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Networks of interaction of p120cbl and p130cas with Crk and Grb2 adaptor proteins.

P120cbl, the product of the c-cbl proto-oncogene, has previously been shown to become tyrosine phosphorylated following EGF stimulation of cells, and to bind constitutively to the SH3 domain of the adaptor protein Grb2. Here we show that another adaptor protein, Crk, binds through its SH2 domain to tyrosine phosphorylated p120cbl. In addition, Crk becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine and serine following EGF treatment of PC12 and other cell lines. In unstimulated cells, while Grb2 is not bound to any tyrosine phosphoprotein, Crk is bound via its SH2 domain to tyrosine phosphorylated p130cas, the Crk-associated v-Src substrate. Following EGF treatment, Crk dissociates from p130cas, possibly due to a higher affinity of Crk SH2 for p120cbl compared with p130cas. Interaction between Grb2 and p120cbl increases threefold following EGF treatment of cells; in vitro, this induction of Grb2 association with unphosphorylated p120cbl can be mimicked by the addition of tyrosine phosphorylated Shc, suggesting a transfer of information between the SH2 and SH3 domains of Grb2. These data indicate that adaptor proteins can exchange binding partners in response to stimuli, and that different adaptor proteins can bind to the same partners by different mechanisms.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Apoptotic cell death influences the signaling activity of the amyloid precursor protein through ShcA and Grb2 adaptor proteins in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is an ubiquitous receptor-like molecule involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). APP and some of its C-terminal proteolytic fragments (CTFs) have been shown to be phosphorylated and to interact with cytosolic phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain containing proteins involved in cell signaling and vesicular transport. Among others, the interaction between tyrosine-phosphorylated CTFs and ShcA-Grb2 adaptors is highly enhanced in AD brain. Here we have identified in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells an interaction between APP holoprotein and the adaptor Grb2. Upon activation of apoptotic cell death this interaction is rapidly degraded, APP is partially cleaved and the complex APP/Grb2 is replaced by a new complex between CTFs and ShcA that still involves Grb2. The formation of these complexes is regulated by beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 and influences the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase p44/42 extracellular signal-regulated kinase as well as the level of apoptotic death of the cells. These data suggest a dual role in cell signaling for APP and its CTFs in neuroblastoma cells, in a manner similar to that previously reported for other tyrosine kinase receptor, through a tightly regulated coupling with alternative intracellular adaptors to control the signaling of the cell.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Changes in structural dynamics of the Grb2 adaptor protein upon binding of phosphotyrosine ligand to its SH2 domain.

Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) is an extensively studied adaptor protein involved in cell signaling. Grb2 is a highly flexible protein composed of a single SH2 domain flanked by two SH3 domains. Here we report on the structural dynamic effects upon interaction of a phosphopeptide ligand derived from the recognition sequence of the Shc adaptor protein with (i) the isolated SH2 domain of Grb2 (Grb2 SH2) and (ii) the full-length Grb2 protein. From kinetic studies using surface plasmon resonance, it was deduced that a conformation change occurred in the SH2 protein as well as the full-length Grb2 after binding. Measurements of hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) in the isolated SH2 domain and full-length Grb2 protein as monitored by electrospray mass spectrometry, showed that binding reduces the overall flexibility of the proteins, possibly via slightly different mechanisms for the single SH2 domain and the full-length Grb2 protein.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

The oncogenic versions of the Ret and Trk tyrosine kinases bind Shc and Grb2 adaptor proteins.

Proto-TRK and proto-RET genes encode receptor type tyrosine kinases. Oncogenic rearrangements of both proto-oncogenes have been detected with a significant frequency in human papillary thyroid carcinomas. Chimeric Ret and Trk oncoproteins, encoded by different rearrangements of proto-TRK and proto-RET genes, display a constitutive phosphorylation on tyrosine. Moreover, it has been shown that phosphorylated tyrosine receptors, activated by their ligands, form multiprotein complexes responsible for transducing mitogenic or differentiation signals. We have therefore begun to analyse in this study the signal transduction pathways triggered by different Ret and Trk oncoproteins. We have shown that the SH2 domain of the adaptor protein Shc coimmunoprecipitates with all the Ret and Trk oncoproteins as well as with NGF-activated proto-Trk receptor. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Trk proteins both normal and oncogenic is necessary for their binding to Shc. In addition, in cells containing either Ret or Trk oncoproteins, Shc proteins are constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine and bound to Grb2. Only in in vitro experiments were Ret and Trk oncoproteins shown to bind the SH2 region of Grb2. Finally, when proto-Trk product is stimulated by NGF, Shc phosphorylation and association with Grb2 are induced. In conclusion, we have shown that Ret and Trk oncoproteins can form multiprotein complexes, however, the functional meaning of the described interactions has to be elucidated.

3T3 Cells↗

Tyrosine dephosphorylation and deactivation of insulin receptor substrate-1 by protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B. Possible facilitation by the formation of a ternary complex with the Grb2 adaptor protein.

Regulation of the steady-state tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and its postreceptor substrates are essential determinants of insulin signal transduction. However, little is known regarding the molecular interactions that influence the balance of these processes, especially the phosphorylation state of postinsulin receptor substrates, such as insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). The specific activity of four candidate protein-tyrosine phosphatases (protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), SH2 domain-containing PTPase-2 (SHP-2), leukocyte common antigen-related (LAR), and leukocyte antigen-related phosphatase) (LRP) toward IRS-1 dephosphorylation was studied using recombinant proteins in vitro. PTP1B exhibited the highest specific activity (percentage dephosphorylated per microg per min), and the enzyme activities varied over a range of 5.5 x 10(3). When evaluated as a ratio of activity versus IRS-1 to that versus p-nitrophenyl phosphate, PTP1B remained significantly more active by 3.1-293-fold, respectively. Overlay blots with recombinant Src homology 2 domains of IRS-1 adaptor proteins showed that the loss of IRS-1 binding of Crk, GRB2, SHP-2, and the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase paralleled the rate of overall IRS-1 dephosphorylation. Further studies revealed that the adaptor protein GRB2 strongly promoted the formation of a stable protein complex between tyrosine-phosphorylated IRS-1 and catalytically inactive PTP1B, increasing their co-immunoprecipitation from an equimolar solution by 13.5 +/- 3.3-fold (n = 7; p < 0.01). Inclusion of GRB2 in a reaction mixture of IRS-1 and active PTP1B also increased the overall rate of IRS-1 tyrosine dephosphorylation by 2.7-3.9-fold (p < 0.01). These results provide new insight into novel molecular interactions involving PTP1B and GRB2 that may influence the steady-state capacity of IRS-1 to function as a phosphotyrosine scaffold and possibly affect the balance of postreceptor insulin signaling.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

A new function for phospholipase C-gamma1: coupling to the adaptor protein GRB2.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced autophosphorylation of the EGF receptor results in high-affinity binding of the adaptor protein GRB2, which serves as a convergence point for multiple signaling pathways. Present studies demonstrate that EGF induces the co-immunoprecipitation of phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 with the adaptor protein GRB2 and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Sos, but not with the adaptor protein SHC, in WB cells. Inhibition of PLC-gamma1 tyrosine phosphorylation by phenylarsine oxide reduces the co-immunoprecipitation of PLC-gamma1 with GRB2. Furthermore, angiotensin II, a G protein-coupled receptor agonist, also induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 and its co-immunoprecipitation with GRB2 in WB cells. Interestingly, angiotensin II stimulation also causes tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor, suggesting that angiotensin II-induced PLC-gamma1 tyrosine phosphorylation in WB cells may be via EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activation. In addition, there is some level of association between PLC-gamma1 and GRB2 that is independent of the tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 in both in vivo and in vitro studies. In vitro studies further demonstrate that the Tyr771 and Tyr783 region of PLC-gamma1 and the SH2 domain of GRB2 are potentially involved in the tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent association between PLC-gamma1 and GRB2. The association of PLC-gamma1 with GRB2 and Sos suggests that PLC-gamma1 may be directly involved in the Ras signaling pathway and that GRB2 may be involved in the translocation of PLC-gamma1 from cytosol to the plasma membrane as a necessary step for its effect on inositol lipid hydrolysis.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Receptor tyrosine phosphatase R-PTP-alpha is tyrosine-phosphorylated and associated with the adaptor protein Grb2.

Receptor tyrosine phosphatases (R-PTPases) have generated interest because of their suspected involvement in cellular signal transduction. The adaptor protein Grb2 has been implicated in coupling receptor tyrosine kinases to Ras. We report that a ubiquitous R-PTPase, R-PTP-alpha, is tyrosine-phosphorylated and associated in vivo with the Grb2 protein. This association can be reproduced in stably and transiently transfected cells, as well as in vitro using recombinant Grb2 protein. Association requires the presence of an intact SH2 domain in Grb2, as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of R-PTP-alpha. This observation links a receptor tyrosine phosphatase with a key component of a central cellular signalling pathway and provides a basis for addressing R-PTP-alpha function.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Decreased mitogenic response to epidermal growth factor in human squamous cell carcinoma lines overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor owing to limiting amounts of the adaptor protein Grb2: rescue by retinoic acid treatment.

Growth factor receptors of the tyrosine kinase family regulate proliferation of a variety of cell types. In some human cancers, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its ligands often are overexpressed, leading to both constitutive and autocrine activation. Intracellular signaling via this receptor takes place through several mechanisms of action, including activation of ras and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Our previous studies have shown that human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lines overexpress EGFR and do not increase proliferation in response to exogenous epidermal growth factor (EGF). The vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) has been used as a chemotherapeutic drug in the treatment of SCC. RA decreases proliferation of SCC lines, in part owing to inhibition of EGFR expression. However, we previously found that treatment of SCC lines with inhibitory doses of RA sensitized cells to the proliferative effects of EGF. We now present a mechanism of action for this effect. RA inhibited expression of EGFR and proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway. Expression of these molecules returned to basal levels within 24 h after RA withdrawal. RA also inhibited autocrine secretion of EGF, which returned to basal levels with slower kinetics. During this time, addition of exogenous EGF stimulated mitosis in SCC lines. These data suggested that signaling proteins downstream of overexpressed EGFR may have limited the mitotic response in SCC lines. In support of this hypothesis, overexpression of the EGFR adaptor protein Grb2 increased cell proliferation and restored EGF-induced mitosis.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Adaptor proteins Grb2 and Crk couple Pyk2 with activation of specific mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades.

The protein tyrosine kinase Pyk2 acts as an upstream regulator of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascades in response to numerous extracellular signals. The precise molecular mechanisms by which Pyk2 activates distinct MAP kinase pathways are not yet fully understood. In this report, we provide evidence that the protein tyrosine kinase Src and adaptor proteins Grb2, Crk, and p130Cas act as downstream mediators of Pyk2 leading to the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK). Pyk2-induced activation of Src is necessary for phosphorylation of Shc and p130Cas and their association with Grb2 and Crk, respectively, and for the activation of ERK and JNK cascades. Expression of a Grb2 mutant with a deletion of the amino-terminal Src homology 3 domain or the carboxyl-terminal tail of Sos strongly reduced Pyk2-induced ERK activation, with no apparent effect on JNK activity. Grb2 with a deleted carboxyl-terminal Src homology 3 domain partially blocked Pyk2-induced ERK and JNK pathways, whereas expression of dominant interfering mutants of p130Cas or Crk specifically inhibited JNK but not ERK activation by Pyk2. Taken together, our data reveal specific pathways that couple Pyk2 with MAP kinases: the Grb2/Sos complex connects Pyk2 to the activation of ERK, whereas adaptor proteins p130Cas and Crk link Pyk2 with the JNK pathway.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Molecular cloning of the mouse grb2 gene: differential interaction of the Grb2 adaptor protein with epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor receptors.

We report the isolation and molecular characterization of the mouse grb2 gene. The product of this gene, the Grb2 protein, is highly related to the Caenorhabditis elegans sem-5 gene product and the human GRB2 protein and displays the same SH3-SH2-SH3 structural motifs. In situ hybridization studies revealed that the mouse grb2 gene is widely expressed throughout embryonic development (E9.5 to P0). However, grb2 transcripts are not uniformly distributed, and in certain tissues (e.g., thymus) they appear to be regulated during development. Recent genetic and biochemical evidence has implicated the Grb2 protein in the signaling pathways that link cell surface tyrosine kinase receptors with Ras. We have investigated the association of the Grb2 protein with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. EGF treatment of PC12 cells results in the rapid association of Grb2 with the activated EGF receptors, an interaction mediated by the Grb2 SH2 domain. However, Grb2 does not bind to NGF-activated Trk receptors. Mitogenic signaling of NGF in NIH 3T3 cells ectopically expressing Trk receptors also takes place without detectable association between Grb2 and Trk. These results suggest that whereas EGF and NGF can activate the Ras signaling pathway in PC12 cells, only the EGF receptor is likely to do so through a direct interaction with Grb2. Finally, binding studies with glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins indicate that Grb2 binds two distinct subsets of proteins which are individually recognized by its SH2 and SH3 domains. These observations add further support to the concept that Grb2 is a modular adaptor protein.

3T3 Cells↗

A complex of Grb2 adaptor protein, Sos exchange factor, and a 36-kDa membrane-bound tyrosine phosphoprotein is implicated in ras activation in T cells.

T lymphocytes contain both Grb2, an SH2 and SH3 domain containing adaptor protein, and Sos, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Ras. Immunoprecipitates of Sos from the lysates of T cells contain a 36-kDa protein which is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to T cell receptor/CD3 cross-linking. In vitro studies using different bacterially synthesized GST-Sos fusion proteins confirm the formation of complexes containing p36 and the proline-rich COOH-terminal domain of Sos. The use of mutant GST-Grb2 proteins in which both SH3 domains have been mutationally inactivated shows that Grb2 binds to tyrosine phosphorylated p36 via its SH2 domain. In Jurkat cells phosphorylated p36 is localized exclusively in the particulate fraction. In addition, another SH2 domain-containing protein, p52Shc is tyrosine phosphorylated upon TCR.CD3 cross-linking and associates with a 150-kDa phosphotyrosine containing protein. Taken together these data suggest that activation of Ras in T cells via the TCR.CD3 complex might be controlled, at least in part, by mechanisms similar to those found in fibroblasts, involving in this case formation of a complex of Grb2, Sos, and a membrane-bound tyrosine phosphoprotein of molecular mass 36-kDa.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Coupling between p210bcr-abl and Shc and Grb2 adaptor proteins in hematopoietic cells permits growth factor receptor-independent link to ras activation pathway.

Enforced expression of p210bcr-abl transforms interleukin 3 (IL-3)-dependent hematopoietic cell lines to growth factor-independent proliferation. It has been demonstrated that nonreceptor tyrosine kinase oncogenes may couple to the p21ras pathway to exert their transforming effect. In particular, p210bcr-abl was recently found to effect p21ras activation in hematopoietic cells. In this context, experiments were performed to evaluate a protein signaling pathway by which p210bcr-abl might regulate p21ras. It was asked whether Shc p46/p52, a protein containing a src-homology region 2 (SH2) domain, and known to function upstream from p21ras, might form specific complexes with p210bcr-abl and thus, possibly alter p21ras activity by coupling to the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Sos/CDC25) through the Grb2 protein-Sos complex. This latter complex has been previously demonstrated to occur ubiquitously. We found that p210bcr-abl formed a specific complex with Shc and with Grb2 in three different murine cell lines transfected with a p210bcr-abl expression vector. There appeared to be a higher order complex containing Shc, Grb2, and bcr-abl proteins. In contrast to p210bcr-abl transformed cells, in which there was constitutive tight association between Grb2 and Shc, binding between Grb2 and Shc was Steel factor (SLF)-dependent in a SLF-responsive, nontransformed parental cell line. The SLF-dependent association between Grb2 and Shc in nontransformed cells involved formation of a complex of Grb2 with c-kit receptor after SLF treatment. Thus, p210bcr-abl appears to function in a hematopoietic p21ras activation pathway to allow growth factor-independent coupling between Grb2, which exists in a complex with the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Sos), and p21ras. Shc may not be required for Grb2-c-kit interaction, because it fails to bind strongly to c-kit.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Characterization of RAFTK, a novel focal adhesion kinase, and its integrin-dependent phosphorylation and activation in megakaryocytes.

We have recently isolated a cDNA encoding a novel human intracellular tyrosine kinase, termed RAFTK (for a related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase). The RAFTK cDNA, which encodes a polypeptide of 1,009 amino acids, shares 65% homology to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), including several consensus motifs. In this report, we describe the biochemical characterization and functional analysis of the RAFTK protein. Coexpression of RAFTK and FAK proteins in megakaryocytic cells and blood platelets was observed. Using a specific antibody to RAFTK and the monoclonal antibody 2A7 to FAK, FAK and RAFTK could be distinguished antigenically. RAFTK had intrinsic tyrosine kinase and autokinase activities. It was phosphorylated on tyrosine in growing cultures of COS cells transfected with the pCDNAIII/flag-RAFTK expression vector containing the RAFTK cDNA ligated with the 8 amino acid flag peptide sequence. Similar to FAK, dephosphorylation of RAFTK was observed when adherent transfected COS cells were detached. Phosphorylation was regained upon replating of these cells on the fibronectincoated dishes. Analysis of tyrosine-phosphorylated RAFTK from adherent transfected COS cells showed that the Src homology 2 (SH2) domains of the Src and Fyn protein kinases as well as the Grb2 adaptor protein were able to specifically associate with RAFTK. Tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous RAFTK was observed upon fibronectin-induced activation of human megakaryocytic cells. Furthermore, colocalization of RAFTK protein with vinculin, a focal adhesion protein, was observed by confocal microscopy in focal adhesion-like structures in adherent CMK cells and in transfected pCDNAIII/flag-RAFTK COS cells upon fibronectin activation. These data suggest that RAFTK is a novel member of the FAK family, that it localizes to focal adhesion-like structures in CMK megakaryocytic cells, that it participates in integrinmediated signaling pathways in megakaryocytes, and that it is able to associate with the tyrosine kinases Src and Fyn as well as the adaptor protein Grb2 via SH2-phosphotyrosine interactions.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

B cell antigen receptor stimulation induces formation of a Shc-Grb2 complex containing multiple tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins.

Activation of growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, such as the epidermal growth factor and insulin receptors, induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc proteins and their association with the SH2 domain-containing adaptor protein Grb2. The Shc-Grb2 complex has been implicated in coupling these receptors to p21ras. The B cell antigen receptor plays a key role in directing B cell proliferation and differentiation. Although the B cell receptor lacks intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, its mode of action parallels that of receptor tyrosine kinases in many aspects. B cell receptor stimulation activates src-related tyrosine kinases and the tyrosine kinase syk, which leads to phosphorylation of various cytoplasmic proteins and initiates multiple signaling events, including p21ras activation. Therefore, we have investigated whether Shc proteins are targets for the activated B cell receptor. It was found that the 52- and 46-kDa forms of Shc are expressed in mature human B cells and become rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine upon B cell receptor stimulation. Also, Shc is induced to associate with the Grb2 molecule and an undefined 130-kDa protein. In a specific response to B cell activation, the Shc-Grb2 complex associates with several tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, including two prominent phosphoproteins with molecular masses of 130 and 110 kDa. These observations strongly suggest that the Shc and Grb2 adaptor proteins are involved in coupling the B cell antigen receptor to one or multiple signal transduction pathways.

3T3 Cells↗

Stimulation of growth factor receptor signal transduction by activation of voltage-sensitive calcium channels.

To understand the mechanisms by which electrical activity may generate long-term responses in the nervous system, we examined how activation of voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) can stimulate the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Calcium influx through L-type VSCCs leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of the adaptor protein Shc and its association with the adaptor protein Grb2, which is bound to the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Sos1. In response to calcium influx, Shc, Grb2, and Sos1 inducibly associate with a 180-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein, which was determined to be the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Calcium influx induces tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGFR to levels that can activate the MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, ion channel activation stimulates growth factor receptor signal transduction.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

B cell antigen receptor cross-linking induces tyrosine phosphorylation and membrane translocation of a multimeric Shc complex that is augmented by CD19 co-ligation.

The SH2 domain-containing transforming Shc protein has been implicated in mitogenic signaling via several surface receptors through p21ras. Following tyrosine phosphorylation by either receptor or non-receptor tyrosine kinases, Shc may interact with the adaptor protein Grb2, which is linked to Sos1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for human ras. Ligation of the antigen receptor complex on B cells (BCR) is known to activate various intracellular signaling pathways, which may accumulate in mitogenic responses. With respect to the initial steps, the activation of BCR-associated non-receptor tyrosine kinases appears to be indispensible. In this report we show that Shc proteins become tyrosine phosphorylated after BCR ligation on both transformed and normal human B cells. This is accompanied by the association of Shc with Grb2 proteins and a yet unidentified 145-kDa tyrosine phosphorylated protein. Subcellular fractionation revealed that this activation-induced multimeric Shc complex rapidly translocates towards the plasma membrane. Co-ligation of the BCR with the CD19 molecule results in a marked increase of these events, whereas CD19 cross-linking alone does not induce Shc tyrosine phosphorylation or translocation. Thus, in B cells the Shc complex may represent a molecular junction between the BCR and the mitogenic p21ras cascade.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

NS5A, a nonstructural protein of hepatitis C virus, binds growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 adaptor protein in a Src homology 3 domain/ligand-dependent manner and perturbs mitogenic signaling.

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an emerging global epidemic causing severe liver disorders, the molecular mechanisms of HCV pathogenesis remain elusive. The NS5A nonstructural protein of HCV contains several proline-rich sequences consistent with Src homology (SH) 3-binding sites found in cellular signaling molecules. Here, we demonstrate that NS5A specifically bound to growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) adaptor protein. Immunoblot analysis of anti-Grb2 immune complexes derived from HeLa S3 cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) expressing NS5A revealed an interaction between NS5A and Grb2 in vivo. An inactivating point mutation in the N-terminal SH3 domain, but not in the C-terminal SH3 domain, of Grb2 displayed significant diminished binding to NS5A. However, the same mutation in both SH3 regions completely abrogated Grb2 binding to NS5A, implying that the two SH3 domains bind in cooperative fashion to NS5A. Further, mutational analysis of NS5A assigned the SH3-binding region to a proline-rich motif that is highly conserved among HCV genotypes. Importantly, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) was inhibited in HeLa S3 cells infected with NS5A-expressing recombinant VV but not recombinant VV control. Additionally, HeLa cells stably expressing NS5A were refractory to ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by exogenous epidermal growth factor. Moreover, the coupling of NS5A to Grb2 in these cells was induced by epidermal growth factor stimulation. Therefore, NS5A may function to perturb Grb2-mediated signaling pathways by selectively targeting the adaptor. These findings highlight a viral interceptor of cellular signaling with potential implications for HCV pathogenesis.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Transient activation of Ras-dependent signalling at the early stages of Herbimycin A induced erythroid differentiation of human K562 cells.

AIM: To study the dynamics of Ras-dependent signalling in the course of Herbimycin A induced erythroid differentiation of human erythroleukemia K562 cells. METHODS: p21Ras functional activity was analyzed by direct measurement of GTP/GDP ratio in anti-p21Ras immunoprecipitates of K562 cells previously incubated with H3(32)PO4. Dynamics of protein tyrosine phosphorylation was studied using Western blotting. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to monitor Erk2 activation. Phosphotyrosine (pY)-containing proteins bound to recombinant glutathione-S-tranferase (GST)-fused form of adaptor protein Grb2 were identified using GST in vitro binding assay. RESULTS: It was shown that the relative quantity of GTP associated with Ras protein in non-induced cells varied from 27% to 37% upon 72 h of cell culturing. Herbimycin A caused 15% increase of GTP/GDP ratio at 3rd h. This index decreased during further investigated periods, although it did not reach control values even at 72nd h. Transient rise of Ras-GTP level at 3rd h of incubation in the presence of Herbimycin A correlated with the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins with apparent molecular weight of 210, 160, 140, 116 and 42 kDa, as well as with the activation of Erk2 and increase of binding of a set of pY-containing proteins with recombinant GST-fusion form of Ras activator, adaptor protein Grb2. Dramatic inhibition of interaction between docking protein Shc and GST-Grb2 was observed at late stages of cell induction (48-72 h) while binding of pY-containing proteins during this period did not differ significantly in control and differentiated cells. CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest that time-dependent changes in Grb2-mediated network of protein-protein interaction events might define implication of Ras-dependent signalling in Herbimycin A-induced erythroid differentiation of K562 cells.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗