A transcription function for the T cell-specific adapter (TSAd) protein in T cells: Critical role of the TSAd Src homology 2 domain

Francesc Marti, Nicholas H. Post, Elena Chan, Philip D. King

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

T cell-specific adapter (TSAd) protein is an Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing adapter molecule implicated in T cell receptor for antigen (TCR)-mediated interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion in T cells. Here, we demonstrate that a substantial fraction of TSAd is found in the T cell nucleus. Nuclear import of TSAd is an active process that depends on TSAd SH2 domain recognition of a phosphotyrosine-containing ligand. Importantly, we show that TSAd can act as a potent transcriptional activator in T cells. Furthermore, the TSAd SH2 domain appears to be essential for this transcription-activating function independent of its role in nuclear import. Biochemical analyses suggest that a single TSAd SH2 domain ligand of 95-100 kD may be involved in these processes. Consistent with a role as a transcription activator, cotransfection of TSAd with an IL-2 promoter-reporter gene construct results in a considerable upregulation of IL-2 promoter activity. Further, we show that this augmentation requires a functional TSAd SH2 domain. However, TSAd does not appear to modulate the activity of the major recognized IL-2 gene transcription factors, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), or activator protein 1 (AP-1). These findings point to the function of TSAd as a novel transcription-regulatory protein in T cells and illustrate the importance of the TSAd SH2 domain in this role.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1425-1430
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine
Volume193
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 18 2001

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesR01AI044926

    Keywords

    • Interleukin 2
    • SH2 domain
    • Signal transduction
    • T lymphocyte
    • Transcription

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Immunology and Allergy
    • Immunology

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A transcription function for the T cell-specific adapter (TSAd) protein in T cells: Critical role of the TSAd Src homology 2 domain'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this