Ras complements the carboxyl terminus of v-Abl protein in lymphoid transformation

Mutations affecting the MA portion of the v-Abl protein reveal a conserved role of Gag in Abelson murine leukemia virus (MLV) and Moloney MLV

Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) arose from a recombination between gag sequences in Moloney MLV (Mo-MLV) and the c-abl proto-oncogene. The v-Abl oncoprotein encoded by Ab-MLV contains MA, p12, and a portion of CA sequences derived from the gag gene of Mo-MLV. Previous studies indicated that alteration of MA sequences affects the biology of Mo-MLV and Ab-MLV. To understand the role of these sequences in Ab-MLV transformation more fully, alanine substitution mutants that affect Mo-MLV replication were examined in the context of Ab-MLV. Mutations affecting Mo-MLV replication decreased transformation, while alanine mutations in residues dispensable for Mo-MLV replication did not. The altered v-Abl proteins displayed aberrant subcellular localization that correlated to transformation defects. Immunofluorescent analyses suggested that aberrant trafficking of the altered proteins and improper interaction with components of the cytoskeleton were involved in the phenotype. Similar defects in localization were observed when the Gag moiety containing these mutations was expressed in the absence of abl-derived sequences. These results indicate that MA sequences within the Gag moiety of the v-Abl protein contribute to proper localization by playing a dominant role in trafficking of the v-Abl molecule.

Gag influences transformation by Abelson murine leukemia virus and suppresses nuclear localization of the v-Abl protein

Like the v-Onc proteins encoded by many transforming retroviruses, the v-Abl protein is expressed as a Gag-Onc fusion. Although the Gag-derived myristoylation signal targets the v-Abl protein to the plasma membrane, the protein contains the entire MA and p12 sequences and a small number of CA-derived residues. To understand the role of Gag sequences in transformation, mutants lacking portions of these sequences were examined for the effects of these deletions on v-Abl function and localization. Deletion of the N-terminal third of p12 or all of p12 enhanced the transformation of both pre-B cells and NIH 3T3 cells. In contrast, deletions in MA or a deletion removing all of Gag except the first 34 amino acids important for myristoylation highly compromised the ability to transform either cell type. Although all of the mutant proteins retained kinase activity, those defective in transformation were reduced in their ability to activate Erk, suggesting a role for Gag sequences in v-Abl signaling. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that a v-Abl protein retaining only the first 34 amino acids of Gag localized to the nucleus. These data indicate that Gag sequences are important for normal v-Abl signaling and that they suppress nuclear localization of the molecule.

The extreme carboxyl terminus of v-Abl is required for lymphoid cell transformation by Abelson virus

The v-Abl protein tyrosine kinase encoded by Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) induces transformation of pre-B cells in vivo and in vitro and can transform immortalized fibroblast cell lines in vitro. Although the kinase activity of the protein is required for these events, most previously studied mutants encoding truncated v-Abl proteins that lack the extreme carboxyl terminus retain high transforming capacity in NIH 3T3 cells but transform lymphocytes poorly. To understand the mechanisms responsible for poor lymphoid transformation, mutants expressing a v-Abl protein lacking portions of the COOH terminus were compared for their ability to transform pre-B cells. Although all mutants lacking sequences within the COOH terminus were compromised for lymphoid transformation, loss of amino acids in the central region of the COOH terminus, including those implicated in JAK interaction and DNA binding, decreased transformation twofold or less. In contrast, loss of the extreme COOH terminus rendered the protein unstable and led to rapid proteosome-mediated degradation, a feature that was more prominent when the protein was expressed in Ab-MLV-transformed lymphoid cells. These data indicate that the central portion of the COOH terminus is not essential for lymphoid transformation and reveal that one important function of the COOH terminus is to stabilize the v-Abl protein in lymphoid cells.

Transforming pathways activated by the v-Abl tyrosine kinase

The Abelson Murine Leukemia Virus (A-MuLV) is the acute transforming retrovirus encoding the v-abl oncogene. Two isolates of the virus encoding proteins of p120 Kd and 160 Kd have been extensively studied. These viral isolates have been found to transform both hematopoietic and fibroblastic cells in vitro, while inducing predominantly pre-B cell leukemias in vivo. Both p120(v-Abl) and p160(v-Abl) are plasma membrane-associated non-receptor tyrosine kinases and the transforming activity of these proteins requires their tyrosine kinase activity. A-MuLV infection of hematopoietic cells has often been found to result in the abrogation of their cytokine-dependence for growth. In addition, v-Abl expressing hematopoietic cells often lose their ability to differentiate in response to appropriate cytokines. This review discusses some of the early transformation studies of A-MuLV, as well as some of the findings concerning the structure and biochemical activity of the v-Abl protein. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms associated with v-Abl mediated transformation through examination of the various signal transduction pathways activated by this oncogene.

Functional involvement of Akt signaling downstream of Jak1 in v-Abl-induced activation of hematopoietic cells

Activation of intracellular signaling pathways is important for cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinases Jak1 and Jak3, which bind to the v-Abl oncoprotein, are constitutively activated in cells transformed with the Abelson murine leukemia virus. A mutant of p160 v-Abl lacking the Jak1-binding region (v-Abl Delta858-1080) has a significant defect in Jak/STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) activation, cytokine-independent cell growth/survival, and tumorigenesis. To identify the pathways downstream of Jak kinases in v-Abl-mediated signaling, we examined the activation of several signaling molecules by p160 v-Abl or the v-Abl Delta858-1080 mutant. We demonstrate that, in addition to the decreased Ras activation, signaling through phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and Akt are impaired in cells expressing mutant v-Abl. The proliferative defect of v-Abl Delta858-1080 was rescued by activated v-Akt and was also moderately rescued by activated v-H-Ras. However, constitutive active phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (p110CAAX) did not complement this effect. Cells expressing v-Abl Delta858-1080 demonstrated reduced tumor formation in nude mice. In contrast, cells coexpressing v-Akt with v-Abl Delta858-1080 demonstrated reduced latency and increased frequency of tumor formation in nude nice compared with cells expressing v-Abl Delta858-1080 alone, whereas v-H-Ras or p110CAAX had minimum effects on tumor formation. These results suggest that Jak1-dependent Akt activation is important in v-Abl-mediated transformation.

Temperature-sensitive transformation by an Abelson virus mutant encoding an altered SH2 domain

Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) encodes the v-Abl protein tyrosine kinase and induces transformation of immortalized fibroblast lines and pre-B cells. Temperature-sensitive mutations affecting the kinase domain of the protein have demonstrated that the kinase activity is absolutely required for transformation. Despite this requirement, mutations affecting other regions of v-Abl modulate transformation activity. The SH2 domain and the highly conserved FLVRES motif within it form a phosphotyrosine-binding pocket that is required for interactions between the kinase and cellular substrates. To understand the impact of SH2 alterations on Ab-MLV-mediated transformation, we studied the Ab-MLV mutant P120/R273K. This mutant encodes a v-Abl protein in which the beta B5 arginine at the base of the phosphotyrosine-binding pocket has been replaced by a lysine. Unexpectedly, infection of NIH 3T3 or pre-B cells with P120/R273K revealed a temperature-dependent transformation phenotype. At 34 degrees C, P120/R273K transformed about 10-fold fewer cells than wild-type virus of equivalent titer; at 39.5 degrees C, 300-fold fewer NIH 3T3 cells were transformed and pre-B cells were refractory to transformation. Temperature-dependent transformation was accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of Shc, a protein that interacts with the v-Abl SH2 and links the protein to Ras, and decreased induction of c-Myc expression. These data suggest that alteration of the FLVRES pocket affects the ability of v-Abl to interact with at least some of its substrates in a temperature-dependent fashion and identify a novel type of temperature-sensitive Abelson virus.

The carboxyl terminus of v-Abl protein can augment SH2 domain function

Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) transforms NIH 3T3 and pre-B cells via expression of the v-Abl tyrosine kinase. Although the enzymatic activity of this molecule is absolutely required for transformation, other regions of the protein are also important for this response. Among these are the SH2 domain, involved in phosphotyrosine-dependent protein-protein interactions, and the long carboxyl terminus, which plays an important role in transformation of hematopoietic cells. Important signals are sent from each of these regions, and transformation is most likely orchestrated by the concerted action of these different parts of the protein. To explore this idea, we compared the ability of the v-Src SH2 domain to substitute for that of v-Abl in the full-length P120 v-Abl protein and in P70 v-Abl, a protein that lacks the carboxyl terminus characteristic of Abl family members. Ab-MLV strains expressing P70/S2 failed to transform NIH 3T3 cells and demonstrated a greatly reduced capacity to mediate signaling events associated with the Ras-dependent mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. In contrast, Ab-MLV strains expressing P120/S2 were indistinguishable from P120 with respect to these features. Analyses of additional mutants demonstrated that the last 162 amino acids of the carboxyl terminus were sufficient to restore transformation. These data demonstrate that an SH2 domain with v-Abl substrate specificity is required for NIH 3T3 transformation in the absence of the carboxyl terminus and suggest that cooperativity between the extreme carboxyl terminus and the SH2 domain facilitates the transmission of transforming signals via the MAP kinase pathway.

Characterization of a novel member of the DOK family that binds and modulates Abl signaling

A novel member of the p62(dok) family of proteins, termed DOKL, is described. DOKL contains features of intracellular signaling molecules, including an N-terminal PH (pleckstrin homology) domain, a central PTB (phosphotyrosine binding) domain, and a C-terminal domain with multiple potential tyrosine phosphorylation sites and proline-rich regions, which might serve as docking sites for SH2- and SH3-containing proteins. The DOKL gene is predominantly expressed in bone marrow, spleen, and lung, although low-level expression of the RNA can also be detected in other tissues. DOKL and p62(dok) bind through their PTB domains to the Abelson tyrosine kinase in a kinase-dependent manner in both yeast and mammalian cells. DOKL is phosphorylated by the Abl tyrosine kinase in vivo. In contrast to p62(dok), DOKL lacks YxxP motifs in the C terminus and does not bind to Ras GTPase-activating protein (RasGAP) upon phosphorylation. Overexpression of DOKL, but not p62(dok), suppresses v-Abl-induced mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation but has no effect on constitutively activated Ras- and epidermal growth factor-induced MAP kinase activation. The inhibitory effect requires the PTB domain of DOKL. Finally, overexpression of DOKL in NIH 3T3 cells inhibits the transforming activity of v-Abl. These results suggest that DOKL may modulate Abl function.

p53 mediates apoptotic crisis in primary Abelson virus-transformed pre-B cells

Transformation of pre-B cells by Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV) involves a balance between positive, growth-stimulatory signals from the v-Abl oncoprotein and negative regulatory cues from cellular genes. This phenomenon is reflected by the clonal selection that occurs during Ab-MLV-mediated transformation in vivo and in vitro. About 50% of all Ab-MLV-transformed pre-B cells express mutant forms of p53 as they emerge from this process, suggesting that this protein may play an important role in the transformation process. Consistent with this idea, expression of p19(Arf), a protein whose function depends on the presence of a functional p53, is required for the apoptotic crisis that characterizes primary Ab-MLV transformants. To test the role of p53 in pre-B-cell transformation directly, we examined the response of Trp53(-/-) mice to Ab-MLV. The absence of p53 shortens the latency of Abelson disease induction but does not affect the frequency of cells susceptible to Ab-MLV-induced transformation. However, primary transformants derived from the null animals bypass the apoptotic crisis that characterizes the transition from primary transformant to fully malignant cell line. These effects do not require p21(Cip-1), a major downstream target of p53; however, consistent with a role of p19(Arf), transformants expressing mutant p53 and abundant p19 retain wild-type p19 sequences.

Direct interaction of Jak1 and v-Abl is required for v-Abl-induced activation of STATs and proliferation

In Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV)-transformed cells, members of the Janus kinase (Jak) family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases and the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family of signaling proteins are constitutively activated. In these cells, the v-Abl oncoprotein and the Jak proteins physically associate. To define the molecular mechanism of constitutive Jak-STAT signaling in these cells, the functional significance of the v-Abl-Jak association was examined. Mapping the Jak1 interaction domain in v-Abl demonstrates that amino acids 858 to 1080 within the carboxyl-terminal region of v-Abl bind Jak1 through a direct interaction. A mutant of v-Abl lacking this region exhibits a significant defect in Jak1 binding in vivo, fails to activate Jak1 and STAT proteins, and does not support either the proliferation or the survival of BAF/3 cells in the absence of cytokine. Cells expressing this v-Abl mutant show extended latency and decreased frequency in generating tumors in nude mice. In addition, inducible expression of a kinase-inactive mutant of Jak1 protein inhibits the ability of v-Abl to activate STATs and to induce cytokine-independent proliferation, indicating that an active Jak1 is required for these v-Abl-induced signaling pathways in vivo. We propose that Jak1 is a mediator of v-Abl-induced STAT activation and v-Abl induced proliferation in BAF/3 cells, and may be important for efficient transformation of immature B cells by the v-abl oncogene.

p19(Arf) induces p53-dependent apoptosis during abelson virus-mediated pre-B cell transformation

The Ink4a/Arf locus encodes p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf) and is among the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor loci in human cancer. In mice, many of these effects appear to be mediated by interactions between p19(Arf) and the p53 tumor-suppressor protein. Because Tp53 mutations are a common feature of the multistep pre-B cell transformation process mediated by Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV), we examined the possibility that proteins encoded by the Ink4a/Arf locus also play a role in Abelson virus transformation. Analyses of primary transformants revealed that both p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf) are expressed in many of the cells as they emerge from the apoptotic crisis that characterizes the transformation process. Analyses of primary transformants from Ink4a/Arf null mice revealed that these cells bypassed crisis. Because expression of p19(Arf) but not p16 (Ink4a) induced apoptosis in Ab-MLV-transformed pre-B cells, p19(Arf) appears to be responsible for these events. Consistent with the link between p19(Arf) and p53, Ink4a/Arf expression correlates with or precedes the emergence of cells expressing mutant p53. These data demonstrate that p19(Arf) is an important part of the cellular defense mounted against transforming signals from the Abl oncoprotein and provide direct evidence that the p19(Arf)-p53 regulatory loop plays an important role in lymphoma induction.

Mutation of Tp53 contributes to the malignant phenotype of Abelson virus-transformed lymphoid cells

Abelson murine leukemia virus transforms pre-B cells in vitro and induces rapid-onset pre-B-cell lymphoma in vivo. Expression of an active v-Abl protein tyrosine kinase is required for the oncogenic functions of the virus. Despite the strong growth-stimulatory signal provided by v-Abl, the virus-induced tumors are clonal or oligoclonal, and changes in the growth and oncogenic potential of in vitro transformants occur during the derivation of the cell lines. Both of these features suggest that v-Abl expression must be complemented by changes in expression of one or more cellular genes for cells to acquire a fully malignant phenotype. Such genes could include other oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Among the latter is Tp53, a gene mutated in many spontaneous cancers. To determine if mutation of the Tp53 tumor suppressor gene plays a role in Abelson virus transformation, conformation-specific monoclonal antibodies were used to examine p53 expression in a panel of Abelson virus-transformed pre-B cells. Expression of mutant forms of p53 was detected in over 40% of the isolates. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of point mutations affecting the highly conserved central portion of the protein. These mutations interfered with the ability of p53 to activate transcription from a promoter containing p53-responsive elements and to induce apoptosis in response to DNA damage. In addition, cells expressing mutant forms of p53 induced a higher frequency of tumors with a more rapid course compared to transformants expressing wild-type p53. These data suggest that Tp53 is one important cellular gene involved in malignant transformation by Abelson virus.

Identification of the Abl- and rasGAP-associated 62 kDa protein as a docking protein, Dok

A 62 kDa protein is highly phosphorylated in many cells containing activated tyrosine kinases. This protein, characterized mainly by its avid association with rasGAP, has proved elusive. Anti-phosphotyrosine antibody was used to purify p62. From peptide sequence, molecular cloning revealed a cDNA encoding a novel protein, p62dok, with little homology to others but with a prominent set of tyrosines and nearby sequences suggestive of SH2 binding sites. In cells, v-Abl tyrosine kinase binds and strongly phosphorylates p62dok, which then binds rasGAP. A monoclonal antibody, 2C4, to the rasGAP-associated p62 reacts with p62dok. Thus, p62dok appears to be the long-sought major substrate of many tyrosine kinases.