Investigating the regulation of brain-specific kinases 1 and 2 by phosphorylation

Brain-specific kinases 1 and 2 (BRSK1/2) are AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related kinases that are highly expressed in mammalian forebrain. Studies using transgenic animal models have implicated a role for these kinases in the establishment of neuronal polarity. BRSK1 and BRSK2 are activated by phosphorylation of a threonine residue in the T-loop activation segment of the kinase domain. In vitro studies have demonstrated that LKB1, an upstream kinase in the AMPK cascade, can catalyze this phosphorylation. However, to date, a detailed comparative analysis of the molecular regulation of BRSK1/2 has not been undertaken. Here we present evidence that excludes another upstream kinase in the AMPK cascade, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta, from a role in activating BRSK1/2. We show that equivalent mutations in the ubiquitin-associated domains of the BRSK isoforms produce differential effects on the activation of BRSK1 and BRSK2. Contrary to previous reports, activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase does not affect BRSK1 or BRSK2 activity in mammalian cells. Furthermore, stimuli that activate AMPK had no effect on BRSK1/2. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that protein phosphatase 2C is a likely candidate for catalyzing the dephosphorylation and inactivation of BRSK1/2.