The mechanism and function of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation by ARF1

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) can be activated by a number of biochemical pathways through distinct signaling molecules. We have recently revealed a novel function for the Ras-like small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) in mediating the activation of Raf1–MEK–ERK1/2 pathway by G protein-coupled receptors [Dong C, Li C and Wu G (2011) J Biol Chem 286, 43,361–43,369]. Here, we have further defined the underlying mechanism and the possible function of ARF1-mediated MAPK pathway. We demonstrated that the blockage of ARF1 activation and the disruption of ARF1 localization to the Golgi by mutating Thr48, a highly conserved residue involved in the exchange of GDP for GTP, and the myristoylation site Gly2 abolished ARF1's ability to activate ERK1/2. In addition, treatment with Golgi structure disrupting agents markedly attenuated ARF1-mediated ERK1/2 activation. Furthermore, ARF1 significantly promoted cell proliferation. More interestingly, ARF1 activated 90kDa ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1) without influencing Elk-1 activation and ERK2 translocation to the nuclei. These data demonstrate that, once activated, ARF1 activates the MAPK pathway likely using the Golgi as a main platform, which in turn activates the cytoplasmic RSK1, leading to cell proliferation.