GSK-3 is activated by the tyrosine kinase Pyk2 during LPA1-mediated neurite retraction

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a multifunctional serine/threonine kinase that is usually inactivated by serine phosphorylation in response to extracellular cues. However, GSK-3 can also be activated by tyrosine phosphorylation, but little is known about the upstream signaling events and tyrosine kinase(s) involved. Here we describe a G protein signaling pathway leading to GSK-3 activation during lysophosphaticlic acid (LPA)-induced neurite retraction. Using neuronal cells expressing the LPA, receptor, we show that LPA, mediates tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of GSK-3 with subsequent phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau via the Gi-linked PIP, hydrolysis-Ca2+ mobilization pathway. LPA concomitantly activates the Call-dependent tyrosine kinase Pyk2, which is detected in a complex with GSK-3 beta. Inactivation or knockdown of Pyk2 inhibits LPA-induced (but not basal) tyrosine phosphorylation of GSK-3 and partially inhibits LPA-induced neurite retraction, similar to what is observed following GSK-3 inhibition. Thus, Pyk2 mediates LPA,-induced activation of GSK-3 and subsequent phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins. Pyk2-mediated GSK-3 activation is initiated by PIP, hydrolysis and may serve to destabilize microtubules during actomyosin-driven neurite retraction.