BLNK: molecular scaffolding through 'cis'-mediated organization of signaling proteins

EMBO J. 2002 Dec 2;21(23):6461-72. doi: 10.1093/emboj/cdf658.

Abstract

Assembly of intracellular macromolecular complexes is thought to provide an important mechanism to coordinate the generation of second messengers upon receptor activation. We have previously identified a B cell linker protein, termed BLNK, which serves such a scaffolding function in B cells. We demonstrate here that phosphorylation of five tyrosine residues within human BLNK nucleates distinct signaling effectors following B cell antigen receptor activation. The phosphorylation of multiple tyrosine residues not only amplifies PLCgamma-mediated signaling but also supports 'cis'-mediated interaction between distinct signaling effectors within a large molecular complex. These data demonstrate the importance of coordinate phosphorylation of molecular scaffolds, and provide insights into how assembly of macromolecular complexes is required for normal receptor function.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Binding Sites
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Phospholipase C gamma
  • Phosphoproteins / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Type C Phospholipases / metabolism
  • Tyrosine / metabolism

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • B cell linker protein
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Isoenzymes
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Tyrosine
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Type C Phospholipases
  • Phospholipase C gamma
  • Calcium