Structure–function analysis of the beta regulatory subunit of protein kinase CK2 by targeting embryonic stem cell

Abstract

Programs that govern stem cell maintenance and pluripotency are dependent on extracellular factors and of intrinsic cell modulators. Embryonic stem (ES) cells with a specific depletion of the gene encoding the regulatory subunit of protein kinase CK2 (CK2β) revealed a viability defect. However, analysis of CK2β functions along the neural lineage established CK2β as a positive regulator for neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) proliferation and multipotency. By using an in vitro genetic conditional approach, we demonstrate in this work that specific domains of CK2β involved in the regulatory function towards CK2 catalytic subunits are crucial structural determinants for ES cell homeostasis.

NFκB signaling regulates embryonic and adult neurogenesis

“…Syk is involved in ephrinA-induced promotion of neuritogenesis (Richards et al, 2006; Angibaud et al, 2011). CK2β functions as a positive regulator for NSC proliferation and multipotency (Ziercher et al, 2011) and controls oligodendrocytogenesis (Huillard et al, 2010). …”

Impact of protein kinase CK2 inhibitors on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells

“…From the results obtained with the two inhibitors one might speculate that the inhibition of neurogenesis is somehow connected with apoptosis induction and the inhibition of gliogenesis is directly connected to CK2 inhibition. This speculation is supported by the observation by Huillard and Ziercher who had demonstrated that the interruption of the CK2β subunit expression causes a negative regulation of oligodendrogenesis [15, 31]. …”

“…They have further shown that CK2β is necessary for oligodendroglia differentiation of neurospheres [31]. Obviously, the influence of CK2β is due to a defect in the CK2 kinase activity of the holoenzyme in the absence of CK2β.…”