FKBP, the binding protein for the immunosuppressive drug, FK-506, is not an inhibitor of protein kinase C activity

Disparities in the association of the ryanodine receptor and the FK506-binding proteins in mammalian heart

The FK506-binding proteins (FKBP12 and FKBP12.6; also known as FKBP1A and FKBP1B, respectively) are accessory subunits of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca(2+) release channel. Aberrant RyR2-FKBP12.6 interactions have been proposed to be the underlying cause of channel dysfunction in acquired and inherited cardiac disease. However, the stoichiometry of the RyR2 association with FKBP12 or FKBP12.6 in mammalian heart is currently unknown. Here, we describe detailed quantitative analysis of cardiac stoichiometry between RyR2 and FKBP12 or FKBP12.6 using immunoblotting and [(3)H]ryanodine-binding assays, revealing striking disparities between four mammalian species. In mouse and pig heart, RyR2 is found complexed with both FKBP12 and FKBP12.6, although the former is the most abundant isoform. In rat heart, RyR2 is predominantly associated with FKBP12.6, whereas in rabbit it is associated with FKBP12 only. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate RyR2-specific interaction with both FKBP isoforms in native cardiac tissue. Assuming four FKBP-binding sites per RyR2 tetramer, only a small proportion of available sites are occupied by endogenous FKBP12.6. FKBP interactions with RyR2 are very strong and resistant to drug (FK506, rapamycin and cyclic ADPribose) and redox (H(2)O(2) and diamide) treatment. By contrast, the RyR1-FKBP12 association in skeletal muscle is readily disrupted under oxidative conditions. This is the first study to directly assess association of endogenous FKBP12 and FKBP12.6 with RyR2 in native cardiac tissue. Our results challenge the widespread perception that RyR2 associates exclusively with FKBP12.6 to near saturation, with important implications for the role of the FK506-binding proteins in RyR2 pathophysiology and cardiac disease.

Mapping the ryanodine receptor FK506-binding protein subunit using fluorescence resonance energy transfer

The 12-kDa FK506-binding proteins (FKBP12 and FKBP12.6) are regulatory subunits of ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca(2+) release channels. To investigate the structural basis of FKBP interactions with the RyR1 and RyR2 isoforms, we used site-directed fluorescent labeling of FKBP12.6, ligand binding measurements, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Single-cysteine substitutions were introduced at five positions distributed over the surface of FKBP12.6. Fluorescent labeling at position 14, 32, 49, or 85 did not affect high affinity binding to the RyR1. By comparison, fluorescent labeling at position 41 reduced the affinity of FKBP12.6 binding by 10-fold. Each of the five fluorescent FKBPs retained the ability to inhibit [(3)H]ryanodine binding to the RyR1, although the maximal extent of inhibition was reduced by half when the label was attached at position 32. The orientation of FKBP12.6 bound to the RyR1 and RyR2 was examined by measuring FRET from the different labeling positions on FKBP12.6 to an acceptor attached within the RyR calmodulin subunit. FRET was dependent on the position of fluorophore attachment on FKBP12.6; however, for any given position, the distance separating donors and acceptors bound to RyR1 versus RyR2 did not differ significantly. Our results show that FKBP12.6 binds to RyR1 and RyR2 in the same orientation and suggest new insights into the discrete structural domains responsible for channel binding and inhibition. FRET mapping of RyR-bound FKBP12.6 is consistent with the predictions of a previous cryoelectron microscopy study and strongly supports the proposed structural model.

Cyclosporin A inhibits T cell receptor-induced interleukin-2 synthesis of human T lymphocytes by selectively preventing a transmembrane signal transduction pathway leading to sustained activation of a protein kinase C isoenzyme, protein kinase C-beta

Stimulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes via T cell receptor/CD3 complex resulted in a bimodal activation of protein kinase(s) C (PKC). Within 10 min of stimulation PKC-alpha was translocated to, and thus activated in, the plasma membranes of human lymphocytes, followed by a fast dissociation of this isotype from the plasma membrane. This short term activation and translocation PKC-alpha proved to be cyclosporin A (CsA) insensitive. After 90 min of stimulation PKC-beta was translocated to and remained bound to the plasma membranes for up to 4 h. Preincubation of human lymphocytes with 200 ng/ml CsA specifically and completely abolished the sustained activation of PKC-beta. Neither the phorbol ester-induced direct activation of PKC nor the specific activity of the plasma membrane-bound enzyme was influenced by CsA, suggesting that a signal transduction pathway leading to sustained activation of PKC-beta was influenced by the immunosuppressive agent. In fact, CsA inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, the activation of lysophosphatid acyltransferase-catalyzed elevated incorporation of cis-polyunsaturated fatty acids into plasma membrane phospholipids. While interleukin-2 (IL-2) synthesis and cellular proliferation were completely inhibited by 200 ng/ml CsA in BMA 030- or BMA 031-stimulated cells, expression of high-affinity IL-2 receptors was not influenced by the immunosuppressive drug. These results suggest that synthesis and expression of high-affinity IL-2 receptors might be regulated by a signal-transducing pathway involving activation and translocation of PKC-alpha. Lysophosphatid acyltransferase-catalyzed incorporation of cis-polyunsaturated fatty acids might represent another mechanism of signal transduction implicated in the activation and translocation of PKC-beta, which is specifically inhibited by CsA. Neutralization of PKC-beta by introducing anti-PKC-beta antibodies prevented IL-2 synthesis and proliferation in stimulated human lymphocytes. The results suggest a possible link between activation of PKC-beta and regulation of IL-2 synthesis in activated human lymphocytes. Thus, inhibition of the activation and translocation of PKC-beta by CsA may result in inhibition of IL-2 gene expression in human lymphocytes.

Peptidylproline cis-trans-isomerases: immunophilins

Two sequence-unrelated families of proteins possess peptidylproline cis-trans-isomerase activities (PPIase). PPIases are highly sequence conserved and multifunctional proteins which are present in many types of cells with a considerably divergent phylogenetic distribution. On the cellular level, PPIases occur in every compartment, both as free species and anchored to membranes. Diverse posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation, N-terminal modifications and phosphorylation constitute the additional functional features of PPIases. Folding, assembly and trafficking of proteins in the cellular milieu are regulated by PPIases. These enzymes accelerate the rate of in-vitro protein folding and they have the ability to bind proteins and act as chaperones. Some PPIases are coregulatory subunits of molecular complexes including heat-shock proteins, glucocorticoid receptors and ion channels. Secreted forms of PPIases are inflammatory and chemotactic agents for monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. The potent and clinically useful immunosuppressants CsA, FK506 or rapamycin bind with high affinities to PPIases (immunophilins). The binding criterion allows us to sort the PPIases for the following two superfamilies of proteins: the cyclophilins (CsA-binding proteins) and the FKBP (FK506/rapamycin-binding proteins). Although none of PPIases appeared to be essential for the viability of haploid yeast cells some of the immunophilin/immunosuppressant complexes are toxic both for yeast and mammalian cells. At least seven unlinked genes of cyclophilins and four unlinked genes of FKBP exist in human genomic DNA. Selected immunophilins regulate two different signalling pathways in lymphoid cells, namely the secretion of growth factors by stimulated T-cells and interleukin-2-induced T-cell proliferation. Moreover, selected FKBP mediate the cytotoxic effects of rapamycin in non-lymphoid cells. Accounts of the discovery of PPIases (immunophilins) and their functions are given in this review. A larger spectrum of proteins is analysed in relation to various signal-transduction pathways in lymphoid cells which involve immunophilins or their complexes with the immunosuppressants CsA, FK506 or rapamycin.

Correlation of calcineurin phosphatase activity and programmed cell death in murine T cell hybridomas

Ligation of T cell receptor/CD3 complexes induces programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in immature thymocytes and many T cell hybridomas. While it has been demonstrated that T cell receptor-mediated apoptosis requires an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, the specific calcium-dependent signalling events leading to cell death are poorly defined. We have previously shown that T cell receptor/CD3-mediated induction of apoptosis in a murine T cell hybridoma is inhibited by the immunosuppressive drugs cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506. Recently, it has been determined that these agents inhibit the activity of calcineurin, a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase. Using an assay which measures calcineurin activity in cell lysates, we find that calcineurin-dependent dephosphorylation of a phosphopeptide substrate is potently inhibited in hybridomas treated with CsA or FK506. Drug dose-response analyses indicate that the level of cellular calcineurin activity correlates closely with the ability of these cells to undergo apoptosis. Thus, calcineurin appears to be a critical mediator of T cell receptor/CD3 signalling leading to programmed cell death in T cell hybridomas.