Novel monoclonal antibodies that differentiate between the binding of pp60c-src or protein phosphatase 2A by polyomavirus middle T antigen

Polyomavirus middle T-antigen is a transmembrane protein that binds signaling proteins in discrete subcellular membrane sites

Murine polyomavirus middle T-antigen (MT) induces tumors by mimicking an activated growth factor receptor. An essential component of this action is a 22-amino-acid hydrophobic region close to the C terminus which locates MT to cell membranes. Here, we demonstrate that this sequence is a transmembrane domain (TMD) by showing that a hemagglutinin (HA) tag added to the MT C terminus is exposed on the outside of the cells, with the N terminus inside. To determine whether this MT TMD is inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, we added the ER retention signal KDEL to the MT C terminus (MTKDEL). This mutant protein locates only in the ER, demonstrating that MT does insert into membranes solely at this location. In addition, this ER-located MT failed to transform. Examination of the binding proteins associated with the MTKDEL protein demonstrated that it associates with PP2A and c-Src but fails to interact with ShcA, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1), despite being tyrosine phosphorylated. Additional mutant and antibody studies show that MT binding to PP2A is probably required for MT to efficiently exit the ER and migrate to the plasma membrane though the TMD also plays a role in this relocation. Overall, these data, together with previous publications, illustrate that MT associates with signaling proteins at different sites in its maturation pathway. MT binds to PP2A in the cytoplasm, to c-Src at the endoplasmic reticulum, and to ShcA, PI3K, and PLC-γ1 at subsequent locations en route to the plasma membrane.

RIP140 directs histone and DNA methylation to silence Ucp1 expression in white adipocytes

Nuclear receptors control the function of cells by regulating transcription from specific gene networks. The establishment and maintenance of epigenetic gene marks is fundamental to the regulation of gene transcription and the control of cell function. RIP140 is a corepressor for nuclear receptors that suppresses transcription from a broad programme of metabolic genes and thereby controls energy homoeostasis in vivo. Here we show by analysis of Ucp1, a gene which is typically expressed in brown but not white adipocytes, that RIP140 is essential for both DNA and histone methylation to maintain gene repression. RIP140 expression promotes the assembly of DNA and histone methyltransferases (HMTs) on the Ucp1 enhancer and leads to methylation of specific CpG residues and histones as judged by bisulphite genomic sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Our results suggest that RIP140 serves as a scaffold for both DNA and HMT activities to inhibit gene transcription by two key epigenetic repression systems.

Activation of the protein kinase B pathway by the HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein occurs through a mechanism involving interaction with PP2A

Protein kinase B (PKB) or Akt is one of several second messenger kinases that are activated by cell attachment and growth factor signaling, and that transmit signals to the cell nucleus to inhibit apoptosis and thereby increase cell survival during proliferation. Other viral proteins target this pathway by increasing PKB/Akt phosphorylation, and this pathway has been implicated in the transformation of human keratinocytes by HPV E6 and E7, together with activated notch 1. Here, we examine how HPV E7 expression affects the phosphorylation of PKB. We show that HPV-16 E7 increases the level of phosphorylation of PKB in response to serum stimulation, by a mechanism independent of downregulation of PTEN phosphatase, a known inhibitor of the PI3K (PI3 kinase) pathway. The use of specific antibodies shows that some proportion of PKB/Akt that is phosphorylated both on threonine 308 and serine 473 is maintained in the presence of E7 in a PI3 kinase-independent manner, and is activated for phosphorylation of BAD, a known downstream target of PKB/Akt. Use of E7 mutants has ruled out both an inhibition of IGFBP-3, a known E7 target and PKB/Akt modulator, and the interaction of E7 with cellular pocket proteins, as being the mechanism for the PKB/Akt stimulation. PKB binds PP2A and is a known substrate of PP2A. Here, we show that HPV E7 also binds to both the 35 kDa catalytic and 65 kDa structural subunits of PP2A, an interaction that sequesters these subunits and inhibits their interaction with PKB, thereby maintaining PKB/Akt signaling by inhibiting its dephosphorylation.

Activation of Adenovirus Type 2 Early Region 4 ORF4 Cytoplasmic Death Function by Direct Binding to Src Kinase Domain

Adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) early region 4 ORF4 (E4orf4) triggers a major death pathway that requires its accumulation in cellular membranes and its tyrosine phosphorylation. This program is regulated by Src family kinases and triggers a potent ZVAD (benzyloxycarbonyl-VAD)- and Bcl2-resistant cell death response in human-transformed cells. How E4orf4 deregulates Src-dependent signaling is unknown. Here we provide strong evidence that a physical interaction requiring the kinase domain of Src and the arginine-rich motif of E4orf4 is involved. The Src binding domain of E4orf4 overlaps with, but is distinct from that of the Balpha subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A-Balpha) and some E4orf4 complexes contain both PP2A and Src. Functional assays using mutant E4orf4 revealed that deregulation of Src signaling, activation of the Jun kinase pathway, and cell blebbing were all critically dependent on Src binding. In contrast, PP2A-Balpha binding per se was not required to engage the Src-dependent death pathway but was more critical for triggering a distinct death activity. Both E4orf4 death activities were manifested within a given cell population, were typified by distinct morphological features, and contributed to overall cell killing, although to different extents in various cell types. We conclude that E4orf4 binding to the Src kinase domain leads to deregulation of Src signaling and plays a crucial role in induction of the cytoplasmic death pathway. Nonetheless, both Src and PP2A enzymes are critical targets of E4orf4 that likely cooperate to trigger E4orf4-induced tumor cell killing and whose relative contributions may vary in function of the cellular background.

Identification and characterization of B"-subunits of protein phosphatase 2 A in Xenopus laevis oocytes and adult tissues

Protein phosphatase 2A is a phosphoserine/threonine phosphatase implicated in many cellular processes. The core enzyme comprises a catalytic and a PR65/A-subunit. The substrate specificity and subcellular localization are determined by a third regulatory B-subunit (PR55/B, PR61/B' and PR72/130/B"). To identify the proteins of the B" family in Xenopus laevis oocytes, a prophase Xenopus oocyte cDNA library was screened using human PR130 cDNA as a probe. Three different classes of cDNAs were isolated. One class is very similar to human PR130 and is probably the Xenopus orthologue of PR130 (XPR130). A second class of clones (XN73) is identical to the N-terminal part of XPR130 but ends a few amino acids downstream of the putative splicing site of PR130. To investigate how this occurs, the genomic structure of the human PR130 gene was determined. This novel protein does not act as a PP2A subunit but might compete with the function of PR130. The third set of clones (XPR70) is very similar to human PR48 but has an N-terminal extension. Further analysis of the human EST-database and the human PR48 gene structure, revealed that the human PR48 clone published is incomplete. The Xenopus orthologue of PR48 encodes a protein of 70 kDa which like the XPR130, interacts with the A-subunit in GST pull-down assays. XPR70 is ubiquitously expressed in adult tissues and oocytes whereas expression of XPR130 is very low in brain and oocytes. Expression of XN73 mainly parallels XPR130 with the exception of the brain.

Blockade of TGF-beta inhibits mammary tumor cell viability, migration, and metastases

TGF-betas are potent inhibitors of epithelial cell proliferation. However, in established carcinomas, autocrine/paracrine TGF-beta interactions can enhance tumor cell viability and progression. Thus, we studied the effect of a soluble Fc:TGF-beta type II receptor fusion protein (Fc:TbetaRII) on transgenic and transplantable models of breast cancer metastases. Systemic administration of Fc:TbetaRII did not alter primary mammary tumor latency in MMTV-Polyomavirus middle T antigen transgenic mice. However, Fc:TbetaRII increased apoptosis in primary tumors, while reducing tumor cell motility, intravasation, and lung metastases. These effects correlated with inhibition of Akt activity and FKHRL1 phosphorylation. Fc:TbetaRII also inhibited metastases from transplanted 4T1 and EMT-6 mammary tumors in syngeneic BALB/c mice. Tumor microvessel density in a mouse dorsal skin window chamber was unaffected by Fc:TbetaRII. Therefore, blockade of TGF-beta signaling may reduce tumor cell viability and migratory potential and represents a testable therapeutic approach against metastatic carcinomas.

Cytoplasmic death signal triggered by SRC-mediated phosphorylation of the adenovirus E4orf4 protein

In transformed cells, the adenovirus E4orf4 death factor works in part by inducing a Src-mediated cytoplasmic apoptotic signal leading to caspase-independent membrane blebbing and cell death. Here we show that Src-family kinases modulate E4orf4 phosphorylation on tyrosine residues. Mutation of tyrosines 26, 42, and 59 to phenylalanines inhibited Src-induced phosphorylation of E4orf4 in vivo and in vitro but had no effect on the molecular association of E4orf4 with Src. However, in contrast to wild-type E4orf4, the nonphosphorylatable E4orf4 mutant was unable to modulate Src-dependent phosphorylation and was deficient in recruiting a subset of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. Indeed, the Src substrates cortactin and p62dok were found to associate with wild-type E4orf4 but not with the nonphosphorylatable E4orf4. Importantly, the nonphosphorylatable mutant E4orf4 was preferentially distributed in the cell nucleus, was unable to induce membrane blebbing, and had a highly impaired killing activity. Conversely, an activated form of E4orf4 was obtained by mutation of tyrosine 42 to glutamic acid. This pseudophosphorylated mutant E4orf4 was enriched in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane, showed increased binding to phosphotyrosine-containing proteins, and induced a dramatic blebbing phenotype associated with increased cell death. Altogether, our findings strongly suggest that Src-mediated phosphorylation of adenovirus type 2 E4orf4 is critical to promoting its cytoplasmic and membrane localization and is required for the transduction of E4orf4-Src-dependent induction of membrane blebbing. We propose that E4orf4 acts in part by uncoupling Src-dependent signals to drive the formation of a signaling complex that triggers a cytoplasmic death signal.

Cell transformation by the middle T-antigen of polyoma virus

The polyoma virus region expressed early in the lytic cycle encodes three proteins, or T-antigens, that together cause the infected cell to enter the cell cycle and so provide a suitable cellular environment for replication of the viral genome. Under some circumstances infection does not kill the cell, but the T-antigens are still produced, resulting in the cell becoming transformed and tumorigenic. Most of this transforming action is exerted by the middle T-antigen, which has the ability to convert established cell lines to an oncogenic state. Middle T is a membrane bound polypeptide that interacts with a number of the proteins used by tyrosine kinase associated receptors to stimulate mitogenesis, so MT can be considered as a permanently active analogue of a receptor. Through a defined series of interactions, MT assembles a large multi-protein complex at the cell membrane, consisting of MT, the core dimer of protein phosphatase 2A, an src-family tyrosine kinase, and via phosphotyrosines, ShcA, phosphatidylinositol (3') kinase, and phospholipase Cgamma-1. Tyrosine phosphorylation stimulates PI3K and PLCgamma-1 enzymatic activity, and on ShcA creates binding sites for Grb2 with its associated Sos1 and Gab1. This activates p21(ras), and hence, the MAP kinase cascade. Consequently, MT can be used as a model for studying cell transformation and growth factor receptor signalling pathways.

Role of middle T-small T in the lytic cycle of polyomavirus: control of the early-to-late transcriptional switch and viral DNA replication

A comparative analysis of the lytic cycle of wild-type polyomavirus and middle T and small T defective mutants was carried out in the A2 genetic background. The results contrast with those obtained in comparisons between the hr-t type and their middle-T small-T-producing partners as previously described (20). The A2-derived mutants were found to share the maturation defect previously described for the hr-t mutants. However, their defect in DNA replication was more acute, resulting in a 5- to 100-fold decrease in the accumulation of viral genomes. Furthermore, their gene expression pattern was affected. A2-derived mutants displayed an early defect resulting in a 4- to 16-h delay in the expression of large T, and an alteration of the early-to-late transcriptional switch. In wild-type A2 infection, this switch is characterized by a large increase in the accumulation of early transcripts followed by late transcripts after the appearance of middle T and small T proteins and the onset of viral DNA replication (L. Chen and M. M. Fluck, J. Virol. 75: 8368-8379, 2001). In the mutant infection, increases in both classes of transcripts were delayed and reduced, but the effect on early transcripts was more pronounced. As has been described previously for the hr-t mutants (E. Goldman, J. Hattori, and T. Benjamin, Cell 13:505-513, 1979), the magnitude of these defects depended upon experimental conditions. Experiments using cytosine beta-arabinofuranoside to reduce genome amplification suggest that the effect of middle T-small T on the transcriptional switch is not solely mediated by the effect of these protein(s) on increasing the number of templates. These data provide the first direct demonstration of an effect of middle T and/or small T in the viral transcription pattern during viral infection. The results agree with previous results obtained with plasmid reporters and with our understanding that the downstream targets of the middle T signaling pathway include three transcription factors that have binding sites in the enhancer domain that play a key regulatory role in the expression of the viral genes.

Raf-1-associated protein phosphatase 2A as a positive regulator of kinase activation

The Raf-1 kinase plays a key role in relaying proliferation signals elicited by mitogens or oncogenes. Raf-1 is regulated by complex and incompletely understood mechanisms including phosphorylation. A number of studies have indicated that phosphorylation of serines 259 and 621 can inhibit the Raf-1 kinase. We show that both serines are hypophosphorylated during early mitogenic stimulation and that hypophosphorylation correlates with peak Raf-1 activation. Concentrations of okadaic acid that selectively inhibit protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) induce phosphorylation of these residues and prevent maximal activation of the Raf-1 kinase. This effect is mediated via phosphorylation of serine 259. The PP2A core heterodimer forms complexes with Raf-1 in vivo and in vitro. These data identify PP2A as a positive regulator of Raf-1 activation and are the first indication that PP2A may support the activation of an associated kinase.

Polyomavirus large- and small-T relieve middle-T-induced cell cycle arrest in normal fibroblasts

Papovavirus tumour antigens have been widely used to study cell growth regulation in cultured cells. We investigated the role of mouse polyomavirus T antigens, small-, middle- and large-T, in stimulating growth-arrested REF52 fibroblasts to enter the S phase. Microinjecting cells with cDNAs encoding the various T antigens showed: first, that middle-T expression blocked cell cycle stimulation by serum; second, that middle-T-arrested cells were released into the S phase upon coexpression of small-T; third, that expression of middle-T together with large-T committed resting cells to enter the cell cycle even in the absence of serum. Our data indicate that extensive cooperation among polyomavirus T antigens is essential for T antigen-mediated cell cycle stimulation in growth-arrested cells. In addition, the data suggest a new role for small-T in signalling to mitogenic pathways.

Association between src-kinases and the polyoma virus oncogene middle T-antigen requires PP2A and a specific sequence motif

Polymoma virus encodes a potent oncogene, the middle T-antigen (MT), that induces cell transformation by copying the actions of tyrosine kinase associated growth factor receptors. A crucial component of MT transformation is its ability to bind and stimulate the activity of src-family kinases. However, the mechanism by which this is achieved remains unclear. Tyrosine phosphorylation of MT by src-kinases then provides binding sites for SH2 and PTB domain containing molecules in a paradigm of receptor action. We present evidence here that the MT/src complex contains equi-molar amounts of PP2A, and that phosphatase activity may be required for the interaction of MT with both PP2A and the src-family. PP2A, then, is a necessary component of the MT-src complex. We also show that two motifs in the 185 to 210 region of MT, each consisting of a basic area followed by a serine or threonine, are essential for interaction with src-kinases, but not PP2A. The spacing between the serine or threonine and the basic sequence also appears to be important. Substituting a cysteine residue in place of Thr203 in MT has no affect on the binding of pp60c-src, showing that these sites interact with src-kinases by a novel mechanism that does not require phosphorylation.

Medullary thyroid carcinomas in transgenic mice expressing a Polyoma carboxyl-terminal truncated middle-T and wild type small-T antigens

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare human tumor affecting the calcitonin-secreting c-cells of the thyroid. Here we report that two independent strains of transgenic mice expressing a Polyomavirus (Py) truncated middle-T antigen (deltaMT), consisting of the amino-terminal 304 amino acids, and the full length Py small-T antigen, developed multifocal bilateral MTCs with 100% penetrance. Occasionally one strain also developed mammary and bone tumors. Furthermore, offspring from both transgenic lines displayed pronounced waviness of the whiskers and fur, previously associated with defective epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. Transgene transcription, driven by the homologous early promoter/enhancer, and the corresponding translation products were detected in tumors and in many other organs which did not develop pathologies. The subcellular distribution of deltaMT and its interactions with the adapter proteins of the SHC family have also been analysed. Our study describes a novel murine model of MTC and provides evidence that the N-terminal 304 amino acid fragment of Py middle-T antigen, possibly in co-operation with small-T antigen, acts as a potent oncogene in c-cells of the thyroid.

A function for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase beta (p85alpha-p110beta) in fibroblasts during mitogenesis: requirement for insulin- and lysophosphatidic acid-mediated signal transduction

We have previously shown that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase alpha (PI 3-Kalpha) (p85alpha-p110alpha) is required for DNA synthesis induced by various growth factors (S. Roche, M. Koegl, and S. A. Courtneidge, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:9185-9189, 1994) in fibroblasts. In the present study, we have investigated the function of PI 3-Kbeta (p85alpha-p110beta) during mitogenesis. By using antibodies specific to p110beta we showed that PI 3-Kbeta is expressed in NIH 3T3 cells. PI 3-Kbeta and PI 3-Kalpha have common features: PI 3-Kbeta is tightly associated with a protein serine kinase that phosphorylates p85alpha, it interacts with the Src-middle T antigen complex and the activated platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor in fibroblasts in vivo, and it becomes tyrosine phosphorylated after PDGF stimulation. PI 3-Kbeta was also activated in Swiss 3T3 and Cos7 cells stimulated with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a mitogen that interacts with a heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptor. In contrast PI 3-Kalpha was activated to a lesser extent in these cells. Microinjection of neutralizing antibodies specific for p110beta into quiescent fibroblasts inhibited DNA synthesis induced by both insulin and LPA but poorly affected PDGF receptor signaling. Therefore, PI 3-Kbeta plays an important role in transmitting the mitogenic response induced by some, but not all, growth factors. Finally, we show that while oncogenic V12Ras interacts with type I PI 3-Ks, it could induce DNA synthesis in the absence of active PI 3-Kalpha and PI 3-Kbeta, suggesting that Ras uses other effectors for DNA synthesis.

Deletion of proline-rich domain in polyomavirus T antigens results in virus partially defective in transformation and tumorigenesis

Polyomavirus productively infects mouse cells, transforms rat fibroblasts in culture, and induces a broad spectrum of tumors when inoculated into newborn mice. The expression of large, middle, and small T antigen are necessary for virus growth and oncogenic transformation. We have generated a small deletion in a region common to both large and middle T antigen that encodes three consecutive prolines. In this report we characterize this mutant virus in terms of its ability to replicate in mouse cells, transform rat fibroblasts, and induce tumors in the mouse. We find that the virus immortalizes primary cells and that viral DNA replication is not impaired, indicating that these functions of large T antigen are not altered. However, the ability of the virus to transform rat fibroblasts is defective. The mutant virus makes fewer foci and the foci are weaker in appearance. The mutant middle T still associates with PI 3-kinase and shc, suggesting that the overall structure of the protein has not been disrupted. When inoculated into newborn C3H mice, the mutant virus induces fewer overall tumors with a longer latency than wild-type virus. These results indicate that this proline-rich domain in middle T antigen is important for oncogenesis in a wide variety of tissues and cell types.

Polyomavirus middle T antigen as a probe for T cell antigen receptor-coupled signaling pathways

Stimulation of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) triggers a complex series of signaling events that culminate in T cell activation and proliferation. The complex structure of the TCR has hindered efforts to link specific signaling events induced by TCR cross-linkage to downstream activation responses, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene transcription. Previous studies have shown that the polyomavirus-derived oncoprotein, middle T antigen (mT), transforms rodent fibroblasts by interacting with and activating several cytoplasmic signaling proteins (Src kinases, phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1, Shc, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) implicated in cell growth control. In this study, we demonstrate that expression of mT activates Jurkat T cells, as measured by increases in IL-2 promoter- and NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells)-dependent reporter gene transcription. The transcriptional response provoked by mT was blocked by the immunosuppressive drug FK506, a potent inhibitor of TCR-mediated IL-2 gene expression. Mutations that disrupted the binding of mT to Src kinases or PLC-gamma1 abrogated the ability of mT to deliver the signals needed for IL-2 promoter activation. In contrast, a mT mutant that failed to bind PI3-K induced a markedly elevated transcriptional response in Jurkat cells, whereas mutation of the Shc binding site in mT had little effect on the transactivating potential of this viral oncoprotein. Additional studies demonstrated that the association of mT with PLC-gamma1 was necessary and sufficient to activate both Ca2+- and Ras-dependent signaling cascades in Jurkat cells. These results indicate that PLC-gamma1 activation plays pivotal and pleiotropic roles in the stimulation of IL-2 gene expression, whereas activation of PI3-K negatively modulates this response in Jurkat T cells.

Serine 257 phosphorylation regulates association of polyomavirus middle T antigen with 14-3-3 proteins

Polyomavirus middle T antigen (MT) is phosphorylated on serine residues. Partial proteolytic mapping and Edman degradation identified serine 257 as a major site of phosphorylation. This was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Isoelectric focusing of immunoprecipitated MT from transfected 293T cells showed that phosphorylation on wild-type MT occurred at near molar stoichiometry at S257. MT was previously shown to be associated with 14-3-3 proteins, which have been connected to cell cycle regulation and signaling. The association of 14-3-3 proteins with MT depended on the serine 257 phosphorylation site. This has been demonstrated by comparing wild-type and S257A mutant MTs expressed with transfected 293T cells or with Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses. The 257 site is not critical for transformation of fibroblasts in vitro, since S257A and S257C mutant MTs retained the ability to form foci or colonies in agar. The tumor profile of a virus expressing S257C MT showed a striking deficiency in the induction of salivary gland tumors. The basis for this defect is uncertain. However, differences in activity for the wild type and mutant MT lacking the 14-3-3 binding site have been observed in transient reporter assays.

Multimerization of polyomavirus middle-T antigen

The oncogenic protein of polyomavirus, middle-T antigen, associated with cell membranes and interacts with a variety of cellular proteins involved in mitogenic signalling. Middle-T antigen may therefore mimic the function of cellular tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors, like the platelet-derived growth factor or epidermal growth factor receptor. Growth factor receptor signalling is initiated upon the binding of a ligand to the extracellular domain of the receptor. This results in activation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of the receptor, followed by receptor phosphorylation, presumably as a consequence of dimerization of two receptor molecules. Similar to middle-T antigen, phosphorylation of growth factor receptors leads to recruitment of cellular signalling molecules downstream in the signalling cascade. In this study, we investigated whether middle-T antigen, similar to tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors, is able to form dimeric signalling complexes. We found that association with cellular membranes was a prerequisite for multimerization, most likely dimer formation. A chimeric middle-T antigen carrying the membrane-targeting sequence of the vesicular stomatitis virus G protein instead of the authentic polyomavirus sequence still dimerized. However, mutants of middle-T antigen unable to associate with 14-3-3 proteins, like d18 and S257A, did not form dimers but were still oncogenic. This indicates that both membrane association and binding of 14-3-3 are necessary for dimer formation of middle-T antigen but that only the former is essential for cell transformation.

Signalling by Src family kinases: lessons learnt from DNA tumour viruses

Virus replication and spreading in a host population depends on highly specific interactions of viral proteins with infected cells, resulting in subversion of multiple cellular signal transduction pathways. For instance, viral proteins cause cell cycle progression of the infected host cell in order to establish a cellular environment favourable for virus replication. Of equal importance for successful virus propagation is virus-mediated attenuation of a host's immune response. Many of the pathways controlling these aspects of cell behaviour are regulated by cellular tyrosine kinases. One particular family of these enzymes, Src family kinases, are involved in processing signals emanating from the plasma membrane upon stimulation by growth factors, by cell-substratum or by cell-cell contact. Two families of DNA viruses, polyoma- and herpesviruses, encode proteins targeted at tyrosine kinases. The middle-T antigens expressed by mouse and hamster polyomavirus associate with and activate Src family tyrosine kinases. Two members of the herpes family of DNA viruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), encode proteins, LMP2A and Tip, respectively, that associate with cellular tyrosine kinases of the Src and Syk/Zap family. Upon association with these viral proteins, the activity of these tyrosine kinases is changed resulting in altered signal output. Middle-T, LMP2A and Tip are therefore excellent tools to study the regulation of Src family kinases.

pp60c-src binding to polyomavirus middle T-antigen (MT) requires residues 185 to 210 of the MT sequence

Interaction with the src family of tyrosine kinases is crucial to the transforming action of polyomavirus middle T-antigen (MT). Association with MT activates the tyrosine kinase activity of pp60(c-src) and, through subsequent MT phosphorylation, creates binding sites for signalling molecules whose stimulation culminates in cell transformation. Despite this importance, and many studies, little is known of the mechanisms by which pp60(c-src) binds to MT. We report here isolation of the first MT mutants that disrupt pp60(c-src) binding without affecting the interaction between MT and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Through deletion analysis we established that interaction with pp60(c-src) requires the sequences between amino acids 185 and 210 of MT, but these residues have no effect on PP2A binding. Cells expressing these mutants showed few altered properties, indicating that the PP2A-MT interaction alone has little influence on cell phenotype. Subcellular location of these mutant MT molecules was indistinguishable by immunofluorescence analysis from that of wild-type MT but was altered markedly on loss of PP2A binding. This suggests a possible role for PP2A in specifying subcellular distribution.

The N terminus of hamster polyomavirus middle T antigen carries a determinant for specific activation of p59c-Fyn

Transformation by rodent polyomaviruses is mediated primarily by middle T antigen, a membrane-bound protein that does not carry an intrinsic enzymatic activity but interacts and subverts the activity of cellular regulators of proliferation. The multiple protein partners of murine polyomavirus (Py) middle T antigen include the tyrosine kinases c-Src and, to a lesser extent, c-Fyn and c-Yes. By contrast, the hamster polyomavirus (HaPV) middle T antigen selectively activates the c-Fyn gene product. This difference may account for the contrasting tumor patterns induced by the two viruses. The sequences of the respective N-terminal and C-terminal functional domains of murine Py and HaPV middle T antigens are highly conserved whereas the intervening stretches are clearly divergent, leading to the speculation that this divergence may direct the specificity for tyrosine kinase activation. We have addressed this issue by constructing a chimera middle T antigen molecule carrying the N-terminal domain from HaPV (exon 1) in phase with the other two domains from murine Py (exon 2). The biological properties of this chimera molecule are indistinguishable from those of HaPV middle T antigen; it specifically activates p59c-Fyn and carries the transforming phenotype of the HaPV middle T antigen on rat fibroblasts.

Functional interaction between the SH2 domain of Fyn and tyrosine 324 of hamster polyomavirus middle-T antigen

Middle-T antigen of mouse polyomavirus (MomT) associates with the cellular tyrosine kinases c-Src, c-Yes, and Fyn, while middle-T antigen of hamster polyomavirus (HamT) exclusively binds Fyn. This interaction is essential for polyomavirus-mediated transformation of cells in culture and tumor formation in animals. Here we show that the kinase domain of Fyn is sufficient for association with MomT but not for binding of HamT. We further demonstrate that a Fyn mutant lacking the SH2 domain is able to bind MomT but fails to associate with HamT, indicating that the SH2 domain of Fyn is essential for stable association with HamT. HamT, but not MomT, contains a tyrosine residue, Tyr-324, in the sequence context YEEI. Mutation of Tyr-324 to phenylalanine led to a drastic reduction of associated Fyn and abolished the oncogenicity of HamT. This suggests that Tyr-324 is the major phosphotyrosine residue mediating the binding of HamT to the SH2 domain of Fyn. These findings show that mouse and hamster polyomaviruses use different strategies to target Src-related tyrosine kinases.

Polyomavirus middle-T antigen associates with the kinase domain of Src-related tyrosine kinases

Middle-T antigen of mouse polyomavirus, an oncogenic DNA virus, associates with and activates the cellular tyrosine kinases c-Src, c-Yes, and Fyn. This interaction is essential for polyomavirus-mediated transformation of cells in culture and tumor formation in animals. To determine the domain of c-Src directing association with middle-T, mutant c-Src proteins lacking the amino-terminal unique domain and the myristylation signal, the SH2 domain, the SH3 domain, or all three of these domains were coexpressed with middle-T in NIH 3T3 cells. All mutants were found to associate with middle-T, demonstrating that the kinase domain of c-Src, including the carboxy-terminal regulatory tail, is sufficient for association with middle-T. Moreover, we found that Hck, another member of the Src kinase family, does not bind middle-T, while chimeric kinases consisting of the amino-terminal domains of c-Src fused to the kinase domain of Hck or the amino-terminal domains of Hck fused to the kinase domain of c-Src associated with middle-T. Hck mutated at its carboxy-terminal regulatory residue, tyrosine 501, was also found to associate with middle-T. These results suggest that in Hck, the postulated intramolecular interaction between the carboxy-terminal regulatory tyrosine and the SH2 domain prevents association with middle-T. This intramolecular interaction apparently also limits the ability of c-Src to associate with middle-T, since removal of the SH2 or SH3 domain increases the efficiency with which middle-T binds c-Src.

Identification of regions in polyomavirus middle T and small t antigens important for association with protein phosphatase 2A

Two subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) have been shown previously to bind to the small t and middle T antigens (ST and MT, respectively) of polyomavirus. To determine sequences important for binding of PP2A to ST and MT, we first constructed a series of ST mutants in regions known to be important for biological activity of ST and MT. Several mutations in two small regions just amino terminal to the Cys-X-Cys-X-X-Cys motifs of ST and MT abolished PP2A binding to ST in vitro. Parallel mutations were constructed in MT to investigate the role of PP2A binding in the function of polyomavirus MT. Wild-type and mutant MT proteins were stably expressed in NIH 3T3 cells and analyzed (i) for their ability to induce transformation and (ii) for associated cellular proteins and corresponding enzymatic activities previously described as associating with wild-type MT. A number of the mutant MTs were found to be defective in binding of PP2A as assayed by coimmunoprecipitation. In contrast, a deletion of the highly conserved stretch of amino acids 42 to 47 (His-Pro-Asp-Lys-Gly-Gly) in the ST-MT-large T antigen common region did not affect PP2A binding to MT. MT mutants defective for PP2A binding were also defective in transformation, providing further evidence that association with PP2A is important for the ability of MT to transform cells. All mutants which were impaired for PP2A binding were similarly or more dramatically impaired for associated protein and lipid kinase activities, supporting the possibility that PP2A binding is necessary for the formation and/or stability of an MT-pp60c-src complex.

Amino-terminal regions of polyomavirus middle T antigen are required for interactions with protein phosphatase 2A

Polyomavirus middle T antigen (MT) is the major transforming protein of the virus. It functions through interactions with a number of cellular proteins involved in cell proliferation. MT forms complexes with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), pp60c-src, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Shc. We introduced both deletion and point mutations into three regions of MT and examined their ability to associate with PP2A and pp60c-src. The first 25 amino acid residues of MT are required for association with PP2A and pp60c-src. Amino acids 105 to 111, comprising the sequence Cys-Arg-Met-Pro-Leu-Thr-Cys, is also required for complex formation between MT and PP2A. However, the sequence Asp-Lys-Gly-Gly (amino acids 44 to 47), also found in the B subunit of PP2A, is dispensable for complex formation between MT and PP2A. We find a strict correlation between the ability of MT to associate with PP2A and the ability of MT to associate with pp60c-src. One mutant, L5E, associates with a phosphatase other than PP2A, pp60c-src, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in a manner similar to that of wild-type MT yet is reduced in its transforming ability on NIH 3T3 cells.

Association of Polyomavirus middle tumor antigen with phospholipase C-gamma 1

Middle tumor antigen (MT) is the primary transforming protein of murine Polyomavirus. MT transforms by associating with and modulating the activities of cellular proteins involved in control of cell proliferation. MT binds to and is phosphorylated by cellular tyrosine kinases. The phosphorylated tyrosines become docking sites for SH2 (Src homology 2) domain-containing molecules. Tyrosine 322 of MT is known to be phosphorylated but has no known binding protein. We have found that phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-gamma 1), a SH2 domain-containing protein, coimmunoprecipitates with MT. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC-gamma 1 is elevated in cells expressing MT, suggesting activation of this enzyme by MT. A Tyr-322-->Phe mutation in MT renders it defective in MT-PLC-gamma 1 interaction and in transformation. From the correlation between transformation and MT-PLC-gamma 1 interaction, we suggest that PLC-gamma 1 may play a role in transformation.

Polyoma virus middle T antigen: meddler or mimic?

Polyoma virus middle T antigen duplicates the actions of growth-factor receptors in binding the signalling molecules phosphatidylinositol 3'-OH kinase and Shc. These properties indicate that middle T is mitogenic and may be required to overcome inhibition of DNA replication during the lytic life cycle of the virus.

Polyoma middle tumor antigen interacts with SHC protein via the NPTY (Asn-Pro-Thr-Tyr) motif in middle tumor antigen

Polyomavirus middle tumor antigen (MT) transforms a large number of cell types by binding to and modulating the activities of cellular proteins. Previous genetic analysis defined in MT an independent motif, NPTY (Asn-Pro-Thr-Tyr), required for transformation. This report demonstrates that NPTY is required for interaction between MT and SHC protein, a Src homology 2 (SH2)-containing protooncogene product implicated in activating Ras via association with GRB2 protein. SHC is phosphorylated on tyrosine and associates with GRB2 in MT-transformed cells. These effects require an intact NPTY motif in MT. SHC immunoprecipitates from MT-transformed cells possess kinase activity that phosphorylates not only SHC and MT but also the 85-kDa subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. This result suggests that a complex exists that contains, at a minimum, MT, Src family tyrosine kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and SHC.

Transformation by polyoma virus middle T-antigen involves the binding and tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc

Polyoma virus middle T-antigen converts normal fibroblasts to a fully transformed, tumorigenic phenotype. It achieves this, at least in part, by binding and activating one of the non-receptor tyrosine kinases, pp60c-src, pp62c-yes or pp59c-fyn (reviewed in refs 2 and 3). As a result, middle T-antigen itself is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues, one of which (Tyr 315) acts as a binding site for the SH2 domains of phosphatidylinositol-3'OH kinase 85K subunit. Here we show that another tyrosine phosphorylation site in middle T-antigen (Tyr 250; refs 4, 5) acts as a binding region for the SH2 domain of the transforming protein Shc. This results in Shc also becoming tyrosine-phosphorylated and binding to the SH2 domain of Grb2 (ref. 10). This probably stimulates p21ras activity through the mammalian homologue of the Drosophila guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor Sos (reviewed in ref. 11). We suggest that middle T-antigen transforms cells by acting as a functional homologue of an activated tyrosine kinase-associated growth-factor receptor.