Serine/threonine-protein kinase which acts as an essential component of the MAP kinase signal transduction pathway. Acts as a MAPK kinase kinase kinase (MAP4K) and is an upstream activator of the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAP/JNK) signaling pathway and to a lesser extend of the p38 MAPKs signaling pathway. Required for the efficient activation of JNKs by TRAF6-dependent stimuli, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as polyinosine-polycytidine (poly(IC)), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipid A, peptidoglycan (PGN), or bacterial flagellin. To a lesser degree, IL-1 and engagement of CD40 also stimulate MAP4K2-mediated JNKs activation. The requirement for MAP4K2/GCK is most pronounced for LPS signaling, and extends to LPS stimulation of c-Jun phosphorylation and induction of IL-8. Enhances MAP3K1 oligomerization, which may relieve N-terminal mediated MAP3K1 autoinhibition and lead to activation following autophosphorylation. Mediates also the SAP/JNK signaling pathway and the p38 MAPKs signaling pathway through activation of the MAP3Ks MAP3K10/MLK2 and MAP3K11/MLK3. May play a role in the regulation of vesicle targeting or fusion. Regulation of vesicle targeting or fusion.
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), molecular moieties produced by invading microbial pathogens, initiate innate immune responses by binding to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Engagement of PRRs elicits a wide variety of responses, including the production and release of cytokines and chemokines. These responses require the activation of several parallel signaling pathways, including NF-kappaB, the interferon regulatory factors, and the MAPKs. The JNK and p38 MAPK groups are major PRR effectors and are key to the PRR-dependent induction and release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-8. The mammalian Ste20 orthologue germinal center kinase (GCK) is required for the activation of JNK by a subset of PAMPs; however, the mechanisms by which GCK couples to downstream events remain unclear. Here we show that GCK is required for JNK and, unexpectedly, p38 activation by three bacterial PAMPs, lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and flagellin (FliC). We show that these same PAMPs, in a GCK-dependent manner, activate mixed lineage kinases-2 and -3, MAPK kinase kinases upstream of JNK, and p38. We also show that MLK2 and -3 are required for activation of JNK and p38 by ectopically expressed GCK. Finally, we show that MLK2 and -3 are required for lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and FliC recruitment of JNK and p38 as well as for PAMP recruitment of the transcription factor c-Jun, and for the induction of interleukin-8. Our results define a signaling pathway whereby PAMPs can trigger MAPK activation and gene expression.
J. Biol. Chem. 269, 16802-16809 (1994)[PubMed:7515885]
B lymphocytes which reside in the germinal center region of lymphoid follicles are functionally and phenotypically distinct from the surrounding mantle zone B cells. We have isolated cDNA clones for several genes that are differentially expressed between these two populations of B lymphocytes. One such gene, BL44, is preferentially expressed in germinal center B cells. The nucleotide sequence of a 2,874-base pair BL44 cDNA was determined and a 2,451-bp open reading frame found that encodes for a 97-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase referred to as GC kinase. It has an NH2-terminal catalytic domain most similar to that of the Drosophila NinaC protein and the yeast STE20 protein. GC kinase mRNA transcripts are not unique to germinal center B cells and are found in several other tissues, including brain, lung, and placenta. The GC kinase protein was immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells and from the Burkitt cell line RAMOS. GC kinase immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells phosphorylated the substrates casein and myelin basic protein. In addition, a 97-kDa phosphoprotein likely to be GC kinase itself was detected. GC kinase may participate in an important signal transduction pathway in germinal center B cells.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways coordinate critical cellular responses to mitogens, stresses, and developmental cues. The coupling of MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) --> MAPK kinase (MEK) --> MAPK core pathways to cell surface receptors remains poorly understood. Recombinant forms of MAP3K MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) interact in vivo and in vitro with the STE20 protein homologue germinal center kinase (GCK), and both GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo with the adapter protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). These interactions may couple TNF receptors to the SAPK/JNK family of MAPKs; however, a molecular mechanism by which these proteins might collaborate to recruit the SAPKs/JNKs has remained elusive. Here we show that endogenous GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo. In addition, we have developed an in vitro assay system with which we demonstrate that purified, active GCK and TRAF2 activate MEKK1. The RING domain of TRAF2 is necessary for optimal in vitro activation of MEKK1, but the kinase domain of GCK is not. Autophosphorylation within the MEKK1 kinase domain activation loop is required for activation. Forced oligomerization also activates MEKK1, and GCK elicits enhanced oligomerization of coexpressed MEKK1 in vivo. These results represent the first activation of MEKK1 in vitro using purified proteins and suggest a mechanism for MEKK1 activation involving induced oligomerization and consequent autophosphorylation mediated by upstream proteins.
Germinal center kinase (GCK), a member of the Ste20 family, selectively activates the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) group of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Here, we show that endogenous GCK is activated by polyinosine-polycytidine [poly(IC)] and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipid A, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and engagement of CD40, all agonists that require TRAF6 for JNK activation. RNA interference experiments indicate that GCK is required for the maximal activation of JNK by LPS, lipid A, poly(IC), and, to a lesser extent, IL-1 and engagement of CD40. GCK is ubiquitinated in situ and stabilized by inhibitors of the proteasome, indicating that GCK is subject to proteasomal turnover. GCK is constitutively active, and the kinase activity of GCK is required for GCK ubiquitination. Agonist activation of GCK involves the TRAF6-dependent transient stabilization of the GCK polypeptide rather than an increase in intrinsic kinase activity. Our results identify a physiologic function and unexpected mode of regulation for GCK.
Eukaryotic cells respond to different extracellular stimuli by recruiting homologous signalling pathways that use members of the MEKK, MEK and ERK families of protein kinases. The MEKK-->MEK-->ERK core pathways of Saccharomyces cerevisiae may themselves be regulated by members of the STE20 family of protein kinases. Here we report specific activation of the mammalian stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathway by germinal centre kinase (GCK), a human STE20 homologue. SAPKs, members of the ERK family, are activated in situ by inflammatory stimuli, including tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1, and phosphorylate and probably stimulate the transactivation function of c-Jun. Although GCK is found in many tissues, its expression in lymphoid follicles is restricted to the cells of the germinal centre, where it may participate in B-cell differentiation. Activation of the SAPK pathway by GCK illustrates further the striking conservation of eukaryotic signalling mechanisms and defines the first physiological function of a mammalian Ste20.
J. Biol. Chem. 273, 22681-22692 (1998)[PubMed:9712898]
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) elicits a diverse array of inflammatory responses through engagement of its type-1 receptor (TNFR1). Many of these responses require de novo gene expression mediated by the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor. We investigated the mechanism by which TNFR1 recruits the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs) and the p38s, two mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) families that together regulate AP-1. We show that the human SPS1 homologue germinal center kinase (GCK) can interact in vivo with the TNFR1 signal transducer TNFR-associated factor-2 (TRAF2) and with MAPK/ERK kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1), a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK) upstream of the SAPKs, thereby coupling TRAF2 to the SAPKs. Receptor interacting protein (RIP) is a second TNFR signal transducer which can bind TRAF2. We show that RIP activates both p38 and SAPK; and that TRAF2 activation of p38 requires RIP. We also demonstrate that the RIP noncatalytic intermediate domain associates in vivo with an endogenous MAPKKK that can activate the p38 pathway in vitro. Thus, TRAF2 initiates SAPK and p38 activation by binding two proximal protein kinases: GCK and RIP. GCK and RIP, in turn, signal by binding MAPKKKs upstream of the SAPKs and p38s.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways coordinate critical cellular responses to mitogens, stresses, and developmental cues. The coupling of MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) --> MAPK kinase (MEK) --> MAPK core pathways to cell surface receptors remains poorly understood. Recombinant forms of MAP3K MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) interact in vivo and in vitro with the STE20 protein homologue germinal center kinase (GCK), and both GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo with the adapter protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). These interactions may couple TNF receptors to the SAPK/JNK family of MAPKs; however, a molecular mechanism by which these proteins might collaborate to recruit the SAPKs/JNKs has remained elusive. Here we show that endogenous GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo. In addition, we have developed an in vitro assay system with which we demonstrate that purified, active GCK and TRAF2 activate MEKK1. The RING domain of TRAF2 is necessary for optimal in vitro activation of MEKK1, but the kinase domain of GCK is not. Autophosphorylation within the MEKK1 kinase domain activation loop is required for activation. Forced oligomerization also activates MEKK1, and GCK elicits enhanced oligomerization of coexpressed MEKK1 in vivo. These results represent the first activation of MEKK1 in vitro using purified proteins and suggest a mechanism for MEKK1 activation involving induced oligomerization and consequent autophosphorylation mediated by upstream proteins.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase, any protein that can phosphorylate a MAP kinase kinase.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), molecular moieties produced by invading microbial pathogens, initiate innate immune responses by binding to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Engagement of PRRs elicits a wide variety of responses, including the production and release of cytokines and chemokines. These responses require the activation of several parallel signaling pathways, including NF-kappaB, the interferon regulatory factors, and the MAPKs. The JNK and p38 MAPK groups are major PRR effectors and are key to the PRR-dependent induction and release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-8. The mammalian Ste20 orthologue germinal center kinase (GCK) is required for the activation of JNK by a subset of PAMPs; however, the mechanisms by which GCK couples to downstream events remain unclear. Here we show that GCK is required for JNK and, unexpectedly, p38 activation by three bacterial PAMPs, lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and flagellin (FliC). We show that these same PAMPs, in a GCK-dependent manner, activate mixed lineage kinases-2 and -3, MAPK kinase kinases upstream of JNK, and p38. We also show that MLK2 and -3 are required for activation of JNK and p38 by ectopically expressed GCK. Finally, we show that MLK2 and -3 are required for lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and FliC recruitment of JNK and p38 as well as for PAMP recruitment of the transcription factor c-Jun, and for the induction of interleukin-8. Our results define a signaling pathway whereby PAMPs can trigger MAPK activation and gene expression.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with any protein or protein complex (a complex of two or more proteins that may include other nonprotein molecules).
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionIntAct
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways coordinate critical cellular responses to mitogens, stresses, and developmental cues. The coupling of MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) --> MAPK kinase (MEK) --> MAPK core pathways to cell surface receptors remains poorly understood. Recombinant forms of MAP3K MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) interact in vivo and in vitro with the STE20 protein homologue germinal center kinase (GCK), and both GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo with the adapter protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). These interactions may couple TNF receptors to the SAPK/JNK family of MAPKs; however, a molecular mechanism by which these proteins might collaborate to recruit the SAPKs/JNKs has remained elusive. Here we show that endogenous GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo. In addition, we have developed an in vitro assay system with which we demonstrate that purified, active GCK and TRAF2 activate MEKK1. The RING domain of TRAF2 is necessary for optimal in vitro activation of MEKK1, but the kinase domain of GCK is not. Autophosphorylation within the MEKK1 kinase domain activation loop is required for activation. Forced oligomerization also activates MEKK1, and GCK elicits enhanced oligomerization of coexpressed MEKK1 in vivo. These results represent the first activation of MEKK1 in vitro using purified proteins and suggest a mechanism for MEKK1 activation involving induced oligomerization and consequent autophosphorylation mediated by upstream proteins.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways coordinate critical cellular responses to mitogens, stresses, and developmental cues. The coupling of MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) --> MAPK kinase (MEK) --> MAPK core pathways to cell surface receptors remains poorly understood. Recombinant forms of MAP3K MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) interact in vivo and in vitro with the STE20 protein homologue germinal center kinase (GCK), and both GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo with the adapter protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). These interactions may couple TNF receptors to the SAPK/JNK family of MAPKs; however, a molecular mechanism by which these proteins might collaborate to recruit the SAPKs/JNKs has remained elusive. Here we show that endogenous GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo. In addition, we have developed an in vitro assay system with which we demonstrate that purified, active GCK and TRAF2 activate MEKK1. The RING domain of TRAF2 is necessary for optimal in vitro activation of MEKK1, but the kinase domain of GCK is not. Autophosphorylation within the MEKK1 kinase domain activation loop is required for activation. Forced oligomerization also activates MEKK1, and GCK elicits enhanced oligomerization of coexpressed MEKK1 in vivo. These results represent the first activation of MEKK1 in vitro using purified proteins and suggest a mechanism for MEKK1 activation involving induced oligomerization and consequent autophosphorylation mediated by upstream proteins.
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), molecular moieties produced by invading microbial pathogens, initiate innate immune responses by binding to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Engagement of PRRs elicits a wide variety of responses, including the production and release of cytokines and chemokines. These responses require the activation of several parallel signaling pathways, including NF-kappaB, the interferon regulatory factors, and the MAPKs. The JNK and p38 MAPK groups are major PRR effectors and are key to the PRR-dependent induction and release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-8. The mammalian Ste20 orthologue germinal center kinase (GCK) is required for the activation of JNK by a subset of PAMPs; however, the mechanisms by which GCK couples to downstream events remain unclear. Here we show that GCK is required for JNK and, unexpectedly, p38 activation by three bacterial PAMPs, lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and flagellin (FliC). We show that these same PAMPs, in a GCK-dependent manner, activate mixed lineage kinases-2 and -3, MAPK kinase kinases upstream of JNK, and p38. We also show that MLK2 and -3 are required for activation of JNK and p38 by ectopically expressed GCK. Finally, we show that MLK2 and -3 are required for lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and FliC recruitment of JNK and p38 as well as for PAMP recruitment of the transcription factor c-Jun, and for the induction of interleukin-8. Our results define a signaling pathway whereby PAMPs can trigger MAPK activation and gene expression.
J. Biol. Chem. 269, 16802-16809 (1994)[PubMed:7515885]
B lymphocytes which reside in the germinal center region of lymphoid follicles are functionally and phenotypically distinct from the surrounding mantle zone B cells. We have isolated cDNA clones for several genes that are differentially expressed between these two populations of B lymphocytes. One such gene, BL44, is preferentially expressed in germinal center B cells. The nucleotide sequence of a 2,874-base pair BL44 cDNA was determined and a 2,451-bp open reading frame found that encodes for a 97-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase referred to as GC kinase. It has an NH2-terminal catalytic domain most similar to that of the Drosophila NinaC protein and the yeast STE20 protein. GC kinase mRNA transcripts are not unique to germinal center B cells and are found in several other tissues, including brain, lung, and placenta. The GC kinase protein was immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells and from the Burkitt cell line RAMOS. GC kinase immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells phosphorylated the substrates casein and myelin basic protein. In addition, a 97-kDa phosphoprotein likely to be GC kinase itself was detected. GC kinase may participate in an important signal transduction pathway in germinal center B cells.
A series of reactions in which a signal is passed on to downstream proteins within the cell by sequential protein phosphorylation and activation of the cascade components.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways coordinate critical cellular responses to mitogens, stresses, and developmental cues. The coupling of MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) --> MAPK kinase (MEK) --> MAPK core pathways to cell surface receptors remains poorly understood. Recombinant forms of MAP3K MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) interact in vivo and in vitro with the STE20 protein homologue germinal center kinase (GCK), and both GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo with the adapter protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). These interactions may couple TNF receptors to the SAPK/JNK family of MAPKs; however, a molecular mechanism by which these proteins might collaborate to recruit the SAPKs/JNKs has remained elusive. Here we show that endogenous GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo. In addition, we have developed an in vitro assay system with which we demonstrate that purified, active GCK and TRAF2 activate MEKK1. The RING domain of TRAF2 is necessary for optimal in vitro activation of MEKK1, but the kinase domain of GCK is not. Autophosphorylation within the MEKK1 kinase domain activation loop is required for activation. Forced oligomerization also activates MEKK1, and GCK elicits enhanced oligomerization of coexpressed MEKK1 in vivo. These results represent the first activation of MEKK1 in vitro using purified proteins and suggest a mechanism for MEKK1 activation involving induced oligomerization and consequent autophosphorylation mediated by upstream proteins.
An intracellular protein kinase cascade containing at least a JNK (a MAPK), a JNKK (a MAPKK) and a JUN3K (a MAP3K). The cascade can also contain two additional tiers: the upstream MAP4K and the downstream MAP Kinase-activated kinase (MAPKAPK). The kinases in each tier phosphorylate and activate the kinases in the downstream tier to transmit a signal within a cell.
Eukaryotic cells respond to different extracellular stimuli by recruiting homologous signalling pathways that use members of the MEKK, MEK and ERK families of protein kinases. The MEKK-->MEK-->ERK core pathways of Saccharomyces cerevisiae may themselves be regulated by members of the STE20 family of protein kinases. Here we report specific activation of the mammalian stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathway by germinal centre kinase (GCK), a human STE20 homologue. SAPKs, members of the ERK family, are activated in situ by inflammatory stimuli, including tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1, and phosphorylate and probably stimulate the transactivation function of c-Jun. Although GCK is found in many tissues, its expression in lymphoid follicles is restricted to the cells of the germinal centre, where it may participate in B-cell differentiation. Activation of the SAPK pathway by GCK illustrates further the striking conservation of eukaryotic signalling mechanisms and defines the first physiological function of a mammalian Ste20.
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), molecular moieties produced by invading microbial pathogens, initiate innate immune responses by binding to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Engagement of PRRs elicits a wide variety of responses, including the production and release of cytokines and chemokines. These responses require the activation of several parallel signaling pathways, including NF-kappaB, the interferon regulatory factors, and the MAPKs. The JNK and p38 MAPK groups are major PRR effectors and are key to the PRR-dependent induction and release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-8. The mammalian Ste20 orthologue germinal center kinase (GCK) is required for the activation of JNK by a subset of PAMPs; however, the mechanisms by which GCK couples to downstream events remain unclear. Here we show that GCK is required for JNK and, unexpectedly, p38 activation by three bacterial PAMPs, lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and flagellin (FliC). We show that these same PAMPs, in a GCK-dependent manner, activate mixed lineage kinases-2 and -3, MAPK kinase kinases upstream of JNK, and p38. We also show that MLK2 and -3 are required for activation of JNK and p38 by ectopically expressed GCK. Finally, we show that MLK2 and -3 are required for lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and FliC recruitment of JNK and p38 as well as for PAMP recruitment of the transcription factor c-Jun, and for the induction of interleukin-8. Our results define a signaling pathway whereby PAMPs can trigger MAPK activation and gene expression.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways coordinate critical cellular responses to mitogens, stresses, and developmental cues. The coupling of MAPK kinase kinase (MAP3K) --> MAPK kinase (MEK) --> MAPK core pathways to cell surface receptors remains poorly understood. Recombinant forms of MAP3K MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1) interact in vivo and in vitro with the STE20 protein homologue germinal center kinase (GCK), and both GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo with the adapter protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2). These interactions may couple TNF receptors to the SAPK/JNK family of MAPKs; however, a molecular mechanism by which these proteins might collaborate to recruit the SAPKs/JNKs has remained elusive. Here we show that endogenous GCK and MEKK1 associate in vivo. In addition, we have developed an in vitro assay system with which we demonstrate that purified, active GCK and TRAF2 activate MEKK1. The RING domain of TRAF2 is necessary for optimal in vitro activation of MEKK1, but the kinase domain of GCK is not. Autophosphorylation within the MEKK1 kinase domain activation loop is required for activation. Forced oligomerization also activates MEKK1, and GCK elicits enhanced oligomerization of coexpressed MEKK1 in vivo. These results represent the first activation of MEKK1 in vitro using purified proteins and suggest a mechanism for MEKK1 activation involving induced oligomerization and consequent autophosphorylation mediated by upstream proteins.
Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a disturbance in organismal or cellular homeostasis, usually, but not necessarily, exogenous (e.g. temperature, humidity, ionizing radiation).
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93, 5151-5155 (1996)[PubMed:8643544]
Rab8 is a small GTP-binding protein that plays a role in vesicular transport from the trans-Golgi network to the basolateral plasma membrane in polarized epithelial cells (MDCK), and to the dendritic surface in hippocampal neurons. As is the case for most other rab proteins, the precise molecular interactions by which rab8 carries out its function remain to be elucidated. Here we report the identification and the complete cDNA-derived amino acid sequence of a murine rab8-interacting protein (rab8ip) that specifically interacts with rab8 in a GTP-dependent manner. Rab8ip displays 93% identity with the GC kinase, a serine/threonine protein kinase recently identified in human lymphoid tissue that is activated in the stress response. Like the GC kinase, rab8ip has protein kinase activity manifested by autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of the classical serine/threonine protein kinase substrates, myelin basic protein and casein. When coexpressed in transfected 293T cells, rab8 and the rab8ip/GC kinase formed a complex that could be recovered by immunoprecipitation with antibodies to rab8. Cell fractionation and immunofluorescence analyses indicate that in MDCK cells endogenous rab8ip is present both in the cytosol and as a peripheral membrane protein concentrated in the Golgi region and basolateral plasma membrane domains, sites where rab8 itself is also located. In light of recent evidence that rab proteins may act by promoting the stabilization of SNARE complexes, the specific GTP-dependent association of rab8 with the rab8ip/GC kinase raises the possibility that rab-regulated protein phosphorylation is important for vesicle targeting or fusion. Moreover, the rab8ip/GC kinase may serve to modulate secretion in response to stress stimuli.
The process in which vesicles are directed to specific destination membranes. Targeting involves coordinated interactions among cytoskeletal elements (microtubules or actin filaments), motor proteins, molecules at the vesicle membrane and target membrane surfaces, and vesicle cargo.
NASUniProtKB Annot
Enzymatic activity
This protein acts as an enzyme. It is known to catalyze the following reaction
EC 2.7.11.1: ATP + a protein ⇄ ADP + a phosphoprotein.
J. Biol. Chem. 269, 16802-16809 (1994)[PubMed:7515885]
B lymphocytes which reside in the germinal center region of lymphoid follicles are functionally and phenotypically distinct from the surrounding mantle zone B cells. We have isolated cDNA clones for several genes that are differentially expressed between these two populations of B lymphocytes. One such gene, BL44, is preferentially expressed in germinal center B cells. The nucleotide sequence of a 2,874-base pair BL44 cDNA was determined and a 2,451-bp open reading frame found that encodes for a 97-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase referred to as GC kinase. It has an NH2-terminal catalytic domain most similar to that of the Drosophila NinaC protein and the yeast STE20 protein. GC kinase mRNA transcripts are not unique to germinal center B cells and are found in several other tissues, including brain, lung, and placenta. The GC kinase protein was immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells and from the Burkitt cell line RAMOS. GC kinase immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells phosphorylated the substrates casein and myelin basic protein. In addition, a 97-kDa phosphoprotein likely to be GC kinase itself was detected. GC kinase may participate in an important signal transduction pathway in germinal center B cells.
J. Biol. Chem. 269, 16802-16809 (1994)[PubMed:7515885]
B lymphocytes which reside in the germinal center region of lymphoid follicles are functionally and phenotypically distinct from the surrounding mantle zone B cells. We have isolated cDNA clones for several genes that are differentially expressed between these two populations of B lymphocytes. One such gene, BL44, is preferentially expressed in germinal center B cells. The nucleotide sequence of a 2,874-base pair BL44 cDNA was determined and a 2,451-bp open reading frame found that encodes for a 97-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase referred to as GC kinase. It has an NH2-terminal catalytic domain most similar to that of the Drosophila NinaC protein and the yeast STE20 protein. GC kinase mRNA transcripts are not unique to germinal center B cells and are found in several other tissues, including brain, lung, and placenta. The GC kinase protein was immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells and from the Burkitt cell line RAMOS. GC kinase immunoprecipitated from transfected COS cells phosphorylated the substrates casein and myelin basic protein. In addition, a 97-kDa phosphoprotein likely to be GC kinase itself was detected. GC kinase may participate in an important signal transduction pathway in germinal center B cells.
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as well as endotoxins and proinflammatory stimuli such as polyinosine-polycytidine (poly(IC)), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), flagellin, or lipid A activate MAP4K2 by promoting its autophosphorylation.
Germinal center kinase (GCK), a member of the Ste20 family, selectively activates the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) group of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Here, we show that endogenous GCK is activated by polyinosine-polycytidine [poly(IC)] and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipid A, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and engagement of CD40, all agonists that require TRAF6 for JNK activation. RNA interference experiments indicate that GCK is required for the maximal activation of JNK by LPS, lipid A, poly(IC), and, to a lesser extent, IL-1 and engagement of CD40. GCK is ubiquitinated in situ and stabilized by inhibitors of the proteasome, indicating that GCK is subject to proteasomal turnover. GCK is constitutively active, and the kinase activity of GCK is required for GCK ubiquitination. Agonist activation of GCK involves the TRAF6-dependent transient stabilization of the GCK polypeptide rather than an increase in intrinsic kinase activity. Our results identify a physiologic function and unexpected mode of regulation for GCK.
Eukaryotic cells respond to different extracellular stimuli by recruiting homologous signalling pathways that use members of the MEKK, MEK and ERK families of protein kinases. The MEKK-->MEK-->ERK core pathways of Saccharomyces cerevisiae may themselves be regulated by members of the STE20 family of protein kinases. Here we report specific activation of the mammalian stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathway by germinal centre kinase (GCK), a human STE20 homologue. SAPKs, members of the ERK family, are activated in situ by inflammatory stimuli, including tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1, and phosphorylate and probably stimulate the transactivation function of c-Jun. Although GCK is found in many tissues, its expression in lymphoid follicles is restricted to the cells of the germinal centre, where it may participate in B-cell differentiation. Activation of the SAPK pathway by GCK illustrates further the striking conservation of eukaryotic signalling mechanisms and defines the first physiological function of a mammalian Ste20.
Protein involved in immunity, any immune system process that functions in the response of an organism to a potential internal or invasive threat. The vertebrate immune system is formed by the innate immune system (composed of phagocytes, complement, antimicrobial peptides, etc) and by the adaptive immune system which consists of T- and B- lymphocytes.
Protein involved in innate immunity, an inborn defense mechanism used by organisms to defend themselves against invasion by pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.). Initially discovered in insects which are devoid of an adaptive immune system and rely only on innate immune reactions for their defense, this immediate response accomplishes many activities including recognition and effector functions. Recognition is mediated by broad specificity, pattern recognition, receptors which recognize many related molecular structures (e.g. polysaccharides, polynucleotides) present in microorganisms but not found in the host. The innate responses include the release of antimicrobial peptides, production of cytokines, acute- phase proteins, complement. Although many different innate immune mechanisms are deployed for host defence, a unifying theme of innate immunity is the use of germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors for pathogens or damaged self components, such as the Toll-like receptors, nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (LRR)- containing receptors, retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like RNA helicases and C-type lectin receptors.
Protein involved in the response to stress, a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of some stressful conditions. The stress is usually, but not necessarily, exogenous (e.g. temperature, humidity, ionizing radiation, hypertonicity, amino acid deprivation).
Protein which catalyzes the phosphorylation of serine or threonine residues on target proteins by using ATP as phosphate donor. Such phosphorylation may cause changes in the function of the target protein. Protein kinases share a conserved catalytic core common to both serine/ threonine and tyrosine protein kinases.
A reference proteome is a set of protein sequences derived from a complete proteome which constitutes a defined standard for a particular user community. Reference proteomes are manually defined according to a number of criteria. They cover the proteomes of well- studied model organisms and other proteomes of interest for biomedical and biotechnological research. Reference proteomes have been selected to provide broad coverage of the tree of life, and constitute a representative cross-section of the taxonomic diversity to be found within UniProtKB.
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