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Phosphorylation of tumor necrosis factor receptor CD120a (p55) by p42(mapk/erk2) induces changes in its subcellular

V Cottin1, A Van Linden, D W Riches

  • 1Division of Basic Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA.

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) signaling activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members. This study shows p42(MAPK/ERK2) phosphorylates CD120a (p55), altering its subcellular localization and potentially its signaling properties.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular signaling pathways
  • Receptor biology
  • Protein phosphorylation

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) interaction with its receptor initiates downstream signaling, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation.
  • The precise mechanisms by which TNFalpha receptor signaling influences cellular localization and function require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of p42(MAPK/ERK2) in the phosphorylation of the TNFalpha receptor CD120a (p55).
  • To determine the functional consequences of CD120a (p55) phosphorylation on its subcellular localization and potential signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a GST-CD120a-(207-425) fusion protein as a substrate to assess phosphorylation in response to various stimuli.
  • Employed immunodepletion and specific inhibitors (PD098059) to confirm the involvement of p42(MAPK/ERK2).
  • Investigated phosphorylation in intact cells using COS-7 transfection, MEK-1 activation, and metabolic labeling with [(32)P]orthophosphate.
  • Analyzed the impact of site-directed mutagenesis of phosphorylation sites on receptor localization.

Main Results:

  • p42(MAPK/ERK2) was confirmed to phosphorylate the cytoplasmic domain of CD120a (p55) in response to TNFalpha and other stimuli.
  • Phosphorylation led to the loss of CD120a (p55) from the plasma membrane and Golgi apparatus, with accumulation in intracellular tubular structures.
  • Mutating phosphorylation sites to alanine blocked this redistribution, while mutation to aspartate/glutamate mimicked the effect, confirming phosphorylation's role.

Conclusions:

  • Phosphorylation of CD120a (p55) by p42(MAPK/ERK2) is a key event following TNFalpha receptor activation.
  • This phosphorylation event significantly alters the subcellular localization of the CD120a (p55) receptor.
  • Changes in receptor localization due to phosphorylation may lead to modulation of downstream signaling properties.

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