bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-operative interactions between NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) c1 and the zinc finger transcription factors Sp1/Sp3 and Egr-1 regulate MT1-MMP (membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase) transcription by glomerular mesangial cells
Authors: ALFONSO-JAUME Maria Alejandra , MAHIMKAR Rajeev , LOVETT David H.
Published: June 2004

The transition of normally quiescent glomerular MCs (mesangial cells) to a highly proliferative phenotype with characteristics of myofibroblasts is a process commonly observed in inflammatory diseases affecting the renal glomerulus, the ultimate result of which is glomerulosclerosis. Generation of proteolytically active MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-2 by the membrane-associated membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP is responsible for the transition of mesangial cells to the myofibroblast phenotype [Turck, Pollock, Lee, Marti and Lovett (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 15074–15083]. In the present study, we show that the expression of MT1-MMP within the context of MCs is mediated by three discrete cis-acting elements: a proximal non-canonical Sp1 site that preferentially binds Sp1; an overlapping Sp1/Egr-1-binding site that preferentially binds Egr-1; and a more distal binding site for the NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) that binds the NFAT c1 isoform present in MC nuclear extracts. Transfection with an NFAT c1 expression plasmid, or activation of calcineurin with a calcium ionophore, yielded major increases in NFAT c1 nuclear DNA-binding activity, MT1-MMP transcription and protein synthesis, which were additive with the lower levels of transactivation provided by the proximal Sp1 and the overlapping Sp1/Egr-1 sites. Specific binding of NFAT c1 to the MT1-MMP promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation studies, while MT1-MMP expression was suppressed by treatment with the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporin A. These studies are the first demonstration that a specific NFAT isoform enhances transcription of an MMP (MT1-MMP) that plays a major role in the proteolytic events that are a dominant feature of acute glomerular inflammation. Suppression of MT1-MMP by commonly used calcineurin inhibitors may play a role in the development of renal fibrosis following renal transplantation.
Nucling mediates apoptosis by inhibiting expression of galectin-3 through interference with nuclear factor kappaB signalling
Authors: LIU Li , SAKAI Takashi , SANO Nobuya , FUKUI Kiyoshi
Published: June 2004

Nucling is a novel apoptosis-associated molecule, which is involved with cytochrome c/Apaf-1/caspase-9 apoptosome induction following pro-apoptotic stress. In the present study, we show first that Nucling is able to interact with galectin-3. Galectin-3 is known to participate in many biological processes, including apoptotic cell death. Nucling was found to down-regulate the expression level of galectin-3 mRNA/protein. Nucling-deficient cells, in which galectin-3 expression is up-regulated, appeared to be resistant to some forms of pro-apoptotic stress as compared with wild-type cells. In addition, the preputial gland from Nucling-deficient mice expressed a significant level of galectin-3 and exhibited a high incidence of inflammatory lesions, indicating that Nucling plays a crucial role in the homoeostasis of this gland by interacting with the galectin-3 molecule and regulating the expression level of galectin-3. Up-regulation of galectin-3 was also observed in the heart, kidney, lung, testis and ovary of the Nucling-deficient mice. In order to confirm the functional interaction between Nucling and galectin-3, a well-documented candidate for the mediator of galectin-3 expression, NF-κB (nuclear factor κB), was investigated as well. Nucling was shown to interfere with NF-κB activation via the nuclear translocation process of NF-κB/p65, thus inhibiting the expression of galectin-3. Taken together, we propose that Nucling mediates apoptosis by interacting and inhibiting expression of galectin-3.
The potential function of steroid sulphatase activity in steroid production and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression
Authors: SUGAWARA Teruo , FUJIMOTO Seiichiro
Published: June 2004

The first step in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones is conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone. StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory) protein plays a crucial role in the intra-mitochondrial movement of cholesterol. STS (steroid sulphatase), which is present ubiquitously in mammalian tissues, including the placenta, adrenal gland, testis and ovary, desulphates a number of 3β-hydroxysteroid sulphates, including cholesterol sulphate. The present study was designed to examine the effect of STS on StAR protein synthesis and steroidogenesis in cells. Steroidogenic activities of COS-1 cells that had been co-transfected with a vector for the cholesterol P450scc (cytochrome P450 side-chain-cleavage enzyme) system, named F2, a StAR expression vector (pStAR), and an STS expression vector (pSTS) were assayed. Whole-cell extracts were subjected to SDS/PAGE and then to Western blot analysis. pSTS co-expressed in COS-1 cells with F2 and pStAR increased pregnenolone synthesis 2-fold compared with that of co-expression with F2 and pStAR. Western blot analysis using COS-1 cells that had been co-transfected with pSTS, F2 and pStAR revealed that StAR protein levels increased, whereas STS and P450scc protein levels did not change. The amount of StAR protein translation products increased when pSTS was added to an in vitro transcription–translation reaction mixture. Pulse–chase experiments demonstrated that the 37 kDa StAR pre-protein disappeared significantly (P<0.01) more slowly in COS-1 cells that had been transfected with pSTS than in COS-1 cells that had not been transfected with pSTS. The increase in StAR protein level is not a result of an increase in StAR gene expression, but is a result of both an increase in translation and a longer half-life of the 37 kDa pre-StAR protein. In conclusion, STS increases StAR protein expression level and stimulates steroid production.
From the Arctic to fetal life: physiological importance and structural basis of an additional chloride-binding site in haemoglobin
Authors: DE ROSA M. Cristina , CASTAGNOLA Massimo , BERTONATI Claudia , GALTIERI Antonio , GIARDINA Bruno
Published: June 2004

Haemoglobins from mammals of sub-Arctic and Arctic species, as well as fetal human Hb, are all characterized by a significantly lower ΔH of oxygenation compared with the majority of mammalian haemoglobins from temperate species (exceptions are represented by some cold-resistant species, such as cow, horse and pig). This has been interpreted as an adaptive mechanism of great importance from a physiological point of view. To date, the molecular basis of this thermodynamic characteristic is still not known. In the present study, we show that binding of extra chloride (with respect to adult human Hb) ions to Hb would significantly contribute to lowering the overall heat of oxygenation, thus providing a molecular basis for the low effect of temperature on the oxygenation–deoxygenation cycle. To this aim, the oxygen binding properties of bovine Hb, bear (Ursus arctos) Hb and horse Hb, which are representative of this series of haemoglobins, have been studied with special regard to the effect of heterotropic ligands, such as organic phosphates (namely 2,3-diphosphoglycerate) and chloride. Functional results are consistent with a mechanism for ligand binding that involves an additional binding site for chloride ion. Analysis of computational chemistry results, obtained by the GRID program, further confirm the hypothesis that the reason for the lower ΔH of oxygenation is mainly due to an increase in the number of the oxygen-linked chloride-binding sites.
Agonist-dependent up-regulation of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor protein
Authors: COOK Laurie B. , HINKLE Patricia M.
Published: June 2004

To study the effect of agonist on the TRH (thyrotrophin-releasing hormone) receptor protein, an epitope-tagged receptor was stably expressed in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney 293 cells) and receptor levels were measured by immunoblotting. TRH caused a 5–25-fold increase in receptor protein during 48 h, which was half-maximal at 1 nM and was slowly reversible after hormone withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide, an inverse agonist, had no effect. TRH up-regulation was mimicked by phorbol ester and blocked by the protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X in combination with thapsigargin, which prevents a calcium response. TRH and phorbol ester increased the density of immunoreactive receptors localized at the cell surface and [3H]MeTRH (where MeTRH stands for [N3-methyl-His]TRH) binding. TRH also increased the concentration of a truncated, internalization-defective receptor. Analysis of cell lines stably expressing TRH receptors fused to the green fluorescent protein on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter showed that TRH and phorbol ester caused 2.7- and 6.8-fold increases in fusion protein expression respectively. TRH receptor up-regulation was only partially accounted for by changes in receptor mRNA, which increased 1.7-fold. TRH caused a small increase in receptor concentration in the presence of cycloheximide, actinomycin D or MG132. In contrast with the results obtained with the TRH receptor, agonist decreased the concentration of stably expressed β2-adrenergic receptors. These results show that TRH increases receptor concentration by a complex mechanism that requires signal transduction but not receptor endocytosis.
Structural analysis and tissue localization of human C4.4A: a protein homologue of the urokinase receptor
Authors: HANSEN Line V. , GÅRDSVOLL Henrik , NIELSEN Boye S. , LUND Leif R. , DANØ Keld , JENSEN Ole N. , PLOUG Michael
Published: June 2004

C4.4A, a structural homologue of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), was originally identified as a metastasis-associated membrane protein, but little is known about its structural and functional properties. Therefore, we expressed, purified and characterized a soluble truncated form of human C4.4A, and used this protein to produce specific polyclonal anti-C4.4A antibodies. By immunohistochemistry we observed a pronounced surface staining for C4.4A in suprabasal keratinocytes of chronic human wounds and found C4.4A expression markedly upregulated in migrating keratinocytes during re-epithelisation of incisional skin wounds. Phorbol-ester-induced hyperplasia of mouse skin is also accompanied by a significant induction of C4.4A expression in the multilayered, suprabasal keratinocytes. C4.4A contains two Ly-6 (leucocyte antigen 6)/uPAR/α-neurotoxin modules. Our recombinant human C4.4A is extensively modified by post-translational glycosylation, which include 5–6 N-linked carbohydrates primarily located in or close to its second Ly-6/uPAR/α-neurotoxin module and approximately 15 O-linked carbohydrates clustered in a Ser/Thr/Pro-rich region at the C-terminus. A highly protease-sensitive region (Tyr200–Arg204) is located between these two clusters of N- and O-linked carbohydrates. The natural, glycolipid-anchored C4.4A from amnion membranes of human term placenta exhibits similar properties. Using recombinant, soluble C4.4A or MCF 7 cells, which express significant amounts of GPI-anchored C4.4A, we find no evidence for an interaction between C4.4A and uPA, a property suggested previously for rat C4.4A. Collectively these data indicate that C4.4A, although being a structural homologue of uPAR, is unlikely to have a functional overlap with uPAR.
Identification of a POU factor involved in regulating the neuron-specific expression of the gene encoding diapause hormone and pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide in Bombyx mori
Authors: ZHANG Tian-Yi , KANG Le , ZHANG Zhi-Fang , XU Wei-Hua
Published: June 2004

Diapause hormone (DH) and PBAN (pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide) are two important insect neuropeptides regulating development and reproduction respectively. In the present study, we report two Bombyx mori transcription factors interacting specifically with the promoter of Bom-DH-PBAN (where Bom-DH stands for B. mori DH); we named them DHMBP-1 and -2 (DH-modulator-binding proteins 1 and 2). The developmental changes of DHMBP-1/-2 are closely correlated with that of Bom-DH-PBAN mRNA throughout the pupal stage. Competition assays indicate that DHMBP-1 from Chinese B. mori possesses binding characteristics similar to those of the POU-M1 protein from Japanese B. mori. POU-M1 cDNAs were cloned from various tissues of Chinese B. mori and were found to be distinct from the previously published POU-M1 in amino acid residues 108–136 because of insertion mutations. Owing to this difference in amino acid residues, we named this cDNA POU-M2. Even though POU-M2 differs from POU-M1 at the N-terminal, the POU domain and the binding properties of both POU-M1 and -M2 are the same. Functional analysis showed that overexpression of POU-M2 in the Bombyx cell line BmN activated the promoter of Bom-DH-PBAN, but failed to activate a promoter in which the POU-binding element was mutated. The transcriptional activity of POU-M2 is probably regulated by other factors binding to the upstream of the promoter sequence. We show that the POU-M2-binding site was able to activate the transcription of a heterologous promoter of the gene encoding B. mori larval serum protein. POU-M1 was found to exhibit the same transcriptional activities as POU-M2. Taken together, these results demonstrate that POU-M2 plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of the Bom-DH-PBAN gene.
Cell viability and secretion of active proteins in Schizosaccharomyces pombe do not require the chaperone function of calnexin
Authors: MARÉCHAL Alexandre , TANGUAY Pierre-Luc , CALLEJO Mario , GUÉRIN Renée , BOILEAU Guy , ROKEACH Luis A.
Published: June 2004

Folding of newly synthesized proteins within the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) is a rate-limiting step in protein secretion. Thus ER molecular chaperones and foldases have a major impact in determining the rate and yield of these crucial cellular processes. Calnexin is a key ER chaperone implicated in the folding, retention and targeting for degradation of proteins that go through the secretory pathway. Calnexin molecules contain a highly conserved central domain (hcd) that has been proposed to be involved in the interaction with folding substrates and other chaperones. To gain a better understanding of the roles played by calnexin in the secretory pathway, we examined the efficiency of fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) strains expressing calnexin mutants to secrete different model proteins. Remarkably, calnexin hcd-deletion mutants, although devoid of detectable chaperone activity in vitro, confer viability and cause a considerable increase in the secretion of heterologous cellulase. Surprisingly the quality-control efficiency, measured as the activity/amount ratio of secreted model protein, was not severely reduced in these calnexin hcd-deletion mutant strains. Our results indicate that the essential function of calnexin does not reside in its role in the folding or in the retention of misfolded proteins. These observations suggest the existence of a highly stringent quality control mechanism in the ER of S. pombe that might reduce the secretion efficiency of endogenous proteins.
Mast cell- and dendritic cell-derived exosomes display a specific lipid composition and an unusual membrane organization
Authors: LAULAGNIER Karine , MOTTA Claude , HAMDI Safouane , ROY Sébastien , FAUVELLE Florence , PAGEAUX Jean-François , KOBAYASHI Toshihide , SALLES Jean-Pierre , PERRET Bertrand , BONNEROT Christian , RECORD Michel
Published: June 2004

Exosomes are small vesicles secreted from multivesicular bodies, which are able to stimulate the immune system leading to tumour cell eradication. We have analysed lipids of exosomes secreted either upon stimulation from rat mast cells (RBL-2H3 cells), or constitutively from human dendritic cells. As compared with parent cells, exosomes displayed an enrichment in sphingomyelin, but not in cholesterol. Phosphatidylcholine content was decreased, but an enrichment was noted in disaturated molecular species as in phosphatidylethanolamines. Lyso(bis)phosphatidic acid was not enriched in exosomes as compared with cells. Fluorescence anisotropy demonstrated an increase in exosome-membrane rigidity from pH 5 to 7, suggesting their membrane reorganization between the acidic multivesicular body compartment and the neutral outer cell medium. NMR analysis established a bilayer organization of exosome membrane, and ESR studies using 16-doxyl stearic acid demonstrated a higher flip-flop of lipids between the two leaflets as compared with plasma membrane. In addition, the exosome membrane exhibited no asymmetrical distribution of phosphatidylethanolamines. Therefore exosome membrane displays a similar content of the major phospholipids and cholesterol, and is organized as a lipid bilayer with a random distribution of phosphatidylethanolamines. In addition, we observed tight lipid packing at neutral pH and a rapid flip-flop between the two leaflets of exosome membranes. These parameters could be used as a hallmark of exosomes.
Cloning and characterization of the human beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GPI) gene promoter: roles of the atypical TATA box and hepatic nuclear factor-1alpha in regulating beta2-GPI promoter activity
Authors: WANG Hsueh-Hsiao , CHIANG An-Na
Published: June 2004

β2-Glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) is a plasma glycoprotein primarily synthesized in the liver. The interindividual variability of β2-GPI expression in subjects with various metabolic syndromes and disease states suggests that it may have clinical importance. However, the regulation of β2-GPI gene expression has not been clarified. To gain more insight into the control of β2-GPI gene expression, we cloned the 4.1-kb 5´-flanking region and characterized the proximal promoter of the β2-GPI gene in this study. Cis-acting elements required for β2-GPI promoter activity were identified with transient transfection assays in the hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh7 and in non-hepatic HeLa cells. Serial deletion analyses of the β2-GPI 5´-flanking sequence revealed that the region from −197 to +7 had strong promoter activity in hepatoma cells but not in HeLa cells. Truncation and site-directed mutagenesis of putative cis-elements within this region showing an atypical TATA box and a HNF-1 (hepatic nuclear factor-1) element were both essential for the β2-GPI promoter activity. Subsequent gel mobility shift assays confirmed the interaction of HNF-1α with the HNF-1 site residing downstream of the TATA box. Co-transfection of β2-GPI promoter-luciferase vector with HNF-1α expression vector in Huh7 and HNF-1-deficient HeLa cells demonstrated the transactivation effect of HNF-1α on β2-GPI promoter activity. In addition, overexpression of HNF-1α enhanced the endogenous β2-GPI expression. These results suggest that the atypical TATA box and HNF-1 cis-element are critical for β2-GPI transcription and HNF-1α may play an important role in cell-specific regulation of β2-GPI gene expression.
Ceramide 1-phosphate enhances calcium entry through voltage-operated calcium channels by a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism in GH4C1 rat pituitary cells
Authors: TÖRNQUIST Kid , BLOM Tomas , SHARIATMADARI Ramin , PASTERNACK Michael
Published: June 2004

Sphingomyelin derivatives modulate a multitude of cellular processes, including the regulation of [Ca2+]i (the intracellular free calcium concentration). Previous studies have shown that these metabolites often inhibit calcium entry through VOCCs (voltage-operated calcium channels). In the present study, we show that, in pituitary GH4C1 cells, C1P (C2-ceramide 1-phosphate) enhances calcium entry in a dose-dependent manner. The phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 attenuated the response. C1P invoked a small, but significant, increase in the formation of inositol phosphates. Pre-treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin was without an effect on the C1P-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i. The effect of C1P was critically dependent on extracellular calcium, since no increase in [Ca2+]i was observed when cells in a calcium-free buffer were stimulated with C1P. Furthermore, if the cells were retreated with 300 nM of the VOCC inhibitor nimodipine, the effect of C1P was almost totally abolished. In addition, ceramide C8-1-phosphate evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i, but the onset of the response was slow compared with that of C1P. In cells treated with 1 µM thapsigargin for 15 min, C1P still evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i. In patch-clamp experiments in the whole-cell mode, C1P enhanced calcium entry through the VOCCs compared with vehicle-treated cells. Dialysis of the cells with C1P did not enhance the calcium current. On-cell patch-clamp experiments showed an enhanced probability of the VOCCs being open (Popen) in the presence of C1P. Inhibition of PKC (protein kinase C) with GF109203X and down-regulation of PKC with PMA attenuated the C1P-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, down-regulation of PKC abolished the effect of C1P on Popen. This is the first report showing that a sphingomyelin derivative enhances calcium entry through VOCCs.
Endogenous 2-oxoacids differentially regulate expression of oxygen sensors
Authors: DALGARD Clifton Lee , LU Huasheng , MOHYELDIN Ahmed , VERMA Ajay
Published: June 2004

Adaptations to change in oxygen availability are crucial for survival of multi-cellular organisms and are also implicated in several disease states. Such adaptations rely upon gene expression regulated by the heterodimeric transcription factors HIFs (hypoxia-inducible factors). Enzymes that link changes in oxygen tensions with the stability and transcriptional activity of HIFs are considered as oxygen sensors. These enzymes are oxygen-, iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases that hydroxylate key proline and asparagine residues in HIFα subunits. The constitutive inhibitory action of these enzymes on HIFs is relieved by hypoxia and by agents that displace iron or 2-oxoglutarate. Two of the enzymes, HPH (HIF prolyl hydroxylase)-1 and HPH-2, are known to be inducible by hypoxia in a HIF-dependent manner. This suggests the existence of a novel feedback loop for adjusting hypoxia-regulated gene expression. We have recently shown that HIF-1α stability, HIF-1 nuclear translocation and HIF-mediated gene expression in human glioma cell lines can be stimulated by pyruvate independently of hypoxia. In the present study we show that the endogenous 2-oxoacid oxaloacetate can also activate HIF-mediated gene expression. Pyruvate and oxaloacetate treatment of cells also up-regulates HPH-1 and HPH-2, but not HPH-3 or the HIF asparaginyl hydroxylase FIH-1 (factor inhibiting HIF). Regulation of HIF-1 and the expression of HPH homologue genes can thus be influenced by specific glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites. These findings may underlie important interactions between oxygen homoeostasis, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and gluconeogenesis.
Comparative binding character of two general anaesthetics for sites on human serum albumin
Authors: LIU Renyu , MENG Qingcheng , XI Jin , YANG Jinsheng , HA Chung-Eun , BHAGAVAN Nadhipuram V. , ECKENHOFF Roderic G.
Published: June 2004

Propofol and halothane are clinically used general anaesthetics, which are transported primarily by HSA (human serum albumin) in the blood. Binding characteristics are therefore of interest for both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these drugs. We characterized anaesthetic–HSA interactions in solution using elution chromatography, ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry), hydrogen-exchange experiments and geometric analyses of high-resolution structures. Binding affinity of propofol to HSA was determined to have a Kd of 65 µM and a stoichiometry of approx. 2, whereas the binding of halothane to HSA showed a Kd of 1.6 mM and a stoichiometry of approx. 7. Anaesthetic–HSA interactions are exothermic, with propofol having a larger negative enthalpy change relative to halothane. Hydrogen-exchange studies in isolated recombinant domains of HSA showed that propofol-binding sites are primarily found in domain III, whereas halothane sites are more widely distributed. Both location and stoichiometry from these solution studies agree with data derived from X-ray crystal-structure studies, and further analyses of the architecture of sites from these structures suggested that greater hydrophobic contacts, van der Waals interactions and hydrogen-bond formation account for the stronger binding of propofol as compared with the less potent anaesthetic, halothane.
Induction of metallothionein I by phenolic antioxidants requires metal-activated transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) and zinc
Authors: BI Yongyi , PALMITER Richard D. , WOOD Kristi M. , MA Qiang
Published: June 2004

Phenolic antioxidants, such as tBHQ [2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone], induce Mt1 (metallothionein 1) gene expression and accumulation of MT protein. Induction of Mt1 mRNA does not depend on protein synthesis, and correlates with oxidation–reduction functions of the antioxidants. In the present study, we analysed the biochemical pathway of the induction. Induction depends on the presence of MTF-1 (metal-activated transcription factor 1), a transcription factor that is required for metal-induced transcription of Mt1, but does not require nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, a tBHQ-activated CNC bZip (cap ‘n’ collar basic leucine zipper) protein, that is responsible for regulating genes encoding phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes. Moreover, tBHQ induces the expression of MRE-βGeo, a reporter gene driven by five metal response elements that constitute an optimal MTF-1 binding site. Reconstitution of Mtf1-null cells with MTF-1 restores induction by both zinc and tBHQ. Unlike activation of phase II genes by tBHQ, induction of Mt1 expression does not occur in the presence of EDTA, when cells are cultured in zinc-depleted medium, or in cells with reduced intracellular ‘free’ zinc due to overexpression of ZnT1, a zinc-efflux transporter, indicating that induction requires zinc. In addition, fluorescence imaging reveals that tBHQ increases cytoplasmic free zinc concentration by mobilizing intracellular zinc pools. These findings establish that phenolic antioxidants activate Mt1 transcription by a zinc-dependent mechanism, which involves MTF-1 binding to metal regulator elements in the Mt1 gene promoter.
Syncollin inhibits regulated corticotropin secretion from AtT-20 cells through a reduction in the secretory vesicle population
Authors: WÄSLE Barbara , HAYS Lori B. , RHODES Christopher J. , EDWARDSON J. Michael
Published: June 2004

Syncollin is a 13 kDa protein that is highly expressed in the exocrine pancreas. Syncollin normally exists as a doughnut-shaped homo-oligomer (quite probably a hexamer) in close association with the luminal surface of the zymogen granule membrane. In the present study, we examine the effect of expression of syncollin in AtT-20 neuroendocrine cells, which do not normally express this protein. Efficient expression was achieved by infection of the cells with adenoviral constructs encoding either untagged or GFP (green fluorescent protein)-tagged syncollin. Both forms of the protein were sorted into corticotropin (ACTH)-positive secretory vesicles present mainly at the tips of cell processes. Neither form affected basal corticotropin secretion or the constitutive secretion of exogenously expressed secreted alkaline phosphatase. In contrast, regulated secretion of corticotropin was inhibited (by 49%) by untagged but not by GFP-tagged syncollin. In parallel, untagged syncollin caused a 46% reduction in the number of secretory vesicles present at the tips of the cell processes. Syncollin–GFP was without effect. We could also show that native syncollin purified from rat pancreas was capable of permeabilizing erythrocytes. We suggest that syncollin may induce uncontrolled permeabilization of corticotropin-containing vesicles and subsequently destabilize them. Both forms of syncollin were tightly membrane-associated and appeared to exist as homooligomers. Hence, the lack of effect of syncollin–GFP on regulated exocytosis suggests that the GFP tag interferes in a subtler manner with the properties of the assembled protein.
The active site and substrate-binding mode of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase determined by site-directed mutagenesis and comparative modelling studies
Authors: SEO Young Sam , YOO Ahrim , JUNG Jinwon , SUNG Soon-Kee , YANG Dae Ryook , KIM Woo Taek , LEE Weontae
Published: June 2004

The active site and substrate-binding mode of MD-ACO1 (Malus domestica Borkh. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase) have been determined using site-directed mutagenesis and comparative modelling methods. The MD-ACO1 protein folds into a compact jelly-roll motif comprised of eight α-helices, 12 β-strands and several long loops. The active site is well defined as a wide cleft near the C-terminus. The co-substrate ascorbate is located in cofactor Fe2+-binding pocket, the so-called ‘2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad’. In addition, our results reveal that Arg244 and Ser246 are involved in generating the reaction product during enzyme catalysis. The structure agrees well with the biochemical and site-directed mutagenesis results. The three-dimensional structure together with the steady-state kinetics of both the wild-type and mutant MD-ACO1 proteins reveal how the substrate specificity of MD-ACO1 is involved in the catalytic mechanism, providing insights into understanding the fruit ripening process at atomic resolution.
Solution conformation of alpha-conotoxin GIC, a novel potent antagonist of alpha3beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: CHI Seung-Wook , KIM Do-Hyoung , OLIVERA Baldomero M. , Michael McINTOSH J. , HAN Kyou-Hoon
Published: June 2004

α-Conotoxin GIC is a 16-residue peptide isolated from the venom of the cone snail Conus geographus. α-Conotoxin GIC potently blocks the α3β2 subtype of human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, showing a high selectivity for neuronal versus muscle subtype [McIntosh, Dowell, Watkins, Garrett, Yoshikami, and Olivera (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 33610–33615]. We have now determined the three-dimensional solution structure of α-conotoxin GIC by NMR spectroscopy. The structure of α-conotoxin GIC is well defined with backbone and heavy atom root mean square deviations (residues 2–16) of 0.53 Å and 0.96 Å respectively. Structure and surface comparison of α-conotoxin GIC with the other α4/7 subfamily conotoxins reveals unique structural aspects of α-conotoxin GIC. In particular, the structural comparison between α-conotoxins GIC and MII indicates molecular features that may confer their similar receptor specificity profile, as well as those that provide the unique binding characteristics of α-conotoxin GIC.
Comparison of the microbicidal and muramidase activities of mouse lysozyme M and P
Authors: MARKART Philipp , FAUST Nicole , GRAF Thomas , NA Cheng-Lun , WEAVER Timothy E. , AKINBI Henry T.
Published: June 2004

Lysozyme is one of the most abundant antimicrobial proteins in the airspaces of the lung. Mice express two lysozyme genes, lysozyme M and P, but only the M enzyme is detected in abundance in lung tissues. Disruption of the lysozyme M locus significantly increased bacterial burden and mortality following intratracheal infection with a Gram-negative bacterium. Unexpectedly, significant lysozyme enzyme activity (muramidase activity) was detected in the airspaces of uninfected lysozyme M−/− mice, amounting to 25% of the activity in wild-type mice. Muramidase activity in lysozyme M−/− mice was associated with increased lysozyme P mRNA and protein in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid respectively. The muramidase activity of recombinant lysozyme P was less than that of recombinant M lysozyme. Recombinant P lysozyme was also less effective in killing selected Gram-negative bacteria, requiring higher concentrations than lysozyme M to achieve the same level of killing. The lower antimicrobial activity of P lysozyme, coupled with incomplete compensation by P lysozyme in lysozyme M−/− mice, probably accounts for the increased susceptibility of null mice to infection. Recombinant lysozyme M and P were equally effective in killing selected Gram-positive organisms. This outcome suggests that disruption of both M and P loci would significantly increase susceptibility to airway infections, particularly those associated with colonization by Gram-positive organisms.
Further evidence for the existence of a specific process for the membrane transport of anandamide
Authors: LIGRESTI Alessia , MORERA Enrico , van der STELT Mario , MONORY Krisztina , LUTZ Beat , ORTAR Giorgio , Di MARZO Vincenzo
Published: June 2004

Indirect evidence for the existence of a specific protein-mediated process for the cellular uptake of endocannabinoids has been reported, but recent results suggested that such a process, at least for AEA [N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide)], is facilitated uniquely by its intracellular hydrolysis by FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) [Glaser, Abumrad, Fatade, Kaczocha, Studholme and Deutsch (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100, 4269–4274]. In the present study, we show that FAAH alone cannot account for the facilitated diffusion of AEA across the cell membrane. In particular, (i) using a short incubation time (90 s) to avoid AEA hydrolysis by FAAH, AEA accumulation into rat basophilic leukaemia or C6 cells was saturable at low µM concentrations of substrate and non-saturable at higher concentrations; (ii) time-dependent and, at low µM concentrations of substrate, saturable AEA accumulation was observed also using mouse brain synaptosomes; (iii) using synaptosomes prepared from FAAH-deficient mice, saturable AEA accumulation was still observed, although with a lower efficacy; (iv) when 36 AEA and N-oleoylethanolamine analogues, most of which with phenyl rings in the polar head group region, were tested as inhibitors of AEA cellular uptake, strict structural and stereochemical requirements were needed to observe significant inhibition, and in no case the inhibition of FAAH overlapped with the inhibition of AEA uptake; and (v) AEA biosynthesis by cells and sensory neurons was followed by AEA release, and this latter process, which cannot be facilitated by FAAH, was still blocked by an inhibitor of AEA uptake. We suggest that at least one protein different from FAAH is required to facilitate AEA transport across the plasma membrane in a selective and bi-directional way.
p120 Ras GTPase-activating protein associates with fibroblast growth factor receptors in Drosophila
Authors: WOODCOCK Simon A. , HUGHES David A.
Published: June 2004

Btl (breathless) and Htl (heartless), the two FGFRs (fibroblast growth factor receptors) in Drosophila melanogaster, control cell migration and differentiation in the developing embryo. These receptors signal through the conserved Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, but how they regulate Ras activity is not known. The present study shows that there is a direct interaction between p120 RasGAP (Ras GTPase-activating protein), a negative regulator of Ras, and activated FGFRs in Drosophila. The interaction is dependent on the SH2 (Src homology 2) domains of RasGAP, which have been shown to interact with a phosphotyrosine residue within the consensus sequence (phospho)YXXPXD. A potential binding site that matches this consensus is found in both Btl and Htl, located between the transmembrane and kinase domains of each receptor. A peptide corresponding to this region was capable of binding RasGAP only when the tyrosine residue was phosphorylated. This tyrosine residue appears to be conserved in human FGFR-1 and mediates the association with the adapter protein CrkII, but no association between dCrk (Drosophila homologue of CrkII) and the activated FGFRs was detected. RasGAP was a substrate of the activated FGFR kinase domain, and mutation of the tyrosine residue within the potential binding site on the receptor prevented tyrosine phosphorylation of RasGAP. RasGAP attenuated FGFR signalling in vivo and this ability was dependent on both its SH2 domains and its GAP activity. On the basis of these results, we propose that RasGAP is directly recruited into activated FGFRs in Drosophila and plays a role in regulating the strength of signalling through Ras and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.
Theoretical model of the three-dimensional structure of a sugar-binding protein from Pyrococcus horikoshii: structural analysis and sugar-binding simulations
Authors: MARABOTTI Anna , D'AURIA Sabato , ROSSI Mosé , FACCHIANO Angelo M.
Published: June 2004

The three-dimensional structure of a sugar-binding protein from the thermophilic archaea Pyrococcus horikoshii has been predicted by a homology modelling procedure and investigated for its stability and its ability to bind different sugars. The model was created by using as templates the three-dimensional structures of a maltodextrin-binding protein from Pyrococcus furiosus, a trehalose–maltose-binding protein from Thermococcus litoralis and a maltodextrin-binding protein from Escherichia coli. According to the suggestions from the CASP (Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction) meetings, the homology modelling strategy was applied by assessing an accurate multiple sequence alignment, based on the high structural conservation in the family of ATP-binding cassette transporters to which all these proteins belong. The model has been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with the code 1R25. According to the origin of the protein, several characteristics in the organization of the secondary-structure elements and in the distribution of polar and non-polar amino acids are very similar to those of thermophilic proteins, compared with proteins from mesophilic organisms, and are analysed in detail. Finally, a simulation of the binding of several sugars in the binding site of this protein is presented, and interactions with amino acids are highlighted in detail.
Induction of lysosomal and plasma membrane-bound sialidases in human T-cells via T-cell receptor
Authors: WANG Peng , ZHANG Ji , BIAN Hong , WU Ping , KUVELKAR Reshma , KUNG Ted T. , CRAWLEY Yvette , EGAN Robert W. , BILLAH M. Motasim
Published: June 2004

Among the three isoenzymes of neuraminidase (Neu) or sialidase, Neu-1 has been suggested to be induced by cell activation and to be involved in IL (interleukin)-4 biosynthesis in murine T-cells. In the present study, we found that antigen-induced airway eosinophilia, a typical response dependent on Th2 (T-helper cell type 2) cytokines, as well as mRNA expression of Th2 cytokines, including IL-4, are suppressed in Neu-1-deficient mice, thereby demonstrating the in vivo role of murine Neu-1 in regulation of Th2 cytokines. To elucidate the roles of various sialidases in human T-cell activation, we investigated their tissue distribution, gene induction and function. Neu-1 is the predominant isoenzyme at the mRNA level in most tissues and cells in both mice and humans, including T-cells. T-cells also have significant levels of Neu-3 mRNAs, albeit much lower than those of Neu-1, whereas the levels of Neu-2 mRNAs are minimal. In human T-cells, both Neu-1 and Neu-3 mRNAs are significantly induced by T-cell-receptor stimulation, as is sialidase activity against 4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetylneuramic acid (a substrate for both Neu-1 and Neu-3) and the ganglioside GD1a [NeuAcα2-3Galβ1-3GalNAcβ1-4(NeuAcα2-3)Galβ1-4Glcβ1-cer] (a substrate for Neu-3, but not for Neu-1). The expression of the two sialidase genes may be under differential regulation. Western blot analysis and enzymic comparison with recombinant sialidases have revealed that Neu-3 is induced as a major isoform in activated cells. The induction of Neu-1 and Neu-3 in T-cells is unique. In human monocytes and neutrophils stimulated with various agents, the only observation of sialidase induction has been by IL-1 in neutrophils. Functionally, a major difference has been observed in Jurkat T-cell lines over-expressing Neu-1- and Neu-3. Upon T-cell receptor stimulation, IL-2, interferon-γ, IL-4 and IL-13 are induced in the Neu-1 line, whereas in the Neu-3 line the same cytokines are induced, with the exception of IL-4. Taken together, these results suggest an important immunoregulatory role for both Neu-1 and Neu-3 in humans.
The Ftr1p iron permease in the yeast plasma membrane: orientation, topology and structure-function relationships
Authors: SEVERANCE Scott , CHAKRABORTY Satadipta , KOSMAN Daniel J.
Published: June 2004

Ftr1p is the permease component of the Fet3p–Ftr1p high affinity iron-uptake complex, in the plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that transports the Fe3+ produced by the Fet3p ferroxidase into the cell. In this study we show that Ftr1p probably has seven transmembrane domains with an orientation of N-terminal outside, and C-terminal inside the cell. Within the context of this topology of the Fet3p–Ftr1p complex, we have identified several sequence elements in Ftr1p that are required for wild-type uptake function. First to be identified were two REXLE (Arg-Glu-Xaa-Leu-Glu) motifs in transmembrane domains 1 and 4. Alanine substitutions at any one of these combined six arginine or glutamic acid residues inactivated Ftr1p in iron uptake, indicating that both motifs were essential to iron permeation. R→K and E→D substitutions in these two motifs led to a variable loss of activity, suggesting that while all six residues were essential, their contributions to uptake were quantitatively and/or mechanistically distinct. The terminal glutamate in an EDLWE89 element, associated with transmembrane domain 3, and a DASE motif, located in extracellular loop 6, were also required. The double substitution to AASA in the latter, inactivated Ftr1p in iron uptake while the Ftr1p(E89A) mutant had only 20% of wild-type activity. The two REXLE and the EDLWE and DASE motifs are strongly conserved among fungal Ftr1p homologues, suggesting that these motifs are essential to iron permeation. Finally another important residue, Ile369, was identified in the Ftr1p cytoplasmic C-terminal domain. Deletion or substitution of this residue led to a 70% loss of iron-uptake activity. Ile369 was the only residue identified in this domain that made such a major contribution to iron uptake by the Fet3p–Ftr1p complex.
Asc1p, a WD40-domain containing adaptor protein, is required for the interaction of the RNA-binding protein Scp160p with polysomes
Authors: BAUM Sonja , BITTINS Margarethe , FREY Steffen , SEEDORF Matthias
Published: June 2004

Scp160p interacts in an mRNA-dependent manner with translating ribosomes via multiple RNA-binding heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K-homology (KH) domains. In the present study, we show by protein–protein cross-linking that Scp160p is in close proximity to translation elongation factor 1A and the WD40 (Trp-Asp 40)-repeat containing protein Asc1p at ribosomes. Analysis of a truncation mutant revealed that the C-terminus of Scp160p is essential for ribosome binding and that Cys1067 at the C-terminus of Scp160p is required to obtain these cross-links. The interaction of Scp160p with ribosomes depends on Asc1p. In fast-growing yeast cells, nearly all Asc1p is tightly bound to ribosomes, but it can also be present in a ribosome-free form depending on growth conditions. The functional homologue of Asc1p, mammalian RACK1 (receptor of activated C kinase), was previously characterized as an adaptor protein bridging activated signalling molecules with their substrates. Our results suggest that Scp160p connects specific mRNAs, ribosomes and a translation factor with an adaptor for signalling molecules. These interactions might regulate the translation activity of ribosomes programmed with specific mRNAs.
Oxidation and reduction of pyridine nucleotides in alamethicin-permeabilized plant mitochondria
Authors: JOHANSSON Fredrik I. , MICHALECKA Agnieszka M. , MØLLER Ian M. , RASMUSSON Allan G.
Published: June 2004

The inner mitochondrial membrane is selectively permeable, which limits the transport of solutes and metabolites across the membrane. This constitutes a problem when intramitochondrial enzymes are studied. The channel-forming antibiotic AlaM (alamethicin) was used as a potentially less invasive method to permeabilize mitochondria and study the highly branched electron-transport chain in potato tuber (Solanum tuberosum) and pea leaf (Pisum sativum) mitochondria. We show that AlaM permeabilized the inner membrane of plant mitochondria to NAD(P)H, allowing the quantification of internal NAD(P)H dehydrogenases as well as matrix enzymes in situ. AlaM was found to inhibit the electron-transport chain at the external Ca2+-dependent rotenone-insensitive NADH dehydrogenase and around complexes III and IV. Nevertheless, under optimal conditions, especially complex I-mediated NADH oxidation in AlaM-treated mitochondria was much higher than what has been previously measured by other techniques. Our results also show a difference in substrate specificities for complex I in mitochondria as compared with inside-out submitochondrial particles. AlaM facilitated the passage of cofactors to and from the mitochondrial matrix and allowed the determination of NAD+ requirements of malate oxidation in situ. In summary, we conclude that AlaM provides the best method for quantifying NADH dehydrogenase activities and that AlaM will prove to be an important method to study enzymes under conditions that resemble their native environment not only in plant mitochondria but also in other membrane-enclosed compartments, such as intact cells, chloroplasts and peroxisomes.
A high-throughput and sensitive methodology for the quantification of urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine: measurement with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after single solid-phase extraction
Authors: LIN Hai-Shu , JENNER Andrew M. , ONG Choon Nam , HUANG Shan Hong , WHITEMAN Matthew , HALLIWELL Barry
Published: June 2004

8-Hydroxy-2´-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) is a widely used biomarker for the measurement of endogenous oxidative DNA damage. A sensitive method for the quantification of 8OHdG in urine by single solid-phase extraction and GC-MS (gas chromatography with MS detection) using selective ion monitoring is described in the present study. After solid-phase extraction, samples are freeze-dried, derivatized by trimethylsilylation and analysed by GC-MS. The urinary 8OHdG was quantified using heavy isotope dilution with [18O]8OHdG. The recovery of 8OHdG after the solid-phase extraction ranged from 70 to 80% for a wide range of urinary 8OHdG levels. Using 1 ml of urine, the limit of quantification was >2.5 nM (2.5 pmol/ml) and the calibration curve was linear in the range 2.5–200 nM. This method was applied to measure 8OHdG in urine samples from 12 healthy subjects. The intra- and inter-day variations were <9%. Urinary 8OHdG levels in spot urine samples from four healthy subjects were also measured for 1 week and, again, the variation was small. The presence of H2O2 in urine did not cause artifactual formation of 8OHdG. Since this assay is simple, rapid, sensitive and reproducible, it seems suitable to be used as a routine methodology for the measurement of urinary excretion of 8OHdG in large population studies.