Activation of MAP kinase kinase (MEK) and Ras by cholecystokinin in rat pancreatic acini

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (6) ◽  
pp. G1060-G1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Duan ◽  
C. F. Zheng ◽  
K. L. Guan ◽  
J. A. Williams

Cholecystokinin (CCK) has recently been shown to activate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in rat pancreatic acini [Duan and Williams, Am. J. Physiol. 267 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 30): G401-G408, 1994]. To evaluate the mechanism of MAP kinase activation, we studied the effects of CCK on MAP kinase kinase (MEK) in rat pancreatic acini. Two forms of MEK were identified by immunoblotting, using antibodies specific to MEK1 and MEK2. MEK activity in acinar extracts and after immunoprecipitation with anti-MEK was detected using a recombinant fusion protein, glutathione S-transferase-MAP kinase, as a substrate. MEK activity rapidly increased after stimulation of acini by CCK, with significant stimulation at 1 min and a maximal effect at 5 min, followed by a slow decline to slightly above control levels after 30 min. The threshold concentration of CCK was approximately 10 pM, and the maximal effect was induced by 1 nM CCK, which increased MEK activity by 120%. In addition to CCK, bombesin and carbachol, but not secretin or vasoactive intestinal peptide, enhanced MEK activity. Phorbol ester mimicked the effect of CCK, whereas ionomycin and thapsigargin failed to activate MEK. We further studied the activation of Ras, an important component leading to activation of MEK by growth factors. Ras in acini was immunoprecipitated and identified by Western blotting. CCK and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulated the incorporation of GTP into Ras, a requirement for its activation, reaching a maximum at 10 min of approximately 120% over control. In conclusion, the activation of MAP kinase by CCK can be explained by activation of MEK and may involve the activation of Ras by a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism.

1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (3) ◽  
pp. G401-G408 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Duan ◽  
J. A. Williams

The existence and activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in isolated pancreatic acini have been demonstrated. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation revealed two forms of MAP kinase in pancreatic acini, with relative molecular masses of approximately 42 and 44 kDa. Both forms of MAP kinase were activated by cholecystokinin (CCK). The threshold concentration of CCK was approximately 3 pM, and the maximal effect occurred at 1 nM, which enhanced MAP kinase activity by 2.5-fold, as determined in polyacrylamide gel copolymerized with substrate myelin basic protein. Activation of MAP kinase by CCK was rapid, reaching a maximum within 5-10 min that subsequently declined. Bombesin and carbachol but not secretin or vasoactive intestinal peptide also activated MAP kinase. CCK-induced activation of MAP kinase may be mediated by protein kinase C, since 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) mimicked the effect of CCK and staurosporine concentration dependently inhibited the action of CCK. Treatment of acini with thapsigargin, ionomycin, or ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid did not influence MAP kinase, indicating that mobilization of intracellular calcium by CCK is not important in activation of acinar MAP kinase. CCK and TPA increased tyrosine phosphorylation of both 42- and 44-kDa forms. Genistein and tyrphostin 23, the inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, suppressed the activation of MAP kinase by CCK. In conclusion, MAP kinase in pancreatic acini is activated by agonists related to hydrolysis of phosphoinositide, via a mechanism involving protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase.


1997 ◽  
Vol 272 (3) ◽  
pp. G401-G407 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Bragado ◽  
A. Dabrowski ◽  
G. E. Groblewski ◽  
J. A. Williams

The presence of the 90-kDa ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p90(rsk)) in isolated rat pancreatic acini was demonstrated by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation with anti-p90(rsk). Cholecystokinin (CCK) activated p90(rsk) activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner and increased its phosphorylation. The threshold concentration of CCK was 10 pM and the maximal effect was seen at 1 nM. An increase in p90(rsk) was observed 1 min after 1 nM CCK stimulation, reaching a maximum at 10 min, when p90(rsk) activity was increased 5.4-fold. Carbachol and bombesin, but not vasoactive intestinal peptide, also activated p90(rsk). CCK-induced activation of p90(rsk) appears to be mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), since 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate increased p90(rsk) activity 5.3-fold. GF-109293X, a potent inhibitor of PKC, strongly inhibited CCK-evoked p90(rsk) activity. Treatment of acini with ionomycin or 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid had no effect, indicating that mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by CCK is not important in p90(rsk) activation. Although there were some quantitative differences in the extent of inhibition, the specific inhibitors [rapamycin, wortmannin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor PD98059, and GF-109293X] had parallel effects on p90(rsk) and p42(mapk) activities, consistent with a model in which p90(rsk) can be regulated in acini by MAPK.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2546-2553 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Posada ◽  
N Yew ◽  
N G Ahn ◽  
G F Vande Woude ◽  
J A Cooper

Several protein kinases, including Mos, maturation-promoting factor (MPF), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK), are activated when Xenopus oocytes enter meiosis. De novo synthesis of the Mos protein is required for progesterone-induced meiotic maturation. Recently, bacterially synthesized maltose-binding protein (MBP)-Mos fusion protein was shown to be sufficient to initiate meiosis I and MPF activation in fully grown oocytes in the absence of protein synthesis. Here we show that MAP kinase is rapidly phosphorylated and activated following injection of wild-type, but not kinase-inactive mutant, MBP-Mos into fully grown oocytes. MAP kinase activation by MBP-Mos occurs within 20 min, much more rapidly than in progesterone-treated oocytes. The MBP-Mos fusion protein also activates MPF, but MPF activation does not occur until approximately 2 h after injection. Extracts from oocytes injected with wild-type but not kinase-inactive MBP-Mos contain an activity that can phosphorylate MAP kinase, suggesting that Mos directly or indirectly activates a MAPKK. Furthermore, activated MBP-Mos fusion protein is able to phosphorylate and activate a purified, phosphatase-treated, rabbit muscle MAPKK in vitro. Thus, in oocytes, Mos is an upstream activator of MAP kinase which may function through direct phosphorylation of MAPKK.


1996 ◽  
Vol 315 (2) ◽  
pp. 563-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne GRAHAM ◽  
Angela McLEES ◽  
Kevin MALARKEY ◽  
Gwyn W. GOULD ◽  
Robin PLEVIN

We have investigated the mechanisms that bring about the termination of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) activation in response to UTP in EAhy 926 endothelial cells. UTP-stimulated MAP kinase activity was transient, returning to basal values by 60 min. At this time MAP kinase activation was desensitized; re-application of UTP did not further activate MAP kinase, full re-activation of MAP kinase being only apparent after a 1–2 h wash period. However, activation of MAP kinase by UTP could be sustained beyond 60 min by preincubation of the cells with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. UTP also stimulated expression of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 and this was abolished after pretreatment with cycloheximide. Pretreatment of cells with forskolin abolished the initial activation of MAP kinase kinase or c-Raf-1 by UTP, but only affected MAP kinase activity during prolonged stimulation. The effect of forskolin on prolonged MAP kinase activation was also prevented by cycloheximide. These results suggest that the termination of MAP kinase activity in response to UTP involves a number of interacting mechanisms including receptor desensitization and the induction of a phosphatase. However, several pieces of evidence do not support a major role for MAP kinase phosphatase-1 in termination of the MAP kinase signal. Raising intracellular cyclic AMP may also be involved but only after an initial protein-synthesis step and by a mechanism that does not involve the inactivation of c-Raf-1 or MAP kinase kinase.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2546-2553
Author(s):  
J Posada ◽  
N Yew ◽  
N G Ahn ◽  
G F Vande Woude ◽  
J A Cooper

Several protein kinases, including Mos, maturation-promoting factor (MPF), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK), are activated when Xenopus oocytes enter meiosis. De novo synthesis of the Mos protein is required for progesterone-induced meiotic maturation. Recently, bacterially synthesized maltose-binding protein (MBP)-Mos fusion protein was shown to be sufficient to initiate meiosis I and MPF activation in fully grown oocytes in the absence of protein synthesis. Here we show that MAP kinase is rapidly phosphorylated and activated following injection of wild-type, but not kinase-inactive mutant, MBP-Mos into fully grown oocytes. MAP kinase activation by MBP-Mos occurs within 20 min, much more rapidly than in progesterone-treated oocytes. The MBP-Mos fusion protein also activates MPF, but MPF activation does not occur until approximately 2 h after injection. Extracts from oocytes injected with wild-type but not kinase-inactive MBP-Mos contain an activity that can phosphorylate MAP kinase, suggesting that Mos directly or indirectly activates a MAPKK. Furthermore, activated MBP-Mos fusion protein is able to phosphorylate and activate a purified, phosphatase-treated, rabbit muscle MAPKK in vitro. Thus, in oocytes, Mos is an upstream activator of MAP kinase which may function through direct phosphorylation of MAPKK.


Genetics ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. 263-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Mi Lim ◽  
Leo Tsuda ◽  
Yoshihiro H Inoue ◽  
Kenji Irie ◽  
Takashi Adachi-Yamada ◽  
...  

Eight alleles of Dsor1 encoding a Drosophila homologue of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase were obtained as dominant suppressors of the MAP kinase kinase kinase D-raf. These Dsor1 alleles themselves showed no obvious phenotypic consequences nor any effect on the viability of the flies, although they were highly sensitive to upstream signals and strongly interacted with gain-of-function mutations of upstream factors. They suppressed mutations for receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs); torso (tor), sevenless (sev) and to a lesser extent Drosophila EGF receptor (DER). Furthermore, the Dsor1 alleles showed no significant interaction with gain-of-function mutations of DER. The observed difference in activity of the Dsor1 alleles among the RTK pathways suggests Dsor1 is one of the components of the pathway that regulates signal specificity. Expression of Dsor1 in budding yeast demonstrated that Dsor1 can activate yeast MAP kinase homologues if a proper activator of Dsor1 is coexpressed. Nucleotide sequencing of the Dsor1 mutant genes revealed that most of the mutations are associated with amino acid changes at highly conserved residues in the kinase domain. The results suggest that they function as suppressors due to increased reactivity to upstream factors.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4539-4548
Author(s):  
J Wu ◽  
J K Harrison ◽  
P Dent ◽  
K R Lynch ◽  
M J Weber ◽  
...  

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are serine/threonine protein kinases activated by dual phosphorylation on threonine and tyrosine residues. A MAP kinase kinase (MKK1 or MEK1) has been identified as a dual-specificity protein kinase that is sufficient to phosphorylate MAP kinases p42mapk and p44mapk on the regulatory threonine and tyrosine residues. Because of the multiplicity of MAP kinase isoforms and the diverse circumstances and agonists leading to their activation, we thought it unlikely that a single MKK could accommodate this complexity. Indeed, two protein bands with MKK activity have previously been identified after renaturation following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We now report the molecular cloning and characterization of a second rat MAP kinase kinase cDNA, MKK2. MKK2 cDNA contains an open reading frame encoding a protein of 400 amino acids, 7 residues longer than MKK1 (MEK1). The amino acid sequence of MKK2 is 81% identical to that of MKK1, but nucleotide sequence differences occur throughout the aligned MKK2 and MKK1 cDNAs, indicating that MKK2 is the product of a distinct gene. MKK1 and MKK2 mRNAs are expressed differently in rat tissues. Both cDNAs when expressed in COS cells displayed the ability to phosphorylate and activate p42mapk and p44mapk, both MKK1 and MKK2 were activated in vivo in response to serum, and both could be phosphorylated and activated by the v-Raf protein in vitro. However, differences between MKK1 and MKK2 in sites of phosphorylation by proline-directed protein kinases predict differences in feedback regulation.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 6241-6252 ◽  
Author(s):  
M L Samuels ◽  
M J Weber ◽  
J M Bishop ◽  
M McMahon

We report a strategy for regulating the activity of a cytoplasmic signaling molecule, the protein kinase encoded by raf-1. Retroviruses encoding a gene fusion between an oncogenic form of human p74raf-1 and the hormone-binding domain of the human estrogen receptor (hrafER) were constructed. The fusion protein was nontransforming in the absence of estradiol but could be reversibly activated by the addition or removal of estradiol from the growth media. Activation of hrafER was accompanied in C7 3T3 cells by the rapid, protein synthesis-independent activation of both mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase and p42/p44 MAP kinase and by phosphorylation of the resident p74raf-1 protein as demonstrated by decreased electrophoretic mobility. The phosphorylation of p74raf-1 had no effect on the kinase activity of the protein, indicating that mobility shift is an unreliable indicator of p74raf-1 enzymatic activity. Removal of estradiol from the growth media led to a rapid inactivation of the MAP kinase cascade. These results demonstrate that Raf-1 can activate the MAP kinase cascade in vivo, independent of other "upstream" signaling components. Parallel experiments performed with rat1a cells conditionally transformed by hrafER demonstrated activation of MAP kinase kinase in response to estradiol but no subsequent activation of p42/p44 MAP kinases or phosphorylation of p74raf-1. This result suggests that in rat1a cells, p42/p44 MAP kinase activation is not required for Raf-1-mediated oncogenic transformation. Estradiol-dependent activation of p42/p44 MAP kinases and phosphorylation of p74raf-1 was, however, observed in rat1a cells expressing hrafER when the cells were pretreated with okadaic acid. This result suggests that the level of protein phosphatase activity may play a crucial role in the regulation of the MAP kinase cascade. Our results provide the first example of a cytosolic signal transducer being harnessed by fusion to the hormone-binding domain of the estrogen receptor. This conditional system not only will aid the elucidation of the function of Raf-1 but also may be more broadly useful for the construction of conditional forms of other kinases and signaling molecules.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5738-5748
Author(s):  
B M Yashar ◽  
C Kelley ◽  
K Yee ◽  
B Errede ◽  
L I Zon

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases comprise an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins that includes at least three vertebrate protein kinases (p42, p44, and p55 MAPK) and five yeast protein kinases (SPK1, MPK1, HOG1, FUS3, and KSS1). Members of this family are activated by a variety of extracellular agents that influence cellular proliferation and differentiation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, there are multiple physiologically distinct MAP kinase activation pathways composed of structurally related kinases. The recently cloned vertebrate MAP kinase activators are structurally related to MAP kinase activators in these yeast pathways. These similarities suggest that homologous kinase cascades are utilized for signal transduction in many, if not all, eukaryotes. We have identified additional members of the MAP kinase activator family in Xenopus laevis by a polymerase chain reaction-based analysis of embryonic cDNAs. One of the clones identified (XMEK2) encodes a unique predicted protein kinase that is similar to the previously reported activator (MAPKK) in X. laevis. XMEK2, a highly expressed maternal mRNA, is developmentally regulated during embryogenesis and expressed in brain and muscle. Expression of XMEK2 in yeast cells suppressed the growth defect associated with loss of the yeast MAP kinase activator homologs, MKK1 and MKK2. Partial sequence of a second cDNA clone (XMEK3) identified yet another potential MAP kinase activator. The pattern of expression of XMEK3 is distinct from that of p42 MAPK and XMEK2. The high degree of amino acid sequence similarity of XMEK2, XMEK3, and MAPKK suggests that these three are related members of an amphibian family of protein kinases involved in the activation of MAP kinase. Discovery of this family suggests that multiple MAP kinase activation pathways similar to those in yeast cells exist in vertebrates.


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