Regulated protein degradation controls PKA function and cell-type differentiation in Dictyostelium

Article Abstract:

Results demonstrate that the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) plays a regulatory role in Dictyostelium development and levels of PKA is controlled by cAMP and phosphodiesterase RegA. Data indicate that developmental processes are regulated by cullinA degradation of RegA, which in turn leads to PKA increase.

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Spalten, a protein containing G(alpha)-protein-like and PP2C domains, is essential for cell-type differentiation in Dictyostelium

Article Abstract:

A new gene, Spalten (Spn), has been identified that plays an essential role in multicellular development of Dictyostelium. The protein encoded by Spn is a signaling protein with two separate functional domains, including a domain similar to G-alpha-protein subunits, as well as a PP2C (protein serine/threonine phosphatase) homologous domain. Prestalk cell differentiation is regulated by Spn. A model for its function is proposed.

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A novel, putative MEK kinase controls developmental timing and spatial patterning in Dictyostelium and is regulated by ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation

Article Abstract:

A developmentally regulated, putative MEK kinase (MEKK alpha) that has in it an F-box and WD40 repeats has been identified. It has a complex role in regulating spatial patterning and cell-type differentiation. WD40 repeats send MEKK alpha to the cortical part of the cell. However, the F-box/WD40 repeats handle ubiquitin-mediated MEKK alpha degradation. A UBP and a UBC (ubiquitin hydrolase) have been identified. They interact with the F-box/WD40 repeats. Cells without the ubiquitin hydrolase seem to have phenotypes like those of cells without MEKK alpha. That indicates a direct genetic/biochemical interaction for MEKKalpha, the UBP and the UBC.

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