Rab-GTPase binding effector protein 2 (RABEP2) is a primed substrate for Glycogen Synthase kinase-3 (GSK3)

Sci Rep. 2017 Dec 15;7(1):17682. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-17087-6.

Abstract

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) regulates many physiological processes through phosphorylation of a diverse array of substrates. Inhibitors of GSK3 have been generated as potential therapies in several diseases, however the vital role GSK3 plays in cell biology makes the clinical use of GSK3 inhibitors potentially problematic. A clearer understanding of true physiological and pathophysiological substrates of GSK3 should provide opportunities for more selective, disease specific, manipulation of GSK3. To identify kinetically favourable substrates we performed a GSK3 substrate screen in heart tissue. Rab-GTPase binding effector protein 2 (RABEP2) was identified as a novel GSK3 substrate and GSK3 phosphorylation of RABEP2 at Ser200 was enhanced by prior phosphorylation at Ser204, fitting the known consensus sequence for GSK3 substrates. Both residues are phosphorylated in cells while only Ser200 phosphorylation is reduced following inhibition of GSK3. RABEP2 function was originally identified as a Rab5 binding protein. We did not observe co-localisation of RABEP2 and Rab5 in cells, while ectopic expression of RABEP2 had no effect on endosomal recycling. The work presented identifies RABEP2 as a novel primed substrate of GSK3, and thus a potential biomarker for GSK3 activity, but understanding how phosphorylation regulates RABEP2 function requires more information on physiological roles of RABEP2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinases / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • rab5 GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • RABEP2 protein, human
  • Vesicular Transport Proteins
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinases
  • rab5 GTP-Binding Proteins