The human c-fes locus encodes a 93 kDa cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase (Fes) that is expressed predominantly in hematopoietic cells of the granulocytic and monocytic lineages. Transfection of the CML-derived myeloid leukemia cell line K-562 with the c-fes gene results in growth suppression and terminal differentiation. These findings argue strongly that Fes plays a major role in myeloid growth regulation and could be targeted for reversal of the differentiation block associated with myeloid leukemia. Structurally, Fes consists of a unique N-terminal region, a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, and a C-terminal kinase domain. During the previous grant period, the principal investigator and his colleagues found that all three domains contribute to the regulation of Fes kinase and biological activities. In particular, the coiled-coil homology domains found in the Fes N-terminal region play an essential role in kinase regulation in vivo. During the next grant period, Dr. Smithgall will continue to address the role of the coiled-coil domains as regulators of Fes kinase and biological activities. In addition, the PI will investigate mechanisms that induce activation of Fes. In particular, he will focus on cytokine receptors, receptor-associated Jak and Src family kinases, and the oncogenic tyrosine kinase Bcr-Abl as upstream regulators of c-Fes. These broad goals will be addressed with the following Specific Aims: (1) Test the hypothesis that intramolecular interaction of the Fes coiled-coil domains is sufficient for negative regulation of Fes tyrosine kinase activity. (2) Test the hypothesis that interaction of Fes with the GM-CSF receptor beta-chain is sufficient for Fes activation. (3) Test the hypothesis that phosphorylation of Fes by Jak and Src kinases affects Fes tyrosine kinase activity and signaling properties. (4) Test the hypothesis that Fes-induced differentiation of CML cells involves the interaction of Fes with Bcr-Abl. These studies will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate Fes tyrosine kinase activity and to identify the signal transduction pathways utilized by Fes to transmit signals for differentiation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA058667-12
Application #
6833444
Study Section
Medical Biochemistry Study Section (MEDB)
Program Officer
Mufson, R Allan
Project Start
1993-02-01
Project End
2005-12-31
Budget Start
2005-01-01
Budget End
2005-12-31
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$218,125
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Delfino, Frank J; Stevenson, Heather; Smithgall, Thomas E (2006) A growth-suppressive function for the c-fes protein-tyrosine kinase in colorectal cancer. J Biol Chem 281:8829-35
Delfino, Frank J; Shaffer, Jonathan M; Smithgall, Thomas E (2006) The KRAB-associated co-repressor KAP-1 is a coiled-coil binding partner, substrate and activator of the c-Fes protein tyrosine kinase. Biochem J 399:141-50
Meyn 3rd, Malcolm A; Schreiner, Steven J; Dumitrescu, Teodora Pene et al. (2005) SRC family kinase activity is required for murine embryonic stem cell growth and differentiation. Mol Pharmacol 68:1320-30
Laurent, Charles E; Delfino, Frank J; Cheng, Haiyun Y et al. (2004) The human c-Fes tyrosine kinase binds tubulin and microtubules through separate domains and promotes microtubule assembly. Mol Cell Biol 24:9351-8
Laurent, Charles E; Smithgall, Thomas E (2004) The c-Fes tyrosine kinase cooperates with the breakpoint cluster region protein (Bcr) to induce neurite extension in a Rac- and Cdc42-dependent manner. Exp Cell Res 299:188-98
Shibata, Annemarie; Laurent, Charles E; Smithgall, Thomas E (2003) The c-Fes protein-tyrosine kinase accelerates NGF-induced differentiation of PC12 cells through a PI3K-dependent mechanism. Cell Signal 15:279-88
Takashima, Yoshio; Delfino, Frank J; Engen, John R et al. (2003) Regulation of c-Fes tyrosine kinase activity by coiled-coil and SH2 domains: analysis with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biochemistry 42:3567-74
Cheng, H Y; Schiavone, A P; Smithgall, T E (2001) A point mutation in the N-terminal coiled-coil domain releases c-Fes tyrosine kinase activity and survival signaling in myeloid leukemia cells. Mol Cell Biol 21:6170-80
Kanda, S; Lerner, E C; Tsuda, S et al. (2000) The nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinase c-Fes is involved in fibroblast growth factor-2-induced chemotaxis of murine brain capillary endothelial cells. J Biol Chem 275:10105-11
Rogers, J A; Cheng, H Y; Smithgall, T E (2000) Src homology 2 domain substitution modulates the kinase and transforming activities of the Fes protein-tyrosine kinase. Cell Growth Differ 11:581-92

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