The effect of retinoic acid on cyclic-AMP-binding proteins in mouse melanoma cells

Abstract

We have previously reported [(1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 5999-6002] that retinoic acid inhibited growth and increased cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase activity in mouse melanoma cells. A variant melanoma line having depressed levels of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase was not growth-inhibited by retinoic acid. In this report we describe the effect of retinoic acid on cyclic AMP binding proteins in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Using the technique of photoaffinity labeling, we found three major proteins of Mr 49 000, 52 000, and 55 000 which were specifically labeled with 8-N3-[32P]AMP in both control and treated cells. Based upon their molecular weight, relative affinity for 8-N3-[32P]AMP and comigration with standards, we have designated the 49 000-Mr and 55 000-Mr species as RI and RII respectively. The position of the intermediate band (Mr 52 000) was not affected by pre-incubation with ATP or alkaline phosphatase, and two-dimensional gel analysis indicated that it had the same pI as RI. Retinoic acid increased the 8-N3-[32P]AMP labeling of RI within 24 h, reaching a maximal six fold increase by 48 h. These increases were limited to the 40 000 X g supernatant fraction and occurred prior to any growth inhibition. By using increasing concentrations of 8-N3-cAMP we were able to construct a saturation curve for RI binding. Calculation of apparent Kd values from these curves showed nearly identical affinities for RI binding of 8-N3-cAMP from control and retinoic-acid-treated cells. Therefore we conclude that retinoic acid is increasing the amount of RI rather than altering its properties. Corroboration of these results was obtained by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Peak I (corresponding to type I protein kinase) from retinoid-treated cells was increased about six fold in binding activity.