Caspase 8 promotes peripheral localization and activation of Rab5

J Biol Chem. 2008 Dec 26;283(52):36280-9. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M805878200. Epub 2008 Oct 29.

Abstract

Caspase 8 is a cysteine protease that initiates apoptotic signaling via the extrinsic pathway in a manner dependent upon association with early endosomes. Previously, we identified caspase 8 as an effector of migration, promoting motility in a manner dependent upon phosphorylation on Tyr-380 by Src family kinases and its subsequent association with Src homology 2 domain-containing proteins. Here we demonstrate the regulation of the small GTPase Rab5, which mediates early endosome formation, homotypic fusion, and maturation by caspase 8. Regulation requires the Tyr-380 phosphorylation site but not caspase proteolytic activity. Tyr-380 is essential for interaction with the Src homology 2 domains of p85alpha, a multifunctional adaptor for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, that possesses Rab-GAP activity. Interaction between caspase 8 and p85alpha promotes Rab5 GTP loading, alters endosomal trafficking, and results in the accumulation of Rab5-positive endosomes at the edge of the cell. Conversely, caspase 8-dependent GTP loading of Rab5 is overcome by increased expression of p85alpha in a Rab-GAP-dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrate a novel function for caspase 8 as a modulator of p85alpha Rab-GAP activity and endosomal trafficking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caspase 8 / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Models, Biological
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Transferrin / metabolism
  • Tyrosine / chemistry
  • rab5 GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • src Homology Domains

Substances

  • Transferrin
  • Tyrosine
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Caspase 8
  • GTP Phosphohydrolases
  • rab5 GTP-Binding Proteins