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CK2 phosphorylation weakens 90 kDa MFP1 association to the nuclear matrix in Allium cepa.

MFP1 is a conserved plant coiled-coil protein located on the stroma side of the chloroplast thylakoids, as well as in the nuclear matrix. It displays species-specific variability in the number of genes, proteins, and expression. Allium cepa has two nuclear proteins antigenically related to MFP1 with different M(r), pI, distribution, and expression, but only the 90 kDa MFP1 protein is a nuclear matrix component that associates with both the nucleoskeletal filaments and a new category of nuclear bodies. The 90 kDa AcMFP1 migrates in two-dimensional blots as two sets of spots. The hypo-phosphorylated forms (pI approximately 9.5) are tightly bound to the nuclear matrix, while high ionic strength buffers release the more acidic hyper-phosphorylated ones (pI approximately 8.5), suggesting that the protein is post-translationally modified, and that these modifications control its attachment to the nuclear matrix. Dephosphorylation by exogenous alkaline phosphatase and phosphorylation by exogenous CK2, as well as specific inhibition and stimulation of endogenous CK2 with heparin and spermine and spermidine, respectively, revealed that the protein is an in vitro and in vivo substrate of this enzyme, and that CK2 phosphorylation weakens the strength of its binding to the nuclear matrix. In synchronized cells, the nuclear 90 kDa AcMFP1 phosphorylation levels vary during the cell cycle with a moderate peak in G2. These results provide the first evidence for AcMFP1 in vivo phosphorylation, and open up further research on its nuclear functions.

Casein Kinase II↗

Protein kinase CK2 acts as a signal molecule switching between the NDPK-A/AMPK alpha1 complex and NDPK-B.

Previously we elucidated the molecular interaction between the nucleoside diphosphate kinase A (NDPK-A)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) alpha1 complex, discovering a process we termed "substrate channeling." Here, we investigate the protein-protein interaction of the substrate channeling complex with the pleiotropic protein kinase, CK2 (formerly casein kinase 2). We show that CK2 is part of the NDPK-A/AMPK alpha1 complex under basal (background AMPK activity) conditions, binding directly to each of the complex components independently. We report that when S122 on NDPK-A is phosphorylated by AMPK alpha1 in vivo, (i.e., stimulation of AMPK using either metformin or phenformin) initiating the substrate channeling mechanism, the catalytic subunit of CK2 (CK2alpha) is expelled from the complex and translocates to bind NDPK-B, a closely related but independent isoform of NDPK. Thus, we find that the AMPK-dependent phospho-status of S122 on NDPK-A determines whether CK2alpha swaps partners between NDPK-A and NDPK-B. This is the first reported linkage between NDPK-A and NDPK-B via a phosphorylation pathway and could explain the complex biology of NDPK. This study also offers an explanation as to how CK2alpha exclusion mutations (S120A or S122D of NDPK-A) on NDPK-A might have implications in cancer biology and general cellular energy metabolism.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

A protein kinase CK2 site flanking the nuclear targeting signal enhances nuclear transport of human cytomegalovirus ppUL44.

The processivity factor of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase phosphoprotein ppUL44 plays an essential role in viral replication, showing nuclear localization in infected cells. The present study examines ppUL44's nuclear import pathway for the first time, ectopic expression of ppUL44 revealing a strong nuclear localization in transfected COS-7 and other cell types, implying that no other HCMV proteins are required for nuclear transportation and retention. We show that of the two potential nuclear localization signals (NLSs) located at amino acids 162-168 (NLS1) and 425-431 (NLS2), NLS2 is necessary and sufficient to confer nuclear localization. Moreover, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and gel mobility shift assays, we show that NLS2 is recognized with high affinity by the importin (IMP) alpha/beta heterodimer. Using gel mobility shift and transient transfection assays, we find that flanking sequences containing a cluster of potential phosphorylation sites, including a consensus site for protein kinase CK2 (CK2) at Ser413 upstream of the NLS, increase NLS2-dependent IMP binding and nuclear localization, suggesting a role for these sites in enhancing UL44 nuclear transport. Results from site-directed mutagenic analysis and live-cell imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-UL44 fusion protein-expressing cells treated with the CK2-specific inhibitor 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole are consistent with phosphorylation of Ser413 enhancing ppUL44 nuclear transport.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Dynamic localization/association of protein kinase CK2 subunits in living cells: a role in its cellular regulation?

Accumulating evidence indicates that in addition to the classical complex, the catalytic and regulatory subunits of CK2 can also exist as free populations in living cells. The association of recombinant CK2 subunits in vitro has been characterized, providing evidence for the first time for their targeted interactions in living cells. The data also suggest that the regulation by phosphorylation of many CK2 substrates may strongly depend on the dynamic localization/association of its subunits.

3T3 Cells↗

Activation of pre-mRNA splicing by human RNPS1 is regulated by CK2 phosphorylation.

Human RNPS1 was originally characterized as a pre-mRNA splicing activator in vitro and was shown to regulate alternative splicing in vivo. RNPS1 was also identified as a protein component of the splicing-dependent mRNP complex, or exon-exon junction complex (EJC), and a role for RNPS1 in postsplicing processes has been proposed. Here we demonstrate that RNPS1 incorporates into active spliceosomes, enhances the formation of the ATP-dependent A complex, and promotes the generation of both intermediate and final spliced products. RNPS1 is phosphorylated in vivo and interacts with the CK2 (casein kinase II) protein kinase. Serine 53 (Ser-53) of RNPS1 was identified as the major phosphorylation site for CK2 in vitro, and the same site is also phosphorylated in vivo. The phosphorylation status of Ser-53 significantly affects splicing activation in vitro, but it does not perturb the nuclear localization of RNPS1. In vivo experiments indicated that the phosphorylation of RNPS1 at Ser-53 influences the efficiencies of both splicing and translation. We propose that RNPS1 is a splicing regulator whose activator function is controlled in part by CK2 phosphorylation.

Casein Kinase II↗

Analysis of interactions between the subunits of protein kinase CK2.

Protein kinase CK2, which was formerly known as casein kinase II, is a highly conserved protein serine/threonine kinase implicated in the control of cell proliferation through its phosphorylation of regulatory nuclear proteins. The enzyme consists of catalytic (alpha and (or) alpha') subunits and beta subunits that modulate the activity of the catalytic subunits. These subunits are arranged in homotetrameric (i.e., alpha 2 beta 2 or alpha' 2 beta 2) or heterotetrameric (i.e., alpha alpha' beta 2) complexes. We previously demonstrated using the yeast two-hybrid system that alpha (or alpha') subunits can interact with beta subunits but not other alpha (or alpha') subunits. By comparison, beta subunits can interact with alpha (or alpha') and with beta subunits, suggesting that the protein kinase CK2 holoenzyme forms because of the ability of beta subunits to dimerize, bringing two heterodimers (alpha beta or alpha' beta) into a tetrameric complex. In the present study, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to examine the domains of interactions between the alpha and beta subunits of protein kinase CK2. These studies indicate that the ability of beta to interact with alpha resides within the carboxy-terminal domain of beta. By comparison, our studies suggest that individual domains of alpha are not sufficient for interactions with beta.

Casein Kinase II↗

Distribution of CK2, its substrate MAP1B and phosphatases in neuronal cells.

Neuronal morphogenesis depends on the organization of cytoskeletal elements among which microtubules play a very important role. The organization of microtubules is controlled by the presence of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), the activity of which is modulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. One of these MAPs is MAP1B, which is very abundant within growing axons of developing neurons where it is found phosphorylated by several protein kinases including CK2. The expression of MAP1B is notably decreased after neuronal maturation in parallel with a change in the localization of the protein, which becomes largely concentrated in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites. Interestingly, MAP1B remains highly phosphorylated at sites targeted by protein kinase CK2 in mature neurons. We have analyzed the expression and localization of CK2 catalytic subunits along neuronal development. CK2alpha subunit appears early during development whereas CK2alpha' subunit appears within mature neurons at the time of dendrite maturation and synaptogenesis, in parallel with the change in the localization of MAP1B. CK2alpha subunit is found associated with microtubule preparations obtained from either grey matter or white matter from adult bovine brain, whereas CK2alpha' subunit is highly enriched in microtubules obtained from grey matter. These results lend support to the hypothesis that CK2alpha' subunit is concentrated in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites, where it associates with microtubules, thus contributing to the increased phosphorylation of MAP1B in this localization in mature neurons.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Novel properties of the protein kinase CK2-site-regulated nuclear- localization sequence of the interferon-induced nuclear factor IFI 16.

Members of the interferon-induced class of nuclear factors possess a putative CcN motif, comparable with that within proteins such as the simian virus 40 large tumour antigen (T-ag), which confers phosphorylation-mediated regulation of nuclear-localization sequence (NLS)-dependent nuclear import. Here we examine the functionality of the interferon-induced factor 16 (IFI 16) CcN motif, demonstrating its ability to target a heterologous protein to the nucleus, and to be phosphorylated specifically by the CcN-motif-phosphorylating protein kinase CK2 (CK2). The IFI 16 NLS, however, has novel properties, conferring ATP-dependent nuclear import completely independent of cytosolic factors, as well as binding to nuclear components. The IFI 16 NLS is not recognized with high affinity by the NLS-binding importin heterodimer, and transport mediated by it is insensitive to non-hydrolysable GTP analogues. The IFI 16 NLS thus mediates nuclear import through a pathway completely distinct from that of conventional NLSs, such as that of T-ag, but intriguingly resembling that of the NLS of the HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat. Since the IFI 16 CK2 site enhances nuclear import through facilitating binding to nuclear components, this represents a novel mechanism by which the site regulates nuclear-protein import, and constitutes a difference between the IFI 16 and Tat NLSs that may be of importance in the immune response.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

Mutation at the CK2 phosphorylation site on Cdc28 affects kinase activity and cell size in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have recently reported that protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates both in vivo and in vitro residue serine-46 of the cell cycle regulating protein Cdc28 of budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, confirming a previous observation that the same site is phosphorylated in Cdc2/Cdk1, the human homolog of Cdc28. In addition, S. cerevisiae in which serine-46 of Cdc28 has been mutated to alanine show a decrease of 33% in both cell volume and protein content, providing the genetic evidence that CK2 is involved in the regulation of budding yeast cell division cycle, and suggesting that this regulation may be brought about in G1 phase of the mammalian cell cycle. Here, we extended this observation reporting that the mutation of serine-46 of Cdc28 to glutamic acid doubles, at least in vitro, the H1-kinase activity of the Cdc28/cyclin A complex. Since this mutation has only little effects on the cell size of the cells, we hypothesize multiple roles of yeast CK2 in regulating the G1 transition in budding yeast.

Alanine↗

Cloning and characterization of the cDNA coding for the catalytic alpha subunit of CK2 from tobacco.

We have previously reported the participation of the protein kinase CK2 in the mechanism by which salicylic acid activates transcription of genes, such as those coding for glutathion S-transferases, in tobacco. With the purpose of further studying the participation of CK2 in this signal transduction pathway, we isolated and sequenced the cDNA from the NtCK2A gene, coding for the catalytic alpha subunit of CK2 from tobacco. The NtCK2A cDNA was isolated by screening of a tobacco cDNA library with a heterologous probe from Arabidopsis thaliana, followed by 3' RACE to obtain the 3' region. Sequence analysis of the NtCK2A cDNA showed a high level of identity between this CK2alpha protein sequence and the corresponding sequences of other plant species such as Arabidopsis and maize (92-95% identity), or those of animal species such as human and Xenopus laevis (75% identity). The expression of the NtCK2A gene in different tissues from tobacco plants was analyzed by Northern blot. High levels of expression of this gene were observed in proliferating tissues such as shoot and root apical meristems. A recombinant CK2alpha protein was obtained after expression of the NtCK2A cDNA in Escherichia coli. The ability of this recombinant CK2alpha subunit to phosphorylate casein was inhibited by heparin and stimulated by the CK2beta subunit from Xenopus laevis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of CK2 holoenzyme variants with regard to crystallization.

A search for strategies was conducted in order to obtain a human protein kinase CK2 preparation which would be suitable for crystallization, despite the fact that the recombinant enzyme is abundant and can be readily purified to homogeneity. This seemingly contradiction is based on the fact that the catalytic subunit moiety of the human CK2 holoenzyme is not stable neither as a free subunit nor in the tetrameric complex. All attempts to prevent degradation failed. Hence, alternative approaches were designed in order to avoid this degradation, which was expected to hamper any crystallization efforts severely. One of the approaches chosen was the production of a chimeric holoenzyme made up from a human regulatory subunit and a catalytic subunit from Z. mays. The plant catalytic subunit, in contrast to the human counterpart is very stable and does not undergo this kind of degradation. The second strategy to tackle the problem of instability was to produce the homologous recombinant human CK2 holoenzyme and then, instead of trying to avoid degradation, attempt to accelerate degradation until all catalytic subunit material was converted to the degraded form, i.e. a 40 kDa polypeptide.

Animals↗

Transcriptional coordination of the genes encoding catalytic (CK2alpha) and regulatory (CK2beta) subunits of human protein kinase CK2.

Little is known of how protein kinase CK2 genes are regulated, and it is unclear whether there are mechanisms of transcriptional coordination. Response elements present in the promoter sequences of the human catalytic (CK2alpha) and regulatory (CK2beta) subunit genes have been examined for the significance in transcriptional control using reporter gene assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, site-directed mutagenesis, ectopic protein expressions, and transcript assessments. Most strikingly, in both promoters the regions of highest transcriptional activity contain two adjoining, completely identical and conserved Ets1 response elements, and both the mutation of motifs and the overexpression of Ets1 affect significantly transcriptional activity. Also in common are Sp1 response elements that cooperate with Ets1, and Sp1 is phosphorylatable by CK2 holoenzyme but not by individual CK2alpha, the phosphorylation negatively affecting DNA binding. CK2alpha and CK2beta transcript levels and stoichiometries of mRNA species turned out quite constant in cultured cells despite progressing through various stages of proliferation and differentiation. The data seem to indicate transcriptional coordination of the human genes encoding CK2alpha and CK2beta based on an Ets1 double motif common to both genes cooperating with Sp1 motifs and amenable to negative feedback control by the gene products which, following complexation into CK2 holoenzyme, could phosphorylate Sp1 (and Ets1?) and thus downregulate transcription and contribute to the observed constant cellular CK2alpha and CK2beta transcripts situation.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

[Protein kinase CK2 and cancer: further clues are accumulating].

Protein kinase CK2 appears to interact with different signaling pathways and therefore represents the prototype of a multifunctional protein kinase. The enzyme is highly expressed in most cancers and this higher expression has been tentatively correlated with the involvement of CK2 in the promotion of specific phases of the cell cycle. This review summarizes our current knowledge on how CK2 may also contribute to tumorigenesis through its direct interaction with the cell-survival circuitry.

Animals↗

Human protein kinase CK2 genes.

We have analyzed the genomic structure of human protein kinase CK2. Of the presumably four genes, the gene encoding the regulatory subunit beta and a processed (pseudo)gene of the catalytic subunit alpha have been characterized completely. In addition, a 18.9 kb-long central part of the gene encoding the catalytic subunit alpha has been characterized. The subunit beta gene spans 4.2 kb and is composed of seven exons. Its promoter region shows several features of a "housekeeping gene" and shares common features with the promoter of the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Conforming to the genomic structure, the beta gene transcripts form a band around 1.1 kb. The central part of the subunit alpha gene contains eight exons comprising bases 102 to 824 of the translated region. Within the introns, 16 Alu repeats were identified, some of which arranged in tandems. The structure of both human CK2 coding genes, alpha and beta, is highly conserved. Several introns are located at corresponding positions in the respective genes of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The processed alpha (pseudo)gene has a complete open reading frame and is 99% homologous to the coding region of the CK2 alpha cDNA. Although the gene has a promoter-like upstream region, no transcript could be identified so far. The genomic clones were used for localization in the human genome. The beta gene was mapped to locus 6p21, the alpha gene to locus 20p13 and the alpha (pseudo)gene to locus 11p15. There is no evidence for additional alpha or beta loci in the human genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Enzymatic phosphorylation of soy globulins by the protein kinase CK2. Determination of the phosphorylation sites of beta-conglycinin alpha subunit by mass spectrometry.

Beta-conglycinin alpha subunit has been phosphorylated using a cAMP-independent protein kinase (CK2) purified from the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. CK2 is known to phosphorylate serines and threonines in the consensus sequence Ser/Thr-X-X-Asp/Glu. Only 0.5 to 1 mol P/mol alpha subunit was incorporated although seven consensus sequences are present. Phosphorylated beta-conglycinin alpha subunit (P-alpha) was digested by trypsin. The resulting peptides were analysed by RP-HPLC coupled to electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESMS). Two phosphopeptides were identified corresponding to 70-89 and 116-127 sequences with Ser 75 and Ser 117 phosphorylated respectively. Ser 75 is one of the predicted phosphorylation sites according to the consensus sequence criteria. Ser 117 is inside a very acidic peptide but does not belong to a previously described consensus sequence.

Antigens, Plant↗

Mapping the residues of protein kinase CK2 implicated in substrate recognition: mutagenesis of conserved basic residues in the alpha-subunit.

Six mutants of protein kinase CK2 alpha subunit in which basic residues have been mutated into alanines were assayed for their capability to phosphorylate the peptide RRRADDSDDDDD. Two mutants (R228A and R278K279R280A) behaved more or less as alpha wild type and one (H160,166A) was nearly inactive, hampering the calculation of kinetic parameters. In contrast 3 mutants (K74-77A, K79R80K83A and R191,195K198A) phosphorylated the peptide with reduced efficiency accounted for by increased Km and decreased Vmax values. By using derivatives of the RRRADDSDDDDD peptide in which individual aspartyl residues were variably replaced by alanine(s) and two peptide substrates derived from I-2 (KYRIREQESSGEEDSDL and RRKDLHDDEEDEEMSETADGE) it was shown that mutations in the 191-198, 74-77 and 79-83 regions were the least detrimental whenever the acidic determinants were lacking at positions +1, +4/+5 and +3, respectively. These data support the conclusion that the basic residues present in the p+1 loop of CK2 alpha specifically recognize the acidic determinant adjacent to the C-terminal side of serine, while the specificity determinants located more down-stream are variably recognized by different residues of the unique basic cluster spanning between Lys74 and Lys83.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural features underlying the unusual mode of calmodulin phosphorylation by protein kinase CK2: A study with synthetic calmodulin fragments.

To shed light on the paradoxical behaviour of calmodulin, whose phosphorylation is inhibited by the regulatory beta-subunit of protein kinase CK2, a series of peptides encompassing the phosphoacceptor sites of calmodulin have been synthesized and assayed as substrates of CK2 alpha-subunit either alone or combined with the beta-subunit. The shortest peptide whose phosphorylation is reduced instead of being enhanced by the beta-subunit encompasses the sequence 68-106, including the central helix and the Ca2+-binding loop-III. In contrast, the phosphorylation of a peptide encompassing loop II and the central helix (54-92) is stimulated, like that of several shorter peptides, by the beta-subunit. Our data localize to the C-terminal domain of calmodulin the structural elements that are responsible for inverted susceptibility to beta-subunit regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transient increase of a protein kinase activity identified to CK2 during sea urchin development.

Using GST-EF-1 delta as an exogenous substrate, and EF-1 delta kinase activity was shown to increase transiently during early development of sea urchin embryos. The basal activity of EF-1 delta kinase in unfertilized eggs was 150 fmoles/min/mg protein. The activity began to increase 10 h after fertilization and reached its maximum level (8.4 x basal) at 24 h. The activity then declined to twice the basal value at 72 h post-fertilization. The EF-1 delta kinase activity was identified to a CK2-type enzyme on the basis of its substrate specificity for EF-1 delta, crude casein and beta casein, its inhibition by heparin, DRB, 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate, and its stimulation by spermine, spermidine, and polylysin. Furthermore, the activity was inhibited by the synthetic peptide RRREEETEEE specific for CK2. DRB (200 microM) and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2.5 mM) blocked or delayed the transition from blastula to gastrula of the embryos, suggesting a role for the kinase in early development.

Animals↗