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Reactive oxygen species activate p90 ribosomal S6 kinase via Fyn and Ras

J Abe1, M Okuda, Q Huang

  • 1Center for Cardiovascular Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.

Insights

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activates p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) through the Fyn and Ras signaling pathways. This study reveals a novel mechanism for reactive oxygen species in regulating cell growth signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular signaling
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and growth factors activate similar intracellular signaling pathways.
  • p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) is a key downstream effector involved in cell growth.
  • Understanding ROS-mediated signaling is crucial for various biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activates p90RSK.
  • To elucidate the signal transduction mechanisms involved in ROS-activated pathways.
  • To identify the specific kinases and signaling molecules mediating H2O2 effects on p90RSK.

Main Methods:

  • Stimulation of various cell types (lymphocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts) with H2O2.
  • Use of specific inhibitors: MEK-1 inhibitor (PD98059), tyrosine kinase inhibitor (herbimycin A), and Src kinase family inhibitor (PP1).
  • Employing genetic approaches: fibroblasts from Fyn-deficient mice and dominant-negative Ras expression.

Main Results:

  • H2O2 stimulated both ERK1/2 and p90RSK activity in multiple cell types.
  • PD98059 inhibited H2O2-mediated ERK1/2 activation but not p90RSK activation.
  • p90RSK activation by H2O2 was dependent on Fyn kinase and Ras.
  • H2O2 rapidly activated Ras, preceding p90RSK activation, and this was attenuated in Fyn-deficient cells.

Conclusions:

  • Fyn and Ras play essential roles in H2O2-induced p90RSK activation.
  • Redox-sensitive regulation of Ras and p90RSK represents a new function for Fyn.
  • This study uncovers a novel signaling pathway initiated by reactive oxygen species.

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