Rapid deactivation of MAP kinase in PC12 cells occurs independently of induction of phosphatase MKP-1.

Growth factors or serum can induce transcription and translation of a dual specificity MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase phosphatase, MKP-1 (MAP kinase phosphatase-1). The role of induction of MKP-1 (formerly 3CH134) in the rapid phase of MAP kinase deactivation was studied in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. MAP kinase was nearly completely deactivated in PC12 cells by 10 min after stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) whereas MAP kinase activity remained elevated at 30% of the maximal response after stimulation with nerve growth factor. Protocols for treating cells with actinomycin D and cycloheximide were established that eliminate detection of MKP-1 mRNA and protein in PC 12 cells. Treatment of PC12 cells with actinomycin D and cycloheximide did not affect the rapid deactivation of MAP kinase. Thus, the rapid phase of MAP kinase deactivation in PC12 cells is not dependent on the induction of the MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1.