PKCζ regulates Notch receptor routing and activity in a Notch signaling-dependent manner.

Activation of Notch signaling requires intracellular routing of the receptor, but the mechanisms controlling the distinct steps in the routing process is poorly understood. We identify PKCζ as a key regulator of Notch receptor intracellular routing. When PKCζ was inhibited in the developing chick central nervous system and in cultured myoblasts, Notch-stimulated cells were allowed to undergo differentiation.

Nucleolar AATF regulates c-Jun-mediated apoptosis.

The AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun has been shown to be essential for stress-induced apoptosis in several models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the proapoptotic activity of c-Jun are poorly understood. We identify the apoptosis-antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) as a novel nucleolar stress sensor, which is required as a cofactor for c-Jun-mediated apoptosis.

Nestin as a regulator of Cdk5 in differentiating myoblasts.

Many types of progenitor cells are distinguished by the expression of the intermediate filament protein nestin, a frequently used stem cell marker, the physiological roles of which are still unknown. Whereas myogenesis is characterized by dynamically regulated nestin levels, we studied how altering nestin levels affects myoblast differentiation. Nestin determined both the onset and pace of differentiation.

Protein kinase Czeta regulates Cdk5/p25 signaling during myogenesis.

Atypical protein kinase Czeta (PKCzeta) is emerging as a mediator of differentiation. Here, we describe a novel role for PKCzeta in myogenic differentiation, demonstrating that PKCzeta activity is indispensable for differentiation of both C2C12 and mouse primary myoblasts. PKCzeta was found to be associated with and to regulate the Cdk5/p35 signaling complex, an essential factor for both neuronal and myogenic differentiation.

Reference-facilitated phosphoproteomics: fast and reliable phosphopeptide validation by microLC-ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS.

Recent advances in instrument control and enrichment procedures have enabled us to quantify large numbers of phosphoproteins and record site-specific phosphorylation events. An intriguing problem that has arisen with these advances is to accurately validate where phosphorylation events occur, if possible, in an automated manner. The problem is difficult because MS/MS spectra of phosphopeptides are generally more complicated than those of unmodified peptides.