Publications | Akt-mediated phosphorylation of the G protein-coupled receptor EDG-1 is required for endothelial cell chemotaxis

The role of the protein kinase Akt in cell migration is incompletely understood. Here we show that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-induced endothelial cell migration requires the Akt-mediated phosphorylation of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) EDG-1. Activated Akt binds to EDG-1 and phosphorylates the third intracellular loop at the T(236) residue. Transactivation of EDG-1 by Akt is not required for G(i)-dependent signaling but is indispensable for Rac activation, cortical actin assembly, and chemotaxis. Indeed, T236AEDG-1 mutant sequestered Akt and acted as a dominant-negative GPCR to inhibit S1P-induced Rac activation, chemotaxis, and angiogenesis. Transactivation of GPCRs by Akt may constitute a specificity switch to integrate rapid G protein-dependent signals into long-term cellular phenomena such as cell migration.

Principal Investigator(s):

Author(s):
Lee, M. J., Thangada, S., Paik, J. H., Sapkota, G. P., Ancellin, N., Chae, S. S., Wu, M., Morales-Ruiz, M., Sessa, W. C., Alessi, D. R., Hla, T.

PubMed:
11583630
Citation:
Lee, M. J., Thangada, S., Paik, J. H., Sapkota, G. P., Ancellin, N., Chae, S. S., Wu, M., Morales-Ruiz, M., Sessa, W. C., Alessi, D. R., Hla, T.
Mol Cell
2001
8
693-704
PMID: 11583630