MHC class I and integrin ligation induce ERK activation via an mTORC2-dependent pathway

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 May 2;369(2):781-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.02.093. Epub 2008 Feb 27.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the interaction between mTOR and ERK in primary endothelial cells (EC) following MHC class I and integrin ligation. Ligation of MHC class I molecules or integrins on the surface of EC leads to phosphorylation of ERK at Thr202/Tyr204. We utilized small interfering RNA (siRNA) blockade of mTOR and proteins involved in mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) to define a relationship between mTOR and ERK following MHC class I signaling. We found mTORC2 was responsible for MHC class I and integrin induced phosphorylation of ERK at Thr202/Tyr204. We corroborated these results demonstrating that long-term exposure to rapamycin also inhibited ERK pathway activation in response to MHC class I signaling. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that engagement of either MHC class I or integrin on the surface of EC leads to ERK activation through an mTORC2-dependent pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism*
  • HLA-A Antigens / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism*
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

Substances

  • HLA-A Antigens
  • Integrins
  • Protein Kinases
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases