Regulation of stem cell factor receptor signaling by Cbl family proteins (Cbl-b/c-Cbl)
Shan Zeng1, Zhiheng Xu, Stan Lipkowitz
1Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Abstract:
Activation of the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase contributes to the pathogenesis of several human diseases, but the mechanisms regulating KIT signaling have not been fully characterized. Here, we show that stem cell factor (SCF), the ligand for KIT, induces the interaction between KIT and Cbl proteins and their mutual degradation. Upon SCF stimulation, KIT binds to and induces the phosphorylation of Cbl proteins, which in turn act as E3 ligases, mediating the ubiquitination and degradation of KIT and themselves. Tyrosine kinase binding and RING finger domains of Cbl are essential for Cbl-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of KIT. We propose a negative feedback loop controlling the SCF-KIT signaling pathway, in which SCF activates KIT. The activated KIT in turn induces phosphorylation and activation of Cbl proteins. The Cbl proteins then bind and direct the degradation of activated KIT, leading to down-regulation of KIT signaling.
Insights
Stem cell factor (SCF) activates KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, leading to Cbl protein interaction and degradation. This establishes a negative feedback loop, down-regulating KIT signaling in various human diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling pathways
- Molecular mechanisms of disease
- Protein ubiquitination and degradation
Background:
- The KIT receptor tyrosine kinase plays a role in several human diseases.
- Mechanisms regulating KIT signaling are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of KIT signaling.
- To investigate the role of Cbl proteins in KIT regulation.
Main Methods:
- Studied the interaction between KIT and Cbl proteins upon stem cell factor (SCF) stimulation.
- Investigated the role of Cbl protein domains in ubiquitination and degradation.
Main Results:
- SCF stimulation induces KIT and Cbl protein interaction and mutual degradation.
- Activated KIT phosphorylates Cbl proteins, which then mediate KIT ubiquitination and degradation.
- Tyrosine kinase binding and RING finger domains of Cbl are crucial for KIT degradation.
Conclusions:
- A negative feedback loop regulates SCF-KIT signaling.
- Activated KIT induces Cbl activation, leading to KIT degradation and signaling down-regulation.
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