The valosin-containing protein (VCP) is a target of Akt signaling required for cell survival

J Biol Chem. 2006 May 19;281(20):14307-13. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M510003200. Epub 2006 Mar 21.

Abstract

The serine/threonine kinase Akt is a key mediator of cell survival and growth, but its precise mechanism of action, and more specifically, the nature of its signaling partners largely remain to be elucidated. We show, using a proteomics-based approach, that the valosin-containing protein (VCP), a member of the AAA (ATPases associated with a variety of cellular activities) family, is a target of Akt signaling. SDS-PAGE of Akt co-immunoprecipitated proteins obtained from MCF-7 breast cancer cells revealed the increase of a 97-kDa band under Akt activation. Mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of VCP, and we have shown a serine/threonine phosphorylation on an Akt consensus site upon activation by growth factors. Site-directed mutagenesis identified Ser-351, Ser-745, and Ser-747 as Akt phosphorylation sites on VCP. Confocal microscopy indicated a co-localization between Akt and VCP upon Akt stimulation. Interestingly, small interfering RNA against VCP induced an inhibition of the growth factor-induced activation of NF-kappaB and a potent pro-apoptotic effect. Together, these data identify VCP as an essential target of Akt signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Serine / chemistry
  • Signal Transduction
  • Valosin Containing Protein

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Serine
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • VCP protein, human
  • Valosin Containing Protein