Identification of c-Fos as a mitotic phosphoprotein: regulation of c-Fos by Aurora-A

J Biomed Sci. 2008 Jan;15(1):79-87. doi: 10.1007/s11373-007-9209-8. Epub 2007 Oct 10.

Abstract

The c-Fos has been implicated in the regulation of gene expression under a variety of stimuli. It is known that c-Fos undergoes protein phosphorylation, which may subsequently modulate diverse functions in cells. However, less is known about the role and phosphorylation status of c-Fos during mitosis. Here, we showed that c-Fos exhibited an electrophoretic mobility up-shift as detected by SDS-PAGE during mitosis, which is an indication of protein phosphorylation. Aurora-A, but not Aurora-B or -C, serves as one of the kinases catalyzing the mitotic phosphorylation of c-Fos. The mobility up-shift was partially abolished by introducing siRNA or a catalytically inactive form of Aurora-A. Moreover, ectopic expression of the wild type, but not the catalytically inactive form of Aurora-A resulted in the alteration of c-Fos complex formation, suggesting Aurora-A is engaged in the regulation of c-Fos protein-protein interaction. These findings imply that c-Fos may undergo cell cycle dependent phosphorylation, in which some kinases including Aurora-A play a role in catalyzing the post translational modification of c-Fos.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mitosis / physiology*
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • AURKB protein, human
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases