Signaling pathways activated by the growth hormone receptor.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in elucidating the signaling pathways activated by the growth hormone (GH) receptor. An initiating event is probably the activation of JAK2 (Janus kinase 2), a GH receptor-associated tyrosine kinase. Identification of the proteins recruited to the GH receptor-JAK2 complex and dissection of the signaling pathways that are subsequently activated will ultimately provide a basis for understanding GH action at the molecular level.

SH2-B and SIRP: JAK2 binding proteins that modulate the actions of growth hormone.

Growth hormone (GH) has long been known to be a primary determinant of body height and an important regulator of body metabolism, yet the cellular and molecular bases for these effects of GH are only beginning to be understood. In 1993, GH receptor (GHR) was first observed to bind to the tyrosine kinase JAK2. GH increased JAK2's affinity for GHR, potently activated JAK2, and stimulated the phosphorylation of tyrosines within JAK2 and the cytoplasmic domain of GHR. In the intervening six years, a variety of signaling molecules have been identified that are tyrosyl phosphorylated in response to GH, presumably by the activated JAK2. These signaling molecules include 1) the latent cytoplasmic transcription factors--designated signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats)--that have been implicated in the regulation of a variety of GH-dependent genes; 2) Shc proteins that lead to activation of the Ras-MAP kinase pathway: and 3) insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins that bind and thereby activate phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase and presumably other proteins. Recently, we have identified two additional signaling molecules for GH that bind to JAK2 and are phosphorylated on tyrosines in response to GH: SH2-B and signal regulated protein (SIRP). Based upon amino acid sequence analysis, SH2-B is presumed to be a cytoplasmic adapter protein. It binds with high affinity via its SH2 domain to phosphorylated tyrosines within JAK2. GH-induced binding of SH2-B to JAK2 via this site potently activates JAK2, leading to enhanced tyrosyl phosphorylation of Stat proteins and other cellular proteins. Because of its other potential protein-protein interaction domains and its recruitment and phosphorylation by kinases that are not activated by SH2-B, SH2-B is thought likely to mediate other, more-specific actions of GH, as yet to be determined. SIRP is a transmembrane protein that is now known to bind to integrin-associated protein. It appears to bind directly to JAK2 by a process that does not require tyrosyl phosphorylation, although is itself highly phosphorylated on tyrosines in response to GH. The phosphorylated SIRP recruits one or more molecules of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 that, in turn, de-phosphorylates SIRP and most likely JAK2. Thus, SIRP is predicted to be a negative regulator of GH action. It seems likely that the diverse actions of GH will be found to require coordinated interaction of all of these signaling proteins with each other as well as with other signaling molecules that are activated by GH and the numerous other ligands that are present at cells during a response to GH.

Mutation of the SHP-2 binding site in growth hormone (GH) receptor prolongs GH-promoted tyrosyl phosphorylation of GH receptor, JAK2, and STAT5B.

Binding of GH to GH receptor (GHR) rapidly and transiently activates multiple signal transduction pathways that contribute to the growth-promoting and metabolic effects of GH. While the events that initiate GH signal transduction, such as activation of the Janus tyrosine kinase JAK2, are beginning to be understood, the signaling events that terminate GH signaling, such as dephosphorylation of tyrosyl-phosphorylated signaling molecules, are poorly understood. In this report, we examine the role of the SH2 (Src homology-2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in GH signaling. We demonstrate that the SH2 domains of SHP-2 bind directly to tyrosyl phosphorylated GHR from GH-treated cells. Tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutation of tyrosine 595 of rat GHR greatly diminishes association of the SH2 domains of SHP-2 with GHR, and tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutation of tyrosine 487 partially reduces association of the SH2 domains of SHP-2 with GHR. Mutation of tyrosine 595 dramatically prolongs the duration of tyrosyl phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT5B in response to GH, while mutation of tyrosine 487 moderately prolongs the duration of STAT5B tyrosyl phosphorylation. Consistent with the effects on STAT5B phosphorylation, tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutation of tyrosine 595 prolongs the duration of tyrosyl phosphorylation of GHR and JAK2. These data suggest that tyrosine 595 is a major site of interaction of GHR with SHP-2, and that GHR-bound SHP-2 negatively regulates GHR/JAK2 and STAT5B signaling.

Role of the tyrosine kinase JAK2 in signal transduction by growth hormone.

Chronic renal failure in children results in impaired body growth. This effect is so severe in some children that not only does it have a negative impact on their self-image, but it also affects their ability to carry out normal day-to-day functions. Yet the mechanism by which chronic renal failure causes short stature is not well understood. Growth hormone (GH) therapy increases body height in prepubertal children, suggesting that a better understanding of how GH promotes body growth may lead to better insight into the impaired body growth in chronic renal failure and therefore better therapies. This review discusses what is currently known about how GH acts at a cellular level. The review discusses how GH is known to bind to a membrane-bound receptor and activate a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase called Janus kinase (JAK) 2. The activated JAK2 in turn phosphorylates tyrosines within itself and the associated GH receptor, forming high-affinity binding sites for a variety of signaling molecules. Examples of such signaling molecules include signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats), which regulate the expression of a variety of GH-dependent genes, and the adapter protein Shc, which leads to activation of the Ras-Raf-MEK-MAP kinase pathway. In response to GH, JAK2 is also known to phosphorylate the insulin receptor substrates, leading to activation of phosphatidyl inositol 3' kinase and most likely other molecules that have been implicated in the regulation of metabolism. Finally, the ability of JAK2 to bind and activate the presumed adapter protein SH2-B is discussed. SH2-B has been shown to be a potent activator of GH-promoted JAK2 activity and downstream signaling events. Presumably these and other pathways initiated by GH combine to result in its ability to regulate body growth and metabolism.

The role of STAT proteins in growth hormone signaling.

Growth hormone (GH) has long been known to be the body's primary regulator of body growth and a regulator of metabolism, yet the mechanisms by which GH regulates the transcription of specific genes required for these processes are just now being delineated. GH binding to its receptor recruits and activates the receptor-associated JAK2 that in turn phosphorylates tyrosines within itself and the GH receptor. These tyrosines form binding sites for a number of signaling proteins, including members of the family of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT). Among the known signaling molecules for GH, STAT proteins play a particularly prominent role in the regulation of gene transcription. This paper will review what is currently understood about which STAT proteins are regulated by GH, how they are regulated by GH, the GH-dependent genes they regulate, and discuss current theories about how GH-activated STAT signaling is regulated. Particular attention will be given to the novel role that STAT5 plays in sexually dimorphic gene expression in the liver as determined by the secretory pattern of GH and the role of STAT5 in body growth. Oncogene (2000).

Negative regulation of growth hormone receptor/JAK2 signaling by signal regulatory protein alpha.

Signal regulatory proteins (SIRPs) are receptor-like transmembrane proteins, the majority of which contain a cytoplasmic proline-rich region and four cytoplasmic tyrosines that, when phosphorylated, bind SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases (SHP). We demonstrated previously that growth hormone (GH) induces tyrosyl phosphorylation of SIRPalpha and association of SIRPalpha with SHP-2. The GH-activated tyrosine kinase JAK2 associates with and tyrosyl-phosphorylates SIRPalpha1. Here we show that JAK2-SIRPalpha1 association does not require phosphotyrosines in SIRPalpha1 or JAK2 or the proline-rich region of SIRPalpha1. However, when the C-terminal 30 amino acids of SIRPalpha1 containing the proline-rich region and tyrosine 495 are deleted, tyrosyl phosphorylation of SIRPalpha1 by JAK2 and association of SHP-2 with SIRPalpha1 are reduced. GH-dependent tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 is reduced when wild-type SIRPalpha1 compared with SIRPalpha1 lacking the four cytoplasmic tyrosines (SIRP 4YF) is expressed in cells, suggesting that SIRPalpha1 negatively regulates GHR/JAK2 signaling. Consistent with reduced JAK2 activity, overexpression of wild-type SIRPalpha1 but not SIRP 4YF reduces GH-induced phosphorylation of ERKs 1 and 2, STAT3, and STAT5B. These results suggest that SIRPalpha1 is a negative regulator of GH signaling and that the ability of SIRPalpha1 mutants to negatively regulate GHR-JAK2 signaling correlates with their ability to bind SHP-2.

Activation of Stat3 in v-Src-transformed fibroblasts requires cooperation of Jak1 kinase activity.

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are latent cytoplasmic transcription factors that transduce signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus upon activation by tyrosine phosphorylation. Several protein-tyrosine kinases can induce phosphorylation of STATs in cells, including Janus kinase (JAK) and Src family kinases. One STAT family member, Stat3, is constitutively activated in Src-transformed NIH3T3 cells and is required for cell transformation. However, it is not entirely clear whether Src kinase can phosphorylate Stat3 directly or through another pathway, such as JAK family kinases. To address this question, we investigated the phosphorylation of STATs in baculovirus-infected Sf-9 insect cells in the presence of Src. Our results show that Src can tyrosine-phosphorylate Stat1 and Stat3 but not Stat5 in this system. The phosphorylated Stat1 and Stat3 proteins are functionally activated, as measured by their abilities to specifically bind DNA oligonucleotide probes. In addition, the JAK family member Jak1 efficiently phosphorylates Stat1 but not Stat3 in Sf-9 cells. By contrast, we observe that AG490, a JAK family-selective inhibitor, and dominant negative Jak1 protein can significantly inhibit Stat3-induced DNA binding activity as well as Stat3-mediated gene activation in NIH3T3 cells. Furthermore, wild-type or kinase-inactive platelet-derived growth factor receptor enhances Stat3 activation by v-Src, consistent with the receptor serving a scaffolding function for recruitment and activation of Stat3. Our results demonstrate that Src kinase is capable of activating STATs in Sf-9 insect cells without expression of JAK family members; however, Jak1 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor are required for maximal Stat3 activation by Src kinase in mammalian cells. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which Jak1 serves to recruit Stat3 to a receptor complex with Src kinase, which in turn directly phosphorylates and activates Stat3 in Src-transformed fibroblasts.

SH2-B is required for growth hormone-induced actin reorganization.

The Src homology-2 (SH2) domain-containing protein SH2-Bbeta is a substrate of the growth hormone (GH) receptor-associated tyrosine kinase JAK2. Here we tested whether SH2-Bbeta is involved in GH regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Based on cell fractionation and confocal microscopy, we find SH2-Bbeta present at the plasma membrane and in the cytosol. SH2-Bbeta colocalized with filamentous actin in GH and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced membrane ruffles. To test if SH2-Bbeta is required for actin reorganization, we transiently overexpressed wild-type or mutant SH2-Bbeta in 3T3-F442A cells and assayed for GH- and PDGF-induced membrane ruffling and fluid phase pinocytosis. Overexpression of wild-type SH2-Bbeta enhanced ruffling and pinocytosis produced by submaximal GH but not submaximal PDGF. Point mutant SH2-Bbeta (R555E) and truncation mutant DeltaC555, both lacking a functional SH2 domain, inhibited membrane ruffling and pinocytosis induced by GH and PDGF. Mutant DeltaN504, which possesses a functional SH2 domain and enhances JAK2 kinase activity in overexpression systems, also inhibited GH-stimulated membrane ruffling. DeltaN504 failed to inhibit GH-induced nuclear localization of Stat5B, indicating JAK2 is active in these cells. Taken together, these results show that SH2-Bbeta is required for GH-induced actin reorganization by a mechanism discrete from the action of SH2-Bbeta as a stimulator of JAK2 kinase activity.

Differential binding to and regulation of JAK2 by the SH2 domain and N-terminal region of SH2-bbeta.

SH2-Bbeta has been shown to bind via its SH2 (Src homology 2) domain to tyrosyl-phosphorylated JAK2 and strongly activate JAK2. In this study, we demonstrate the existence of an additional binding site(s) for JAK2 within the N-terminal region of SH2-Bbeta (amino acids 1 to 555) and the ability of this region of SH2-B to inhibit JAK2. Four lines of evidence support the existence of this additional binding site(s). In a glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay, wild-type SH2-Bbeta and SH2-Bbeta(R555E) with a defective SH2 domain bind to both tyrosyl-phosphorylated JAK2 from growth hormone (GH)-treated cells and non-tyrosyl-phosphorylated JAK2 from control cells, whereas the SH2 domain of SH2-Bbeta binds only to tyrosyl-phosphorylated JAK2 from GH-treated cells. Similarly, JAK2 is present in alphaSH2-B immunoprecipitates in the absence and presence of GH, with GH substantially increasing the coprecipitation of JAK2 with SH2-B. When coexpressed in COS cells, SH2-Bbeta coimmunoprecipitates not only wild-type, tyrosyl-phosphorylated JAK2 but also kinase-inactive, non-tyrosyl-phosphorylated JAK2(K882E), although to a lesser extent. DeltaC555 (amino acids 1 to 555 of SH2-Bbeta) that lacks most of the SH2 domain binds similarly to wild-type JAK2 and kinase-inactive JAK2(K882E). Experiments using a series of N- and C-terminally truncated SH2-Bbeta constructs indicate that the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain (amino acids 269 to 410) and amino acids 410 to 555 are necessary for maximal binding of SH2-Bbeta to inactive JAK2, but neither region alone is sufficient for maximal binding. The SH2 domain of SH2-Bbeta is necessary and sufficient for the stimulatory effect of SH2-Bbeta on JAK2 and JAK2-mediated tyrosyl phosphorylation of Stat5B. In contrast, DeltaC555 lacking the SH2 domain, and to a lesser extent the PH domain alone, inhibits JAK2. DeltaC555 also blocks JAK2-mediated tyrosyl phosphorylation of Stat5B in COS cells and GH-stimulated nuclear accumulation of Stat5B in 3T3-F442A cells. These data indicate that in addition to the SH2 domain, SH2-Bbeta has one or more lower-affinity binding sites for JAK2 within amino acids 269 to 555. The interaction via this site(s) in SH2-B with inactive JAK2 seems likely to increase the local concentration of SH2-Bbeta around JAK2, thereby facilitating binding of the SH2 domain to ligand-activated JAK2. This would result in a more rapid and robust cellular response to hormones and cytokines that activate JAK2. This interaction between inactive JAK2 and SH2-B may also help prevent abnormal activation of JAK2.

Platelet-derived growth factor and lysophosphatidic acid inhibit growth hormone binding and signaling via a protein kinase C-dependent pathway.

Growth hormone (GH) regulates body growth and metabolism. GH exerts its biological action by stimulating JAK2, a GH receptor (GHR)-associated tyrosine kinase. Activated JAK2 phosphorylates itself and GHR, thus initiating multiple signaling pathways. In this work, we demonstrate that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) down-regulate GH signaling via a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway. PDGF substantially reduces tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 induced by GH but not interferon-gamma or leukemia inhibitory factor. PDGF, but not epidermal growth factor, decreases tyrosyl phosphorylation of GHR (by approximately 90%) and the amount of both total cellular GHR (by approximately 80%) and GH binding (by approximately 70%). The inhibitory effect of PDGF on GH-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 and GHR is abolished by depletion of 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-sensitive PKCs with chronic PMA treatment and is severely inhibited by GF109203X, an inhibitor of PKCs. In contrast, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase appear not to be involved in this inhibitory effect of PDGF. LPA, a known activator of PKC, also inhibits GH-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 and GHR and reduces the number of GHR. We propose that ligands that activate PKC, including PDGF, LPA, and PMA, down-regulate GH signaling by decreasing the number of cell surface GHR through promoting GHR internalization and degradation and/or cleavage of membrane GHR and release of the extracellular domain of GHR.

SH2-B, a membrane-associated adapter, is phosphorylated on multiple serines/threonines in response to nerve growth factor by kinases within the MEK/ERK cascade.

SH2-B has been shown to be required for nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neuronal differentiation and survival, associate with NGF receptor TrkA, and be tyrosyl-phosphorylated in response to NGF. In this work, we examined whether NGF stimulates phosphorylation of SH2-B on serines/threonines. NGF promotes a dramatic upward shift in mobility of SH2-B, resulting in multiple forms that cannot be attributed to tyrosyl phosphorylation. Treatment of SH2-B with protein phosphatase 2A, a serine/threonine phosphatase, reduces the many forms to two. PD98059, a MEK inhibitor, dramatically inhibits NGF-promoted phosphorylation of SH2-B on serines/threonines, whereas depletion of 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-sensitive protein kinase Cs does not. ERKs 1 and 2 phosphorylate SH2-Bbeta primarily on Ser-96 in vitro. However, NGF still stimulates serine/threonine phosphorylation of SH2-Bbeta(S96A). SH2-Bbeta(S96A), like wild-type SH2-Bbeta, enhances NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. In contrast, SH2-Bbeta(R555E) containing a defective SH2 domain blocks NGF-induced neurite outgrowth and displays greatly reduced phosphorylation on serines/threonines in response to NGF. SH2-Bbeta(R555E), like wild-type SH2-Bbeta, associates with the plasma membrane, suggesting that the dominant negative effect of SH2-Bbeta(R555E) cannot be explained by an abnormal subcellular distribution. In summary, NGF stimulates phosphorylation of SH2-B on serines/threonines by kinases downstream of MEK, which may be important for NGF-mediated neuronal differentiation and survival.

Identification of SH2-bbeta as a potent cytoplasmic activator of the tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 2.

Janus kinases (JAKs) are cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases critical for signaling by growth hormone (GH) and many other ligands that bind to members of the cytokine receptor superfamily. SH2-Bbeta was previously identified as a JAK2-interacting protein that is tyrosyl phosphorylated in response to GH and other cytokines that activate JAK2. In this study, we examined whether SH2-Bbeta alters the activity of JAK2. SH2-Bbeta, when coexpressed with JAK2, significantly increased the tyrosyl phosphorylation of JAK2 and multiple other cellular proteins and stimulated the kinase activity of JAK2 by approximately 20-fold. Coexpression of SH2-Bbeta with JAK2 dramatically increased tyrosyl phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)5B and Stat3, physiological substrates of JAK2. SH2-Bbeta(R555E) with a defective Src homology 2 domain was unable to stimulate JAK2 and JAK2-mediated tyrosyl phosphorylation of Stat5B and Stat3. More importantly, SH2-Bbeta enhanced GH-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of endogenous JAK2 and ligand-induced tyrosyl phosphorylation of Stat5B by endogenous JAK2. In contrast, SH2-Bbeta did not potentiate the activation of other tyrosine kinases including the receptors for platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, or nerve growth factor (TrkA), tyrosine kinases that also bind SH2-Bbeta. These data demonstrate that SH2-Bbeta is a potent cytoplasmic activator of JAK2 and is thereby expected to be an important cellular regulator of signaling by GH and other hormones and cytokines that activate JAK2.

SH2-B is required for nerve growth factor-induced neuronal differentiation.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for the development and survival of sympathetic and sensory neurons. NGF binds to TrkA, activates the intrinsic kinase activity of TrkA, and promotes the differentiation of pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells into sympathetic-like neurons. Several signaling molecules and pathways are known to be activated by NGF, including phospholipase Cgamma, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade. However, the mechanism of NGF-induced neuronal differentiation remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether SH2-Bbeta, a recently identified pleckstrin homology and SH2 domain-containing signaling protein, is a critical signaling protein for NGF. TrkA bound to glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing SH2-Bbeta, and NGF stimulation dramatically increased that binding. In contrast, NGF was unable to stimulate the association of TrkA with a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing a mutant SH2-Bbeta(R555E) with a defective SH2 domain. When overexpressed in PC12 cells, SH2-Bbeta co-immunoprecipitated with TrkA in response to NGF. NGF stimulated tyrosyl phosphorylation of endogenous SH2-Bbeta as well as exogenously expressed GFP-SH2-Bbeta but not GFP-SH2-Bbeta(R555E). Overexpression of SH2-Bbeta(R555E) blocked NGF-induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells, whereas overexpression of wild type SH2-Bbeta enhanced NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. Overexpression of either wild type or mutant SH2-Bbeta(R555E) did not alter tyrosyl phosphorylation of TrkA, Shc, or phospholipase Cgamma in response to NGF or NGF-induced activation of ERK1/2, suggesting that SH2-Bbeta may initiate a previously unknown pathway(s) that is essential for NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. Taken together, these data indicate that SH2-Bbeta is a novel signaling molecule required for NGF-induced neuronal differentiation.

A functional DNA binding domain is required for growth hormone-induced nuclear accumulation of Stat5B.

The mechanisms regulating the cellular distribution of STAT family transcription factors remain poorly understood. To identify regions of Stat5B required for ligand-induced nuclear accumulation, we constructed a cDNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the N terminus of Stat5B and performed site-directed mutagenesis. When co-expressed with growth hormone (GH) receptor in COS-7 cells, GFP-Stat5B is tyrosyl-phosphorylated, forms dimers, and binds DNA in response to GH in a manner indistinguishable from untagged Stat5B. In multiple cell types, laser scanning confocal imaging of GFP-Stat5B co-expressed with GH receptor shows that GFP-Stat5B undergoes a rapid, dramatic accumulation in the nucleus upon GH stimulation. We introduced alanine substitutions in several regions of Stat5B and assayed for GH-dependent nuclear localization. Only the mutation that prevented binding to DNA (466VVVI469) abrogated GH-stimulated nuclear localization. This mutant fusion protein is tyrosyl-phosphorylated and dimerizes in response to GH. These results suggest that either high affinity binding to DNA contributes to nuclear accumulation of Stat5B or that this region is crucial for two functions, namely accumulation of Stat5B in the nucleus and DNA binding. Thus, we have identified a mutant Stat5 defective in nuclear localization despite its ability to be tyrosyl-phosphorylated and to dimerize.

Heat shock protein 90-dependent (geldanamycin-inhibited) movement of the glucocorticoid receptor through the cytoplasm to the nucleus requires intact cytoskeleton.

We use here a chimera of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to test the notion that the protein chaperone heat shock protein-90 (hsp90) is required for steroid-dependent translocation of the receptor through the cytoplasm along cytoskeletal tracks. The GFP-GR fusion protein undergoes steroid-mediated translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it is transcriptionally active. Treatment of 3T3 cells containing steroid-bound GFP-GR with geldanamycin, a benzoquinone ansamycin that binds to hsp90 and disrupts its function, inhibits dexamethasone-dependent translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. The t1/2 for translocation in the absence of geldanamycin is approximately 5 min, and the t1/2 in the presence of geldanamycin is approximately 45 min. In cells treated for 1 h with the cytoskeletal disrupting agents colcemid, cytochalasin D, and beta,beta'-iminodipropionitrile to completely disrupt the microtubule, microfilament, and intermediate filament networks, respectively, the GFP-GR still translocates rapidly to the nucleus in a strictly dexamethasone-dependent manner but translocation is no longer affected by geldanamycin. After withdrawal of the cytoskeletal disrupting agents for 3 h, normal cytoskeletal architecture is restored, and geldanamycin inhibition of dexamethasone-dependent GFP-GR translocation is restored. We suggest that in cells without an intact cytoskeletal system, the GFP-GR moves through the cytoplasm by diffusion. However, under physiological conditions in which the cytoskeleton is intact, diffusion is limited, and the GFP-GR utilizes a movement machinery that is dependent upon hsp90 chaperone activity. In contrast to the GR, GFP-STAT5B, a signaling protein that is not complexed with hsp90, undergoes GH-dependent translocation to the nucleus in a manner that is not dependent upon hsp90 chaperone activity.

Growth hormone stimulates phosphorylation and activation of elk-1 and expression of c-fos, egr-1, and junB through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2.

Growth hormone (GH), a major regulator of normal body growth and metabolism, regulates cellular gene expression. The transcription factors Elk-1 and Serum Response Factor are necessary for GH-stimulated transcription of c-fos through the Serum Response Element (SRE). GH stimulates the serine phosphorylation of Elk-1, thereby enabling Elk-1 to mediate transcriptional activation. The contribution of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway to Elk-1-mediated transcriptional activation of the c-fos SRE in response to GH was examined. The MEK inhibitor PD098059 attenuated GH-induced expression of the endogenous SRE-regulated genes c-fos, egr-1, and junB as well as transcriptional activation mediated by the c-fos promoter. The MEK inhibitor blocked GH-stimulated activation of MEK, phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2, and MAP kinase activity in 3T3-F442A cells. Blocking MEK activation prevented GH-induced phosphorylation of Elk-1, as well as the ability of Elk-1 to mediate transcriptional activation in response to GH. Overexpression of dominant-negative Ras or the ERK-specific phosphatase, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1, blocked the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway and abrogated GH-induced phosphorylation of Elk-1. GH failed to stimulate phosphorylation or activation of Jun N-terminal kinase under the conditions used. GH slightly increased p38-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein (MAPKAP) kinase-2 activity, but the p38 inhibitor SB203580 did not attenuate GH-promoted Elk-1 phosphorylation. Wortmannin, which inhibited GH-induced ERK phosphorylation, also attenuated transcriptional activation of c-fos by GH. Taken together, these data suggest that GH-dependent activation of the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway and subsequent serine phosphorylation of Elk-1 contribute to GH-stimulated c-fos expression through the SRE.

Signaling via JAK tyrosine kinases: growth hormone receptor as a model system.

During the past 4 years, significant progress has been made in elucidating the earliest events following binding of ligands to members of the cytokine receptor superfamily. This is a rapidly growing family of receptors that currently includes receptors for growth hormone (GH); prolactin; erythropoeitin; granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor; interleukin(IL)s 2-7, 9-13, 15; interferon (IFN)-alpha, beta, and gamma; thrombopoietin; leptin; oncostatin M; leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF); ciliary neurotrophic factor; and cardiotropin-1. Despite their diverse physiological effects in the body, ligands that bind to members of this family share multiple signaling pathways. An early and most likely initiating event for all of them is the activation of one or more members of the Janus (or JAK) family of tyrosine kinases. The activated JAK kinases, which form a complex with the cytokine receptor subunits, phosphorylate themselves as well as the receptor. These phosphorylated tyrosines form binding sites for various signaling molecules that are themselves thought to be phosphorylated by JAK kinases, including 1) signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats), which regulate transcription; 2) She proteins that recruit Grb2-SOS complexes, thereby initiating the Ras-MAP kinase pathway; and 3) insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins that are thought to regulate metabolic events in the cell. Additional other signaling molecules have been implicated in signaling by some cytokines, including protein kinase C, SH2-B beta, and intracellular Ca. This review uses the GH receptor as a model system for studying cytokine signaling and summarizes some of the data used to establish JAK2 as a GH receptor-associated tyrosine kinase and to identify signaling molecules that lie downstream of JAK2. Since these pathways are shared by multiple cytokines, this review also discusses factors that might contribute to specificity of response to different cytokines.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates the association of SH2-Bbeta with PDGF receptor and phosphorylation of SH2-Bbeta.

We recently identified SH2-Bbeta as a JAK2-binding protein and substrate involved in the signaling of receptors for growth hormone and interferon-gamma. In this work, we report that SH2-Bbeta also functions as a signaling molecule for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). SH2-Bbeta fused to glutathione S-transferase (GST) bound PDGF receptor (PDGFR) from PDGF-treated but not control cells. GST fusion protein containing only the SH2 domain of SH2-Bbeta also bound PDGFR from PDGF-treated cells. An Arg to Glu mutation within the FLVRQS motif in the SH2 domain of SH2-Bbeta inhibited GST-SH2-Bbeta binding to tyrosyl-phosphorylated PDGFR. The N-terminal truncated SH2-Bbeta containing the entire SH2 domain interacted directly with tyrosyl-phosphorylated PDGFR from PDGF-treated cells but not unphosphorylated PDGFR from control cells in a Far Western assay. These results suggest that the SH2 domain of SH2-Bbeta is necessary and sufficient to mediate the interaction between SH2-Bbeta and PDGFR. PDGF stimulated coimmunoprecipitation of endogenous SH2-Bbeta with endogenous PDGFR in both 3T3-F442A and NIH3T3 cells. PDGF stimulated the rapid and transient phosphorylation of SH2-Bbeta on tyrosines and most likely on serines and/or threonines. Similarly, epidermal growth factor stimulated the phosphorylation of SH2-Bbeta; however, phosphorylation appears to be predominantly on serines and/or threonines. In response to PDGF, SH2-Bbeta associated with multiple tyrosyl-phosphorylated proteins, at least one of which (designated p84) does not bind to PDGFR. Taken together, these data strongly argue that, in response to PDGF, SH2-Bbeta directly interacts with PDGFR and is phosphorylated on tyrosine and most likely on serines and/or threonines, and acts as a signaling protein for PDGFR.

Regulation of glucose transport and c-fos and egr-1 expression in cells with mutated or endogenous growth hormone receptors.

To identify mechanisms by which GH receptors (GHR) mediate downstream events representative of growth and metabolic responses to GH, stimulation by GH of c-fos and egr-1 expression and glucose transport activity were examined in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing mutated GHR. In CHO cells expressing wild-type GHR(GHR(1-638)), GH stimulated the expression of c-fos and egr-1, and stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake, responses also mediated by endogenous GHR in 3T3-F442A cells. Deletion of the proline-rich box 1 of GHR (GHR(deltaP)) abrogated all of these responses to GH, indicating that box 1, a site of association of GHR with the tyrosine kinase JAK2, is crucial for these GH-stimulated responses. As the C-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain of GHR is required for GH-stimulated calcium flux and for stimulation of spi-2.1 transcription, GHR lacking this sequence (GHR(1-454)) were examined. Not only did GHR(1-454) mediate stimulation of c-fos and egr-1 expression and 2-deoxyglucose uptake, but they also mediated GH-stimulated transcriptional activation via Elk-1, a transcription factor associated with the c-fos Serum Response Element. Thus, the C-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain of GHR is not required for GH-stimulated c-fos transcription, suggesting that increased calcium is not required for GH-stimulated c-fos expression. In CHO cells lacking all but five N-terminal residues of the cytoplasmic domain (GHR(1-294)), GH did not induce c-fos or egr-1 expression or stimulate 2-deoxyglucose uptake. Further, in 3T3-F442A fibroblasts with endogenous GHR, GH-stimulated c-fos expression and 2-deoxyglucose uptake were reduced by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin A, staurosporine, and P11. Herbimycin A and staurosporine inhibit JAK2 and tyrosyl phosphorylation of all proteins stimulated by GH, whereas P11 inhibits the GH-dependent tyrosyl phosphorylation of only some proteins, including extracellular signal regulated kinases ERK1 and -2, but not JAK2. Taken together, these results implicate association of GHR with JAK2 and GH-stimulated tyrosyl phosphorylation of an additional cellular protein in GH-stimulated glucose transport and c-fos and egr-1 expression. These studies also indicate that, in contrast to spi-2.1, the N-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain of GHR is sufficient to mediate stimulation of c-fos and egr-1 expression and Elk-1 activation, supporting multiple mechanisms for GH signaling to the nucleus.

Growth hormone regulation of SIRP and SHP-2 tyrosyl phosphorylation and association.

SIRPs (signal-regulatory proteins) are a family of transmembrane glycoproteins that were identified by their association with the Src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in response to insulin. Here we examine whether SIRPalpha and SHP-2 are signaling molecules for the receptors for growth hormone (GH), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), or interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), cytokine receptor superfamily members that bind to and activate Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). In 3T3-F442A fibroblasts, GH rapidly stimulates tyrosyl phosphorylation of both SIRPalpha and SHP-2 and enhances association of SHP-2 with SIRPalpha. Consistent with JAK2 binding and phosphorylating SIRPalpha in response to GH, co-expression of SIRPalpha and JAK2 in COS cells results in tyrosyl phosphorylation of SIRPalpha and JAK2 association with SIRPalpha. LIF does not stimulate tyrosyl phosphorylation of SIRPalpha but stimulates greater tyrosyl phosphorylation of SHP-2 than GH. Additionally, LIF enhances association of SHP-2 with the gp130 subunit of the LIF receptor signaling complex. IFNgamma, which stimulates JAK2 to a greater extent than LIF, is ineffective at stimulating tyrosyl phosphorylation of SIRPalpha or SHP-2. These results suggest that SIRPalpha is a signaling molecule for GH but not for LIF or IFNgamma. Differential phosphorylation of SIRPalpha and SHP-2 may contribute to the distinct physiological effects of these ligands.