Novel crosstalk to BMP signalling: cGMP-dependent kinase I modulates BMP receptor and Smad activity

EMBO J. 2009 Jun 3;28(11):1537-50. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2009.103.

Abstract

Integration of multiple signals into the canonical BMP/Smad pathway poses a big challenge during the course of embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Here, we show that cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent kinase I (cGKI) modulates BMP receptors and Smads, providing a novel mechanism enhancing BMP signalling. cGKI, a key mediator of vasodilation and hypertension diseases, interacts with and phosphorylates the BMP type II receptor (BMPRII). In response to BMP-2, cGKI then dissociates from the receptors, associates with activated Smads, and undergoes nuclear translocation. In the nucleus, cGKI binds with Smad1 and the general transcription factor TFII-I to promoters of BMP target genes such as Id1 to enhance transcriptional activation. Accordingly, cGKI has a dual function in BMP signalling: (1) it modulates BMP receptor/Smad activity at the plasma membrane and (2) after redistribution to the nucleus, it further regulates transcription as a nuclear co-factor for Smads. Consequently, cellular defects caused by mutations in BMPRII, found in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, were compensated through cGKI, supporting the positive action of cGKI on BMP-induced Smad signalling downstream of the receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / metabolism
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors / metabolism*
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Phosphorylation
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding
  • Smad Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors, TFII
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Smad Proteins
  • Transcription Factors, TFII
  • Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • BMPR2 protein, human
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II