Functional interaction of calcium-/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and cytosolic phospholipase A(2).

Calcium-/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II), a decoder of Ca(2+) signals, and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)), an enzyme involved in arachidonate release, are involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Activation of CaM kinase II in norepinephrine-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells leads to activation of cPLA(2) and arachidonic acid release. Surface plasmon resonance, mass spectrometry, and kinetic studies show that CaM kinase II binds to cPLA(2) resulting in cPLA(2) phosphorylation on Ser-515 and an increase in its enzymatic activity. Phosphopeptide mapping studies with cPLA(2) from norepinephrine-stimulated smooth muscle cells indicates that phosphorylation of cPLA(2) on Ser-515, but not on Ser-505 or Ser-727, occurs in vivo. This novel signaling pathway for arachidonate release is shown to be cPLA(2)-dependent by use of a recently described and highly selective inhibitor of this enzyme.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and cytosolic phospholipase A2 contribute to mitogenic signaling in myeloblastic leukemia U-937 cells.

The signaling mechanisms downstream of growth factor-stimulated proliferation in myeloid leukemia cells have not yet been fully elucidated. Recent evidence suggests that alternate pathways to the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade are required. We have previously shown that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) activates cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), which is involved in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, the contribution of this pathway was investigated in the proliferation of U-937 myeloid leukemia cells. In U-937 cells, fetal bovine serum (FBS)-induced proliferation was attenuated by CaM kinase II inhibitor KN-93 but not by its inactive analog KN-92. Inhibitors of cPLA2 (methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate and arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone) also reduced proliferation of U-937 cells. FBS-induced proliferation was also attenuated by cotransfection with cPLA2 antisense oligonucleotides. These results suggest a role for CaM kinase II and cPLA2 in the proliferation of U-937 cells. FBS stimulated CaM kinase II and cPLA2 activities in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, FBS-stimulated phosphorylation and activation of cPLA2 activation was inhibited by KN-93. FBS-stimulated phosphorylation of CaM kinase II was blocked by KN-93 but not by cPLA2 inhibitors, suggesting that CaM kinase II activates cPLA2. The products of phospholipid hydrolysis produced by cPLA2, lysophosphatidylcholine but not arachidonic acid, increased [3H]thymidine incorporation in U-937 cells. These data suggest that exposure of U-937 cells to FBS promotes phosphorylation and activation of CaM kinase II, leading to stimulation of cPLA2 and generation of lysophosphatidylcholine and resultant proliferation of these cells.

Small GTP binding protein Ras contributes to norepinephrine-induced mitogenesis of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Norepinephrine stimulates release of arachidonic acid from tissue lipids. Arachidonic acid metabolites generated through the lipoxygenase and cytochrome P-450 pathways but not cyclooxygenase stimulate mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase activity and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Moreover, norepinephrine has been shown to activate the Ras/MAP kinase pathway through generation of cytochrome P450 metabolite of arachidonic acid, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of Ras in norepinephrine-induced mitogenesis in aortic VSMC. Farnesylation of Ras by farnesyl transferase is required for its full activation. Norepinephrine-induced DNA synthesis, as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation, was attenuated by inhibitors of Ras farnesyl transferase FPT III and BMS-191563. These agents also inhibited 20-HETE-stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation. In cells transiently transfected with dominant negative Ras (RasN17), norepinephrine, and 20-HETE-induced proliferation of VSMC was attenuated. Both norepinephrine and 20-HETE increased localization of Ras to plasma membrane and MAP kinase activity; FPT III attenuated these effects. These data suggest that VSMC proliferation induced by norepinephrine and 20-HETE is mediated by Ras/MAP kinase pathway.

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid mediates angiotensin ii-induced phospholipase d activation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) activates cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and phospholipase D (PLD) in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Ang II also activates ras/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in VSMCs; this activation is mediated by 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) and 12(S)-HETE, which are metabolites of arachidonic acid generated by cytochrome P450 4A and lipoxygenase, respectively, produced on activation of cPLA(2). The purpose of this study was to determine if Ang II-induced PLD activation in VSMCs is mediated through the ras/extracellular signal-regulating kinase (ERK) pathway by arachidonic acid metabolites that are generated consequent to cPLA(2) stimulation. Inhibitors of PLD (C(2) ceramide), phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (propranolol), and diacylglycerol lipase (RHC 80267) attenuated Ang II-induced arachidonic acid release. Ang II-induced PLD activation, as measured by [(3)H]phosphatidylethanol production, was inhibited by C(2) ceramide but not by propranolol or RHC 80267. Ang II-induced PLD activation was decreased by the inhibitor methyl arachidonylfluorophosphate (MAFP) and the antisense oligonucleotide of cPLA(2). Inhibitors of lipoxygenases (baicalein) and cytochrome P450 4A (ODYA) attenuated Ang II-induced PLD activation. 20-HETE and 12(S)-HETE increased PLD activity. Inhibitors of ras farnesyltransferase (FPT III and BMS-191563) and MAP kinase kinase (UO126) attenuated the increase in PLD activity elicited by 20-HETE and Ang II. PLD2 was the main isoform activated by Ang II in VSMCs. These data suggest that the CYP4A metabolite 20-HETE, which is generated from arachidonic acid after cPLA(2) activation by Ang II, stimulates the ras/MAP kinase pathway, which in turn activates PLD2 and releases further arachidonic acid for prostaglandin synthesis through the phosphatidate phosphohydrolase/diacylglycerol lipase pathway.

Phospholipase D activation by norepinephrine is mediated by 12(s)-, 15(s)-, and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids generated by stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase a2. tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase d2 in response to norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine (NE) stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) through a Ras/MAPK pathway in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NE also activates calcium influx and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). Arachidonic acid (AA) released by cPLA(2)-catalyzed phospholipid hydrolysis is then metabolized into hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) through lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A) pathways. HETEs, in turn, have been shown to stimulate Ras translocation and to increase MAPK activity in VSMC. This study was conducted to determine the contribution of cPLA(2)-derived AA and its metabolites (HETEs) to the activation of PLD. NE-induced PLD activation was reduced by two structurally distinct CaM antagonists, W-7 and calmidazolium, and by CaM-dependent protein kinase II inhibition. Blockade of cPLA(2) activity or protein depletion with selective cPLA(2) antisense oligonucleotides abolished NE-induced PLD activation. The increase in PLD activity elicited by NE was also blocked by inhibitors of lipoxygenases (baicalein) and CYP4A (17-octadecynoic acid), but not of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin). AA and its metabolites (12(S)-, 15(S)-, and 20-HETEs) increased PLD activity. PLD activation by AA and HETEs was reduced by inhibitors of Ras farnesyltransferase (farnesyl protein transferase III and BMS-191563) and MEK (U0126 and PD98059). These data suggest that HETEs are the mediators of cPLA(2)-dependent PLD activation by NE in VSMC. In addition to cPLA(2), PLD was also found to contribute to AA release for prostacyclin production via the phosphatidate phosphohydrolase/diacylglycerol lipase pathway. Finally, a catalytically inactive PLD(2) (but not PLD(1)) mutant inhibited NE-induced PLD activity, and PLD(2) was tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to NE by a MAPK-dependent pathway. We conclude that NE stimulates cPLA(2)-dependent PLD(2) through lipoxygenase- and CYP4A-derived HETEs via the Ras/ERK pathway by a mechanism involving tyrosine phosphorylation of PLD(2) in rabbit VSMC.

Angiotensin II-induced hypertension: contribution of Ras GTPase/Mitogen-activated protein kinase and cytochrome P450 metabolites.

We reported that norepinephrine and angiotensin II (Ang II) activate the Ras/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway primarily through the generation of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolites. The purpose of the present study was to determine the contribution of Ras and CYP450 to Ang II-dependent hypertension in rats. Infusion of Ang II (350 ng/min for 6 days) elevated mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) (171+/-3 mm Hg for Ang II versus 94+/-5 for vehicle group, P<0.05). Ras is activated on farnesylation by farnesyl protein transferase (FPT). When Ang II was infused in combination with FPT inhibitor FPT III (232 ng/min) or BMS-191563 (578 ng/min), the development of hypertension was attenuated (171+/-3 mm Hg for Ang II plus vehicle versus 134+/-5 mm Hg for Ang II plus FPT III and 116+/-6 mm Hg for Ang II plus BMS-191563, P<0.05). Treatment with the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD-98059 (5 mg SC) reduced MABP. The CYP450 inhibitor aminobenzotriazole (50 mg/kg) also diminished the development of Ang II-induced hypertension to 113+/-8 mm Hg. The activities of Ras, MAP kinase, and CYP450 measured in the kidney were elevated in hypertensive animals. The infusion of FPT III, BMS-191563, or aminobenzotriazole reduced the elevation in Ras and MAP kinase activity. Morphological studies of the kidney showed that FPT III treatment ameliorated the arterial injury, vascular lesions, fibrinoid necrosis, focal hemorrhage, and hypertrophy of muscle walls observed in hypertensive animals. These data suggest that the activation of Ras and CYP450 contributes to the development of Ang II-dependent hypertension and associated vascular pathology.

Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase mediates norepinephrine-induced phospholipase D activation in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells by a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism.

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate, protein kinase C (PKC), ADP-ribosylation factor, and Rho. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of norepinephrine (NE)-mediated PLD activation in rabbit aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NE (10 microM) caused activation of PLD, as measured by the production of phosphatidylethanol in [(3)H]oleic acid-labeled cells. NE also increased PKC activity in VSMC. However, treatment of cells with bisindolylmaleimide, a PKC inhibitor, or long-term treatment with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate that depletes PKC did not decrease NE-induced activation of PLD. NE-stimulated PLD activity was attenuated by farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FPT III and SCH-56582), which reduce activation of both Ras and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Moreover, transfection of VSMC with a dominant negative Ras resulted in inhibition of NE-stimulated MAP kinase and PLD activities. Treatment of cells with PD-98059, a MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, also reduced NE-stimulated PLD activity. These data suggest that NE-stimulated PLD activity is mediated via activation of Ras and MAP kinase in rabbit VSMC. To study the mechanism of activation of PLD by Ras/MAP kinase, NE-induced phosphorylation of PLD was examined. In VSMC, PLD of molecular mass 120 kDa was identified with polyclonal PLD antibody. Phosphorylation of PLD by NE, measured as (32)P incorporation into PLD, was inhibited by PD-98059. Moreover, PLD immunoprecipitated from VSMC lysates was phosphorylated in vitro by MAP kinase. Collectively, these results show a novel pathway for activation of PLD that appears to be mediated through Ras/MAP kinase pathway by a mechanism involving phosphorylation.

Contribution of Ras GTPase/MAP kinase and cytochrome P450 metabolites to deoxycorticosterone-salt-induced hypertension.

We recently reported that norepinephrine and angiotensin II activate the Ras/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway through generation of a cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and lipoxygenase metabolites. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of Ras/MAP kinase to deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced hypertension in rats. Administration of DOCA and 1% saline drinking water to uninephrectomized rats for 6 weeks significantly elevated mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) (166+/-5 mm Hg, n=19) compared with that of normotensive controls (95+/-5 mm Hg, n=7) (P<0.05). The activity of Ras and MAP kinase measured in the heart was increased in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Infusion of the Ras farnesyl transferase inhibitors FPT III (138 ng/min) and BMS-191563 (694 ng/min) significantly (P<0.05) attenuated MABP to 139+/-4 mm Hg (n=14) and 126+/-1 mm Hg (n=4), respectively. Moreover, infusion of MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD-98059 (694 ng/min) also reduced MABP in hypertensive rats. Morphological studies of the kidney showed that treatment of rats with FPT III, which reduced Ras activity, minimized the hyperplastic occlusive arteriosclerosis and fibrinoid vasculitis observed in untreated hypertensive rats. In addition, the rise in CYP450 activity and MABP in hypertensive rats was prevented by the CYP450 inhibitor aminobenzotriazole (50 mg/kg) and was associated with a decrease in Ras and MAP kinase activity in the heart. These data suggest that the Ras/MAP kinase pathway contributes to DOCA-salt-induced hypertension and associated vascular pathology consequent to activation of CYP450.

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid mediates calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Norepinephrine (NE) and angiotensin II (Ang II), by promoting extracellular Ca2+ influx, increase Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) activity, leading to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), resulting in release of arachidonic acid (AA) for prostacyclin synthesis in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the mechanism by which CaMKII activates MAPK is unclear. The present study was conducted to determine the contribution of AA and its metabolites as possible mediators of CaMKII-induced MAPK activation by NE, Ang II, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in vascular smooth muscle cells. NE-, Ang II-, and EGF-stimulated MAPK and cPLA2 were reduced by inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and lipoxygenase but not by cyclooxygenase. NE-, Ang II-, and EGF-induced increases in Ras activity, measured by its translocation to plasma membrane, were abolished by CYP450, lipoxygenase, and farnesyltransferase inhibitors. An AA metabolite of CYP450, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), increased the activities of MAPK and cPLA2 and caused translocation of Ras. These data suggest that activation of MAPK by NE, Ang II, and EGF is mediated by a signaling mechanism involving 20-HETE, which is generated by stimulation of cPLA2 by CaMKII. Activation of Ras/MAPK by 20-HETE amplifies cPLA2 activity and releases additional AA by a positive feedback mechanism. This mechanism of Ras/MAPK activation by 20-HETE may play a central role in the regulation of other cellular signaling molecules involved in cell proliferation and growth.

Cytochrome P-450 metabolites mediate norepinephrine-induced mitogenic signaling.

Norepinephrine (NE) stimulates release of arachidonic acid (AA) from tissue lipids in blood vessels, which is metabolized via cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase (LO), and cytochrome P-450 (CYP-450) pathways to biologically active products. Moreover, NE and AA have been shown to stimulate proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rat aorta. The purpose of this study was to determine the possible contribution of AA and its metabolites to NE-induced mitogenesis in VSMCs of rat aorta and the underlying mechanism of their actions. NE (0.1 to 10 micromol/L) increased DNA synthesis as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation in VSMCs, and this effect was attenuated by inhibitors of CYP-450 (17-octadecynoic acid, 5 micromol/L; 12-diabromododec-11-enoic acid, 10 micromol/L; and dibromo-dodecenyl-methylsulfimide, 10 micromol/L) and by the LO inhibitor (baicalein, 20 micromol/L), but not by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin, 5 micromol/L). CYP-450 and LO metabolites of AA, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) (0.1 to 0.5 micromol/L) and 12(S)-HETE, respectively, increased [3H]thymidine incorporation in VSMCs. Both NE and 20-HETE increased mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase activity as measured by the in-gel kinase assay. The inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase, PD-98059 (50 micromol/L), attenuated NE as well as 20-HETE induced [3H]thymidine incorporation and MAP kinase activation in VSMCs. These data suggest that products of AA formed via CYP-450, most likely 20-HETE, and via LO mediate NE induced mitogenesis in VSMCs.

Signal transduction mechanisms involved in angiotensin-(1-7)-stimulated arachidonic acid release and prostanoid synthesis in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells.

This study investigated the signal transduction mechanisms of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]- and Ang II-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release for prostaglandin (PG) production in rabbit aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Ang II and Ang-(1-7) enhanced AA release in cells prelabeled with [3H]AA. However, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha synthesis produced by Ang II was much less than that caused by Ang-(1-7). In the presence of the lipoxygenase inhibitor baicalein, Ang II enhanced production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha to a greater degree than Ang-(1-7). Angiotensin type (AT)1 receptor antagonist DUP-753 inhibited only Ang II-induced [3H]AA release, whereas the AT2 receptor antagonist PD-123319 inhibited both Ang II- and Ang-(1-7)-induced [3H]AA release. Ang-(1-7), receptor antagonist D-Ala7-Ang-(1-7) inhibited the effect of Ang-(1-7), but not of Ang II. In cells transiently transfected with cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase or Ca(++)-/cal-modulin-dependent protein (CAM) kinase II antisense oligonucleotides, Ang-(1-7)- and Ang II-induced [3H]AA release was attenuated. The CaM kinase II inhibitor KN-93 and the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD-98059 attenuated both Ang-(1-7)- and Ang II-induced cPLA2 activity and [3H]AA release. Ang-(1-7) and Ang II also increased CaM kinase II and MAP kinase activities. Although KN-93 attenuated MAP kinase activity, PD-98059 did not affect CaM kinase II activity. Both Ang II and Ang-(1-7) caused translocation of cytosolic PLA2 to the nuclear envelope. These data show that Ang-(1-7) and Ang II stimulate AA release and prostacyclin synthesis via activation of distinct types of AT receptors. Both peptides appear to stimulate CaM kinase II, which in turn, via MAP kinase activation, enhances cPLA2 activity and release of AA for PG synthesis.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIalpha mediates activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and cytosolic phospholipase A2 in norepinephrine-induced arachidonic acid release in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells.

We have investigated the contribution of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) in norepinephrine (NE)-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release in rabbit aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NE enhanced release of AA via activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) but not secretory PLA2 in VSMC prelabeled with [3H]AA. NE (10 microM) enhanced CaM kinase II and MAP kinase activity. In cells transiently transfected with antisense oligonucleotides complementary to the translation initiation sites of CaM kinase II and MAP kinase, NE-induced AA release was inhibited by 100 and 35% respectively. Treatment of cells with PD-098059, a MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, or with MAP kinase antisense oligonucleotide reduced NE-induced activation of MAP kinase and cPLA2. NE-induced MAP kinase and cPLA2 activation was also inhibited in cells treated with a CaM kinase II inhibitor, KN-93, or with CaM kinase II antisense oligonucleotide. On the other hand, inhibition of MAP kinase kinase with PD-098059 or of MAP kinase with antisense oligonucleotides did not alter the NE-induced increase in CaM kinase II activity. Phosphorylation of MAP kinase and CaM kinase II by NE, studied by 32P incorporation and immune complex kinase assays, was inhibited by KN-93. Collectively, these data suggest that CaM kinase II can activate MAP kinase, which in turn activates cPLA2 to release AA for prostacyclin synthesis in the rabbit VSMC. This novel pathway for activation of MAP kinase by CaM kinase II appears to be mediated through stimulation of MAP kinase kinase. Activation of adrenergic receptors with NE in VSMC caused translocation of CaM kinase II, MAP kinase, and cPLA2 to the nuclear envelope only in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Okadaic acid, which increased phosphorylation and activity, did not translocate these enzymes. Therefore, it appears that in rabbit VSMC, NE, by promoting extracellular Ca2+ influx, increases CaM kinase II activity, leading to activation of MAP kinase and cPLA2 and translocation to the nuclear envelope, resulting in release of AA from the nuclear envelope for prostacyclin synthesis.

Identification of dehydrin-like proteins responsive to chilling in floral buds of blueberry (Vaccinium, section Cyanococcus).

The level of three major polypeptides of 65, 60, and 14 kD increased in response to chilling unit accumulation in floral buds of a woody perennial, blueberry (Vaccinium, section Cynaococcus). The level of the polypeptides increased most dramatically within 300 h of chilling and decreased to the prechilling level with the initiation of budbreak. Cold-hardiness levels were assessed for dormant buds of Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium ashei after different chilling treatments until the resumption of growth. These levels coincided with the level of the chilling-responsive polypeptides. Like some other previously described cold-induced proteins in annual plants, the level of the chilling-induced polypeptides also increased in leaves in response to cold treatment; the chilling-induced polypeptides were heat stable, resisting aggregation after incubation at 95 degrees C for 15 min. By fractionating bud proteins first by isoelectric point (pI) and then by molecular mass, the pI values of the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides were found to be 7.5 to 8.0 and the pI value of the 14-kD polypeptide was judged to be 8.5. Purification of the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides, followed by digestion with endoproteinase Lys-C and sequencing of selected fragments, revealed similarities in amino acid composition between the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides and dehydrins. Indeed, antiserum to the lysine-rich consensus sequence EKKGIMDKIKEKLPG of dehydrin proteins cross-reacted to all three of the major chilling-responsive polypeptides of blueberry, identifying these as dehydrins or dehydrin-like proteins.