bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucin biosynthesis and secretion in tracheal epithelial cells in primary culture
Authors: SVITACHEVA Naila , DAVIES Julia R.
Published: August 2015

Density-gradient centrifugation of bovine tracheal epithelial cell extracts revealed a ‘high-density’ (1.48g/ml) sialic-acid-rich population as well as a ‘low-density’ (1.42g/ml) one that reacted more strongly with a periodate–Schiff (PAS) assay. The sialic-acid-rich mucins were oligomeric molecules containing disulphide- bond-linked subunits and large glycosylated domains, whereas the PAS-reactive component seemed to be smaller and ‘monomeric’. Only the ‘high-density’ population was secreted from cells cultured for 5 days on plastic or a collagen type 1, Matrigel or Vitrogen substrate. Release was less from cells grown on plastic than from those on a substrate and the amount was unaffected by increasing the thickness of the collagen layer. For cells grown on collagen, the amount of the sialic-acid-rich mucin increased over 10 days, whereas the PAS-reactive component was largely absent after 24h, which was consistent with an initial release of stored PAS-reactive molecules and synthesis of the sialic-acid-rich mucins de novo. Both [3H]proline and [35S]sulphate were poorly incorporated into mucins detected with the chemical assays but molecules with a higher buoyant density than that of either of the previously identified species were labelled with [35S]sulphate. The [35S]sulphate-labelled material yielded large trypsin-resistant fragments and contained O-linked glycans but was not affected by digestion with chondroitin ABC lyase or heparan sulphate lyase, suggesting that it is a mucin rather than a proteoglycan. [35S]Sulphate is thus a poor marker for the major oligomeric mucins produced by bovine tracheal epithelial cells but the radiolabel is incorporated into a heavily labelled mucin-like component.
Novel properties of the protein kinase CK2-site-regulated nuclear- localization sequence of the interferon-induced nuclear factor IFI 16
Authors: BRIGGS Lyndall J. , JOHNSTONE Ricky W. , ELLIOT Rachel M. , XIAO Chong-Yun , DAWSON Michelle , TRAPANI Joseph A. , JANS David A.
Published: August 2015

Members of the interferon-induced class of nuclear factors possess a putative CcN motif, comparable with that within proteins such as the simian virus 40 large tumour antigen (T-ag), which confers phosphorylation-mediated regulation of nuclear-localization sequence (NLS)-dependent nuclear import. Here we examine the functionality of the interferon-induced factor 16 (IFI 16) CcN motif, demonstrating its ability to target a heterologous protein to the nucleus, and to be phosphorylated specifically by the CcN-motif-phosphorylating protein kinase CK2 (CK2). The IFI 16 NLS, however, has novel properties, conferring ATP-dependent nuclear import completely independent of cytosolic factors, as well as binding to nuclear components. The IFI 16 NLS is not recognized with high affinity by the NLS-binding importin heterodimer, and transport mediated by it is insensitive to non-hydrolysable GTP analogues. The IFI 16 NLS thus mediates nuclear import through a pathway completely distinct from that of conventional NLSs, such as that of T-ag, but intriguingly resembling that of the NLS of the HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat. Since the IFI 16 CK2 site enhances nuclear import through facilitating binding to nuclear components, this represents a novel mechanism by which the site regulates nuclear-protein import, and constitutes a difference between the IFI 16 and Tat NLSs that may be of importance in the immune response.
Cytosolic phospholipase A2-α associates with plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear membrane in glomerular epithelial cells
Authors: LIU Jianhong , TAKANO Tomoko , PAPILLON Joan , KHADIR Abdelkrim , CYBULSKY Andrey V.
Published: August 2015

Eicosanoids mediate complement-dependent glomerular epithelial injury in experimental membranous nephropathy. The release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids by cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is the rate-limiting step in eicosanoid synthesis. The present study examines the association of cPLA2 with membranes of organelles. Glomerular epithelial cells were disrupted by homogenization in Ca2+-free buffer; organelles were separated by gradient centrifugation. The distribution of cPLA2 and organelles was analysed by immunoblotting with antibodies against cPLA2 and organelle markers, or by enzyme assay. In cells incubated with or without the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin plus PMA, cPLA2 co-localized with plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclei, but not with mitochondria or Golgi. A greater amount of cPLA2 was associated with membranes in stimulated cells, but membrane-associated cPLA2 was readily detectable under resting conditions. The pattern of association of cPLA2 with membrane in cells treated with antibody and complement was similar to that in cells stimulated with ionomycin plus PMA; however, complement did not enhance the membrane association of cPLA2 protein. To determine the functional role of membrane association of cPLA2, phospholipids were labelled with [3H]arachidonic acid. Cells were then incubated with or without antibody and complement and were fractionated. Complement induced a loss of radioactivity from the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclei, but not from the mitochondrial fraction. Thus the release of arachidonic acid by cPLA2 is due to the hydrolysis of phospholipids at multiple subcellular membrane sites, including the endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane and nucleus.
Nuclear factor κB-dependent mechanisms coordinate the synergistic effect of PMA and cytokines on the induction of superoxide dismutase 2
Authors: KININGHAM Kelley K. , XU Yong , DAOSUKHO Chotiros , POPOVA Bilyana , CLAIR Daret K. ST
Published: August 2015

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) serves a protective role under conditions of oxidative stress mediated by such diverse agents as adriamycin, radiation, chemical hypoxia and ischaemia and might act as a newly recognized type of tumour-suppressor. MnSOD is an inducible enzyme; however, the signalling molecules and pathways involved in its induction have not been fully elucidated. Recently we reported the identification of a 342bp enhancer within the second intron (I2E) of the human gene encoding MnSOD (SOD2), which contains sites for binding nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) and nuclear factor 1 (NF-1). Using a human fibroblast cell line transformed by simian virus 40, we have identified the I2E fragment as being responsive to PMA. Furthermore, simultaneous treatment with PMA and cytokines (tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β) synergistically increases MnSOD induction. The use of mutant constructs identified the NF-κB element within the enhancer fragment as being essential for the PMA and PMA/cytokine effect. Mutations in the C/EBP- and NF-1-binding sites revealed a potential co-operation between proteins that bind to these sites and the NF-κB element. Evaluation of inhibitory κB (IκB)-α and IκB-β proteins reveals agent-specific differences in their turnover kinetics. Both C/EBP and NF-κB DNA-binding activities were increased in cells receiving a combination of cytokine and PMA. Supershift and immunoprecipitation studies suggest a physical interaction between C/EBP and NF-κB proteins. Taken together, these studies suggest the activation of multiple transcription factors as well as pathways leading to increased NF-κB activity as being the mechanisms responsible for the synergistic induction of MnSOD by PMA and cytokines.
Analysis and modification of trehalose 6-phosphate levels in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with the use of Bacillus subtilis phosphotrehalase
Authors: VAECK Christophe VAN , WERA Stefaan , DIJCK Patrick VAN , THEVELEIN Johan M.
Published: August 2015

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, trehalose is synthesized by the trehalose synthase complex in two steps. The Tps1 subunit catalyses the formation of trehalose 6-phosphate (Tre6P), which is dephosphorylated by the Tps2 subunit. Tps1 also controls sugar influx into glycolysis; a tps1 deletion strain is therefore unable to grow on glucose. It is unclear whether this regulatory function of Tps1 is mediated solely by Tre6P or also involves the Tps1 protein. We have developed a novel sensitive and specific assay method for Tre6P. It is based on the conversion of Tre6P into glucose and glucose 6-phosphate with purified phosphotrehalase from Bacillus subtilis. The glucose formed is measured with the glucose-oxidase/peroxidase method. The Tre6P assay is linear in the physiological concentration range. The detection limit, including the entire extraction procedure, is 15nmol, corresponding to an intracellular concentration of 100µM. To modify Tre6P levels in vivo, we expressed B. subtilis phosphotrehalase in yeast. The enzyme is functional because it rescues the temperature-sensitive growth defect of a tps2∆ strain and drastically lowers Tre6P levels in this strain. However, phosphotrehalase expression remains without effect on Tre6P levels in wild-type strains, as opposed to overexpression of Tps2. Because Tps2 is part of the Tre6P synthase (TPS) complex and because this complex is destabilized in tps2 deletion strains, these results can be explained if Tre6P is sequestered within the TPS complex in wild-type cells. The very low levels of Tre6P in cells overexpressing Tps2have a limited effect on sugar phosphate accumulation and do not prevent growth on glucose. Taken together, our results support a model in which the regulatory function of Tps1 on sugar influx is mediated both by the Tps1 protein and by Tre6P.
Mitochondrial priming modifies Ca2+ oscillations and insulin secretion in pancreatic islets
Authors: AINSCOW Edward K. , RUTTER Guy A.
Published: August 2015

Increases in mitochondrial [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]m) have recently been reported to cause long-term alterations in cellular ATP production [Jouaville, Bastianutto, Rutter and Rizzuto (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96, 13807Ő13812]. We have determined the importance of this phenomenon for nutrient sensing in pancreatic islets and β-cells by imaging adenovirally expressed Ca2+ and ATP sensors (aequorin and firefly luciferase). [Ca2+]m increases provoked by KCl or tolbutamide evoked an immediate increase in cytosolic and mitochondrial free ATP concentration ([ATP]c and [ATP]m respectively) at 3mM glucose. Subsequent increases in [glucose] (to 16 or 30mM) then caused a substantially larger increase in [ATP]c and [ATP]m than in naïve cells, and pre-stimulation with tolbutamide led to a larger secretory response in response to glucose. Whereas pre-challenge of islets with KCl altered the response to high [glucose] of [Ca2+]m from periodic oscillations to a sustained elevation, oscillations in [ATP]c were observed neither in naïve nor in stimulated islets. Hence, long-term potentiation of mitochondrial ATP synthesis is a central element in nutrient recognition by pancreatic islets.
Identification of essential active-site residues in the cyanogenic β-glucosidase (linamarase) from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) by site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: KERESZTESSY Zsolt , BROWN Kate , DUNN M. Alison , HUGHES Monica A.
Published: August 2015

The coding sequence of the mature cyanogenic β-glucosidase (β-glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21; linamarase) was cloned into the vector pYX243 modified to contain the SUC2 yeast secretion signal sequence and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The recombinant enzyme is active, glycosylated and showed similar stability to the plant protein. Michaelis constants for hydrolysis of the natural substrate, linamarin (Km = 1.06mM) and the synthetic p-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (PNP-Glc; Km = 0.36mM), as well as apparent pKa values of the free enzyme and the enzymeŐsubstrate complexes (pKE1 = 4.4Ő4.8, pKE2 = 6.7Ő7.2, pKES1 = 3.9Ő4.4, pKES2 = 8.3) were very similar to those of the plant enzyme. Site-directed mutagenesis was carried out to study the function of active-site residues based on a homology model generated for the enzyme using the MODELLER program. Changing Glu-413 to Gly destroyed enzyme activity, consistent with it being the catalytic nucleophile. The Gln-339Glu mutation also abolished activity, confirming a function in positioning the catalytic diad. The Ala-201Val mutation shifted the pKa of the acid/base catalyst Glu-198 from 7.22 to 7.44, reflecting a change in its hydrophobic environment. A Phe-269Asn change increased Km for linamarin hydrolysis 16-fold (16.1mM) and that for PNP-Glc only 2.5-fold (0.84mM), demonstrating that Phe-269 contributes to the cyanogenic specificity of the cassava β-glucosidase.
Insulin inhibits glucocorticoid-stimulated L-type 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase gene expression by activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway
Authors: DE LOS PINOS Elisabet , FERNÁNDEZ DE MATTOS Silvia , JOAQUIN Manel , TAULER Albert
Published: August 2015

The hepatic isoform of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase) is transcriptionally stimulated by glucocorticoids, whereas insulin blocks this stimulatory effect. Although this inhibitory effect has been extensively reported, nothing is known about the signalling pathway responsible. We have used well-characterized inhibitors for proteins involved in different signalling cascades to assess the involvement of these pathways on the transcriptional regulation of glucocorticoid-stimulated PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase by insulin. Our results demonstrate that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase, p70/p85 ribosomal S6 kinase, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways are not involved in the inhibitory effect of insulin on glucocorticoid-stimulated PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase. To evaluate the implication of the MAP kinase/ERK kinase (MEK)-4Őstress-activated protein kinaseŐc-Jun-N-terminal protein kinase (‘JNKŐSAPK’) pathway we overexpressed the N-terminal JNK-binding domain of the JNK-interacting protein 1 (‘JIP-1’), demonstrating that activation of JNK is necessary for the insulin inhibitory effect. Moreover, overexpression of MEK kinase 1 and JNKŐhaemagglutinin resulted in the inhibition of the glucocorticoid-stimulated PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase. These results provide clear and specific evidence for the role of JNK in the insulin inhibition of glucocorticoid-stimulated PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase gene expression. In addition, we performed experiments with a mutant of the glucocorticoid receptor in which the JNK phosphorylation target Ser-246 had been mutated to Ala. Our results demonstrate that the phosphorylation of the glucocorticoid receptor on Ser-246 is not responsible for the JNK repression of glucocorticoid-stimulated PF2K/Fru-2,6-BPase gene expression.
Analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways used by interleukin 1 in tissues in vivo: activation of hepatic c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1 and 2, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 4 and 7
Authors: FINCH Andrew , DAVIS W. , CARTER Wayne G. , SAKLATVALA Jeremy
Published: August 2015

The effects of interleukin 1 (IL-1) are mediated by the activation of protein kinase signalling pathways, which have been well characterized in cultured cells. We have investigated the activation of these pathways in rabbit liver and other tissues after the systemic administration of IL-1α. In liver there was 30Ő40-fold activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and 5-fold activation of both JNK kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MKK)4 and MKK7. IL-1α also caused 2Ő3-fold activation of p38 MAPK and degradation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (‘IκB’), although no activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) (p42/44 MAPK) was observed. The use of antibodies against specific JNK isoforms showed that, in liver, short (p46) JNK1 and long (p54) JNK2 are the predominant forms activated, with smaller amounts of long JNK1 and short JNK2. No active JNK3 was detected. A similar pattern of JNK activation was seen in lung, spleen, skeletal muscle and kidney. Significant JNK3 activity was detectable only in the brain, although little activation of the JNK pathway in response to IL-1α was observed in this tissue. This distribution of active JNK isoforms probably results from a different expression of JNKs within the tissues, rather than from a selective activation of isoforms. We conclude that IL-1α might activate a more restricted set of signalling pathways in tissues in vivo than it does in cultured cells, where ERK and JNK3 activation are often observed. Cultured cells might represent a ‘repair’ phenotype that undergoes a broader set of responses to the cytokine.
Cloning and functional expression of rat kidney dipeptidyl peptidase II
Authors: FUKASAWA Kayoko M. , FUKASAWA Katsuhiko , HIGAKI Koichi , SHIINA Naoki , OHNO Michiaki , ITO Shigeki , OTOGOTO Junichi , OTA Norio
Published: August 2015

Dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP II; EC 3.4.14.2) from rat kidney was purified to a specific activity of 65.4µmol/min per mg of protein for Lys-Ala-β-naphthylamide. The N-terminal and partial amino acid sequences of the enzyme were determined. The peptide sequences were used to identify expressed sequence tag (EST) clones. By using the cDNA fragment of one of the EST clones as a probe, we isolated a cDNA clone with 1710bp encoding DPP II from a rat kidney cDNA library. The cDNA of rat DPP II contained an open reading frame of 1500bp, coding for a protein of 500 amino acids. The first 10 residues of the purified enzyme matched the deduced protein sequence starting with residue 37, suggesting the presence of a signal peptide. The mature enzyme (464 residues) had a calculated molecular mass of 51400Da, which was lower than the value (about 60000Da) determined by SDS/PAGE; and the deduced amino acid sequence showed six potential N-glycosylation sites. The deduced amino acid sequence of rat DPP II shared high similarity with quiescent-cell proline dipeptidase (78% identity) and prolyl carboxypeptidase (38% identity) and bore the putative catalytic triad (Ser, Asp, His) conserved in serine peptidase families. We transiently transfected COS-7 cells with pcDNA3.1 containing the cloned cDNA and obtained the overexpression of an immunoreactive protein (of about 60000Da). The transfected cells showed Lys-Ala-methylcoumarinamide-hydrolysing activity that was 50 times higher than the control cells.
Protein phosphatase 2A: a highly regulated family of serine/threonine phosphatases implicated in cell growth and signalling
Authors: JANSSENS Veerle , GORIS Jozef
Published: August 2015

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) comprises a family of serine/threonine phosphatases, minimally containing a well conserved catalytic subunit, the activity of which is highly regulated. Regulation is accomplished mainly by members of a family of regulatory subunits, which determine the substrate specificity, (sub)cellular localization and catalytic activity of the PP2A holoenzymes. Moreover, the catalytic subunit is subject to two types of post-translational modification, phosphorylation and methylation, which are also thought to be important regulatory devices. The regulatory ability of PTPA (PTPase activator), originally identified as a protein stimulating the phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity of PP2A, will also be discussed, alongside the other regulatory inputs. The use of specific PP2A inhibitors and molecular genetics in yeast, Drosophila and mice has revealed roles for PP2A in cell cycle regulation, cell morphology and development. PP2A also plays a prominent role in the regulation of specific signal transduction cascades, as witnessed by its presence in a number of macromolecular signalling modules, where it is often found in association with other phosphatases and kinases. Additionally, PP2A interacts with a substantial number of other cellular and viral proteins, which are PP2A substrates, target PP2A to different subcellular compartments or affect enzyme activity. Finally, the de-regulation of PP2A in some specific pathologies will be touched upon.
A stress-responsive glyoxalase I from the parasitic nematode Onchocerca volvulus
Authors: SOMMER Alexandra , FISCHER Peter , KRAUSE Kristina , BOETTCHER Kay , BROPHY Peter M. , WALTER Rolf D. , LIEBAU Eva
Published: August 2015

Glyoxal, methylglyoxal and other physiological α-oxoaldehydes are formed by the lipid peroxidation, glycation and degradation of glycolytic intermediates. They are detoxified enzymically by the glyoxalase system. To investigate the physiological function of glyoxalase I in parasitic organisms, the cDNA for glyoxalase I from the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus (designated Ov-GloI) has been cloned and characterized. The isolated cDNA contains an open reading frame of 579bp encoding a protein with a calculated molecular mass of 21930Da. Owing to the high degree of sequence identity (60%) with human glyoxalase I, for which the X-ray structure is available, it has been possible to build a three-dimensional model of Ov-GloI. The modelled core of Ov-GloI is conserved compared with the human glyoxalase I; however, there are critical differences in the residues lining the hydrophobic substrate-binding pocket of Ov-GloI. A 22kDa protein was obtained by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. A homogeneous enzyme preparation was obtained by affinity purification and functional characterization of the recombinant enzyme included the determination of kinetic constants for methylglyoxal and phenylglyoxal as well as inhibition studies. Gel filtration demonstrated a dimeric structure. To assess the role of Ov-GloI as a potential vaccine candidate or serodiagnostic tool, the serological reactivity of the recombinant Ov-GloI was analysed with sera from microfilaria carriers and specific IgG1 antibodies were detected. The effects of oxidative insult, namely plumbagin and xanthine/xanthine oxidase, on the gene transcript level of Ov-GloI were investigated. By using a semi-quantitative PCR ELISA it was shown that Ov-GloI is expressed at elevated levels under conditions of oxidative stress.
Phosphorylation of elongation factor-2 kinase on serine 499 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase induces Ca2+/calmodulin-independent activity
Authors: DIGGLE Tricia A. , SUBKHANKULOVA Tatiana , LILLEY Kathryn S. , SHIKOTRA Nita , WILLIS Anne E. , REDPATH Nicholas T.
Published: August 2015

Elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K) negatively regulates mRNA translation via the phosphorylation and inactivation of elongation factor-2 (eEF-2). We have shown previously that purified eEF-2K can be phosphorylated in vitro by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and that this induces significant Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-independent eEF-2K activity [Redpath and Proud (1993) Biochem. J. 293, 31–34]. Furthermore, elevation of cAMP levels in adipocytes also increases the level of Ca2+/CaM-independent eEF-2K activity to a similar extent, providing a mechanistic link between elevated cAMP and the inhibition of protein synthesis [Diggle, Redpath, Heesom and Denton (1998) Biochem. J. 336, 525–529]. Here we describe the expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-eEF-2K fusion protein and the identification of two serine residues that are phosphorylated by PKA in vitro. Endoproteinase Arg-C digestion of GST-eEF-2K produced two phosphopeptides that were separated by HPLC and sequenced. 32P Radioactivity release from these peptides indicated that the sites of phosphorylation were Ser-365 and Ser-499, both of which lie C-terminal to the catalytic domain. Mutation of these sites to non-phosphorylatable residues indicated that both sites need to be phosphorylated to induce Ca2+/CaM-independent eEF-2K activity in vitro. However, expression of Myc-tagged eEF-2K in HEK 293 cells, followed by treatment with chlorophenylthio-cAMP (CPT-cAMP), showed that Ser-499 phosphorylation alone induced Ca2+/CaM-independent eEF-2K activity in cells. Co-expression of wild-type eEF-2K with luciferase resulted in a 2–3-fold reduction in luciferase expression. Expression of eEF-2K S499D resulted in a 10-fold reduction in luciferase expression despite the fact that this mutant was expressed at very low levels. This indicates that eEF-2K S499D is constitutively active when expressed in cells, thus leading to the suppression of its own expression. Our data demonstrate an important role for the phosphorylation of Ser-499 in the activation of eEF-2K by PKA and the inhibition of protein synthesis.
Cholesterol biosynthesis from lanosterol: molecular cloning, chromosomal localization, functional expression and liver-specific gene regulation of rat sterol Δ8-isomerase, a cholesterogenic enzyme with multiple functions
Authors: BAE Soo-Han , SEONG Jekyung , PAIK Young-Ki
Published: August 2015

Sterol ∆8-isomerase (SI) (EC 5.3.3.5), also known as emopamil binding protein or sigma receptor, catalyses the conversion of the 8-ene isomer into the 7-ene isomer in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in mammals. Recently, mutations of SI have been found to be associated with Conradi–Hünermann syndrome in humans. To investigate the invitro and invivo modes of molecular regulation of SI and its role in cholesterol biosynthesis in mammals, we isolated a full-length cDNA encoding rat SI. The deduced amino-acid sequence of rat SI predicts a 230-residue protein (26737Da) with 87% and 80% amino-acid identity to mouse and human counterparts. The rat SI gene was mapped to chromosome 12q1.2 using fluorescence insitu hybridization (FISH). The biological function of the cloned rat SI cDNA was verified by overexpressing recombinant Myc–SI in Saccharomycescerevisiae. It showed a characteristic pattern of inhibition on exposure to trans-2-[4-(1,2-diphenylbuten-1-yl)phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylethylamine (tamoxifen; IC50 = 11.2µM) and 3β-[2-(diethylamino)ethoxy]androst-5-en-17-one (U18666A; IC50 = 4.2µM), two well known potent inhibitors of SI. Northern-blot analysis of 3-week-old rats compared with 2-year-old rats showed that SI mRNA expression in both age groups was restricted to liver, where a 70% reduction in mRNA levels was observed in 2-year-old rats. The FISH studies revealed ubiquitous expression of SI mRNA in rat hepatocytes. The invitro studies showed that the SI mRNA was highly suppressed by 25-hydroxycholesterol in H4IIE cells. Treatment of H4IIE cells grown in medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum with tamoxifen for 24h resulted in a dose-dependent induction of SI mRNA, with a concomitant suppression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 mRNA. Interestingly, this effect was not seen in emopamil-treated cells. The invivo experiments also indicate that both mRNA expression and enzymic activity of SI in liver were induced approx. 3-fold in rats fed 5% (w/w) cholestyramine plus 0.1% (w/w) lovastatin in normal chow for 2 weeks. With this newly cloned rat SI cDNA, it becomes possible to gain molecular understanding of previously unknown and tamoxifen-mediated gene regulation of SI that is involved in cholesterol metabolism, ischaemia and genetic diseases.
Inhibition of hepatitis B virus X gene expression by novel DNA enzymes
Authors: GOILA Ritu , BANERJEA Akhil C.
Published: August 2015

Two mono- and a di-RNA-cleaving DNA enzymes with the 10–23 catalytic motif were synthesized that were targeted to cleave at the conserved site/sites of the X gene of the hepatitis B virus. In each case, protein-independent but Mg2+-dependent cleavage of in vitro-synthesized full-length X RNA was obtained. Specific cleavage products were obtained with two different mono- and a di-DNA enzyme, with the latter giving rise to multiple RNA fragments that retained the cleavage specificity of the mono-DNA enzymes. A relatively less efficient cleavage was also obtained under simulated physiological conditions by the two mono-DNA enzymes but the efficiency of the di-DNA enzyme was significantly reduced. A single nucleotide change (G to C) in the 10–23 catalytic motif of the DNA enzyme 307 abolished its ability to cleave target RNA completely. Both, mono- and di-DNA enzymes, when introduced into a mammalian cell, showed specific inhibition of X-gene-mediated transactivation of reporter-gene expression. This decrease was due to the ability of these DNA enzymes to cleave X RNA intracellularly, which was also reflected by significant reduction in the levels of X protein in a liver-specific cell line, HepG2. Ribonuclease protection assay confirmed the specific reduction of X RNA in DNA-enzyme-treated cells. Potential in vivo applications of mono- and di-DNA enzymes in interfering specifically with the X-gene-mediated pathology are discussed.
Cysteine residues in the d-galactose–H+ symport protein of Escherichia coli: effects of mutagenesis on transport, reaction with N-ethylmaleimide and antibiotic binding
Authors: McDONALD Terence P. , HENDERSON Peter J. F.
Published: August 2015

The galactose–H+ membrane-transport protein, GalP, of Escherichia coli is similar in substrate specificity and susceptibility to cytochalasin B and forskolin, to the human GLUT1 sugar-transport protein; furthermore, they are about 30% identical in amino acid sequence. Transport activities of both GalP and GLUT1 are inhibited by the thiol-group-specific reagent, N-ethylmaleimide. GalP contains only three cysteine residues at positions 19, 374 and 389, each of which we have mutated, singly and in combination, to serine. Each single change of Cys → Ser has only a minor effect on transport activity, whereas alteration of all three simultaneously profoundly diminishes Vmax for transport. The high level of expression of the GalP protein facilitates measurements of the reactivity of each mutant with N-ethylmaleimide or eosin 5-maleimide, which conclusively demonstrate that Cys374 is the site of covalent modification by the reagents. By comparing the reactivity of Cys374 in right-side-out and inside-out vesicles it appears that Cys374 is located on the cytoplasmic face of the GalP protein. Although impaired in transport activity, the ‘Cys-free’ mutant, with all three cysteine residues mutated into serine, binds cytochalasin B and forskolin with wild-type affinities. All these results are interpreted in terms of a 12-helix model of the folding of the protein, in which the relative orientations of helix 10, containing the reactive Cys374 residue, and helix 11, containing the unreactive Cys389 residue, can now be defined.
Expression and characterization of recombinant human α-3/4-fucosyltransferase III from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) and Trichoplusia ni (Tn) cells using the baculovirus expression system
Authors: MORAIS Vanessa A. , SERPA Jacinta , PALMA Angelina S. , COSTA Teresa , MARANGA Luís , COSTA Júlia
Published: August 2015

The human α-3/4-fucosyltransferase III (Fuc-TIII) participates in the synthesis of Lewis determinants. The enzyme from human sources is scarce and heterogeneous. In this paper we describe the expression of a secreted form of Fuc-TIII (SFT3) in two insect cell lines, Spodopterafrugiperda (Sf9) and Trichoplusiani (Tn), using the baculovirus expression system. The Sf9 cells secreted approx. 0.4unit/l (1mg/l) of the enzyme. The Tn cells secreted approx. 3-fold this amount. A large proportion of active protein was accumulated in the two cell lines (50 and 75% respectively for Sf9 and Tn cells, on the fourth day after infection) indicating a possible limitation not only of the folding machinery, but also a saturation of the secretory pathway. SFT3 was purified by cation-exchange chromatography followed by affinity chromatography. The enzyme from the Tn cell line had a lower global charge, possibly due to post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation or sulphation. The two glycosylation sites from SFT3 were occupied. SFT3 secreted by Sf9 cells was completely deglycosylated by peptide-N-glycanase F, whereas 50% of SFT3 secreted by Tn cells was resistant to deglycosylation by this enzyme. The apparent kinetic parameters determined with the type I acceptor were kcat = 0.4s-1 and Km = 0.87mM for the SFT3 secreted by Tn cells, and kcat = 0.09s-1 and Km = 0.76mM for the SFT3 secreted by Sf9 cells, indicating that the enzymes had substrate affinities within the same order of magnitude as their mammalian counterpart. Furthermore, SFT3 secreted by either cell type showed a clear preference for type 1 carbohydrate acceptors, similarly to human Fuc-TIII.
Serine protease isoforms of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom: cloning, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: WANG Ying-Ming , WANG Suei-Rong , TSAI Inn-Ho
Published: August 2015

The major coagulating fibrinogenase of Deinagkistrdon acutus venom, designated acutobin, was purified by anion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration and reverse-phase HPLC. Approximately 80% of its protein sequence was determined by sequencing the various fragments derived from CNBr cleavage and digestion with endoprotease. Extensive screening of the venom gland cDNA species after amplification by PCR resulted in the isolation of four distinct cDNA clones encoding acutobin and three other serine proteases, designated Dav-PA, Dav-KN and Dav-X. The complete amino acid sequences of these enzymes were deduced from the cDNA sequences. The amino-acid sequence of acutobin contains a single chain of 236 residues including four potential N-glycosylation sites. The purified acutobin (40kDa) contains approx. 30% carbohydrate by weight, which could be partly removed by N-glycanase. The phylogenetic tree of the complete amino acid sequences of 40 serine proteases from 18 species of Crotalinae shows functional clusters reflecting parallel evolution of the three major venom enzyme subtypes: coagulating enzymes, kininogenases and plasminogen activators. The possible structural elements responsible for the functional specificity of each subtype are discussed.
Comparison of macrophage responses to oxidized low-density lipoprotein and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF or CSF-1)
Authors: HAMILTON John A. , BYRNE Robert , JESSUP Wendy , KANAGASUNDARAM Varuni , WHITTY Genevieve
Published: August 2015

Modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), for example by oxidation, could be involved in foam cell formation and proliferation observed in atherosclerotic lesions. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1 or M-CSF) has been implicated in foam cell development. It has been reported previously that oxidized LDL (ox.LDL) and CSF-1 synergistically stimulate DNA synthesis in murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMM). The critical signal-transduction cascades responsible for the proliferative response to ox.LDL, as well as their relationship to those mediating CSF-1 action, are unknown. We report here that ox.LDL stimulated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)-1, ERK-2 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase activities in BMM but to a weaker extent than optimal CSF-1 concentrations at the time points examined. Inhibitor studies suggested at least a partial role for these kinases, as well as p70 S6-kinase, in ox.LDL-induced macrophage survival and DNA synthesis. For the DNA synthesis response to CSF-1, the degree of inhibition by PD98059, wortmannin and rapamycin was significant at low CSF-1 concentrations but was reduced as the CSF-1 dose increased. Using BMM from CSF-1-deficient mice (op/op) and a neutralizing antibody approach, we found no evidence for an essential role for endogenous CSF-1 in ox.LDL-mediated survival or DNA synthesis; likewise, with the same approaches, no evidence was obtained for an essential role for endogenous granulocyte/macrophage-CSF in ox.LDL-mediated macrophage survival and, in contrast with the literature, ox.LDL-induced macrophage DNA synthesis.
Characterization of KIAA1427 protein as an atypical synaptotagmin (Syt XIII)
Authors: FUKUDA Mitsunori , MIKOSHIBA Katsuhiko
Published: August 2015

Synaptotagmin (Syt) belongs to a family of type-I membrane proteins and is a protein that consists of a short extracellular N-terminus, a single transmembrane domain, two C2 domains and a short C-terminus. Here, we cloned and characterized a mouse orthologue of human KIAA1427 protein as an atypical Syt (named Syt XIII). Subcellular fractionation and antibody-uptake experiments indicate that Syt XIII is indeed a type-I membrane protein, but, unlike other Syt isoforms, lacks an N-terminal extracellular domain. Syt XIII C2 domains show relatively little similarity to Syt I (less than 35% identity at the amino acid level), and lack key amino acids responsible for Ca2+ binding. Because of these substitutions, the Syt XIII C2 domains did not show Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding activity, and Syt XIII is thus classified as a Ca2+-independent isoform. By contrast, the Syt XIII C-terminal domain is highly homologous with other Syt isoforms and can function as a common receptor for neurexin Iα in vitro. Since Syt XIII is expressed in various tissues outside the brain, Syt XIII may be involved in constitutive vesicle transport.
Spin-system heterogeneities indicate a selected-fit mechanism in fatty acid binding to heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP)
Authors: LÜCKE Christian , RADEMACHER Martin , ZIMMERMAN Aukje W. , VAN MOERKERK Herman T. B. , VEERKAMP Jacques H. , RÜTERJANS Heinz
Published: August 2015

Recent advances in the characterization of fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) by NMR have enabled various research groups to investigate the function of these proteins in aqueous solution. The binding of fatty acid molecules to FABPs, which proceeds through a portal region on the protein surface, is of particular interest. In the present study we have determined the three-dimensional solution structure of human heart-type FABP by multi-dimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Subsequently, in combination with data collected on a F57S mutant we have been able to show that different fatty acids induce distinct conformational states of the protein backbone in this portal region, depending on the chain length of the fatty acid ligand. This indicates that during the binding process the protein accommodates the ligand molecule by a ‘selected-fit’ mechanism. In fact, this behaviour appears to be especially pronounced in the heart-type FABP, possibly due to a more rigid backbone structure compared with other FABPs, as suggested by recent NMR relaxation studies. Thus differences in the dynamic behaviours of these proteins may be the key to understanding the variations in ligand affinity and specificity within the FABP family.
Myosin VIIA is specifically associated with calmodulin and microtubule-associated protein-2B (MAP-2B)
Authors: TODOROV Penio T. , HARDISTY Rachel E. , BROWN Steve D. M.
Published: August 2015

Myosin VIIA is a motor molecule with a conserved head domain and tail region unique to myosin VIIA, which probably defines its unique function in vivo. In an attempt to further characterize myosin VIIA function we set out to identify molecule(s) that specifically associate with it. We demonstrate that 17 and 55kDa proteins from mouse kidney and cochlea co-purify with myosin VIIA on affinity columns carrying immobilized anti-myosin VIIA antibody. N-terminal sequencing and immunoblotting analysis identified the 17kDa protein as calmodulin, whereas MS and immunoblotting analysis identified the 55kDa protein as microtubule-associated protein-2B (MAP-2B). Myosin VIIA can also be co-immunoprecipitated from kidney homogenate using anti-calmodulin or anti-MAP2 (recognizing isoforms 2A and 2B) antibodies, confirming the strong association between calmodulin and myosin VIIA and between MAP-2B and myosin VIIA. Myosin VIIA binds to calmodulin with an apparent Kd of 10-9 M. Scatchard analysis of the binding of myosin VIIA to MAP-2B provided evidence for two binding sites, with Kd values of 10-10 and 10-9 M, which have been mapped to medial and C-terminal tail domains of myosin VIIA. The characterization of the interaction of calmodulin and MAP-2B with myosin VIIA provides new insights into the function of myosin VIIA.
A member of the nuclear factor-1 family is involved in the pituitary repression of the human placental growth hormone genes
Authors: NORQUAY Lisa Daly , JIN Yan , SURABHI Rama Mohan , GIETZ R. Daniel , TANESE Naoko , CATTINI Peter A.
Published: August 2015

The human growth hormone (GH) gene family consists of five tandemly arranged and highly related genes, including the chorionic somatomammotropins (CSs), at a single locus on chromosome 17. Despite striking homologies in promoter and flanking DNA sequences, the genes within this locus have different tissue-specific patterns of expression: GH-N is expressed almost exclusively in the somatotrophs of the anterior pituitary; the remaining genes, including CS-A, are expressed in placental syncytiotrophoblast. Previously we proposed that active repression of the placental gene promoters in pituitary GC cells is mediated by upstream ‘P’ sequences and, specifically, a 263bp region containing two ‘P’ sequence elements (PSE-A and PSE-B) and corresponding factors (PSF-A and PSF-B). We have now examined the possibility that PSF-A and PSF-B are members of the nuclear factor (NF)-1 family. Transcripts of NF-1A, NF-1C and NF-1X, but not of NF-1B, were readily detected in GC cells. High-affinity binding of NF-1 to PSE-B, but not to PSE-A, was confirmed by competition of DNA–protein interactions by using NF-1 DNA elements and antibodies. Functionally, a NF-1 element was able to substitute for PSE-B as a promoter-specific repressor in GC cells after gene transfer. However, there was a difference in the magnitude of repression exerted by the NF-1 and PSF-B elements on the CS-A promoter and, with the use of mutations, this difference was shown to be consistent with variations in NF-1-binding sequences. These results indicate that PSF-B, but not PSF-A, is a member of the NF-1 family, which participates in the PSF complex and in the repression of the CS-A promoter in pituitary GC cells.
Nitric oxide-dependent pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic effect of metallothioneins in HL-60 cells challenged with cupric nitrilotriacetate
Authors: LIU Shang-Xi , KAWAI Kazuaki , TYURIN Vladimir A. , TYURINA Yulia Y. , BORISENKO Grigory G. , FABISIAK James P. , QUINN Peter J. , PITT Bruce R. , KAGAN Valerian E.
Published: August 2015

Intracellular safeguarding functions of metallothioneins (MTs) include sequestering transition and heavy metals, scavenging free radicals and protecting against electrophiles. We report that MT protection against Cu-induced cytotoxicity can be reversed and pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic effects can be induced in HL-60 cells exposed to NO. We demonstrate that in ZnCl2-pretreated HL-60 cells loaded with copper nitrilotriacetate (Cu-NTA), exposure to an NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine, resulted in S-nitrosylation and oxidation of MT cysteines. This disruption of MT Cu-binding thiolate clusters caused loosening and release of redox-active Cu, enhanced redox-cycling activity of Cu and increased peroxidation of major classes of membrane phospholipids. We also found that Cu-induced oxidative stress in ZnCl2-pretreated/Cu-NTA-loaded HL-60 cells was accompanied by apoptosis documented by characteristic changes of nuclear morphology, internucleosomal DNA cleavage, externalization of phosphatidylserine, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol and activation of caspase-3. We conclude that in Cu-challenged cells, NO can reverse the protective role of MTs and convert them into pro-oxidant, pro-apoptotic implements.
Spectral and metal-binding properties of three single-point tryptophan mutants of the human transferrin N-lobe
Authors: HE Qing-Yu , MASON Anne B. , LYONS Barbara A. , TAM Beatrice M. , NGUYEN Vinh , MACGILLIVRAY Ross T.A. , WOODWORTH Robert C.
Published: August 2015

Human serum transferrin N-lobe (hTF/2N) contains three conserved tryptophan residues, Trp8, Trp128 and Trp264, located in three different environments. The present report addresses the different contributions of the three tryptophan residues to the UV–visible, fluorescence and NMR spectra of hTF/2N and the effect of the mutations at each tryptophan residue on the iron-binding properties of the protein. Trp8 resides in a hydrophobic box containing a cluster of three phenylalanine side chains and is H bonded through the indole N to an adjacent water cluster lying between two β-sheets containing Trp8 and Lys296 respectively. The fluorescence of Trp8 may be quenched by the benzene rings. The apparent increase in the rate of iron release from the Trp8→Tyr mutant could be due to the interference of the mutation with the H-bond linkage resulting in an effect on the second shell network. The partial quenching in the fluorescence of Trp128 results from the nearby His119 residue. Difference-fluorescence spectra reveal that any protein containing Trp128 shows a blue shift upon binding metal ion, and the NMR signal of Trp128 broadens out and disappears upon the binding of paramagnetic metals to the protein. These data imply that Trp128 is a major fluorescent and NMR reporter group for metal binding, and possibly for cleft closure in hTF/2N. Trp264 is located on the surface of the protein and does not connect to any functional residues. This explains the facts that Trp264 is the major contributor to both the absorbance and fluorescence spectra, has a strong NMR signal and the mutation at Trp264 has little effect on the iron-binding and release behaviours of the protein.
Transcription factor AP-4 is a ligand for immunoglobulin-κ promoter E-box elements
Authors: ARANBURU Alaitz , CARLSSON Robert , PERSSON Christine , LEANDERSON Tomas
Published: August 2015

Immunoglobulin (Ig)-κ promoters from humans and mice share conserved sequences. The octamer element is common to all Ig promoters and pivotal for their function. However, other conserved sequence motifs, that differ between Ig variable gene families, are required for normal promoter function. These conserved motifs do not stimulate transcription in the absence of an octamer. One example is an E-box of the E47/E12 type (5′-CAGCTG-3′), which is found in all promoters of the human and murine Ig-κ gene subgroups/families, with the exception of subgroups II and VI and their related murine families. In the present study we show that the ubiquitously expressed transcription factor AP-4, and not E47, interacts specifically with the κ promoter E-boxes when tested in electrophoretic mobility-shift assays using nuclear extracts derived from human and murine B-cell lines. Furthermore, AP-4, unlike E47, did not act as a transactivator, which is in agreement with previous studies on intact κ promoters, showing that transcription is absent when the octamer element has been mutated. Based on these data, and the conservation of the 5′-CAGCTG-3′ motif among human and murine κ promoters, we propose that AP-4 is the major ligand for Ig-κ promoter E-boxes.