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Differential cellular distribution of cAMP-dependent protein kinase during development of Dictyostelium discoideum

K L Schaller1, B H Leichtling, I H Majerfeld

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Jewish Hospital and Research Center, Denver, CO 80206.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|April 1, 1984
PubMed

Insights

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase is more abundant in prespore cells than prestalk cells during Dictyostelium discoideum development. This suggests its role in regulating prespore-specific gene expression.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase activity increases during early Dictyostelium discoideum development.
  • cAMP is crucial for prespore mRNA and protein accumulation during later developmental stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular distribution of cAMP-dependent protein kinase during Dictyostelium discoideum differentiation.
  • To determine the role of this kinase in mediating cAMP-dependent gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Separation of prespore and prestalk cells using Percoll gradient centrifugation.
  • Quantification of catalytic and regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.
  • Analysis of de novo synthesis via [(3)H]leucine incorporation.

Main Results:

  • Prespore cells exhibited 4-5 times higher levels of both catalytic and regulatory subunits compared to prestalk cells.
  • De novo synthesis of the regulatory subunit was confirmed in both cell types.
  • Increased kinase levels correlate with cAMP's role in prespore-specific gene synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • cAMP-dependent protein kinase is differentially distributed, with higher levels in prespore cells.
  • The enzyme is synthesized de novo during development.
  • Findings support a role for cAMP-dependent protein kinase in mediating cAMP effects on prespore cell differentiation.

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