Biomedical subjects

M C Mumby

Publications and source records attributed to M C Mumby.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

A novel pool of protein phosphatase 2A is associated with microtubules and is regulated during the cell cycle.

Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) on microtubules in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. Interphase and mitotic spindle microtubules, as well as centrosomes, were all labeled with antibodies against individual PP2A subunits, showing that the AB alpha C holoenzyme is associated with microtubules. Biochemical analysis showed that PP2A could be reversibly bound to microtubules in vitro and that approximately 75% of the PP2A in cytosolic extracts could interact with microtubules. The activity of microtubule-associated PP2A was differentially regulated during the cell cycle. Enzymatic activity was high during S phase and intermediate during G1, while the activity in G2 and M was 20-fold lower than during S phase. The amount of microtubule-bound PP2A remained constant throughout the cell cycle, implying that cell cycle regulation of its enzymatic activity involves factors other than microtubules. These results raise the possibility that PP2A regulates cell cycle-dependent microtubule functions, such as karyokinesis and membrane transport.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Diversity in the regulatory B-subunits of protein phosphatase 2A: identification of a novel isoform highly expressed in brain.

The physiological role of type 2A protein phosphatases (PP2A) is dependent upon the association of the catalytic subunit with a variety of regulatory subunits. In order to understand the function of PP2A, we have undertaken purification of the holoenzymes and molecular cloning of the regulatory subunits. Two trimeric forms containing distinct B-subunits, PP2A0 and PP2A1, have been purified from rabbit skeletal muscle. The B-subunits associated with PP2A0 and PP2A1 migrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with slightly different mobility, approximately 52.5 and approximately 51.5 kDa, respectively and showed distinct immunological properties. The B' form of B-subunit associated with PP2A0 was recognized by antibodies against the B-subunit present in bovine heart PP2A but not by antibodies specific to the B subunit isoforms of rabbit PP2A1. Cloning of cDNAs encoding the B subunit of PP2A1 resulted in the isolation of a cDNA highly homologous to, but distinct from, the B alpha subunit isoform. The deduced amino acid sequence of this novel isoform, which was designated B gamma, encoded a protein which was 81% and 87% identical to the B alpha and B beta isoforms, respectively. Northern blot analysis indicated that the B gamma isoform is highly expressed in rabbit brain as a transcript of 3.9 kb. Analysis of B-subunit expression by Western blot indicated a general parallel with the message levels. In conclusion, our data reveal even greater complexity of PP2A trimeric holoenzymes due to the identification of a novel B regulatory subunit isoform of PP2A1 and a distinct B' subunit associated with PP2A0.

Allosteric Regulation↗

PubMed1994

Expression of the catalytic and regulatory subunits of protein phosphatase type 2A may be differentially modulated during retinoic acid-induced granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells.

To elucidate the regulation of protein phosphatases types 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) during all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells, the phosphatase activity, proteins, and gene expressions of PP1 and PP2A were examined. Treatment with 1 microM ATRA caused an 85% decrease in the PP2A activity in extracts from HL-60 cells, while the PP1 activity was constant. This reduction in PP2A activity appeared to parallel phenotypic and functional changes of HL-60 cells induced by ATRA. Western blot analysis showed that the level of PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2A-C) decreased during the course of ATRA-induced differentiation, whereas expressions of A and B (M(r) 55,000) regulatory subunits of PP2A were relatively unaltered. Expressions of PP1 catalytic subunit isozymes (PP1 alpha, PP1 gamma, and PP1 delta) were not significantly affected by ATRA treatment. Northern blot analysis revealed that mRNA levels of PP2A-C beta and A alpha regulatory subunits were decreased following treatment with ATRA, while levels of PP2A-C alpha and B (M(r) 55,000) alpha regulatory subunit transcripts were relatively constant. Selective down regulation of PP2A-C beta preceded the granulocytic maturation induced by ATRA. Expressions of PP2A-C isoforms and A and B regulatory subunits may be differentially modulated during ATRA-induced granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1994

Comparison of heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A containing different B subunits.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is composed of structural (A), catalytic (C), and regulatory subunits (B). Immunological analyses identified B alpha/PR55 alpha as the major regulatory subunit of brain PP2A while a unique B' subunit was associated with the cardiac enzyme. Recombinant PP2A heterotrimers were purified from insect cells infected with baculoviruses expressing A and C, in combination with viruses expressing B alpha/PR55 alpha, B beta/PR55 beta, or SV40 small tumor antigen (st). Phosphatase activities of rAC-B alpha and rAC-B beta were similar to those for brain AC-B alpha, while rAC-st was 50-80% less active. Heparin had no effect on rAC-st myosin light chain phosphatase activity, while the B subunit-containing forms were stimulated 2-3-fold. Protamine caused a 3-4-fold increase in AC-B alpha and rAC-st activities and a marked activation of rAC-B beta (6-fold) and AC-B' (10.5-fold). When histone H1 was used as substrate, all of the heterotrimers were stimulated approximately 4-fold by heparin. The activity of AC-B' and rAC-B beta were increased 2-fold by Mn2+, while a 6-fold stimulation was observed with rAC-st. Chemical cross-linking of AC-B alpha and AC-B beta generated 200-kDa complexes, while AC-st was present as a 150-kDa complex. These results demonstrate that different regulatory proteins affect enzyme activity and the response to agents that modify PP2A activity in vitro. Different PP2A heterotrimers are likely to have distinct functions in vivo, and changes in subunit composition will have an important impact on signal transduction pathways.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Differential activities of protein phosphatase types 1 and 2A in cytosolic and particulate fractions from rat forebrain.

The activities and concentrations of protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) and type 2A (PP2A) were compared in cytosol and particulate fractions of rat forebrain. Although the activity of PP2A was highest in the cytosol, immunoblot analysis with a PP2A-specific antibody showed that there were significant levels of the enzyme in the particulate fraction. There was no significant difference between the concentration of PP2A in the cytosol and particulate fractions such that the low activity of PP2A in the particulate fraction represents an inactivation of this form of the enzyme. Similar analysis in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver showed this finding was unique to the brain. Similarly, the majority of PP1 activity was recovered in the cytosol, but most PP1 enzyme was associated with the particulate fraction. Comparison with other tissues showed that the activities of PP1 in the particulate fractions were similar but that the forebrain contained significantly more enzyme than the other tissues. Thus, like PP2A it appears that the specific activity of PP1 in the particulate fraction of rat forebrain is much lower than that of the cytosol and of the particulate fractions of other tissues. Elution of PP1 and PP2A from membranes with 0.5 M NaCl plus 0.3% Triton X-100 resulted in severalfold activation of both enzymes. That the majority of PP1 and PP2A in rat forebrain are associated with membrane structures but in a low activity state suggests that novel regulatory mechanisms exist that have considerable and unique potential for activation of protein dephosphorylation.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Mutations which affect the inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A by simian virus 40 small-t antigen in vitro decrease viral transformation.

Three independent point mutations within residues 97 to 103 of the simian virus 40-small-t antigen (small-t) greatly reduced the ability of purified small-t to inhibit protein phosphatase 2A in vitro. These mutations affected the interaction of small-t antigen with the protein phosphatase 2A A subunit translated in vitro, and a peptide from the region identified by these mutations released the A subunit from immune complexes. When introduced into virus, the mutations eliminated the ability of small-t to enhance viral transformation of growth-arrested rat F111 cells. In contrast, the mutant small-t antigens were unimpaired in the transactivation of the adenovirus E2 promoter, an activity which was reduced by a double mutation in small-t residues 43 and 45.

Adenovirus E2 Proteins↗

PubMed1994

Simian virus 40 small t antigen cooperates with mitogen-activated kinases to stimulate AP-1 activity.

The simian virus 40 small tumor antigen (small t) specifically interacts with protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) in vivo and alters its catalytic activity in vitro. Among the substrates for PP2A in vitro are the activated forms of MEK and ERK kinases. Dephosphorylation of the activating phosphorylation sites on MEK and ERKs by PP2A in vitro results in a decrease in their respective kinase activities. Recently, it has been shown that overexpression of small t in CV-1 cells results in an inhibition of PP2A activity toward MEK and ERK2 and a constitutive upregulation of MEK and ERK2 activity. Previously, we have observed that overexpression of either ERK1, MEK1, or a constitutively active truncated form of c-Raf-1 (BXB) is insufficient to activate AP-1 in REF52 fibroblasts. We therefore examined whether overexpression of small t either alone or in conjunction with ERK1, MEK1, or BXB could activate AP-1. We found that coexpression of small t and either ERK1, MEK1, or BXB resulted in an increase in AP-1 activity, whereas expression of either small t or any of the kinases alone did not have any effect. Similarly, coexpression of small t and ERK1 activated serum response element-regulated promoters. Coexpression of kinase-deficient mutants of ERK1 and ERK2 inhibited the activation of AP-1 caused by expression of small t and either MEK1 or BXB. Coexpression of an interfering MEK, which inhibited AP-1 activation by small t and BXB, did not inhibit the activation of AP-1 caused by small t and ERK1. In contrast to REF52 cells, we observed that overexpression of either small or ERK1 alone in CV-1 cells was sufficient to stimulate AP-1 activity and that this stimulation was not enhanced by expression of small t and ERK1 together. These results show that the effects of small t on immediate-early gene expression depend on the cell type examined and suggest that the mitogen-activated protein kinase activation pathway is distinctly regulated in different cell types.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Ceramide activates heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A.

Ceramide activates a cytosolic protein phosphatase present in rat T9 glioma cells and rat brain. Ceramide-activated protein phosphatase (CAPP) was found to share several properties with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) leading to the hypothesis that ceramide may directly activate PP2A. PP2A was isolated as a heterotrimer (AB'C, AB alpha C), heterodimer (AC), or free C subunit, and the effect of ceramide on the catalytic activity was assessed. C2-ceramide, 5-20 microM, activated heterotrimeric PP2A up to 3.5-fold but had no effect on the activity of AC or C. Ceramides possessing hexanoyl, decanoyl, and myristoyl but not stearoyl acyl chains also activated heterotrimeric PP2A. Ceramide activation of heterotrimeric PP2A required the presence of a B subunit since trypsinization or heparin treatment abolished ceramide activation. Activation of heterotrimeric PP2A was specific for ceramide because related sphingolipids had no effect. Moreover, dihydro-C2-ceramide, which lacks the trans double bond in the sphingoid base, inhibited AB'C activity by > 90% at 10 microM. The specificity of activation of AB'C and AB alpha C by stereoisomers of C2-ceramide was found to differ. Whereas activation of AB'C by either DL-erythro- or threo-C2-ceramide was similar, AB alpha C was activated by either D- or L-erythro-C2-ceramide but not by the threo isomers. CAPP isolated from T9 cells was most effectively activated by D-erythro-C2-ceramide. CAPP was found to possess two peaks of ceramide activated phosphatase activity. The initial peak of activity was coincident with the elution of AB'C and was stimulated 1.8-fold by 20 microM C2-ceramide. A second peak of phosphatase activity was negligible in the absence of ceramide but was stimulated 5.5-fold by 20 microM C2-ceramide. These results support the hypothesis that ceramide is a specific lipid second messenger modulating heterotrimeric PP2A activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Regulation of cell cycle progression and nuclear affinity of the retinoblastoma protein by protein phosphatases.

Decreased affinity of the retinoblastoma protein (RB) for the nuclear compartment has been correlated with cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation of the RB protein during the G1/S phase of the cell cycle. We examined the effects of microinjected protein-serine/threonine phosphatases types 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) on nuclear association of RB monitored as the resistance of RB to extraction at the G1/S transition. Microinjection of PP1 into either the nucleus or the cytoplasm of cells synchronized in G1 increased the amount of RB that was resistant to extraction from the nucleus. Microinjection of PP2A, however, required direct injection into the nucleus to generate this effect. In addition, we found that nuclear injection of only the PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2AC) and not the complex containing the A and C subunits inhibited RB extraction. Microinjection of either PP1 or PP2A and the resultant increased affinity of RB for the nucleus corresponded with the inhibition of cell cycle progression into S phase. Injection of either phosphatase into cells that had entered S phase did not block DNA synthesis, suggesting that the effect of the injected phosphatases on cell cycle arrest was specific. In vitro biochemical studies with purified PP1 and PP2A showed that intact RB protein phosphorylated by cdc2 kinase served as a substrate for both protein phosphatases. Our results suggest that protein phosphatases may be important regulators of RB function and support the idea that cell cycle progression is regulated by the phosphorylation state of the RB protein.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Simian virus 40 small-t antigen binds two zinc ions.

Six cysteine residues of the simian virus 40 small-t antigen (small-t) are important for stability of the protein. Stability has been shown to be related to the ability of small-t to bind zinc ions in vitro. Purified small-t expressed either in bacteria or from baculovirus vectors binds two molecules of zinc per molecule of protein. Thus, small-t may resemble GAL4, which contains a Zn(II)2Cys6 binuclear cluster.

Antigens, Viral, Tumor↗

PubMed1993

Protein phosphatase 2A potentiates activity of promoters containing AP-1-binding elements.

The involvement of serine/threonine protein phosphatases in signaling pathways which modulate the activity of the transcription factor AP-1 was examined. Purified protein phosphatase types 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) were microinjected into cell lines containing stably transfected lacZ marker genes under the control of an enhancer recognized by AP-1. Microinjection of PP2A potentiated serum-stimulated beta-galactosidase expression from the AP-1-regulated promoter. Similarly, transient expression of the PP2A catalytic subunit with c-Jun resulted in a synergistic transactivation of an AP-1-regulated reporter gene. PP2A, but not PP1, potentiated serum-induced c-Jun expression, which has been previously shown to be autoregulated by AP-1 itself. Consistent with these results, PP2A dephosphorylated c-Jun on negative regulatory sites in vitro, suggesting one possible direct mechanism for the effects of PP2A on AP-1 activity. Microinjection of PP2A had no effect on cyclic AMP (cAMP)-induced expression of a reporter gene containing a cAMP-regulated promoter, while PP1 injection abolished cAMP-induced gene expression. Taken together, these results suggest a specific role for PP2A in signal transduction pathways that regulate AP-1 activity and c-Jun expression.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Protein serine/threonine phosphatases: structure, regulation, and functions in cell growth.

It is clear that much remains to be discovered regarding the roles of protein phosphatases in mitogenic signaling pathways. The ability of okadaic acid to activate MAPK/ERKs demonstrates that alteration in serine/threonine dephosphorylation can have significant effects on common steps in growth stimulation induced by different types of mitogens. As in the case of cell cycle control, protein serine/threonine phosphatase plays a central role in the reentry of quiescent cells into the cycle. Because the only known targets of okadaic acid are the catalytic subunits PP1 and PP2A, these enzymes are crucial components of two basic functions carried out by cells: growth and division. Important and obligatory roles for PP2B, PP2C, and newly discovered serine/threonine phosphatases are also likely. However, the limited tissue distribution, unique regulatory properties, and limited substrate specificities of these forms suggest more specialized functions in restricted cell types. The available information on the specific functions of different forms of protein serine/threonine phosphatases, let alone their individual isoforms and different multimeric holoenzymes, is still severely limited. Years of biochemical characterization and cDNA cloning have left us with far more forms than functions. This has led to the gratifying situation, at least for the biochemists, in which genetics and cell biology identify protein phosphatases for which a wealth of biochemical information is already available. The appreciation of the importance of these enzymes in the coming years can only increase as the functions for individual forms are discovered.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Site-specific dephosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase by protein phosphatases 1 and 2A.

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase is phosphorylated at two sites (A and B) by different protein kinases. Phosphorylation at site A increases the concentration of Ca2+/calmodulin required for kinase activation. Diphosphorylated myosin light chain kinase was used to determine the site-specificity of several forms of protein serine/threonine phosphatase. These phosphatases readily dephosphorylated myosin light chain kinase in vitro and displayed differing specificities for the two phosphorylation sites. Type 2A protein phosphatase specifically dephosphorylated site A, and binding of Ca2+/calmodulin to the kinase had no effect on dephosphorylation. The purified catalytic subunit of type 1 protein phosphatase dephosphorylated both sites in the absence of Ca2+/calmodulin but only dephosphorylated site A in the presence of Ca2+/calmodulin. A protein phosphatase fraction was prepared from smooth muscle actomyosin by extraction with 80 mM MgCl2. On the basis of sensitivity to okadaic acid and inhibitor 2, this activity was composed of multiple protein phosphatases including type 1 activity. This phosphatase fraction dephosphorylated both sites in the absence of Ca2+/calmodulin. However, dephosphorylation of both sites A and B was completely blocked in the presence of Ca2+/calmodulin. These results indicate that two phosphorylation sites of myosin light chain kinase are dephosphorylated by multiple protein serine/threonine phosphatases with unique catalytic specificities.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Expression of the A subunit of protein phosphatase 2A and characterization of its interactions with the catalytic and regulatory subunits.

The alpha form of the A subunit of human protein phosphatase 2A was expressed in insect cells following infection with a recombinant baculovirus. A alpha was expressed as a soluble protein that comprised approximately 10% of total cellular protein. The expressed A alpha subunit was purified by chromatography on amino-hexyl-Sepharose and Mono Q with a yield of 2 mg/500-ml culture. The recombinant protein had the same apparent molecular mass as the bovine cardiac protein and was devoid of myosin light chain phosphatase activity. Biological activity of expressed A was assessed by assays of complex formation with the catalytic (C) and B subunits, purified from bovine cardiac tissue, and by inhibition of phosphatase activity. Purified A alpha had a high apparent affinity for C (IC50 = 0.10 nM) and bound with a stoichiometry of 1 mol of A/mol of C. Interaction of A alpha with the catalytic subunit caused a maximal inhibition of myosin light chain and phosphorylase phosphatase activities of 50 and 79%, respectively. The AC complex prepared by reconstitution of recombinant A alpha with C had the same electrophoretic mobility in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels and the same elution volume when chromatographed on a size exclusion column as the native AC complex purified from cardiac muscle. Similar chromatographic profiles were also observed for the heterotrimer reconstituted from recombinant A alpha, purified B and C, and the native bovine cardiac heterotrimeric holoenzyme. Cross-linking of the native enzyme and the reconstituted heterotrimer generated the same pattern of high molecular weight species. Immunological analyses of these complexes demonstrated that distinct cross-linked forms composed of ABC, AC, AB, and BC were obtained. These results suggest that each of the three subunits of protein phosphatase 2A forms direct contacts with both of the others.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

NH2-terminal modification of the phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit allows functional expression in mammalian cells.

Functional expression of recombinant wild-type phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit has been unsuccessful in the past. A nine-amino-acid peptide sequence (YP-YDVPDYA) derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein was used to modify the NH2 and/or COOH terminus of the phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit. Addition of the nine-amino-acid sequence at the NH2 terminus allowed recombinant phosphatase 2A expression as a predominantly cytosolic phosphatase 2A enzyme. The 12CA5 monoclonal antibody that recognizes the nine-amino-acid hemagglutinin peptide sequence was used to immunoprecipitate the epitope-tagged phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit. Assay of the immunoprecipitated epitope-tagged phosphatase 2A demonstrated an okadaic acid-sensitive dephosphorylation of [32P] histone H1 and [32P]myelin basic protein similar to that measured with the wild-type enzyme. Functional phosphatase activity could be demonstrated for the NH2-terminal modified phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit following transient expression in COS cells or stable expression in Rat1a cells. In contrast, the COOH-terminal-modified phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit was very poorly expressed. The NH2-, COOH-modified subunit, having the nine-amino-acid hemagglutinin peptide sequence encoded at both termini of the polypeptide, was also expressed as a functional phosphatase 2A enzyme. Thus, NH2-terminal modification of the phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit results in a functional plasmid-expressed enzyme. The unique nine-amino-acid epitope-tag sequence also provides a method to easily resolve the recombinant phosphatase 2A from the endogenous wild-type gene product and related phosphatases expressed in cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

GTP gamma S-dependent regulation of smooth muscle contractile elements.

Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) increases the sensitivity of the contractile response to activation by Ca2+ in permeabilized tracheal smooth muscle. Increased tension was associated with a proportional increase in myosin light chain phosphorylation. The site of phosphorylation was determined to be serine-19, which corresponds to the site rapidly phosphorylated by myosin light chain kinase. GTP gamma S did not affect the contraction induced by the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid but did enhance contraction produced by Ca(2+)-independent myosin light chain kinase. In tracheal homogenates Ca(2+)-dependent myosin light chain kinase activity was not affected by GTP gamma S; however, dephosphorylation of 32P-labeled heavy meromyosin by phosphatase was inhibited. Thus GTP gamma S may increase the Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements in tracheal smooth muscle by inhibition of protein phosphatase activity toward myosin light chain.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Subunit interactions control protein phosphatase 2A. Effects of limited proteolysis, N-ethylmaleimide, and heparin on the interaction of the B subunit.

Protein phosphatase 2A consists of a heterotrimeric complex composed of a catalytic subunit (C) and two associated subunits (A and B). Limited tryptic digestion of the heterotrimeric ABC form resulted in the selective degradation of the Mr = 55,000 B subunit to a 48-kDa polypeptide. The cleavage sites were determined to be within a 3-7-kDa region of the COOH terminus. Proteolysis led to dissociation of the B subunit from the enzyme complex and correlated with an increase in cardiac myosin light chain, smooth muscle myosin light chain peptide, and Leu-Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Leu-Gly (Kemptide) phosphatase activity. Purification of the digestion products and native gel electrophoresis indicated that dissociation of the B subunit was responsible for the increase in phosphatase activity. Kinetic analyses with several substrates revealed that dissociation of the B subunit resulted in a 2-7-fold increase in Vmax and a 1.6-5 fold increase in Km. Proteolytic dissociation of the B subunit increased the sensitivity of protein phosphatase 2A to inhibition by okadaic acid. Inhibition of the trypsinized enzyme was very similar to that observed for the purified AC form of protein phosphatase 2A. Incubation of the ABC complex with N-ethylmaleimide resulted in dissociation of the C subunit and generation of an AB complex. Selective release of the C subunit indicated that the B subunit interacts directly with the A subunit and that one or more free sulfhydryls are required to maintain the heterotrimeric structure of protein phosphatase 2A. Treatment of the enzyme with heparin resulted in an increase in specific activity that was due to the release of the B subunit from the complex. These results provide evidence that the B subunit binds directly to the A subunit to modulate enzyme activity and substrate specificity and that the COOH-terminal region of this protein is important for interaction with the AC complex. Dissociation of the B subunit by polyanionic substances related to heparin may represent a mechanism for regulating the activity of this enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1991

INH, a negative regulator of MPF, is a form of protein phosphatase 2A.

MPF, a protein kinase complex consisting of cyclin and p34cdc2 subunits, promotes the G2 to M phase transition in eukaryotic cells. The pathway of activation and inactivation of MPF is not well understood, although there is strong evidence that removal of phosphate from a tyrosine residue on p34cdc2 is part of the activation process. INH was originally identified as an activity that could inhibit the posttranslational activation of a latent form of MPF, called pre-MPF, in immature (G2 phase-arrested) Xenopus oocytes. We have purified INH and demonstrated that it is a form of protein phosphatase 2A. Both INH and the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A can directly inactivate an isolated p34cdc2-cyclin complex. Both cyclin and p34cdc2 become dephosphorylated; the rate of inactivation closely parallels the removal of phosphate from a specific site on p34cdc2. We propose that INH opposes MPF activation by reversing this critical phosphorylation.

Animals↗