bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of zebrafish caspase-3 and induction of apoptosis through ceramide generation in fish fathead minnow tailbud cells and zebrafish embryo
Authors: YABU Takeshi , KISHI Shuji , OKAZAKI Toshiro , YAMASHITA Michiaki
Published: August 2015

Caspase-3 was cloned from zebrafish embryos and its properties were characterized to identify the biological implications of caspase in embryogenesis and apoptosis in zebrafish, which is a model organism in vertebrate developmental biology and genetics. The predicted amino acid sequence, totalling 282 amino acid residues, consisted of the prodomain and large and small subunits. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the cloned zebrafish caspase was a member of the caspase-3 subfamily with approx. 60% identity with caspase-3 from Xenopus, chicken and mammals. In addition, recombinant zebrafish caspase hydrolysed acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amide, and exhibited similar substrate specificity to the mammalian caspase-3 subfamily. Therefore this caspase was designated zebrafish caspase-3. Overexpression of zebrafish caspase-3 induced apoptosis and increased ceramide levels in fish fathead minnow tailbud cells and zebrafish embryos. Both ceramide generation and apoptosis induction were inhibited by treatment with a caspase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone. Moreover, zebrafish caspase-3 mRNA was present in early embryos up to the 1000-cell stage as a maternal factor, and was then expressed throughout the body after the gastrula stage by zygotic expression. These findings indicate that the isolated caspase-3 plays an important role in the induction of ceramide generation as well as apoptosis in fish cells and the zebrafish embryo, and suggest that caspase-3 functions as a modulator of the pro-apoptotic signal in development.
Expression of the splice variants of the p85α regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in muscle and adipose tissue of healthy subjects and type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: LEFAI Etienne , ROQUES Marina , VEGA Nathalie , LAVILLE Martine , VIDAL Hubert
Published: August 2015

The regulation by insulin of the expression of the p85α regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) is impaired in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of type 2 diabetic patients. The gene encoding p85α (named grb-1) can generate several variants by alternative splicing, all being able to activate the p110 catalytic subunits of PI 3-kinase. Our aims were (i) to determine the mRNA expression profiles of these variants in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue; (ii) to investigate the effect of insulin on their expression in vivo and in vitro in muscle and (iii) to verify whether this regulation is defective in type 2 diabetes. We determined the human genomic organization of grb-1 and set up reverse transcriptase competitive PCR assays for the quantification of each mRNA variant. In muscle, p85α and p50α mRNAs were the most abundant, and p55α represented less than 20% of all grb-1-derived mRNAs. In adipose tissue, p85α was expressed predominantly and p55α mRNA was not detectable. These expression profiles were not different in type 2 diabetics. During a 3h hyperinsulinaemic clamp, insulin increased the mRNA expression of the three variants in muscle of control subjects. In diabetic patients, the effect of insulin on p85α and p50α mRNAs was blunted, and largely reduced on p55α transcripts. In cultured human myotubes, up-regulation of p85α, p55α and p50α mRNAs by insulin was abolished by LY294002 (10μM) and by rapamycin (50nM), suggesting that the PI 3-kinase/protein kinase B/p70 S6 kinase pathway could be involved in the stimulation of grb-1 gene expression by insulin in human muscle cells.
Identification of a developmentally regulated iron superoxide dismutase of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: KABIRI Mostafa , STEVERDING Dietmar
Published: August 2015

An iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD) gene of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei has been cloned and its gene product functionally characterized. The gene encodes a protein of 198 residues which shows 80% identity with FeSODs from other trypanosomatids. Inhibitor studies with purified recombinant FeSOD expressed in Escherichia coli confirmed that the enzyme is an iron-containing SOD. The FeSOD is developmentally regulated in the parasite, expression being lowest in the cell-cycle-arrested, short stumpy bloodstream forms. Differential expression of the FeSOD protein contrasts with only minor quantitative changes in the FeSOD mRNA, indicating post-transcriptional regulation of the enzyme. As the level of FeSOD increases during differentiation of cell-cycle-arrested short stumpy into dividing procyclic forms, it is suggested that the enzyme is only required in proliferating stages of the parasite for the elimination of superoxide radicals which are released during the generation of the iron-tyrosyl free-radical centre in the small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase.
Dietary and developmental regulation of intestinal sugar transport
Authors: FERRARIS Ronaldo P.
Published: August 2015

The Na+-dependent glucose transporter SGLT1 and the facilitated fructose transporter GLUT5 absorb sugars from the intestinal lumen across the brush-border membrane into the cells. The activity of these transport systems is known to be regulated primarily by diet and development. The cloning of these transporters has led to a surge of studies on cellular mechanisms regulating intestinal sugar transport. However, the small intestine can be a difficult organ to study, because its cells are continuously differentiating along the villus, and because the function of absorptive cells depends on both their state of maturity and their location along the villus axis. In this review, I describe the typical patterns of regulation of transport activity by dietary carbohydrate, Na+ and fibre, how these patterns are influenced by circadian rhythms, and how they vary in different species and during development. I then describe the molecular mechanisms underlying these regulatory patterns. The expression of these transporters is tightly linked to the villus architecture; hence, I also review the regulatory processes occurring along the crypt-villus axis. Regulation of glucose transport by diet may involve increased transcription of SGLT1 mainly in crypt cells. As cells migrate to the villus, the mRNA is degraded, and transporter proteins are then inserted into the membrane, leading to increases in glucose transport about a day after an increase in carbohydrate levels. In the SGLT1 model, transport activity in villus cells cannot be modulated by diet. In contrast, GLUT5 regulation by the diet seems to involve de novo synthesis of GLUT5 mRNA synthesis and protein in cells lining the villus, leading to increases in fructose transport a few hours after consumption of diets containing fructose. In the GLUT5 model, transport activity can be reprogrammed in mature enterocytes lining the villus column. Innovative experimental approaches are needed to increase our understanding of sugar transport regulation in the small intestine. I close by suggesting specific areas of research that may yield important information about this interesting, but difficult, topic.
Ectopic expression of interferon regulatory factor-1 potentiates granulocytic differentiation
Authors: COCCIA Eliana M. , STELLACCI Emilia , VALTIERI Mauro , MASELLA Barbara , FECCIA Tiziana , MARZIALI Giovanna , HISCOTT John , TESTA Ugo , PESCHLE Cesare , BATTISTINI Angela
Published: August 2015

Numerous transcription factors allow haematopoietic cells to respond to lineage- and stage-specific cytokines and to act as their effectors. It is increasingly evident that the interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) transcription factor can selectively regulate different sets of genes depending on the cell type and/or the nature of cellular stimuli, evoking distinct responses in each. In the present study, we investigated mechanisms underlying the differentiation-inducing properties of granulocytic colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and whether IRF transcription factors are functionally relevant in myeloid differentiation. Both normal human progenitors and murine 32Dcl3 myeloblasts induced to differentiate along the granulocytic pathway showed an up-regulation of IRF-1 expression. Ectopic expression of IRF-1 did not abrogate the growth factor requirement of 32Dcl3 cells, although a small percentage of cells that survived cytokine deprivation differentiated fully to neutrophils. Moreover, in the presence of G-CSF, granulocytic differentiation of IRF-1-expressing cells was accelerated, as assessed by morphology and expression of specific differentiation markers. Down-modulation of c-Myb protein and direct stimulation of lysozyme promoter activity by IRF-1 were also observed. Conversely, constitutive expression of IRF-2, a repressor of IRF-1 transcriptional activity, completely abrogated the G-CSF-induced neutrophilic maturation. We conclude that IRF-1 exerts a pivotal role in granulocytic differentiation and that its induction by G-CSF represents a limiting step in the early events of differentiation.
Gluconeogenesis from glutamine and lactate in the isolated humanrenal proximal tubule: longitudinal heterogeneity and lack of response to adrenaline
Authors: CONJARD Agnès , MARTIN Mireille , GUITTON Jérôme , BAVEREL Gabriel , FERRIER Bernard
Published: August 2015

Recent studies in vivo have suggested that, in humans in the postabsorptive state, the kidneys contribute a significant fraction of systemic gluconeogenesis, and that the stimulation of renal gluconeogenesis may fully explain the increase in systemic gluconeogenesis during adrenaline infusion. Given the potential importance of human renal gluconeogenesis in various physiological and pathophysiological situations, we have conducted a study in vitro to further characterize this metabolic process and its regulation. For this, successive segments (S1, S2 and S3) of human proximal tubules were dissected and incubated with physiological concentrations of glutamine or lactate, two potential gluconeogenic substrates that are taken up by the human kidney in vivo, and glucose production was measured. The effects of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cAMP, a well established stimulator of gluconeogenesis in animal kidney tubules, were also studied in suspensions of human renal proximal tubules. The results indicate that the three successive segments have about the same capacity to synthesize glucose from glutamine; by contrast, the S2 and S3 segments synthesize more glucose from lactate than the S1 segment. In the S2 and S3 segments, lactate appears to be a better gluconeogenic precursor than glutamine. The addition of cAMP, but not of adrenaline or noradrenaline, led to the stimulation of gluconeogenesis from lactate and glutamine by human proximal tubules. These results indicate that, in the human kidney in vivo, lactate might be the main gluconeogenic precursor, and that the stimulation of renal gluconeogenesis observed in vivo upon adrenaline infusion may result from an indirect action on the renal proximal tubule.
The level of the glycogen targetting regulatory subunit R5 of protein phosphatase 1 is decreased in the livers of insulin-dependent diabetic rats and starved rats
Authors: BROWNE Gareth J. , DELIBEGOVIC Mirela , KEPPENS Stefaan , STALMANS Willy , COHEN Patricia T. W.
Published: August 2015

Hepatic glycogen synthesis is impaired in insulin-dependent diabetic rats owing to defective activation of glycogen synthase by glycogen-bound protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). The identification of three glycogen-targetting subunits in liver, GL, R5/PTG and R6, which form complexes with the catalytic subunit of PP1 (PP1c), raises the question of whether some or all of these PP1c complexes are subject to regulation by insulin. In liver lysates of control rats, R5 and R6 complexes with PP1c were found to contribute significantly (16 and 21% respectively) to the phosphorylase phosphatase activity associated with the glycogen-targetting subunits, GL–PP1c accounting for the remainder (63%). In liver lysates of insulin-dependent diabetic and of starved rats, the phosphorylase phosphatase activities of the R5 and GL complexes with PP1c were shown by specific immunoadsorption assays to be substantially decreased, and the levels of R5 and GL were shown by immunoblotting to be much lower than those in control extracts. The phosphorylase phosphatase activity of R6–PP1c and the concentration of R6 protein were unaffected by these treatments. Insulin administration to diabetic rats restored the levels of R5 and GL and their associated activities. The regulation of R5 protein levels by insulin was shown to correspond to changes in the level of the mRNA, as has been found for GL. The in vitro glycogen synthase phosphatase/phosphorylase phosphatase activity ratio of R5-PP1c was lower than that of GL–PP1c, suggesting that R5–PP1c may function as a hepatic phosphorylase phosphatase, whereas GL–PP1c may be the major hepatic glycogen synthase phosphatase. In hepatic lysates, more than half the R6 was present in the glycogen-free supernatant, suggesting that R6 may have lower affinity for glycogen than R5 and GL
Identification of nucleolin as a new L-selectin ligand
Authors: HARMS Gesche , KRAFT Regine , GRELLE Gerlinde , VOLZ Bärbel , DERNEDDE Jens , TAUBER Rudolf
Published: August 2015

Apart from leucocyte–endothelial interactions, the adhesion molecule L-selectin mediates the homotypic adhesion of leucocytes during recruitment at sites of acute inflammation, as well as intercellular adhesion of haematopoietic progenitor cells during haematopoiesis. There is evidence that, in addition to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, other as-yet-unidentified proteins function as L-selectin ligands on human leucocytes and haematopoietic progenitor cells. In the present study, we show: (i) by affinity chromatography on L-selectin–agarose; (ii) by protein identification using MS; and (iii) by covalent cell-surface labelling with sulphosuccinimidyl-2-(biotinamido)ethyl-1,3-dithiopropionate that the multifunctional nuclear protein nucleolin is partly exposed on the cell surface, and is a ligand of L-selectin in human leucocytes and haematopoietic progenitor cells.
NMR structure of bucandin, a neurotoxin from the venom of the Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus)
Authors: TORRES Allan M. , KINI R. Manjunatha , SELVANAYAGAM Nirthanan , KUCHEL Philip W.
Published: August 2015

A high-resolution solution structure of bucandin, a neurotoxin from Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus), was determined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics. The average backbone root-mean-square deviation for the 20 calculated structures and the mean structure is 0.47 Å (1 Å = 0.1nm) for all residues and 0.24 Å for the well-defined region that spans residues 23–58. Secondary-structural elements include two antiparallel β-sheets characterized by two and four strands. According to recent X-ray analysis, bucandin adopts a typical three-finger loop motif and yet it has some peculiar characteristics that set it apart from other common α-neurotoxins. The presence of a fourth strand in the second antiparallel β-sheet had not been observed before in three-finger toxins, and this feature was well represented in the NMR structure. Although the overall fold of the NMR structure is similar to that of the X-ray crystal structure, there are significant differences between the two structures that have implications for the pharmacological action of the toxin. These include the extent of the β-sheets, the conformation of the region spanning residues 42–49 and the orientation of some side chains. In comparison with the X-ray structure, the NMR structure shows that the hydrophobic side chains of Trp27 and Trp36 are stacked together and are orientated towards the tip of the middle loop. The NMR study also showed that the two-stranded β-sheet incorporated in the first loop, as defined by residues 1–22, and the C-terminus from Asn59, is probably flexible relative to the rest of the molecule. On the basis of the dispositions of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic side chains, the structure of bucandin is clearly different from those of cytotoxins.
Antimonite regulation of the ATPase activity of ArsA, the catalytic subunit of the arsenical pump
Authors: WALMSLEY Adrian R. , ZHOU Tongqing , BORGES-WALMSLEY M. Ines , ROSEN Barry P.
Published: August 2015

The ArsA ATPase is the catalytic subunit of the pump protein, coupling the hydrolysis of ATP to the movement of arsenicals and antimonials through the membrane-spanning ArsB protein. Previously, we have shown the binding and hydrolysis of MgATP to ArsA to be a multi-step process in which the rate-limiting step is an isomerization between different conformational forms of ArsA. This isomerization occurs after product release, at the end of the ATPase reaction, and involves the return of the ArsA to its original conformation, which can then bind MgATP. ArsA possesses an allosteric site for antimonite [Sb(III)], the binding of which elevates the steady-state ATPase activity. We have used a transient kinetics approach to investigate the kinetics of ternary complex formation that lead to an enhancement in the ATPase activity. These studies revealed that ArsA exists in at least two conformational forms that differ in their ligand binding affinities, and that ATP favours one form and Sb(III) the other. Ternary complex formation is rate-limited by a slow transition between these conformational forms, leading to a lag in attaining maximal steady-state activity. Sb(III) enhances the steady-state ATPase activity by inducing rapid product release, allowing ArsA to adopt a conformation that can bind MgATP for the next catalytic cycle. In the presence of Sb(III), ArsA avoids the rate-limiting isomerization at the end of the ATPase reaction and ATP hydrolysis becomes rate-limiting for the reaction. The binding of Sb(III) probably results in more effective pumping of the substrates from the cell by enhancing the rate of efflux.
Efficient eukaryotic expression system for authentic human sex hormone-binding globulin
Authors: HILPERT Jan , VORUM Henrik , BURMEISTER Regina , SPOELGEN Robert , GRISHKOVSKAYA Irina , MISSELWITZ Rolf , NYKJAER Anders , WILLNOW Thomas E.
Published: August 2015

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is the main carrier for androgens and oestrogens in humans. It mediates the transport of steroid hormones in the circulation and testicular fluid, and regulates their bioavailability to steroid-responsive tissues. In addition, the protein interacts with membrane receptors expressed in target tissues. Binding to the receptors is suspected to facilitate the uptake of steroid hormones and/or elicit cellular signal transduction. The identity of the SHBG receptor has not yet been resolved, in part due to a lack of sufficient quantities of authentic SHBG for receptor purification and molecular characterization. We have successfully addressed this problem by establishing an episomal expression system in human embryonic kidney cells that produces 5mg of fully active human SHBG per litre. The recombinant protein resembles native SHBG in terms of structure, glycosylation pattern and steroid-binding activity. Moreover, the protein interacts with plasma membranes in steroid target tissues, an activity not observed with SHBG from other recombinant expression systems. Thus our studies have removed an important obstacle to the further elucidation of the role SHBG plays in steroid hormone action.
Oligomerization of green fluorescent protein in the secretory pathway of endocrine cells
Authors: JAIN Renu K. , JOYCE Paul B. M. , MOLINETE Miguel , HALBAN Philippe A. , GORR Sven-Ulrik
Published: August 2015

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is used extensively as a reporter protein to monitor cellular processes, including intracellular protein trafficking and secretion. In general, this approach depends on GFP acting as a passive reporter protein. However, it was recently noted that GFP oligomerizes in the secretory pathway of endocrine cells. To characterize this oligomerization and its potential role in GFP transport, cytosolic and secretory forms of enhanced GFP (EGFP) were expressed in GH4C1 and AtT-20 endocrine cells. Biochemical analysis showed that cytosolic EGFP existed as a 27kDa monomer, whereas secretory forms of EGFP formed disulphide-linked oligomers. EGFP contains two cysteine residues (Cys49 and Cys71), which could play a role in this oligomerization. Site-directed mutagenesis of Cys49 and Cys71 showed that both cysteine residues were involved in disulphide interactions. Substitution of either cysteine residue resulted in a reduction or loss of oligomers, although dimers of the secretory form of EGFP remained. Mutation of these residues did not adversely affect the fluorescence of EGFP. EGFP oligomers were stored in secretory granules and secreted by the regulated secretory pathway in endocrine AtT-20 cells. Similarly, the dimeric mutant forms of EGFP were still secreted via the regulated secretory pathway, indicating that the higher-order oligomers were not necessary for sorting in AtT-20 cells. These results suggest that the oligomerization of EGFP must be considered when the protein is used as a reporter molecule in the secretory pathway.
Identification of essential active-site residues in ornithine decarboxylase of Nicotiana glutinosa decarboxylating both l-ornithine and l-lysine
Authors: LEE Yong-Sun , CHO Young-Dong
Published: August 2015

The cDNA encoding ornithine decarboxylase (ODC; EC 4.1.1.17), a key enzyme in putrescine and polyamine biosynthesis, has been cloned from Nicotiana glutinosa (GenBank® AF 323910), and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence of N. glutinosa ODC showed 90% identity with Datura stramonium ODC, and 44% identity with human ODC. N. glutinosa ODC did not possess the PEST sequence [a sequence rich in proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S) and threonine (T) residues] found in mammalian ODCs, which are thought to be involved in rapid degradation of the protein. The purified ODC was a homodimeric protein, having a native Mr of 92000. Kinetic studies of ODC showed that N. glutinosa ODC decarboxylated both l-ornithine and l-lysine with Km values of 562μM and 1592μM at different optimal pH values of 8.0 and 6.8 respectively. ODC activity was completely and irreversibly inhibited by α-difluoromethylornithine (Ki 1.15μM), showing a competitive inhibition pattern. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on ODC to introduce mutations at conserved lysine (Lys95) and cysteine (Cys96, Cys338 and Cys377) residues, chosen by examination of the conserved sequence, which were proven by chemical modification to be involved in enzymic activity. Except for Cys96, each mutation caused a substantial loss in enzyme activity. Most notably, Lys95 increased the Km for l-ornithine by 16-fold and for l-lysine by 3-fold, with 100-fold and 2.8-fold decreases in the kcat for ODC and lysine decarboxylase (LDC) activity respectively. The Cys377 → Ala mutant possessed a kcat that was lowered by 23-fold, and the Km value was decreased by 1.4-fold for l-ornithine. The three-dimensional model of ODC protein constructed on the basis of the crystal structure of Trypanosoma brucei, mouse and human ODCs localized the four residues in the active-site cleft. This is the first work carried out on active-site residues of plant ODC, where ODC and LDC activities occur in the same catalytic site.
Cytochrome c catalyses the formation of pentyl radical and octanoic acid radical from linoleic acid hydroperoxide
Authors: IWAHASHI Hideo , NISHIZAKI Koji , TAKAGI Ichiro
Published: August 2015

A reaction of 13-hydroperoxide octadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE) with cytochrome c was analysed using ESR, HPLC–ESR and HPLC–ESR–MS by the combined use of the spin-trapping technique. The ESR, HPLC–ESR and HPLC–ESR–MS analyses showed that cytochrome c catalyses formation of pentyl and octanoic acid radicals from 13-HPODE. On the other hand, only the α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-t-butylnitrone/octanoic acid radical adduct was detected in the elution profile of HPLC–ESR for a mixture of 13-HPODE with haematin, indicating that haematin catalyses the formation of octanoic acid radical. In addition, the reaction of 13-HPODE with cytochrome c was inhibited by chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid via two possible mechanisms, i.e. reducing cytochrome c (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid) and scavenging the radical intermediates (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid).
Alternative splice variants of the human centrosome kinase Nek2 exhibit distinct patterns of expression in mitosis
Authors: HAMES Rebecca S. , FRY Andrew M.
Published: August 2015

Nek2 is a cell-cycle-regulated protein kinase that localizes to the centrosome and is likely to be involved in regulating centrosome structure at the G2/M transition. Here, we localize the functional human Nek2 gene to chromosome 1 and show that alternative polyadenylation signals provide a mechanism for generating two distinct isoforms. Sequencing of products generated by reverse transcriptase PCR, immunoblotting of cell extracts and transfection of antisense oligonucleotides together demonstrate that human Nek2 is expressed as two splice variants. These isoforms, designated Nek2A and Nek2B, are detected in primary blood lymphocytes as well as adult transformed cells. Nek2A and Nek2B, which can form homo- and hetero-dimers, both localize to the centrosome, although only Nek2A can induce centrosome splitting upon overexpression. Importantly, Nek2A and Nek2B exhibit distinct patterns of cell-cycle-dependent expression. Both are present in low amounts in the G1 phase and exhibit increased abundance in the S and G2 phases. However, Nek2A disappears in prometaphase-arrested cells, whereas Nek2B remains elevated. These results demonstrate that two alternative splice variants of the human centrosomal kinase Nek2 exist that differ in their expression patterns during mitosis. This has important implications for our understanding of both Nek2 protein kinase regulation and the control of centrosome structure during mitosis.
Nucleotides and heteroduplex DNA preserve the active conformation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MutS by preventing protein oligomerization
Authors: PEZZA Roberto J. , SMANIA Andrea M. , BARRA José L. , ARGARAÑA Carlos E.
Published: August 2015

MutS, a component of the mismatch repair system begins the DNA reparation process by recognizing base/base mismatches or small insertion/deletion loops. We have cloned the mutS gene from the human opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and analysed the biochemical properties of the encoded protein. Complementation of the hypermutator phenotype of a P. aeruginosa mutS mutant strain indicated that the isolated gene was functional. When purified MutS was incubated at 37°C in the absence of ligands, a rapid inactivation of the oligonucleotide binding capability and ATPase activity occurred. However, the presence of ATP, ADP or heteroduplex oligonucleotides, but not homoduplex oligonucleotides, prevented the protein from being inactivated. The analysis of the protein by native PAGE indicated that the active conformation state correlates with the presence of MutS dimer. Analysis by gel-filtration chromatography showed that the inactive protein formed by incubation at 37°C in the absence of ligands corresponds to the formation of a high molecular mass oligomer. The kinetic analysis of the oligomer formation showed that the extent of the reaction was markedly dependent on the temperature and the presence of MutS ligands. However, the protein inactivation apparently occurred before the maximum extent of MutS oligomerization. Further analysis of the MutS oligomers by electron microscopy showed the presence of regular structures consisting of four subunits, with each subunit probably representing a MutS homodimer. It is concluded that MutS possesses an intrinsic propensity to form oligomeric structures and that the presence of physiological ligands, such as nucleotides or heteroduplex DNA, but not homoduplex DNA, plays an important role in keeping the protein in an active conformation by preventing protein oligomerization.
Structural requirements of the interleukin-6 signal transducer gp130 for its interaction with Janus kinase 1: the receptor is crucial for kinase activation
Authors: HAAN Claude , HEINRICH Peter C. , BEHRMANN Iris
Published: August 2015

We analysed the interaction of gp130, the common signal-transducing receptor chain of interleukin (IL)-6 type cytokines, with Jak1, the Janus family kinase which is crucial for signal transduction of this group of cytokines. With a truncated chimaeric IL-5Rβ–gp130 receptor expressed in COS-7 cells, we show that the membrane-proximal 69 amino acids are sufficient to mediate Jak1 binding and activation. Deletion of box2 drastically reduced binding of endogenous, but not of overexpressed, Jak1. Several point mutations in the membrane-proximal region of gp130 (W652A, P671/P672A, F676A, Y683F, where W, A, P, F and Y are tryptophan, alanine, proline, phenylalanine and tyrosine) did not affect Jak1 association. However, stimulation of chimaeric receptors with the mutations P671/P672A and F676A in the interbox1/box2 region resulted in a reduced activation of STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) transcription factors. Most importantly, signalling by the receptor with the box1 mutation W652A was totally abrogated. Although this mutation did not affect Jak1 association, stimulation-dependent phosphorylation of Jak1 was prevented. The W652 mutation acts dominantly, since no signalling occured even when only a single cytoplasmic chain of a gp130 dimer contained the mutation. Our data demonstrate that the mere proximity of Jaks in an activated receptor complex is not sufficient to mediate their activation. Rather, it seems that parts of the receptor, including the box1 region, are involved in positioning Jaks correctly so that ligand-induced receptor dimerization and reorientation can lead to their mutual activation and subsequently to downstream signalling events.
Monomers of the catalytic domain of human neuropathy target esterase are active in the presence of phospholipid
Authors: ATKINS Jane , LUTHJENS Lee H. , HOM Marinus L. , GLYNN Paul
Published: August 2015

NEST is a hydrophobic recombinant polypeptide comprising the catalytic domain (residues 727–1216) of neuropathy target esterase. NEST in bacterial lysates has potent esterase activity, which is lost after its solubilization and purification in detergent-containing solutions. Activity in purified NEST preparations was restored by the addition of phospholipids before the removal of detergent by dialysis. The pattern of digestion by proteinase K of NEST–phospholipid complexes suggested that NEST might incorporate in a topologically random fashion into nascent liposomes and that the bulk of each NEST molecule might be exposed either to the liposome lumen or the external medium. Significant quantities of NEST were liberated from NEST–phospholipid complexes by treatment with dilute acid or alkali, suggesting that charge interactions might contribute to the association; however, NEST was irreversibly denatured at these pH values. Treatment of NEST–phospholipid complexes with glutaraldehyde afforded some protection against the inactivation of esterase activity by detergent but the pattern of cross-linked forms of NEST generated did not indicate pre-existing oligomers. Similarly, the inactivation of esterase activity in NEST–phospholipid complexes by radiation indicated that NEST monomers are catalytically active. The foregoing observations are not compatible with structural algorithms predicting that the catalytic serine residue lies at the centre of one of three transmembrane helices in NEST.
Novel alternative splice variants of rat phosphodiesterase 7B showing unique tissue-specific expression and phosphorylation
Authors: SASAKI Takashi , KOTERA Jun , OMORI Kenji
Published: August 2015

cDNA species coding for novel variants of cyclic-AMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs), namely the PDE7B family, were isolated from rats and characterized. Rat PDE7B1 (RNPDE7B1) was composed of 446 amino acid residues. Rat PDE7B2 (RNPDE7B2) and PDE7B3 (RNPDE7B3), which possessed unique N-terminal sequences, consisted of 359 and 459 residues respectively. Northern hybridization analysis showed that rat PDE7B transcripts were particularly abundant in the striatum and testis. PCR analyses revealed that rat PDE7B2 transcripts were restricted to the testis and that low levels of PDE7B3 transcripts were expressed in the heart, lung and skeletal muscle. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that rat PDE7B transcripts were expressed in striatal neurons and spermatocytes. In spermatocytes, rat PDE7B transcripts were expressed in a stage-specific manner during spermatogenesis. The Km values of recombinant rat PDE7B1, PDE7B2 and PDE7B3 for cAMP were 0.05, 0.07 and 0.05μM respectively. Each rat PDE7B variant was the most sensitive to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IC50 1.5–2.1μM). Two phosphorylation sites for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) were found in rat PDE7B1 and PDE7B3, whereas rat PDE7B2 possessed one site. PKA-dependent phosphorylation was observed in C-terminal phosphorylation sites of three rat PDE7B variants, in addition to unique N-terminal regions of rat PDE7B1 and PDE7B3. Unique tissue distribution and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of PDE7B variants suggested that each variant has a specific role for cellular functions via cAMP signalling in various tissues.
Kinetic study of various binding modes between human DNA polymerase β and different DNA substrates by surface-plasmon-resonance biosensor
Authors: TSOI Pui Yan , YANG Mengsu
Published: August 2015

The interaction of a series of DNA substrates with human DNA polymerase β has been studied in real time by using a surface-plasmon-resonance (SPR) biosensor technique. We have prepared the sensor surfaces comprising different DNA targets, including single-stranded DNA, blunt-end double-stranded DNA, gapped DNA and DNA template—primer duplexes containing various mismatches at different positions. The binding and dissociation of polymerase β at the DNA-modified surfaces was measured in real time, and the kinetics profiles of polymerase—DNA interaction were analysed using various physical models. The results showed that polymerase β binding to single-stranded DNA (KA = 1.25×108M−1; where KA is the equilibrium affinity constant) was thermodynamically more favourable than to blunt-end DNA duplex (KA = 7.56×107M−1) or gapped DNA (KA = 8.53×107M−1), with a single binding mode on each DNA substrate. However, polymerase β bound to DNA template—primer duplexes (15bp with a 35nt overhang) at two sites, presumably one at the single-strand overhang and the other at the 3′-end of the primer. When the DNA duplex was fully matched, most of the polymerase β (83%) bound to the template—primer duplex region. The introduction of different numbers of mismatches near the 3′-end of the primer caused the binding affinity and the fraction of polymerase β bound at the duplex region to decrease 8–58-fold and 15–40%, respectively. On the other hand, the affinity of polymerase β for the single-strand overhang remained unchanged while the fraction bound to the single-strand region increased by 15–40%. The destabilizing effect of the mismatches was due to both a decrease in the rate of binding and an increase in the rate of dissociation for polymerase β.
Characterization and spatiotemporal expression of orchestin, a gene encoding an ecdysone-inducible protein from a crustacean organic matrix
Authors: TESTENIÈRE Olivier , HECKER Arnaud , GURUN Sabine Le , QUENNEDEY Brigitte , GRAF François , LUQUET Gilles
Published: August 2015

We report the characterization of a new gene encoding an acidic protein named Orchestin. This protein is a component of the organic matrix of calcium storage structures (calcareous concretions) elaborated during the moulting cycles of the terrestrial crustacean Orchestia cavimana. The deduced molecular mass of Orchestin is estimated to be 12.4kDa and the pI to be 4.4, whereas the native protein extracted from the calcium deposits migrates as a 23kDa band on SDS/PAGE. This discrepancy is probably due to the richness of this protein in acidic amino acids (approx. 30%). The protein obtained by expressing the Orchestin cDNA in Escherichia coli presents an electrophoretic mobility of 25kDa. Antibodies raised against the recombinant protein recognize the 23kDa native protein exclusively among the organic-matrix components. Spatiotemporal analysis of the expression of the orchestin gene shows that it is expressed only in the storage organ cells when the concretions are elaborated during the premoult period and also, to a smaller extent, during the postmoult period. The translation products are expressed in accordance with the transcript expression during both the premoult and postmoult periods. Study of the hormonal stimulation of orchestin reveals that 20-hydroxyecdysone induces this gene as a secondary-response or late-response gene.
Modulation of type-1 Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor channels by the FK506-binding protein, FKBP12
Authors: DARGAN Sheila L. , LEA Edward J. A. , DAWSON Alan P.
Published: August 2015

FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) is highly expressed in neuronal tissue, where it is proposed to localize calcineurin to intracellular calcium-release channels, ryanodine receptors and Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors (InsP3Rs). The effects of FKBP12 on ryanodine receptors have been well characterized but the nature and function of binding of FKBP12 to InsP3R is more controversial, with evidence for and against a tight interaction between these two proteins. To investigate this, we incorporated purified type-1 InsP3R from rat cerebellum into planar lipid bilayers to monitor the effects of exogenous recombinant FKBP12 on single-channel activity, using K+ as the current carrier. Here we report for the first time that FKBP12 causes a substantial change in single-channel properties of the type-1 InsP3R, specifically to increase the amount of time the channel spends in a fully open state. In the presence of ATP, FKBP12 can also induce co-ordinated gating with neighbouring receptors. The effects of FKBP12 were reversed by FK506. We also present data showing that rapamycin, at sub-optimal concentrations of Ins(2,4,5)P3, decreases the rate of calcium release from cerebellar microsomes. These results provide evidence for a direct functional interaction between FKBP12 and the type-1 InsP3R.
Evolution of maurotoxin conformation and blocking efficacy towards Shaker B channels during the course of folding and oxidation in vitro
Authors: DI LUCCIO Eric , MATAVEL Alessandra , OPI Sandrine , REGAYA Imed , SANDOZ Guillaume , M'BAREK Sarrah , CARLIER Edmond , ESTÈVE Eric , CARREGA Louis , FAJLOUN Ziad , ROCHAT Hervé , LORET Erwann , DE WAARD Michel , SABATIER Jean-Marc
Published: August 2015

Maurotoxin (MTX) is a 34-mer scorpion toxin cross-linked by four disulphide bridges that acts on various K+ channels, including the voltage-gated Shaker B subtype. In the present study, we have investigated over 80h: (1) the time-course of folding of synthetic MTX (sMTX) by CD analysis; (2) the kinetics of disulphide bridge formation by MS; and (3) the potency of MTX in blocking Shaker B currents during the combined process of its in vitro folding and oxidation. From the CD data, we show that stable secondary structures of sMTX evolve sequentially over time, with the appearance of the α-helix within 5h, followed by the formation of the β-sheet within 22h. Using MS analysis, the sMTX intermediates were also found to appear sequentially from the least (one-disulphide-bridged sMTX) to the most oxidized species (native-like, four-disulphide-bridged sMTX). The time course of formation of secondary structures coincides mainly with the occurrence of one-disulphide-bridged sMTX for the α-helix and two- or three-disulphide-bridged sMTX for the β-sheet. On-line electrophysiological recordings, which measure sMTX blocking efficacy on K+ currents during its folding and oxidation, were performed on Shaker B channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Unexpectedly, the results demonstrate that sMTX is highly potent at the initial stage of oxidation, whereas its blocking activity can be transiently and dramatically reduced at later stages during the course of folding/oxidation before it reaches full bioactivity. These data suggest that formation of disulphide bridges can both physically stabilize and alter the bioactive three-dimensional structure of sMTX.
Retention at the cis-Golgi and delayed degradation of tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase with an Asn153→Asp substitution, a cause of perinatal hypophosphatasia
Authors: ITO Masahiro , AMIZUKA Norio , OZAWA Hidehiro , ODA Kimimitsu
Published: August 2015

Tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) is an ectoenzyme anchored to the plasma membrane via glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI). A TNSALP mutant with an Asn153→Asp (N153D) substitution was reported in a foetus diagnosed with perinatal hypophosphatasia (Mornet, Taillandier, Peyramaure, Kaper, Muller, Brenner, Bussiere, Freisinger, Godard, Merrer et al. (1998) Eur. J. Hum. Genet. 6, 308–314). When expressed ectopically in COS-1 cells, the wild-type TNSALP formed active non-covalently associated dimers, whereas TNSALP (N153D) formed aberrant disulphide-bonded high-molecular-mass aggregates devoid of enzyme activity. Cell-surface biotinylation and digestion with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C showed that TNSALP (N153D) failed to reach the cell surface. Instead, double immunofluorescence demonstrated that TNSALP (N153D) partially co-localized with a cis-Golgi marker (GM-130) at the steady-state. Upon treatment with brefeldin A, TNSALP (N153D) was still co-localized with GM-130, further supporting the finding that this mutant is localized in the cis-Golgi. Consistent with morphological results, pulse—chase experiments showed that newly synthesized TNSALP (N153D) remained endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H-sensitive throughout the chase. Eventually, after a prolonged chase time, the mutant was found to be partly degraded in a proteasome-dependent manner. Since the mutant TNSALP was significantly labelled with [3H]ethanolamine, a component of GPI, comparable with the wild-type enzyme, it is unlikely that the abortive synthesis of the mutant is due to a defect in GPI-attachment. Interestingly, when asparagine was replaced by glutamine at position 153 (N153D), TNSALP (N153Q) was indistinguishable from the wild-type enzyme in terms of its molecular properties, suggesting the possible importance of amino acids with a polar amide group at position 153. Taken together, these findings indicate that replacing asparagine with aspartic acid at position 153 causes misfolding and incorrect assembly of TNSALP, which results in its retention at the cis-Golgi en route to the cell surface, followed by a delayed degradation, presumably as part of a quality-control process. We postulate that the molecular basis of the perinatal hypophosphatasia associated with TNSALP (N153D) is due to the absence of mature TNSALP at the cell surface.
A single WW domain is the predominant mediator of the interaction between the human ubiquitin-protein ligase Nedd4 and the human epithelial sodium channel
Authors: LOTT J. Shaun , CODDINGTON-LAWSON Sarah J. , TEESDALE-SPITTLE Paul H. , MCDONALD Fiona J.
Published: August 2015

The activity of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is required for the maintenance of salt and water balance in the body. Channel activity is regulated by the ubiquitin-protein ligase Nedd4 ['neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated (gene 4)'] that interacts with the channel via its WW domains. Mutations in channel subunits that disrupt this interaction cause Liddle's syndrome, a severe inherited form of hypertension. In previous studies we showed that WW domains 2, 3 and 4 of human Nedd4 bound to the human ENaC (hENaC) subunits, whereas WW domain 1 did not. Here we extend this observation to determine the binding affinities of the human Nedd4 WW domains for hENaC C-terminal peptides. We show that WW domains 2, 3 and 4 bind with differing affinities to Na+ channel subunit peptides. WW domain 3 has the highest affinity and we predict that WW domain 3 contributes most of the binding because a construct containing the three WW domains bound no better than WW domain 3 alone. Further, a single amino acid change (Arg165 → Thr) in WW domain 1 enables binding to the α subunit of the channel to occur, with an affinity comparable with that of WW domain 4. Differential binding propensities between the various WW domains and Na+ channel subunit peptides are explained on the basis of quantitative structural modelling of the complexes and their isolated components.
Cell-permeable ceramides preferentially inhibit coated vesicle formation and exocytosis in Chinese hamster ovary compared with Madin–Darby canine kidney cells by preventing the membrane association of ADP-ribosylation factor
Authors: ABOUSALHAM Abdelkarim , HOBMAN Tom C. , DEWALD Jay , GARBUTT Michael , BRINDLEY David N.
Published: August 2015

Differential effects of acetyl(C2-) ceramide (N-acetylsphingosine) were studied on coated vesicle formation from Golgi-enriched membranes of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and Madin—Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. C2-ceramide blocked the translocation of ADP-ribosylation factor-1 (ARF-1) and protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) to the membranes from CHO cells, but not those of MDCK cells. Consequently, C2-ceramide blocked the stimulation of phospholipase D1 (PLD1) by the cytosol and guanosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) in membranes from CHO cells. Basal specific activity of PLD1 and the concentration of ARF-1 were 3–4 times higher in Golgi-enriched membranes from MDCK cells compared with CHO cells. Moreover, PLD1 activity in MDCK cells was stimulated less by cytosol and GTP[S]. PLD2 was not detectable in the Golgi-enriched membranes. Incubation of intact CHO cells or their Golgi-enriched membranes with C2-ceramide also inhibited COP1 vesicle formation by membranes from CHO, but not MDCK, cells. Specificity was demonstrated, since dihydro-C2-ceramide had no significant effect on ARF-1 translocation, PLD1 activation or vesicle formation in membranes from both cell types. C2-ceramide also decreased the secretion of virus-like particles to a greater extent in CHO compared with MDCK cells, whereas dihydro-C2-ceramide had no significant effect. The results demonstrate a biological effect of C2-ceramide in CHO cells by decreasing ARF-1 and PKC-α binding to Golgi-enriched membranes, thereby preventing COP1 vesicle formation.