G proteins and beta ARK: a new twist for the coiled coil

An initial biochemical and cell biological characterization of the mammalian homologue of a central plant developmental switch, COP1

BACKGROUND

Constitutive photomorphogenic 1 (COP1) has been defined as a central regulator of photomorphogenic development in plants, which targets key transcription factors for proteasome-dependent degradation. Although COP1 mammalian homologue has been previously reported, its function and distribution in animal kingdom are not known.

RESULTS

Here we report the characterization of full-length human and mouse COP1 cDNAs and the genomic structures of the COP1 genes from several different species. Mammalian COP1 protein binds to ubiquitinated proteins in vivo and is itself ubiquitinated. Furthermore, mammalian COP1 is predominantly nuclear localized and exists primarily as a complex of over 700 kDa. Through mutagenesis studies, we have defined a leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES) within the coiled-coil domain of mammalian COP1 and a nuclear localization signal (NLS), which is composed of two clusters of positive-charged amino acids, bridged by the RING finger. Disruption of the RING finger structure abolishes the nuclear import, while deletion of the entire RING finger restores the nuclear import.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that mammalian COP1, similar to its plant homologue, may play a role in ubiquitination. Mammalian COP1 contains a classic leucine-rich NES and a novel bipartite NLS bridged by a RING finger domain. We propose a working model in which the COP1 RING finger functions as a structural scaffold to bring two clusters of positive-charged residues within spatial proximity to mimic a bipartite NLS. Therefore, in addition to its well-characterized role in ubiquitination, the RING finger domain may also play a structural role in nuclear import.

RACK1, a protein kinase C scaffolding protein, interacts with the PH domain of p120GAP

The Ras GTPase-activating protein p120GAP is a multidomain protein consisting of a variety of noncatalytic domains that may be involved in its regulation. RACK1 is a membrane-associated protein that binds the C2 domain of PKC and is related in sequence to the beta subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins which has been implicated in binding to PH domains. Because p120GAP contains both PH and C2/CaLB domains we determined whether it is also a RACK1 binding protein. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that p120GAP associates with RACK1, whereas PH or C2/CaLB domain deletion mutants do not. A fusion protein containing the GAP PH domain bound to endogenous RACK1 in lysates in a concentration-dependent manner and directly associated with recombinant RACK1. Finally, serine/threonine phosphorylation appears to be involved in regulating this association. These results suggest that p120GAP and RACK1 interact in vivo in a manner dependent upon both the PH and C2/CaLB domains of GAP.

Regulation of signal transduction pathways and gene expression by mood stabilizers and antidepressants

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the currently available evidence supports the hypothesis that antidepressants and mood stabilizers may bring about some of their long-term therapeutic effects by regulating signal transduction pathways and gene expression in the central nervous system.

METHODS

To address this question, we reviewed the evidence showing that chronic administration of antidepressants and mood stabilizers involves alterations in signaling pathways and gene expression in the central nervous system.

RESULTS

A large body of data has shown that lithium and valproate exert effects on the protein kinase C signaling pathway and the activator protein 1 family of transcription factors; in contrast, antidepressants affect the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway and may bring about their therapeutic effects by modulating cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated gene expression in the central nervous system.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the key roles of these signaling cascades in the amplification and integration of signals in the central nervous system, the findings have clear implications not only for research into the etiology and pathophysiology of the severe mood disorders but also for the development of novel and innovative treatment strategies.

The role of COP1 in repression of Arabidopsis photomorphogenic development

Photomorphogenic development in Arabidopsis is regulated by the key repressor COP1, which interacts with specific transcription factors in the nucleus to modulate their activities. In the dark, COP1 accumulates in the nucleus and represses photomorphogenic development. Light diminishes the nuclear accumulation of COP1 and abrogates its repressor activity. A number of cellular components are involved in light-dependent nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of COP1, including the multisubunit COP9 complexes and at least three well-characterized photoreceptors. This review discusses current understanding of the mechanisms of COP1 action.

A phosphoinositide-binding sequence is shared by PH domain target molecules--a model for the binding of PH domains to proteins

Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains have been proven to bind phosphoinositides (PI) and inositolphosphates (IP). On the other hand, a binding of PH domains to proteins is still a matter of debate. The goal of this work was to identify potential PH domain protein target sites and to build a model for PH domain-protein binding. A candidate sequence, called HIKE, was identified by sequence homology analysis of the proteins that are considered the strongest PH binding candidates, i.e., Gbeta, PKC, and Akt. HIKE contains a PI binding sequence and fulfills several criteria for a potential PH-binding site, i.e., it is present in other PH-binding candidates, lies in regulatory regions independently predicted to bind PH domains, and is conserved in 3-D structure among different molecules. These findings and the similarities with the mode of binding of PTB and PDZ domains suggest a beta strand-beta strand coordination model for PH-protein binding. The HIKE model predicts that membrane anchoring of PH domains and their targets could be a critical step in their interaction, which would consistently explain why PH-protein binding has only been detected in the presence of PI.

The dodo gene family encodes a novel protein involved in signal transduction and protein folding

Recent studies in yeast, Drosophila and humans have revealed the existence of a highly conserved gene encoding a novel protein, Dodo, comprised of four modules: a WW domain, involved in protein-protein interactions, a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) domain belonging to a recently described third family of PPIases involved in protein folding and unfolding, a nuclear localization motif and finally, a long, surface-exposed alpha-helix that is likely to be involved in binding to a cell cycle serine/threonine kinase. The genetic, molecular, biochemical and structural data are reviewed in the context of the potential biological properties of this new protein family.

Solution structure of the pleckstrin homology domain of Drosophila beta-spectrin

BACKGROUND

The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, which is approximately 100 amino acids long, has been found in about 70 proteins involved in signal transduction and cytoskeletal function, a frequency comparable to SH2 (src homology 2) and SH3 domains. PH domains have been shown to bind the beta gamma-subunits of G-proteins and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). It is conceivable that the PH domain of beta-spectrin plays a part in the association of spectrin with the plasma membrane of cells.

RESULTS

We have solved the solution structure of the 122-residue PH domain of Drosophila beta-spectrin. The overall fold consists of two antiparallel beta-sheets packing against each other at an angle of approximately 60 degrees to form a beta-sandwich, a two-turn alpha-helix unique to spectrin PH domains, and a four-turn C-terminal alpha-helix. One of the major insertions in beta-spectrin PH domains forms a long, basic surface loop and appears to undergo slow conformational exchange in solution. This loop shows big spectral changes upon addition of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3).

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that the groove at the outer surface of the second beta-sheet is an important site of association with other proteins. This site and the possible lipid-binding site can serve to localize the spectrin network under the plasma membrane. More generally, it has to be considered that the common fold observed for the PH domain structures solved so far does not necessarily mean that all PH domains have similar functions. In fact, the residues constituting potential binding sites for ligands or other proteins are only slightly conserved between different PH domains.

Lack of association of G-protein beta 2- and gamma 2-subunit N-terminal fragments provides evidence against the coiled-coil model of subunit-beta gamma assembly

The association between peptides from bovine G-protein beta 2- and gamma 2-subunits was studied by CD spectroscopy and cross-linking. Both peptides had approximately 25% stable alpha-helical structure at 25 degrees C, but there was no increase on mixing subunits as expected for coiled-coil formation. Also, disulphide cross-linking gave more beta 2 beta 2 homodimer than beta 2 gamma 2 heterodimer. These data do not support the proposed N-terminal coiled-coil model of beta gamma-subunit association.

Mutational analysis of the pleckstrin homology domain of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase. Differential effects on G beta gamma and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate binding

The beta gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins (G beta gamma) play a variety of roles in cellular signaling, one of which is membrane targeting of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK). This is accomplished via a physical interaction of G beta gamma and a domain within the carboxyl terminus of beta ARK which overlaps with a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. The PH domain of beta ARK not only binds G beta gamma but also interacts with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Based on previous mapping of the G beta gamma binding region of beta ARK, and conserved residues within the PH domain, we have constructed a series of mutants in the carboxyl terminus of beta ARK in order to determine important residues involved in G beta gamma and PIP2 binding. To examine the effects of mutations on G beta gamma binding, we employed three different methodologies: direct G beta gamma binding to GST fusion proteins; the ability of GST fusion proteins to inhibit G beta gamma-mediated beta ARK translocation to rhodopsin-enriched rod outer segments; and the ability of mutant peptides expressed in cells to inhibit G beta gamma-mediated inositol phosphate accumulation. Direct PIP2 binding was also assessed on mutant GST fusion proteins. Ala residue insertion following Trp643 completely abolished the ability of beta ARK to bind G beta gamma, suggesting that a proper alpha-helical conformation is necessary for the G beta gamma.beta ARK interaction. In contrast, this insertional mutation had no effect on PIP2 binding. Both G beta gamma binding and PIP2 binding were abolished following Ala replacement of Trp643, suggesting that this conserved residue within the last subdomain of the PH domain is crucial for both interactions. Other mutations also produced differential effects on the physical interactions of the beta ARK carboxyl terminus with G beta gamma and PIP2. These results suggest that the last PH subdomain and its neighboring sequences within the carboxyl terminus of beta ARK, including Trp643, Leu647, and residues Lys663-Arg669, are critical for G beta gamma binding while Trp643 and residues Asp635-Glu639 are important for the PH domain to form the correct structure for binding to PIP2.

AH/PH domain-mediated interaction between Akt molecules and its potential role in Akt regulation

The cytoplasmic serine-threonine protein kinase coded for by the c-akt proto-oncogene features a protein kinase C-like catalytic domain and a unique NH2-terminal domain (AH domain). The AH domain is a member of a domain superfamily whose prototype was observed in pleckstrin (pleckstrin homology, or PH, domain). In this communication, we present evidence that the AH/PH domain is a domain of protein-protein interaction which mediates the formation of Akt protein complexes. The interaction between c-akt AH/PH domains is highly specific, as determined by the failure of this domain to bind AKT2. The AH/PH domain-mediated interactions depend on the integrity of the entire domain. Akt molecules with deletions of the NH2-terminal portion (amino acids 11 to 60) and AH/PH constructs with deletions of the C-terminal portion of this domain (amino acids 107 to 147) fail to interact with c-akt. To determine the significance of these findings, we carried out in vitro kinase assays using Akt immunoprecipitates from serum-starved and serum-starved, platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated NIH 3T3 cells. Addition of maltose-binding protein-AH/PH fusion recombinant protein, which is expected to bind Akt, to the immunoprecipitates from serum-starved cells induced the activation of the Akt kinase.

Lipid-mediated regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases 2 and 3

G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling is attenuated by a process referred to as desensitization, wherein agonist-dependent phosphorylation of receptors by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) is proposed to be a key initial event. However, mechanisms that activate GRKs are not fully understood. In one scenario, beta gamma-subunits of G proteins (G beta gamma) activate certain GRKs (beta-adrenergic receptor kinases 1 and 2, or GRK2 and GRK3), via a pleckstrin homology domain in the COOH terminus. This interaction has been proposed to translocate cytosolic beta-adrenergic receptor kinases (beta ARKs) to the plasma membrane and facilitate interaction with receptor substrates. Here, we report a novel finding that membrane lipids modulate beta ARK activity in vitro in a manner that is analogous and competitive with G beta gamma. Several lipids, including phosphatidylserine (PS), stimulated, whereas phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate inhibited, the ability of these GRKs to phosphorylate agonist-occupied m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Furthermore, both PS and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate specifically bound to beta ARK1, whereas phosphatidylcholine, a lipid that did not modulate beta ARK activity, did not bind to beta ARK1. The lipid regulation of beta ARKs did not occur via a modulation of its autophosphorylation state. PS- and G beta gamma-mediated stimulation of beta ARK1 was compared and found strikingly similar; moreover, their effects together were not additive (except at initial stages of reaction), which suggests that PS and G beta gamma employed a common interaction and activation mechanism with the kinase. The effects of these lipids were prevented by two well known G beta gamma-binding proteins, phosducin and GST-beta ARK-(466-689) fusion protein, suggesting that the G beta gamma-binding domain (possibly the pleckstrin homology domain) of the GRKs is also a site for lipid:protein interaction. We submit the intriguing possibility that both lipids and G proteins co-regulate the function of GRKs.

Receptors and G proteins as primary components of transmembrane signal transduction. Part 2. G proteins: structure and function

Seven-transmembrane receptors signal through nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) into the cell. G proteins are membrane-associated proteins composed of three subunits termed alpha, beta and gamma, of which the G alpha subunit classifies the heterotrimer. So far, 23 different mammalian G alpha subunits are known, which are grouped in four subfamilies (Gs, Gi, Gq, G12) on the basis of their amino acid similarity. They carry an endogenous GTPase activity allowing reversible functional coupling between ligand-bound receptors and effectors such as enzymes and ion channels. In addition, five G beta and seven G gamma subunits have been identified which form tightly associated beta gamma heterodimers. Upon activation by a ligand-bound receptor the G protein dissociates into G alpha and G beta gamma, which both transmit signal by interacting with effectors. On the G protein level, specificity and selectivity of the incoming signal is accomplished by G protein trimers composed of distinct subunits. On the other hand, many receptors have been shown to activate different G proteins, thereby regulating diverse signal transduction pathways.

Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains in signal transduction

A diverse array of molecules involved in signal transduction have recently been recognised as containing a new homology domain, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. These include kinases (both serine/threonine and tyrosine specific), all currently known mammalian phospholipase Cs, GTPases, GTPase-activating proteins, GTPase-exchange factors, "adapter" proteins, cytoskeletal proteins, and kinase substrates. This has sparked a new surge of research into elucidating its structure and function. The NMR solution structure of the PH domains of beta-spectrin and pleckstrin (the N-terminal domain) both display a core consisting of seven anti-parallel beta-sheet strands. The carboxy terminus is folded into a long alpha-helix. The molecule is electrostatically polarised and contains a pocket which may be involved in the binding of a ligand. The PH domains overall topological relatedness to the retinoid binding protein family of molecules would suggest a lipid ligand could bind to this pocket. The prime function of the PH domain still remains to be elucidated. However, it has been shown to be important in signal transduction, most probably by mediating protein-protein interactions. An extended PH domain of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK), as well as that of several other molecules, can bind to beta gamma subunits of the heterotrimeric G-proteins. The possibility that the PH domain, which is found in so many signalling molecules, being generally involved in beta gamma binding is provocative of implicating these proteins in G-protein signal transduction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Crystal structure of the pleckstrin homology domain from dynamin

The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain is a conserved module present in many signal transducing and cytoskeletal proteins. Here we report the 2.8 A crystal structure of the PH domain from dynamin. This domain consists of seven beta-strands forming two roughly orthogonal antiparallel beta-sheets terminating with an amphipathic alpha-helix. The structure also reveals a non-covalent dimeric association of the PH domain and a hydrophobic pocket surrounded by a charged rim. The dynamin PH domain structure is discussed in relation to its potential role in mediating interactions between proteins.

Three-dimensional solution structure of the pleckstrin homology domain from dynamin

BACKGROUND

The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain is a region of approximately 100 amino acids, defined by sequence similarity, that has been found in about 60 proteins, many of which are involved in signal transduction downstream of cell surface receptors; the function of PH domains is unknown. The only clue to the function of PH domains is the circumstantial evidence that they may link beta gamma subunits of G proteins to second messenger systems. Knowledge of the three-dimensional structures of PH domains should help to elucidate the roles they play in the proteins that contain them.

RESULTS

Using homonuclear and heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we have determined the solution structure of the PH domain of the GTPase dynamin, one of a number of proteins that have PH domains and interact with GTP. The fold of the dynamin PH domain is composed of two antiparallel beta-sheets, which pack face-to-face at an angle of approximately 60 degrees. The first beta-sheet comprises four strands (residues 13-58) from the amino-terminal half of the protein sequence; the second beta-sheet contains three strands (residues 63-99). A single alpha-helix (residues 102-116) flanks one edge of the interface between the two sheets, parallel in orientation to the second sheet, in an alpha/beta roll motif similar to that of the B oligomer of verotoxin-1 from Escherichia coli.

CONCLUSIONS

The structure of the dynamin PH domain is very similar to the recently reported structures of the pleckstrin and spectrin PH domains. This shows that, despite the low level of sequence similarity between different PH domains, they do have a characteristic polypeptide fold. On the basis of our structure, the suggestion that PH domains engage in coiled-coil interactions with G protein beta gamma subunits seems unlikely and should be re-evaluated.

Biochemical and genetic analysis of dominant-negative mutations affecting a yeast G-protein gamma subunit

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits mediate signalling between cell surface receptors and intracellular effectors in eukaryotic cells. To define signalling functions of G gamma subunits (STE18 gene product) involved in pheromone response and mating in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we isolated and characterized dominant-negative STE18 alleles. We obtained dominant-negative mutations that disrupt C-terminal sequences required for prenylation of G gamma precursors (CAAX box) and that affect residues in the N-terminal half of Ste18p. Overexpression of mutant G gamma subunits in wild-type cells blocked signal transduction; this effect was suppressed upon overexpression of G beta subunits. Mutant G gamma subunits may therefore sequester G beta subunits into nonproductive G beta gamma dimers. Because mutant G gamma subunits blocked the constitutive signal resulting from disruption of the G alpha subunit gene (GPA1), they are defective in functions required for downstream signalling. Ste18p bearing a C107Y substitution in the CAAX box displayed reduced electrophoretic mobility, consistent with a prenylation defect. G gamma subunits carrying N-terminal substitutions had normal electrophoretic mobilities, suggesting that these proteins were prenylated. G gamma subunits bearing substitutions in their N-terminal region or C-terminal CAAX box (C107Y) supported receptor-G protein coupling in vitro, whereas C-terminal truncations caused partial defects in receptor coupling.

Biochemical and genetic analysis of dominant-negative mutations affecting a yeast G-protein gamma subunit

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits mediate signalling between cell surface receptors and intracellular effectors in eukaryotic cells. To define signalling functions of G gamma subunits (STE18 gene product) involved in pheromone response and mating in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we isolated and characterized dominant-negative STE18 alleles. We obtained dominant-negative mutations that disrupt C-terminal sequences required for prenylation of G gamma precursors (CAAX box) and that affect residues in the N-terminal half of Ste18p. Overexpression of mutant G gamma subunits in wild-type cells blocked signal transduction; this effect was suppressed upon overexpression of G beta subunits. Mutant G gamma subunits may therefore sequester G beta subunits into nonproductive G beta gamma dimers. Because mutant G gamma subunits blocked the constitutive signal resulting from disruption of the G alpha subunit gene (GPA1), they are defective in functions required for downstream signalling. Ste18p bearing a C107Y substitution in the CAAX box displayed reduced electrophoretic mobility, consistent with a prenylation defect. G gamma subunits carrying N-terminal substitutions had normal electrophoretic mobilities, suggesting that these proteins were prenylated. G gamma subunits bearing substitutions in their N-terminal region or C-terminal CAAX box (C107Y) supported receptor-G protein coupling in vitro, whereas C-terminal truncations caused partial defects in receptor coupling.