bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocytosis of hyaluronan in rat Kupffer cells
Authors: Alston-Smith J , Pertoft H , Laurent T C
Published: August 2015

The binding, uptake and degradation of hyaluronan (HA) labelled with 3H in its acetyl group were studied in cultured rat Kupffer cells (KC). At 4 degrees C the binding increased with increasing concentrations of HA in the culture medium up to at least 1 microgram/ml, when saturation occurred. Binding could be prevented efficiently by the addition of an excess of unlabelled HA, and to a lesser extent by chondroitin sulphate and oligosaccharide fragments of HA, consisting of four sugars or more. The labelled HA bound to the cells could be removed by incubating the cells with Streptomyces hyaluronidase, or trypsin, indicating that the HA-binding sites are located on the cell surface. At 37 degrees C HA was internalized in a concentration-dependent manner, and degradation products appeared in the supernatant after 1-5 h, depending on the concentration applied. At 50 ng of free HA/ml, each KC accumulated 60 ag of the polysaccharide/min in the first 1 h, and degraded a total amount of 10 fg of HA during an 8 h period. Addition of the negatively charged polysaccharide dextran sulphate reduced binding, and to an even greater extent internalization, of HA in KC, while no effect was observed with dextran. Depletion of intracellular potassium caused a marked reduction in the rate of endocytosis of cell-membrane-associated HA into KC, without affecting binding. Addition of KCl to the culture medium returned endocytosis of [3H]HA to normal levels. There was no effect on binding and a partial effect on internalization by depletion of bivalent cations or in the presence of EDTA. The degradation of [3H]HA by KC cultures was abolished in the presence of weak bases, NH4Cl and chloroquine, supporting the idea that HA is endocytosed into lysosomes prior to degradation. The fluid-phase marker [14C]sucrose was internalized in the cells at much lower rate than was HA. Rates of binding, internalization and degradation of HA in KC point therefore to a specific endocytosis followed by an intracellular degradation to low-M(r) compounds. It was estimated that, under physiological conditions, KC only clear a minor proportion of circulating HA.
Activity of the epidermal-growth-factor receptor and phospholipase C-γ 1 in heat-stressed fibroblasts and A-431 cells
Authors: Liu S M , Carpenter G
Published: August 2015

A variety of changes in the functions of specific plasma-membrane components have been reported in cells exposed to a heat shock. In this study, we examined the consequences of heat stress on epidermal-growth-factor (EGF)-induced receptor autophosphorylation and receptor-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-gamma 1), a cellular substrate. Although the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF receptor is rapidly inactivated at 45 degrees C in vitro [Carpenter, King & Cohen (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 4884-4891], EGF stimulates autophosphorylation of its receptor in both A-431 cells and human fibroblasts after a prolonged heat shock. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the receptor reveals an EGF-induced increase in phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine at 46 degrees C. EGF also stimulates the phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma 1 and induces the formation of inositol phosphates under heat-shock conditions. 125I-EGF binding and internalization in A-431 cells is not decreased during incubations at 46 degrees C for up to 90 min. EGF-induced dimerization of EGF receptors on the cell surface is preserved during heat shock. Though EGF-receptor-mediated endocytosis is not inhibited by elevated temperature, the degradation of internalized 125I-EGF is dramatically decreased. These results indicate that, aside from ligand degradation, the EGF-mediated pathway of signal transduction through phospholipase C-gamma 1 remains remarkably intact during conditions of extreme cellular stress.
Cloning of the gene (gdcH) encoding H-protein, a component of the glycine decarboxylase complex of pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Macherel D , Bourguignon J , Douce R
Published: August 2015

H-protein is the lipoyl-protein component of the glycine decarboxylase complex, which catalyses, with serine hydroxymethyltransferase, the mitochondrial step of photorespiration in plants. We have isolated and characterized the gene (gdcH) encoding the H-protein in pea (Pisum sativum L.). The H-protein gene is distributed in a stretch of about 1.55 kbp and contains three introns (75, 64 and 185 bp) located in the coding region. No intervening sequences were detected in the 5′ and 3′ non-coding regions. This intron-exon structure contrasts with the preliminary H-protein gene structures reported for human and chicken, where these genes (dispersed on 13 and 8 kbp genomic fragments respectively) are composed of five highly conserved exons and are interrupted by four long introns. Two main transcription sites were detected by primer extension of RNA. The first transcriptional initiation site was assigned the +1 position and correlated with a putative TATA box located at position -26. The second transcriptional start site was not correlated with a putative TATA box, but may be regulated by an ‘initiator’ element described by Smale & Baltimore [(1989) Cell (Cambridge, Mass.) 57, 103-113] which contains, within itself, the transcription start site. The presence of two potential promoters may be related to the specialized overexpression pattern of H-protein in leaves, in order to support photorespiration.
Immunoreactive folate-binding proteins from human saliva. Isolation and comparison of two distinct species
Authors: Verma R S , Antony A C
Published: August 2015

Human saliva contains a single 72,000-M(r) species which specifically reacted with rabbit anti-[human placental folate receptor (PFR)] serum on SDS/PAGE and Western blots. Although a specific radioimmunoassay for human PFR and related folate-binding proteins (FBPs) identified 55 ng of cross-reacting material (CRM) per mg of crude salivary proteins, only a minor fraction (1.6 ng) specifically bound radiolabelled folate. The major fraction of CRM did not contain bound endogenous folate and did not bind radiolabelled folates. On the basis of folate binding, salivary CRM species to PFR were designated as either functional (f-FBP) or non-functional (nf-FBP) species respectively. nf-FBPs and f-FBPs were isolated by different purification schemes. Both purified f-FBPs and nf-FBPs migrated as a single apparent 72,000-M(r) species on SDS/PAGE, but on Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration and sucrose-density-gradient ultracentrifugation they were eluted/sedimented with 40,000-M(r) markers. Each microgram of purified f-FBP and nf-FBP was measured in the radioimmunoassay for PFR as being equivalent to 18 ng and 24 ng of CRM respectively, indicating low epitope-relatedness to PFR. The Kd of f-FBPs was 50 pM and 0.94 mol of folate was bound/mol of protein. f-FBPs exhibited an unusual dependence on Triton X-100 for optimal ligand binding, despite the fact that Triton X-100 micelle binding was not demonstrated. The relative order of affinity of f-FBPs for pteroylglutamate greater than methotrexate greater than 5-formyltetrahydrofolate greater than 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was also distinct from that of purified PFR. Whereas amino acid and carbohydrate analysis revealed that nf-FBP (M(r) 51,400) and f-FBP (M(r) 39,200) were distinct glycoproteins with 8 and 13% carbohydrate respectively, isoelectric focusing and immunological studies suggested some structural identity. The presence of f-FBP and nf-FBP in normal saliva raises new questions about their possible role in vivo.
A study of the stabilization of tetrahedral adducts by trypsin and δ-chymotrypsin
Authors: Finucane M D , Malthouse J P G
Published: August 2015

delta-Chymotrypsin has been alkylated by 1-13C- and 2-13C-enriched tosylphenylalanylchloromethane. In the intact inhibitor derivative, signals due to the 1-13C- and 2-13C-enriched carbon atoms have chemical shifts which titrate from 55.10 to 59.50 p.p.m. and from 99.10 to 103.66 p.p.m. respectively with similar pKa values of 8.99 and 8.85 respectively. These signals are assigned to a tetrahedral adduct formed between the hydroxy group of serine-195 and the inhibitor. An additional signal at 58.09 p.p.m. and at 204.85 p.p.m. in the 1-13C- and 2-13C-enzyme-inhibitor derivatives respectively does not titrate when the pH is changed and it is assigned to alkylated methionine-192. On denaturation/autolysis of the 1-13C-enriched enzyme-inhibitor derivative these signals associated with the intact inhibitor derivative are no longer detected, and a new signal, which titrates from 56.28 to 54.84 p.p.m. with a pKa of 5.26, is detected. The titration shift of this signal is assigned to the deprotonation of the imidazolium cation of alkylated histidine-57 in the denatured/autolysed enzyme-inhibitor derivative. Model compounds which form stable hydrates and hemiketals in aqueous solutions have been synthesized. By comparing the 13C titration shifts of these model compounds with those of the 13C enriched trypsin- and delta-chymotrypsin-inhibitor derivatives, we deduce that, in both of the intact enzyme-inhibitor derivatives, the zwitterionic tetrahedral adduct containing the imidazolium cation of histidine-57 and the hemiketal oxyanion predominates at alkaline pH values. It is estimated that in both the trypsin and delta-chymotrypsin-inhibitor derivatives the concentration of this zwitterionic tetrahedral adduct is 10,000-fold greater than it would be in water. We conclude that the pKa of the oxyanion of the hemiketal in the presence of the imidazolium cation of histidine-57 is 7.9 and 8.9 in the trypsin and delta-chymotrypsin-inhibitor derivatives respectively and that the pKa of the imidazolium cation of histidine-57 is greater than 7.9 and greater than 8.9 when the oxyanion is present as its conjugate acid, whereas, when the oxyanion is present, the pKa of the imidazolium cation is greater than 11 in both enzyme-inhibitor derivatives. We discuss how these enzymes preferentially stabilize zwitterionic tetrahedral adducts in the intact enzyme-inhibitor derivatives and how they could stabilize similar tetrahedral intermediates during catalysis. It is suggested that substrate binding could raise the pKa of the imidazolium cation of histidine-57 before tetrahedral-intermediate formation which would explain the enhanced nucleophilicity of the hydroxy group of serine-195.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Epidermal-growth-factor-induced production of phosphatidylalcohols by HeLa cells and A431 cells through activation of phospholipase D
Authors: Kaszkin M , Seidler L , Kast R , Kinzel V
Published: August 2015

In response to epidermal growth factor (EGF), HeLa cells and A431 cells rapidly accumulate substantial amounts of phosphatidic acid (up to 0.16 and 0.2 micrograms/10(6) cells respectively), which represents approx. 0.17% of total phospholipid. Phosphatidic acid may be a potential product of diacylglycerol kinase and/or of phospholipase D. To evaluate the contribution of phospholipase D, the phosphatidyl-transfer reaction to a primary alcohol (mostly butan-1-ol; 0.2%) was measured; this reaction is known to be mediated exclusively by phospholipase D in intact cells. In HeLa and in A431 cells prelabelled with [1-14C]oleic acid, EGF (10 and 100 nM respectively) caused a 3-fold increase in radioactive phosphatidylbutanol within 5 min at the expense of labelled phosphatidic acid. Dose-response relationships showed 10 nM- and 100 nM-EGF to be maximally effective in HeLa cells and A431 cells respectively. Mass determinations showed that the phosphatidylbutanol formed within 5 min represented only part of the phosphatidic acid. Depletion of protein kinase C by pretreatment of A431 cells for 17 h with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (0.1 microM) did not impair EGF-induced formation of phosphatidylbutanol, thus indicating that the reaction was independent of this enzyme. Since phosphatidic acid is suggested to exert second-messenger functions as well as to induce biophysical changes in cellular membranes, its formation, including that via the phospholipase D pathway, may represent an important link between extracellular signals and intracellular targets.
Gene expression of regulatory enzymes of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in regenerating rat liver
Authors: Rosa J L , Bartrons R , Tauler A
Published: August 2015

Levels of mRNA for glucokinase, L-pyruvate kinase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were analysed during liver regeneration. Levels of mRNA for glycolytic enzymes (glucokinase and L-pyruvate kinase) decreased rapidly after partial hepatectomy. Glucokinase mRNA increased at 16-24 h, returning to normal values after this time. L-pyruvate kinase mRNA recovered control levels at 168 h. In contrast, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA increased rapidly after liver resection and remained high during the regenerative process. However, the levels of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase mRNA were not modified significantly. These results correlate with the reported increased rate of gluconeogenesis and changes in enzyme levels after partial hepatectomy. The effect of stress on the mRNA levels was also studied. All enzymes showed variations in their mRNA levels after the surgical stress. In general, the differences were more pronounced in regenerating liver than in sham-operated animals, being practically normalized at 24 h.
Prokaryotic triterpenoids: O-α-d-glucuronopyranosyl bacteriohopanetetrol, a novel hopanoid from the bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum
Authors: Llopiz Pierre , Neunlist Serge , Rohmer Michel
Published: August 2015

A novel hopanoid bearing a glucuronopyranosyl residue linked via an α-glycosidic bond to the hydroxyl group of C-35 in bacteriohopanetetrol was isolated, from the type strain of Rhodospirillum rubrum as well as from a mutant lacking blue carotenoid.
Phospholipid molecular species composition of mouse liver nuclei. Influence of dietary n–3 fatty acid ethyl esters
Authors: Chapkin R S , Davidson L D , Davidson L A
Published: August 2015

The effect of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ethyl esters on the individual molecular species composition of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was determined in mouse liver nuclei. After a 10 day feeding period, there was a depletion of the sn-2 position of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and substitution with n-3 PUFA. EPA feeding significantly increased (P less than 0.05) diacyl PC and PE 16:0-20:5, n-3, 16:0-22:6,n-3, 18:0-20:5,n-3 and 18:0-22:6,n-3 relative to control (safflower oil ethyl ester fed) animals. In comparison, DHA feeding significantly increased (P less than 0.05) 22:6 n-3-containing species, specifically 18:1-22:6,n-3, 16:0-22:6,n-3 and 18:0-22:6,n-3 in PC, and 18:1-22:6,n-3, 16:0-22:6,n-3 and 18:0-22:6,n-3 in PE. In addition, the presence of 18:0-20:5,n-3 PC in the nuclei of DHA-fed rats and of 18:2-20:5,n-3, 18:1-20:5,n-3 and 18:0-20:5,n-3 in nuclear PE indicate that incorporation of DHA retroconversion (22:6,n-3–>20:5,n-3) products. These results indicate both EPA and DHA are extensively incorporated into nuclear phospholipids, and therefore could potentially influence gene function.
The human hepatoma Hep3B cell line as an experimental model in the study of the long-term regulation of acute-phase proteins by cytokines
Authors: Hiron M , Daveau M , Arnaud P , Bauer J , Lebreton J P
Published: August 2015

The regulation of the synthesis by the cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6 of the positive acute-phase protein alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and of the negative acute-phase protein alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG) has been studied in a long-term culture system of the human hepatoma cell line Hep3B. The culture system contained 30 nM-sodium selenite as the only supplement. This allowed maintenance of the synthesis of the proteins under study at a near steady state for over 3 months. An increase in AGP mRNA and a decrease in AHSG mRNA were observed when cells were treated for two successive 48 h-periods with monocyte-conditioned medium. A return to basal levels was obtained after cessation of the cytokine addition. Two further additions of cytokines led to alterations in mRNA levels similar to those observed following the first cytokine treatment. The amounts of AGP and AHSG secreted were altered in accordance with the mRNA modifications. These results suggest that new cytokine receptors were being constantly synthesized during cell culture. When cytokines were present in the culture medium for 10 days, maximum alterations in AGP and AHSG synthesis were obtained following 2 and 4 days of treatment respectively, but further alterations in protein levels could not be observed afterwards. Expression of IL-6 receptor mRNA was not up-regulated by cytokines, but only by 1 microM-dexamethasone. Our results show that, in this long-term culture system, cytokines induce a response in hepatoma cells similar to that observed in vivo during human inflammatory states. This model could be used to evaluate the effects of agonists or antagonists of cytokines responsible for the hepatic acute-phase protein response.
Selective activation of p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in murine B lymphoma cell lines by membrane immunoglobulin cross-linking. Evidence for protein kinase C-independent and -dependent mechanisms of activation
Authors: Gold M R , Sanghera J S , Stewart J , Pelech S L
Published: August 2015

Cross-linking of membrane immunoglobulin (mIg), the B lymphocyte antigen receptor, with anti-receptor antibodies stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of proteins, including one of 42 kDa. Proteins with a similar molecular mass are tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to receptor stimulation in other cell types and have been identified as serine/threonine kinases, termed mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases or extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs). The MAP kinases constitute a family of related kinases, at least three of which have molecular masses of 40-45 kDa. In this paper we show that mIg cross-linking stimulated the myelin basic protein phosphotransferase activity characteristic of MAP kinase in both mature and immature murine B cell lines. This enzyme activity co-purified on three different columns with a 42 kDa protein that was tyrosine-phosphorylated (pp42) in response to mIg cross-linking and which reacted with a panel of anti-(MAP kinase) antibodies. Although immunoblotting with the anti-(MAP kinase) antibodies showed that these B cell lines expressed both 42 kDa and 44 kDa forms of MAP kinase, only the 42 kDa form was activated and tyrosine-phosphorylated to a significant extent. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with phorbol esters also resulted in selective tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of the 42 kDa MAP kinase. This suggested that mIg-induced MAP kinase activation could be due to stimulation of PKC by mIg. However, mIg-stimulated MAP kinase activation and pp42 tyrosine phosphorylation was only partially blocked by a PKC inhibitor, the staurosporine analogue Compound 3. In contrast, Compound 3 completely blocked the ability of phorbol esters to stimulate MAP kinase activity and induce tyrosine phosphorylation of pp42. Thus mIg may activate MAP kinase by both PKC-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Characterization of the human properdin gene
Authors: Nolan K F , Kaluz S , Higgins J M G , Goundis D , Reid K B M
Published: August 2015

A cosmid clone containing the complete coding sequence of the human properdin gene has been characterized. The gene is located at one end of the approximately 40 kb cosmid insert and approximately 8.2 kb of the sequence data have been obtained from this region. Two discrepancies with the published cDNA sequence [Nolan, Schwaeble, Kaluz, Dierich & Reid (1991) Eur. J. Immunol. 21, 771-776] have been resolved. Properdin has previously been described as a modular protein, with the majority of its sequence composed of six tandem repeats of a sequence motif of approximately 60 amino acids which is related to the type-I repeat sequence (TSR), initially described in thrombospondin [Lawler & Hynes (1986) J. Cell Biol. 103, 1635-1648; Goundis & Reid (1988), Nature (London) 335, 82-85]. Analysis of the genomic sequence data indicates that the human properdin gene is organized into ten exons which span approximately 6 kb of the genome. TSRs 2-5 are coded for by discrete, symmetrical exons (phase 1-1), which supports the hypothesis that modular proteins evolved by a process involving exon shuffling. TSR1 is also coded for by a discrete exon, but the boundaries are asymmetrical (phase 2-1). The sequence coding for the sixth TSR is split across the final two exons of the gene with the first 38 amino acids of the repeat coded for by an asymmetric exon (phase 1-2). This split at the genomic level has been shown, by alignment analysis, to be reflected at the protein level with the division of repeat 6 into TSR-like and TSR-unlike sequences.
Developmental regulation and neuronal expression of the mRNA of rat n-chimaerin, a p21rac GAP:cDNA sequence
Authors: Lim H H , Michael G J , Smith P , Lim L , Hall C
Published: August 2015

Human n-chimaerin is a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for p21rac and a phorbol ester receptor. We have isolated rat n-chimaerin cDNA and investigated the cellular and developmental pattern of mRNA expression in the brain. There is extensive sequence conservation with human n-chimaerin in the coding region and the first 400 nucleotides of the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) (90% and 83% identity respectively). The rat cDNA encodes an additional 35 N-terminal amino acids compared with the reported human cDNA, which has a 5′-UTR sequence inversion and a 41-nucleotide deletion including the putative initiator methionine. The rat cDNA encodes a 334-amino acid protein (38200 M(r), pI 8.04) with 97% amino acid sequence identity with the human protein, after correction of the human 5′-DNA sequence. n-Chimaerin mRNA was detectable in embryonic rat brain at day 15 and increased in amount postnatally from birth to 20 days, coincident with cellular differentiation and synaptogenesis. n-Chimaerin mRNA is restricted to neurons, with highest concentrations in hippocampal pyramidal cells, granule cells of the dentate gyrus and cortical neurons. In the cerebellum the mRNA was detected only in Purkinje neurons. The pattern and specificity of mRNA expression suggests an important role for n-chimaerin in neuronal signal-transduction mechanisms.
Differential uptake of [3H]guanosine by nucleoside transporter subtypes in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells
Authors: Hammond J R
Published: August 2015

Intracellular metabolism of [3H]guanosine was minimal (< 15%) during the first 22 s of incubation, and hence reasonable estimates of initial-rate influx kinetics could be derived by using metabolically active cells. Na(+)-dependent concentrative [3H]guanosine uptake was not observed. Data suggest that [3H]guanosine was accumulated primarily via the nitrobenzylthioguanosine (NBTGR)-sensitive subtype of facilitated nucleoside transporter. Incubation of cells with 100 nM-NBTGR significantly decreased the potency of guanosine as an inhibitor of [3H]uridine influx. The Vmax. for [3H]guanosine influx (9.2 pmol/s per microliters) was significantly lower than that for [3H]uridine influx (16 pmol/s per microliters). The Km for transporter-mediated [3H]guanosine influx determined in the presence of 100 nM-NBTGR was 16-fold higher (1780 microM) than that determined in its absence, whereas the Km for [3H]uridine influx was shifted by only 2-fold. In other respects, the cellular accumulations of [3H]guanosine and [3H]uridine were similar; both had Km values of approx. 140 microM for total mediated influx, and both were inhibited similarly by other nucleosides and transport inhibitors. These characteristics, and the fact that guanosine is an endogenous nucleoside, suggest that [3H]guanosine may prove useful as a poorly metabolized, relatively selective, substrate for study of the NBTGR-sensitive nucleoside transport systems of mammalian cells.
Activation of the GTP-binding protein Gq by rhodopsin in squid photoreceptors
Authors: Nobes C , Baverstock J , Saibil H
Published: August 2015

Photoaffinity labelling by a GTP analogue has been used to identify a 42 kDa band as the major G alpha subunit in squid photoreceptor membranes, recently identified by partial sequence analysis to be a member of the Gq sub-group of GTP-binding proteins [Pottinger, Ryba, Keen & Findlay (1991) Biochem. J. 279, 323-326]. Guanine-nucleotide-binding displacement analysis gave a stoichiometry of 1 G-protein per 12.5 rhodopsin molecules, the same as in vertebrate rod photoreceptors. Binding was not detected above background in the dark, but was rapidly activated by light. Unlike vertebrate transducin, this G-protein is very temperature-sensitive. GTP binding is maximal at temperatures less than 10 degrees C and is much decreased after several minutes above 18 degrees C. The light-stimulated GTPase rate is maximal around 10 degrees C, above which the loss of binding sites counteracts the increase in hydrolytic rate per site. Earlier studies described light-sensitive G alpha components of 40 and 45 kDa, by ADP-ribosylation in the presence of cholera and pertussis toxins. These are now shown to be very minor components, as the prolonged treatment at elevated temperature required for ADP-ribosylation is sufficient to inactivate the major G alpha totally. Unlike the minor G alpha components, the 42 kDa G alpha is not inhibited by Ca2+.
Identification of calreticulin isoforms in the central nervous system
Authors: Treves S , Zorzato F , Pozzan T
Published: August 2015

In the present paper we report the cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding two calreticulin isoforms from Xenopus laevis central nervous system. The two isoforms display 93% identity at the amino acid level. The predicted amino acid sequences of the amphibian calreticulins are very similar (76%) to those of mammalian liver and skeletal muscle. Xenopus laevis calreticulins are characterized by a very acidic c-terminal domain endowed with the endoplasmic-reticulum retention signal KDEL. The cDNAs of both clones encode an N-glycosylation consensus sequence. A third clone of calreticulin was also identified. The restriction map of this clone was clearly distinct from that of the two sequenced clones. These results indicate the existence of multiple calreticulin isoforms in the central nervous system and open questions about their functional role in different cells and/or subcellular compartments.
Characteristics of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated dentine phosphoprotein
Authors: MacDougall M , Slavkin H C , Zeichner-David M
Published: August 2015

Heterogeneity among the odontoblast-specific, highly phosphorylated acidic protein dentine phosphoprotein (DPP) obtained from different species has been reported by several investigators. In the present study, the apparent molecular-mass variations in rabbit and mouse DPP were investigated. Extracellular matrix (ECM) DPPs were isolated and characterized. Primary gene products, before post-translational phosphorylation, were analysed based upon translation products produced in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate cell-free system using a polyclonal mouse anti-DPP antibody. Nascent non-phosphorylated DPPs were also identified from intracellular protein extracts. Mouse and rabbit ECM phosphoproteins exhibited a 10 kDa difference in size. However, nascent intracellular or translation products from both species showed the same lower molecular mass (approx. 45 kDa). Furthermore, Northern-blot analysis showed a single mRNA of the same size in both species (approx. 1.6 kb) which contains information for a protein no larger than 50 kDa. Our results indicate that the difference in molecular mass (or electrophoretic behaviour) among DPPs from different species is due to post-translational modifications, in this case phosphorylation.
Characterization of a calsequestrin-like protein from sea-urchin eggs
Authors: Lebeche D , Kaminer B
Published: August 2015

Following our studies on the identification of a calsequestrin-like protein (CSLP) from sea-urchin eggs [Oberdorf, Lebeche, Head & Kaminer (1988) J. Biol Chem. 263, 6806-6809], we have characterized its Ca(2+)-binding properties and identified it as a glycoprotein. The molecule binds 23 mol of Ca2+/mol of protein, as determined by equilibrium dialysis. This is in the range reported for cardiac calsequestrin but is about half the binding capacity of striated muscle calsequestrin. The affinities of the CSLP for Ca2+ are decreased by increasing KCl concentrations (20-250 mM) and the presence of Mg2+ (3 mM) in the medium: the half-maximal binding values varied from 1.62 to 5.77 mM. Hill coefficients indicated mild co-operativity in the Ca2+ binding. Ca2+ (1-8 mM)-induced u.v. difference spectra and intrinsic fluorescence changes suggest a net exposure of aromatic residues to an aqueous environment. C.d. measurements showed minor Ca(2+)-induced changes in alpha-helical and beta-sheet content of less than 10%. These spectral changes are distinctly different from those found in muscle calsequestrin. Immunoblotting studies showed that the CSLP is distinct from calreticulin, a low-affinity Ca(2+)-binding protein.
Characterization of ruthenium red-binding sites of the Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum and their interaction with Ca2+-binding sites
Authors: Corbalan-Garcia S , Teruel J A , Gomez-Fernandez J C
Published: August 2015

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase has previously been shown to bind and dissociate two Ca2+ ions in a sequential mode. This behaviour is confirmed here by inducing sequential Ca2+ dissociation with Ruthenium Red. Ruthenium Red binds to sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles (6 nmol/mg) with a Kd = 2 microM, producing biphasic kinetics of Ca2+ dissociation from the Ca(2+)-ATPase, decreasing the affinity for Ca2+ binding. Studies on the effect of Ca2+ on Ruthenium Red binding indicate that Ruthenium Red does not bind to the high-affinity Ca(2+)-binding sites, as suggested by the following observations: (i) micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ do not significantly alter Ruthenium Red binding to the sarcoplasmic reticulum; (ii) quenching of the fluorescence of fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate (FITC) bound to Ca(2+)-ATPase by Ruthenium Red (resembling Ruthenium Red binding) is not prevented by micromolar concentrations of Ca2+; (iii) quenching of FITC fluorescence by Ca2+ binding to the high-affinity sites is achieved even though Ruthenium Red is bound to the Ca(2+)-ATPase; and (iv) micromolar Ca2+ concentrations prevent inhibition of the ATP-hydrolytic capability by dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide modification, but Ruthenium Red does not. However, micromolar concentrations of lanthanides (La3+ and Tb3+) and millimolar concentrations of bivalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) inhibit Ruthenium Red binding as well as quenching of FITC-labelled Ca(2+)-ATPase fluorescence by Ruthenium Red. Studies of Ruthenium Red binding to tryptic fragments of Ca(2+)-ATPase, as demonstrated by ligand blotting, indicate that Ruthenium Red does not bind to the A1 subfragment. Our observations suggest that Ruthenium Red might bind to a cation-binding site in Ca(2+)-ATPase inducing fast release of the last bound Ca2+ by interactions between the sites.
Primary structure and receptor-binding properties of a neurokinin A-related peptide from frog gut
Authors: Wang Y , Badgery-Parker T , Lovas S , Chartrel N , Vaudry H , Burcher E , Conlon J M
Published: August 2015

A tachykinin peptide was isolated from an extract of the intestine of the European green frog, Rana ridibunda, and its primary structure was established as: His-Lys-Leu-Asp-Ser-Phe-Ile-Gly-Leu-Met.CONH2. This sequence was confirmed by chemical synthesis and shows two amino acid substitutions (leucine for threonine at position 3 and isoleucine for valine at position 7) compared with neurokinin A. Binding parameters for synthetic [Leu3, Ile7]neurokinin A and mammalian tachykinins were compared using receptor-selective radioligands and crude membranes from tissues enriched in the NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors. [Leu3, Ile7]Neurokinin A was approx. 3-fold less potent than substance P in inhibiting the binding of 125I-labelled [Sar9, Met(O2)11]substance P (labelled with Bolton-Hunter reagent) to rat submandibular gland (NK1 receptor), 8-fold less potent than neurokinin A in inhibiting the binding of [2-[125I]iodohistidine1]neurokinin A to rat stomach fundus (NK2 receptor) and 6-fold less potent than neurokinin B in inhibiting the binding of 125I-Bolton-Hunter-labelled scyliorhinin II to rat brain (NK3 receptor). Thus the frog neurokinin A-related peptide shows moderate affinity but lack of selectivity for all three tachykinin-binding sites in rat tissues. This non-selectivity is similar to that displayed by the molluscan tachykinin, eledoisin, which also contains an isoleucine residue in the corresponding position in the molecule.
Characterization and purification of human retinoic acid receptor-γ 1 overexpressed in the baculovirus-insect cell system
Authors: Reddy A P , Chen J Y , Zacharewski T , Gronemeyer H , Voorhees J J , Fisher G J
Published: August 2015

The full-length cDNA for the human retinoic acid receptor-gamma 1 (RAR-gamma 1) has been expressed to high levels in Spodoptera frugiferda (Sf9) cells using the baculovirus expression system. Western blot analysis revealed that RAR-gamma 1 expression increased between 32 and 60 h post-infection. The recombinant receptor was expressed primarily as a nuclear protein and displayed a molecular mass of 50 kDa as determined by SDS/PAGE and gel-filtration chromatography, consistent with its cDNA-deduced size. Based on ligand binding, 2 x 10(6) RAR-gamma 1 molecules were expressed per Sf9 cell, a level approx. 2000 times greater than in mammalian cells. The receptor was partially purified 300-fold by sequential anion-exchange, gel-filtration and DNA affinity chromatographies. The overexpressed receptor specifically bound all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and the synthetic retinoid CD367 with high affinity (Kd 0.15 nM and 0.23 nM respectively). The RA metabolites 4-hydroxy-RA and 4-oxo-RA were poor competitors for [3H]CD367 binding to recombinant RAR-gamma 1 (K(i) > 1 microM), indicating that 4-oxidation of RA greatly reduces its affinity for RAR-gamma 1. Gel-retardation analysis demonstrated that RAR-gamma 1 specifically bound the RA response element of the mouse RAR-beta gene. RAR-gamma 1 species expressed from recombinant baculovirus (in Sf9 cells) and vaccinia virus (in HeLa cells) exhibited similar affinities for RA and CD367 and had comparable DNA-binding properties in gel-retardation experiments. Moreover, a similar requirement for additional DNA-binding stimulatory factor(s) was observed in both cases. These results provide a basis for the use of baculovirus-expressed RAR-gamma 1 in further functional and structural studies.
Zn2+-heparin interaction studied by potentiometric titration
Authors: Grant D , Long W F , Williamson F B
Published: August 2015

Measurement of the decrease in pH that accompanies the addition of Zn2+ to heparin in solution provided an indirect method of examining cation-polyanion interaction. Construction of plots analogous to isothermal saturation binding plots revealed the existence, for defined conditions of interaction, of a [heparin]-independent direct proportionality between the fraction of the maximal pH change occurring and the [Zn2+]/[heparin disaccharide] ratio. This accords with results from polarimetric examination of Ca(2+)- and Cu(2+)-heparin interactions. It suggests that, under the conditions used, cation-heparin interaction may result in the formation of a complex that exists in a colloid-like phase, between which and the aqueous phase, exchange of cations does not follow simple solution-phase reversible equilibrium thermodynamic behaviour. The results suggest that the putative Zn(2+)-containing complex is less stable in the presence of NaCl than is the corresponding Ca(2+)-containing complex. Addition of Zn2+ to low concentrations of heparins is accompanied by the usual decrease in pH, followed by a removal of H+ from solution as the [Zn2+]/[heparin disaccharide] ratio increases, suggesting dissolution of the putative complex. This reversal of the initial pH change was not seen for most other cation-heparin interactions under the conditions studied.
Opposite and independent actions of cyclic AMP and transforming growth factor β in the regulation of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor expression
Authors: Thalacker F W , Nilsen-Hamilton M
Published: August 2015

We have investigated the mechanisms by which type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) is regulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in CCL64 mink lung epithelial cells, BSC-1 monkey kidney epithelial cells, mouse embryo fibroblast (AKR-2B 84A) cells and normal rat kidney fibroblasts (NRK). TGF-beta increases PAI-1 expression in all four cell lines, and EGF acts synergistically with TGF-beta to increase PAI-1 expression in CCL64 cells but not in the other three cell lines. Here we show that PAI-1 expression can be regulated independently through two different signal transduction pathways. One pathway involves protein kinase C and is stimulated by the tumour promoter phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Whereas preincubation with PMA completely eliminated PMA-induced PAI-1 synthesis and secretion in both CCL64 and BSC-1 cells, this treatment had no effect on TGF-beta- and EGF-induced PAI-1 levels. Therefore we conclude that protein kinase C does not mediate the effects of either EGF or TGF-beta on PAI-1 expression. The expression of PAI-1 was decreased by agents increasing intracellular cyclic AMP: (cAMP) cholera toxin, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP lowered both the basal level and the TGF-beta- and PMA-induced levels of PAI-1 expression. These effects of cAMP-elevating agents and of TGF-beta on PAI-1 protein synthesis were also reflected in changes in TGF-beta-induced PAI-1 gene transcription, as measured by nuclear run-on. These results show that PAI-1 gene expression is sensitive to high levels of intracellular cAMP and that this effect occurs at the transcriptional level. Although increased intracellular cAMP concentrations decrease the absolute level of PAI-1 expression, the ability of TGF-beta and EGF to induce PAI-1 gene expression is unchanged. These results are discussed in relation to the observation that sensitivity to cAMP is a common feature of TGF-beta-regulated genes.
Purification and characterization of an acetone-inducible cytochrome P-450 from hamster liver microsomes
Authors: Puccini P , Menicagli S , Longo V , Santucci A , Gervasi P G
Published: August 2015

A form of cytochrome P-450 has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the hepatic microsomes of Syrian golden hamsters treated with acetone. This P-450 form, designated ha P-450j, had an M(r) of approximately 55,000, bound dimethyl sulphoxide and exhibited a CO-reduced absorbance maximum at 451 nm. The absolute spectra of its oxidized form indicated that ha P-450j was predominantly in the low-spin state. In a reconstituted system, ha P-450j showed relatively low catalytic activities towards 7-ethoxycoumarin, 7-ethoxyresorufin, aminopyrine, ethylmorphine and benzphetamine, whereas it catalysed the oxidation of aniline, acetone and thiobenzamide with a high catalytic-centre activity. In addition, ha P-450j catalysed at a high rate the high-affinity component of dimethylnitrosamine N-demethylase; in contrast, only the low-affinity component of diethylnitrosamine N-de-ethylase was efficiently catalysed. The addition of cytochrome b5 to the reconstitution system decreased the Km value for dimethylnitrosamine N-demethylase by a factor of 5 and increased the Vmax. value, and slightly enhanced the other activities. Thiobenzamide and diethyldithiocarbamate were found to be the most effective inhibitors of the ha-P-450j-dependent aniline hydroxylation. Polyclonal antibodies against rat P-450j recognized ha P-450j in immunoblots of control and treated hamster liver microsomes. Treatment of hamsters with acetone increased the apparent abundance of ha P-450j in microsomes, whereas phenobarbital and beta-naphthoflavone did not induce it. Analysis of N-terminal amino acid sequences demonstrated that ha P-450j has a high degree of sequence identity with rat P-450j. All the evidence presented in this study indicates that ha P-450j could represent the hamster orthologue of the previously described CYP2E1(s) of other species.
Investigation of the electron-transfer properties of cytochrome c oxidase covalently cross-linked to Fe- or Zn-containing cytochrome c
Authors: Alleyne T A , Wilson M T , Antonini G , Malatesta F , Vallone B , Sarti P , Brunori M
Published: August 2015

Complexes of cytochrome c oxidase and cytochrome c (Fe- or Zn-containing) have been prepared by 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodi-imide (EDC) cross-linking. The site to which the cytochrome c covalently binds has been identified as being the same, or close to, the site occupied by cytochrome c in the electrostatic complex which may be formed between the proteins. Stopped-flow experiments, monitored either at a single wavelength or through a rapid wavelength-scan facility, showed that covalently bound Fe-containing cytochrome c cannot donate electrons to cytochrome a. Free Fe-containing cytochrome c was, however, able to transfer electrons to cytochrome a in covalent complexes containing either Fe- or Zn-containing cytochrome c. Turnover experiments showed that the complexed enzyme remains catalytically competent but with decreased (40-80%) activity. The steady-state levels of reduction of both free cytochrome c and cytochrome a in the covalent complex were higher than found in the control (uncomplexed) enzyme. These results are discussed with reference to the structure of the covalent complex and lead us to conclude that cytochrome a may accept electrons directly from free cytochrome c and that cross-linking impairs the redox properties of the CuA site.
Site-directed mutagenesis at aspartate and glutamate residues of xylanase from Bacillus pumilus
Authors: Ko E P , Akatsuka H , Moriyama H , Shinmyo A , Hata Y , Katsube Y , Urabe I , Okada H
Published: August 2015

To elucidate the reaction mechanism of xylanase, the identification of amino acids essential for its catalysis is of importance. Studies have indicated the possibility that the reaction mechanism of xylanase is similar to that of hen's egg lysozyme, which involves acidic amino acid residues. On the basis of this assumption, together with the three-dimensional structure of Bacillus pumilus xylanase and its amino acid sequence similarity to other xylanases of different origins, three acidic amino acids, namely Asp-21, Glu-93 and Glu-182, were selected for site-directed mutagenesis. The Asp residue was altered to either Ser or Glu, and the Glu residues to Ser or Asp. The purified mutant xylanases D21E, D21S, E93D, E93S, E182D and E182S showed single protein bands of about 26 kDa on SDS/PAGE. C.d. spectra of these mutant enzymes show no effect on the secondary structure of xylanase, except that of D21E, which shows a little variation. Furthermore, mutations of Glu-93 and Glu-182 resulted in a drastic decrease in the specific activity of xylanase as compared with mutation of Asp-21. On the basis of these results we propose that Glu-93 and Glu-182 are the best candidates for the essential catalytic residues of xylanase.
Regulation of platelet-activating-factor receptors and the desensitization response in polymorphonuclear neutrophils
Authors: O'Flaherty J T , Jacobson D P , Redman J F
Published: August 2015

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) desensitizes as well as stimulates its various target cells, We find that human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) exposed to PAF became maximally unresponsive to a second PAF challenge within 15-90 s in assays of Ca2+ mobilization and degranulation. The cells regained full PAF-sensitivity over the ensuing 20-40 min. These effects correlated with changes in PAF receptor availability. PMN treated with PAF, washed in regular buffer and assayed for PAF binding exhibited falls (maximal in 15 s), followed by rises (reaching control levels by 60 min), in the number of high-affinity PAF receptors. However, tracking studies showed that [3H]PAF accumulated on the cell surface for approximately 2 min before being internalized. Regular-buffer washes did not remove this superficial PAF, whereas a washing regimen using excess albumin to adsorb PAF removed 99% of the surface compound. PMN washed by the latter regimen after PAF exposure lost PAF receptors relatively slowly (maximal at approximately 5 min), but the ultimate extent of this loss and the rate at which receptor expression normalized were similar to those of cells washed in regular buffer. Neither cycloheximide nor actinomycin D influenced the course of the receptor changes, but two protein kinase C (PKC) blockers, staurosporine and 1-(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)piperazine, inhibited the receptor-receptor-depleting actions of PAF. Indeed, a phorbol diester activator of PKC also caused PMN to decrease high-affinity PAF receptor numbers, and the two PKC blockers antagonized this action at concentrations that inhibited PAF-induced PAF receptor losses. We conclude that: (a) PAF induces PMN to down-regulate and then to re-express PAF receptors independently of protein synthesis; (b) these changes are likely to underlie the later stages and reversal of desensitization; (c) the onset (t < or = 2 min) of desensitization, however, precedes receptor down-regulation and must be due to receptor uncoupling from transductional elements; and (d) down-regulation of receptors for PAF appears to be mediated by PKC and/or elements inhibited by PKC blockers.
Studies on epitopes on low-density lipoprotein modified by 4-hydroxynonenal. Biochemical characterization and determination
Authors: Chen Q , Esterbauer H , Jürgens G
Published: August 2015

Oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was found to be accompanied by the generation of various reactive aldehydes. One of them, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), was shown to modify LDL to a form which represents a good model of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). In order to investigate the epitopes newly formed on HNE-modified LDL, a polyvalent antiserum to HNE-LDL [anti-(HNE-LDL)] was raised in rabbits and the non-specific components were removed with native LDL coupled to CNBr-Sepharose 4B. Competitive fluorescence immunoassay analysis showed that anti-(HNE-LDL) recognized HNE-LDL, copper-oxidized LDL, HNE-albumin and to a lower extent HNE-modified high-density lipoprotein 3 (HNE-HDL3) and ox-HDL3 but not native LDL. A certain degree of cross-reactivity of the antibody with LDLs modified by either hexanal or 2,4-heptadienal was found. No reaction was obtained with LDL labelled with malondialdehyde. From the abilities of HNE-modified poly(L-amino acids) to compete with HNE-LDL for binding to anti-(HNE-LDL), it is postulated that lysine, tyrosine, arginine and histidine are involved in the formation of HNE-derived epitopes on apolipoprotein B (apo B). Using a double-sandwich fluorescence immunoassay [capture antibody: anti-(apo B); detection antibody: anti-(HNE-LDL)] we found that the HNE-derived epitopes were expressed at a far higher degree in ox-LDL and HNE-LDL than in native LDL.