Selective activation of small GTPase RhoA by tyrosine kinase Etk through its pleckstrin homology domain

J Biol Chem. 2002 Aug 16;277(33):30066-71. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M201713200. Epub 2002 May 22.

Abstract

Etk/Bmx is a member of the Btk family tyrosine kinase, which contains an N-terminal pleckstrin homology domain. Etk has been shown to play a pivotal role in the regulation of various cellular processes including differentiation, apoptosis, and cell motility. Here we present evidence that Etk is a modulator of the small GTPase RhoA. Etk and RhoA both are translocated to the plasma membrane and can form a complex upon serum stimulation in C2C12 cells. Etk interacts with RhoA but not other closely related small GTPases such as Cdc42 and Rac1, suggesting a specific modulation of RhoA by Etk. Our results demonstrate that Etk activates RhoA and enhances Rho-mediated stress fiber formation and transcription activity in a pleckstrin homology domain-dependent manner. Furthermore, Etk disrupts the interaction between RhoA and Rho-GDI (guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor) and promotes the membrane translocation of RhoA. Our data suggest that Etk plays an important role in regulation of RhoA-mediated signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Humans
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism*
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • platelet protein P47
  • BMX protein, human
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein