Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation of Drp1 regulates its GTPase activity and mitochondrial morphology

J Biol Chem. 2007 Jul 27;282(30):21583-7. doi: 10.1074/jbc.C700083200. Epub 2007 Jun 6.

Abstract

Mitochondria in cells comprise a tubulovesicular reticulum shaped by dynamic fission and fusion events. The multimeric dynamin-like GTPase Drp1 is a critical protein mediating mitochondrial division. It harbors multiple motifs including GTP-binding, middle, and GTPase effector (GED) domains that are important for both intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. As for other members of the dynamin superfamily, such interactions are critical for assembly of higher-order structures and cooperative increases in GTPase activity. Although the functions of Drp1 in cells have been extensively studied, mechanisms underlying its regulation remain less clear. Here, we have identified cAMP-dependent protein kinase-dependent phosphorylation of Drp1 within the GED domain at Ser(637) that inhibits Drp1 GTPase activity. Mechanistically, this change in GTPase activity likely derives from decreased interaction of GTP-binding/middle domains with the GED domain since the phosphomimetic S637D mutation impairs this intramolecular interaction but not Drp1-Drp1 intermolecular interactions. Using the phosphomimetic S637D substitution, we also demonstrate that mitochondrial fission is prominently inhibited in cells. Thus, protein phosphorylation at Ser(637) results in clear alterations in Drp1 function and mitochondrial morphology that are likely involved in dynamic regulation of mitochondrial division in cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Dynamins
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / chemistry
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / genetics
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / metabolism*
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / ultrastructure*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / chemistry
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Phosphopeptides / chemistry
  • Phosphorylation
  • Phosphoserine / metabolism
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Deletion

Substances

  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Phosphopeptides
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Phosphoserine
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • DNM1L protein, human
  • Dynamins

Associated data

  • RefSeq/NM_012062