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A protein that is highly related to GTPase-activating protein-associated p62 complexes with phospholipase C gamma

M C Maa1, T H Leu, B J Trandel

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22908.

Insights

A protein known as p62 associates with both GTPase-activating protein (GAP) and phospholipase C gamma (PLC gamma). This study shows p62 directly binds PLC gamma, suggesting a link between signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular signaling
  • Protein-protein interactions
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • p62 protein was initially identified in association with GTPase-activating protein (GAP) of p21ras.
  • Tyrosine kinase signaling pathways are crucial in cell growth and transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between p62, GAP, and phospholipase C gamma (PLC gamma).
  • To determine if p62 directly interacts with PLC gamma and to elucidate the binding mechanism.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoprecipitation assays to detect protein-protein interactions.
  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for protein separation and comparison.
  • Phosphotryptic peptide mapping to assess protein similarity.
  • In vitro binding assays using glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins.

Main Results:

  • A 62-kDa protein, highly related to GAP-associated p62, was found to associate with PLC gamma in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) or v-src transformation.
  • p62 and PLC gamma association was direct, not mediated by GAP or the EGF receptor.
  • p62 binding to PLC gamma required both N- and C-terminal Src homology 2 (SH2) domains of PLC gamma, unlike GAP which uses its N-terminal SH2 domain.

Conclusions:

  • A protein identical or highly related to GAP-associated p62 directly binds to PLC gamma.
  • This interaction suggests a mechanism for cross-talk between PLC gamma-mediated and GAP-mediated signaling pathways.

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