Effect of a dominant inhibitory Ha-ras mutation on neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells

The mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade is activated by B-Raf in response to nerve growth factor through interaction with p21ras

Nerve growth factor (NGF) activates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade through a p21ras-dependent signal transduction pathway in PC12 cells. The linkage between p21ras and MEK1 was investigated to identify those elements which participate in the regulation of MEK1 activity. We have screened for MEK activators using a coupled assay in which the MAP kinase cascade has been reconstituted in vitro. We report that we have detected a single NGF-stimulated MEK-activating activity which has been identified as B-Raf. PC12 cells express both B-Raf and c-Raf1; however, the MEK-activating activity was found only in fractions containing B-Raf. c-Raf1-containing fractions did not exhibit a MEK-activating activity. Gel filtration analysis revealed that the B-Raf eluted with an apparent M(r) of 250,000 to 300,000, indicating that it is present within a stable complex with other unidentified proteins. Immunoprecipitation with B-Raf-specific antisera quantitatively precipitated all MEK activator activity from these fractions. We also demonstrate that B-Raf, as well as c-Raf1, directly interacted with activated p21ras immobilized on silica beads. NGF treatment of the cells had no effect on the ability of B-Raf or c-Raf1 to bind to activated p21ras. These data indicate that this interaction was not dependent upon the activation state of these enzymes; however, MEK kinase activity was found to be associated with p21ras following incubation with NGF-treated samples at levels higher than those obtained from unstimulated cells. These data provide direct evidence that NGF-stimulated B-Raf is responsible for the activation of the MAP kinase cascade in PC12 cells, whereas c-Raf1 activity was not found to function within this pathway.

The Ras/Raf signaling pathway is required for progression of mouse embryos through the two-cell stage

We have used microinjection of antisense oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibody, and the dominant negative Ras N-17 mutant to interfere with Ras expression and function in mouse oocytes and early embryos. Microinjection of either ras antisense oligonucleotides or anti-Ras monoclonal antibody Y13-259 did not affect normal progression of oocytes through meiosis and arrest at metaphase II. However, microinjection of fertilized eggs with constructs expressing Ras N-17 inhibited subsequent development through the two-cell stage. The inhibitory effect of Ras N-17 was overcome by simultaneous injection of a plasmid expressing an active raf oncogene, indicating that it resulted from interference with the Ras/Raf signaling pathway. In contrast to the inhibition of two-cell embryo development resulting from microinjection of pronuclear stage eggs, microinjection of late two-cell embryos with Ras N-17 expression constructs did not affect subsequent cleavages and development to morulae and blastocysts. It thus appears that the Ras/Raf signaling pathway, presumably activated by autocrine growth factor stimulation, is specifically required at the two-cell stage, which is the time of transition between maternal and embryonic gene expression in mouse embryos.

Developmental decisions in Aspergillus nidulans are modulated by Ras activity

To better understand how Ras controls development of multicellular organisms, we have chosen Aspergillus nidulans as a model system. When grown on solid medium, this fungus follows a well-defined program of development, sequentially giving rise to several cell types which produce three distinct structures: vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae, and the conidiophore structure. Here we describe a ras homolog found in this fungus (Aras) and demonstrate that it is an essential gene that regulates the ordered program of development. We created dominant alleles of this gene and expressed them to different levels in order to vary the ratio of GTP-bound (active) to GDP-bound (inactive) A-Ras protein. When the amount of active Ras is large, nuclear division proceeds, but further development is inhibited at the early step of germ tube formation. At an intermediate level of active Ras, aerial hypha formation is inhibited, while at a low level, conidiophore formation is inhibited. Maintenance of an even lower level of the active Ras is essential for initiation and progression of conidiophore formation, the final stage of development. When the level of active Ras is artificially lowered, each stage of development is initiated prematurely except germination, the initial stage of development. Therefore, the progression of the ordered developmental pathway of A. nidulans is dependent upon an initial high level of active Ras followed by its gradual decrease. We propose that several concentration threshold exist, each of which allows development to proceed to a certain point, producing the proper cell type while inhibiting further development.

Developmental decisions in Aspergillus nidulans are modulated by Ras activity

To better understand how Ras controls development of multicellular organisms, we have chosen Aspergillus nidulans as a model system. When grown on solid medium, this fungus follows a well-defined program of development, sequentially giving rise to several cell types which produce three distinct structures: vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae, and the conidiophore structure. Here we describe a ras homolog found in this fungus (Aras) and demonstrate that it is an essential gene that regulates the ordered program of development. We created dominant alleles of this gene and expressed them to different levels in order to vary the ratio of GTP-bound (active) to GDP-bound (inactive) A-Ras protein. When the amount of active Ras is large, nuclear division proceeds, but further development is inhibited at the early step of germ tube formation. At an intermediate level of active Ras, aerial hypha formation is inhibited, while at a low level, conidiophore formation is inhibited. Maintenance of an even lower level of the active Ras is essential for initiation and progression of conidiophore formation, the final stage of development. When the level of active Ras is artificially lowered, each stage of development is initiated prematurely except germination, the initial stage of development. Therefore, the progression of the ordered developmental pathway of A. nidulans is dependent upon an initial high level of active Ras followed by its gradual decrease. We propose that several concentration threshold exist, each of which allows development to proceed to a certain point, producing the proper cell type while inhibiting further development.

Two types of RAS mutants that dominantly interfere with activators of RAS

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, ras1 regulates both sexual development (conjugation and sporulation) and cellular morphology. Two types of dominant interfering mutants were isolated in a genetic screen for ras1 mutants that blocked sexual development. The first type of mutation, at Ser-22, analogous to the H-rasAsn-17 mutant (L. A. Feig and G. M. Cooper, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:3235-3243, 1988), blocked only conjugation, whereas a second type of mutation, at Asp-62, interfered with conjugation, sporulation, and cellular morphology. Analogous mutations at position 64 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAS2 or position 57 of human H-ras also resulted in dominant interfering mutants that interfered specifically and more profoundly than mutants of the first type with RAS-associated pathways in both S. pombe or S. cerevisiae. Genetic evidence indicating that both types of interfering mutants function upstream of RAS is provided. Biochemical evidence showing that the mutants are altered in their interaction with the CDC25 class of exchange factors is presented. We show that both H-rasAsn-17 and H-rasTyr-57, compared with wild-type H-ras, are defective in their guanine nucleotide-dependent release from human cdc25 and that this defect is more severe for the H-rasTyr-57 mutant. Such a defect would allow the interfering mutants to remain bound to, thereby sequestering RAS exchange factors. The more severe interference phenotype of this novel interfering mutant suggests that it functions by titrating out other positive regulators of RAS besides those encoded by ste6 and CDC25.

A single amino acid change in Raf-1 inhibits Ras binding and alters Raf-1 function

Ras and Raf-1 are key proteins involved in the transmission of developmental and proliferative signals generated by receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. Genetic and biochemical studies demonstrate that Raf-1 functions downstream of Ras in many signaling pathways. Although Raf-1 directly associates with GTP-bound Ras, an effect of this interaction on Raf-1 activity in vivo has not been established. To examine the biological consequence of the Ras/Raf-1 interaction in vivo, we set out to identify key residues of Raf-1 required for Ras binding. In this report, we show that a single amino acid mutation in Raf-1 (Arg89 to Leu) disrupted the interaction with Ras in vitro and in the yeast two-hybrid system. This mutation prevented Ras-mediated but not tyrosine kinase-mediated enzymatic activation of Raf-1 in the baculovirus/Sf9 expression system. Furthermore, kinase-defective Raf-1 proteins containing the Arg89-->Leu mutation were no longer dominant-inhibitory or capable of blocking Ras-mediated signal transduction in Xenopus laevis oocytes. These results demonstrate that the association of Raf-1 and Ras modulates both the kinase activity and the biological function of Raf-1 and identify Arg89 as a critical residue involved in this interaction. In addition, the finding that tyrosine kinases can stimulate the enzymatic activity of Raf-1 proteins containing a mutation at the Ras-interaction site suggests that Raf-1 can be activated by Ras-independent pathways.

Two types of RAS mutants that dominantly interfere with activators of RAS

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, ras1 regulates both sexual development (conjugation and sporulation) and cellular morphology. Two types of dominant interfering mutants were isolated in a genetic screen for ras1 mutants that blocked sexual development. The first type of mutation, at Ser-22, analogous to the H-rasAsn-17 mutant (L. A. Feig and G. M. Cooper, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:3235-3243, 1988), blocked only conjugation, whereas a second type of mutation, at Asp-62, interfered with conjugation, sporulation, and cellular morphology. Analogous mutations at position 64 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAS2 or position 57 of human H-ras also resulted in dominant interfering mutants that interfered specifically and more profoundly than mutants of the first type with RAS-associated pathways in both S. pombe or S. cerevisiae. Genetic evidence indicating that both types of interfering mutants function upstream of RAS is provided. Biochemical evidence showing that the mutants are altered in their interaction with the CDC25 class of exchange factors is presented. We show that both H-rasAsn-17 and H-rasTyr-57, compared with wild-type H-ras, are defective in their guanine nucleotide-dependent release from human cdc25 and that this defect is more severe for the H-rasTyr-57 mutant. Such a defect would allow the interfering mutants to remain bound to, thereby sequestering RAS exchange factors. The more severe interference phenotype of this novel interfering mutant suggests that it functions by titrating out other positive regulators of RAS besides those encoded by ste6 and CDC25.

The Ras signal transduction pathway

Considerable progress has been made over the past year in elucidating the mechanisms by which extracellular signals are transduced via cell surface receptors to trigger changes in gene expression which determine the growth and differentiated state of a cell. In particular, Ras proteins have been implicated as key intermediates that mediate the signal from upstream tyrosine kinases to a downstream cascade of serine/threonine kinases, which then activate nuclear factors that control gene expression and protein synthesis. How Ras proteins function is regulated in this role as a molecular switch, and how the signal is transmitted between the various components of the pathway, are now being determined. Finally, the Rho family of Ras-related proteins, which regulate the actin cytoskeleton, have also been implicated as mediators of oncogenic Ras transformation. The brisk pace at which the key components of Ras-mediated signal transduction pathways are being identified hold great promise that new targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer may now be identified.

A new function for a phosphotyrosine phosphatase: linking GRB2-Sos to a receptor tyrosine kinase

Autophosphorylated growth factor receptors provide binding sites for the src homology 2 domains of intracellular signaling molecules. In response to epidermal growth factor (EGF), the activated EGF receptor binds to a complex containing the signaling protein GRB2 and the Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing factor Sos, leading to activation of the Ras signaling pathway. We have investigated whether the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor binds GRB2-Sos. In contrast with the EGF receptor, the GRB2 does not bind to the PDGF receptor directly. Instead, PDGF stimulation induces the formation of a complex containing GRB2; 70-, 80-, and 110-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins; and the PDGF receptor. Moreover, GRB2 binds directly to the 70-kDa protein but not to the PDGF receptor. Using a panel of PDGF beta-receptor mutants with altered tyrosine phosphorylation sites, we identified Tyr-1009 in the PDGF receptor as required for GRB2 binding. Binding is inhibited by a phosphopeptide containing a YXNX motif. The protein tyrosine phosphatase Syp/PTP1D/SHPTP2/PTP2C is approximately 70 kDa, binds to the PDGF receptor via Tyr-1009, and contains several YXNX sequences. We found that the 70-kDa protein that binds to the PDGF receptor and to GRB2 comigrates with Syp and is recognized by anti-Syp antibodies. Furthermore, both GRB2 and Sos coimmunoprecipitate with Syp from lysates of PDGF-stimulated cells, and GRB2 binds directly to tyrosine-phosphorylated Syp in vitro. These results indicate that GRB2 interacts with different growth factor receptors by different mechanisms and the cytoplasmic phosphotyrosine phosphatase Syp acts as an adapter between the PDGF receptor and the GRB2-Sos complex.

Epidermal growth factor induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 via multiple pathways

Expression of p21rasAsn-17, a dominant negative mutant of p21ras that blocks p21ras activation by growth factors, inhibits activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) by insulin and platelet-derived growth factor in rat-1 cells [A. M. M. de Vries-Smits, B. M. T. Burgering, S. J. Leevers, C. J. Marshall, and J. L. Bos, Nature (London) 357:602-604, 1992]. Here we report that expression of p21rasAsn-17 does not abolish epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced phosphorylation of ERK2 in fibroblasts. Since EGF activates p21ras in these cells, this indicates that EGF induces a p21ras-independent pathway for the phosphorylation of ERK2 as well. We investigated whether activation of protein kinase C (PKC) or increase in intracellular calcium could be involved in p21ras-independent signaling. In rat-1 cells, inhibition of either PKC, by prolonged 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) pretreatment, or calcium influx, by ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) pretreatment, did not abolish EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. However, a combined inhibition of both p21ras and calcium influx, but not PKC, resulted in a complete inhibition of EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. In contrast, in Swiss 3T3 cells, inhibition of both p21ras activation and TPA-sensitive PKC, but not calcium influx, inhibited EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that in fibroblasts, EGF induces alternative pathways of ERK2 phosphorylation in a cell-type-specific manner.

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine couples Ras to activation of Raf protein kinase during mitogenic signal transduction

We have investigated the relationship between hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and activation of the Raf-1 protein kinase in Ras-mediated transduction of mitogenic signals. As previously reported, cotransfection of a PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) expression plasmid bypassed the block to cell proliferation resulting from expression of the dominant inhibitory mutant Ras N-17. In contrast, PC-PLC failed to bypass the inhibitory effect of dominant negative Raf mutants, suggesting that PC-PLC functions downstream of Ras but upstream of Raf. Consistent with this hypothesis, treatment of quiescent cells with exogenous PC-PLC induced Raf activation, even when normal Ras function was blocked by Ras N-17 expression. Further, activation of Raf in response to mitogenic growth factors was blocked by inhibition of endogenous PC-PLC. Taken together, these results indicate that hydrolysis of PC mediates Raf activation in response to mitogenic growth factors.

A new function for a phosphotyrosine phosphatase: linking GRB2-Sos to a receptor tyrosine kinase

Autophosphorylated growth factor receptors provide binding sites for the src homology 2 domains of intracellular signaling molecules. In response to epidermal growth factor (EGF), the activated EGF receptor binds to a complex containing the signaling protein GRB2 and the Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing factor Sos, leading to activation of the Ras signaling pathway. We have investigated whether the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor binds GRB2-Sos. In contrast with the EGF receptor, the GRB2 does not bind to the PDGF receptor directly. Instead, PDGF stimulation induces the formation of a complex containing GRB2; 70-, 80-, and 110-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins; and the PDGF receptor. Moreover, GRB2 binds directly to the 70-kDa protein but not to the PDGF receptor. Using a panel of PDGF beta-receptor mutants with altered tyrosine phosphorylation sites, we identified Tyr-1009 in the PDGF receptor as required for GRB2 binding. Binding is inhibited by a phosphopeptide containing a YXNX motif. The protein tyrosine phosphatase Syp/PTP1D/SHPTP2/PTP2C is approximately 70 kDa, binds to the PDGF receptor via Tyr-1009, and contains several YXNX sequences. We found that the 70-kDa protein that binds to the PDGF receptor and to GRB2 comigrates with Syp and is recognized by anti-Syp antibodies. Furthermore, both GRB2 and Sos coimmunoprecipitate with Syp from lysates of PDGF-stimulated cells, and GRB2 binds directly to tyrosine-phosphorylated Syp in vitro. These results indicate that GRB2 interacts with different growth factor receptors by different mechanisms and the cytoplasmic phosphotyrosine phosphatase Syp acts as an adapter between the PDGF receptor and the GRB2-Sos complex.

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine couples Ras to activation of Raf protein kinase during mitogenic signal transduction

We have investigated the relationship between hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and activation of the Raf-1 protein kinase in Ras-mediated transduction of mitogenic signals. As previously reported, cotransfection of a PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) expression plasmid bypassed the block to cell proliferation resulting from expression of the dominant inhibitory mutant Ras N-17. In contrast, PC-PLC failed to bypass the inhibitory effect of dominant negative Raf mutants, suggesting that PC-PLC functions downstream of Ras but upstream of Raf. Consistent with this hypothesis, treatment of quiescent cells with exogenous PC-PLC induced Raf activation, even when normal Ras function was blocked by Ras N-17 expression. Further, activation of Raf in response to mitogenic growth factors was blocked by inhibition of endogenous PC-PLC. Taken together, these results indicate that hydrolysis of PC mediates Raf activation in response to mitogenic growth factors.

Epidermal growth factor induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 via multiple pathways

Expression of p21rasAsn-17, a dominant negative mutant of p21ras that blocks p21ras activation by growth factors, inhibits activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) by insulin and platelet-derived growth factor in rat-1 cells [A. M. M. de Vries-Smits, B. M. T. Burgering, S. J. Leevers, C. J. Marshall, and J. L. Bos, Nature (London) 357:602-604, 1992]. Here we report that expression of p21rasAsn-17 does not abolish epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced phosphorylation of ERK2 in fibroblasts. Since EGF activates p21ras in these cells, this indicates that EGF induces a p21ras-independent pathway for the phosphorylation of ERK2 as well. We investigated whether activation of protein kinase C (PKC) or increase in intracellular calcium could be involved in p21ras-independent signaling. In rat-1 cells, inhibition of either PKC, by prolonged 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) pretreatment, or calcium influx, by ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) pretreatment, did not abolish EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. However, a combined inhibition of both p21ras and calcium influx, but not PKC, resulted in a complete inhibition of EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. In contrast, in Swiss 3T3 cells, inhibition of both p21ras activation and TPA-sensitive PKC, but not calcium influx, inhibited EGF-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that in fibroblasts, EGF induces alternative pathways of ERK2 phosphorylation in a cell-type-specific manner.

Inhibition of thyrotropin-stimulated DNA synthesis by microinjection of inhibitors of cellular Ras and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Microinjection of a dominant interfering mutant of Ras (N17 Ras) caused a significant reduction in thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH])-stimulated DNA synthesis in rat thyroid cells. A similar reduction was observed following injection of the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Coinjection of both inhibitors almost completely abolished TSH-induced DNA synthesis. In contrast to TSH, overexpression of cellular Ras protein did not stimulate the expression of a cyclic AMP response element-regulated reporter gene. Similarly, injection of N17 Ras had no effect on TSH-stimulated reporter gene expression. Moreover, overexpression of cellular Ras protein stimulated similar levels of DNA synthesis in the presence or absence of the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor. Together, these results suggest that in Wistar rat thyroid cells, a full mitogenic response to TSH requires both Ras and cyclic APK-dependent protein kinase.

Neuronal growth factor regulation of two different sodium channel types through distinct signal transduction pathways

Neuronal growth factors regulate the expression of voltage-activated sodium current in differentiating sympathetic neurons and PC12 cells. We show that, in PC12 cells, the NGF- and FGF-induced sodium current results from increased expression of two distinct sodium channel types. Sodium current results from the rapid induction of a novel sodium channel transcript, also found in peripheral neurons, and from the long term induction of brain type II/IIA mRNA. Expression of the type II/IIA sodium channel requires activation of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase), whereas induction of the peripheral neuron type sodium channel occurs through an A-kinase-independent signal transduction pathway. These findings suggest that the two sodium channel types act in concert to ensure the generation of action potentials during neuronal differentiation.

Inhibition of thyrotropin-stimulated DNA synthesis by microinjection of inhibitors of cellular Ras and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Microinjection of a dominant interfering mutant of Ras (N17 Ras) caused a significant reduction in thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH])-stimulated DNA synthesis in rat thyroid cells. A similar reduction was observed following injection of the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Coinjection of both inhibitors almost completely abolished TSH-induced DNA synthesis. In contrast to TSH, overexpression of cellular Ras protein did not stimulate the expression of a cyclic AMP response element-regulated reporter gene. Similarly, injection of N17 Ras had no effect on TSH-stimulated reporter gene expression. Moreover, overexpression of cellular Ras protein stimulated similar levels of DNA synthesis in the presence or absence of the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor. Together, these results suggest that in Wistar rat thyroid cells, a full mitogenic response to TSH requires both Ras and cyclic APK-dependent protein kinase.

Both the SH2 and SH3 domains of human CRK protein are required for neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells

Human CRK protein is a homolog of the chicken v-crk oncogene product and consists mostly of src homology region 2 (SH2) and SH3, which are shared by many proteins, in particular those involved in signal transduction. SH2 has been shown to bind specifically to phosphotyrosine-containing peptides. We report here that both SH2 and SH3 are required for signaling from CRK protein. Microinjection of the CRK protein induced neurite formation of rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12. This activity was abolished by mutation of the CRK protein in either SH2 or SH3. The neuronal differentiation induced by the CRK protein was blocked by an excess amount of peptides containing CRK SH3. Moreover, we identified three proteins, of 118, 125, and 136 kDa, which bound specifically to CRK SH3. The CRK-induced neuronal differentiation was also suppressed by monoclonal antibodies against either CRK SH2 or p21ras. These results suggest that both SH2 and SH3 of the CRK protein mediate specific protein-protein binding and that the resulting multimolecular complex generates a signal for neurite differentiation through activation of p21ras.

Both the SH2 and SH3 domains of human CRK protein are required for neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells

Human CRK protein is a homolog of the chicken v-crk oncogene product and consists mostly of src homology region 2 (SH2) and SH3, which are shared by many proteins, in particular those involved in signal transduction. SH2 has been shown to bind specifically to phosphotyrosine-containing peptides. We report here that both SH2 and SH3 are required for signaling from CRK protein. Microinjection of the CRK protein induced neurite formation of rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12. This activity was abolished by mutation of the CRK protein in either SH2 or SH3. The neuronal differentiation induced by the CRK protein was blocked by an excess amount of peptides containing CRK SH3. Moreover, we identified three proteins, of 118, 125, and 136 kDa, which bound specifically to CRK SH3. The CRK-induced neuronal differentiation was also suppressed by monoclonal antibodies against either CRK SH2 or p21ras. These results suggest that both SH2 and SH3 of the CRK protein mediate specific protein-protein binding and that the resulting multimolecular complex generates a signal for neurite differentiation through activation of p21ras.

A branched signaling pathway for nerve growth factor is revealed by Src-, Ras-, and Raf-mediated gene inductions

A myriad of gene induction events underlie nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation of PC12 cells. To dissect the signal transduction pathways which lead to NGF actions, we have assessed the relative roles of NGF receptor, Src, Ras, and Raf activities in mediating specific gene inductions. We have used the PC12 cell line as well as sublines which inducibly express activated forms of either Src, Ras, or Raf or a dominant inhibitory form of Ras (p21N17 Ras) to study the expression of multiple NGF-inducible mRNAs. The NGF induction of NGFI-A, transin, and VGF mRNAs was mimicked by activated forms of Src, Ras, or Raf and was blocked by p21N17 Ras. The NGF induction of SCG10 mRNA was mimicked only by activated Src and Ras and was blocked by p21N17 Ras, while the induction of Thy-1 mRNA was mimicked only by activated Src and was not blocked by p21N17 Ras. The NGF induction of mRNAs for two sodium channel types was neither mimicked by any activated oncoprotein nor blocked by p21N17 Ras. From these and previous results, we suggest a model in which a linear order of NGF receptor, Src, Ras, and Raf activities is used by NGF to elicit gene inductions. These signaling components define branchpoints in the pathway to specific gene induction events, providing a mechanism for generating a host of diverse NGF actions.

The cytoplasmic raf oncogene induces a neuronal phenotype in PC12 cells: a potential role for cellular raf kinases in neuronal growth factor signal transduction

The neuron-like differentiation of PC12 cells is induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) through stimulation of a membrane-bound protooncoprotein signaling pathway containing the NGF receptor Trk, the tyrosine kinase Src, and the GTP-binding protein Ras. The Raf-1 and B-raf protooncogenes encode cytoplasmic serine/threonine kinases that are stimulated by NGF in a Ras-dependent manner. To investigate the possible roles of cytoplasmic Raf kinases in eliciting neuronal differentiation, we have expressed the activated Raf-1 oncogene in PC12 cells. Expression of the raf oncogene results in the elaboration of a neuron-like phenotype, including neurite growth and the induction of the NGF-responsive genes NGFI-A and transin. The actions of activated Raf-1 and NGF are not additive. Furthermore, activated Raf-1 oncoprotein can prime cells for transcription-independent neurite growth by NGF and can elicit rapid neurite growth from NGF-primed cells. Our data indicate that the pathways utilized by NGF and activated raf to effect PC12 differentiation overlap and lead to the suggestion that cellular raf kinase activities play significant roles in transducing the differentiating signals of neuronal growth factors.

A branched signaling pathway for nerve growth factor is revealed by Src-, Ras-, and Raf-mediated gene inductions

A myriad of gene induction events underlie nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced differentiation of PC12 cells. To dissect the signal transduction pathways which lead to NGF actions, we have assessed the relative roles of NGF receptor, Src, Ras, and Raf activities in mediating specific gene inductions. We have used the PC12 cell line as well as sublines which inducibly express activated forms of either Src, Ras, or Raf or a dominant inhibitory form of Ras (p21N17 Ras) to study the expression of multiple NGF-inducible mRNAs. The NGF induction of NGFI-A, transin, and VGF mRNAs was mimicked by activated forms of Src, Ras, or Raf and was blocked by p21N17 Ras. The NGF induction of SCG10 mRNA was mimicked only by activated Src and Ras and was blocked by p21N17 Ras, while the induction of Thy-1 mRNA was mimicked only by activated Src and was not blocked by p21N17 Ras. The NGF induction of mRNAs for two sodium channel types was neither mimicked by any activated oncoprotein nor blocked by p21N17 Ras. From these and previous results, we suggest a model in which a linear order of NGF receptor, Src, Ras, and Raf activities is used by NGF to elicit gene inductions. These signaling components define branchpoints in the pathway to specific gene induction events, providing a mechanism for generating a host of diverse NGF actions.

Involvement of ras p21 in neurotrophin-induced response of sensory, but not sympathetic neurons

Little is known about the signal transduction mechanisms involved in the response to neurotrophins and other neurotrophic factors in neurons, beyond the activation of the tyrosine kinase activity of the neurotrophin receptors belonging to the trk family. We have previously shown that the introduction of the oncogene product ras p21 into the cytoplasm of chick embryonic neurons can reproduce the survival and neurite-outgrowth promoting effects of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). To assess the potential signal-transducing role of endogenous ras p21, we introduced function-blocking anti-ras antibodies or their Fab fragments into cultured chick embryonic neurons. The BDNF-induced neurite outgrowth in E12 nodose ganglion neurons was reduced to below control levels, and the NGF-induced survival of E9 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was inhibited in a specific and dose-dependent fashion. Both effects could be reversed by saturating the epitope-binding sites with biologically inactive ras p21 before microinjection. Surprisingly, ras p21 did not promote the survival of NGF-dependent E12 chick sympathetic neurons, and the NGF-induced survival in these cells was not inhibited by the Fab-fragments. The survival effect of CNTF on ras-responsive ciliary neurons could not be blocked by anti-ras Fab fragments. These results indicate an involvement of ras p21 in the signal transduction of neurotrophic factors in sensory, but not sympathetic or ciliary neurons, pointing to the existence of different signaling pathways not only in CNTF-responsive, but also in neurotrophin-responsive neuronal populations.

Thyroid hormone receptor/c-erbA: control of commitment and differentiation in the neuronal/chromaffin progenitor line PC12

The c-erbA proto-oncogenes encode nuclear receptors for thyroid hormone (T3), a hormone intimately involved in mammalian brain maturation. To study thyroid hormone receptor (TR) action on neuronal cells in vitro, we expressed the chicken c-erbA/TR alpha-1 as well as its oncogenic variant v-erbA in the adrenal medulla progenitor cell line PC12. In the absence of T3, exogenous TR alpha-1 inhibits NGF-induced neuronal differentiation and represses neuron-specific gene expression. In contrast, TR alpha-1 allows normal differentiation and neuronal gene expression to occur in the presence of T3. Finally, TR alpha-1-expressing cells become NGF-responsive for proliferation when T3 is absent, but NGF-dependent for survival in presence of T3. A similar differentiation induction by NGF plus T3 was observed in a central nervous system-derived neuronal cell line (E 18) expressing exogenous TR alpha-1. Together with the finding that TR alpha-1 constitutively blocked dexamethasone-induced differentiation of PC12 cells into the chromaffin pathway, these results suggest that TR alpha-1 plays an important role in regulating commitment and maturation of neuronal progenitors. In contrast, the v-erbA oncogene, a mutated, oncogenic version of TR alpha-1, partially but constitutively inhibited NGF-induced neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells and potentiated dexamethasone-induced chromaffin differentiation, giving rise to an aberrant "interlineage" cell phenotype.

A protein factor for ras p21-dependent activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase through MAP kinase kinase

To identify the direct target molecule of ras p21 in higher eukaryotes, we have recently developed the cell-free system in which ras p21 activates mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In this cell-free system, the guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate- bound form of Ki-ras p21, but not the GDP-bound form, activates endogenous Xenopus MAP kinase as well as recombinant ERK2 in the presence of the cytosol fraction of Xenopus oocytes. We separated two protein factors from the cytosol fraction of Xenopus oocytes by column chromatography: one was the inactive form of MAP kinase kinase and the other was a factor tentatively named ras p21-dependent ERK-kinase stimulator (REKS). The former and latter showed M(r) values of approximately 45,000 and 150,000-200,000, respectively, as estimated by gel filtration. Both factors were necessary for Ki-ras p21-dependent activation of MAP kinase/ERK2. These results indicate that an additional protein factor (REKS) is essential for Ki-ras p21 to activate MAP kinase through MAP kinase kinase.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SDC25 C-domain gene product overcomes the dominant inhibitory activity of Ha-Ras Asn-17

The carboxy-terminal part of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SDC25 gene product (SDC25 C domain) can elicit activation of mammalian Ras proteins. Specifically, SDC25 C domain functions as an exchange factor for cellular Ras proteins in CHO cells. In this study, we used the dominant inhibitory Ha-Ras Asn-17 mutant and SDC25 C domain to further investigate the interaction between cellular Ras proteins and their putative endogenous guanine nucleotide-releasing factors. Transcription from the polyomavirus thymidine kinase gene (Py tk) promoter is strongly inhibited by the expression of Ha-Ras Asn-17 in NIH 3T3 cells. Coexpression of SDC25 C domain overcomes the negative effect of the Ras mutant on the Py tk promoter. On the other hand, transactivation of the Ras-responsive element of the Py tk promoter induced by SDC25 C domain is lost upon coexpression of increasing amounts of Ha-Ras Asn-17. In addition, coexpression of SDC25 C domain overcomes the inhibition of proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells caused by Ha-Ras Asn-17. These results are consistent with the idea that the Ha-Ras Asn-17 mutant functions by titrating an upstream activator of cellular Ras proteins.

Ras activation by insulin and epidermal growth factor through enhanced exchange of guanine nucleotides on p21ras

A number of growth factors, including insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF), induce accumulation of the GTP-bound form of p21ras. This accumulation could be caused either by an increase in guanine nucleotide exchange on p21ras or by a decrease in the GTPase activity of p21ras. To investigate whether insulin and EGF affect nucleotide exchange on p21ras, we measured binding of [alpha-32P]GTP to p21ras in cells permeabilized with streptolysin O. For this purpose, we used a cell line which expressed elevated levels of p21 H-ras and which was highly responsive to insulin and EGF. Stimulation with insulin or EGF resulted in an increase in the rate of nucleotide binding to p21ras. To determine whether this increased binding rate is due to the activation of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, we made use of the inhibitory properties of a dominant negative mutant of p21ras, p21ras (Asn-17). Activation of p21ras by insulin and EGF in intact cells was abolished in cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing p21ras (Asn-17). In addition, the enhanced nucleotide binding to p21ras in response to insulin and EGF in permeabilized cells was blocked upon expression of p21ras (Asn-17). From these data, we conclude that the activation of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor is involved in insulin- and EGF-induced activation of p21ras.

Ras activation by insulin and epidermal growth factor through enhanced exchange of guanine nucleotides on p21ras

A number of growth factors, including insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF), induce accumulation of the GTP-bound form of p21ras. This accumulation could be caused either by an increase in guanine nucleotide exchange on p21ras or by a decrease in the GTPase activity of p21ras. To investigate whether insulin and EGF affect nucleotide exchange on p21ras, we measured binding of [alpha-32P]GTP to p21ras in cells permeabilized with streptolysin O. For this purpose, we used a cell line which expressed elevated levels of p21 H-ras and which was highly responsive to insulin and EGF. Stimulation with insulin or EGF resulted in an increase in the rate of nucleotide binding to p21ras. To determine whether this increased binding rate is due to the activation of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, we made use of the inhibitory properties of a dominant negative mutant of p21ras, p21ras (Asn-17). Activation of p21ras by insulin and EGF in intact cells was abolished in cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing p21ras (Asn-17). In addition, the enhanced nucleotide binding to p21ras in response to insulin and EGF in permeabilized cells was blocked upon expression of p21ras (Asn-17). From these data, we conclude that the activation of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor is involved in insulin- and EGF-induced activation of p21ras.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SDC25 C-domain gene product overcomes the dominant inhibitory activity of Ha-Ras Asn-17

The carboxy-terminal part of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SDC25 gene product (SDC25 C domain) can elicit activation of mammalian Ras proteins. Specifically, SDC25 C domain functions as an exchange factor for cellular Ras proteins in CHO cells. In this study, we used the dominant inhibitory Ha-Ras Asn-17 mutant and SDC25 C domain to further investigate the interaction between cellular Ras proteins and their putative endogenous guanine nucleotide-releasing factors. Transcription from the polyomavirus thymidine kinase gene (Py tk) promoter is strongly inhibited by the expression of Ha-Ras Asn-17 in NIH 3T3 cells. Coexpression of SDC25 C domain overcomes the negative effect of the Ras mutant on the Py tk promoter. On the other hand, transactivation of the Ras-responsive element of the Py tk promoter induced by SDC25 C domain is lost upon coexpression of increasing amounts of Ha-Ras Asn-17. In addition, coexpression of SDC25 C domain overcomes the inhibition of proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells caused by Ha-Ras Asn-17. These results are consistent with the idea that the Ha-Ras Asn-17 mutant functions by titrating an upstream activator of cellular Ras proteins.

Mitogenic signaling by colony-stimulating factor 1 and ras is suppressed by the ets-2 DNA-binding domain and restored by myc overexpression

The activity of p21ras is required for the proliferative response to colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), and signals transduced by both the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) and p21ras stimulate transcription from promoter elements containing overlapping binding sites for Fos/Jun- and Ets-related proteins. A sequence encoding the DNA-binding domain and nuclear localization signal of human c-ets-2, which lacked portions of the c-ets-2 gene product necessary for trans activation, was fused to the bacterial lacZ gene and expressed from an actin promoter in NIH 3T3 cells expressing either the v-ras oncogene or human CSF-1R. Nuclear expression of the Ets-LacZ protein, confirmed by histochemical staining of beta-galactosidase, inhibited the activity of ras-responsive enhancer elements and suppressed morphologic transformation by v-ras as well as CSF-1R-dependent colony formation in semisolid medium. When CSF-1R-bearing cells expressing the Ets-LacZ protein were stimulated by CSF-1, induction of c-ets-2, c-jun, and c-fos ensued, but the c-myc response was impaired. Enforced expression of the c-myc gene overrode the suppressive effect of ets-lacZ and restored the ability of these cells to form colonies in response to CSF-1. NIH 3T3 cells engineered to express a CSF-1R (Phe-809) mutant similarly cannot form CSF-1-dependent colonies in semisolid medium and exhibit an impaired c-myc response, but expression of an exogenous myc gene resensitizes these cells to CSF-1 [M. F. Roussel, J. L. Cleveland, S. A. Shurtleff, and C. J. Sherr, Nature (London) 353:361-363, 1991]. The ability of these cells to respond to CSF-1 was also rescued by enforced expression of an endogenous c-ets-2 gene. The ets family of transcription factors therefore plays a central role in integrating both CSF-1R and ras-induced mitogenic signals and in modulating the myc response to CSF-1 stimulation.

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine is stimulated by Ras proteins during mitogenic signal transduction

We have used a dominant inhibitory ras mutant (Ha-ras Asn-17) to investigate the relationship of Ras proteins to hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the transduction of mitogenic signals. Expression of Ha-Ras Asn-17 inhibited NIH 3T3 cell proliferation induced by polypeptide growth factors or phorbol esters. In contrast, the mitogenic activity of PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) was not inhibited by Ha-Ras Asn-17 expression. Similarly, cotransfection with a cloned PC-PLC gene bypassed the block to NIH 3T3 cell proliferation resulting from expression of the inhibitory ras mutant. Hydrolysis of PC can therefore induce cell proliferation in the absence of normal Ras activity, suggesting that PC-derived second messengers may act downstream of Ras in mitogenic signal transduction. This was substantiated by the finding that Ha-Ras Asn-17 expression inhibited growth factor-stimulated hydrolysis of PC. Taken together, these results indicate that PC hydrolysis is a target of Ras during the transduction of growth factor-initiated mitogenic signals.

Mitogenic signaling by colony-stimulating factor 1 and ras is suppressed by the ets-2 DNA-binding domain and restored by myc overexpression

The activity of p21ras is required for the proliferative response to colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), and signals transduced by both the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) and p21ras stimulate transcription from promoter elements containing overlapping binding sites for Fos/Jun- and Ets-related proteins. A sequence encoding the DNA-binding domain and nuclear localization signal of human c-ets-2, which lacked portions of the c-ets-2 gene product necessary for trans activation, was fused to the bacterial lacZ gene and expressed from an actin promoter in NIH 3T3 cells expressing either the v-ras oncogene or human CSF-1R. Nuclear expression of the Ets-LacZ protein, confirmed by histochemical staining of beta-galactosidase, inhibited the activity of ras-responsive enhancer elements and suppressed morphologic transformation by v-ras as well as CSF-1R-dependent colony formation in semisolid medium. When CSF-1R-bearing cells expressing the Ets-LacZ protein were stimulated by CSF-1, induction of c-ets-2, c-jun, and c-fos ensued, but the c-myc response was impaired. Enforced expression of the c-myc gene overrode the suppressive effect of ets-lacZ and restored the ability of these cells to form colonies in response to CSF-1. NIH 3T3 cells engineered to express a CSF-1R (Phe-809) mutant similarly cannot form CSF-1-dependent colonies in semisolid medium and exhibit an impaired c-myc response, but expression of an exogenous myc gene resensitizes these cells to CSF-1 [M. F. Roussel, J. L. Cleveland, S. A. Shurtleff, and C. J. Sherr, Nature (London) 353:361-363, 1991]. The ability of these cells to respond to CSF-1 was also rescued by enforced expression of an endogenous c-ets-2 gene. The ets family of transcription factors therefore plays a central role in integrating both CSF-1R and ras-induced mitogenic signals and in modulating the myc response to CSF-1 stimulation.

Hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine is stimulated by Ras proteins during mitogenic signal transduction

We have used a dominant inhibitory ras mutant (Ha-ras Asn-17) to investigate the relationship of Ras proteins to hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the transduction of mitogenic signals. Expression of Ha-Ras Asn-17 inhibited NIH 3T3 cell proliferation induced by polypeptide growth factors or phorbol esters. In contrast, the mitogenic activity of PC-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) was not inhibited by Ha-Ras Asn-17 expression. Similarly, cotransfection with a cloned PC-PLC gene bypassed the block to NIH 3T3 cell proliferation resulting from expression of the inhibitory ras mutant. Hydrolysis of PC can therefore induce cell proliferation in the absence of normal Ras activity, suggesting that PC-derived second messengers may act downstream of Ras in mitogenic signal transduction. This was substantiated by the finding that Ha-Ras Asn-17 expression inhibited growth factor-stimulated hydrolysis of PC. Taken together, these results indicate that PC hydrolysis is a target of Ras during the transduction of growth factor-initiated mitogenic signals.

Identification of a mammalian gene structurally and functionally related to the CDC25 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC25 gene encodes a nucleotide-exchange-factor (NEF) that can convert the inactive GDP-bound state of RAS proteins to an active RAS-GTP complex. CDC25 can activate the yeast RAS proteins as well as the human H-ras protein. CDC25 is a member of a family of yeast genes that likely encode NEFs capable of regulating the RAS-related proteins found in yeast. By aligning the amino acid sequence of CDC25-related gene products we found a number of conserved motifs. Using degenerate oligonucleotides that encode these conserved sequences, we have used polymerase chain reactions to amplify fragments of mouse and human cDNAs related to the yeast CDC25 gene. We show that a chimeric molecule, part mouse and part yeast CDC25, can suppress the loss of CDC25 function in the yeast S. cerevisiae.

Evidence for a Ras-dependent extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) cascade

The small GTP-binding protein Ras appears to be required for transformation and differentiation induced by tyrosine kinases. The Ras requirement may be limited to a few tyrosine kinase-regulated signaling pathways or may be universal for all tyrosine kinase actions. Because both Ras and the microtubule-associated protein 2 kinases ERK1 and ERK2 have been implicated in events that lead to neurite outgrowth, we explored the possibility that Ras and ERKs may lie on the same signaling pathway. Utilizing PC-12 rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cell lines that contain a dominant inhibitory Ras mutant (S17N-Ras(H)), we found that Ras was required for stimulation of the ERK cascade by nerve growth factor but apparently not by the heterotrimeric G protein activator AlF4-. Within this cascade, Ras appears to be upstream of an ERK activator, raising the intriguing possibility that Ras may directly regulate a serine/threonine protein kinase.

Phosphorylation of translation initiation factor eIF-4E is induced in a ras-dependent manner during nerve growth factor-mediated PC12 cell differentiation

Translation initiation factor eIF-4E, which binds to the 5' cap structure of eukaryotic mRNAs, is believed to play an important role in the control of cell growth. Consistent with this, overexpression of eIF-4E in fibroblasts results in their malignant transformation. The activity of eIF-4E is thought to be regulated by phosphorylation on a single serine residue (Ser-53). Treatment of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) strongly curtails their growth and causes their differentiation into cells that resemble sympathetic neurons. The present study shows that eIF-4E is rapidly phosphorylated in PC12 cells upon NGF treatment, resulting in a significant increase in the steady-state levels of the phosphorylated protein. In contrast, epidermal growth factor, a factor which elicits a weak mitogenic response in PC12 cells, did not significantly enhance eIF-4E phosphorylation. We also show that although the mitogen and tumor promoter, phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate, is able to induce phosphorylation of eIF-4E in PC12 cells, the NGF-mediated increase is primarily a protein kinase C-independent response. The NGF-induced enhancement of eIF-4E phosphorylation is abrogated in PC12 cells expressing a dominant inhibitory ras mutant (Ser-17 replaced by Asn), indicating that eIF-4E phosphorylation is dependent on a ras signalling pathway. As phosphorylation of eIF-4E effects translation initiation, these results suggest that NGF-mediated and ras-dependent eIF-4E phosphorylation may play a role in switching the pattern of gene expression during the differentiation of PC12 cells.

Phosphorylation of translation initiation factor eIF-4E is induced in a ras-dependent manner during nerve growth factor-mediated PC12 cell differentiation

Translation initiation factor eIF-4E, which binds to the 5' cap structure of eukaryotic mRNAs, is believed to play an important role in the control of cell growth. Consistent with this, overexpression of eIF-4E in fibroblasts results in their malignant transformation. The activity of eIF-4E is thought to be regulated by phosphorylation on a single serine residue (Ser-53). Treatment of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) strongly curtails their growth and causes their differentiation into cells that resemble sympathetic neurons. The present study shows that eIF-4E is rapidly phosphorylated in PC12 cells upon NGF treatment, resulting in a significant increase in the steady-state levels of the phosphorylated protein. In contrast, epidermal growth factor, a factor which elicits a weak mitogenic response in PC12 cells, did not significantly enhance eIF-4E phosphorylation. We also show that although the mitogen and tumor promoter, phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate, is able to induce phosphorylation of eIF-4E in PC12 cells, the NGF-mediated increase is primarily a protein kinase C-independent response. The NGF-induced enhancement of eIF-4E phosphorylation is abrogated in PC12 cells expressing a dominant inhibitory ras mutant (Ser-17 replaced by Asn), indicating that eIF-4E phosphorylation is dependent on a ras signalling pathway. As phosphorylation of eIF-4E effects translation initiation, these results suggest that NGF-mediated and ras-dependent eIF-4E phosphorylation may play a role in switching the pattern of gene expression during the differentiation of PC12 cells.

Analysis of the fibroblast transformation potential of GTPase-deficient gip2 oncogenes

Expression of GTPase-deficient Gi2 alpha subunit (alpha i2) mutant polypeptides and overexpression of the wild-type alpha i2 polypeptide in Rat 1a, Swiss 3T3, and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts altered normal growth regulation and induced a loss of contact inhibition. In Rat 1a cells (but not in NIH 3T3 or Swiss 3T3 cells), expression of the GTPase-deficient alpha i2 mutant polypeptides allowed colony formation in soft agar, which correlated with a loss in anchorage dependence and a decreased serum requirement. The altered growth regulatory properties of Rat 1a cells induced by expression of alpha i2 mutant polypeptides was not significantly inhibited by cotransfection with a dominant negative Ha-ras mutant polypeptide (Asn-17rasH), indicating that the activated Gi2 membrane signal transduction protein is uniquely capable of altering the regulation of Rat 1a cell growth by a predominantly c-ras-independent mechanism. The results show that GTPase-deficient alpha i2 mutant polypeptides have the properties of an oncogene that can induce the phenotypic characteristics of transformation in Rat 1a cells but that only a subset of these changes is observed with NIH 3T3 and Swiss 3T3 cells.

Analysis of the fibroblast transformation potential of GTPase-deficient gip2 oncogenes

Expression of GTPase-deficient Gi2 alpha subunit (alpha i2) mutant polypeptides and overexpression of the wild-type alpha i2 polypeptide in Rat 1a, Swiss 3T3, and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts altered normal growth regulation and induced a loss of contact inhibition. In Rat 1a cells (but not in NIH 3T3 or Swiss 3T3 cells), expression of the GTPase-deficient alpha i2 mutant polypeptides allowed colony formation in soft agar, which correlated with a loss in anchorage dependence and a decreased serum requirement. The altered growth regulatory properties of Rat 1a cells induced by expression of alpha i2 mutant polypeptides was not significantly inhibited by cotransfection with a dominant negative Ha-ras mutant polypeptide (Asn-17rasH), indicating that the activated Gi2 membrane signal transduction protein is uniquely capable of altering the regulation of Rat 1a cell growth by a predominantly c-ras-independent mechanism. The results show that GTPase-deficient alpha i2 mutant polypeptides have the properties of an oncogene that can induce the phenotypic characteristics of transformation in Rat 1a cells but that only a subset of these changes is observed with NIH 3T3 and Swiss 3T3 cells.

Two dominant inhibitory mutants of p21ras interfere with insulin-induced gene expression

Insulin induces a rapid activation of p21ras in NIH 3T3 and Chinese hamster ovary cells that overexpress the insulin receptor. Previously, we suggested that p21ras may mediate insulin-induced gene expression. To test such a function of p21ras more directly, we studied the effect of different dominant inhibitory mutants of p21ras on the induction of gene expression in response to insulin. We transfected a collagenase promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene or a fos promoter-luciferase gene into NIH 3T3 cells that overexpressed the insulin receptor. The activities of both promoters were strongly induced after treatment with insulin. This induction could be suppressed by cotransfection of two inhibitory mutant ras genes, H-ras(Asn-17) or H-ras(Leu-61,Ser-186). In particular, insulin-induced activation of the fos promoter was inhibited completely by H-ras(Asn-17). These results show that p21ras functions as an intermediate in the insulin signal transduction route leading to the induction of gene expression.

Two dominant inhibitory mutants of p21ras interfere with insulin-induced gene expression

Insulin induces a rapid activation of p21ras in NIH 3T3 and Chinese hamster ovary cells that overexpress the insulin receptor. Previously, we suggested that p21ras may mediate insulin-induced gene expression. To test such a function of p21ras more directly, we studied the effect of different dominant inhibitory mutants of p21ras on the induction of gene expression in response to insulin. We transfected a collagenase promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene or a fos promoter-luciferase gene into NIH 3T3 cells that overexpressed the insulin receptor. The activities of both promoters were strongly induced after treatment with insulin. This induction could be suppressed by cotransfection of two inhibitory mutant ras genes, H-ras(Asn-17) or H-ras(Leu-61,Ser-186). In particular, insulin-induced activation of the fos promoter was inhibited completely by H-ras(Asn-17). These results show that p21ras functions as an intermediate in the insulin signal transduction route leading to the induction of gene expression.

Signal transduction by nerve growth factor and fibroblast growth factor in PC12 cells requires a sequence of src and ras actions

We have investigated the roles of pp60c-src and p21c-ras proteins in transducing the nerve growth factor (NGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals which promote the sympathetic neuronlike phenotype in PC12 cells. Neutralizing antibodies directed against either Src or Ras proteins were microinjected into fused PC12 cells. Each antibody both prevented and reversed NGF- or FGF-induced neurite growth, a prominent morphological marker for the neuronal phenotype. These data demonstrate the involvement of both pp60c-src and p21c-ras proteins in NGF and FGF actions in PC12 cells, and establish a physiological role for the pp60c-src tyrosine kinase in signal transduction pathways initiated by receptor tyrosine kinases in these cells. Additional microinjection experiments, using PC12 transfectants containing inducible v-src or ras oncogene activities, demonstrated a specific sequence of Src and Ras actions. Microinjection of anti-Ras antibody blocked v-src-induced neurite growth, but microinjection of anti-Src antibodies had no effect on ras oncogene-induced neurite growth. We propose that a cascade of Src and Ras actions, with Src acting first, is a significant feature of the signal transduction pathways for NGF and FGF. The Src-Ras cascade may define a functional cassette in the signal transduction pathways used by growth factors and other ligands whose receptors have diverse structures and whose range of actions on various cell types include mitogenesis and differentiation.

ras isoprenylation is required for ras-induced but not for NGF-induced neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells

We have used compactin, an inhibitor of mevalonate biosynthesis, to block p21ras posttranslational modification and membrane association in PC12 cells. Previous studies have demonstrated a requirement for isoprenylation for mitogenic effects of activated p21ras in mammalian cells and for function of RAS gene products in yeast. Immunoprecipitation of [35S]methionine-labeled p21ras from PC12 cell homogenates confirmed that the processed p21ras species is missing from compactin-treated PC12 cells. Immunoprecipitation from particulate and cytosolic fractions of PC12 cells confirmed that compactin blocks p21ras membrane association: p21ras is confined to the cytosol fraction. Induction of neuronal differentiation and ornithine decarboxylase (ODCase) transcription by oncogenic p21N-ras does not occur in compactin-treated cells indicating that activity of oncogenic p21N-ras expressed in PC12 cells is abolished by compactin treatment. Thus, p21ras isoprenylation or association with the membrane appears to be required for early responses and neuronal differentiation attributable to p21ras activation. In contrast, blockade of p21ras isoprenylation and membrane association by compactin treatment did not significantly reduce PC12 cell responses to NGF. Responses examined included rapid phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase, rapid induction of ODCase expression, survival in serum-free medium and neuronal differentiation. Compactin blocked growth factor-induced rapid changes in cell surface morphology but did so whether this response was induced by NGF or by EGF. These results indicate that functional p21ras is not necessary for responses to NGF which in turn implies that if a ras-dependent NGF signal transduction pathway exists, as has been previously suggested, at least one additional ras-independent pathway must also be present.

The biochemistry of ras p21

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A mutation in the putative Mg(2+)-binding site of Gs alpha prevents its activation by receptors

The properties of a Gs alpha mutant with an Asn substituted for Ser at position 54, designated mutant 54Asn alpha s, were studied after expression in S49 alpha s-deficient (cyc-) cells. Ser-54 in alpha s is comparable to Ser-17 in Ras, which is involved in binding Mg2+ associated with bound nucleotide. 54Asn alpha s did not restore either hormone-induced cyclic AMP production in intact cyc- cells or hormone-induced adenylyl cyclase activation in membranes isolated from these cells. The defect was a failure of ligand-bound receptor to activate 54Asn alpha s, since the mutant protein retained the ability to activate adenylyl cyclase in isolated membranes in the presence of GTP or GTP gamma S. Guanine nucleotide regulation of mutant alpha s suggested that it has increased guanine nucleotide exchange rates and an increased preference for diphosphates over triphosphates. Hormone stimulation magnified the preference of 54Asn alpha s for diphosphates, which could account for its inability to be activated by receptor. The properties of this mutant are discussed in terms of similarities to and differences with the analogous RasH mutant, which has been shown to interfere with endogenous Ras function in cells.

Dominant inhibitory mutations in the Mg(2+)-binding site of RasH prevent its activation by GTP

We have previously demonstrated that substitution of Asn for Ser at position 17 of RasH yields a dominant inhibitory protein whose expression in cells interferes with endogenous Ras function (L. A. Feig, and G. M. Cooper, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:3235-3243, 1988). Subsequent structural studies have shown that the hydroxyl group of Ser-17 contributes to the binding of Mg2+ associated with bound nucleotide. In this report, we show that more subtle amino acid substitutions at this site that would be expected to interfere with complexing Mg2+, such as Cys or Ala, also generated dominant inhibitory mutants. In contrast, a Thr substitution that conserves a reactive hydroxyl group maintained normal Ras function. These results argue that the defect responsible for the inhibitory activity is improper coordination of Mg2+. Preferential affinity for GDP, observed in the original Asn-17 mutant, was found exclusively in inhibitory mutants. However, this binding specificity did not completely block the mutant proteins from binding GTP in vivo since introduction of the autophosphorylation site, Thr-59, in 17N Ras resulted in the phosphorylation of the double mutant in cells. Furthermore, inhibitory mutants failed to activate a model downstream target, yeast adenylate cyclase, even when bound to GTP. Thus, the consequence of improper complexing of Mg2+ was to lock the protein in a constitutively inactive state. A model is presented to explain how these properties could cause the mutant protein to inhibit the activation of endogenous Ras by competing for a guanine nucleotide-releasing factor.

A mutation in the putative Mg(2+)-binding site of Gs alpha prevents its activation by receptors

The properties of a Gs alpha mutant with an Asn substituted for Ser at position 54, designated mutant 54Asn alpha s, were studied after expression in S49 alpha s-deficient (cyc-) cells. Ser-54 in alpha s is comparable to Ser-17 in Ras, which is involved in binding Mg2+ associated with bound nucleotide. 54Asn alpha s did not restore either hormone-induced cyclic AMP production in intact cyc- cells or hormone-induced adenylyl cyclase activation in membranes isolated from these cells. The defect was a failure of ligand-bound receptor to activate 54Asn alpha s, since the mutant protein retained the ability to activate adenylyl cyclase in isolated membranes in the presence of GTP or GTP gamma S. Guanine nucleotide regulation of mutant alpha s suggested that it has increased guanine nucleotide exchange rates and an increased preference for diphosphates over triphosphates. Hormone stimulation magnified the preference of 54Asn alpha s for diphosphates, which could account for its inability to be activated by receptor. The properties of this mutant are discussed in terms of similarities to and differences with the analogous RasH mutant, which has been shown to interfere with endogenous Ras function in cells.

Dominant inhibitory mutations in the Mg(2+)-binding site of RasH prevent its activation by GTP

We have previously demonstrated that substitution of Asn for Ser at position 17 of RasH yields a dominant inhibitory protein whose expression in cells interferes with endogenous Ras function (L. A. Feig, and G. M. Cooper, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:3235-3243, 1988). Subsequent structural studies have shown that the hydroxyl group of Ser-17 contributes to the binding of Mg2+ associated with bound nucleotide. In this report, we show that more subtle amino acid substitutions at this site that would be expected to interfere with complexing Mg2+, such as Cys or Ala, also generated dominant inhibitory mutants. In contrast, a Thr substitution that conserves a reactive hydroxyl group maintained normal Ras function. These results argue that the defect responsible for the inhibitory activity is improper coordination of Mg2+. Preferential affinity for GDP, observed in the original Asn-17 mutant, was found exclusively in inhibitory mutants. However, this binding specificity did not completely block the mutant proteins from binding GTP in vivo since introduction of the autophosphorylation site, Thr-59, in 17N Ras resulted in the phosphorylation of the double mutant in cells. Furthermore, inhibitory mutants failed to activate a model downstream target, yeast adenylate cyclase, even when bound to GTP. Thus, the consequence of improper complexing of Mg2+ was to lock the protein in a constitutively inactive state. A model is presented to explain how these properties could cause the mutant protein to inhibit the activation of endogenous Ras by competing for a guanine nucleotide-releasing factor.

Induction of neurite outgrowth by v-src mimics critical aspects of nerve growth factor-induced differentiation

PC12 cells treated with nerve growth factor (NGF) or infected with Rous sarcoma virus differentiate into sympathetic, neuronlike cells. To compare the differentiation programs induced by NGF and v-src, we have established a PC12 cell line expressing a temperature-sensitive v-src protein. The v-src-expressing PC12 cell line was shown to elaborate neuritic processes in a temperature-inducible manner, indicating that the differentiation process was dependent on the activity of the v-src protein. Further characterization of this cell line, in comparison with NGF-treated PC12 cells, indicated that the events associated with neurite outgrowth induced by these two agents shared features but could be distinguished by others. Both NGF- and v-src-induced neurite outgrowths were reversible. In addition, NGF and v-src could prime PC12 cells for NGF-induced neurite outgrowth, and representative early and late NGF-responsive genes were also induced by v-src. However, unlike NGF-induced neurite growth, v-src-induced neurite outgrowth was not blocked at high cell density. A comparison of phosphotyrosine containing-protein profiles showed that v-src and NGF each increase tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple cellular proteins. There was overlap in substrates; however, both NGF-specific and v-src-specific tyrosine phosphorylations were observed. One protein which was found to be phosphorylated in both the NGF- and v-src-induced PC12 cells was phospholipase C-gamma 1. Taken together, these results suggest that v-src's ability to function as an inducing agent may be a consequence of its ability to mimic critical aspects of the NGF differentiation program and raise the possibility that Src-like tyrosine kinases are involved in mediating some of the events triggered by NGF.

Induction of neurite outgrowth by v-src mimics critical aspects of nerve growth factor-induced differentiation

PC12 cells treated with nerve growth factor (NGF) or infected with Rous sarcoma virus differentiate into sympathetic, neuronlike cells. To compare the differentiation programs induced by NGF and v-src, we have established a PC12 cell line expressing a temperature-sensitive v-src protein. The v-src-expressing PC12 cell line was shown to elaborate neuritic processes in a temperature-inducible manner, indicating that the differentiation process was dependent on the activity of the v-src protein. Further characterization of this cell line, in comparison with NGF-treated PC12 cells, indicated that the events associated with neurite outgrowth induced by these two agents shared features but could be distinguished by others. Both NGF- and v-src-induced neurite outgrowths were reversible. In addition, NGF and v-src could prime PC12 cells for NGF-induced neurite outgrowth, and representative early and late NGF-responsive genes were also induced by v-src. However, unlike NGF-induced neurite growth, v-src-induced neurite outgrowth was not blocked at high cell density. A comparison of phosphotyrosine containing-protein profiles showed that v-src and NGF each increase tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple cellular proteins. There was overlap in substrates; however, both NGF-specific and v-src-specific tyrosine phosphorylations were observed. One protein which was found to be phosphorylated in both the NGF- and v-src-induced PC12 cells was phospholipase C-gamma 1. Taken together, these results suggest that v-src's ability to function as an inducing agent may be a consequence of its ability to mimic critical aspects of the NGF differentiation program and raise the possibility that Src-like tyrosine kinases are involved in mediating some of the events triggered by NGF.