Vav1 is a component of transcriptionally active complexes

J Exp Med. 2002 May 6;195(9):1115-27. doi: 10.1084/jem.20011701.

Abstract

The importance of the hematopoietic protooncogene Vav1 in immune cell function is widely recognized, although its regulatory mechanisms are not completely understood. Here, we examined whether Vav1 has a nuclear function, as past studies have reported its nuclear localization. Our findings provide a definitive demonstration of Vav1 nuclear localization in a receptor stimulation-dependent manner and reveal a critical role for the COOH-terminal Src homology 3 (SH3) domain and a nuclear localization sequence within the pleckstrin homology domain. Analysis of DNA-bound transcription factor complexes revealed nuclear Vav1 as an integral component of transcriptionally active nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)- and nuclear factor (NF)kappaB-like complexes, and the COOH-terminal SH3 domain as being critical in their formation. Thus, we describe a novel nuclear role for Vav1 as a component and facilitator of NFAT and NFkappaB-like transcriptional activity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / physiology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins*
  • Cell Nucleus / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Nuclear Proteins*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / deficiency
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-vav
  • Proto-Oncogenes
  • Receptors, IgE / immunology
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • src Homology Domains

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Interleukin-2
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-vav
  • Receptors, IgE
  • Transcription Factors
  • VAV1 protein, human
  • Vav1 protein, mouse