat Sertoli cells. The effects of the same treatment on two other mRNAs [androgen binding protein (ABP) and cellular retinol binding protein (cRBP)], shown to be regulated by cAMP, were examined simultaneously. The addition of (Bu)2cAMP (0.1 mM) to primary Sertoli cell cultures, for 14 and 24 h, caused a 50- to 60-fold stimulation in the steady state levels of mRNA for RII beta. During the same period of stimulation, we also observed a significant increase (2- to 3-fold) in the mRNA levels for ABP, and a 80% decrease in the mRNA levels for cRBP. Continued stimulation for 36 and 48 h was associated with a significant time-dependent decrease in the mRNA level for RII beta, in spite of the continuous presence of (Bu)2cAMP (0.1 mM) in the medium. This reduced response by long term stimulation with (Bu)2cAMP appears to be specific for RII beta, since mRNA for ABP remained elevated and mRNA for cRBP remained depressed during the entire period of cAMP stimulation. Our data demonstrate the presence of a biphasic type of regulation at the mRNA level, specific for the regulatory subunit RII beta of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This response may be analogous to the desensitization mechanisms observed at other levels of the cAMP signalling pathway. For proteins constituting part of the signal transduction pathway this type of biphasic regulation, may be particularly important in maintaining homeostasis in the cell.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

A dominant repressor of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-regulated enhancer-binding protein activity inhibits the cAMP-mediated induction of the somatostatin promoter in vivo.

The transactivation of genes through the cAMP-regulated enhancer (CRE) is proposed to occur by the binding and phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB (CRE-binding protein). Originally believed to be a single protein, more than 10 different CREB proteins have been cloned. The contributions of each of these factors to gene regulation have yet to be determined unambiguously. We have isolated a CREB cDNA that contains a mutation of a single amino acid in the DNA-binding domain. In gel shift assays, this mutant, designated KCREB, is unable to bind to the somatostatin (SS) CRE. In addition, KCREB acts as a dominant repressor of the wild-type factor, blocking the ability of wild-type CREB to bind to the CRE when present as a KCREB:CREB heterodimer. The KCREB mutant also acts as a dominant repressor in vivo, completely blocking the ability of wild-type CREB to mediate induction by protein kinase-A of a SS CRE reporter gene in F9 teratocarcinoma cells. We have used this mutant to analyze the participation of CREB in the induction of the SS promoter in CA-77 cells, a medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line that produces high levels of SS. Although KCREB can block a portion of the cAMP induction of the SS promoter in CA-77 cells, approximately 45% of the induction remains insensitive to the mutant. These data support the paradigm that CREB is involved in the cAMP induction of SS in vivo. Furthermore, the inability of KCREB to completely block cAMP-mediated SS expression in CA-77 cells suggests that additional factors may contribute to the cAMP regulation of CRE function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

cAMP-activated protein kinase-independent potentiation of insulin secretion by cAMP is impaired in SUR1 null islets.

Whereas the loss of ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP) channel) activity in human pancreatic beta-cells causes severe hypoglycemia in certain forms of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, similar channel loss in sulfonylurea receptor-1 (SUR1) and Kir6.2 null mice yields a milder phenotype that is characterized by normoglycemia, unless the animals are stressed. While investigating potential compensatory mechanisms, we found that incretins, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), can increase the cAMP content of Sur1KO islets but do not potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin release. This impairment is secondary to a restriction in the ability of Sur1KO beta-cells to sense cAMP correctly. Potentiation does not appear to require cAMP-activated protein kinase (PKA) because H-89 (N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide) and KT5720, inhibitors of PKA, do not affect stimulation by GLP-1, GIP, or exendin-4 in wild-type islets, although they block phosphorylation of cAMP-response element-binding protein. The impaired incretin response in Sur1KO islets is specific; the stimulation of insulin release by other modulators, including mastoparan and activators of protein kinase C, is conserved. The results suggest that the defect responsible for the loss of cAMP-induced potentiation of insulin secretion is PKA independent. We hypothesize that a reduced release of insulin in response to incretins may contribute to the unexpected normoglycemic phenotype of Sur1KO mice versus the pronounced hypoglycemia seen in neonates with loss of K(ATP) channel activity.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Regulation of neurogenesis in adult mouse hippocampus by cAMP and the cAMP response element-binding protein.

The cAMP cascade, including the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), is known to play an important role in neuronal survival and plasticity. Here the influence of this cascade on neurogenesis in adult hippocampus was determined. Activation of the cAMP cascade by administration of rolipram, an inhibitor of cAMP breakdown, increased the proliferation of newborn cells in adult mouse hippocampus. In addition, rolipram induction of cell proliferation resulted in mature granule cells that express neuronal-specific markers. Increased cell proliferation is accompanied by activation of CREB phosphorylation in dentate gyrus granule cells, suggesting a role for this transcription factor. This possibility is supported by studies demonstrating that cell proliferation is decreased in conditional transgenic mice that express a dominant negative mutant of CREB in hippocampus. The results suggest that the cAMP-CREB cascade could contribute to the actions of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors on adult neurogenesis.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

cAMP and human neutrophil chemotaxis. Elevation of cAMP differentially affects chemotactic responsiveness.

Neutrophils (PMN) treated with cAMP elevating agents were evaluated for their chemotactic responsiveness to FMLP and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). PGE1 and isoproterenol, increased PMN cyclic AMP production and inhibited chemotaxis to both FMLP and LTB4. In contrast, forskolin, which activates adenylate cyclase directly, inhibited chemotaxis to FMLP but not to LTB4. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), was required for inhibition of PMN chemotaxis to FMLP by forskolin, PGE1, and isoproterenol. Isoproterenol and PGE1 inhibited PMN chemotaxis to LTB4 in the absence of IBMX and chemotaxis was further inhibited in the presence of IBMX. PMN cAMP levels were stimulated 2- to 3-fold with isoproterenol, 6- to 10-fold with PGE1, and 5- to 7-fold with forskolin over basal levels in the presence of IBMX. These observations demonstrate that total cellular cAMP concentration is not correlated with inhibition of PMN chemotaxis to all stimuli; forskolin, which increased cyclic AMP 5- to 7-fold over basal levels, did not inhibit chemotaxis to LTB4, whereas isoproterenol, which increased cyclic AMP only 2- to 3-fold over basal levels, inhibited chemotaxis to LTB4. PMN cAMP extrusion was determined under basal conditions and in the presence of PGE1, isoproterenol, or forskolin. PMN extruded cAMP under all conditions examined.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

[The effect of estradiol on the activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in cells of estradiol-dependent tumors of the rat mammary gland. The role of a thermally stable protein inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase].

Stimulation of rat mammary tumour growth by estradiol is due to the activation of the adenylate cyclase system and cAMP-dependent protein kinases. A single administration of estradiol to ovariectomized rats causes a rise in the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in cell nuclei within the first 4-6 hours after injection. This effect is probably due to the translocation of enzymes into nuclei and an increase of their synthesis. The high level of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in cell nuclei was observed in actively growing intact mammary tumours, in contrast to regressing ones in ovariectomized animals. This phenomenon can be accounted for by the decrease in the content of a thermostable protein inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinases rather than by the high level of cAMP.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Modulation of expression of the stress-inducible p118 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by cAMP. II. A study of p118 expression in mutants of the cAMP cascade.

In the preceding paper, we have identified a protein of Mr = 118,000 which is induced by stress conditions that lead to cessation of DNA synthesis and cell division (Verma, R., Iida, H., and Pardee, A.B. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 8569-8575). In the current study, we have investigated the possible role this protein may play in cellular proliferation by studying p118 expression in mutants of the cAMP metabolic pathway. The cyr 1-2 mutant gene encodes a thermolabile adenylate cyclase whose activity is only 7% of wild type even at permissive temperatures (23 degrees C). We have found that at 23 degrees C, the G1 period was 5-fold longer in cyr 1-2 than in CYR1+ cells and that p118 was constitutively expressed in these slow cycling mutants. Addition of 8-bromo-cAMP to cyr 1-2 mutants restored growth at both the restrictive and permissive temperatures and resulted in a shut-off in the synthesis of p118. The effect of the analog on p118 expression was rapid, preceding the increase in cell number and percentage-budded cells. In contrast to wild type cells, p118 synthesis was not induced by sulfur starvation in RAS2val19 mutants possessing high levels of adenylate cyclase activity and bcy1 mutants defective in the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. A large body of evidence exists supporting a role of cAMP in positive control of cell proliferation. It is therefore possible that conditions which decrease cAMP arrest growth through a chain of events that include p118 induction.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Two classes of cAMP analogs which are selective for the two different cAMP-binding sites of type II protein kinase demonstrate synergism when added together to intact adipocytes.

Twenty-five cyclic nucleotide analogs were tested individually to act as lipolytic agents and to activate adipocyte protein kinase. The lipolytic potency of individual analogs correlated better with their Ka for protein kinase and their lipophilicity rather than with either parameter alone. Some of the most potent lipolytic analogs had I50 values for the particulate low Km cAMP phosphodiesterase suggesting that their effect was not due to raising endogenous cAMP levels through inhibition of phosphodiesterase. The most potent lipolytic analogs contained a thio moiety at the C-8 or C-6 position. These analogs exhibited concave upward dose-response curves. At high concentrations, some analogs were as effective as optimal concentrations of epinephrine in stimulating glycerol release. The regulatory subunit of protein kinase has two different intrachain cAMP-binding sites and cAMP analogs modified at the C-8 position (C-8 analogs) are generally selective for Site 1 and analogs modified at the C-6 position (C-6 analogs) are generally selective for Site 2 (Rannels, S. R., and Corbin, J. D. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 7085-7088). Thus, C-8 and C-6 analogs were tested in combination to stimulate lipolysis in intact adipocytes and to activate protein kinase in vitro. Each process was stimulated synergistically by a combination of a C-6 and C-8 analog. Two C-8 analogs or two C-6 analogs added together did not cause synergism of either process. For both lipolysis and protein kinase activation, C-8 thio analogs acted more synergistically than C-8 amino analogs when incubated in combination with C-6 analogs, a characteristic of type II protein kinase. It is concluded that the observed synergism of lipolysis is due to binding of cAMP analogs to both intrachain sites and that it is the type II protein kinase isozyme which is responsible for the lipolytic response.

Adipose Tissue↗

The cAMP-dependent protein kinases and cAMP signal transduction.

The cAMP signal transduction system is one of several second messenger-dependent pathways that generates intracellular responses to extracellular signals. The primary element in this cascade is the cAMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA), which mediate most cAMP actions by phosphorylation. Regulatory subunit isoforms bind cAMP and localize catalytic subunit isoforms near substrate proteins. C-subunit isoforms also may have specific roles in PKA function. Compared to the C alpha-subunit isoform, C gamma has a more limited distribution, a different substrate and inhibitor specificity, and appears to require higher levels of cAMP for activation. Many PKA isoforms with differing localization, regulatory, and kinetic properties are thus possible. The potential roles for R- and C-subunits are discussed in the broad context of cAMP/PKA-mediated cell function.

Animals↗

cAMP-dependent protein kinase A is required for Schwann cell growth: interactions between the cAMP and neuregulin/tyrosine kinase pathways.

Schwann cell proliferation is stimulated by contact with neurons or exposure to growth factor ligands for tyrosine kinase receptors, effects of which are potentiated by cAMP. Here we show that treatment of rat Schwann cells with recombinant human glial growth factor 2 (rhGGF2), but not with other mitogenic factors, transiently increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), with maximal elevation at the G0/G1 boundary. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) inhibitor H-89 strongly antagonized GGF- and neuron-induced Schwann cell proliferation, with maximum inhibition observed at G0/G1. H-89 also inhibited Schwann cell proliferation induced by growth factors that did not increase intracellular cAMP. Stimulation of Schwann cells with rhGGF2 resulted in 70-fold activation of MAP kinase; forskolin treatment resulted in a 50% decrease in MAP kinase activity but did not alter Raf-1 phosphorylation on Ser-43. These results demonstrate that the MAP kinase cascade represents an intersection between receptor tyrosine kinase and cAMP signaling pathways in Schwann cells and that PKA plays a critical role in Schwann cell cycle progression.

Animals↗