bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asparagine-linked oligosaccharides are localized to single extracytosolic segments in multi-span membrane glycoproteins
Authors: Landolt-Marticorena C , Reithmeier R A F
Published: August 2015

A comprehensive survey of mammalian multi-span (polytopic) membrane proteins showed that asparagine(N)-linked oligosaccharides are localized to single extracytosolic segments. In most membrane proteins this is because potential consensus sites for N-glycosylation (Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr, X not equal to Pro) are not found in multiple extracytosolic segments. In functional proteins where consensus N-glycosylation sites are contained within more than one extracytosolic segment, only the first segment contains N-linked carbohydrate. An exception is the alpha-subunit of the Na+ channel, which consists of a duplicated structure containing two glycosylated segments. The average size of established N-glycosylated loops connecting two transmembrane segments is 62 residues, with the smallest glycosylated loop being 33 residues in size. N-glycosylated sites are more highly conserved than non-glycosylated (primarily cytosolic) sites and are more common toward the N-terminus of the membrane domain of multi-span membrane proteins. The optimal conditions for glycosylation of consensus sites within an extracytosolic domain of a multi-span membrane protein are (i) the acceptor site is well-spaced (greater than 10 residues) from the transmembrane domain, (ii) the loop is greater than 30 residues in size and (iii) the segment is the first in the protein to contain a suitable extracytosolic consensus site. The localization of N-linked oligosaccharide chains to a single protein segment suggests either glycosylation of multiple loops may compromise protein folding or function, or only a single polypeptide domain can be optimally glycosylated during biosynthesis in vivo.
Refolding and recognition of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase by Escherichia coli chaperonins cpn 60 (groEL) and cpn10 (groES)
Authors: Hutchinson J P , el-Thaher T S , Miller A D
Published: August 2015

In vitro refolding of pig mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase is investigated in the presence of Escherichia coli chaperonins cpn60 (groEL) and cpn10 (groES). When the enzyme is initially denatured with 3 M guanidinium chloride, chaperonin-assisted refolding is 100% efficient. C.d. spectroscopy reveals that malate dehydrogenase is almost unfolded in 3 M guanidinium chloride, suggesting that a state with little or no residual secondary structure is the optimal ‘substrate’ for chaperonin-assisted refolding. Malate dehydrogenase denatured to more highly structured states proves to refold less efficiently with chaperonin assistance. The enzyme is shown not to aggregate under the refolding conditions, so that losses in refolding efficiency result from irreversible misfolding. Evidence is advanced to suggest that the chaperonins are unable to rescue irreversibly misfolded malate dehydrogenase. A novel use is made of 100 K Centricon concentrators to study the binding of [14C]acetyl-labelled malate dehydrogenase to groEL by an ultrafiltration binding assay. Analysis of the data by Scatchard plot shows that acetyl-malate dehydrogenase, which has previously been extensively unfolded with guanidinium chloride, binds to groEL at a specific binding site(s). At saturation, one acetyl-malate dehydrogenase homodimer (two polypeptides) is shown to bind to each groEL homooligomer with a binding constant of approx. 10 nM.
Synthesis and secretion of plasmalogens by type-II pneumocytes
Authors: Rüstow B , Kolleck I , Guthmann F , Haupt R , Kunze D , Stevens P
Published: August 2015

Alveolar surfactant (exposed to air and therefore a prime target of air oxidants) is supplied with antioxidants during its intracellular formation on type-II pneumocytes [Rüstow, Haupt, Stevens and Kunze (1993) Am. J. Physiol. 265, L133-L139]. Plasmalogens can protect animal cells against lipid peroxidation caused by u.v. radiation. It has been suggested that plasmalogens play a direct role in protecting animal cell membranes against oxidative stress [Zoeller, Morand and Raetz (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 11590-11596]. We investigated biosynthesis and secretion of plasmalogens and phospholipids by type-II cells of adult rat lungs. The plasmalogens of type-II cells consist of 93% ethanolamine plasmalogens (EthPlas) and 7% choline plasmalogens (ChoPlas). Plasmalogens isolated from alveolar surfactant, however, consist of 36.5% ChoPlas and 63.5% EthPlas. The different incorporation rates of [14C]hexadecanol into both types of plasmalogen by type-II pneumocytes are reflected in the relative proportions of their total cellular plasmalogen content. Type-II cells cultured in the presence of labelled hexadecanol or labelled hexadecylglycerol and of labelled palmitate secrete labelled ChoPlas and labelled phospholipids, both spontaneously and in response to isoprenaline. The spontaneous and stimulated secretion rates of labelled ChoPlas are 3-6 times higher than those of labelled EthPlas. This higher relative secretion rate of ChoPlas corresponds to its higher proportion in the total plasmalogen content of alveolar surfactant compared with type-II cells. Added extracellular surfactant-specific protein A inhibits the secretion of plasmalogens as well as that of phospholipids by type-II cells. The molecular species of EthPlas and ChoPlas isolated from type-II cells or lung lavage do not differ significantly and consist mainly of molecular species containing poly-unsaturated fatty acids. We conclude that ChoPlas are secreted partly as integral constituents of the alveolar surfactant. Type-II cells select between both types of plasmalogens for secretion as a constituent of surfactant. The intramolecular sorting signal presumably is the choline moiety.
Characterization of an atypical lipoprotein-binding protein in human aortic media membranes by ligand blotting
Authors: Kuzmenko Y S , Bochkov V N , Philippova M P , Tkachuk V A , Resink T J
Published: August 2015

By use of ligand-blotting techniques, this study investigated lipoprotein-binding proteins in human aortic smooth muscle. PAGE was performed under non-reducing conditions, and, using low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as ligand, with rabbit anti-apolipoprotein (apo) B and 125I-labelled goat anti-rabbit IgG as primary and secondary antibodies respectively, we demonstrate that membranes from human aortic media (and cultured human smooth-muscle cells) contain a major lipoprotein-binding protein with an apparent molecular mass of 105 kDa. Anionized preparations (carbamoyl- and acetyl-) of LDL, which did not displace 125I-LDL bound to the apo B,E receptor of cultured fibroblasts, were also recognized as ligands for the 105 kDa protein in aortic media membranes. LDL binding to 105 kDa protein was decreased in the presence of high density lipoprotein (HDL), although more than 100-fold molar excess of HDL was required to achieve 50% displacement of bound LDL. The LDL-binding activity of 105 kDa protein was inhibited by EDTA, and was also significantly decreased when samples were reduced by beta-mercaptoethanol before electrophoresis. Monoclonal antibodies against apo B,E receptor reacted with partially purified bovine adrenal apo B,E receptor, but not with 105 kDa protein of human aortic media membranes. The spectrum of properties of this vascular smooth-muscle lipoprotein-binding protein binding are clearly distinct from those of other previously characterized lipoprotein-binding molecules.
Evidence from studies with hepatocyte suspensions that store-operated Ca2+ inflow requires a pertussis toxin-sensitive trimeric G-protein
Authors: Fernando K C , Barritt G J
Published: August 2015

The role of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins in the process of store-operated Ca2+ inflow in hepatocytes was investigated by testing the ability of pertussis toxin to inhibit thapsigargin- and 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (DBHQ)-induced bivalent cation inflow. Hepatocytes isolated from rats treated with pertussis toxin for 24 h exhibited markedly inhibited rates of both Ca2+ and Mn2+ inflow when these were stimulated by vasopressin, angiotension II, epidermal growth factor, thapsigargin and DBHQ. Pertussis toxin had little effect on the basal intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), basal rates of Ca2+ and Mn2+ inflow, the abilities of vasopressin, angiotensin II, thapsigargin and DBHQ to induce the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, and the maximum value of [Ca2+]i reached following agonist-induced release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. It is concluded that store-operated Ca2+ inflow in hepatocytes employs a slowly ADP-ribosylated trimeric GTP-binding protein and is the physiological mechanism, or one of the physiological mechanisms, by which vasopressin and angiotensin stimulate plasma membrane Ca2+ inflow in this cell type.
Co-purification of a protein tyrosine phosphatase with activated somatostatin receptors from rat pancreatic acinar membranes
Authors: Zeggari M , Esteve J P , Rauly I , Cambillau C , Mazarguil H , Dufresne M , Pradayrol L , Chayvialle J A , Vaysse N , Susini C
Published: August 2015

We have previously shown that somatostatin promotes the stimulation of a membrane tyrosine phosphatase activity in pancreatic cells. To gain insight into the mechanism of somatostatin action, we purified somatostatin-receptor complexes from somatostatin 28-prelabelled rat pancreatic plasma membranes by immunoaffinity chromatography using immobilized antibodies raised against the N-terminal part of somatostatin 28, somatostatin 28 (1-14), which is not involved in receptor-binding-site recognition. After SDS gel electrophoresis a band with a molecular mass of 87 kDa was identified in the affinity-purified material as the somatostatin receptor. The 87 kDa protein was not observed when the membrane receptors were solubilized in a free unoccupied or somatostatin 14-occupied form, or when nonimmune serum replaced the anti-[somatostatin 28 (1-14)] anti-serum. Somatostatin 14 inhibited the appearance of the 87 kDa protein in the same range of concentrations that inhibit radioligand binding on pancreatic membranes. After somatostatin 28 treatment of membranes, purified somatostatin receptor preparations exhibited an elevated tyrosine phosphatase activity that dephosphorylated phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor and poly(Glu,Tyr). This activity was related to the presence of somatostatin receptors in purified material. It was increased by dithiothreitol and inhibited by orthovanadate. In purified material containing somatostatin receptors, anti-[Src homology 2 domains (SH2)]-containing tyrosine phosphatase SHPTP1 polyclonal antibodies identified a protein of 66 kDa which was not detected in the absence of somatostatin receptor. Furthermore, the anti-SHPTP1 antibodies immunoprecipitated specific somatostatin receptors from somatostatin-prelabelled pancreatic membranes and from untreated membranes. These results indicate that a 66 kDa tyrosine phosphatase related to SHPTP1 co-purifies with the pancreatic somatostatin receptors, and suggest that this protein is associated with somatostatin receptors at the membrane level.
Annexin 3 is associated with cytoplasmic granules in neutrophils and monocytes and translocates to the plasma membrane in activated cells
Authors: Le Cabec V , Maridonneau-Parini I
Published: August 2015

Annexins are soluble proteins capable of binding to phospholipid membranes in a calcium-dependent manner. Annexin 3, a 33 kDa protein mainly expressed in neutrophils, aggregates granules in cell-free assays, and a 36 kDa variant of this protein, specifically expressed in monocytes, has recently been identified. To obtain further information on these proteins, we defined their subcellular localization in resting and activated cells by immunofluorescence microscopy. Both proteins were associated with cytoplasmic granules in resting cells. We obtained evidence to indicate that, in neutrophils which possess a heterogenous granule population, annexin 3 was more likely to be associated with the specific granules. In cells activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or opsonized zymosan, the 33 kDa and 36 kDa proteins translocated to the plasma or the phagosome membrane. Upon stimulation with A23187, annexin 3 translocated to the plasma membrane only in neutrophils. We also report that while annexin 3 was associated with restricted membranes in intact cells, it binds indiscriminately to every membrane fraction in cell-free assay. In conclusion, association of both forms of annexin 3 with granules suggests that these proteins could be implicated in processes of granule fusion.
Mitogen inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in intact cells via serine 9 phosphorylation
Authors: Stambolic V , Woodgett J R
Published: August 2015

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a protein-serine kinase implicated in cell-fate determination and differentiation, phosphorylates several regulatory proteins that are activated by dephosphorylation in response to hormones or growth factors. GSK-3 beta is phosphorylated in vitro at serine 9 by p70 S6 kinase and p90rsk-1, resulting in its inhibition [Sutherland, Leighton, and Cohen (1993) Biochem. J. 296, 15-19]. Using HeLa cells expressing GSK-3 beta or a mutant containing alanine at residue 9, we demonstrate that serine 9 is modified in intact cells and is targeted specifically by p90rsk-1, and that phosphorylation leads to loss of activity. Since p90rsk-1 is directly activated by mitogen-activated protein kinases, agonists of this pathway, such as insulin, repress GSK-3 function.
Identification and characterization of ATPase activity associated with maize (Zea mays) annexins
Authors: McClung A D , Carroll A D , Battey N H
Published: August 2015

An ATPase activity is associated with maize (Zea mays) annexins. It has a pH optimum of 6.0, shows Michaelis-Menten kinetics and is not stimulated by Ca2+, Mg2+, EDTA or KCl; it is not inhibited by vanadate, molybdate, nitrate or azide, but N-ethylmaleimide inhibits by approximately 30% at 1-2 mM. These properties indicate that the activity is unlike other ATPases, although it has many features in common with the myosin ATPase. Gel filtration shows that the ATPase activity is mainly associated with a 68 kDa protein that is extracted with the p33/p35 annexins and cross-reacts with antibodies to these proteins.
Mechanisms of hepatic phosphatidylcholine synthesis in adult rat: effects of pregnancy
Authors: Burdge G C , Hunt A N , Postle A D
Published: August 2015

Late pregnancy in the rat (gestational ages 16-21 days) was accompanied by a specific increase in hepatic phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) molecular species containing C16:0 at the sn-1 position and polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (PUFA), in particular C22:6(n-3), at the sn-2 position. Incorporation of either CDP:[Me-14C]choline or CDP:[1,2-14C]-ethanolamine into hepatic microsomal sn-1 C16:0 PC or PE molecular species in vitro was greater at term than in non-pregnant animals, suggesting modifications to the composition of specific diacylglycerol (DAG) pools destined for synthesis of either PC or PE. Also, incorporation of [Me-14C]choline or [Me-14C]methionine into hepatic PC in vivo over 6 h in term pregnant rats was consistent with decreased phospholipase A1-dependent acyl remodelling of sn-1 C16:0 to sn-1 C18:0 molecular species. There was, however, no evidence to support any change to the specificity of acyl remodelling. The rate of PC synthesis by the de novo pathway in vivo was increased in term liver compared with non-pregnant animals, accompanied by increased choline-phosphotransferase activity in vitro in d21 liver microsomes. The rate of PC synthesis by PE N-methylation did not appear to change during pregnancy. Changes in composition of plasma PC species at term reflected those of newly synthesized hepatic PC. Our data suggest supply of PUFA to the developing fetal rat is the result of specific adaptations to maternal hepatic phospholipid biosynthesis rather than passive transfer from the maternal diet.
Evidence for the existence of lipid-diffusion barriers in the equatorial segment of human spermatozoa
Authors: Arts E G J M , Jager S , Hoekstra D
Published: August 2015

Liposomes consisting of negatively charged phospholipids interact almost exclusively with the equatorial segment (ES) of human spermatozoa provided the cells have undergone the acrosome reaction (AR) [Arts, Kuiken, Jager and Hoekstra (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 217, 1001-1009]. Using fluorescently tagged liposomes, this interaction can be observed by fluorescence microscopy, showing either a diffuse fluorescence in the ES region (pattern ESd, presumably reflecting membrane-incorporated lipids as a result of fusion) or a punctate fluorescence (pattern ESp, representing adhering liposomes). These distribution patterns remain unchanged during prolonged incubation, up to 40 min. Not only do these observations suggest the existence of fairly specific liposomal binding sites, associated with the ES region, but also that a barrier to lipid lateral diffusion seems to exist in the ES membrane. Using liposomes that contain fluorescent lipid analogues in either both leaflets or in the inner leaflet only, we demonstrate that this putative barrier entails both membrane leaflets. Treatment with EDTA caused fluorescence to spread from the ES towards other membrane domains. Since only spermatozoa displaying pattern ESd were affected by the chelator, the randomization was not caused by EDTA-induced fusion activity. Therefore, this observation provides further evidence that in spermatozoa displaying pattern ESd the fluorescent lipid analogues were incorporated in the ES membrane as a result of fusion. Furthermore, these experiments support the view of the existence of a transmembranous block to lipid lateral diffusion in the ES, the stability of which may be governed by bivalent cations.
Function of streptokinase fragments in plasminogen activation
Authors: Shi G Y , Chang B I , Chen S M , Wu D H , Wu H L
Published: August 2015

Several peptide fragments of streptokinase (SK) were prepared by incubating SK with immobilized human plasmin (hPlm) and purified by h.p.l.c. with a reverse-phase phenyl column. The N-terminal sequences, amino acid compositions and molecular masses of these peptide fragments were determined. The SK peptide fragment of 36 kDa consisting of Ser60-Lys387 (SK-p), was the only peptide fragment that could be tightly bound to immobilized hPlm. Another three large SK peptide fragments, SK-m, SK-n and SK-o, with molecular masses of 7 kDa, 18 kDa and 30 kDa, and consisting of Ile1-Lys59, Glu148-Lys333, Ser60-Lys333 respectively, were also obtained from the supernatant of the reaction mixture. The purified SK-p had high affinity with hPlm and could activate human plasminogen (hPlg) with a kPlg one-sixth that of the native SK. SK-o had low affinity with hPlm and could also activate hPlg, although the catalytic constant was less than 1% of the native SK. SK-n, as well as SK-m, which is the N-terminal 59 amino acid peptide of the native SK, had no activator activity. However, SK-m could enhance the activator activity of both SK-o and SK-p and increase their second-order rate constants by two- and six-fold respectively. It was concluded from these studies that (1) SK-o, the Ser60-Lys333 peptide of SK, was essential for minimal SK activator activity, (2) the C-terminal peptide of SK-p, Ala334-Lys387, was essential for high affinity with hPlm, and (3) the N-terminal 59-amino-acid peptide was important in maintaining the proper conformation of SK to have its full activator activity.
Histamine-induced Ca2+ entry precedes Ca2+ mobilization in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells
Authors: Cheek T R , Murawsky M M , Stauderman K A
Published: August 2015

The relationship between histamine-induced Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ entry in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells has been investigated. Stopped-flow fluorimetry of fura-2-loaded chromaffin cell populations revealed that 10 microM histamine promoted entry of Ca2+ or Mn2+ without measurable delay (< or = 20 ms), through a pathway that was insensitive to the dihydropyridine antagonist nifedipine. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, or in the presence of 100 microM La3+, a blocker of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, 10 microM histamine triggered an elevation in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), but only after a delay of approx. 200 ms, which presumably represented the time required to mobilize intracellular Ca2+. These data suggested that histamine-induced bivalent-cation entry precedes extensive Ca2+ mobilization in chromaffin cells. In order to confirm that histamine can promote Ca2+ entry largely independently of mobilizing intracellular Ca2+, the ability of histamine to promote Ca2+ entry into cells whose intracellular Ca2+ store had been largely depleted was assessed. Fura-2-loaded chromaffin cells were treated with 10 microM ryanodine together with 40 mM caffeine, to deplete the hormone-sensitive Ca2+ store. This resulted in an approx. 95% inhibition of histamine-induced Ca2+ release. Under these conditions, histamine was still able to promote an entry of Ca2+ that was essentially indistinguishable from that promoted in control cells. In single cells, introduction of heparin (100 mg/ml), but not de-N-sulphated heparin (100 mg/ml), abolished the histamine-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. All these data suggest that histamine can induce G-protein- or inositol phosphate-dependent rapid (< or = 20 ms) Ca2+ entry without an extensive intracellular mobilization response in chromaffin cells, which points to activation of an entry mechanism distinct from the Ca(2+)-release-activated Ca2+ channel found in non-excitable cells.
Mechanisms of endotoxin-induced haem oxygenase mRNA accumulation in mouse liver: synergism by glutathione depletion and protection by N-acetylcysteine
Authors: Rizzardini M , Carelli M , Cabello Porras M R , Cantoni L
Published: August 2015

In in vitro systems haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA increases after exposure to agents causing oxidative stress. We lowered cellular antioxidant defence systems in vivo by giving mice increasing doses (0.15 g/kg-1.6 g/kg) of DL-buthionine-(S,R)-sulphoximine (BSO), a specific inhibitor of glutathione synthesis. Maximum glutathione depletion (80%) coincided with maximum hepatic HO-1 mRNA accumulation (about 20 times), whereas with 50% depletion, accumulation was only doubled. It has been suggested that reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates are involved in hepatic toxicity of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS); LPS even at low doses [0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)] induces HO-1 mRNA about 25-fold after 1 h. Hepatic glutathione depletion (respectively 40% and 80%) after a low (0.3 g/kg) or a high (1.6 g/kg) BSO dose, resulted in potentiation of the HO-1 mRNA accumulation induced by LPS (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.). In the absence of BSO, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (1 g/kg orally) reduced LPS-induced HO-1 mRNA accumulation to one fourth. Under the same experimental conditions S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) was not effective. NAC also reduced HO-1 mRNA accumulation when administered to mice in which glutathione was depleted and its synthesis blocked by BSO (1.6 g/kg). Thus reactive oxygen intermediates are likely mediators of LPS-induced HO-1 mRNA accumulation, and glutathione content appears to be one of the factors regulating this accumulation in the liver. Our findings are compatible with the theory that HO-1 induction might have a protective function in vivo when defence mechanisms against oxidants are challenged.
The vitronectin receptor (αvβ3) is implicated, in cooperation with P-selectin and platelet-activating factor, in the adhesion of monocytes to activated endothelial cells
Authors: Murphy J F , Bordet J C , Wyler B , Rissoan M C , Chomarat P , Defrance T , Miossec P , McGregor J L
Published: August 2015

In this study we have investigated the presence on endothelial cells of potential glycoprotein receptors, other than P-selectin, which are involved in the adhesion of monocytes at the early stages of activation. We report that the majority of cells binding to thrombin-activated endothelial cells from a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) preparation are monocytes. The adhesion of PBMC to thrombin-activated, but not resting, endothelial cells was inhibited (66%) by a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against alpha v beta 3. Elutriated monocytes or a monocytic cell line (U937) were also inhibited by this antibody, its F(ab)'2 fragments and three other anti-(alpha v beta 3) mAbs. alpha v beta 3 isolated from endothelial-cell lysates significantly inhibited the adhesion of monocytes and U937 cells to endothelial cells. A peptide motif (RGDF) known to interact with alpha v beta 3 inhibited U937 cell adhesion to activated endothelial cells by 53%. Finally, an anti-(P-selectin) mAb (LYP20) or a platelet-activating factor (PAF)-receptor antagonist (WEB 2086) inhibited monocyte adhesion to activated endothelial cells. This study shows for the first time that alpha v beta 3 is implicated, in addition to P-selectin and PAF, in the adhesion of monocytes to activated endothelial cells.
Protein kinase C-dependent cyclic AMP formation in airway smooth muscle: the role of type II adenylate cyclase and the blockade of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-2 (ERK-2) activation
Authors: Pyne N J , Moughal N , Stevens P A , Tolan D , Pyne S
Published: August 2015

Bradykinin activates adenylate cyclase via a pathway that involves the ‘up-stream’ regulation of phospholipase D (PLD)-catalysed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in airway smooth muscle [Stevens, Pyne, Grady and Pyne (1994) Biochem. J. 297, 233-239]. Coincident signal (Gs alpha and PKC) amplification of the cyclic AMP response can be completely attenuated either by diverting PLD-derived phosphatidate or by inhibiting PKC. In this regard, the coincident signal detector type II adenylate cyclase is expressed as a 110/112 kDa polypeptide in these cells. PKC alpha is not involved in the activation of adenylate cyclase, since a B2-receptor antagonist (NPC567, 10 microM) blocked its bradykinin-stimulated translocation to the membrane and was without effect against both bradykinin-stimulated PLD activity and cyclic AMP formation. Cyclic AMP formation can also be activated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), via a PKC-dependent pathway, although the magnitude of the response is less than that elicited by bradykinin. Nevertheless, these results indicate that multiple receptor types employ PKC to initiate cyclic AMP signals. PDGF (10 ng/ml) elicited the marked sustained activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-2 (ERK-2), whereas bradykinin (1 microM) provoked only modest transient activation of ERK-2. Deoxyadenosine (0.1 mM), a P-site inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, blocked bradykinin-stimulated cyclic AMP formation and converted the activation of ERK-2 into a sustained response. Thus the PKC-stimulated cyclic AMP response can limit the activation of ERK-2 in response to bradykinin. These studies indicate that the integration of distinct signal pathways by adenylate cyclase can determine the kinetics of ERK activation, an enzyme that appears to be important for mitogenic progression.
Δ3, Δ2-enoyl-CoA isomerase is the protein that copurifies with human glutathione S-transferases from S-hexylglutathione affinity matrices
Authors: Takahashi Y , Hirata Y , Burstein Y , Listowsky I
Published: August 2015

An unidentified 30 kDa protein frequently copurifies with human glutathione S-transferases from S-hexyl-glutathione affinity matrices. Application of two-step sequential affinity chromatographic methods yielded a homogeneous preparation of that protein from human liver specimens. The protein was digested with Achromobacter protease I, and sequences of peptides resolved by h.p.l.c. showed a high degree of identity with those of rat mitochondrial delta 3, delta 2-enoyl-CoA isomerase. The human protein also exhibited catalytic activity with delta 3-cis-octenyl CoA as a substrate. Thus it is identified as liver delta 3, delta 2-enoyl-CoA isomerase.
Purification and characterization of two forms of β-d-galactosidase from rat epididymal luminal fluid: evidence for their role in the modification of sperm plasma membrane glycoprotein(s)
Authors: Tulsiani D R P , Skudlarek M D , Araki Y , Orgebin-Crist M C
Published: August 2015

Previous studies from this laboratory have identified rat epididymal luminal fluid acid beta-D-galactosidase activity which also optimally hydrolyses a glycoprotein substrate at neutral pH [Skudlarek, Tulsiani and Orgebin-Crist (1992) Biochem. J. 286, 907-914]. We have now separated the luminal fluid beta-D-galactosidase into two molecular forms by ion-exchange chromatography on a column of DE-52. The separated enzyme activities were purified to an apparent homogeneity by molecular-sieve chromatography followed by affinity chromatography on a column of immobilized p-nitrophenyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside. The purified forms, when resolved by SDS/PAGE under reducing conditions, showed apparent molecular masses of 84 and 97 kDa. Kinetic studies, including a pH-dependent substrate preference and pH-dependent association/dissociation, disclosed no differences between these two forms. The two forms had identical N-terminal amino acid sequences. However, the 97 kDa form contained much more total carbohydrate and sialic acid than the 84 kDa form. The carbohydrate moieties in the two forms were assessed by comparing their size on SDS/PAGE before and after treatment with endo-enzymes. The removal of N-linked glycans by treatment with N-glycanase or endoglycosidase F generated de-N-glycosylated polypeptides of an apparent molecular mass of 70 kDa, and indicated that the two forms contained varying amounts of asparagine (N)-linked high mannose/hybrid-type and biantennary complex-type oligosaccharides. This result and the fact that the two molecular forms had identical N-terminal amino acid sequences indicated that the two forms probably have identical or very similar polypeptides. The potential role of the enzyme in modification of sperm plasma membrane (PM) glycoproteins was examined by resolving caput sperm PM proteins (before and after treatment in vitro of the membranes with the purified beta-D-galactosidase) on SDS/PAGE, followed by staining with peanut agglutinin (PNA), a lectin which preferentially binds to Gal beta 1,3GalNAc-linkages found in O-linked glycoproteins. The evidence presented in this report has indicated that a PNA-positive glycoprotein of an apparent molecular mass of 135-150 kDa present on the caput (but not cauda) sperm PM is degalactosylated by the digestion in vitro of the membranes with purified luminal fluid beta-D-galactosidase. This result suggests a possible role for the epididymal luminal fluid beta-D-galactosidases.
Expression of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene in 3T3-F442A adipose cells: opposite effects of dexamethasone and isoprenaline on transcription
Authors: Franckhauser S , Antras-Ferry J , Robin P , Robin D , Granner D K , Forest C
Published: August 2015

The enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) plays a key role in gluconeogenesis in liver and in glyceroneogenesis in adipose tissue. These processes, and PEPCK, are regulated by a number of hormones, some of which have different effects on the enzyme in liver and adipose tissue. To explore this phenomenon, PEPCK gene expression was studied in 3T3-F442A adipocytes maintained in a serum-free medium. The beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline (isoproterenol) and a cyclic AMP analogue (8-CPT-cAMP) increased PEPCK mRNA. A maximal 3-fold induction occurred in 2 h. Dexamethasone decreased PEPCK mRNA by 80% in 4 h. Dexamethasone also counteracted the inductive effects of isoprenaline and 8-CPT-cAMP. Run-on transcription experiments showed that the isoprenaline and dexamethasone actions were, at least in part, exerted at the level of PEPCK gene transcription. These effects were further analysed by using transient and stable transfection of adipocytes with a plasmid containing bp -2100 to 69 of the PEPCK gene promoter fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. In such cells isoprenaline stimulated CAT expression, an effect that was prevented if the cells were also exposed to dexamethasone.
Regulation of hepatocyte plasma membrane α1-adrenergic receptors by 4β-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate
Authors: Beeler J F , Cooper R H
Published: August 2015

The effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on hepatocyte alpha 1-adrenergic receptors was determined by [3H]prazosin binding to plasma membranes from control and PMA-treated hepatocytes. Membranes from hepatocytes incubated with PMA (1 microgram/ml) for 1 h exhibited a 40% decrease in alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (481 +/- 10 fmol/mg of protein; mean +/- S.E.M. for three separate experiments) relative to vehicle-treated (dimethylformamide) hepatocytes (802 +/- 91 fmol/mg of protein; n = 3), with no significant effect on the KD. The PMA-induced decrease in alpha 1-adrenergic receptors was maximal by 30 min and half-maximal inhibition of [3H]prazosin binding occurred with a PMA concentration of approx. 15 ng/ml. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with staurosporine (5 microM) blocked the effect of PMA, and 4 beta-phorbol 13-monoacetate was ineffective, suggesting the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC). Treatment of hepatocytes with primaquine (300 microM) for 15 min decreased hepatocyte plasma membrane alpha 1-adrenergic receptors by 34.0 +/- 2.4% (mean +/- S.E.M. of three experiments). Removal of primaquine allowed essentially complete recovery (98 +/- 4%; mean +/- S.E.M. for five separate experiments) of plasma membrane [3H]prazosin binding within 20 min, suggesting that the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor undergoes endocytotic recycling. Addition of PMA (1 microgram/ml) to hepatocytes immediately after removal of primaquine, completely inhibited the increase in plasma membrane alpha 1-adrenergic receptors relative to control cells, but had no effect on hepatocytes whose cell surface alpha 1-receptors remaining after primaquine treatment had been inactivated by alkylation. These observations suggested that activation of PKC may facilitate the internalization of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor in hepatocytes.
Isolation and structural characterization of the Leishmania donovani kinetoplastid membrane protein-11, a major immunoreactive membrane glycoprotein
Authors: Jardim A , Funk V , Caprioli R M , Olafson R W
Published: August 2015

A novel membrane molecule, previously observed to be co-isolated with lipophosphoglycan and called lipophosphoglycan-associated protein, has been detected in Leishmania donovani promastigotes and amastigotes. This kinetoplastid membrane protein (KMP-11) has been purified by preparative SDS/PAGE after organic solvent extraction of promastigote membranes. Isoelectric-focusing experiments indicated that this was an acidic protein with an isoelectric point of 4.8. Immunoblot analysis of subcellular fractions, together with 125I-labelling experiments, showed this molecule to be associated with the promastigote cell surface membrane. KMP-11 was expressed at a copy number similar to that of lipophosphoglycan (1 x 10(6)-2 x 10(6) molecules per cell), making this glycoprotein one of the major features on the parasite cell surface. The primary structure, less a blocked N-terminal region, was determined by automated Edman degradation of peptides derived from CNBr or enzymic fragmentation. Several post-translational modifications were also found during these studies, including an O-linked oligosaccharide and an NG-monomethylarginine functionality which was verified by m.s. Finally, a set of sequential synthetic peptides was made based on the established partial sequence allowing structural determination of two distinct antibody-binding sites for the monoclonal antibodies L98 and L157.
Role of tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C in the steroidogenic actions of angiotensin II, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and corticotropin in the rat adrenal cortex
Authors: Kapas S , Purbrick A , Hinson J P
Published: August 2015

The role of protein kinases in the steroidogenic actions of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), angiotensin II (AngII) and corticotropin (ACTH) in the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa was examined. Ro31-8220, a potent selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), inhibited both AngII- and alpha-MSH-stimulated aldosterone secretion but had no effect on aldosterone secretion in response to ACTH. The effect of Ro31-8220 on PKC activity was measured in subcellular fractions. Basal PKC activity was higher in cytosol than in membrane or nuclear fractions. Incubation of the zona glomerulosa with either alpha-MSH or AngII resulted in significant increases in PKC activity in the nuclear and cytosolic fractions and decreases in the membrane fraction. These effects were all inhibited by Ro31-8220. ACTH caused a significant increase in nuclear PKC activity only, and this was inhibited by Ro31-8220 without any significant effect on the steroidogenic response to ACTH, suggesting that PKC translocation in response to ACTH may be involved in another aspect of adrenal cellular function. Tyrosine phosphorylation has not previously been considered to be an important component of the response of adrenocortical cells to peptide hormones. Both AngII and alpha-MSH were found to activate tyrosine kinase, but ACTH had no effect, observations that have not been previously reported. Tyrphostin 23, a specific antagonist of tyrosine kinases, inhibited aldosterone secretion in response to AngII and alpha-MSH, but not ACTH. These data confirm the importance of PKC in the adrenocortical response to AngII and alpha-MSH, and, furthermore, indicate that tyrosine kinase may play a critical role in the steroidogenic actions of AngII and alpha-MSH in the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa.
Streptolysin-O induces release of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored alkaline phosphatase from ROS cells by vesiculation independently of phospholipase action
Authors: Xie M , Low M G
Published: August 2015

Streptolysin-O (SLO), a cholesterol-binding agent, was used for studies on the release of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored alkaline phosphatase (AP) from ROS cells. Treatment of cells with SLO resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent release of AP into the extracellular medium. This release was potentiated by Ca2+ and bovine serum, but not by GPI-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) purified from bovine serum. The released AP distributed to the detergent phase after Triton X-114 phase separation. This result suggested that the released AP contained an intact GPI anchor, and thus both proteolysis and anchor degradation by anchor-specific hydrolases, including GPI-PLD, as the potential mechanisms for SLO-mediated AP release were ruled out. The released AP sedimented at 100,000 g. A substantial amount of lipids was detected in the 100,000 g pellet. Cholesterol and sphingomyelin were enriched in SLO-released material, compared with intact cells. These results were consistent with vesiculation as the mechanism for SLO induction of AP release. Two other cholesterol-binding agents, saponin and digitonin, were also able to release AP, possibly by a similar vesiculation mechanism, whereas others, including nystatin, filipin and beta-escin, failed to elicit any AP release. Eight GPI-anchored proteins were identified in ROS cells, and all were substantially enriched in the vesicles released by SLO. Taken together, these results do not provide any support for the hypothesis that the clustering of GPI-anchored proteins in the plasma membrane is responsible for their resistance to GPI-PLD cleavage.
Human plasma phospholipid transfer protein accelerates exchange/transfer of α-tocopherol between lipoproteins and cells
Authors: Kostner G M , Oettl K , Jauhiainen M , Ehnholm C , Esterbauer H , Dieplinger H
Published: August 2015

alpha-Tocopherol (alpha-T), an important anti-oxidant of plasma lipoproteins and cell membranes, is secreted from liver together with very-low-density lipoproteins into the blood stream. Other serum lipoprotein classes gain alpha-T by exchange and transfer processes. We show here that the lipoprotein-free d > 1.22 g/ml fraction of human or pig serum increases the exchange rate of alpha-T by a factor of 2-4 as compared with spontaneous exchange/transfer. The alpha-T exchange/transfer (alpha-TET) activity was purified by multiple-step column chromatography. It gave a single band in PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of 75 kDa, and was found to be identical with the phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). PLTP catalysed alpha-T exchange between different lipoprotein classes, as well as the transfer of alpha-T from artificial liposomes to high-density lipoproteins. The alpha-TET activity measured with a newly developed assay in ten healthy people was 2.45 +/- 0.88 nmol.ml-1.h-1.alpha-TET activity was negatively correlated with plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r = -0.75; P < 0.01). It is concluded that human PLTP catalyses exchange/transfer processes of alpha-T between lipid compartments. This factor may be of relevance in atherogenesis and tumour initiation and growth.
Isoform I (mdr3) is the major form of P-glycoprotein expressed in mouse brain capillaries. Evidence for cross-reactivity of antibody C219 with an unrelated protein
Authors: Jetté L , Pouliot J F , Murphy G F , Béliveau R
Published: August 2015

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is expressed in various non-cancerous tissues such as the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. We used several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and isoform-specific polyclonal antibodies to establish which P-gp isoforms are expressed in isolated mouse brain capillaries. P-gp class I isoform was detected in capillaries with a Western immunoblotting procedure using a specific antiserum. No immunoreactivity was observed with either class II- or class III-specific antisera. Immunoreactivity was observed with mAb C219. However, this antibody detected two distinct immunoreactive proteins (155 and 190 kDa) in the isolated brain capillaries. These two proteins comigrated as a broad band when the samples were submitted to heat prior to gel electrophoresis. The glycoprotein nature of these two antigens was evaluated by their sensitivity to N-glycanase treatment. Following this treatment, the size of the proteins was reduced from 190 and 155 kDa to 180 and 120 kDa, respectively. Triton X-114 phase-partitioning studies showed that the 190 kDa immunoreactive protein was poorly solubilized by Triton X-114, while the 155 kDa protein was partitioned in the detergent-rich phase. In labelling experiments, only the 155 kDa protein was photolabelled with [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin. These results show that a 190 kDa protein detected by antibody C219 is an antigen unrelated to the three P-gp isoforms presently known. Cross-reactivity of C219 with an unrelated protein emphasizes the fact that more than one antibody should be used in the assessment of P-gp expression in cell lines and tissues.
Glyoxalase III from Escherichia coli: a single novel enzyme for the conversion of methylglyoxal into d-lactate without reduced glutathione
Authors: Misra K , Banerjee A B , Ray S , Ray M
Published: August 2015

A single novel enzyme, glyoxalase III, which catalyses the conversion of methylglyoxal into D-lactate without involvement of GSH, has been detected in and purified from Escherichia coli. Of several carbonyl compounds tested, only the alpha-ketoaldehydes methylglyoxal and phenylglyoxal were found to be substrates for this enzyme. Glyoxalase III is active over a wide range of pH with no sharp pH optimum. In its native form it has an M(r) of 82000 +/- 2000, and it is composed of two subunits of equal M(r). Glutathione analogues, which are inhibitors of glyoxalase I, do not inhibit glyoxalase III. Glyoxalase III is found to be sensitive to thiol-blocking reagents. The p-hydroxymercuribenzoate-inactivated enzyme could be almost completely re-activated by dithiothreitol and other thiol-group-containing compounds, indicating the possible involvement of thiol group(s) at or near the active site of the enzyme.
Multiple steroid-binding orientations: alteration of regiospecificity of dehydroepiandrosterone 2- and 7-hydroxylase activities of cytochrome P-450 2a-5 by mutation of residue 209
Authors: Iwasaki M , Davis D G , Darden T A , Pedersen L G , Negishi M
Published: August 2015

The mutation of Ala-117 to Val conferred dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) hydroxylase activity on cytochrome P-450 2a-4, with the production of both 2 alpha- and 7 alpha-hydroxyDHEA at similar rates. P-450 2a-5 which has Val at position 117, acquired high DHEA hydroxylase activity by mutation of Phe-209. Mutant F209L of P-450 2a-5 exhibited strong regiospecificity at the 2-position of the DHEA molecule with the production of 2 alpha-hydroxy DHEA as the major metabolite. On the other hand, mutant F209V of P-450 2a-5 showed the 7-position to be the major hydroxylation site, 7 beta-hydroxyDHEA and 7 alpha-OHDHEA being produced. Therefore the regiospecificity of DHEA hydroxylase activity of P-450 2a-5 is altered between the 2- and 7-position depending on the amino acid at position 209. Modelling of the DHEA molecule in the pocket of bacterial P-450cam showed that the steroid can be accommodated in at least two orientations for which the 2- or 7- position is near the sixth axial position of the haem. Moreover, these two orientations, which are of similar energy, can be interconverted by a 180 degrees rotation of the steroid molecule around its long axis. These results support the hypothesis that the steroid molecule in the pocket is in dynamic equilibrium with multiple binding orientations and that the equilibrium is apparently determined by a few critical residues including those at positions 117 and 209.
Further characterization of the acid-soluble phosphoprotein (SDS/PAGE apparent molecular mass of 22 kDa) in rat fat-cells by peptide sequencing and immuno-analysis: effects of insulin and isoprenaline
Authors: Diggle T A , Bloomberg G B , Denton R M
Published: August 2015

1. Earlier studies have shown that exposure of fat-cells to insulin results in the rapid increased phosphorylation of an acid-soluble protein which migrates as a doublet on SDS/PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of close to 22 kDa; agents such as isoprenaline, which increase cell concentrations of cyclic AMP, also increase phosphorylation, but to a lesser extent [Belsham, Brownsey, Hughes and Denton (1980) Diabetologia 18, 307-312; Diggle and Denton (1992) Biochem. J. 282, 729-736]. 2. The protein has been purified from rat epididymal adipose tissue, and the sequences of six tryptic peptides were determined. All six peptides are present in the deduced sequence of a protein of similar properties, designated PHAS-I by Hu, Pang, Kong, Velleca and Lawrence [(1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91, 3730-3734]. Hence the proteins are the same or extremely similar. 3. A rabbit anti-peptide antibody has been raised against one of the peptides (AGGDESQFEMD). The antibody was found to be highly specific for the phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms of the acid-soluble 22 kDa protein in Western blots and by immunoprecipitation. Studies with the antibody preparation have shown that both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms of the protein appear to be exclusively located in the cytoplasm, and that exposure of cells to isoprenaline causes increased phosphorylation of the same acid-soluble 22 kDa protein as does insulin treatment. 4. Western blots carried out with the antibody preparation indicate that the protein is also present in other insulin-sensitive tissues, including liver, skeletal muscle, heart and brown adipose tissue. The protein was also detected in lung and spleen, but not brain and kidney. It is concluded that the protein may play an important role in some of the actions of insulin.