Kinase Suppressor of Ras Couples Ras to the ERK Cascade during T Cell Development

Ras signaling is critical for many developmental processes and requires the precise coordination of interactions among multiple downstream components. One mechanism by which this regulation is achieved is through the use of scaffolding molecules that coordinate the assembly of multimolecular complexes. Recently, the scaffolding molecule kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR) was isolated in genetic screens as a modifier of Ras signaling, although its contribution to regulating Ras-mediated activation of its different downstream effectors is not well understood. We have analyzed the role of KSR in linking Ras to the ERK cascade during positive selection. Our results demonstrate that KSR overexpression interferes with T cell development, an effect that requires the direct interaction between KSR and MEK. This functional effect correlates with the ability of KSR to uncouple Ras from the ERK cascade when overexpressed.