bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA clone coding for the mouse GM2 activator protein
Authors: Bellachioma G , Stirling J L , Orlacchio A , Beccari T
Published: August 2015

A cDNA (1.1 kb) containing the complete coding sequence for the mouse GM2 activator protein was isolated from a mouse macrophage library using a cDNA for the human protein as a probe. There was a single ATG located 12 bp from the 5‘ end of the cDNA clone followed by an open reading frame of 579 bp. Northern blot analysis of mouse macrophage RNA showed that there was a single band with a mobility corresponding to a size of 2.3 kb. We deduce from this that the mouse mRNA, in common with the mRNA for the human GM2 activator protein, has a long 3′ untranslated sequence of approx. 1.7 kb. Alignment of the mouse and human deduced amino acid sequences showed 68% identity overall and 75% identity for the sequence on the C-terminal side of the first 31 residues, which in the human GM2 activator protein contains the signal peptide. Hydropathicity plots showed great similarity between the mouse and human sequences even in regions of low sequence similarity. There is a single N-glycosylation site in the mouse GM2 activator protein sequence (Asn151-Phe-Thr) which differs in its location from the single site reported in the human GM2 activator protein sequence (Asn63-Val-Thr).
Organization and sequences of genes for the subunits of ATP synthase in the thermophilic cyanobacterium Synechococcus 6716
Authors: Van Walraven H S , Lutter R , Walker J E
Published: August 2015

The sequences of the genes for the nine subunits of ATP synthase in the thermophilic cyanobacterium Synechococcus 6716 have been determined. The genes were identified by comparison of the encoded proteins with sequences of ATP synthase subunits in other species, and confirmed for subunits alpha, beta, delta and epsilon, by determining their N-terminal sequences. They are arranged at three separate loci. Six of them are in one cluster in the order a: c: b': b: delta: alpha, and those for the beta and epsilon subunits form a second and separate cluster. The gene for the gamma-subunit is at a third site. As in other bacteria, the gene for subunit a is immediately preceded by a gene coding for a small hydrophobic protein of unknown function, known as uncI in Escherichia coli. The gene orders in Synechococcus 6716 are related to the orders of ATP synthase genes in the plastid genomes of higher plants, and particularly of a red alga and a diatom. The sequences of the subunits are similar to those of chloroplast ATP synthase, the alpha, beta and c subunits being particularly well conserved. Differences in the primary structures of the Synechococcus 6716 and chloroplast gamma subunits probably underlie different mechanisms of activation of ATP synthase. The nucleotide sequences that are presented also contain 12 other open reading frames. One of them encodes a protein sequence related to the E. coli DNA repair enzyme, photolyase, and another codes for a protein that contains internal repeats related to sequences in the myosin heavy chain.
Effect of lead acetate and carbon particles on the expression of glutathione S-transferase YfYf in rat liver
Authors: Boyce S J , Mantle T J
Published: August 2015

Administration of intracardiac lead acetate produces a complex response in glutathione S-transferase (GST) YfYf expression in rat liver. The earliest response, an elevation of GST expression in Kupffer cells, can be mimicked by administering a suspension of carbon particles. The second effect of lead acetate administration is a marked elevation of GST YfYf in some but not all hepatocytes (the ‘patchy’ response). This effect is most marked 48-76 h after administration of a single dose of lead acetate and is easily detected by immunoblotting. Dexamethasone down-regulates the lead response in hepatocytes.
Application of dual-digitonin-pulse perfusion to the study of hepatic mRNA zonation
Authors: Witters L A , Christensen A , Fassihi K , King A N , Widmer J , Quistorff B
Published: August 2015

Heterogeneous zonation of hepatic protein expression over the liver lobule has been recognized by using several analytical techniques, including microdissection, selective cell isolation, immunohistochemistry and hybridization of mRNA in situ. We previously employed the technique of dual-digitonin-pulse perfusion for the highly selective collection and analysis of periportal and perivenous soluble protein. In the present work we have now documented the feasibility of the application of this technique to the study of zonal distribution of mRNA. By using a split-stream design, both protein and RNA fractions can be simultaneously collected from hepatic zones. High-quality RNA (average yield approximately 9-33 micrograms of total RNA per mg of eluted protein) is obtained for analysis. As analysed by immunoblotting and Northern-blot analysis, the zonal distribution of several important cytosolic metabolic enzymes and their mRNAs can be documented. This technique is also applicable to the study of mRNAs for organelle- and membrane-associated proteins that are not recoverable with this digitonin-lysis technique. The application of this experimental technique should allow further molecular insight into the mechanisms underlying zonation of hepatic function.
Rapid and delayed effects of epidermal growth factor on gluconeogenesis
Authors: Soler C , Soley M
Published: August 2015

Most reports on the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on gluconeogenesis have indicated that such effects depend on the substrate used and are only observable after a lag time of 30-40 min. Recently, an immediate and transient effect of EGF on glucose synthesis was described in a perfused liver system. Here we extend the study of the effect of EGF on gluconeogenesis to isolated hepatocytes from fasted rats. The delayed effect of EGF on gluconeogenesis was studied by adding the substrate 40 min after the peptide. Under these conditions EGF increased glucose synthesis from pyruvate, decreased it when the substrate was lactate or glycerol and did not modify gluconeogensis from fructose or dihydroxyacetone. EGF did not affect the metabolic flux through glycolysis, determined as the production of lactate+pyruvate from 30 mM glucose. Furthermore, EGF did not modify the metabolic flux through pyruvate kinase, determined as the production of lactate+pyruvate from 1 mM dihydroxyacetone. The differing effects of EGF on gluconeogenesis depending on the substrate used can be explained by the effects of EGF on the cytosolic redox state (measured as the lactate/pyruvate ratio). About 20 min after the addition of EGF, the mitochondrial redox state (measured as the 3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratio) decreased. This effect of EGF was blocked by ammonium, which also abolished the effect of the peptide on gluconeogenesis. Thus the effect of EGF at the mitochondrial level appears to be necessary for its effects on gluconeogenesis. Taken together, our results indicate that the delayed effects of EGF on gluconeogenesis are secondary to the effects of the peptide at both the mitochondrial and cytosolic levels. In addition to these delayed effects, we observed that EGF rapidly and transiently stimulated glucose synthesis from lactate, decreased the cytosolic redox state and increased oxygen consumption. All of these rapid effects required the presence of extracellular calcium and disappeared in the presence of rotenone, suggesting that this rapid effect of EGF on gluconeogenesis is secondary to the stimulation of mitochondrial respiration.
Molecular modelling of the domain structure of factor I of human complement by X-ray and neutron solution scattering
Authors: Perkins S J , Smith K F , Sim R B
Published: August 2015

Factor I is a typical multidomain protein of the complement system. It regulates complement activation by proteolytic degradation of C3b or C4b in the presence of factor H, complement receptor type 1, membrane cofactor protein or C4b-binding protein as cofactor. It is constructed from five presumed independently folded domains, namely a factor I module, a CD5-like domain, two low-density-lipoprotein receptor type A domains and a serine-proteinase domain. X-ray and neutron solution scattering was used to study the arrangement of these domains in factor I. Factor I was determined to be monomeric in solution, with an A280(1%,1cm) of 12.3-14.1. Its radius of gyration (RG) was 3.96 nm by X-rays in a high positive solute-solvent contrast, and 3.84 nm by neutrons at infinite solute-solvent contrast. The cross-sectional radius of gyration (RXS) was likewise found to be 1.64 nm by X-rays and 1.55 nm by neutrons. The RG data were not noticeably dependent on the solute-solvent contrast, whereas the RXS data showed a small dependence. The maximum dimension of factor I was determined to be 12.8 nm from the RG and RXS data, and 14-15 nm from the X-ray and neutron distance distribution functions. This length is too short to account for a linear arrangement of the domains in factor I. Small sphere models were developed for factor I in which the largest domain was modelled from the crystal structure for beta-trypsin. The attachment of either an elliptical cylinder or a two-armed V-shaped structure to this domain to represent the remaining four small domains gave good scattering curve-fits for factor I, and were compatible with experimental sedimentation coefficients. The non-extended domain models for factor I imply that the steric accessibility of each domain will be reduced, and this may be important for its functional activity.
Fibroblast and neutrophil collagenases cleave at two sites in the cartilage aggrecan interglobular domain
Authors: Fosang A J , Last K , Knäuper V , Neame P J , Murphy G , Hardingham T E , Tschesche H , Hamilton J A
Published: August 2015

The actions of recombinant human fibroblast collagenase (MMP1), purified polymorphonuclear leucocyte collagenase (MMP8) and their N-terminal catalytic domain fragments against cartilage aggrecan and an aggrecan G1-G2 fragment have been investigated in vitro. After activation with recombinant human stromelysin and typsin, both collagenases were able to degrade human and porcine aggrecans to a similar extent. An N-terminal G1-G2 fragment (150 kDa) was used to identify specific cleavage sites occurring within the proteinase-sensitive interglobular domain between G1 and G2. Two specific sites were found; one at an Asn341-Phe342 bond and another at Asp441-Leu442 (human sequence). This specificity of the collagenases for aggrecan G1-G2 was identical with that of the truncated metalloproteinase matrilysin (MMP7), but different from those of stromelysin (MMP3) and the gelatinases (MMP2 or gelatinase A; MMP9 or gelatinase B) which cleave at the Asn-Phe site, but not the Asp-Leu site. In addition, collagenase catalytic fragments lacking C-terminal hemopexin-like domains were tested and shown to exhibit the same specificities for the G1-G2 fragment as the full-length enzymes. Thus the specificity of the collagenases for cartilage aggrecan was not influenced by the presence or absence of the C-terminal domain. Together with our previous findings, the results show that stromelysin-1, matrilysin, gelatinases A and B and fibroblast and neutrophil collagenases cleave at a common, preferred site in the aggrecan interglobular domain, and additionally that both fibroblast and neutrophil collagenases cleave at a second site in the interglobular domain that is not available to stromelysin or gelatinases.
Cloning and tissue-specific expression of the gene for mouse C-reactive protein
Authors: Ku N O , Mortensen R F
Published: August 2015

C-reactive protein is a serum acute-phase reactant that increases several thousand-fold in concentration during inflammation in most mammals. However, mouse C-reactive protein is considered to be a minor acute-phase reactant, since its blood level increases only from approx. 0.1 to 1-2 micrograms/ml. A mouse genomic clone of approximately 5 kb was obtained to determine the molecular basis for the regulation of the expression of mouse C-reactive protein. Several cis-acting elements in the 5′ flanking region that potentially regulate transcription were identified: two glucocorticoid-responsive elements, two CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein C (C/EBP) consensus elements that are required for the interleukin-1 responsiveness of some acute-phase reactant genes, an interleukin-6-responsive element, two hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 (HNF-1) elements and a single heat-shock element. Transfection of the hepatoma cell line Hep 3B.2 with a pCAT expression vector containing the 5′ flanking sequence from -1083 to -3 bp from the transcriptional start site, and truncations of this sequence, localized elements that control the tissue-specific expression of mouse C-reactive protein to the two HNF-1 elements and a C/EBP, interleukin-1-responsive element located between -220 and -153, and -90 and -50 bp from the transcriptional start site. A constitutive nuclear protein from mouse-liver hepatocytes specifically binds to the HNF-1 elements. These findings explain the tissue-specific expression of the gene, as well as its limited expression during the acute-phase response.
The interaction of cytosolic components of neutrophil NADPH oxidase with phosphoinositides
Authors: Klinger E , Sharabani M , Aviram I
Published: August 2015

The superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase of neutrophils can be activated in a cell-free system consisting of cell membranes, cytosol and an activating detergent (e.g. arachidonate or SDS). It has previously been reported [Aviram and Sharabani (1989) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 161, 712-719] that a mixture of phosphoinositides (PPIs), as well as the individual inositol lipids, interfere with the activation process. In the present study it is shown that exposure of the cytosol to PPI results in a progressive (t1/2 = 30 s) loss of its oxidase-supporting activity and that Mg2+ ions eliminate this inactivation. Neomycin, previously described as an inhibitor of cell-free activation, counteracted the effect of PPI and vice versa. Fractionation experiments implicated the p67-phox cytosolic component of the oxidase in the association with PPI. PPI blocked activity of recombinant p67-phox also and quenched the fluorescence intensity of its tryptophan residues. It is suggested that PPIs may mediate the interaction of the oxidase with the cytoskeleton and/or with the membrane.
Post-translational processing of chromogranin A: differential distribution of phosphorylated variants of pancreastatin and fragments 248–313 and 297–313 in bovine pancreas and ileum
Authors: Watkinson A , Rogers M , Dockray G J
Published: August 2015

Chromogranin A is a secretory protein expressed widely in neuroendocrine cells. It is known to be phosphorylated but the precise sites of phosphorylation are not known. We have isolated, from bovine pancreas and ileum, chromogranin A fragments corresponding to a region giving rise to a biologically active product, pancreastatin. Phosphorylation patterns were determined by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and alkaline phosphatase digestion followed by ion-exchange chromatography and radioimmunoassay. In the pancreas, there were unmodified, mono- and di-phosphorylated forms of the fragment chromogranin A(248-313) with Arg and Glu at positions 293 and 301 respectively; in addition, there were small amounts of monophosphorylated peptide with an alternative primary sequence of His and Lys at 293 and 301 respectively. Two products of cleavage, pancreastatin and the fragment 297-313, were also found in unmodified and monophosphorylated forms. In the ileum, peptides with both alternative primary sequences were found, pancreastatin was absent, and phosphorylation was generally less than in the pancreas. Chromogranin A-derived peptides therefore exhibit tissue-specific patterns of phosphorylation and cleavage, and at least two phosphorylation sites occur in the region giving rise to a biologically active product.
Glucokinase activity in isolated islets from obese fa/fa Zucker rats
Authors: Chan C B
Published: August 2015

Glucokinase (EC 2.7.1.2) activity of B-cells was measured in extracted pancreatic islets isolated from lean and obese fa/fa Zucker rats and maintained in primary culture overnight. Formation of [14C]glucose phosphoric esters from D-[U-14C]glucose was measured in the presence of unlabelled glucose from 0.05 to 0.50 mM for hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) activity, and 8.0-16.0 mM unlabelled glucose for glucokinase activity. Eadie-Hofstee analysis revealed that hexokinase kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) for [14C]glucose phosphoric ester formation were similar in lean- and fa/fa-rat islets. For glucokinase, there was no difference in Vmax. between phenotypes. A non-significant tendency to increased sensitivity to glucose was noted in the fa/fa-rat islets (P = 0.13). In lean-rat islets, the glucokinase inhibitor mannoheptulose (3 mM) decreased Vmax. by 80% and increased the apparent Km from 3.3 +/- 0.7 mM to 12.2 +/- 2.0 mM (P < 0.05). There was no difference in Km or Vmax. in mannoheptulose-treated versus control islets from fa/fa rats. This lack of effect was consistent with reported effects of mannoheptulose on insulin secretion from fa/fa-rat islets [Chan, MacPhail and Mitton (1993) Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 71, 34-39]. The data from glucose and mannoheptulose experiments support the hypothesis that glucokinase function is altered in fa/fa Zucker rats and may contribute to fasting hyperinsulinaemia in vivo in these animals.
Mechanism-based inactivation of gastric peroxidase by mercaptomethylimidazole
Authors: Bandyopadhyay U , Bhattacharyya D K , Banerjee R K
Published: August 2015

The mechanism of inhibition of gastric peroxidase (GPO) activity by mercaptomethylimidazole (MMI), an inducer of gastric acid secretion, has been investigated. Incubation of purified GPO with MMI in the presence of H2O2 results in irreversible inactivation of the enzyme. No significant inactivation occurs in the absence of H2O2 or MMI, suggesting the involvement of peroxidase-catalysed oxidized MMI (MMIOX.) in the inactivation process. The inactivation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics consistent with a mechanism-based (suicide) mode. The pseudo-first-order kinetic constants at pH 8 are ki = 111 microM, k(inact.) = 0.55 min-1 and t1/2 = 1.25 min, and the second-order rate constant is 0.53 x 10(4) M-1 x min-1. Propylthiouracil also inactivates GPO activity in the same manner but its efficiency (k(inact./ki = 0.46 mM-1 x min-1) is about 10 times lower than that of MMI (k(inact./ki = 5 mM-1 x min-1). The rate of inactivation with MMI shows pH-dependence with an inflection point at 7.3, indicating the involvement in the inactivation process of an ionizable group on the enzyme with a pKa of 7.3. The enzyme is remarkably protected against inactivation by micromolar concentrations of electron donors such as iodide and bromide but not by chloride. Although GPO oxidizes MMI slowly, iodide stimulates it through enzymic generation of I+ which is reduced back to I- by MMI. Although MMIOX. is formed at a much higher rate in the presence of I-, a constant concentration of I- maintained via the reduction of I+ by MMI, protects the active site of the enzyme against inactivation. We suggest that MMI inactivates catalytically active GPO by acting as a suicidal substrate.
Cloning, characterization and import studies on protochlorophyllide reductase from wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Teakle G R , Griffiths W T
Published: August 2015

A full-length protochlorophyllide reductase clone (pWR5) has been isolated from a dark-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum) cDNA library generated in the phage vector lambda gt10. Comparison of the sequence of pWR5 with published sequences indicates a high degree of conservation of the structure of the mature protein amongst species but with the structure of the transit peptide less highly conserved. Within the cereals, the structure of the complete preprotein shows a remarkable degree of sequence homology (98% between barley and wheat). In vitro expression of pWR5 generates a preprotein of the expected molecular mass, approx. 41 kDa. Isolated pea chloroplasts can import, process and locate the mature reductase to the thylakoid membranes. From analysis of the CNBr-cleavage fragments of the N-[3H]phenylmaleimide-treated enzyme, the substrate-protected cysteine group in the enzyme is tentatively identified as Cys-296.
Mode of action, kinetic properties and physicochemical characterization of two different domains of a bifunctional (1→4)-β-d-xylanase from Ruminococcus flavefaciens expressed separately in Escherichia coli
Authors: Garcia-Campayo V , McCrae S I , Zhang J X , Flint H J , Wood T M
Published: August 2015

Two catalytic domains, A and C, of xylanase A (XYLA) from Ruminococcus flavefaciens were expressed separately as truncated gene products from lacZ fusions in Escherichia coli. The fusion products, referred to respectively as XYLA-A1 and XYLA-C2, were purified to homogeneity by anion-exchange chromatography and chromatofocusing. XYLA-A1 was isoelectric at pH 5.0 and had a molecular mass of 30 kDa, whereas XYLA-C2 had a pI of 5.4 and a molecular mass of 44 kDa. The catalytic activity shown by both domains was optimal at 50 degrees C, but XYLA-A1 was more sensitive than XYLA-C2 to temperatures higher than the optimum. XYLA-A1 showed a higher sensitivity to pH than XYLA-C2. The enzyme activity of both domains was completely inactivated in the presence of copper or silver ions and partially inactivated by iron or zinc ions. Neither domain was active on xylo-oligosaccharides shorter than xylopentaose: the rate of degradation of longer xylo-oligosaccharides (degree of polymerization 5-10) increased as the chain length increased. Analysis of the products of hydrolysis of xylo-oligosaccharides and xylan (arabinoxylan) polysaccharide showed that the two domains differed in their modes of action: xylobiose was the shortest product of the hydrolysis. With oat spelt xylan as substrate, XYLA-A1 activity was apparently restricted to regions where xylopyranosyl residues did not carry arabinofuranosyl substituents, whereas XYLA-C2 was able to release hetero-oligosaccharides carrying arabinofuranosyl residues. Neither domain was able to release arabinose from oat spelt xylan.
Lamp-1 does not acquire the large polylactosaminoglycans characteristic of F9 cells
Authors: Romero P A , Way T , Herscovics A
Published: August 2015

Although F9 cells labelled with [3H]glucosamine synthesize many glycoproteins that bind to Datura stramonium agglutinin-agarose, only a small proportion of these were immunoprecipitated with monoclonal antibodies to lamp-1 and lamp-2 (lamp = lysosomal membrane protein). Differentiation of F9 cells by retinoic acid increased labelling of all Datura stramonium-bound glycoproteins, including lamp-1 and lamp-2. Although the large polylactosaminoglycans excluded from Bio-Gel P-6 that are characteristic of F9 cells were obtained from total glycoproteins, little of these large polylactosaminoglycans was found on lamp-1 and lamp-2. There was no increase in large polylactosaminoglycans of lamp-1 and lamp-2 after retinoic acid treatment, but an increase in the size of small polylactosaminoglycans (included on Bio-Gel P-6) and tri- and tetra-antennary complex oligosaccharides. Therefore, other factors besides the expression of specific glycosyltransferases determine the extent of elongation of polylactosaminoglycans on lysosomal membrane proteins.
Phosphohistidine and phospholysine phosphatase activities in the rat: potential protein-lysine and protein-histidine phosphatases?
Authors: Wong C , Faiola B , Wu W , Kennelly P J
Published: August 2015

We have detected phosphohistidine and phospholysine phosphatase activities in rat tissue extracts using partially phosphorylated, high-molecular-mass (> 10 kDa) polymers of histidine and lysine as substrates. Multiple phosphohistidine- and phospholysine-specific phosphatases were present in these extracts based on observed differences in heat stability, sensitivity to bivalent metal ions and thiol modifying reagents, and/or elution from DE-52 cellulose. The properties of these phosphohistidine and phospholysine phosphatases were distinct from those of the phosphomonoester-specific protein phosphatases or the N-P phosphohydrolases that act on the free phosphoamino acids phosphoarginine, 3-phosphohistidine or phospholysine.
Thapsigargin inhibits voltage-activated calcium channels in adrenal glomerulosa cells
Authors: Rossier M F , Python C P , Burnay M M , Schlegel W , Vallotton M B , Capponi A M
Published: August 2015

Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the microsomal Ca2+ pumps, has been extensively used to study the intracellular Ca2+ pool participating in the generation of the agonist-induced Ca2+ signal in various cell types. A dual effect of this agent was observed in bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. At nanomolar concentrations, thapsigargin stimulated a sustained Ca2+ influx, probably resulting from Ca(2+)-store depletion. In contrast, when added at micromolar concentrations, thapsigargin prevented the rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) induced by K+. This inhibitory effect of thapsigargin on voltage-activated Ca2+ channels was confirmed by measuring Ba2+ currents by the patch-clamp technique. Both low-threshold (T-type) and high-threshold (L-type) Ca2+ channels were affected by micromolar concentrations of thapsigargin. Analysis of the current-voltage relationship for T-type channels revealed that thapsigargin did not modify the sensitivity of these channels to the voltage, but decreased the maximal current flowing through the channels. In conclusion, thapsigargin appears to exert a dual effect on adrenal glomerulosa cells. At lower concentrations, this agent induces a sustained Ca2+ entry, whereas at higher concentrations it decreases [Ca2+]c by blocking voltage-activated Ca2+ channels.
Correlation between prolactin secretion and Gs protein expression during sustained cholera-toxin stimulation
Authors: Lin J H , Wang H Y , Fong J C , Pan J T , Wang F F
Published: August 2015

We have studied the chronic effect of cholera toxin (CTX) on prolactin synthesis and secretion in GH3 pituitary-tumour cells. Time-course analysis showed that prolactin secretion increased with time of CTX exposure, reached a peak at 3 h, and decreased thereafter. Prolactin synthesis was also shown to be stimulated by CTX. The basic and forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP levels of the CTX-treated cells followed a biphasic time response similar to that of prolactin secretion. Exposure of cells to CTX for more than 3 h abolished the subsequent CTX-catalysed ADP-ribosylation in vitro. Moreover, a significant decrease in the pertussis-toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation was found after cells were exposed to CTX for longer than 6 h. Western-blot analysis indicated that the amount of Gs alpha (alpha-subunit of Gs) protein increased within 3 h, followed by a gradual decrease to 50% of the control level at 24 h. The accumulation of Gs alpha mRNA increased within 6 h of CTX exposure, and decreased thereafter to 40% of the basal level at 48 h. Our findings that prolonged treatment of CTX induced similar patterns of time responses in Gs alpha protein expression, cyclic AMP production and prolactin secretion indicate that CTX-induced changes in Gs alpha protein levels may be responsible for the cellular response leading to prolactin secretion.
Effect of GTP on the dolichol pathway for protein glycosylation in rat liver microsomes
Authors: Bossuyt X , Blanckaert N
Published: August 2015

Incubation of native rat liver microsomes with GTP resulted in enhanced incorporation of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from UDP-GlcNAc into lipid acceptors. The stimulation of GlcNAc transfer by GTP was specific for GTP; ATP exerted no effect. The GTP effect was blocked by a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue guanosine 5′-[beta gamma-imido]triphosphate, indicating that GTP hydrolysis was crucial. Though dolichyl pyrophosphate NN′-diacetylchitobiose [Dol-PP-(GlcNAc)2] was the main radiolabelled product formed upon incubation of GTP-treated microsomes with UDP-GlcNAc, GTP selectively stimulated UDP-GlcNAc:dolichyl phosphate (Dol-P) N-acetylglucosaminyl 1-phosphotransferase (N-acetylglucosaminyl 1-phosphotransferase). This conclusion was reached on the basis of experiments in which tunicamycin was used to selectively inhibit N-acetylglucosaminyl 1-phosphotransferase. The enhanced transformation of Dol-P to dolichyl pyrophosphate N-acetylglucosamine (Dol-PP-GlcNAc) by GTP ultimately led to enhanced protein glycosylation. GTP-induced stimulation of GlcNAc incorporation in lipid and protein by GTP was observed also in microsomes fully permeabilized with Staph. aureus alpha-toxin. These findings refute the previous proposal [Godelaine, Beaufay, Wibo and Ravoet (1983) J. Cell Biol. 97, 340-350] that increased membrane permeability constitutes the mechanism whereby GTP activates the reactions of the dolichol pathway.
Structure and contribution to the heparin cofactor II-mediated inhibition of thrombin of naturally oversulphated sequences of dermatan sulphate
Authors: Mascellani G , Liverani L , Bianchini P , Parma B , Torri G , Bisio A , Guerrini M , Casu B
Published: August 2015

Dermatan sulphate (DS) obtained from bovine and pig mucosa and pig skin, and charge-enriched fractions of a selected DS preparation, were characterized in terms of charge density, M(r) and disaccharide composition of chondroitin ABC lyase digests, and by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. Besides the major IdoA-GalNAc4SO3 sequences, all DS preparations contain about 10% disulphated disaccharide sequences (mostly IdoA2SO3-GalNAc4SO3, with minor amounts of IdoA-GalNAc4,6SO3). DS fragments (prepared by radical-catalysed depolymerization of DS and retaining the internal structure of the parent polysaccharide) as well as Smith degraded fragments [SD-DS, obtained by controlled degradation of periodate-oxidized and borohydride-reduced DS (RO-DS)] with the general structure GalNAc4SO3(IdoA2SO3-GalNAc4SO3)n-R (where R is the remnant of a glycol-split uronic acid, and n = 2-3 and 3-4) were characterized by one- and two-dimensional 1H-n.m.r., 13C-n.m.r. and disaccharide composition analysis. In accordance with previous findings [Maimone and Tollefsen (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 18263-18271], only fragments with n > or = 3 significantly enhance the heparin cofactor II-mediated inhibition of thrombin. In natural DS preparations and their fractions, this activity (as well as the antithrombotic activity in an animal model) appears to require IdoA2SO3-containing sequences. The heparin cofactor II activity of DS, RO-DS and SD-DS fragments decreases with decreasing M(r). However, RO-DS fragments are more active than DS fragments of similar M(r), probably because of the extra flexibility endowed by glycol-split IdoA residues.
Genomic structure of murine methylmalonyl-CoA mutase: evidence for genetic and epigenetic mechanisms determining enzyme activity
Authors: Wilkemeyer M F , Andrews E R , Ledley F D
Published: August 2015

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial matrix enzyme. We have reported characterization of murine MCM and cloning of a murine MCM cDNA and now describe the murine Mut locus, its promoter and evidence for tissue-specific variation in MCM mRNA, enzyme and holo-enzyme levels. The Mut locus spans 30 kb and contains 13 exons constituting a unique transcription unit. A B1 repeat element was found in the 3′ untranslated region (exon 13). The transcription initiation site was identified and upstream sequences were shown to direct expression of a reporter gene in cultured cells. The promoter contains sequence motifs characteristic of: (1) TATA-less housekeeping promoters; (2) enhancer elements purportedly involved in co-ordinating expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins; and (3) regulatory elements including CCAAT boxes, cyclic AMP-response elements and potential AP-2-binding sites. Northern blots demonstrate a greater than 10-fold variation in steady-state mRNA levels, which correlate with tissue levels of enzyme activity. However, the ratio of holoenzyme to total enzyme varies among different tissues, and there is no correlation between steady-state mRNA levels and holoenzyme activity. These results suggest that, although there may be regulation of MCM activity at the level of mRNA, the significance of genetic regulation is unclear owning to the presence of epigenetic regulation of holoenzyme formation.
Endogenous hydroperoxide formation, cell volume and cellular K+ balance in perfused rat liver
Authors: Saha N , Schreiber R , vom Dahl S , Lang F , Gerok W , Häussinger D
Published: August 2015

Addition of benzylamine (0.5 mM) to isolated perfused rat liver led to a net release of K+ of 10.5 +/- 0.3 mumol/g, which was accompanied by a decrease in liver mass by 9.3 +/- 0.4% and a decrease of the intracellular water space by 13.7 +/- 0.6%, suggestive of hepatocellular shrinkage. Benzylamine had no effect on the perfusion pressure, and there was a close relationship between benzylamine-induced net K+ release and the accompanying decrease in liver mass. Benzylamine-induced net K+ release was sensitive to inhibition of monoamine oxidase by pargyline and increased with benzylamine flux through monoamine oxidase, suggesting its dependence on intracellular H2O2 formation. In line with this, infusion of H2O2 (but not of benzaldehyde, the other product of benzylamine metabolism) stimulated net K+ release from the liver. However, at a given H2O2 load K+ release was about 2-3-fold higher when H2O2 was generated intracellularly during the oxidation of benzylamine, as compared with exogenously delivered H2O2. Inhibition of catalase by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (0.2 mM) significantly increased the benzylamine-induced net K+ release as well as the benzylamine-induced release of GSSG into bile, but had no effect on benzylamine oxidation at monoamine oxidase. In the presence of Ba2+ (1 mM) or in Ca(2+)-free perfusions, the benzylamine-induced net K+ efflux was diminished by 60-70% or about 30%, respectively. This was not explained by the 20-30% decrease in flux through monoamine oxidase observed under these conditions. The results suggest that metabolic generation of H2O2 inside the liver leads to a net K+ efflux and subsequent hepatocellular shrinkage. Net K+ efflux under these conditions is enhanced when catalase is inhibited, suggesting that the rate of both intracellular H2O2 generation and degradation can modulate cellular K+ balance and cellular volume. The data support the idea that oxidative stress may affect hepatocellular functions also by lowering the hepatocellular hydration state.
Stereochemical course and structure of the products of the enzymic action of endo-1,3-1,4-β-d-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase from Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Malet C , Jiménez-Barbero J , Bernabé M , Brosa C , Planas A
Published: August 2015

The stereochemical course of the reaction catalysed by endo-1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.73) has been determined by 1H n.m.r. The enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis of barley beta-glucan proceeds with overall retention of the anomeric configuration, indicating that the enzyme operates through a double-displacement mechanism. The structures of the final oligosaccharide products, 3-beta-O-cellobiosyl D-glucopyranoside and 3-beta-O-cellotriosyl D-glucopyranoside, have been completely assigned by 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy.
The substrate specificity and structure of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-activated protein kinase-2
Authors: Stokoe D , Caudwell B , Cohen P T W , Cohen P
Published: August 2015

The substrate specificity of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-activated protein kinase-2 (MAPKAP kinase-2) was investigated by using synthetic peptides related to the N-terminus of glycogen synthase. The minimum sequence required for efficient phosphorylation was found to be Xaa-Xaa-Hyd-Xaa-Arg-Xaa-Xaa-Ser-Xaa-Xaa, where Hyd is a bulky hydrophobic residue (Phe > Leu > Val >> Ala), and the peptide Lys-Lys-Phe-Asn-Arg-Thr-Leu-Ser-Val-Ala was phosphorylated with a Km of 9.3 microM and Vmax. of 10 mumol/min per mg. MAPKAP kinase-1 (a homologue of ribosomal protein S6 kinase) also requires an arginine three residues N-terminal to the serine (position n-3), but not a hydrophobic residue at position n-5. Neither MAPKAP kinase-1 nor MAPKAP kinase-2 could tolerate a proline residue at position n + 1, indicating that their specificities do not overlap with that of MAP kinase. The specificity of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II resembled that of MAPKAP kinase-2, except that it could tolerate replacement of the arginine by a lysine and the phosphorylation-site serine by a threonine residue. Partial cDNAs encoding MAPKAP kinase-2 were isolated from rabbit and human skeletal muscle and human teratocarcinoma libraries, and Northern-blotting experiments revealed a single 3.3 kb mRNA transcript present at similar levels in six human tissues examined. The catalytic domain was most similar (35-40% identity) to calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II and IV, phosphorylase kinase, putative serine kinase H1 and the C-terminal domain of MAPKAP kinase-1, which form one branch of the protein kinase phylogenetic tree. The sequence N-terminal to the catalytic domain is proline-rich and contains two putative SH3-binding sites. The threonine residue phosphorylated by MAP kinase lies immediately C-terminal to the catalytic domain and is followed by a nuclear localization signal, Lys-Lys-(Xaa)10-Lys-Arg-Arg-Lys-Lys, near the C-terminus.
Different pathways for control of Na+/H+ exchange via activation of the thrombin receptor
Authors: Nieuwland R , van Willigen G , Akkerman J W N
Published: August 2015

The aim of the present study was to clarify the control of Na+/H+ exchange in platelets activated via the thrombin receptor. When human BCECF-loaded platelets were stimulated with the thrombin-receptor-activating peptide (TRAP; amino acid sequence SFLLRN), which activates the receptor independently of proteolysis, the cytosolic pH (pHi) rose from 7.13 +/- 0.04 (n = 6) to 7.27 +/- 0.04 (n = 5), followed by a rapid decrease to resting values. Trypsin, which cleaves the receptor, induced a rapid and irreversible rise in pHi to 7.31 +/- 0.06 (n = 5). gamma-Thrombin, which cleaves the receptor but is unable to bind to the hirudin-like domain, induced a slow and irreversible rise in pHi to 7.31 +/- 0.04 (n = 14). alpha-Thrombin, which cleaves the receptor and binds to its hirudin-like domain, induced a rapid and irreversible rise in pHi to 7.31 +/- 0.04 (n = 22). Changes in pHi induced by TRAP, trypsin, gamma- and alpha-thrombin were accompanied by similar changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and 32P-pleckstrin, a substrate of protein kinase C (PKC). The separate chelation of Ca2+i (30 microM BAPTA-AM) or inhibition of PKC (1 microM staurosporine) induced about 50% inhibition of the pHi responses triggered by TRAP, trypsin, gamma- and alpha-thrombin, but the combination induced complete inhibition. Thus the different types of activation of the thrombin receptor control Na+/H+ exchange via the same mechanism. Binding of thrombin to the hirudin-like domain accelerates exchange activation, whereas proteolysis of the receptor is essential for a sustained increase in pHi.
Glutamine synthesis from glucose and ammonium chloride by guinea-pig kidney tubules
Authors: Michoudet C , Chauvin M F , Baverel G
Published: August 2015

1. At a physiological concentration (5 mM), glucose was found to be metabolized by isolated kidney cortex tubules prepared from fed guinea pigs. 2. The release of 14CO2 from [U-14C]glucose indicated that oxidation of the glucose carbon skeleton represented about 50% of the glucose removed; significant amounts of lactate and glutamine also accumulated. 3. Addition of 0.1-10 mM NH4Cl led to a dose-dependent stimulation of glucose metabolism which was accompanied by a large increase in lactate and glutamine accumulation and, to a lesser extent, in glucose oxidation. 4. Comparison of the release of 14CO2 from [1-14C]- and [6-14C]glucose indicates that, in both the absence and the presence of NH4Cl, the pentose phosphate shunt was only a minor pathway of glucose metabolism. 5. The central role of pyruvate carboxylase in the conversion of glucose carbon into glutamine carbon was demonstrated by using a bicarbonate-free medium and measuring the fixation of 14CO2 from [14C]bicarbonate, which was recovered mostly at C-1 of glutamine plus glutamate. 6. The NH4Cl-induced stimulation of glucose removal was secondary not only to increased glutamine synthesis, as shown by the effect of methionine sulphoximine, an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, but also to the stimulation of phosphofructokinase activity by NH4Cl. 7. Renal arterio-venous difference measurements revealed that, in vivo, the guinea-pig kidney removed glucose from the circulating blood, which suggests that glucose carbon may contribute to the carbon skeleton of the glutamine released by this organ.
The requirement for phospholipase A2 for activation of the assembled NADPH oxidase in human neutrophils
Authors: Dana R , Malech H L , Levy R
Published: August 2015

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors suppressed simultaneously, in a dose-dependent manner, the activation of NADPH oxidase and the release of 3H-labelled arachidonic acid ([3H]AA) stimulated by either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or opsonized zymosan (OZ) in human neutrophils. In spite of total inhibition of superoxide production in the presence of the PLA2 inhibitors, 10 microM bromophenacyl bromide (BPB) or 20 microM quinacrine, a maximal phosphorylation of p47 and translocation of p47 and p67 to the neutrophil membranes induced by PMA or OZ was observed. Addition of 10 microM free AA, which by itself did not stimulate superoxide generation, restored oxidase activity in neutrophils treated with PLA2 inhibitors. These findings indicate that phosphorylation and translocation of the cytosolic factors to the membranes are not sufficient for generating superoxide; a functional PLA2 is also needed to stimulate the oxidase activity. The inhibition of PLA2 activity did not prevent the phosphorylation of p47, suggesting that the location of PLA2 is downstream of and does not activate protein kinase C.
Simultaneous oscillations of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration and Ins(1,4,5)P3 concentration in mouse pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Barker C J , Nilsson T , Kirk C J , Michell R H , Berggren P O
Published: August 2015

Changes in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in stimulated cells are often oscillatory, but the mechanisms that drive these oscillations are still a matter of controversy: different models of the generation of these [Ca2+]i oscillations make different assumptions as to whether oscillations in Ins(1,4,5)P3 concentration are necessary for this process. We have looked for changes in inositol polyphosphate levels that might occur in suspensions of murine pancreatic beta-cells when these cells are induced to display synchronized oscillations in [Ca2+]i by the sequential addition of glucose, an alpha 2-adrenergic stimulus and extracellular Ca2+. The intracellular level of Ins(1,4,5)P3 oscillated in a manner approximately in synchrony with changes in [Ca2+]i. Oscillations in the levels of Ins(1,4,5)P3 metabolites [Ins(1,3,4)P3 and inositol bisphosphates] were slightly delayed relative to the Ins(1,4,5)P3 oscillations, and the concentration of Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 remained approximately constant during the [Ca2+]i oscillations. These results demonstrate that [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and [Ca2+]i oscillate in synchrony in at least one type of cell. Whether such oscillations in intracellular [Ins(1,4,5)P3] provide a primary driving force for [Ca2+]i oscillations either in beta-cells or in other stimulated cells remains to be determined. Even if they do not, the [Ins(1,4,5)P3] oscillations will at least provide an amplifying influence on the [Ca2+]i changes.
Capacitative Ca2+ entry regulates Ca2+-sensitive adenylyl cyclases
Authors: Cooper D M , Yoshimura M , Zhang Y , Chiono M , Mahey R
Published: August 2015

A number of the currently described adenylyl cyclase species can be regulated by Ca2+ in the submicromolar concentration range in in vitro assays. The regulatory significance of these observations hinges on whether a physiological elevation in intracellular Ca2+ can regulate these cyclase activities in intact cells. However, achieving a physiological elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ is complicated by the fact that hormonal increases in cytosolic Ca2+ can be accompanied by additional effects, such as liberation of beta gamma-subunits of G-proteins and activation of protein kinase C, which can have disparate type-specific effects on cyclase activities. Therefore we have devised a strategy based on capacitative Ca2+ entry to show that, when types I and VI adenylyl cyclase are expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, they are stimulated and inhibited respectively by Ca2+ entry. Blockade of Ca2+ entry by La3+ ions blocks the effects of Ca2+ entry on cyclic AMP synthesis. These studies establish that adenylyl cyclases deemed to be sensitive to Ca2+ in in vitro assays can be regulated by physiological Ca2+ entry, and therefore, such cyclases are poised to respond to changes in intracellular Ca2+ in tissues in which they are expressed.
Full activation of a nuclear species of protein phosphatase-1 by phosphorylation with protein kinase A and casein kinase-2
Authors: Van Eynde A , Beullens M , Stalmans W , Bollen M
Published: August 2015

Bovine thymus nuclei contain a species of protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1N alpha) that can be partially activated by phosphorylation of an associated inhibitory polypeptide, NIPP-1, with protein kinase A [Beullens, Van Eynde, Bollen and Stalmans (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 13172-13177]. Here it is shown that PP-1N alpha can also be activated 4-fold by phosphorylation of NIPP-1 with casein kinase-2. The effects of protein kinase A and casein kinase-2 were additive, yielding an enzyme with an activity close to that of the free catalytic subunit. Casein kinase-2 introduced up to 1.2 phosphate groups into purified NIPP-1 on serine and threonine residues. This phosphorylation was associated with a 14-fold increase in the concentration of NIPP-1 required for 50% inhibition of the type-1 catalytic subunit. The kinase-mediated inactivation of NIPP-1 could be reversed by incubation with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase-2A.
Characterization of receptor-mediated and store-regulated Ca2+ influx in human neutrophils
Authors: Demaurex N , Monod A , Lew D P , Krause K H
Published: August 2015

1. It is not known to what extent the emptying of intracellular Ca2+ stores participates in the mediation of chemoattractant-induced Ca2+ influx in human neutrophils. To study this question, we compared the properties of bivalent-cation influx in response to the chemoattractant N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenyl-alanine (f-MLP) and to the microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin. 2. The influx pathway activated by f-MLP and thapsigargin had identical properties of permeation. Mn2+ influx became saturated at around 1 mM extracellular Mn2+, whereas Ca2+ influx did not become saturated up to concentrations of 10 mM. 3. The influx of the two bivalent cations, Mn2+ and Ca2+, was activated to a similar extent and with identical kinetics of activation. 4. The Mn2+ influx activated by f-MLP and thapsigargin was blocked, with identical dose-inhibition curves, by four imidazole analogues. 5. The same relationship between the emptying of Ca2+ stores and bivalent-cation influx was observed for f-MLP and thapsigargin, with a half-maximal activation of the influx at 40% emptying of intracellular stores. 6. In conclusion, neutrophils possess a single type of Ca(2+)-influx pathway that is activated by receptor agonists and by store depletion. Receptor agonists activate this influx pathway to a large extent, if not completely, through the depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores.