Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) phosphorylation destabilizes somatic Wee1 via multiple pathways.

At the onset of M phase, the activity of somatic Wee1 (Wee1A), the inhibitory kinase for cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), is down-regulated primarily through proteasome-dependent degradation after ubiquitination by the E3 ubiquitin ligase SCF(beta-TrCP). The F-box protein beta-TrCP (beta-transducin repeat-containing protein), the substrate recognition component of the ubiquitin ligase, binds to its substrates through a conserved binding motif (phosphodegron) containing two phosphoserines, DpSGXXpS. Although Wee1A lacks this motif, phosphorylation of serines 53 and 123 (S53 and S123) of Wee1A by polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and CDK, respectively, are required for binding to beta-TrCP. The sequence surrounding phosphorylated S53 (DpSAFQE) is similar to the conserved beta-TrCP-binding motif; however, the role of S123 phosphorylation (EEGFGSSpSPVK) in beta-TrCP binding was not elucidated. In the present study, we show that phosphorylation of S123 (pS123) by CDK promoted the binding of Wee1A to beta-TrCP through three independent mechanisms. The pS123 not only directly interacted with basic residues in the WD40 repeat domain of beta-TrCP but also primed phosphorylation by two independent protein kinases, Plk1 and CK2 (formerly casein kinase 2), to create two phosphodegrons on Wee1A. In the case of Plk1, S123 phosphorylation created a polo box domain-binding motif (SpSP) on Wee1A to accelerate phosphorylation of S53 by Plk1. CK2 could phosphorylate S121, but only if S123 was phosphorylated first, thereby generating the second beta-TrCP-binding site (EEGFGpS121). Using a specific inhibitor of CK2, we showed that the phosphorylation-dependent degradation of Wee1A is important for the proper onset of mitosis.

Effect of adsorbents on the absorption of lansoprazole with surfactant.

Lansoprazole (LPZ) is a representative drug that shows a high inter-subject variation of bioavailability (BA). Solid preparation composed of surfactant, adsorbent and LPZ were prepared to improve the dissolution and absorption of LPZ, and the BA of LPZ was measured in rats and dogs. As surfactant, Tween 80, polyoxy 60 hydrogenated caster oil derivative (HCO-60) and PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides (Labrasol) were used. As adsorbant, porous silicon dioxide (Sylysia 550, 320), magnesium aluminometa silicate (Neusilin S2, NS2N, US2) and porous calcium silicate (Florite RE) were used. After small intestinal administration of LPZ, 5.0 mg/kg, solution with HCO-60 showed the highest plasma LPZ concentration versus time curve of which C(max) and AUC was 0.46+/-0.01 microg/mL and 0.73+/-0.03 microgh/mL. By comparing to that after i.v. injection of LPZ solution, 2.0 mg/kg, the BA of LPZ from HCO-60 solution was 39.0%, which was about seven times higher than that of LPZ powder. To solidify the LPZ solution with HCO-60, adsorbents were used and the obtained solid preparations were used for in vitro release experiment. Sylysia 320, Neusilin S2 and Neusilin NS2 showed the T50% of about 1h. To evaluate the BA of these solid preparations, absorption study was performed in rats. Sylysia 550 system showed the higher AUC than other systems, showing the BA of 28.1%. Sylysia 550 system was filled in an enteric capsule and was orally administered to dogs and BA was compared with enteric tablet. The AUC of Sylysia 550 system was 2.16+/-0.26 microgh/mL and was greater than enteric tablet and the BA of 71.7% was obtained. Solid system composed of LPZ, surfactant and adsorbent has suggested the possibility as a good tool to improve the BA of LPZ.

M-phase kinases induce phospho-dependent ubiquitination of somatic Wee1 by SCFbeta-TrCP.

Wee1, the Cdc2 inhibitory kinase, needs to be down-regulated at the onset of mitosis to ensure rapid activation of Cdc2. Previously, we have shown that human somatic Wee1 (Wee1A) is down-regulated both by protein phosphorylation and degradation, but the underlying mechanisms had not been elucidated. In the present study, we have identified the beta-transducin repeat-containing protein 1/2 (beta-TrCP1/2) F-box protein-containing SKP1/Cul1/F-box protein (SCF) complex (SCF(beta-TrCP1/2)) as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for Wee1A ubiquitination. Although Wee1A lacks a consensus DS(p)GXXS(p) phospho-dependent binding motif for beta-TrCP, recognition of Wee1A by beta-TrCP depended on phosphorylation, and two serine residues in Wee1A, S53 and S123, were found to be the most important phosphorylation sites for beta-TrCP recognition. We have found also that the major M-phase kinases polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and Cdc2 are responsible for the phosphorylation of S53 and S123, respectively, and that in each case phosphorylation generates an unconventional phospho-degron (signal for degradation) that can be recognized by beta-TrCP. Phosphorylation of Wee1A by these kinases cooperatively stimulated the recognition and ubiquitination of Wee1A by SCF(beta-TrCP1/2) in vitro. Mutation of these residues or depletion of beta-TrCP by small-interfering RNA treatment increased the stability of Wee1A in HeLa cells. Moreover, our analysis indicates that beta-TrCP-dependent degradation of Wee1A is important for the normal onset of M-phase in vivo. These results also establish the existence of a feedback loop between Cdc2 and Wee1A in somatic cells that depends on ubiquitination and protein degradation and ensures the rapid activation of Cdc2 when cells are ready to divide.