Journal Article

Novel Reporter for Faithful Monitoring of ERK2 Dynamics in Living Cells and Model Organisms

Sipieter, François, Gonzalez Pisfil, Mariano, Héliot, Laurent, Bodart, Jean-François, Vandenabeele, Peter, Spriet, Corentin, Cailliau-Maggio, Katia, Riquet, Franck B., Cappe, Benjamin

2015

Overview

Uncoupling of ERK1/2 phosphorylation from subcellular localization is essential towards the understanding of molecular mechanisms that control ERK1/2-mediated cell-fate decision. ERK1/2 non-catalytic functions and discoveries of new specific anchors responsible of the subcellular compartmentalization of ERK1/2 signaling pathway have been proposed as regulation mechanisms for which dynamic monitoring of ERK1/2 localization is necessary. However, studying the spatiotemporal features of ERK2, for instance, in different cellular processes in living cells and tissues requires a tool that can faithfully report on its subcellular distribution. We developed a novel molecular tool, ERK2-LOC, based on the T2A-mediated coexpression of strictly equimolar levels of eGFP-ERK2 and MEK1, to faithfully visualize ERK2 localization patterns. MEK1 and eGFP-ERK2 were expressed reliably and functionally both in vitro and in single living cells. We then assessed the subcellular distribution and mobility of ERK2-LOC using fluorescence microscopy in non-stimulated conditions and after activation/inhibition of the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Finally, we used our coexpression system in Xenopus laevis embryos during the early stages of development. This is the first report on MEK1/ERK2 T2A-mediated coexpression in living embryos, and we show that there is a strong correlation between the spatiotemporal subcellular distribution of ERK2-LOC and the phosphorylation patterns of ERK1/2. Our approach can be used to study the spatiotemporal localization of ERK2 and its dynamics in a variety of processes in living cells and embryonic tissues.

• Publisher: Public Library of Science,Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subject: Animals / Apoptosis / Catalysis / Cell Differentiation / Cells (biology) / Cytoplasm / Developmental stages / Embryos / Extracellular signal-regulated kinase / Fluorescence / Fluorescence microscopy / Genes, Reporter / Inflammation / Journalists / Kinases / Lasers / Life Sciences / Localization / MAP kinase / MAP Kinase Kinase 1 - genetics / MAP Kinase Kinase 1 - metabolism / MAP Kinase Signaling System / Mice / Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 - genetics / Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 - metabolism / Molecular biology / Molecular modelling / Monitoring / NIH 3T3 Cells / Phosphorylation / Proteins / Recovery (Medical) / Regulation / Signal Transduction / Signaling / Single-Cell Analysis - methods / Tissues / Xenopus laevis - embryology / Xenopus laevis - metabolism / Xenopus Proteins - metabolism