Phenotypic Mutation 'Lemon' (pdf version)
AlleleLemon
Mutation Type missense
Chromosome4
Coordinate3,746,768 bp (GRCm39)
Base Change A ⇒ G (forward strand)
Gene Lyn
Gene Name LYN proto-oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase
Synonym(s) Hck-2, Yamaguchi sarcoma viral (v-yes-1) oncogene homolog
Chromosomal Location 3,676,865-3,791,612 bp (+) (GRCm39)
MGI Phenotype FUNCTION: [Summary is not available for the mouse gene. This summary is for the human ortholog.] This gene encodes a tyrosine protein kinase, which maybe involved in the regulation of mast cell degranulation, and erythroid differentiation. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2011]
PHENOTYPE: Homozygotes for targeted null mutations exhibit splenomegaly, reduced numbers of peripheral B cells, impaired immune responses, IgM hyperglobulinemia, autoimmunity with glomerulonephritis, and monocyte/macrophage tumors. [provided by MGI curators]
Accession Number

NCBI RefSeq: NM_001111096, NM_010747; MGI:96892

MappedYes 
Amino Acid Change Histidine changed to Arginine
Institutional SourceBeutler Lab
Gene Model predicted gene model for protein(s): [ENSMUSP00000038838] [ENSMUSP00000100075]
AlphaFold P25911
PDB Structure Lyn Tyrosine Kinase Domain, apo form [X-RAY DIFFRACTION]
Lyn Tyrosine Kinase Domain-AMP-PNP complex [X-RAY DIFFRACTION]
Lyn Tyrosine Kinase Domain-PP2 complex [X-RAY DIFFRACTION]
Lyn Tyrosine Kinase Domain-Dasatinib complex [X-RAY DIFFRACTION]
Structure of unliganded Lyn SH2 domain [X-RAY DIFFRACTION]
SMART Domains Protein: ENSMUSP00000038838
Gene: ENSMUSG00000042228
AA Change: H182R

DomainStartEndE-ValueType
SH3 66 122 9.24e-21 SMART
SH2 127 217 5.38e-33 SMART
TyrKc 247 497 3.25e-137 SMART
Predicted Effect probably damaging

PolyPhen 2 Score 1.000 (Sensitivity: 0.00; Specificity: 1.00)
(Using ENSMUST00000041377)
SMART Domains Protein: ENSMUSP00000100075
Gene: ENSMUSG00000042228
AA Change: H161R

DomainStartEndE-ValueType
SH3 45 101 5.8e-23 SMART
SH2 106 196 3.3e-35 SMART
TyrKc 226 476 1.6e-139 SMART
Predicted Effect probably damaging

PolyPhen 2 Score 1.000 (Sensitivity: 0.00; Specificity: 1.00)
(Using ENSMUST00000103010)
Meta Mutation Damage Score 0.9665 question?
Is this an essential gene? Non Essential (E-score: 0.000) question?
Phenotypic Category Autosomal Semidominant
Candidate Explorer Status loading ...
Single pedigree
Linkage Analysis Data
Penetrance  
Alleles Listed at MGI

All alleles(11) : Chemically induced (ENU)(3) Targeted(8)

Lab Alleles
AlleleSourceChrCoordTypePredicted EffectPPH Score
IGL01752:Lyn APN 4 3743286 missense probably benign
IGL02744:Lyn APN 4 3738808 missense probably benign 0.00
IGL02860:Lyn APN 4 3745594 missense possibly damaging 0.77
IGL03328:Lyn APN 4 3745327 missense probably benign 0.01
IGL03370:Lyn APN 4 3780931 missense possibly damaging 0.81
bibb UTSW 4 3783055 missense probably damaging 1.00
butterhead UTSW 4 3748765 missense probably benign 0.11
Cress UTSW 4 3789908 nonsense probably null
Friede UTSW 4 3789834 nonsense probably null
Kohlrabi UTSW 4 3783089 missense possibly damaging 0.74
lechuga UTSW 4 3783050 missense probably damaging 1.00
Pacific UTSW 4 3745330 missense probably damaging 1.00
water UTSW 4 3748787 missense possibly damaging 0.93
R0079:Lyn UTSW 4 3746768 missense probably damaging 1.00
R0089:Lyn UTSW 4 3748768 missense probably benign 0.23
R0582:Lyn UTSW 4 3743296 missense probably damaging 1.00
R0747:Lyn UTSW 4 3745638 splice site probably benign
R1460:Lyn UTSW 4 3789908 nonsense probably null
R1615:Lyn UTSW 4 3748765 missense probably benign 0.11
R1654:Lyn UTSW 4 3789912 missense probably damaging 0.99
R1703:Lyn UTSW 4 3738867 splice site probably null
R2301:Lyn UTSW 4 3780959 missense probably damaging 1.00
R2421:Lyn UTSW 4 3748787 missense possibly damaging 0.93
R2512:Lyn UTSW 4 3745542 missense probably benign 0.01
R3418:Lyn UTSW 4 3746833 missense probably damaging 0.97
R3419:Lyn UTSW 4 3746833 missense probably damaging 0.97
R3701:Lyn UTSW 4 3742455 missense probably benign
R3702:Lyn UTSW 4 3742455 missense probably benign
R3736:Lyn UTSW 4 3745330 missense probably damaging 1.00
R4350:Lyn UTSW 4 3789796 missense probably damaging 0.99
R4351:Lyn UTSW 4 3789796 missense probably damaging 0.99
R4352:Lyn UTSW 4 3789796 missense probably damaging 0.99
R4649:Lyn UTSW 4 3738850 missense probably benign
R5738:Lyn UTSW 4 3782987 missense probably damaging 1.00
R5875:Lyn UTSW 4 3745631 splice site probably null
R6375:Lyn UTSW 4 3745527 missense probably damaging 1.00
R7029:Lyn UTSW 4 3782996 missense probably damaging 0.98
R7621:Lyn UTSW 4 3789834 nonsense probably null
R7726:Lyn UTSW 4 3756428 nonsense probably null
R7940:Lyn UTSW 4 3783089 missense possibly damaging 0.74
R8169:Lyn UTSW 4 3783050 missense probably damaging 1.00
R8341:Lyn UTSW 4 3743304 critical splice donor site probably null
R8782:Lyn UTSW 4 3783055 missense probably damaging 1.00
R9056:Lyn UTSW 4 3780925 missense possibly damaging 0.89
R9353:Lyn UTSW 4 3746804 missense possibly damaging 0.71
R9567:Lyn UTSW 4 3746757 missense probably benign 0.00
Mode of Inheritance Autosomal Semidominant
Local Stock Live Mice
MMRRC Submission 037578-MU
Last Updated 2019-02-06 11:39 AM by Diantha La Vine
Record Created 2013-02-11 7:33 PM by Ming Zeng
Record Posted 2014-10-30
Phenotypic Description

Figure 1. Lemon mice exhibit increased frequencies of peripheral neutrophils. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood was utilized to determine neutrophil frequency. Raw data are shown. Abbreviations: WT, wild-type; REF, homozygous reference mice; HET, heterozygous variant mice; VAR, homozygous variant mice. Mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ) are indicated.

Figure 2. Lemon mice exhibit decreased frequencies of peripheral B cells. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood was utilized to determine B cell frequency. Normalized data are shown. Abbreviations: WT, wild-type; REF, homozygous reference mice; HET, heterozygous variant mice; VAR, homozygous variant mice. Mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ) are indicated.

Figure 3. Lemon mice exhibit decreased percentages of peripheral IgD+ B cells. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood was utilized to determine the percentage of IgD+ B cells. Normalized data are shown. Abbreviations: WT, wild-type; REF, homozygous reference mice; HET, heterozygous variant mice; VAR, homozygous variant mice. Mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ) are indicated.

Figure 4. Lemon mice exhibit decreased percentages of peripheral IgM+ B cells. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood was utilized to determine the percentage of IgM+ B cells. Normalized data are shown. Abbreviations: WT, wild-type; REF, homozygous reference mice; HET, heterozygous variant mice; VAR, homozygous variant mice. Mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ) are indicated.

The Lemon phenotype was identified among G3 mice of the pedigree R0079, some of which showed an increased frequency of neutrophils (Figure 1) and a reduced frequency of B cells (Figure 2) including a reduced percentage of IgD+ (Figure 3) and IgM+ B cells (Figure 4), all in the peripheral blood.

Nature of Mutation
Figure 5. Linkage mapping of the reduced B cell frequency using an additive model of inheritance. Manhattan plot shows -log10 P values (Y-axis) plotted against the chromosome positions of 63 mutations (X-axis) identified in the G1 male of pedigree R0079.  Normalized phenotype data are shown for single locus linkage analysis with consideration of G2 dam identity.  Horizontal pink and red lines represent thresholds of P = 0.05, and the threshold for P = 0.05 after applying Bonferroni correction, respectively.

Whole exome sequencing of the G1 grandsire (R0079) identified 63 mutations. All of the above anomalies were linked by continuous variable mapping to a mutation in Lyn: an A to G transition at base pair 3,746,768 (v38) on chromosome 4, or base pair 68,648 in the GenBank genomic region NC_000070. The strongest association was found with an additive (semi-dominant) model of linkage to the reduced frequency of B cells, wherein 10 affected variant homozygotes and 22 heterozygous mice departed phenotypically from 14 homozygous reference mice with a P value of 1.048 x 10-6 (Figure 5). A  semidominant effect was observed in most of the assays; in no assay was a purely dominant effect observed. The mutation corresponds to residue 794 in the mRNA sequence NM_001111096 within exon 7 of 13 total exons as well as to residue 731 in the mRNA sequence NM_010747 within exon 7 of 13 total exons.

68632 GGTGATGTCATTAAGCACTACAAAATTAGAAGT

177   -G--D--V--I--K--H--Y--K--I--R--S- (ENSMUSP00000038838)

156   -G--D--V--I--K--H--Y--K--I--R--S- (ENSMUSP00000100075)

Genomic numbering corresponds to NC_000070. The mutated nucleotide is indicated in red. Alternative splicing of exon 2 of Lyn produces two Lyn isoforms, Lynp56 and Lynp53, that differ at the N-terminus (1;2); Lynp56 contains an additional 21 amino acids compared to Lynp53 [(1); reviewed in (3)]. The mutation results in a histidine (H) to arginine (R) substitution at position 182 (H182R) in the Lynp56 (ENSMUSP00000038838) isoform as well as a H to R substitution at position 162 (H162R) in the Lynp53 (ENSMUSP00000100075) isoform. The mutation is strongly predicted by Polyphen-2 to cause loss of function (probably damaging; score = 1.000).

Illustration of Mutations in
Gene & Protein
Protein Prediction
Figure 6. Domain structure of Lyn. Please see the text for details about the domains. The Lemon mutation results in a histidine to arginine substitution at position 182. This image is interactive. Other mutations found in the protein are noted in red. Click on each mutation for more information.

Lyn is a member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs), which also includes Src, Yes, Fgr, Fyn, Lck (see the record for iconoclast), Hck, Blk, and Yrk. The members of the SFKs share highly conserved domains including a Src-homology 3 (SH3) domain (amino acids 66-122 in Lyn), an SH2 domain (amino acids 127-217), a tyrosine kinase domain (amino acids 247-497), and a C-terminal regulatory region [Figure 6; reviewed in (4-6)]. A ‘unique’ domain of 50-70 amino acids between the N-terminus and the SH3 domain varies among the members of the SFKs (6). The function of the unique domain in Lyn is unknown; in Lck it mediates protein-protein interactions between Lck and the cytoplasmic tails of the T-cell coreceptors CD4 and CD8 (7;8). The unique domain of Lyn undergoes myristoylation at Gly2 after removal of the N-terminal methionine as well as palmitoylation at Cys3 [reviewed in (3;4)]. Myristoylation and palmitoylation of Lyn are essential for anchoring Lyn to the plasma membrane and for its localization into lipid rafts, respectively [(9); reviewed in (3;4)].

The SH3 and SH2 domains of Lyn mediate protein-protein interactions between Lyn and Pro-rich motifs and with phosphotyrosine-containing proteins, respectively [(10); reviewed in (3)]. The SH3 domain consists of five anti-parallel β-strands that fold into two anti-parallel β-sheets that are packed at almost right angles to form a β-barrel (11). The β-strands are connected by three loops and by a helical turn connecting strands 4 and 5 (11). A hydrophobic core is formed by the non-polar amino acids (i.e., Val13, Ala15, Leu27, Phe29, Met35, Val37, Ala47, Gly56, Iso58, Pro59, and Val63) of the β-strands and one of the loops that connects the β-strands (11).

The kinase domain has N- and C-terminal lobes that flank an ATP- and substrate- binding cleft [Figure 7; PDB:2SRC; (12-15); reviewed in (3)]. The N-terminal lobe is involved in anchoring and orienting ATP, while the C-terminal lobe is primarily responsible for substrate binding and initiating phosphotransfer (16). The N-terminal lobe of mouse Lyn is comprised of a 5-stranded anti-parallel twisted β-sheet and a single large α-helix, termed the αC helix (17). The two most N-terminal β-strands in the N-terminal lobe form a flexible β-strand-turn-β-strand glycine-rich structure called the G-loop (alternatively, the ATP phosphate-binding P-loop) that extends from the N-lobe (16). The side chains of Lys252 and Glu260 within the G-loop form a salt bridge that stabilizes the G-loop in active SFKs and anchors non-transferable ATP α/β-phosphates to allow for the optimal ATP orientation for γ-phosphoryl transfer (12;14;16;18-20). Mutation of residues Lys252 or Glu260 to glycines reduces the catalytic activity of Lyn (16). The C-terminal lobe of the kinase domain is comprised predominantly of α-helices and also contains a 2-stranded anti-parallel β-sheet (17). The two lobes are connected by a loop that borders the cleft that forms the ATP-binding pocket; the loop forms a hinge that makes the overall structure flexible (17).

Figure 7. Crystal structure of inactive Src. The unique domain is not part of the structure. UCSF Chimera structure is based on PDB: 2SRC, Xu et al, Mol. Cell 3, 629-638 (1999). Click on the 3D structure to view it rotate.

Src family kinases are held in a closed, inactive conformation by intramolecular interactions between a phosphorylated tyrosine in the C-terminal tail (Y508 in Lyn) and the SH2 domain [Figure 7; (13;15;17;21;22); reviewed in (3)]. This interaction couples the SH2 domain to the C-terminal tail, and also holds the SH2 and SH3 domains in a rigid conformation that disfavors kinase activation (23). In addition to the SH2-C-terminal tail interaction, the closed conformation of Src family kinases is also maintained by the docking of the SH3 domain onto an internal polyproline type II helical sequence formed by the linker between the SH2 and kinase domains (13;15;21). This polyproline helix is sandwiched between the SH3 domain and the back surface of the N-terminal lobe of the catalytic domain. Binding of the SH2 domain to the phosphorylated tail segment has been proposed to be important for correctly positioning the SH2-kinase domain linker for interaction with the SH3 domain. When the activation loop tyrosine (Tyr397 in Lyn) is dephosphorylated, the αC helix rotates outward, assuming a conformation unable to coordinate the α- and β-phosphates of ATP within the catalytic cleft. Dephosphorylation of Tyr508 by the tyrosine phosphatase CD45 results in a conformation change in Lyn, subsequently promoting Lyn autophosphorylation of Tyr397 and an increase in kinase activity [(24;25); reviewed in (3)]. Phosphorylation of the activation loop also increases the accessibility of the SH3 domain for ligands, and it has been proposed that Src activity may generally control the availability of its regulatory domains [(17;26); reviewed in (3)]. Together, phosphorylation of the tyrosine in the C-terminal tail and dephosphorylation of the activation loop tyrosine promote a closed, inactive conformation in which the lobes of the kinase domain are closely apposed and the αC helix is shifted outwards.

The Lemon mutation (His182Arg) is within the SH2 domain of both Lyn isoforms.

Expression/Localization

Lyn is expressed in all blood cells (except T lymphocytes) as well as in the brain, prostate cells, and colon cells [(1;2;27;28); reviewed in (29)]. Within the brain, Lyn is highly expressed in the telencephalon, cerebellum striatum, cortex, and thalamus (28;30;31).

Background

Figure 8. Dual role of Lyn in the regulation of signaling pathways in myeloid cells. Lyn negatively regulates signaling pathways by phosphorylating ITIM-containing receptors (e.g., PIR-B, CD22, and SIRPα) that recruit inhibitory phosphatases (e.g., SHP1/2 or SHIP-1) that downmodulate Jak kinase responses. Lyn can also negatively modulate signaling responses in myeloid cells through the phosphorylation of DOK cytoplasmic proteins that recruit the Ras GTPase-activating protein (rasGAP) and SHIP-1. Lyn can also phosphorylate ITAM domains in immunoreceptors, cytokine receptors, and chemokine receptors to positively modulate signaling. ITAM phosphorylation recruits Syk and mediates downstream signaling events.

The SFKs interact with immune cell receptors, growth factor receptors, integrins, and G protein-coupled receptors to regulate cell migration, adhesion, phagocytosis, cell survival, differentiation, DNA synthesis, and proliferation through the phosphorylation of signaling intermediates [(32); reviewed in (29;33)]. Lyn can act as both a positive and negative signaling molecule in several cell types including hematopoietic progenitors, mature myeloid cells (neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, eosinophils, and dendritic cells), platelets, erythrocytes, and osteoclasts. Lyn can phosphorylate either immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) or immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) within the cytoplasmic domains of several receptors including the B-cell receptor (BCR), the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI), CD40 (see the record for walla), the mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (c-KIT; see the record for Pretty2), the thrombopoietin receptor (c-Mpl), the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR), and the high-affinity IgG receptor (FcγRI) [Figure 8; (34-39); reviewed in (3;29)]. Lyn also phosphorylates several signaling substrates including PI3-kinase (PI3K; see the record for stinger), phospholipase C gamma 2 (PLCγ2; see the record for queen), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) (17). As a result, Lyn regulates several cellular functions including proliferation, degranulation, cytokine production, adhesion, activation, migration, and survival. A summary of Lyn functions in hematopoietic cells is highlighted in Table 1. Several of these functions are described in more detail, below.

Table 1. Summary of Lyn functions in hematopoietic cells. Figure adapted from (29)

Receptor

Ligand

Cell type

Function

References

Negative role

Type I cytokine receptors

GM-CSF, G-CSF, IL-3, IL-6, IL-4, RANKL, thrombopoietin

Myeloid precursors, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, megakaryocytes

Proliferation, survival, differentiation

(35;40-42)

Immunoglobulin superfamily receptors

M-CSF, SCF

Myeloid precursors, macrophages, mast cells

Proliferation

(41-43)

FcεRI

IgE

Mast cells

Proliferation, degranulation, cytokine production

(36;44-46)

Integrin

Extracellular matrix proteins, counter receptors

Macrophages, neutrophils, myeloid precursors

Adhesion, activation, survival

(47-49)

Positive role

Type I cytokine receptors

IL-5, G-CSF, GM-CSF, Epo

Neutrophils, eosinophils, erythroblasts

Survival, proliferation, differentiation

(41;42;50;51)

G protein-coupled receptors

Chemokines

Neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid precursors, mast cells

Activation, migration

Abbreviations: G-CSF, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; SCF, stem cell factor; GM-CSF, granuolocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor; M-CSF, macrophage-colony-stimulating factor; Epo, erythropoietin; RANKL, receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand

Figure 9. Pre-BCR and BCR signaling. Following BCR ligation, Lyn phosphorylates the ITAMs of the Igα/Igβ BCR subunits. These phosphotyrosines then act as docking sites for the SH2 domains of Syk. In pre-BCR signaling, Syk phosphorylates many substrates and triggers signaling pathways that are involved in both proliferation and differentiation of pre-B cells. Syk-mediated signaling downstream from the BCR regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis as well as the secretion of antigen-specific antibodies.

Hematopoietic cells

-B cells

Following BCR ligation, Lyn phosphorylates the ITAMs of the Igα/Igβ BCR subunits [Figure 8 & 9; (52-54)]. These phosphotyrosines then act as docking sites for the SH2 domains of Syk (see the record for poppy), resulting in Syk phosphorylation and activation. Syk phosphorylates a number of downstream targets including B cell linker (BLNK; see the record for busy), PLCγ2, and protein kinase C β (PKCβ; see the record for Untied). BCR stimulation also activates phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) resulting in the generation of PIP3, which binds selectively to the pleckstrin homology domain of Btk (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase), facilitating membrane recruitment of the kinase. Phosphorylated BLNK also provides docking sites for Btk, as well as PLCγ2, which results in the additional phosphorylation and activation of PLCγ2 by Btk leading to the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol-3,4-diphosphate (PIP2) to inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) (55). The recruitment of Vav1, Nck, and Ras by BLNK to the BCR activates MAP kinase cascades such as JNK, p38 and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) [reviewed in (56)]. Together, these signals allow the activation of multiple transcription factors, including nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT), NF-κB (see the records for finlay, xander and panr2) and AP-1, which subsequently regulate biological responses including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis as well as the secretion of antigen-specific antibodies [reviewed in (57)]. Lyn is essential for the terminal differentiation of peripheral B cells as well as the elimination of autoreactive B cells (58); however, Lyn, Fyn, and Blk have redundant functions in pre-B cell expansion and BCR signaling initiation.  

 

Lyn has a non-redundant role in negative regulation of BCR signaling (52). Lyn phosphorylates the ITIMs of the BCR associated co-receptors CD22 (see the record for well), Fc receptor gamma IIb (FcγRIIb), and paired immunoglobulin-like receptor-B (PIR-B) (34;59-63).  Inhibitory signaling involves the activation of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (see the record for spin), and SH2-containing 5’-inositol phosphatase (SHIP-1; see the record for styx) (16). SHIP-1 is recruited to receptor-associated signaling complexes via adaptors (e.g., Shc, Grb2, Dok3), scaffold proteins like Gab1, or directly via its SH2 domain. After recruitment to the plasma membrane, SHIP can then hydrolyze PIP3. Hydrolysis of PIP3 inhibits recruitment of PH domain containing kinases like Akt, Btk, and PLCγ to the plasma membrane and thus limits the activity of several different PI3K effectors that promote cell survival, migration, differentiation, or proliferation.

 

-Neutrophils

Lyn phosphorylates ITAMs in the cytoplasmic tail of cytokine receptors (e.g., G-CSFR, GM-CSFR, and M-CSFR) (42). Cytokine receptors are associated with a tethered Jak kinase that phosphorylates tyrosine residues in the receptor cytoplasmic domain upon cytokine binding to the receptor [reviewed in (64)]. Jak-mediated phosphorylation of the receptor provides a docking site for members of the STAT family of transcription factors (e.g., STAT5, STAT3, and STAT1; see the record for domino for information on STAT1). The STAT proteins subsequently dimerize and translocate to the nucleus to regulate gene expression. Lyn is essential for regulation of neutrophil granulopoiesis, apoptosis, and adhesion. Lyn has a positive role in the regulation of calcium influx, MAPK activation and actin polymerization in response to cytokines [reviewed in (29)]. GM-CSF-mediated inhibition of neutrophil apoptosis and the regulation of the pro-survival effect of LPS are dependent on Lyn (42;65). Lyn phosphorylates caspase-8 during resting conditions as well as after LPS stimulation, making it resistant to activation cleavage and subsequently inhibiting the progression of apoptosis (65). Other studies have shown that Lyn is an activator of accelerated apoptosis (66). Lyn recruits SHIP-1 to the plasma membrane, which then blocks pro-survival integrin-induced Akt activation by reducing PIP3 levels. The role of Lyn in G-CSF-induced signaling is unclear. While some studies have proposed that Lyn is negative regulator of G-CSF signaling, others have shown that Lyn is a positive transducer of G-CSF responses [reviewed in (29)]. Scapini et al. proposed that Lyn may act as a negative regulator of G-CSF responses in neutrophil precursors and may act as a positive regulator in more differentiated cells [reviewed in (29)]. Lyn is also a negative regulator of integrin-dependent responses in neutrophils (47-49)

 

-Macrophages

Phagocytosis occurs upon recognition of microbes by macrophage cell surface receptors including the FcγRs, complement receptors, integrins, and scavenger receptors. The FcγRs recognize the Fc domains of IgGs to promote engulfment of foreign particles by phagocytosis. The FcγRs have ITAM domains that can be phosphorylated by Hck and Lyn (67;68).  FcγR phosphorylation recruits Syk as well as proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (Pyk-2), which facilitate actin reorganization. Class A scavenger receptors (SR-As) interact with several ligands including low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and poly I:C to facilitate gene transcription and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 release. Lyn is a positive regulator of macrophage adhesion through the SR-As (69). Lyn also phosphorylates ITIMs in PIR-B and signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) in macrophages to negatively regulate phagocytosis through the recruitment of SHP-1 and SHP-2 [reviewed in (29;70)].

 

-Mast cells

FcεRI, an antigen receptor found on mast cells, is phosphorylated by Lyn at ITAMs in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor. The FcεRI signaling pathway shares homology with the BCR and FcγR signaling pathways. In mast cells, Lyn has a positive functional role in SCF-induced chemotaxis, a redundant positive role in FcεRI-stimulated responses, and a negative regulatory role in FcεRI-stimulated responses (i.e., degranulation, proliferation and cytokine production) [(36;44-46); reviewed in (29)].

 

-Dendritic cells

Lyn is involved in the regulation of dendritic cell (DC) GM-CSF-stimulated maturation, proliferation, and survival (71;72). In Lyn-/- mice, loss of Lyn expression resulted in enhanced DC expansion from bone marrow precursors as well as accelerated differentiation of DC progenitors; however the bone marrow-derived DCs exhibited a less mature phenotype and a reduced capacity to stimulate antigen-specific T cells (71). In addition, Lyn-/- DCs had higher survival rates after differentiation than wild-type cells (71). Lyn-/- DCs were unable to mature appropriately in response to innate stimuli, leading to DCs that had lower levels of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules (71). IL-12 production and antigen-specific T cell activation were reduced in Lyn-/- DCs after maturation, leading to impaired T helper type 1 (Th1) responses (71). Diminished IL-12 synthesis in the DCs was due to hyperactivation of the PI3K pathway (72). DC-specific Lyn (DC-Lyn) knockout mice exhibited spontaneous activation of B and T cells, the development of autoantibodies, severe nephritis (73). DCs from the DC-Lyn mice were hyperactivated and hyperresponsive to TLR agonist, GM-CSF, and IL-1β stimulation (73). After LPS or IL-1β stimulation, Lyn-deficient DCs exhibited increased phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, indicating that NF-κB signaling was increased.

 

-Eosinophils

Lyn associates with the IL-5 receptor (IL-5R) alpha (IL-5Rα) subunit and phosphorylates ITAMs in both the IL-5Rα and β subunits to positively regulate IL-5-induced differentiation, proliferation, survival, and activation in eosinophils [(72;74-76); reviewed in (29)].  Lyn also has a positive role in IL-3/GM-CSF-induced survival (74;75) and in Fas-mediated cell death (77); see the record for riogrande for more information on Fas/FasL-mediated cell death.

 

-Erythroblasts

Lyn is essential for both (EpoR)-induced early erythroid cell expansion and late-stage maturation and cell survival; loss of Lyn expression prevented erythroid differentiation in response to erythropoietin (37;78-80). In EpoR signaling, activated Lyn phosphorylates STAT5 (50;79). Lyn also stimulates pathways that downregulate EpoR signaling (41).

 

-Osteoclasts

Lyn is a negative regulator of osteoclastic bone resorption and differentiation of osteoclast precursors in response to receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) ligand (RANKL); Lyn forms a complex with RANK, SHP-1, and Grb2-associated binder 2 (Gab2).  See the record for xander for more information on the function of RANK in the non-canonical NF-κB pathway. Osteoclasts from Lyn-/- mice exhibited increased Gab2 phosphorylation as well as increased JNK and NF-κB activity. As a result, Lyn-/- mice showed accelerated osteoclastogenesis and bone loss in response to RANKL (81).

 

Lyn function in the brain

In the brain, Lyn physically associates with the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptor and is activated after receptor stimulation. Following Lyn activation, the MAPK pathway regulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to mediate fast synaptic transmission (82). Lyn negatively regulates the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) pathway in controlling striatum- and nucleus accumbens-regulated motor activity (30). In NMDA signaling, Lyn inhibits PKC activity, which is responsible for the phosphorylation of the NR1 regulatory subunit of the NMDA receptor (83). Lyn-/- mice did not move normally in a new environment due to an enhancement in NMDA signaling upon the loss of Lyn expression; the dopaminergic pathway was normal (30).

 

Leukemia and Tumors

In the mouse, Lyn is a proposed tumor suppressor; this function is affected by the genetic background of mouse models and by other environmental factors including chronic infection and the spectrum of commensal flora [reviewed in (29)]. Lyn-/- mice older than one year of age can develop large aggregates of myelomonocytic cells on the tail, ears, and legs due to hyperresponsiveness to cytokine stimulation [(41); reviewed in (29)]. In cell lines established from patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Lyn is hyperactivated [(84); reviewed in (29)]. Lyn is essential in maintaining AML cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic pathways (85). Lyn also regulates the activation of the Akt anti-apoptotic pathway in colon carcinoma cells (86). In prostate cancer cell lines, inhibition of Lyn resulted in reduced cell proliferation (87).

Putative Mechanism

The Lemon phenotype is similar to that observed in the Lyn-/- and Lynweeb (WeeB) mouse models indicating that LynLemon has reduced function. Lyn knockout (Lyn-/-; Lyntm1Sor, Lyntm1Tya, and Lyntm1Sor) mice exhibit normal B lineage compartments through to the transitional stage in the spleen (34;58;88;89). Lyn-/- transitional 1 (T1) B cells develop normally, but T2 B cells develop primarily from the T1 subset in the spleen and fail to develop from immature B cells in the bone marrow (52;90). Transitional and maturing B cells in the Lyn-/- mice undergo increased death rates in the T2 and mature subsets; most dying cells do not pass through the anergic T3 stage (52). Lyn-/- mice exhibit normal frequency of pro-B cells, indicating that Lyn does not control pro-B cell proliferation or survival and/or that it plays a redundant role therein (34;58;88;91). Lyn-/- mice exhibit progressive splenomegaly and enlargement of lymph nodes, reduced numbers of mature follicular B cells, absence of marginal zone B cells, produce large quantities of anti-nuclear antibodies, and develop glomerulonephritis as early as 5 months of age (34;58;88;89). B cells from Lyn-/- mice are both hyperresponsive to BCR ligation and resistant to the inhibitory signals from FcγRIIb and CD22 (34;59-61). Peritoneal IgM+ B220+ B cell numbers were significantly lower in Lyn-/- mice at 2 months of age compared to wild-type mice and the size of the Peyer’s patches were reduced (58;89). As a result, CD5 B220high conventional B cells and B1 cells were also reduced (89). WeeB mice, have an ENU-induced mutation within the kinase domain resulting in perturbed BCR signaling (16). The WeeB mice have ~50% reduced peripheral blood B cell numbers. The numbers of all splenic B cell subsets and of mature B220highIgM+ recirculating B cells were reduced in the WeeB mice at less severe amounts than in the Lyn-/- mice. With age, the WeeB mice develop enlarged spleens with an accumulation of lymphoblast-like and plasma cells, reduced B cell numbers, and disrupted B cell zone organization. The WeeB mice exhibit a later glomerulonephritis onset (12-14 months) than Lyn-/- mice (~8 months).

Primers PCR Primer
Lemon_pcr_F: GGCCAGGTCATACTTCCTGTTTTGTT
Lemon_pcr_R: TGAAACTGTGCCTACACAACCAACC

Sequencing Primer
Lemon_seq_F: GATTCCCCTGCTTCTGCC
Lemon_seq_R: TGTTCATCCCCAGCCAAG
Genotyping

Lemon genotyping is performed by amplifying the region containing the mutation using PCR, followed by sequencing of the amplified region to detect the single nucleotide transition. The same primers are used for PCR amplification and for sequencing.

PCR Primers

Lemon(F): 5’- GGCCAGGTCATACTTCCTGTTTTGTT -3’

Lemon(R): 5’- TGAAACTGTGCCTACACAACCAACC -3’

Sequencing Primers

Lemon_seq(F): 5’- GATTCCCCTGCTTCTGCC -3’

Lemon_seq(F): 5’- TGTTCATCCCCAGCCAAG -3’

PCR program

1) 94°C             2:00

2) 94°C             0:30

3) 55°C             0:30

4) 72°C             1:00

5) repeat steps (2-4) 40X

6) 72°C             10:00

7) 4°C               ∞

The following sequence of 974 nucleotides (from Genbank genomic region NC_000070 for linear DNA sequence of Lyn) is amplified:

68171            ggccaggtca tacttcctgt tttgttgtgt tattatgaaa gtgaatccta

68221 agtgtcaaga ggaaactcaa aataattgtt ctattcagct aaatgatttt ggaaaactac    

68281 ggtgaagaag aaaagtgata tattgcctac ttgtctagca aacaaattgc tattgtcatt    

68341 tatcaagtca aaaatttaaa gtaccttgta ttttcccttt gaggccttgg ctagcctggt    

68401 attagcatag attcccctgc ttctgcctcc cacgtgcctg ggctaaaatc atcactgcac    

68461 aaggctgcag agctttcatg tgatgaggtt gtatttgtat gtttcatggt aaaatggtta    

68521 tcacagtgtg gtataatgta gaccttatta ataacatata aacatgcctt ctcttaactg     

68581 ttttccacag gaagcttctc tctttctgtc agagattatg accctatgca tggtgatgtc    

68641 attaagcact acaaaattag aagtctggac aatggtggct attacatctc tcctcgcatc    

68701 acttttccct gcatcagtga catgattaag cattaccaaa gtaagtcaaa actgaaggcc    

68761 gggagaggca gattatcttt ataatgatta gtgtaaagtg gcaaatgcta ctttatagaa    

68821 attgtttcct tcaggtaatg ccatgggtag tactctacaa gtagttctaa cttaatgtag    

68881 atactccttg acttccagtg atcacgtgtt ctaatatgtc cattgtgact tgacatatta    

68941 taagttgaaa atacatttca ttcgccctat cttctgaaca ccctagctta atgtagccat    

69001 cagtgagtgt gctcaggtac ttacatttcc ctacagttgg acagagtcta tcccctgtat    

69061 aacctctgtg tgctagtggc tcatgcaagc tgccaagtac ttggctgggg atgaacacag    

69121 gttggttgtg taggcacagt ttcat

FASTA sequence

Primer binding sites are underlined and the sequencing primer is highlighted; the mutated nucleotide is shown in red text.

References
Science Writers Anne Murray
Illustrators Peter Jurek, Katherine Timer
AuthorsMing Zeng, Kuan-wen Wang, Jin Huk Choi, Bruce Beutler