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Published on: May 19, 2016
Divergent roles of c-Src in controlling platelet-derived growth factor-dependent signaling in fibroblasts
1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. shah23@purdue.edu
Abstract:
The vast complexity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced downstream signaling pathways is well known, but the precise roles of critical players still elude us due to our lack of specific and temporal control over their activities. Accordingly, although Src family members are some of the better characterized effectors of PDGFbeta signaling, considerable controversy still surrounds their precise functions. To address these questions and limitations, we applied a chemical-genetic approach to study the role of c-Src at the cellular level, in defined signaling cascades; we also uncovered novel phosphorylation targets and defined its influence on transcriptional events. The spectacular control of c-Src on actin reorganization and chemotaxis was delineated by global substrate labeling and transcriptional analysis, revealing multiple cytoskeletal proteins and chemotaxis promoting genes to be under c-Src control. Additionally, this tool revealed the contrasting roles of c-Src in controlling DNA synthesis, where it transmits conflicting inputs via the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase and Ras pathways. Finally, this study reveals a mechanism by which Src family kinases may control PDGF-mediated responses both at transcriptional and translational levels.
Insights
This study used a chemical-genetic approach to investigate c-Src
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling is complex.
- The exact roles of Src family kinases in PDGF signaling remain unclear.
- Lack of specific temporal control hinders investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cellular functions of c-Src in PDGF signaling.
- To identify novel c-Src phosphorylation targets.
- To define c-Src's influence on transcriptional regulation.
Main Methods:
- Chemical-genetic approach for c-Src manipulation.
- Global substrate labeling for phosphoproteomics.
- Transcriptional analysis to assess gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- c-Src significantly controls actin reorganization and chemotaxis.
- Multiple cytoskeletal proteins and chemotaxis genes are regulated by c-Src.
- c-Src transmits conflicting signals via PI3K and Ras pathways impacting DNA synthesis.
Conclusions:
- c-Src plays a critical role in PDGF-mediated actin dynamics and cell migration.
- c-Src influences gene expression related to chemotaxis.
- Src family kinases regulate PDGF responses at both transcriptional and translational levels.
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