Identification of a PP2A-interacting protein that functions as a negative regulator of phosphatase activity in the ATM/ATR signaling pathway.

Protein serine/threonine phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity must be tightly controlled to maintain cell homeostasis. Here, we report the identification of a previously uncharacterized mammalian protein, type 2A-interacting protein (TIP), as a novel regulatory protein of PP2A and the PP2A-like enzymes PP4 and PP6. TIP is a ubiquitously expressed protein and parallels the distribution of the PP2A catalytic subunit. Unlike its role in yeast, TIP does not interact with the mammalian homolog of type 2A-associated protein of 42 kDa (Tap42), alpha4, but instead associates with PP2A, PP4 and PP6 catalytic subunits independently of mammalian target of rapamycin kinase activity. Interestingly, the 20 kDa TIP splice variant TIP_i2, which lacks amino acids 173-272 of TIP's C-terminus, does not interact with PP2A; this finding indicates that residues 173-272 are important for the assembly of the TIP.phosphatase complex. In contrast to purified PP2A holoenzymes, TIP.PP2A complexes are devoid of phosphatase activity. Furthermore, alterations in the cellular levels of TIP influence the phosphorylation state of a specific protein substrate of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases. Elevated levels of TIP result in an increase in the phosphorylation state of this protein substrate, whereas TIP-depleted cells exhibit a significant decrease in this protein's phosphorylation state, which is reversed by treatment with the PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid. These results indicate TIP is a novel inhibitory regulator of PP2A and implicate a role for TIP.PP2A complexes within the ATM/ATR signaling pathway controlling DNA replication and repair.

Protein phosphatase 2A interacts with and directly dephosphorylates RelA.

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B)/Rel transcription factors are key regulators of a variety of genes involved in inflammatory responses, growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and development. There are increasing lines of evidence that NF-kappa B/Rel activity is controlled to a great extent by its phosphorylation state. In this study, we demonstrated that RelA physically associated with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) subunit A (PR65). Both the N- and C-terminal regions of RelA were responsible for the PP2A binding. RelA co-immunoprecipitated with PP2A in melanocytes in the absence of stimulation, indicating that RelA forms a signaling complex with PP2A in the cells. RelA was dephosphorylated by a purified PP2A core enzyme, a heterodimer formed by the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac) and PR65, in a concentration-dependent manner. Okadaic acid, an inhibitor of PP2A at lower concentration, increased the basal phosphorylation of RelA in melanocytes and blocked the dephosphorylation of RelA after interleukin-1 stimulation. Interestingly, PP2A immunoprecipitated from melanocytes was able to dephosphorylate RelA, whereas PP2A immunoprecipitated from melanoma cell lines exhibited decreased capacity to dephosphorylate RelA in vitro. Moreover, in melanoma cells in which I kappa B kinase activity was inhibited by sulindac to a similar level as in melanocytes, the phosphorylation state of RelA and the relative NF-kappa B activity were still higher than those in normal melanocytes. These data suggest that the constitutive activation of RelA in melanoma cells (Yang, J., and Richmond, A. (2001) Cancer Res. 61, 4901-4909) could be due, at least in part, to the deficiency of PP2A, which exhibits decreased dephosphorylation of NF-kappa B/RelA.

Protein phosphatase 2A activates the proapoptotic function of BAD in interleukin- 3-dependent lymphoid cells by a mechanism requiring 14-3-3 dissociation.

BAD is a proapoptotic member of the BCL-2 family of proteins, which play a major role in regulating apoptosis in cytokine-dependent hematopoietic cells. The function of BAD is regulated by reversible phosphorylation. Deprivation of survival factors induces BAD dephosphorylation, resulting in apoptosis. Serine-threonine phosphatase activity dephosphorylated BAD in interleukin-3-dependent FL5.12 lymphoid cells. Inhibition of PP2A activity by treatment of cells with PP2A-selective inhibitors, okadaic acid and fostriecin, prevented BAD dephosphorylation in these cells. Conversely, BAD dephosphorylation was not inhibited by the PP1-selective inhibitor tautomycin. In cell-free extracts, BAD phosphatase activity was also inhibited by the PP2A-selective inhibitors okadaic acid and fostriecin, but not by the PP1-specific protein inhibitor I-2. Dissociation of 14-3-3 from BAD was a prerequisite for BAD dephosphorylation in vitro, suggesting a mechanism by which 14-3-3 can regulate the activation of the proapoptotic function of BAD in vivo. Significantly, the inhibition of BAD phosphatase activity rescued cell death induced by survival factor withdrawal in FL5.12 cells expressing wild-type BAD but not phosphorylation-defective mutant BAD. These data indicate that PP2A, or a PP2A-like enzyme, dephosphorylates BAD and, in conjunction with 14-3-3, modulates cytokine-mediated survival.

Cocaine and antidepressant-sensitive biogenic amine transporters exist in regulated complexes with protein phosphatase 2A.

Presynaptic transporter proteins regulate the clearance of extracellular biogenic amines after release and are important targets for multiple psychoactive agents, including amphetamines, cocaine, and antidepressant drugs. Recent studies reveal that dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT) transporters (DAT, NET, and SERT, respectively) are rapidly regulated by direct or receptor-mediated activation of cellular kinases, particularly protein kinase C (PKC). With SERTs, PKC activation results in activity-dependent transporter phosphorylation and sequestration. Protein phosphatase 1/2A (PP1/PP2A) inhibitors, such as okadaic acid (OA) and calyculin A, also promote SERT phosphorylation and functional downregulation. How kinase, phosphatase, and transporter activities are linked mechanistically is unclear. In the present study, we found that okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase activity is enriched in SERT immunoprecipitates from human SERT stably transfected cells. Moreover, blots of these immunoprecipitates reveal the presence of PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac), findings replicated using brain preparations. Whole-cell treatments with okadaic acid or calyculin A diminished SERT/PP2Ac associations. Phorbol esters, which trigger SERT phosphorylation, also diminish SERT/PP2Ac associations, effects that can be blocked by PKC antagonists as well as the SERT substrate 5-HT. Similar transporter/PP2Ac complexes were also observed in coimmunoprecipitation studies with NETs and DATs. Our findings provide evidence for the existence of regulated heteromeric assemblies involving biogenic amine transporters and PP2A and suggest that the dynamic stability of these complexes may govern transporter phosphorylation and sequestration.

Reversible phosphorylation of the signal transduction complex in Drosophila photoreceptors.

In the Drosophila visual cascade, the transient receptor potential (TRP) calcium channel, phospholipase Cbeta (no-receptor-potential A), and an eye-specific isoform of protein kinase C (eye-PKC) comprise a multimolecular signaling complex via their interaction with the scaffold protein INAD. Previously, we showed that the interaction between INAD and eye-PKC is a prerequisite for deactivation of a light response, suggesting eye-PKC phosphorylates proteins in the complex. To identify substrates of eye-PKC, we immunoprecipitated the complex from head lysates using anti-INAD antibodies and performed in vitro kinase assays. Wild-type immunocomplexes incubated with [(32)P]ATP revealed phosphorylation of TRP and INAD. In contrast, immunocomplexes from inaC mutants missing eye-PKC, displayed no phosphorylation of TRP or INAD. We also investigated protein phosphatases that may be involved in the dephosphorylation of proteins in the complex. Dephosphorylation of TRP and INAD was partially suppressed by the protein phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid, microcystin, and protein phosphatase inhibitor-2. These phosphatase activities were enriched in the cytosol of wild-type heads, but drastically reduced in extracts prepared from glass mutants, which lack photoreceptors. Our findings indicate that INAD functions as RACK (receptor for activated PKC), allowing eye-PKC to phosphorylate INAD and TRP. Furthermore, dephosphorylation of INAD and TRP is catalyzed by PP1/PP2A-like enzymes preferentially expressed in photoreceptor cells.

An anchoring factor targets protein phosphatase 2A to brain microtubules.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine phosphatase composed of a heterodimeric core enzyme that associates with a variety of regulatory subunits. A fraction of brain PP2A associates with microtubules and may play a role in regulating phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins. We examined the isoform specificity and the mechanism involved in the association of PP2A with brain microtubules. Only the R2alpha (B/PR55alpha) and R2beta (B/PR55beta) regulatory subunits associated with endogenous neural microtubules. Neither the R2gamma (B/PR55gamma) nor members of the R5 (B'/PR56) family of regulatory subunits co-sedimented with microtubules, although abundant amounts of these proteins were detected in brain. The efficient association of PP2A with microtubules in vitro was dependent on an anchoring activity present in a brain protein fraction containing microtubule-associated and microtubule-interacting proteins. Anchoring factor-dependent association of PP2A with microtubules was specific for the heterotrimeric form of PP2A. The core dimer and the isolated subunits of PP2A had very little affinity for microtubules. Characterization of a fraction enriched in the anchoring factor showed that the activity was a heat labile protein that does not correspond to classical microtubule-associated proteins. The anchoring factor associated with microtubules independently of PP2A. These results indicate the association of PP2A with microtubules can be mediated by an anchoring factor that interacts in an isoform-specific manner with heterotrimeric forms of the phosphatase.

Brain actin-associated protein phosphatase 1 holoenzymes containing spinophilin, neurabin, and selected catalytic subunit isoforms.

We previously characterized PP1bp134 and PP1bp175, two neuronal proteins that bind the protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1). Here we purify from rat brain actin-cytoskeletal extracts PP1(A) holoenzymes selectively enriched in PP1gamma(1) over PP1beta isoforms and also containing PP1bp134 and PP1bp175. PP1bp134 and PP1bp175 were identified as the synapse-localized F-actin-binding proteins spinophilin (Allen, P. B., Ouimet, C. C., and Greengard, P. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 9956-9561; Satoh, A., Nakanishi, H., Obaishi, H., Wada, M., Takahashi, K., Satoh, K., Hirao, K., Nishioka, H., Hata, Y., Mizoguchi, A., and Takai, Y. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 3470-3475) and neurabin (Nakanishi, H., Obaishi, H., Satoh, A., Wada, M., Mandai, K., Satoh, K., Nishioka, H. , Matsuura, Y., Mizoguchi, A., and Takai, Y. (1997) J. Cell Biol. 139, 951-961), respectively. Recombinant spinophilin and neurabin interacted with endogenous PP1 and also with each other when co-expressed in HEK293 cells. Spinophilin residues 427-470, or homologous neurabin residues 436-479, were sufficient to bind PP1 in gel overlay assays, and selectively bound PP1gamma(1) from a mixture of brain protein phosphatase catalytic subunits; additional N- and C-terminal sequences were required for potent inhibition of PP1. Immunoprecipitation of spinophilin or neurabin from crude brain extracts selectively coprecipitated PP1gamma(1) over PP1beta. Moreover, immunoprecipitation of PP1gamma(1) from brain extracts efficiently coprecipitated spinophilin and neurabin, whereas PP1beta immunoprecipitation did not. Thus, PP1(A) holoenzymes containing spinophilin and/or neurabin target specific neuronal PP1 isoforms, facilitating efficient regulation of synaptic phosphoproteins.

Cloning and characterization of B delta, a novel regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A.

Variable regulatory subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) modulate activity, substrate selectivity and subcellular targeting of the enzyme. We have cloned a novel member of the B type regulatory subunit family, B delta, which is most highly related to B alpha. B delta shares with B alpha epitopes previously used to generate subunit-specific antibodies. Like B alpha, but unlike B beta and B gamma which are highly brain-enriched, B delta mRNA and protein expression in tissues is widespread. B delta is a cytosolic subunit of PP2A with a subcellular localization different from B alpha and may therefore target a pool of PP2A holoenzymes to specific substrates.

Differential cellular and subcellular localization of protein phosphatase 1 isoforms in brain.

Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is a gene family with a number of important functions in brain. Association with a wide variety of regulatory/targeting subunits is thought to be instrumental in directing the phosphatase to specific subcellular locations and substrates. By using antibodies directed against specific PP1 isoforms, we asked whether PP1 isoforms are differentially distributed in brain. Immunoblotting detects in brain the PP1gamma2 isoform, which had previously been thought to be testis specific, in addition to alpha, beta, and gamma1 isoforms. PP1 isoform expression varies modestly in extracts from different subdissected brain regions and is relatively constant during postnatal development, except for an about twofold increase in PP1gamma2. By immunohistochemical analyses of rat brain, PP1beta and PP1gamma1 cellular expression is widespread but quite distinct from one another. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrate that PP1beta and PP1gamma1 are selectively associated with different cytoskeletal elements: PP1beta with microtubules, PP1gamma1 with the actin cytoskeleton. Double-immunofluorescence labeling of cultured cortical neurons further reveals a strikingly different and nonoverlapping localization of PP1beta and PP1gamma1: whereas PP1beta localizes to a discrete area of the soma, PP1gamma1 is highly enriched in dendritic spines and presynaptic terminals of cultured neurons. These results show that PP1 isoforms are targeted to different neuronal cytoskeletal compartments with a high degree of specificity, presumably by isoform-specific association with regulatory/targeting proteins. Furthermore, the synaptic localization of PP1gamma1 indicates that it is this isoform that is involved in the regulation of synaptic phosphoproteins such as neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels implicated in synaptic plasticity.

Identification of a type 6 protein ser/thr phosphatase regulated by interleukin-2 stimulation.

We have identified a 36 kD phosphoprotein that forms a complex with spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins in lymphocyte extracts. This 36 kD protein is differentially phosphorylated in transformed human lymphoid cell lines and is regulated by IL-2 in peripheral blood T cells. We purified the 36 kD protein from human lymphocytes by employing a combination of immuno-affinity chromatography and preparative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Internal amino acid sequence analysis of the purified protein yielded two peptides that had perfect matches with sequences in the human protein serine/threonine phosphatase 6 (PP6). Using degenerate primers corresponding to the peptides, we obtained from a human T lymphocyte cDNA library a DNA fragment whose sequence is homologous to an EST cDNA clone (R05547). The predicted amino acid sequence of this clone showed over 98% sequence identity to human PP6. The identification of an IL-2 regulated type 6 protein serine/threonine phosphatase in lymphocytes was further substantiated by immunoblotting with anti-peptide antibodies. These findings suggest that PP6 is a component of a signaling pathway regulating cell cycle progression in response to IL-2 receptor stimulation.

Methylated C-terminal leucine residue of PP2A catalytic subunit is important for binding of regulatory Balpha subunit.

Methylation of the C-terminal leucine residue (Leu309) of protein serine/threonine phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit (PP2AC) is known to regulate catalytic activity in vitro, but the functional consequence(s) of this post-translational modification in the context of the cell remain unclear. Alkali-induced demethylation of PP2AC in purified PP2A heterotrimer (ABalphaC), but not in purified PP2A heterodimer (AC), indicated that a larger fraction of PP2AC is carboxymethylated in ABalphaC than in AC. To explore the role of Leu309 in PP2A holoenzyme assembly, epitope-tagged PP2A catalytic subunit (HA-PP2A) and a mutant of HA-PP2A containing an alanine residue in place of Leu309 (HA-PP2A-L309A) were transiently expressed in COS cells. Both recombinant proteins exhibited serine/threonine phosphatase activity when immunoisolated from COS cell extracts. HA-PP2A, but not HA-PP2A-L309A, was carboxymethylated in vitro. A chromatographic analysis of cell extracts indicated that most endogenous PP2AC and HA-PP2A were co-eluted with the A and Balpha regulatory subunits of PP2A, whereas most HA-PP2A-L309A seemed to elute with the A subunit as a smaller complex or, alternatively, as free catalytic (C) subunit. The A subunit co-immunoisolated with both tagged proteins; however, substantially less Balpha subunit co-immunoisolated with HA-PP2A-L309A than with HA-PP2A. These results demonstrate that the reversibly methylated C-terminal leucine residue of PP2AC is important for Balpha regulatory subunit binding. Furthermore, the results provide evidence for an interrelationship between PP2AC carboxymethylation and PP2A holoenzyme assembly.

Purification and identification of a novel subunit of protein serine/threonine phosphatase 4.

The catalytic subunit of protein serine/threonine phosphatase 4 (PP4C) has greater than 65% amino acid identity to the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2AC). Despite this high homology, PP4 does not appear to associate with known PP2A regulatory subunits. As a first step toward characterization of PP4 holoenzymes and identification of putative PP4 regulatory subunits, PP4 was purified from bovine testis soluble extracts. PP4 existed in two complexes of approximately 270-300 and 400-450 kDa as determined by gel filtration chromatography. The smaller PP4 complex was purified by sequential phenyl-Sepharose, Source 15Q, DEAE2, and Superdex 200 gel filtration chromatographies. The final product contained two major proteins: the PP4 catalytic subunit plus a protein that migrated as a doublet of 120-125 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The associated protein, termed PP4R1, and PP4C also bound to microcystin-Sepharose. Mass spectrometry analysis of the purified complex revealed two major peaks, at 35 (PP4C) and 105 kDa (PP4R1). Amino acid sequence information of several peptides derived from the 105 kDa protein was utilized to isolate a human cDNA clone. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence revealed 13 nonidentical repeats similar to repeats found in the A subunit of PP2A (PP2AA). The PP4R1 cDNA clone engineered with an N-terminal Myc tag was expressed in COS M6 cells and PP4C co-immunoprecipitated with Myc-tagged PP4R1. These data indicate that one form of PP4 is similar to the core complex of PP2A in that it consists of a catalytic subunit and a "PP2AA-like" structural subunit.

Identification of kinase-phosphatase signaling modules composed of p70 S6 kinase-protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and p21-activated kinase-PP2A.

A growing body of evidence indicates that regulation of protein-serine/threonine phosphatase 2A (PP2A) involves its association with other cellular and viral proteins in multiprotein complexes. PP2A-containing protein complexes may exist that contribute to PP2A's important regulatory role in many cellular processes. To identify such protein complexes, PP2A was partially purified from rat brain soluble extracts following treatment with a reversible cross-linker to stabilize large molecular size forms of PP2A. Compared with native (uncross-linked) PP2A, cross-linked PP2A revealed an enrichment of p70 S6 kinase and two p21-activated kinases (PAK1 and PAK3) in the PP2A complex, indicating these kinases may associate with PP2A. The existence of protein kinase-PP2A complexes in rat brain soluble extracts was further substantiated by the following results: 1) independent immunoprecipitation of the kinases revealed that PP2A co-precipitated with p70 S6 kinase and the two PAK isoforms; 2) glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins of p70 S6 kinase and PAK3 each isolated PP2A; and 3) PAK3 and p70 S6 kinase bound to microcystin-Sepharose (an affinity resin for PP2A-PP1). Cumulatively, these findings provide evidence for association of PP2A with p70 S6 kinase, PAK1, and PAK3 in the context of the cellular environment. Moreover, together with the recent reports describing associations of PP2A with Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (Westphal, R. S., Anderson, K. A., Means, A. R., and Wadzinski, B. E. (1998) Science 280, 1258-1261) and casein kinase IIalpha (Heriche, J. K., Lebrin, F., Rabilloud, T., Leroy, D., Chambaz, E. M., and Goldberg, Y. (1997) Science 276, 952-955), the present data provide compelling evidence for the existence of protein kinase-PP2A signaling modules as a new paradigm for the control of various intracellular signaling cascades.

A signaling complex of Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV and protein phosphatase 2A.

Stimulation of T lymphocytes results in a rapid increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that parallels the activation of Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV), a nuclear enzyme that can phosphorylate and activate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB). However, inactivation of CaMKIV occurs despite the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i that is required for T cell activation. A stable and stoichiometric complex of CaMKIV with protein serine-threonine phosphatase 2A (PP2A) was identified in which PP2A dephosphorylates CaMKIV and functions as a negative regulator of CaMKIV signaling. In Jurkat T cells, inhibition of PP2A activity by small t antigen enhanced activation of CREB-mediated transcription by CaMKIV. These findings reveal an intracellular signaling mechanism whereby a protein serine-threonine kinase (CaMKIV) is regulated by a tightly associated protein serine-threonine phosphatase (PP2A).

Brain protein phosphatase 2A: developmental regulation and distinct cellular and subcellular localization by B subunits.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric enzyme consisting of a catalytic subunit (C), a structural subunit (A), and a variable regulatory subunit (B). We have investigated the spatial and temporal expression patterns of three members of the B subunit family, Balpha, Bbeta, and Bgamma, both at the message level by using ribonuclease protection analysis and at the protein level by using specific antibodies. Although A, Balpha, and C protein are expressed in many tissues, Bbeta and Bgamma were detectable only in brain. Balpha, Bbeta, and Bgamma are components of the brain PP2A heterotrimer, because they copurified with A and C subunits on immobilized microcystin. Whereas Balpha and Bbeta are mainly cytosolic, Bgamma is enriched in the cytoskeletal fraction. In contrast to A, C, and Balpha, which are expressed at constant levels, Bbeta and Bgamma RNA and protein are developmentally regulated, with Bbeta levels decreasing and Bgamma levels increasing sharply after birth. RNA and immunoblot analyses of subdissected brain regions as well as immunohistochemistry demonstrated that B subunits are expressed in distinct but overlapping neuronal populations and cellular domains. These data indicate that B subunits confer tissue and cell specificity, subcellular localization, and developmental regulation to the PP2A holoenzyme. The Balpha-containing heterotrimer may be important in general neuronal functions that involve its partially nuclear localization. Holoenzymes containing B likely function in early brain development as well as in somata and processes of subsets of mature neurons. Bgamma may target PP2A to cytoskeletal substrates that are important in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal connections.

Protein serine/threonine phosphatase 1 and 2A associate with and dephosphorylate neurofilaments.

The phosphorylation state of neurofilaments plays an important role in the control of cytoskeletal integrity, axonal transport, and axon diameter. Immunocytochemical analyses of spinal cord revealed axonal localization of all protein phosphatase subunits. To determine whether protein phosphatases associate with axonal neurofilaments, neurofilament proteins were isolated from bovine spinal cord white matter by gel filtration. approximately 15% of the total phosphorylase a phosphatase activity was present in the neurofilament fraction. The catalytic subunits of PP1 and PP2A, as well as the A and B alpha regulatory subunits of PP2A, were detected in the neurofilament fraction by immunoblotting, whereas PP2B and PP2C were found exclusively in the low molecular weight soluble fractions. PP1 and PP2A subunits could be partially dissociated from neurofilaments by high salt but not by phosphatase inhibitors, indicating that the interaction does not involve the catalytic site. In both neurofilament and soluble fractions, 75% of the phosphatase activity towards exogenous phosphorylase a could be attributed to PP2A, and the remainder to PP1 as shown with specific inhibitors. Neurofilament proteins were phosphorylated in vitro by associated protein kinases which appeared to include protein kinase A, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and heparin-sensitive and -insensitive cofactor-independent kinases. Dephosphorylation of phosphorylated neurofilament subunits was mainly (60%) catalyzed by associated PP2A, with PP1 contributing minor activity (10-20%). These studies suggest that neurofilament-associated PP1 and PP2A play an important role in the regulation of neurofilament phosphorylation.

Carboxymethylation of nuclear protein serine/threonine phosphatase X.

Specific rabbit polyclonal antibodies against peptides corresponding to the highly homologous protein serine/threonine phosphatase 2A and X catalytic subunits (PP2A/C and PPX/C respectively) were used to investigate the cellular and subcellular distribution of PP2A/C and PPX/C, as well as their methylation state. Immunoblots of rat tissue extracts revealed a widespread distribution of these enzymes but particularly high levels of PP2A/C and PPX/C in brain and testes respectively. In addition, immunoblots of subcellular fractions and immunocytochemical analyses of rat brain sections demonstrated that PPX/C is predominantly localized to the nucleus, whereas PP2A/C is largely cytoplasmic. Treatment of nuclear extracts with alkali resulted in increased PPX/C immunoreactivity to a polyclonal antibody directed against the C-terminus; no change in PPX immunoreactivity was observed using an antibody against an internal peptide. Alkali treatment of brain and liver cytosolic and nuclear extracts did not change the molecular mass or the isoelectric point of PPX/C. Furthermore, tritiated PPX/C was immunoprecipitated from COS cell extracts incubated with the methyl donor S-adenosyl-l-[methyl-3H]methionine. Thus the increase in immunoreactivity probably results from removal of a carboxymethyl group from PPX/C, as has been shown previously for PP2A/C [Favre, Zolnierowicz, Turowski and Hemmings (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 16311-16317]. Together, our results indicate that the PPX catalytic subunit is a predominantly nuclear phosphatase and is methylated at its C-terminus.

Association of brain protein phosphatase 1 with cytoskeletal targeting/regulatory subunits.

Protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1C) is highly enriched in isolated rat postsynaptic densities. Gel overlay analyses using digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled PP1C revealed four major rat brain PP1C-binding proteins (PP1bps) with molecular masses of approximately 216, 175, 134, and 75 kDa, which were (1) more abundant in brain than other rat tissues; (2) differentially expressed in microdissected brain regions; and (3) enriched in isolated cortex postsynaptic densities. PP1bp175, PP1bp134, PP1bp75, and PP1C were partially released from forebrain particulate extracts by incubation at low ionic strength, which destabilizes the actin cytoskeleton. Size-exclusion chromatography of solubilized extracts separated two main PP1 activities (approximately 600 and approximately 100 kDa). PP1bps and PP1C gamma1 were enriched in the approximately 600-kDa peak, but PP1C beta was enriched in the approximately 100-kDa peak. Furthermore, PP1bp175 and PP1bp134 exhibited lower binding of recombinant DIG-PP1C beta than recombinant DIG-PP1C gamma1 or DIG-PP1C alpha. Solubilized PP1bp175 and PP1bp134 interact with PP1C under native conditions, because they both (1) coeluted from size-exclusion and ion-exchange columns; (2) bound to microcystin-LR-Sepharose; and (3) coprecipitated using PP1C antibodies. Trypsinolysis of the approximately 600-kDa form of PP1 increased phosphorylase a phosphatase activity approximately fourfold, suggesting that interaction of PP1C with these PP1bps modulates its activity. Thus, brain PP1 activity is likely targeted to the cytoskeleton, including postsynaptic densities, by isoform-selective binding of PP1C to these targeting/regulatory subunits, contributing to the specificity of its physiological roles.

Differential inactivation of postsynaptic density-associated and soluble Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II by protein phosphatases 1 and 2A.

Autophosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) at Thr286 generates Ca2+-independent activity. As an initial step toward understanding CaMKII inactivation, protein phosphatase classes (PP1, PP2A, PP2B, or PP2C) responsible for dephosphorylation of Thr286 in rat forebrain subcellular fractions were identified using phosphatase inhibitors/activators, by fractionation using ion exchange chromatography and by immunoblotting. PP2A-like enzymes account for >70% of activity toward exogenous soluble Thr286-autophosphorylated CaMKII in crude cytosol, membrane, and cytoskeletal extracts; PP1 and PP2C account for the remaining activity. CaMKII is present in particulate fractions, specifically associated with postsynaptic densities (PSDs); each protein phosphatase is also present in isolated PSDs, but only PP1 is enriched during PSD isolation. When isolated PSDs dephosphorylated exogenous soluble Thr286-autophosphorylated CaMKII, PP2A again made the major contribution. However, CaMKII endogenous to PSDs (32P autophosphorylated in the presence of Ca2+/calmodulin) was predominantly dephosphorylated by PP1. In addition, dephosphorylation of soluble and PSD-associated CaMKII in whole forebrain extracts was catalyzed predominantly by PP2A and PP1, respectively. Thus, soluble and PSD-associated forms of CaMKII appear to be dephosphorylated by distinct enzymes, suggesting that Ca2+-independent activity of CaMKII is differentially regulated by protein phosphatases in distinct subcellular compartments.