bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratocytes Pull with Similar Forces on Their Dorsal and Ventral Surfaces
Authors: Galbraith Catherine G. , Sheetz Michael P.
Published: July 2002

As cells move forward, they pull rearward against extracellular matrices (ECMs), exerting traction forces. However, no rearward forces have been seen in the fish keratocyte. To address this discrepancy, we have measured the propulsive forces generated by the keratocyte lamella on both the ventral and the dorsal surfaces. On the ventral surface, a micromachined device revealed that traction forces were small and rearward directed under the lamella, changed direction in front of the nucleus, and became larger under the cell body. On the dorsal surface of the lamella, an optical gradient trap measured rearward forces generated against fibronectin-coated beads. The retrograde force exerted by the cell on the bead increased in the thickened region of the lamella where myosin condensation has been observed (Svitkina, T.M., A.B. Verkhovsky, K.M. McQuade, and G.G. Borisy. 1997. J. Cell Biol. 139:397–415). Similar forces were generated on both the ventral (0.2 nN/μm2) and the dorsal (0.4 nN/μm2) surfaces of the lamella, suggesting that dorsal matrix contacts are as effectively linked to the force-generating cytoskeleton as ventral contacts. The correlation between the level of traction force and the density of myosin suggests a model for keratocyte movement in which myosin condensation in the perinuclear region generates rearward forces in the lamella and forward forces in the cell rear.
Electron Tomography Reveals Posttranscriptional Binding of Pre-Mrnps to Specific Fibers in the Nucleoplasm
Authors: Miralles Francesc , Öfverstedt Lars-Göran , Sabri Nafiseh , Aissouni Youssef , Hellman Ulf , Skoglund Ulf , Visa Neus
Published: July 2002

Using electron tomography, we have analyzed whether the Balbiani ring (BR) pre-mRNP particles in transit from the gene to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) are bound to any structure that could impair free diffusion through the nucleoplasm. We show that one-third of the BR particles are in contact with thin connecting fibers (CFs), which in some cases merge into large fibrogranular clusters. The CFs have a specific protein composition different from that of BR particles, as shown by immuno-EM. Moreover, we have identified hrp65 as one of the protein components of the CFs. The sequencing of hrp65 cDNA reveals similarities with hnRNP proteins and splicing factors. However, hrp65 is likely to have a different function because it does not bind to nascent pre-mRNA and is not part of the pre-mRNP itself. Taken together, our observations indicate that pre-mRNPs are not always freely diffusible in the nucleoplasm but interact with fibers of specific structure and composition, which implies that some of the posttranscriptional events that the pre-mRNPs undergo before reaching the NPC occur in a bound state.
Isoforms of α-Actinin from Cardiac, Smooth, and Skeletal Muscle Form Polar Arrays of Actin Filaments
Authors: Taylor Kenneth A. , Taylor Dianne W. , Schachat Fred
Published: July 2002

We have used a positively charged lipid monolayer to form two-dimensional bundles of F-actin cross-linked by α-actinin to investigate the relative orientation of the actin filaments within them. This method prevents growth of the bundles perpendicular to the monolayer plane, thereby facilitating interpretation of the electron micrographs. Using α-actinin isoforms isolated from the three types of vertebrate muscle, i.e., cardiac, skeletal, and smooth, we have observed almost exclusively cross-linking between polar arrays of filaments, i.e., actin filaments with their plus ends oriented in the same direction. One type of bundle can be classified as an Archimedian spiral consisting of a single actin filament that spirals inward as the filament grows and the bundle is formed. These spirals have a consistent hand and grow to a limiting internal diameter of 0.4–0.7 μm, where the filaments appear to break and spiral formation ceases. These results, using isoforms usually characterized as cross-linkers of bipolar actin filament bundles, suggest that α-actinin is capable of cross-linking actin filaments in any orientation. Formation of specifically bipolar or polar filament arrays cross-linked by α-actinin may require additional factors that either determine the filament orientation or restrict the cross-linking capabilities of α-actinin.
Direct Observation of Membrane Tethers Formed during Neutrophil Attachment to Platelets or P-Selectin under Physiological Flow
Authors: Schmidtke David W. , Diamond Scott L.
Published: July 2002

Adhesion and subsequent aggregation between neutrophils and platelets is dependent upon the initial binding of P-selectin on activated platelets to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) on the microvilli of neutrophils. High speed, high resolution videomicroscopy of flowing neutrophils interacting with spread platelets demonstrated that thin membrane tethers were pulled from neutrophils in 32 ± 4% of the interactions. After capture by spread platelets, neutrophil membrane tethers (length of 5.9 ± 4.1 μm, n = 63) were pulled at an average rate of 6–40 μm/s as the wall shear rate was increased from 100–250 s−1. The average tether lifetime decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 630 to 133 ms as the shear rate was increased from 100 s−1 (Fbond = 86 pN) to 250 s−1 (Fbond = 172 pN), which is consistent with P-selectin/PSGL-1 bond dynamics under stress. Tether formation was blocked by antibodies against P-selectin or PSGL-1, but not by anti-CD18 antibodies. During neutrophil rolling on P-selectin at 150 s−1, thin membrane tethers were also pulled from the neutrophils. The characteristic jerking motion of the neutrophil coexisted with tether growth (8.9 ± 8.8 μm long), whereas tether breakage (average lifetime of 3.79 ± 3.32 s) caused an acute jump in the rolling velocity, proving multiple bonding in the cell surface and the tether surface contact area. Extremely long membrane tethers (>40 μm) were sometimes pulled, which detached in a flow-dependent mechanism of microparticle formation. Membrane tethers were also formed when neutrophils were perfused over platelet monolayers. These results are the first visualization of the often hypothesized tethers that shield the P-selectin/PSGL-1 bond from force loading to regulate neutrophil rolling during inflammation and thrombosis.
The C2b Domain of Synaptotagmin Is a Ca2+–Sensing Module Essential for Exocytosis
Authors: Desai Radhika C. , Vyas Bimal , Earles Cynthia A. , Littleton J. Troy , Kowalchyck Judith A. , Martin Thomas F.J. , Chapman E.R.
Published: July 2002

The synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin I has been proposed to serve as a Ca2+ sensor for rapid exocytosis. Synaptotagmin spans the vesicle membrane once and possesses a large cytoplasmic domain that contains two C2 domains, C2A and C2B. Multiple Ca2+ ions bind to the membrane proximal C2A domain. However, it is not known whether the C2B domain also functions as a Ca2+-sensing module. Here, we report that Ca2+ drives conformational changes in the C2B domain of synaptotagmin and triggers the homo- and hetero-oligomerization of multiple isoforms of the protein. These effects of Ca2+ are mediated by a set of conserved acidic Ca2+ ligands within C2B; neutralization of these residues results in constitutive clustering activity. We addressed the function of oligomerization using a dominant negative approach. Two distinct reagents that block synaptotagmin clustering potently inhibited secretion from semi-intact PC12 cells. Together, these data indicate that the Ca2+-driven clustering of the C2B domain of synaptotagmin is an essential step in excitation-secretion coupling. We propose that clustering may regulate the opening or dilation of the exocytotic fusion pore.
Geranylgeranylated Snares Are Dominant Inhibitors of Membrane Fusion
Authors: Grote Eric , Baba Misuzu , Ohsumi Yoshinori , Novick Peter J.
Published: July 2002

Exocytosis in yeast requires the assembly of the secretory vesicle soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (v-SNARE) Sncp and the plasma membrane t-SNAREs Ssop and Sec9p into a SNARE complex. High-level expression of mutant Snc1 or Sso2 proteins that have a COOH-terminal geranylgeranylation signal instead of a transmembrane domain inhibits exocytosis at a stage after vesicle docking. The mutant SNARE proteins are membrane associated, correctly targeted, assemble into SNARE complexes, and do not interfere with the incorporation of wild-type SNARE proteins into complexes. Mutant SNARE complexes recruit GFP-Sec1p to sites of exocytosis and can be disassembled by the Sec18p ATPase. Heterotrimeric SNARE complexes assembled from both wild-type and mutant SNAREs are present in heterogeneous higher-order complexes containing Sec1p that sediment at greater than 20S. Based on a structural analogy between geranylgeranylated SNAREs and the GPI-HA mutant influenza virus fusion protein, we propose that the mutant SNAREs are fusion proteins unable to catalyze fusion of the distal leaflets of the secretory vesicle and plasma membrane. In support of this model, the inverted cone–shaped lipid lysophosphatidylcholine rescues secretion from SNARE mutant cells.
Controlling Kinesin by Reversible Disulfide Cross-Linking
Authors: Tomishige Michio , Vale Ronald D.
Published: July 2002

Conventional kinesin, a dimeric molecular motor, uses ATP-dependent conformational changes to move unidirectionally along a row of tubulin subunits on a microtubule. Two models have been advanced for the major structural change underlying kinesin motility: the first involves an unzippering/zippering of a small peptide (neck linker) from the motor catalytic core and the second proposes an unwinding/rewinding of the adjacent coiled-coil (neck coiled-coil). Here, we have tested these models using disulfide cross-linking of cysteines engineered into recombinant kinesin motors. When the neck linker motion was prevented by cross-linking, kinesin ceased unidirectional movement and only showed brief one-dimensional diffusion along microtubules. Motility fully recovered upon adding reducing agents to reverse the cross-link. When the neck linker motion was partially restrained, single kinesin motors showed biased diffusion towards the microtubule plus end but could not move effectively against a load imposed by an optical trap. Thus, partial movement of the neck linker suffices for directionality but not for normal processivity or force generation. In contrast, preventing neck coiled-coil unwinding by disulfide cross-linking had relatively little effect on motor activity, although the average run length of single kinesin molecules decreased by 30–50%. These studies indicate that conformational changes in the neck linker, not in the neck coiled-coil, drive processive movement by the kinesin motor.
Induction of Terminal Differentiation in Epithelial Cells Requires Polymerization of Hensin by Galectin 3
Authors: Hikita Chinami , Vijayakumar Soundarapandian , Takito Jiro , Erdjument-Bromage Hediyet , Tempst Paul , Al-Awqati Qais
Published: July 2002

During terminal differentiation, epithelia become columnar and develop specialized apical membrane structures (microvilli) and functions (regulated endocytosis and exocytosis). Using a clonal intercalated epithelial cell line, we found that high seeding density induced these characteristics, whereas low density seeding maintained a protoepithelial state. When cells were plated at low density, but on the extracellular matrix of high density cells, they converted to the more differentiated phenotype. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein responsible for this activity was purified and found to be a large 230-kD protein, which we termed hensin. High density seeding caused hensin to be polymerized and deposited in the extracellular matrix, and only this form of hensin was able to induce terminal differentiation. Antibodies to hensin blocked the change in phenotype. However, its purification to homogeneity resulted in loss of activity, suggesting that an additional protein might be necessary for induction of terminal differentiation. Here, we found that a 29-kD protein specifically associates with hensin in the ECM. Addition of purified p29 restored the activity of homogenously purified hensin. Mass fingerprinting identified p29 as galectin 3. Purified recombinant galectin 3 was able to bind to hensin and to polymerize it in vitro. Seeding cells at high density induced secretion of galectin 3 into the ECM where it bundled hensin. Hence, the high density state causes a secretion of a protein that acts on another ECM protein to allow the new complex to signal the cell to change its phenotype. This is a new mechanism of inside-out signaling.
Mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of P0 reveal a role for PKC-mediated phosphorylation in adhesion and myelination
Authors: Xu Wenbo , Shy Michael , Kamholz John , Elferink Lisa , Xu Gang , Lilien Jack , Balsamo Janne
Published: July 2002

Mutations in P0 (MPZ), the major myelin protein of the peripheral nervous system, cause the inherited demyelinating neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1B. P0 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and functions as a homophilic adhesion molecule. We now show that point mutations in the cytoplasmic domain that modify a PKC target motif (RSTK) or an adjacent serine residue abolish P0 adhesion function and can cause peripheral neuropathy in humans. Consistent with these data, PKCα along with the PKC binding protein RACK1 are immunoprecipitated with wild-type P0, and inhibition of PKC activity abolishes P0-mediated adhesion. Point mutations in the RSTK target site that abolish adhesion do not alter the association of PKC with P0; however, deletion of a 14 amino acid region, which includes the RSTK motif, does abolish the association. Thus, the interaction of PKCα with the cytoplasmic domain of P0 is independent of specific target residues but is dependent on a nearby sequence. We conclude that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of specific residues within the cytoplasmic domain of P0 is necessary for P0-mediated adhesion, and alteration of this process can cause demyelinating neuropathy in humans.
βIV-spectrin regulates sodium channel clustering through ankyrin-G at axon initial segments and nodes of Ranvier
Authors: Komada Masayuki , Soriano Philippe
Published: July 2002

β-Spectrin and ankyrin are major components of the membrane cytoskeleton. We have generated mice carrying a null mutation in the βIV-spectrin gene using gene trapping in embryonic stem cells. Mice homozygous for the mutation exhibit tremors and contraction of hindlimbs. βIV-spectrin expression is mostly restricted to neurons, where it colocalizes with and binds to ankyrin-G at axon initial segments (AISs) and nodes of Ranvier (NR). In βIV-spectrin–null neurons, neither ankyrin-G nor voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) are correctly clustered at these sites, suggesting that impaired action potential caused by mislocalization of VGSC leads to the phenotype. Conversely, in ankyrin-G–null neurons, βIV-spectrin is not localized to these sites. These results indicate that βIV-spectrin and ankyrin-G mutually stabilize the membrane protein cluster and the linked membrane cytoskeleton at AIS and NR.
Sequential tethering of Golgins and catalysis of SNAREpin assembly by the vesicle-tethering protein p115
Authors: Shorter James , Beard Matthew B. , Seemann Joachim , Dirac-Svejstrup A. Barbara , Warren Graham
Published: July 2002

p115 tethers coat protein (COP)I vesicles to Golgi membranes. The acidic COOH-terminal domain of p115 links the Golgins, Giantin on COPI vesicles, to GM130 on Golgi membranes. We now show that a SNARE motif-related domain within p115 stimulates the specific assembly of endogenous Golgi SNAREpins containing the t-SNARE, syntaxin 5. p115 catalyzes the construction of a cognate GOS-28–syntaxin-5 (v-/t-SNARE) complex by first linking the SNAREs to promote their direct interaction. These events are essential for NSF-catalyzed reassembly of postmitotic Golgi vesicles and tubules into mature cisternae. Staging experiments reveal that the linking of Golgins precedes SNAREpin assembly. Thus, p115 coordinates sequential tethering and docking of COPI vesicles by first using long tethers (Golgins) and then short tethers (SNAREs).
Retinoic acid stimulates annexin-mediated growth plate chondrocyte mineralization
Authors: Wang Wei , Kirsch Thorsten
Published: July 2002

Biomineralization is a highly regulated process that plays a major role during the development of skeletal tissues. Despite its obvious importance, little is known about its regulation. Previously, it has been demonstrated that retinoic acid (RA) stimulates terminal differentiation and mineralization of growth plate chondrocytes (Iwamoto, M., I.M. Shapiro, K. Yagumi, A.L. Boskey, P.S. Leboy, S.L. Adams, and M. Pacifici. 1993. Exp. Cell Res. 207:413–420). In this study, we provide evidence that RA treatment of growth plate chondrocytes caused a series of events eventually leading to mineralization of these cultures: increase in cytosolic calcium concentration, followed by up-regulation of annexin II, V, and VI gene expression, and release of annexin II–, V–, VI– and alkaline phosphatase–containing matrix vesicles. Cotreatment of growth plate chondrocytes with RA and BAPTA-AM, a cell permeable Ca2+ chelator, inhibited the up-regulation of annexin gene expression and mineralization of these cultures. Interestingly, only matrix vesicles isolated from RA-treated cells that contained annexins, were able to take up Ca2+ and mineralize, whereas vesicles isolated from untreated or RA/BAPTA-treated cells, that contained no or only little annexins were not able to take up Ca2+ and mineralize. Cotreatment of chondrocytes with RA and EDTA revealed that increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration were due to influx of extracellular calcium. Interestingly, the novel 1,4-benzothiazepine derivative K-201, a specific annexin Ca2+ channel blocker, or antibodies specific for annexin II, V, or VI inhibited the increases in cytosolic calcium concentration in RA-treated chondrocytes. These findings indicate that annexins II, V, and VI form Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane of terminally differentiated growth plate chondrocytes and mediate Ca2+ influx into these cells. The resulting increased cytosolic calcium concentration leads to a further up-regulation of annexin II, V, and VI gene expression, the release of annexin II–, V–, VI– and alkaline phosphatase–containing matrix vesicles, and the initiation of mineralization by these vesicles.
Identification of an Epitope on the Entamoeba histolytica 170-kD Lectin Conferring Antibody-mediated Protection against Invasive Amebiasis
Authors: Lotter Hannelore , Zhang Tonghai , Seydel Karl B. , Stanley Samuel L. , Tannich Egbert
Published: July 2002

The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms and the failure to eradicate infection by a number of important pathogens has led to increased efforts to develop vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. However, the nature of the immune response to vaccination with a given antigen can be complex and unpredictable. An example is the galactose– and N-acetylgalactosamine–inhibitable lectin, a surface antigen of Entamoeba histolytica that has been identified as a major candidate in a vaccine to prevent amebiasis. Vaccination with the lectin can induce protective immunity to amebic liver abscess in some animals, but others of the same species exhibit exacerbations of disease after vaccination. To better understand this phenomenon, we used recombinant proteins corresponding to four distinct domains of the molecule, and synthetic peptides to localize both protective and exacerbative epitopes of the heavy chain subunit of the lectin. We show that protective immunity after vaccination can be correlated with the development of an antibody response to a region of 25 amino acid residues of the lectin, and have confirmed the importance of the antibody response to this region by passive immunization studies. In addition, we show that exacerbation of disease can be linked to the development of antibodies that bind to an NH2-terminal domain of the lectin. These findings are clinically relevant, as individuals who are colonized with E. histolytica but are resistant to invasive disease have a high prevalence of antibodies to the protective epitope(s), compared to individuals with a history of invasive amebiasis. These studies should enable us to develop an improved vaccine for amebiasis, and provide a model for the identification of protective and exacerbative epitopes of complex antigens.
A Role for Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Type 1 in Gut-associated Lymphoid Tissue Development: Genetic Evidence of Synergism with Lymphotoxin β
Authors: Koni Pandelakis A. , Flavell Richard A.
Published: July 2002

Lymphotoxin α (LTα) signals via tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) as a homotrimer and via lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) as a heterotrimeric LTα1β2 complex. LTα-deficient mice lack all lymph nodes (LNs) and Peyer's patches (PPs), and yet LTβ-deficient mice and TNFR-deficient mice have cervical and mesenteric LN. We now show that mice made deficient in both LTβ and TNFR type 1 (TNFR1) lack all LNs, revealing redundancy or synergism between TNFR1 and LTβ, acting presumably via LTβR. A complete lack of only PPs in mice heterozygous for both ltα and ltβ, but not ltα or ltβ alone, suggests a similar two-ligand phenomenon in PP development and may explain the incomplete lack of PPs seen in tnfr1−/− mice.
Molecular Cloning of the cDNA Encoding pp36, a Tyrosine-phosphorylated Adaptor Protein Selectively Expressed by T Cells and Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Weber John R. , Ørstavik Sigurd , Torgersen Knut Martin , Danbolt Niels Christian , Berg Siri F. , Ryan James C. , Taskén Kjetil , Imboden John B. , Vaage John T.
Published: July 2002

Activation of T and natural killer (NK) cells leads to the tyrosine phosphorylation of pp36 and to its association with several signaling molecules, including phospholipase Cγ-1 and Grb2. Microsequencing of peptides derived from purified rat pp36 protein led to the cloning, in rat and man, of cDNA encoding a T- and NK cell–specific protein with several putative Src homology 2 domain–binding motifs. A rabbit antiserum directed against a peptide sequence from the cloned rat molecule recognized tyrosine phosphorylated pp36 from pervanadate-treated rat thymocytes. When expressed in 293T human fibroblast cells and tyrosine-phosphorylated, pp36 associated with phospholipase Cγ-1 and Grb2. Studies with GST–Grb2 fusion proteins demonstrated that the association was specific for the Src homology 2 domain of Grb-2. Molecular cloning of the gene encoding pp36 should facilitate studies examining the role of this adaptor protein in proximal signaling events during T and NK cell activation.
FAS Engagement Induces the Maturation of Dendritic Cells (Dcs), the Release of Interleukin (Il)-1β, and the Production of Interferon γ in the Absence of IL-12 during Dc–T Cell Cognate Interaction
Authors: Rescigno Maria , Piguet Vincent , Valzasina Barbara , Lens Suzanne , Zubler Rudolf , French Lars , Kindler Vincent , Tschopp Jurg , Ricciardi-Castagnoli Paola
Published: July 2002

Ligation of the Fas (CD95) receptor leads to an apoptotic death signal in T cells, B cells, and macrophages. However, human CD34+–derived dendritic cells (DCs) and mouse DCs, regardless of their maturation state, are not susceptible to Fas-induced cell death. This resistance correlates with the constitutive expression of the Fas-associated death domain–like IL-1β–converting enzyme (FLICE)-inhibitory protein (FLIP) ligand. We demonstrate a new role of Fas in DC physiology. Engagement of Fas on immature DCs by Fas ligand (FasL) or by anti-Fas antibodies induces the phenotypical and functional maturation of primary DCs. Fas-activated DCs upregulate the expression of the major histocompatibility complex class II, B7, and DC–lysosome-associated membrane protein (DC-LAMP) molecules and secrete proinflammatory cytokines, in particular interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor α. Mature DCs, if exposed to FasL, produce even higher amounts of IL-1β. Importantly, it is possible to reduce the production of IL-1β and interferon (IFN)-γ during DC–T cell interaction by blocking the coupling of Fas–FasL with a Fas competitor. Finally, during cognate DC–T cell recognition, IL-12 (p70) could not be detected at early or late time points, indicating that Fas-induced, IFN-γ secretion is independent of IL-12.
The Role of Interleukin (IL)-10 in the Persistence of Leishmania major in the Skin after Healing and the Therapeutic Potential of Anti–IL-10 Receptor Antibody for Sterile Cure
Authors: Belkaid Yasmine , Hoffmann Karl F. , Mendez Susana , Kamhawi Shaden , Udey Mark C. , Wynn Tom A. , Sacks David L.
Published: July 2002

Some pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp) have been shown to persist in their host after clinical cure, establishing the risk of disease reactivation. We analyzed the conditions necessary for the long term maintenance of Leishmania major in genetically resistant C57BL/6 mice after spontaneous healing of their dermal lesions. Interleukin (IL)-10 was found to play an essential role in parasite persistence as sterile cure was achieved in IL-10–deficient and IL-4/IL-10 double-deficient mice. The requirement for IL-10 in establishing latency associated with natural infection was confirmed in IL-10–deficient mice challenged by bite of infected sand flies. The host-parasite equilibrium was maintained by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells which were each able to release IL-10 or interferon (IFN)-γ, and were found to accumulate in chronic sites of infection, including the skin and draining lymph node. A high frequency of the dermal CD4+ T cells released both IL-10 and IFN-γ. Wild-type mice treated transiently during the chronic phase with anti–IL-10 receptor antibodies achieved sterile cure, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach to eliminate latency, infection reservoirs, and the risk of reactivation disease.
Reciprocal Roles for CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein (C/EBP) and PU.1 Transcription Factors in Langerhans Cell Commitment
Authors: Iwama Atsushi , Osawa Mitsujiro , Hirasawa Ryutaro , Uchiyama Noriko , Kaneko Shin , Onodera Masafumi , Shibuya Kazuko , Shibuya Akira , Vinson Charles , Tenen Daniel G. , Nakauchi Hiromitsu
Published: July 2002

Myeloid progenitor cells give rise to a variety of progenies including dendritic cells. However, the mechanism controlling the diversification of myeloid progenitors into each progeny is largely unknown. PU.1 and CCAAT/enhancing binding protein (C/EBP) family transcription factors have been characterized as key regulators for the development and function of the myeloid system. However, the roles of C/EBP transcription factors have not been fully identified because of functional redundancy among family members. Using high titer–retroviral infection, we demonstrate that a dominant-negative C/EBP completely blocked the granulocyte–macrophage commitment of human myeloid progenitors. Alternatively, Langerhans cell (LC) commitment was markedly facilitated in the absence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, a strong inducer of LC development, whereas expression of wild-type C/EBP in myeloid progenitors promoted granulocytic differentiation, and completely inhibited TNFα-dependent LC development. On the other hand, expression of wild-type PU.1 in myeloid progenitors triggered LC development in the absence of TNFα, and its instructive effect was canceled by coexpressed C/EBP. Our findings establish reciprocal roles for C/EBP and PU.1 in LC development, and provide new insight into the molecular mechanism of LC development, which has not yet been well characterized.
State-dependent Accessibility and Electrostatic Potential in the Channel of the Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Pascual Juan M. , Karlin Arthur
Published: July 2002

Ion channel function depends on the chemical and physical properties and spatial arrangement of the residues that line the channel lumen and on the electrostatic potential within the lumen. We have used small, sulfhydryl-specific thiosulfonate reagents, both positively charged and neutral, to probe the environment within the acetylcholine (ACh) receptor channel. Rate constants were determined for their reactions with cysteines substituted for nine exposed residues in the second membrane-spanning segment (M2) of the α subunit. The largest rate constants, both in the presence and absence of ACh, were for the reactions with the cysteine substituted for αThr244, near the intracellular end of the channel. In the open state of the channel, but not in the closed state, the rate constants for the reactions of the charged reagents with several substituted cysteines depended on the transmembrane electrostatic potential, and the electrical distance of these cysteines increased from the extracellular to the intracellular end of M2. Even at zero transmembrane potential, the ratios of the rate constants for the reactions of three positively charged reagents with αT244C, αL251C, and αL258C to the rate constant for the reaction of an uncharged reagent were much greater in the open than in the closed state. This dependence of the rate constants on reagent charge is consistent with an intrinsic electrostatic potential in the channel that is considerably more negative in the open state than in the closed state. The effects of ACh on the rate constants for the reactions of substituted Cys along the length of αM2, on the dependence of the rate constants on the transmembrane potential, and on the intrinsic potential support a location of a gate more intracellular than αThr244.
A Mutation in S6 of Shaker Potassium Channels Decreases the K+ Affinity of an Ion Binding Site Revealing Ion–Ion Interactions in the Pore
Authors: Ogielska Eva M. , Aldrich Richard W.
Published: July 2002

Under physiological conditions, potassium channels are extraordinarily selective for potassium over other ions. However, in the absence of potassium, certain potassium channels can conduct sodium. Sodium flux is blocked by the addition of low concentrations of potassium. Potassium affinity, and therefore the ability to block sodium current, varies among potassium channel subtypes (Korn, S.J., and S.R. Ikeda. 1995. Science. 269:410–412; Starkus, J.G., L. Kuschel, M.D. Rayner, and S.H. Heinemann. 1997. J. Gen. Physiol. 110:539–550). The Shaker potassium channel conducts sodium poorly in the presence of very low (micromolar) potassium due to its high potassium affinity (Starkus, J.G., L. Kuschel, M.D. Rayner, and S.H. Heinemann. 1997. J. Gen. Physiol. 110:539–550; Ogielska, E.M., and R.W. Aldrich. 1997. Biophys. J. 72:A233 [Abstr.]). We show that changing a single residue in S6, A463C, decreases the apparent internal potassium affinity of the Shaker channel pore from the micromolar to the millimolar range, as determined from the ability of potassium to block the sodium currents. Independent evidence that A463C decreases the apparent affinity of a binding site in the pore comes from a study of barium block of potassium currents. The A463C mutation decreases the internal barium affinity of the channel, as expected if barium blocks current by binding to a potassium site in the pore. The decrease in the apparent potassium affinity in A463C channels allows further study of possible ion interactions in the pore. Our results indicate that sodium and potassium can occupy the pore simultaneously and that multiple occupancy results in interactions between ions in the channel pore.
Mechanism of Maxi-K Channel Activation by Dehydrosoyasaponin-I
Authors: Giangiacomo Kathleen M. , Kamassah Augustus , Harris Guy , McManus Owen B.
Published: July 2002

Dehydrosoyasaponin-I (DHS-I) is a potent activator of high-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (maxi-K) channels. Interaction of DHS-I with maxi-K channels from bovine aortic smooth muscle was studied after incorporating single channels into planar lipid bilayers. Nanomolar amounts of intracellular DHS-I caused the appearance of discrete episodes of high channel open probability interrupted by periods of apparently normal activity. Statistical analysis of these periods revealed two clearly separable gating modes that likely reflect binding and unbinding of DHS-I. Kinetic analysis of durations of DHS-I-modified modes suggested DHS-I activates maxi-K channels through a high-order reaction. Average durations of DHS-I-modified modes increased with DHS-I concentration, and distributions of these mode durations contained two or more exponential components. In addition, dose-dependent increases in channel open probability from low initial values were high order with average Hill slopes of 2.4–2.9 under different conditions, suggesting at least three to four DHS-I molecules bind to maximally activate the channel. Changes in membrane potential over a 60-mV range appeared to have little effect on DHS-I binding. DHS-I modified calcium- and voltage-dependent channel gating. 100 nM DHS-I caused a threefold decrease in concentration of calcium required to half maximally open channels. DHS-I shifted the midpoint voltage for channel opening to more hyperpolarized potentials with a maximum shift of −105 mV. 100 nM DHS-I had a larger effect on voltage-dependent compared with calcium-dependent channel gating, suggesting DHS-I may differentiate these gating mechanisms. A model specifying four identical, noninteracting binding sites, where DHS-I binds to open conformations with 10–20-fold higher affinity than to closed conformations, explained changes in voltage-dependent gating and DHS-I-induced modes. This model of channel activation by DHS-I may provide a framework for understanding protein structures underlying maxi-K channel gating, and may provide a basis for understanding ligand activation of other ion channels.
Voltage-insensitive Gating after Charge-neutralizing Mutations in the S4 Segment of Shaker Channels
Authors: Bao Hongxia , Hakeem Atiya , Henteleff Mark , Starkus John G. , Rayner Martin D.
Published: July 2002

Shaker channel mutants, in which the first (R362), second (R365), and fourth (R371) basic residues in the S4 segment have been neutralized, are found to pass potassium currents with voltage-insensitive kinetics when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Single channel recordings clarify that these channels continue to open and close from −160 to +80 mV with a constant opening probability (Po). Although Po is low (∼0.15) in these mutants, mean open time is voltage independent and similar to that of control Shaker channels. Additionally, these mutant channels retain characteristic Shaker channel selectivity, sensitivity to block by 4-aminopyridine, and are partially blocked by external Ca2+ ions at very negative potentials. Furthermore, mean open time is approximately doubled, in both mutant channels and control Shaker channels, when Rb+ is substituted for K+ as the permeant ion species. Such strong similarities between mutant channels and control Shaker channels suggests that the pore region has not been substantially altered by the S4 charge neutralizations. We conclude that single channel kinetics in these mutants may indicate how Shaker channels would behave in the absence of voltage sensor input. Thus, mean open times appear primarily determined by voltage-insensitive transitions close to the open state rather than by voltage sensor movement, even in control, voltage-sensitive Shaker channels. By contrast, the low and voltage-insensitive Po seen in these mutant channels suggests that important determinants of normal channel opening derive from electrostatic coupling between S4 charges and the pore domain.
Gating of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Chloride Channels by Adenosine Triphosphate Hydrolysis
Authors: Zeltwanger Shawn , Wang Fei , Wang Guo-Tang , Gillis Kevin D. , Hwang Tzyh-Chang
Published: July 2002

Gating of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) involves a coordinated action of ATP on two nucleotide binding domains (NBD1 and NBD2). Previous studies using nonhydrolyzable ATP analogues and NBD mutant CFTR have suggested that nucleotide hydrolysis at NBD1 is required for opening of the channel, while hydrolysis of nucleotides at NBD2 controls channel closing. We studied ATP-dependent gating of CFTR in excised inside-out patches from stably transfected NIH3T3 cells. Single channel kinetics of CFTR gating at different [ATP] were analyzed. The closed time constant (τc) decreased with increasing [ATP] to a minimum value of ∼0.43 s at [ATP] >1.00 mM. The open time constant (τo) increased with increasing [ATP] with a minimal τo of ∼260 ms. Kinetic analysis of K1250A-CFTR, a mutant that abolishes ATP hydrolysis at NBD2, reveals the presence of two open states. A short open state with a time constant of ∼250 ms is dominant at low ATP concentrations (10 μM) and a much longer open state with a time constant of ∼3 min is present at millimolar ATP. These data suggest that nucleotide binding and hydrolysis at NBD1 is coupled to channel opening and that the channel can close without nucleotide interaction with NBD2. A quantitative cyclic gating scheme with microscopic irreversibility was constructed based on the kinetic parameters derived from single-channel analysis. The estimated values of the kinetic parameters suggest that NBD1 and NBD2 are neither functionally nor biochemically equivalent.
Calcium Release Flux Underlying Ca2+ Sparks of Frog Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Ríos Eduardo , Stern Michael D. , González Adom , Pizarro Gonzalo , Shirokova Natalia
Published: July 2002

An algorithm for the calculation of Ca2+ release flux underlying Ca2+ sparks (Blatter, L.A., J. Hüser, and E. Ríos. 1997. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 94:4176–4181) was modified and applied to sparks obtained by confocal microscopy in single frog skeletal muscle fibers, which were voltage clamped in a two-Vaseline gap chamber or permeabilized and immersed in fluo-3–containing internal solution. The performance of the algorithm was characterized on sparks obtained by simulation of fluorescence due to release of Ca2+ from a spherical source, in a homogeneous three-dimensional space that contained components representing cytoplasmic molecules and Ca2+ removal processes. Total release current, as well as source diameter and noise level, was varied in the simulations. Derived release flux or current, calculated by volume integration of the derived flux density, estimated quite closely the current used in the simulation, while full width at half magnitude of the derived release flux was a good monitor of source size only at diameters >0.7 μm. On an average of 157 sparks of amplitude >2 U resting fluorescence, located automatically in a representative voltage clamp experiment, the algorithm reported a release current of 16.9 pA, coming from a source of 0.5 μm, with an open time of 6.3 ms. Fewer sparks were obtained in permeabilized fibers, so that the algorithm had to be applied to individual sparks or averages of few events, which degraded its performance in comparable tests. The average current reported for 19 large sparks obtained in permeabilized fibers was 14.4 pA. A minimum estimate, derived from the rate of change of dye-bound Ca2+ concentration, was 8 pA. Such a current would require simultaneous opening of between 8 and 60 release channels with unitary Ca2+ currents of the level recorded in bilayer experiments. Real sparks differ from simulated ones mainly in having greater width. Correspondingly, the algorithm reported greater spatial extent of the source for real sparks. This may again indicate a multichannel origin of sparks, or could reflect limitations in spatial resolution.
Independence and Cooperativity in Rearrangements of a Potassium Channel Voltage Sensor Revealed by Single Subunit Fluorescence
Authors: Mannuzzu Lidia M. , Isacoff Ehud Y.
Published: July 2002

Voltage-gated potassium channels are composed of four subunits. Voltage-dependent activation of these channels consists of a depolarization-triggered series of charge-carrying steps that occur in each subunit. These major charge-carrying steps are followed by cooperative step(s) that lead to channel opening. Unlike the late cooperative steps, the major charge-carrying steps have been proposed to occur independently in each of the channel subunits. In this paper, we examine this further. We showed earlier that the two major charge-carrying steps are associated with two sequential outward transmembrane movements of the charged S4 segment. We now use voltage clamp fluorometry to monitor these S4 movements in individual subunits of heterotetrameric channels. In this way, we estimate the influence of one subunit's S4 movement on another's when the energetics of their transmembrane movements differ. Our results show that the first S4 movement occurs independently in each subunit, while the second occurs cooperatively. At least part of the cooperativity appears to be intrinsic to the second S4 charge-carrying rearrangement. Such cooperativity in gating of voltage-dependent channels has great physiological relevance since it can affect both action potential threshold and rate of propagation.
Permeation of Large Tetra-Alkylammonium Cations through Mutant and Wild-Type Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels as Revealed by Relief of Block at High Voltage
Authors: Huang Chien-Jung , Favre Isabelle , Moczydlowski Edward
Published: July 2002

Many large organic cations are potent blockers of K+ channels and other cation-selective channels belonging to the P-region superfamily. However, the mechanism by which large hydrophobic cations enter and exit the narrow pores of these proteins is obscure. Previous work has shown that a conserved Lys residue in the DEKA locus of voltage-gated Na+ channels is an important determinant of Na+/K+ discrimination, exclusion of Ca2+, and molecular sieving of organic cations. In this study, we sought to determine whether the Lys(III) residue of the DEKA locus interacts with internal tetra-alkylammonium cations (TAA+) that block Na+ channels in a voltage-dependent fashion. We investigated block by a series of TAA+ cations of the wild-type rat muscle Na+ channel (DEKA) and two different mutants of the DEKA locus, DEAA and DERA, using whole-cell recording. TEA+ and larger TAA+ cations block both wild-type and DEAA channels. However, DEAA exhibits dramatic relief of block by large TAA+ cations as revealed by a positive inflection in the macroscopic I–V curve at voltages greater than +140 mV. Paradoxically, relief of block at high positive voltage is observed for large (e.g., tetrapentylammonium) but not small (e.g., TEA+) symmetrical TAA+ cations. The DEKA wild-type channel and the DERA mutant exhibit a similar relief-of-block phenomenon superimposed on background current rectification. The results indicate: (a) hydrophobic TAA+ cations with a molecular diameter as large as 15 Å can permeate Na+ channels from inside to outside when driven by high positive voltage, and (b) the Lys(III) residue of the DEKA locus is an important determinant of inward rectification and internal block in Na+ channels. From these observations, we suggest that hydrophobic interfaces between subunits, pseudosubunits, or packed helices of P-region channel proteins may function in facilitating blocker access to the pore, and may thus play an important role in the blocking and permeation behavior of large TAA+ cations and potentially other kinds of local anesthetic molecules.
Nicotinic Receptor Fourth Transmembrane Domain
Authors: Bouzat Cecilia , Barrantes Francisco , Sine Steven
Published: July 2002

The fourth transmembrane domain (M4) of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) contributes to the kinetics of activation, yet its close association with the lipid bilayer makes it the outermost of the transmembrane domains. To investigate mechanistic and structural contributions of M4 to AChR activation, we systematically mutated αT422, a conserved residue that has been labeled by hydrophobic probes, and evaluated changes in rate constants underlying ACh binding and channel gating steps. Aromatic and nonpolar mutations of αT422 selectively affect the channel gating step, slowing the rate of opening two- to sevenfold, and speeding the rate of closing four- to ninefold. Additionally, kinetic modeling shows a second doubly liganded open state for aromatic and nonpolar mutations. In contrast, serine and asparagine mutations of αT422 largely preserve the kinetics of the wild-type AChR. Thus, rapid and efficient gating of the AChR channel depends on a hydrogen bond involving the side chain at position 422 of the M4 transmembrane domain.
Mechanism of Irk1 Channel Block by Intracellular Polyamines
Authors: Guo Donglin , Lu Zhe
Published: July 2002

Intracellular polyamines inhibit the strongly rectifying IRK1 potassium channel by a mechanism different from that of a typical ionic pore blocker such as tetraethylammonium. As in other K+ channels, in the presence of intracellular TEA, the IRK1 channel current decreases with increasing membrane voltage and eventually approaches zero. However, in the presence of intracellular polyamines, the channel current varies with membrane voltage in a complex manner: when membrane voltage is increased, the current decreases in two phases separated by a hump. Furthermore, contrary to the expectation for a nonpermeant ionic pore blocker, a significant residual IRK1 current persists at very positive membrane voltages; the amplitude of the residual current decreases with increasing polyamine concentration. This complex blocking behavior of polyamines can be accounted for by a minimal model whereby intracellular polyamines inhibit the IRK1 channel by inducing two blocked channel states. In each of the blocked states, a polyamine is bound with characteristic affinity and probability of traversing the pore. The proposal that polyamines traverse the pore at finite rates is supported by the observation that philanthotoxin-343 (spermine with a bulky chemical group attached to one end) acts as a nonpermeant ionic blocker in the IRK1 channel.
Collapse of Conductance Is Prevented by a Glutamate Residue Conserved in Voltage-Dependent K+ Channels
Authors: Ortega-Sáenz Patricia , Pardal Ricardo , Castellano Antonio , López-Barneo José
Published: July 2002

Voltage-dependent K+ channel gating is influenced by the permeating ions. Extracellular K+ determines the occupation of sites in the channels where the cation interferes with the motion of the gates. When external [K+] decreases, some K+ channels open too briefly to allow the conduction of measurable current. Given that extracellular K+ is normally low, we have studied if negatively charged amino acids in the extracellular loops of Shaker K+ channels contribute to increase the local [K+]. Surprisingly, neutralization of the charge of most acidic residues has minor effects on gating. However, a glutamate residue (E418) located at the external end of the membrane spanning segment S5 is absolutely required for keeping channels active at the normal external [K+]. E418 is conserved in all families of voltage-dependent K+ channels. Although the channel mutant E418Q has kinetic properties resembling those produced by removal of K+ from the pore, it seems that E418 is not simply concentrating cations near the channel mouth, but has a direct and critical role in gating. Our data suggest that E418 contributes to stabilize the S4 voltage sensor in the depolarized position, thus permitting maintenance of the channel open conformation.