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Biomedical subjects

David J Hartshorne

Publications and source records attributed to David J Hartshorne.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Urocortin-induced decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity of contraction in mouse tail arteries is attributable to cAMP-dependent dephosphorylation of MYPT1 and activation of myosin light chain phosphatase.

Urocortin, a vasodilatory peptide related to corticotropin-releasing factor, may be an endogenous regulator of blood pressure. In vitro, rat tail arteries are relaxed by urocortin by a cAMP-mediated decrease in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity through a still unclear mechanism. Here we show that contraction of intact mouse tail arteries induced with 42 mmol/L KCl or 0.5 micromol/L noradrenaline was associated with a approximately 2-fold increase in the phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of myosin phosphatase (SMPP-1M), MYPT1, at Thr696, which was reversed in arteries relaxed with urocortin. Submaximally (pCa 6.1) contracted mouse tail arteries permeabilized with alpha-toxin were relaxed with urocortin by 39+/-3% at constant [Ca2+], which was associated with a decrease in myosin light chain (MLC20Ser19), MYPT1Thr696, and MYPT1Thr850 phosphorylation by 60%, 28%, and 52%, respectively. The Rho-associated kinase (ROK) inhibitor Y-27632 decreased MYPT1 phosphorylation by a similar extent. Inhibition of PP-2A with 3 nmol/L okadaic acid had no effect on MYPT1 phosphorylation, whereas inhibition of PP-1 with 3 micromol/L okadaic acid prevented dephosphorylation. Urocortin increased the rate of dephosphorylation of MLC20Ser19 approximately 2.2-fold but had no effect on the rate of contraction under conditions of, respectively, inhibited kinase and phosphatase activities. The effect of urocortin on MLC20Ser19 and MYPT1 phosphorylation was blocked by Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS and mimicked by Sp-5,6-DCl-cBIMPS. In summary, these results provide evidence that Ca(2+)-independent relaxation by urocortin can be attributed to a cAMP-mediated increased activity of SMPP-1M which at least in part is attributable to a decrease in the inhibitory phosphorylation of MYPT1.

Animals↗

Characterization and function of MYPT2, a target subunit of myosin phosphatase in heart.

Characterization of cardiac MYPT2 (an isoform of the smooth muscle phosphatase [MP] target subunit, MYPT1) is described. Several features of MYPT2 and MYPT1 were similar, including: a specific interaction with the catalytic subunit of type 1 phosphatase, delta isoform (PP1cdelta); interaction of MYPT2 with the small heart-specific MP subunit; interaction of the C-terminal region of MYPT2 with the active form of RhoA; phosphorylation by Rho-kinase at an inhibitory site, Thr646 and thiophosphorylation at Thr646 inhibited activity of the MYPT2-PP1cdelta complex. MYPT2 activated PP1cdelta activity, using light chains from smooth and cardiac muscle, by reducing K(m) and increasing k(cat). The extent of activation (k(cat)) was greater than for MYPT1 and could reflect distinct N-terminal sequences in the two MYPT isoforms. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of MYPT2 and PP1cdelta reduced the phosphorylation level of cardiac light chains following stimulation with A23187. Overexpression of MYPT2 and PP1cdelta blocked the angiotensin II-induced sarcomere organization in cultured cardiomyocytes. Electron microscopy indicated locations of MYPTs, at, or close to, the Z-line, the A band and mitochondria. Similarity of the two MYPT isoforms suggests common enzymatic mechanisms and regulation. Cardiac myosin is a substrate for the MYPT2 holoenzyme, but the Z-line location raises the possibility of other substrates.

Angiotensin II↗

Phosphorylation of Thr695 and Thr850 on the myosin phosphatase target subunit: inhibitory effects and occurrence in A7r5 cells.

Major sites for Rho-kinase on the myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1) are Thr695 and Thr850. Phosphorylation of Thr695 inhibits phosphatase activity but the role of phosphorylation at Thr850 is not clear and is evaluated here. Phosphorylation of both Thr695 and Thr850 by Rho-kinase inhibited activity of the type 1 phosphatase catalytic subunit. Rates of phosphorylation of the two sites were similar and efficacy of inhibition following phosphorylation was equivalent for each site. Phosphorylation of each site on MYPT1 was detected in A7r5 cells, but Thr850 was preferred by Rho-kinase and Thr695 was phosphorylated by an unidentified kinase(s).

Animals↗

Localization of myosin phosphatase target subunit and its mutants.

Transient transfection of NIH3T3 cells with various constructs of myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1) and GFP showed distinct cellular localizations. Constructs containing the N-terminal nuclear localization signals (NLS), i.e. full-length MYPT1 and N-terminal MYPT1 fragments, were concentrated in the nucleus. Full-length chicken and human MYPT1-GFP showed discrete nuclear foci. Deletion of the N-terminal NLS or use of central or C-terminal MYPT1 fragments did not show unique nuclear distributions (C-terminal NLS are present). Transient transfection of NIH3T3 cells (in the presence of serum) with full-length MYPT1-GFP caused a marked decrease in number of attached cells, an apparent block in the cell cycle prior to M phase and signs of increased apoptosis. Under conditions of serum starvation the unique nuclear localization of MYPT1-GFP was not found and there was no marked decrease in the number of attached cells (after 48 h). Stable transfection of HEK 293 cells with GFP-MYPT1 was obtained. MYPT1 and its N-terminal mutants bound to retinoblastoma protein (Rb), raising the possibility that Rb is implicated in the effects caused by overexpression of MYPT1.

Animals↗

Okadaic acid induces phosphorylation and translocation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 influencing myosin phosphorylation, stress fiber assembly and cell migration in HepG2 cells.

It was determined that the myosin phosphatase (MP) activity and content of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) were correlated in subcellular fractions of human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. In control cells MYPT1 was localized in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, as determined by confocal microscopy. Treatment of HepG2 cells with 50 nM okadaic acid (OA), a cell-permeable phosphatase inhibitor, induced several changes: 1) a marked redistribution of MYPT1 to the plasma membrane associated with an increased level of phosphorylation of MYPT1 at Thr695. Both effects showed only a slight influence with the Rho-kinase inhibitor, Y-27632; 2) an increase in phosphorylation of MYPT1 at Thr850 associated with its accumulation in the perinuclear region and nucleus. These effects were markedly reduced by Y-27632; 3) an increased phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin II light chain at Ser19 associated with an increased location of myosin II at the cell center. These effects were partially counteracted by Y-27632; 4) an increase in stress fiber formation and a decrease in cell migration, both OA-induced effects were blocked by Y-27632. In HepG2 lysates, OA (5-100 nM) did not affect MP activity but inhibited PP2A activity. These results indicate that OA induces differential phosphorylation and translocation of MYPT1, dependent on PP2A and, to varying extents, on ROK. These changes are associated with an increased level of myosin II phosphorylation and attenuation of hepatic cell migration.

Amides↗

Twitchin as a regulator of catch contraction in molluscan smooth muscle.

Molluscan catch muscle can maintain tension for a long time with little energy consumption. This unique phenomenon is regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of twitchin, a member of the titin/connectin family. The catch state is induced by a decrease of intracellular Ca2+ after the active contraction and is terminated by the phosphorylation of twitchin by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Twitchin, from the well-known catch muscle, the anterior byssus retractor muscle (ABRM) of the mollusc Mytilus, incorporates three phosphates into two major sites D1 and D2, and some minor sites. Dephosphorylation is required for re-entering the catch state. Myosin, actin and twitchin are essential players in the mechanism responsible for catch during which force is maintained while myosin cross-bridge cycling is very slow. Dephosphorylation of twitchin allows it to bind to F-actin, whereas phosphorylation decreases the affinity of the two proteins. Twitchin has been also been shown to be a thick filament-binding protein. These findings raise the possibility that twitchin regulates the myosin cross-bridge cycle and force output by interacting with both actin and myosin resulting in a structure that connects thick and thin filaments in a phosphorylation-dependent manner.

Animals↗

The targeted disruption of the MYPT1 gene results in embryonic lethality.

Myosin phosphatase (MP) is a major phosphatase responsible for the dephosphorylation of the regulatory light chain of myosin II. MYPT1, a target subunit of smooth and nonmuscle MP, is responsible for activation and regulation of MP. To identity the physiological roles of MP, we have generated MYPT1-deficient mice by gene targeting. The heterozygous mice showed no changes in expression levels of MYPT1 and no distinct phenotype compared to wild-type mice was observed. None of the F2 mice were homozygous for the MYPT1 deletion, indicating that the targeted disruption of the MYPT1 gene resulted in embryonic lethality. The point of embryonic lethality is before 7.5 dpc. These findings indicate that MYPT1 is essential for mouse embryogenesis.

Animals↗

Localization of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 in rat brain and in primary cultures of neuronal cells.

Myosin phosphatase (PP1M) is composed of the delta isoform of the PP1 catalytic subunit (PP1cdelta), the myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT), and a 20 kDa subunit. Western blots detected higher amounts of the MYPT1 isoform compared to MYPT2 in whole brain extracts. The localization of MYPT1 was studied in rat brain and in primary cell cultures of neurons using specific antibodies. Analysis of lysates of brain regions for MYPT1 and PP1M by Western blots using anti-MYPT1 antibodies and by phosphatase assays with myosin as substrate suggested a ubiquitous distribution. Immunohistochemistry of tissue sections revealed that MYPT1 was distributed in all areas of the brain, with staining observed in many different cell types. Depending on the method used for fixation, the MYPT1 appeared with varying intensity in nuclei, in nucleoli, and in the cytoplasm. In primary hippocampal cultures, MYPT1 was identified by confocal microscopy in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, whereas a predominantly cytoplasmic localization was found in cochlear nucleus cells. In cultured cells, MYPT1 and PP1cdelta colocalized with synaptophysin. PP1M activity was high in synaptosomes isolated from the cerebral cortex, but was relatively low in the postsynaptic densities. The interaction of MYPT1 with synaptophysin and with known partners (Rho-kinase, PP1cdelta) in brain extracts was shown by immunoprecipitation with anti-MYPT1. Pull-down assays from synaptosomes, using GST-MYPT1, also confirmed these interactions. In conclusion, the widespread cellular and subcellular localization of MYPT1 implies that PP1M may play an important role in the dephosphorylation of key regulatory proteins in neuronal cells.

Animals↗

Smooth muscle phosphatase is regulated in vivo by exclusion of phosphorylation of threonine 696 of MYPT1 by phosphorylation of Serine 695 in response to cyclic nucleotides.

Regulation of smooth muscle myosin phosphatase (SMPP-1M) is thought to be a primary mechanism for explaining Ca(2+) sensitization/desensitization in smooth muscle. Ca(2+) sensitization induced by activation of G protein-coupled receptors acting through RhoA involves phosphorylation of Thr-696 (of the human isoform) of the myosin targeting subunit (MYPT1) of SMPP-1M inhibiting activity. In contrast, agonists that elevate intracellular cGMP and cAMP promote Ca(2+) desensitization in smooth muscle through apparent activation of SMPP-1M. We show that cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) efficiently phosphorylates MYPT1 in vitro at Ser-692, Ser-695, and Ser-852 (numbering for human isoform). Although phosphorylation of MYPT1 by PKA/PKG has no direct effect on SMPP-1M activity, a primary site of phosphorylation is Ser-695, which is immediately adjacent to the inactivating Thr-696. In vitro, phosphorylation of Ser-695 by PKA/PKG appeared to prevent phosphorylation of Thr-696 by MYPT1K. In ileum smooth muscle, Ser-695 showed a 3-fold increase in phosphorylation in response to 8-bromo-cGMP. Addition of constitutively active recombinant MYPT1K to permeabilized smooth muscles caused phosphorylation of Thr-696 and Ca(2+) sensitization; however, this phosphorylation was blocked by preincubation with 8-bromo-cGMP. These findings suggest a mechanism of Ca(2+) desensitization in smooth muscle that involves mutual exclusion of phosphorylation, whereby phosphorylation of Ser-695 prevents phosphorylation of Thr-696 and therefore inhibition of SMPP-1M.

Animals↗

Distinct roles of MLCK and ROCK in the regulation of membrane protrusions and focal adhesion dynamics during cell migration of fibroblasts.

We examined the role of regulatory myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation of myosin II in cell migration of fibroblasts. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibition blocked MLC phosphorylation at the cell periphery, but not in the center. MLCK-inhibited cells did not assemble zyxin-containing adhesions at the periphery, but maintained focal adhesions in the center. They generated membrane protrusions all around the cell, turned more frequently, and migrated less effectively. In contrast, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibition blocked MLC phosphorylation in the center, but not at the periphery. ROCK-inhibited cells assembled zyxin-containing adhesions at the periphery, but not focal adhesions in the center. They moved faster and more straight. On the other hand, inhibition of myosin phosphatase increased MLC phosphorylation and blocked peripheral membrane ruffling, as well as turnover of focal adhesions and cell migration. Our results suggest that myosin II activated by MLCK at the cell periphery controls membrane ruffling, and that the spatial regulation of MLC phosphorylation plays critical roles in controlling cell migration of fibroblasts.

Actins↗

Myosin phosphatase: structure, regulation and function.

Phosphorylation of myosin II plays an important role in many cell functions, including smooth muscle contraction. The level of myosin II phosphorylation is determined by activities of myosin light chain kinase and myosin phosphatase (MP). MP is composed of 3 subunits: a catalytic subunit of type 1 phosphatase, PPlc; a targeting subunit, termed myosin phosphatase target subunit, MYPT; and a smaller subunit, M20, of unknown function. Most of the properties of MP are due to MYPT and include binding of PP1c and substrate. Other interactions are discussed. A recent discovery is the existence of an MYPT family and members include, MYPT1, MYPT2, MBS85, MYPT3 and TIMAP. Characteristics of each are outlined. An important discovery was that the activity of MP could be regulated and both activation and inhibition were reported. Activation occurs in response to elevated cyclic nucleotide levels and various mechanisms are presented. Inhibition of MP is a major component of Ca2+-sensitization in smooth muscle and various molecular mechanisms are discussed. Two mechanisms are cited frequently: (1) Phosphorylation of an inhibitory site on MYPT1, Thr696 (human isoform) and resulting inhibition of PP1c activity. Several kinases can phosphorylate Thr696, including Rho-kinase that serves an important role in smooth muscle function; and (2) Inhibition of MP by the protein kinase C-potentiated inhibitor protein of 17 kDa (CPI-17). Examples where these mechanisms are implicated in smooth muscle function are presented. The critical role of RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling in various systems is discussed, in particular those vascular smooth muscle disorders involving hypercontractility.

Animals↗

Phosphorylation of protein phosphatase type-1 inhibitory proteins by integrin-linked kinase and cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases.

Protein phosphatases play key roles in cellular regulation and are subjected to control by protein inhibitors whose activity is in turn regulated by phosphorylation. Here we investigated the possible regulation of phosphorylation-dependent type-1 protein phosphatase (PP1) inhibitors, CPI-17, PHI-1, and KEPI, by various kinases. Protein kinases A (PKA) and G (PKG) phosphorylated CPI-17 at the inhibitory site (T38), but not PHI-1 (T57). Phosphorylated CPI-17 inhibited the activity of both the PP1 catalytic subunit (PP1c) and the myosin phosphatase holoenzyme (MPH) with IC(50) values of 1-8 nM. PKA predominantly phosphorylated a site distinct from the inhibitory T73 in KEPI, whereas PKG was ineffective. Integrin-linked kinase phosphorylated KEPI (T73) and this dramatically increased inhibition of PP1c (IC(50)=0.1 nM) and MPH (IC(50)=8 nM). These results suggest that the regulatory phosphorylation of CPI-17 and KEPI may involve distinct kinases and signaling pathways.

Animals↗

Twitchin from molluscan catch muscle: primary structure and relationship between site-specific phosphorylation and mechanical function.

The phosphorylation state of the myosin thick filament-associated mini-titin, twitchin, regulates catch force maintenance in molluscan smooth muscle. The full-length cDNA for twitchin from the anterior byssus retractor muscle of the mussel Mytilus was obtained using PCR and 5'rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and its derived amino acid sequence showed a large molecule ( approximately 530 kDa) with a motif arrangement as follows: (Ig)11(IgFn2)2Ig(Fn)3Ig(Fn)2Ig(Fn)3(Ig)2(Fn)2(Ig)2 FnKinase(Ig)4. Other regions of note include a 79-residue sequence between Ig domains 6 and 7 (from the N terminus) in which more than 60% of the residues are Pro, Glu, Val, or Lys and between the 7th and 8th Ig domains, a DFRXXL motif similar to that thought to be necessary for high affinity binding of myosin light chain kinase to F-actin. Two major phosphorylation sites, i.e. D1 and D2, were located in linker regions between Ig domains 7 and 8 and Ig domains 21 and 22, respectively. Correlation of the phosphorylation state of twitchin, using antibodies specific to D1 and D2, with mechanical properties suggested that phosphorylation of both D1 and D2 is required for relaxation from the catch state.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Activation of RhoA and inhibition of myosin phosphatase as important components in hypertension in vascular smooth muscle.

Two mechanisms are proposed to account for the inhibition of myosin phosphatase (MP) involved in Ca2+ sensitization of vascular muscle, ie, phosphorylation of either MYPT1, a target subunit of MP or CPI-17, an inhibitory phosphoprotein. In cultured vascular aorta smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), stimulation with angiotensin II activated RhoA, and this was blocked by pretreatment with 8-bromo-cGMP. VSMCs stimulated by angiotensin II, endothelin-1, or U-46619 significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of both MYPT1 (at Thr696) and CPI-17 (at Thr38). The angiotensin II-induced phosphorylation of MYPT1 was completely blocked by 8-bromo-cGMP or Y-27632 (a Rho-kinase inhibitor), but not by GF109203X (a PKC inhibitor). In contrast, phosphorylation of CPI-17 was inhibited only by GF109203X. Y-27632 dramatically corrected the hypertension in N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-treated rats, and this hypertension also was sensitive to isosorbide mononitrate. The level of the active form of RhoA was significantly higher in aortas from L-NAME-treated rats. Expression of RhoA, Rho-kinase, MYPT1, CPI-17, and myosin light chain kinase were not significantly different in aortas from L-NAME-treated and control rats. Activation of RhoA without changes in levels of other signaling molecules were observed in three other rat models of hypertension, ie, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats, renal hypertensive rats, and DOCA-salt rats. These results suggest that independent of the cause of hypertension, a common point in downstream signaling and a critical component of hypertension is activation of RhoA and subsequent activation of Rho-kinase.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

Myosin phosphatase and myosin phosphorylation in differentiating C2C12 cells.

C2C12 cells offer a useful model to study the differentiation of non-muscle cells to skeletal muscle cells. Myosin phosphorylation and changes in related enzymes, with an emphasis on myosin phosphatase (MP) were analyzed over the first 6 days of C2C12 differentiation. There was a transition from myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1), predominant in the non-muscle cells to increased expression of MYPT2. Levels of MYPT1/2 were estimated, and both isoforms were higher in non- or partially differentiated cells compared to the concentrations in the differentiated isolated myotubes from day 6. A similar profile of expression was estimated for the type 1 protein phosphatase catalytic subunit, delta isoform (PP1c delta). Phosphatase activities, using phosphorylated smooth and skeletal muscle myosins, were estimated for total cell lysates and isolated myotubes. In general, smooth muscle myosin was the preferred substrate. Although the expression of MYPT1/2 and PP1c delta was considerably reduced in isolated myotubes the phosphatase activities were not reduced to corresponding levels. Most of the MP activity was due to PP1c, as indicated by okadaic acid. In spite of relatively high expression of MYPT1/2 and PP1c delta, marked phosphorylation of non-muscle myosin (over 50% of total myosin) was observed at day 2 (onset of expression of muscle-specific proteins) and both mono- and diphosphorylated light chains were observed. Partial inhibition of MLCK by 1-(5-chloronaphthalene-1-sulphonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine HCl (ML-9) or by a construct designed from the autoinhibitory domain of MLCK, resulted in an increase in small myotubes (3-5 nuclei) after 3 days of differentiation and a decrease in larger myotubes (compared to control). The effect of ML-9 was not due to a reduction in intracellular Ca2+ levels. These results suggest that phosphorylation of non-muscle myosin is important in growth of myotubes, either in the fusion process to form larger myotubes or indirectly, by its role in sarcomere organization.

Animals↗

Phosphorylation of the myosin phosphatase target subunit by integrin-linked kinase.

A mechanism proposed for regulation of myosin phosphatase (MP) activity is phosphorylation of the myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1). Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is associated with the contractile machinery and can phosphorylate myosin at the myosin light-chain kinase sites. The possibility that ILK may also phosphorylate and regulate MP was investigated. ILK was associated with the MP holoenzyme, shown by Western blots and in-gel kinase assays. MYPT1 was phosphorylated by ILK and phosphorylation sites in the N- and C-terminal fragments of MYPT1 were detected. From sequence analyses, three sites were identified: a primary site at Thr(709), and two other sites at Thr(695) and Thr(495). One of the sites for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) was Ser(694). Assays with the catalytic subunit of type 1 phosphatase indicated that only the C-terminal fragment of MYPT1 phosphorylated by zipper-interacting protein kinase, and ILK inhibited activity. The phosphorylated N-terminal fragment activated phosphatase activity and phosphorylation by PKA was without effect. Using full-length MYPT1 constructs phosphorylated by various kinases it was shown that Rho kinase gave marked inhibition; ILK produced an intermediate level of inhibition, which was considerably reduced for the Thr(695)-->Ala mutant; and PKA had no effect. In summary, phosphorylation of the various sites indicated that Thr(695) was the major inhibitory site, Thr(709) had only a slight inhibitory effect and Ser(694) had no effect. The findings that ILK phosphorylated both MYPT1 and myosin and the association of ILK with MP suggest that ILK may influence cytoskeletal structure or function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗