Phosphorylation of protocadherin proteins by the receptor tyrosine kinase Ret

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Aug 3;107(31):13894-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1007182107. Epub 2010 Jun 25.

Abstract

The clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a large family of cadherin-like transmembrane proteins expressed in the nervous system. Stochastic expression of Pcdh genes and alternative splicing of their pre-mRNAs have the potential to generate enormous protein diversity at the cell surface of neurons. At present, the regulation and function of Pcdh proteins are largely unknown. Here, we show that Pcdhs form a heteromeric signaling complex(es), consisting of multiple Pcdh isoforms, receptor tyrosine kinases, phosphatases, and cell adhesion molecules. In particular, we find that the receptor tyrosine kinase rearranged during transformation (Ret) binds to Pcdhs in differentiated neuroblastoma cells and is required for stabilization and differentiation-induced phosphorylation of Pcdh proteins. In addition, the Ret ligand glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor induces phosphorylation of Pcdhgamma in motor neurons and phosphorylation of Pcdhalpha and Pcdhgamma in sympathetic neurons. Conversely, Pcdh proteins are also required for the stabilization of activated Ret in neuroblastoma cells and sympathetic ganglia. Thus, Pcdhs and Ret are functional components of a phosphorylation-dependent signaling complex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cadherins / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Enzyme Stability
  • Mice
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Binding
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret
  • Ret protein, mouse