Regulation of EGF-induced phospholipase C-γ1 translocation and activation by its SH2 and PH domains

Translocation of phospholipase C-gamma1 is essential for its function in response to growth factors. However, in spite of recent progress, the phospholipase C-gamma1 translocation pattern and the molecular mechanism of the translocation are far from fully understood. Contradictory results were reported as to which domain, PH or SH2, controls the epidermal growth factor-induced translocation of phospholipase C-gamma1. In this communication, we studied epidermal growth factor-induced translocation of phospholipase C-gamma1 by using comprehensive approaches including biochemistry, indirect fluorescence and live fluorescence imaging. We provided original evidence demonstrating that: (i) endogenous phospholipase C-gamma1, similar to YFP-tagged phospholipase C-gamma1, translocated to endosomes following its initial translocation from cytosol to the plasma membrane in response to epidermal growth factor; (ii) phospholipase C-gamma1 remained phosphorylated in endosomes, but phospholipase C-gamma1 activity is not required for its translocation, which suggests a signaling role for phospholipase C-gamma1 in endosomes; (iii) the PH domain was not required for the initial translocation of phospholipase C-gamma1 from cytosol to the plasma membrane, but it stabilizes phospholipase C-gamma1 in the membrane at a later time; (iv) the function of the phospholipase C-gamma1 PH domain in stabilizing phospholipase C-gamma1 membrane association is very important in maintaining the activity of phospholipase C-gamma1; and (v) the role of the PH domain in phospholipase C-gamma1 membrane association and activation is dependent on PI3K activity. We conclude that the phospholipase C-gamma1 SH2 and PH domains coordinate to determine epidermal growth factor-induced translocation and activation of phospholipase C-gamma1.