A novel mechanism of ERK1/2 regulation in smooth muscle involving acetylation of the ERK1/2 scaffold IQGAP1

Ceramide, a bioactive lipid and signaling molecule associated with cardiovascular disease, is known to activate extracellular signal regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Here, we determined that the effect of ceramide on ERK1/2 is mediated by ceramide signaling on an ERK scaffold protein, IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1). Experiments were performed with aortic smooth muscle cells using inhibitor screening, small interfering RNA (siRNA), immunoprecipitation (IP), immunoblots and bioinformatics. We report here that C6 ceramide increases serum-stimulated ERK1/2 activation in a manner dependent on the ERK1/2 scaffold IQGAP1. C6 ceramide increases IQGAP1 protein levels by preventing its cleavage. Bioinformatic analysis of the IQGAP1 amino acid sequence revealed potential cleavage sites for proteases of the proprotein convertase family that match the cleavage products. These potential cleavage sites overlap with known motifs for lysine acetylation. Deacetylase inhibitor treatment increased IQGAP1 acetylation and reduced IQGAP1 cleavage. These data are consistent with a model in which IQGAP1 cleavage is regulated by acetylation of the cleavage sites. Activation of ERK1/2 by ceramide, known to increase lysine acetylation, appears to be mediated by acetylation-dependent stabilization of IQGAP1. This novel mechanism could open new possibilities for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular diseases.