Dissection of the dual function of the beta-subunit of protein kinase CK2 ('casein kinase-2'): a synthetic peptide reproducing the carboxyl-terminal domain mimicks the positive but not the negative effects of the whole protein.

The dual function of the regulatory beta-subunit of protein kinase CK2 is highlighted by its ability to abolish calmodulin phosphorylation in contrast to its stimulatory effect on the phosphorylation of peptide substrates. Here we show that a synthetic peptide reproducing the C-terminal region of the beta-subunit (beta[170-215]) stimulates to a similar extent the phosphorylation of either the peptide substrate or calmodulin and also protects the catalytic alpha-subunit against thermal inactivation as efficiently as full-length beta-subunit. These data show that the positive and negative functions of the beta-subunit reside in physically separated domains and that the elements responsible for positive regulation are located in the C-terminal region.