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Shengcai Lin

Publications and source records attributed to Shengcai Lin.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Determinants that control the specific interactions between TAB1 and p38alpha.

Previous studies have revealed that transforming growth factor-beta-activated protein kinase 1 (TAB1) interacts with p38alpha and induces p38alpha autophosphorylation. Here, we examine the sequence requirements in TAB1 and p38alpha that drive their interaction. Deletion and point mutations in TAB1 reveal that a proline residue in the C terminus of TAB1 (Pro412) is necessary for its interaction with p38alpha. Furthermore, a cryptic D-domain-like docking site was identified adjacent to the N terminus of Pro412, putting Pro412 in the phi(B)+3 position of the docking site. Through mutational analysis, we found that the previously identified hydrophobic docking groove in p38alpha is involved in this interaction, whereas the CD domain and ED domain are not. Furthermore, chimeric analysis with p38beta (which does not bind to TAB1) revealed a previously unidentified locus of p38alpha comprising Thr218 and Ile275 that is essential for specific binding of p38alpha to TAB1. Converting either of these residues to the corresponding amino acid of p38beta abolishes p38alpha interaction with TAB1. These p38alpha mutants still can be fully activated by p38alpha upstream activating kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6, but their basal activity and activation in response to some extracellular stimuli are reduced. Adjacent to Thr218 and Ile275 is a site where large conformational changes occur in the presence of docking-site peptides derived from p38alpha substrates and activators. This suggests that TAB1-induced autophosphorylation of p38alpha results from conformational changes that are similar but unique to those seen in p38alpha interactions with its substrates and activating kinases.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2005

Frequency and distribution of AP-1 sites in the human genome.

The AP-1-binding sequences are promoter/enhancer elements that play an essential role in the induction of many genes in mammalian cells; however, the number of genes containing AP-1 sites remains unknown. In order to better address the overall effect of AP-1 on expression of genes encoded by the entire genome, a genome-wide analysis of the frequency and distribution of AP-1 sites would be useful; yet to date, no such analysis of AP-1 sites or any other promoter/enhancer elements has been performed. We present here our study of the consensus AP-1 site and two single-bp variants showing that the frequency of AP-1 sites in promoter regions is significantly lower than their average rate of occurrence in the whole genomic sequence, as well as the frequency of a random heptanucleotide suggesting that nature has selected for a decrease in the frequency of AP-1 sites in the regulatory regions of genes. In addition, genes containing multiple AP-1 sites are more prevalent than those containing only one copy of an AP-1 site, which again may have evolved to allow for greater signal amplification or integration in the regulation of AP-1 target genes. However, the number of AP-1-regulated genes identified in various studies is far smaller than the number of genes containing potential AP-1 sites, indicating that not all AP-1 sites are activated in a given cell under a given condition, and is consistent with the prediction by others that cellular context determines which AP-1 sites are targeted by AP-1.

Chromosomes, Human↗
PubMed2004

p150(Glued), Dynein, and microtubules are specifically required for activation of MKK3/6 and p38 MAPKs.

To look for regulators of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 6 (MKK6), a yeast two-hybrid screen was initiated using MKK6 as bait. p150(Glued) dynactin, a key component of the cytoplasmic dynein-dynactin motor complex, was found to specifically interact with MKK6 and its close homologue MKK3. Silencing of p150(Glued) expression by small interference RNA reduced the stimulus-induced phosphorylation of MKK3/6 and p38 MAPKs. The similar adverse effect was also seen when the cytoplasmic dynein motor was disrupted by other means. Like p150(Glued), MKK3/6 directly associate with microtubules. Disruption of microtubules prior to cell stimulation specifically inhibits the stimulus-induced phosphorylation of both MKK3/6 and p38 MAPKs. Our unexpected findings reveal a specific requirement for p150(Glued)/dynein/functional microtubules in activation of MKK3/6 and p38 MAPKs in vivo.

Dynactin Complex↗