bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organization of uroplakin subunits: transmembrane topology, pair formation and plaque composition
Authors: LIANG Feng-Xia , RIEDEL Ina , DENG Fang-Ming , ZHOU Ge , XU Cong , WU Xue-Ru , KONG Xiang-Peng , MOLL Roland , SUN Tung-Tien
Published: August 2015

The apical surfaces of urothelial cells are almost entirely covered with plaques consisting of crystalline, hexagonal arrays of 16nm uroplakin particles. Although all four uroplakins, when SDS-denatured, can be digested by chymotrypsin, most uroplakin domains in native urothelial plaques are resistant to the enzyme, suggesting a tightly packed structure. The only exception is the C-terminal, cytoplasmic tail of UPIII (UPIII) which is highly susceptible to proteolysis, suggesting a loose configuration. When uroplakins are solubilized with 2% octylglucoside and fractionated with ion exchangers, UPIa and UPII were bound as a complex by a cation exchanger, whereas UPIb and UPIII were bound by an anion exchanger. This result is consistent with the fact that UPIa and UPIb are cross-linked to UPII and UPIII, respectively, and suggests that the four uroplakins form two pairs consisting of UPIa/II and UPIb/III. Immunogold labelling using a new mouse monoclonal antibody, AU1, revealed that UPIII is present in all urothelial plaques, indicating that the two uroplakin pairs are not segregated into two different types of urothelial plaque and that all plaques must have a similar uroplakin composition. Taken together, these results indicate that uroplakins form a tightly packed structure, that the four uroplakins interact specifically forming two pairs, and that both uroplakin pairs are required for normal urothelial plaque formation.
Characterization of the interaction between the transcription factors human polyamine modulated factor (PMF-1) and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in the transcriptional regulation of the spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) gene
Authors: WANG Yanlin , DEVEREUX Wendy , STEWART Tracy Murray , CASERO Robert A.
Published: August 2015

Polyamines and polyamine analogues have been demonstrated to modulate the transcription of various genes. Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) is transcriptionally regulated through the interaction of at least two trans-acting transcription factors, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and PMF-1 (polyamine modulated factor-1). Nrf-2has previously been shown to regulate transcription of other genes through interactions between its C-terminal leucine zipper and the leucine-zipper region of other members of the small Maf protein family (the term ‘Maf’ is derived from musculoaponeurotic-fibrosarcoma virus). Here it is demonstrated that the interaction between Nrf-2 and PMF-1 is mediated through the binding of the leucine-zipper region of Nrf-2 and a C-terminal coiled-coil region of PMF-1 that does not contain a leucine zipper. Mutations that interrupt either the leucine zipper of Nrf-2 or the coiled-coil region of PMF-1 are demonstrated to alter the ability of these factors to interact, thus their ability to regulate the transcription of the SSAT gene is lost.
Xenobiotic induction of cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) is mediated by the orphan nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and requires steroid co-activator 1 (SRC-1) and the transcription factor Sp1
Authors: MUANGMOONCHAI Roongsiri , SMIRLIS Despina , WONG Siew-Cheng , EDWARDS Mina , PHILLIPS Ian R. , SHEPHARD Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2015

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activates the expression of a reporter gene attached to the phenobarbital-response element (PBRE) of the cytochrome P450 2B1 (CYP2B1) gene in response to the barbiturate phenobarbital and the plant product picrotoxin. The xenobiotic-mediated increase in transactivation occurs in transfected primary hepatocytes and in liver transfected by biolistic-particle-mediated DNA transfer, but not in the transformed cell lines HepG2, CV-1 and HeLa, which support only constitutive activation of gene expression by CAR. Steroid co-activator 1 (SRC-1) enhances both constitutive and xenobiotic-induced CAR-mediated transactivation via the CYP2B1 PBRE in transfected primary hepatocytes. The nuclear receptor 1 (NR1) site of the PBRE is sufficient for CAR-mediated transactivation, but additional sequences within the PBRE, and hence the proteins that bind to them, are required for the interaction of CAR with SRC-1. The NR2 site of the PBRE binds proteins other than CAR, including an unidentified nuclear receptor heterodimerized with retinoid X receptor α. By binding to the proximal promoter of CYP2B1, the transcription factor Sp1 increases both basal transcription and xenobiotic-induced expression via the PBRE. Thus induction of CYP2B1 expression by xenobiotics is mediated by the nuclear receptor CAR and, for optimal expression, requires SRC-1 and Sp1.
Nitric oxide and cGMP activate Ca2+-release processes in rat parotid acinar cells
Authors: LOOMS Dagnia K. , TRITSARIS Katerina , NAUNTOFTE Birgitte , DISSING Steen
Published: August 2015

We characterized the enzymic properties of ADP-ribosyl cyclase in rat parotid acinar cells by using a fluorescence technique. ADP-ribosyl cyclase is capable of synthesizing the Ca2+-mobilizing nucleotide cADP-ribose (cADPR) from NAD+ and has previously been shown to be regulated by cGMP via a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G kinase). We therefore investigated whether NO/cGMP-activated pathways are present in rat parotid acinar cells and whether NO/cGMP signalling exerts control over cellular Ca2+ signalling processes. Our results showed that stimulation of acinar cells with adrenaline, isoproterenol, substance P and NO resulted in a rise in the [cGMP]. In addition, NO induced a release of Ca2+ from intracellular ryanodine-sensitive stores via a cGMP/G-kinase-mediated process. Thus our data reveal that a rise in [cGMP], caused by either neurotransmitter or NO activation, activates a G kinase, which in turn controls Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive stores. Since parotid acinar cells possess ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, we propose a model in which cADPR is the link between NO/cGMP signalling pathways and release of Ca2+ from ryanodine-sensitive stores.
Enzymic characterization of epidermis-derived 12-lipoxygenase isoenzymes
Authors: SIEBERT Malte , KRIEG Peter , LEHMANN Wolf D. , MARKS Friedrich , FÜRSTENBERGER Gerhard
Published: August 2015

Substrate selectivity and other enzymic characteristics of two epidermis-derived lipoxygenases (LOXs), the epidermis-type (e) (12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX, were compared with those of the platelet-type (p) (12S)-LOX. In contrast with p(12S)-LOX, e(12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX exhibited no or very low reactivity towards the customary substrates linoleic acid and arachidonic acid but metabolized the corresponding fatty acid methyl esters, which, in contrast, were not accepted as substrates by p(12S)-LOX. Other esters of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, including propan-2-yl and cholesterol esters, 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, and ceramide 1 carrying an ω-linoleic acid ester, were not metabolized by these three LOX isoenzymes. Among various polyunsaturated fatty acids the isomeric eicosatrienoic acids were found to be oxygenated by e(12S)-LOX but not by (12R)-LOX. 4,7,10,13,16,19-Docosahexaenoic acid as a substrate was restricted to p(12S)-LOX. Variations in the pH and the Ca2+ content of the incubation medium affected the catalytic potential only slightly. Whereas (12R)-LOX activity increased in the presence of Ca2+ and with an acidic pH, Ca2+ had no effect on p(12S)-LOX and e(12S)-LOX; an acidic pH decreased the catalytic activity of the latter two. However, the catalytic activity of the epidermis-type isoenzymes, but not of p(12S)-LOX, was found to be markedly increased in the presence of DMSO. Under these conditions, e(12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX oxygenated 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid to 14-hydroxy-4,7,10,12,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid and 13-hydroxy-4,7,10,14,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid respectively. In addition, (9R)-hydroxyoctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid methyl ester was generated from linoleic acid methyl ester by (12R)-LOX. Independently of the substrate, the catalytic activity of e(12S)-LOX and (12R)-LOX was always at most 2% of that of p(12S)-LOX with arachidonic acid as substrate.
A new family of rhamnogalacturonan lyases contains an enzyme that binds to cellulose
Authors: MCKIE Vincent A. , VINCKEN Jean-Paul , VORAGEN Alphons G. J. , VAN DEN BROEK Lambertus A. M. , STIMSON Elaine , GILBERT Harry J.
Published: August 2015

Pseudomonas cellulosa is an aerobic bacterium that synthesizes an extensive array of modular cellulases and hemicellulases, which have a modular architecture consisting of catalytic domains and distinct non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). To investigate whether the main-chain-cleaving pectinases from this bacterium also have a modular structure, a library of P. cellulosa genomic DNA, constructed in λZAPII, was screened for pectinase-encoding sequences. A recombinant phage that attacked arabinan, galactan and rhamnogalacturonan was isolated. The encoded enzyme, designated Rgl11A, had a modular structure comprising an N-terminal domain that exhibited homology to Bacillus and Streptomyces proteins of unknown function, a middle domain that exhibited sequence identity to fibronectin-3 domains, and a C-terminal domain that was homologous to family 2a CBMs. Expression of the three modules of the Pseudomonas protein in Escherichia coli showed that its C-terminal module was a functional cellulose-binding domain, and the N-terminal module consisted of a catalytic domain that hydrolysed rhamnogalacturonan-containing substrates. The activity of Rgl11A against apple- and potato-derived rhamnogalacturonan substrates indicated that the enzyme had a strong preference for rhamnogalacturonans that contained galactose side chains, and which were not esterified. The enzyme had an absolute requirement for calcium, a high optimum pH, and catalysis was associated with an increase in absorbance at 235nm, indicating that glycosidic bond cleavage was mediated via a β-elimination mechanism. These data indicate that Rgl11A is a rhamnogalacturonan lyase and, together with the homologous Bacillus and Streptomyces proteins, comprise a new family of polysaccharide lyases. The presence of a family 2a CBM in Rgl11A, and in a P. cellulosa pectate lyase described in the accompanying paper [Brown, Mallen, Charnock, Davies and Black (2001) Biochem. J. 355, 155–165] suggests that the capacity to bind cellulose plays an important role in the activity of main-chain-cleaving Pseudomonas pectinases, in addition to cellulases and hemicellulases.
Sphingosylphosphocholine is a naturally occurring lipid mediator in blood plasma: a possible role in regulating cardiac function via sphingolipid receptors
Authors: LILIOM Károly , SUN Guoping , BÜNEMANN Moritz , VIRÁG Tamás , NUSSER Nóra , BAKER Daniel L. , WANG De-an , FABIAN Matthew J. , BRANDTS Bodo , BENDER Kirsten , EICKEL Andreas , MALIK Kafait U. , MILLER Duane D. , DESIDERIO Dominic M. , TIGYI Gábor , POTT Lutz
Published: August 2015

Blood plasma and serum contain factors that activate inwardly rectifying GIRK1/GIRK4 K+ channels in atrial myocytes via one or more non-atropine-sensitive receptors coupled to pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-proteins. This channel is also the target of muscarinic M2 receptors activated by the physiological release of acetylcholine from parasympathetic nerve endings. By using a combination of HPLC and TLC techniques with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight MS, we purified and identified sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) and sphingosylphosphocholine (SPC) as the plasma and serum factors responsible for activating the inwardly rectifying K+ channel (IK). With the use of MS the concentration of SPC was estimated at 50nM in plasma and 130nM in serum; those concentrations exceeded the 1.5nM EC50 measured in guinea-pig atrial myocytes. With the use of reverse-transcriptase-mediated PCR and/or Western blot analysis, we detected Edg1, Edg3, Edg5 and Edg8 as well as OGR1 sphingolipid receptor transcripts and/or proteins. In perfused guinea-pig hearts, SPC exerted a negative chronotropic effect with a threshold concentration of 1µM. SPC was completely removed after perfusion through the coronary circulation at a concentration of 10µM. On the basis of their constitutive presence in plasma, the expression of specific receptors, and a mechanism of ligand inactivation, we propose that SPP and SPC might have a physiologically relevant role in the regulation of the heart.
Recombinant soluble betaglycan is a potent and isoform-selective transforming growth factor-β neutralizing agent
Authors: VILCHIS-LANDEROS M. Magdalena , MONTIEL José L. , MENDOZA Valentín , MENDOZA-HERNÁNDEZ Guillermo , LÓPEZ-CASILLAS Fernando
Published: August 2015

Betaglycan is an accessory receptor of members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which regulates their actions through ligand-dependent interactions with type II receptors. A natural soluble form of betaglycan is found in serum and extracellular matrices. Soluble betaglycan, prepared as a recombinant protein using the baculoviral expression system, inhibits the actions of TGF-β. Because of its potential use as an anti-TGF-β therapeutic agent, we have purified and characterized baculoviral recombinant soluble betaglycan. Baculoviral soluble betaglycan is a homodimer formed by two 110kDa monomers associated by non-covalent interactions. This protein is devoid of glycosaminoglycan chains, although it contains the serine residues, which, in vertebrate cells, are modified by these carbohydrates. On the other hand, mannose-rich carbohydrates account for approximately 20kDa of the mass of the monomer. End-terminal sequence analysis of the soluble betaglycan showed that Gly24 is the first residue of the mature protein. Similarly to the natural soluble betaglycan, baculoviral soluble betaglycan has an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 3.5nM for TGF-β1. Ligand competition assays indicate that the relative affinities of recombinant soluble betaglycan for the TGF-β isoforms are TGF-β2>TGF-β3>TGF-β1. The anti-TGF-β potency of recombinant soluble betaglycan invitro is 10-fold higher for TGF-β2 than for TGF-β1. Compared with a commercial pan-specific anti-TGF-β neutralizing antibody, recombinant soluble betaglycan is more potent against TGF-β2 and similar against TGF-β1. These results indicate that baculoviral soluble betaglycan has the biochemical and functional properties that would make it a suitable agent for the treatment of the diseases in which excess TGF-β plays a central physiopathological role.
Structural and functional similarities between the central eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4A-binding domain of mammalian eIF4G and the eIF4A-binding domain of yeast eIF4G
Authors: DOMINGUEZ Diana , KISLIG Elisabeth , ALTMANN Michael , TRACHSEL Hans
Published: August 2015

The translation eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4G of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae interacts with the RNA helicase eIF4A (a member of the DEAD-box protein family; where DEAD corresponds to Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) through a C-terminal domain in eIF4G (amino acids 542–883). Mammalian eIF4G has two interaction domains for eIF4A, a central domain and a domain close to the C-terminus. This raises the question of whether eIF4A binding to eIF4G is conserved between yeast and mammalian cells or whether it is different. We isolated eIF4G1 mutants defective in eIF4A binding and showed that these mutants are strongly impaired in translation and growth. Extracts from mutants displaying a temperature-sensitive phenotype for growth have low in vitro translation activity, which can be restored by addition of the purified eIF4G1–eIF4E complex, but not by eIF4E alone. Analysis of mutant eIF4G542–883 proteins defective in eIF4A binding shows that the interaction of yeast eIF4A with eIF4G1 depends on amino acid motifs that are conserved between the yeast eIF4A-binding site and the central eIF4A-binding domain of mammalian eIF4G. We show that mammalian eIF4A binds tightly to yeast eIF4G1 and, furthermore, that mutant yeast eIF4G542–883 proteins, which do not bind yeast eIF4A, do not interact with mammalian eIF4A. Despite the conservation of the eIF4A-binding site in eIF4G and the strong sequence conservation between yeast and mammalian eIF4A (66% identity; 82% similarity at the amino acid level) mammalian eIF4A does not substitute for the yeast factor in vivo and is not functional in a yeast in vitro translation system.
(S)-Preferential detoxification of 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal enantiomers by hepatic glutathione S-transferase isoforms in guinea-pigs and rats
Authors: HIRATSUKA Akira , TOBITA Kouichi , SAITO Hiroshi , SAKAMOTO Yasuhiro , NAKANO Hiroaki , OGURA Kenichiro , NISHIYAMA Takahito , WATABE Tadashi
Published: August 2015

In guinea-pig liver cytosol, racemic 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE), a reactive and highly toxic product released from biomembranes by lipid peroxidation, was detoxified (S)-preferentially by GSH conjugation mediated by glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and (R)-preferentially by NAD+-dependent oxidation mediated by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). The GST-mediated detoxification of the HNE enantiomers proceeded at much higher rates than that mediated by ALDH in guinea-pig liver cytosol. All the major guinea-pig GSTs, A1-1, M1-1, M1-2 and M1-3*, isolated from guinea-pig liver cytosol also catalysed the (S)-preferential conjugation of the HNE enantiomers. The liver and other major tissues of guinea-pigs had no immunologically detectable level of a putative GSTA4-4 orthologue, which exists as a minor GST protein in rat, mouse and human livers and exhibits extremely high catalytic activity towards HNE. All the hepatic rat GSTs, A1-1(2), A1-3, A4-4, M1-1, M1-2 and M2-2, also catalysed the (S)-preferential conjugation of HNE enantiomers.
Transgenic mice with inactive alleles for procollagen N-proteinase (ADAMTS-2) develop fragile skin and male sterility
Authors: LI Shi-Wu , ARITA Machiko , FERTALA Andrzej , BAO Yunhua , KOPEN Gene C. , LÅNGSJÖ Teemu K. , HYTTINEN Mika M. , HELMINEN Heikki J. , PROCKOP Darwin J.
Published: August 2015

Transgenic mice were prepared with inactive alleles for procollagen N-proteinase (ADAMTS-2; where ADAMTS stands for adisintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin repeats). Homozygous mice were grossly normal at birth, but after 1-2 months they developed thin skin that tore after gentle handling. Although the gene was inactivated, a large fraction of the N-propeptides of type I procollagen in skin and the N-propeptides of type II procollagen in cartilage were cleaved. Therefore the results suggested the tissues contained one or more additional enzymes that slowly process the proteins. Electron microscopy did not reveal any defects in the morphology of collagen fibrils in newborn mice. However, in two-month-old mice, the collagen fibrils in skin were seen as bizarre curls in cross-section and the mean diameters of the fibrils were approx. half of the controls. Although a portion of the N-propeptides of type II procollagen in cartilage were not cleaved, no defects in the morphology of the fibrils were seen by electron microscopy or by polarized-light microscopy. Female homozygous mice were fertile, but male mice were sterile with a marked decrease in testicular sperm. Therefore the results indicated that ADAMTS-2 plays an essential role in the maturation of spermatogonia.
Thioacylation is required for targeting G-protein subunit Go1α to detergent-insoluble caveolin-containing membrane domains
Authors: GUZZI Francesca , ZANCHETTA Deborah , CHINI Bice , PARENTI Marco
Published: August 2015

α-Subunits of heterotrimeric Gi-like proteins (αi, αo and αz) associate with the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane by means of N-terminally linked myristic acid and palmitic acid. An additional role for palmitate has been recently suggested by the observation that fusion with the palmitoylated N-terminus of αi1 relocalizes cytosolic green-fluorescent-protein reporter to low buoyancy, Triton-insoluble membrane domains (TIFF; Triton-insoluble floating fraction), enriched with caveolin-1 [Galbiati, Volonté, Meani, Milligan, Lublin, Lisanti and Parenti (1999) J. Biol. Chem 274, 5843-5850]. Here we show that, upon transient expression in transfected COS-7 cells, myristoylated and palmitoylated αo (αowt, where wt is wild-type) is exclusively found in TIFF, from where non-palmitoylated αowt and αoC3S (Cys3 → Ser) mutant are excluded. Moreover, αo fused to N-terminally truncated human vasopressin V2 receptor (V2TR-αo), lacking myristate and palmitate, still localizes at the plasma membrane by means of first transmembrane helix of V2R, but is excluded from TIFF. Likewise, αoC3S does not partition into TIFF, even when its membrane avidity is enhanced by co-expression of βγ-subunits. Thus membrane association, in the absence of added palmitate, is not sufficient to confer partitioning of αo within TIFF, suggesting that palmitoylation is a signal for membrane compartmentalization of dually acylated α-subunits
Cloning and rational mutagenesis of kexstatin I, a potent proteinaceous inhibitor of Kex2 proteinase
Authors: ODA Kohei , OYAMA Hiroshi , ITO Satoshi , FUKIHARU Momoko , MIYAGAWA Yu , TAKAHASHI Saori , HIROSE Mika , KIKUCHI Norihisa , NAKAYAMA Toru , SHIBANO Yuji
Published: August 2015

Kexstatin I is a potent proteinaceous inhibitor of Kex2 proteinase (EC 3.4.21.61). In the present study we show the molecular cloning, primary structure determination and expression of the gene encoding kexstatin I. We also demonstrate its enhanced activity and specificity for Kex2 proteinase inhibition by rational mutagenesis. The cloned kexstatin I gene encoded a protein of 145 amino acid residues, including the 35-residue signal sequence for secretion. The amino acid sequence showed 52% identity with those of the Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitors (SSIs). Thus kexstatin I is the first SSI-family member that can inhibit Kex2 proteinase. The reactive site of the inhibitor was determined to be -Thr69-Lys70↓Glu71-, where ↓ indicates the reactive site. Because Kex2 proteinase generally shows the highest affinity for substrates with basic amino acid residues at the P1 and P2 sites, conversion of the Thr69-Lys70 segment of the inhibitor into dibasic motifs was expected to result in enhanced inhibitory activities. Thus we constructed kexstatin I mutants, in which the Thr69-Lys70 sequence was replaced by the Thr69-Arg70, Lys69-Lys70 and Lys69-Arg70 sequences using PCR-based mutagenesis, and analysed them kinetically. Among these mutants, the Lys69-Arg70 mutant was the most potent inhibitor. The Ki for Kex2 proteinase was 3.2×10-10 M, which was 140-fold lower than that of the inhibitor with the Thr69-Lys70 sequence. Although kexstatin I could also inhibit subtilisin, the enhancement of inhibitory activity upon such mutations was specific for Kex2 proteinase inhibition.
Up-regulation of steroid sulphatase activity in HL60 promyelocytic cells by retinoids and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: HUGHES Philip J. , TWIST Lucy E. , DURHAM Jennifer , CHOUDHRY M. Ansar , DRAYSON Mark , CHANDRARATNA Roshantha , MICHELL Robert H. , KIRK Christopher J. , BROWN Geoffrey
Published: August 2015

HL60 promyeloid cells express both classes of oestrogen receptor (ERα and ERβ). We show that hydrolysis of oestrone sulphate by steroid sulphatase is a major source of oestrone in HL60 cells, and that most of the released oestrone is not metabolized further to 17β-oestradiol. Treatment of HL60 cells with retinoids or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 increased steroid sulphatase mRNA and activity in parallel with the induction of CD11b, an early marker of myeloid differentiation that is expressed before the differentiating cells stop proliferating. Use of agonists and antagonists against retinoid receptor-α and retinoid receptor-X revealed that both classes of retinoid receptor can drive steroid sulphatase up-regulation. Steroid sulphatase activity fluctuates during the cell cycle, being highest around the transition from G1 to S phase. During the differentiation of HL60 cells induced by all-trans-retinoic acid or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, there is increased conversion of 17β-oestradiol into oestrone by an oxidative 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Treatment of Caco-2 colon adenocarcinoma cells with all-trans-retinoic acid or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 also increases 17β-oestradiol oxidation to oestrone. An increase in local oestrone production therefore occurs in multiple cell types following treatment with retinoids and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The possible involvement of locally produced oestrogenic steroids in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells is discussed.
Influence of phenylalanine-481 substitutions on the catalytic activity of cytochrome P450 2D6
Authors: HAYHURST Graham P. , HARLOW Jacky , CHOWDRY Joey , GROSS Esme , HILTON Emma , LENNARD Martin S. , TUCKER Geoffrey T. , ELLIS S. Wynne
Published: August 2015

Homology models of the active site of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) have identified phenylalanine 481 (Phe481) as a putative ligand-binding residue, its aromatic side chain being potentially capable of participating in π-π interactions with the benzene ring of ligands. We have tested this hypothesis by replacing Phe481 with tyrosine (Phe481 → Tyr), a conservative substitution, and with leucine (Phe481 → Leu) or glycine (Phe481 → Gly), two non-aromatic residues, and have compared the properties of the wild-type and mutant enzymes in microsomes prepared from yeast cells expressing the appropriate cDNA-derived protein. The Phe481 → Tyr substitution did not alter the kinetics [Km (µM) and Vmax (pmol/min per pmol) respectively] of oxidation of S-metoprolol (27; 4.60), debrisoquine (46; 2.46) or dextromethorphan (2; 8.43) relative to the respective wild-type values [S-metoprolol (26; 3.48), debrisoquine (51; 3.20) and dextromethorphan (2; 8.16)]. The binding capacities [Ks (µM)] of a range of CYP2D6 ligands to the Phe481 → Tyr enzyme (S-metoprolol, 22.8; debrisoquine, 12.5; dextromethorphan, 2.3; quinidine, 0.13) were also similar to those for the wild-type enzyme (S-metoprolol, 10.9; debrisoquine, 8.9; dextromethorphan, 3.1; quinidine, 0.10). In contrast, the Phe481 → Leu and Phe481 → Gly substitutions increased significantly (3-16-fold) the Km values of oxidation of the three substrates [S-metoprolol (120-124µM), debrisoquine (152-184µM) and dextromethorphan (20-31µM)]. Similarly, the Ks values of the ligands to Phe481 → Leu and Phe481 → Gly mutants were also increased 3 to 10-fold (S-metoprolol, 33.2-41.9µM; debrisoquine, 85-90µM; dextromethorphan, 15.7-18.8µM; quinidine 0.35-0.53µM). However, contrary to a recent proposal that Phe481 has the dominant role in the binding of substrates that undergo CYP2D6-mediated N-dealkylation routes of metabolism, the Phe481 → Gly substitution did not substantially decrease the capacity of the enzyme to N-deisopropylate metoprolol (wild-type, 1.12pmol/min per pmol of P450; Phe481 → Gly, 0.71), whereas an Asp301 → Gly substitution decreased the N-dealkylation reaction by 95% of the wild-type rate. Overall, our results are consistent with the proposal that Phe481 is a ligand-binding residue in the active site of CYP2D6 and that the residue interacts with ligands via a π-π interaction between its phenyl ring and the aromatic moiety of the ligand. However, the relative importance of Phe481 in binding is ligand-dependent; furthermore, its importance is secondary to that of Asp301. Finally, contrary to predictions of a recent homology model, Phe481 does not seem to have a primary role in CYP2D6-mediated N-dealkylation.
p38 mitogen-activated kinase is a bidirectional regulator of human fibroblast collagenase-1 induction by three-dimensional collagen lattices
Authors: XU Jiahua , CLARK Richard A. , PARKS William C.
Published: August 2015

When fibroblasts are cultured in contracting collagen matrices, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1, collagenase-1) is induced. In the present study we demonstrate that p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK) plays a bi-directional role in the MMP-1 response to contracting floating collagen lattices (fl-coll). fl-coll, but not attached collagen lattices (att-coll), co-ordinately increased expression of MMP-1 and activities of p38α and MKK3/6 (MAPK kinase 3/6). However, treatment of primary fibroblasts cultured in fl-coll with increasing doses of SB203580, an inhibitor of p38α and p38β, caused a bipolar pattern of MMP-1 expression. Partial inhibition of p38 MAPK activity resulted in the lowest level of MMP-1 expression, whereas total inhibition of p38 activity led to MMP-1 levels as high as in the absence of inhibitor. The activation/inhibition of p38α was apparently responsible for the observed phenomena, as supported by three lines of evidence. (1) p38α was the predominant isoform sensitive to SB203580 in primary fibroblasts. (2) Fibroblasts transfected with increasing dose of a dominant negative p38α (p38DN) similarly demonstrated the bipolar pattern of MMP-1 expression induced by fl-coll. (3) The bipolar MMP-1 expression occurred during the gradual, linear inhibition of p38α kinase activity by both inhibitors, SB203580 and p38DN. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a previously identified positive regulator of MMP-1 expression induced by fl-coll [Xu, Zutter, Santoro and Clark (1998) J. Cell Biol. 140, 709-719] was mediated by fl-coll-activated p38α. However, the fl-coll-induced expression of MMP-1 facilitated by p38α suppression was maintained independent of NF-κB activity, suggesting the existence of a p38α-dependent antagonistic pathway. We conclude that fl-coll-induced MMP-1 expression is the net outcome of opposing effects mediated by p38α. Therefore, the level of p38α kinase activity may provide a fine-tuned control of MMP-1 gene expression in response to biomechanical signals.
Influence of metallothionein-1 localization on its function
Authors: LEVADOUX-MARTIN Marilyne , HESKETH John E. , BEATTIE John H. , WALLACE Heather M.
Published: August 2015

Metallothioneins (MTs) have a major role to play in metal metabolism, and may also protect DNA against oxidative damage. MT protein has been found localized in the nucleus during S-phase. The mRNA encoding the MT-1 isoform has a perinuclear localization, and is associated with the cytoskeleton; this targeting, due to signals within the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR), facilitates nuclear localization of MT-1 during S-phase [Levadoux, Mahon, Beattie, Wallace and Hesketh (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 34961-34966]. Using cells transfected with MT gene constructs differing in their 3′-UTRs, the role of MT protein in the nucleus has been studied. Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with either the full MT gene (MTMT cells) or with the MT 5′-UTR and coding region linked to the 3′-UTR of glutathione peroxidase (MTGSH cells). Cell survival following exposure to oxidative stress and chemical agents was higher in cells expressing the native MT gene than in cells where MT localization was disrupted, or in untransfected cells. Also, MTMT cells showed less DNA damage than MTGSH cells in response to either hydrogen peroxide or mutagen. After exposure to UV light or mutagen, MTMT cells showed less apoptosis than MTGSH cells, as assessed by DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry. The data indicate that the perinuclear localization of MT mRNA is important for the function of MT in a protective role against DNA damage and apoptosis induced by external stress.
Differential involvement of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors α and δ in fibrate and fatty-acid-mediated inductions of the gene encoding liver fatty-acid-binding protein in the liver and the small intestine
Authors: POIRIER Hélène , NIOT Isabelle , MONNOT Marie-Claude , BRAISSANT Olivier , MEUNIER-DURMORT Claire , COSTET Philippe , PINEAU Thierry , WAHLI Walter , WILLSON Timothy M. , BESNARD Philippe
Published: August 2015

Liver fatty-acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is a cytoplasmic polypeptide that binds with strong affinity especially to long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). It is highly expressed in both the liver and small intestine, where it is thought to have an essential role in the control of the cellular fatty acid (FA) flux. Because expression of the gene encoding L-FABP is increased by both fibrate hypolipidaemic drugs and LCFAs, it seems to be under the control of transcription factors, termed peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), activated by fibrate or FAs. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which these regulations take place remain to be fully substantiated. Using transfection assays, we found that the different PPAR subtypes (α, γ and δ) are able to mediate the up-regulation by FAs of the gene encoding L-FABP in vitro. Through analysis of LCFA- and fibrate-mediated effects on L-FABP mRNA levels in wild-type and PPARα-null mice, we have found that PPARα in the intestine does not constitute a dominant regulator of L-FABP gene expression, in contrast with what is known in the liver. Only the PPARδ/α agonist GW2433 is able to up-regulate the gene encoding L-FABP in the intestine of PPARα-null mice. These findings demonstrate that PPARδ can act as a fibrate/FA-activated receptor in tissues in which it is highly expressed and that L-FABP is a PPARδ target gene in the small intestine. We propose that PPARδ contributes to metabolic adaptation of the small intestine to changes in the lipid content of the diet.
Transcriptional and translational mechanisms of cytochrome b5 reductase isoenzyme generation in humans
Authors: LEROUX Alena , VIEIRA Luisa MOTA , KAHN Axel
Published: August 2015

Cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R) is an essential enzyme that exists in soluble and membrane-bound isoforms, each with specific functions. In the rat, the two forms are generated from alternative transcripts differing in the first exons. In contrast, the biogenesis of b5R isoforms in the human is not yet well understood. In the present study we have detected three novel alternative exons, designated 1S, S′ and 1B, located between the first alternative exon 1M and the common second exon in the human b5R gene. Accordingly, multiple M-type, S-type and SS′-type and B-type transcripts are generated. All types of human b5R transcript are expressed ubiquitously. An analysis of in vitro translation products demonstrated an alternative use of different AUG initiators resulting in the production of various human b5R protein isoforms. Our results indicate that the organization of the 5′ region of the b5R gene is not conserved between rodents and humans. Insertion of Alu elements into the human b5R gene, in particular just upstream of the S/S′ region, could be responsible for dynamic events of gene rearrangement during evolution.
Differential effects of mitomycin C and doxorubicin on P-glycoprotein expression
Authors: MAITRA Rangan , HALPIN Patricia A. , KARLSON Katherine H. , PAGE Rodney L. , PAIK Daniel Y. , LEAVITT Matthew O. , MOYER Bryan D. , STANTON Bruce A. , HAMILTON Joshua W.
Published: August 2015

Previous studies have demonstrated that mitomycin C (MMC) and other DNA cross-linking agents can suppress MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene expression and subsequent functional P-glycoprotein (Pgp) expression, whereas doxorubicin and other anthracyclines increase MDR1 gene expression. In the present study, with stably transfected Madin–Darby canine kidney C7 epithelial cells expressing a human Pgp tagged with green fluorescent protein under the proximal human MDR1 gene promoter, we demonstrated that MMC and doxorubicin have differential effects on Pgp expression and function. Doxorubicin caused a progressive increase in the cell-surface expression of Pgp and function. In contrast, MMC initially increased plasma membrane expression and function at a time when total cellular Pgp was constant and Pgp mRNA expression had been shown to be suppressed. This was followed by a rapid and sustained decrease in cell-surface expression at later times, presumably as a consequence of the initial decrease in mRNA expression. These studies imply that there are at least two independent chemosensitive steps that can alter Pgp biogenesis: one at the level of mRNA transcription and the other at the level of Pgp trafficking. Understanding the combined consequences of these two mechanisms might lead to novel chemotherapeutic approaches to overcoming drug resistance in human cancers by altering either Pgp mRNA expression or trafficking to the membrane.
Transport of lactate and pyruvate in the intraerythrocytic malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: ELLIOTT Jemma L. , SALIBA Kevin J. , KIRK Kiaran
Published: August 2015

The mature, intraerythrocytic form of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is reliant on glycolysis for its energetic requirements. It produces large quantities of lactic acid, which have to be removed from the parasite's cytosol to maintain the cell's integrity and metabolic viability. Here we show that the monocarboxylates lactate and pyruvate are both transported across the parasite's plasma membrane via a H+/monocarboxylate symport process that is saturable and inhibited by the bioflavonoid phloretin. The results provide direct evidence for the presence at the parasite surface of a H+-coupled monocarboxylate transporter with features in common with members of the MCT (monocarboxylate transporter) family of higher eukaryotes.
Engineering of a glycosidase Family 7 cellobiohydrolase to more alkaline pH optimum: the pH behaviour of Trichoderma reesei Cel7A and its E223S/ A224H/L225V/T226A/D262G mutant
Authors: BECKER Dieter , BRAET Christophe , BRUMER Harry , CLAEYSSENS Marc , DIVNE Christina , FAGERSTRÖM B. Richard , HARRIS Mark , JONES T. Alwyn , KLEYWEGT Gerard J. , KOIVULA Anu , MAHDI Sabah , PIENS Kathleen , SINNOTT Michael L. , STÅHLBERG Jerry , TEERI Tuula T. , UNDERWOOD Melanie , WOHLFAHRT Gerd
Published: August 2015

The crystal structures of Family 7 glycohydrolases suggest that a histidine residue near the acid/base catalyst could account for the higher pH optimum of the Humicola insolens endoglucanase Cel7B, than the corresponding Trichoderma reesei enzymes. Modelling studies indicated that introduction of histidine at the homologous position in T. reesei Cel7A (Ala224) required additional changes to accommodate the bulkier histidine side chain. X-ray crystallography of the catalytic domain of the E223S/A224H/L225V/T226A/D262G mutant reveals that major differences from the wild-type are confined to the mutations themselves. The introduced histidine residue is in plane with its counterpart in H. insolens Cel7B, but is 1.0 Å (= 0.1nm) closer to the acid/base Glu217 residue, with a 3.1 Å contact between N∊2 and O∊1. The pH variation of kcat/Km for 3,4-dinitrophenyl lactoside hydrolysis was accurately bell-shaped for both wild-type and mutant, with pK1 shifting from 2.22±0.03 in the wild-type to 3.19±0.03 in the mutant, and pK2 shifting from 5.99±0.02 to 6.78±0.02. With this poor substrate, the ionizations probably represent those of the free enzyme. The relative kcat for 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl lactoside showed similar behaviour. The shift in the mutant pH optimum was associated with lower kcat/Km values for both lactosides and cellobiosides, and a marginally lower stability. However, kcat values for cellobiosides are higher for the mutant. This we attribute to reduced non-productive binding in the +1 and +2 subsites; inhibition by cellobiose is certainly relieved in the mutant. The weaker binding of cellobiose is due to the loss of two water-mediated hydrogen bonds.
Subcellular distribution of chelatable iron: a laser scanning microscopic study in isolated hepatocytes and liver endothelial cells
Authors: PETRAT Frank , de GROOT Herbert , RAUEN Ursula
Published: August 2015

The pool of cellular chelatable iron (‘free iron’, ‘low-molecular-weight iron’, the ‘labile iron pool’) is usually considered to reside mainly within the cytosol. For the present study we adapted our previously established Phen Green method, based on quantitative laser scanning microscopy, to examine the subcellular distribution of chelatable iron in single intact cells for the first time. These measurements, performed in isolated rat hepatocytes and rat liver endothelial cells, showed considerable concentrations of chelatable iron, not only in the cytosol but also in several other subcellular compartments. In isolated rat hepatocytes we determined a chelatable iron concentration of 5.8±2.6μM within the cytosol and of at least 4.8μM in mitochondria. The hepatocellular nucleus contained chelatable iron at the surprisingly high concentration of 6.6±2.9μM. In rat liver endothelial cells, the concentration of chelatable iron within all these compartments was even higher (cytosol, 7.3±2.6μM; nucleus, 11.8±3.9μM; mitochondria, 9.2±2.7μM); in addition, chelatable iron (approx. 16±4μM) was detected in a small subpopulation of the endosomal/lysosomal apparatus. Hence there is an uneven distribution of subcellular chelatable iron, a fact that is important to consider for (patho)physiological processes and that also has implications for the use of iron chelators to inhibit oxidative stress.
Role of glycine-534 and glycine-1179 of human multidrug resistance protein (MDR1) in drug-mediated control of ATP hydrolysis
Authors: SZAKÁCS Gergely , ÖZVEGY Csilla , BAKOS Éva , SARKADI Balázs , VÁRADI András
Published: August 2015

The human multidrug resistance protein (MDR1) (P-glycoprotein), a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family, causes multidrug resistance by an active transport mechanism, which keeps the intracellular level of hydrophobic compounds below a cell-killing threshold. Human MDR1 variants with mutations affecting a conserved glycine residue within the ABC signature of either or both ABC units (G534D, G534V, G1179D and G534D/G1179D) were expressed and characterized in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cell membranes. These mutations caused a loss of measurable ATPase activity but still allowed ATP binding and the formation of a transition-state intermediate (nucleotide trapping). In contrast with the wild-type protein, in which substrate drugs accelerate nucleotide trapping, in the ABC signature mutants nucleotide trapping was inhibited by MDR1-substrate drugs, suggesting a miscommunication between the drug-binding site(s) and the catalytic domains. Equivalent mutations of the two catalytic sites resulted in a similar effect, indicating the functional equivalence of the two sites. On the basis of these results and recent structural information on an ABC–ABC dimer [Hopfner, Karcher, Shin, Craig, Arthur, Carney and Tainer (2000) Cell 101, 789–800], we propose a key role of these glycine residues in the interdomain communication regulating drug-induced ATP hydrolysis.
Induction of gene expression via activator protein-1 in the ascorbate protection against UV-induced damage
Authors: CATANI M. Valeria , ROSSI Antonello , COSTANZO Antonio , SABATINI Stefania , LEVRERO Massimo , MELINO Gerry , AVIGLIANO Luciana
Published: August 2015

UV irradiation is a major insult to the skin. We have shown previously that exogenous vitamin C (ascorbate) accumulates in HaCaT keratinocytes, thus conferring the ability to prevent radical formation and cell death elicited by UV-B. Here, we have investigated the potential mechanisms accounting for the cytoprotective effects exerted by this antioxidant. Using a cDNA microarray hybridization, we identified several genes whose expression was up-regulated by ascorbate. We focused on the fra-1 gene, a member of the Fos family of transcription factors that down-regulates activator protein-1 (AP-1) target genes. Both in HaCaT and in normal human epidermal keratinocytes, we found Fra-1 mRNA induction as early as 2h after ascorbate loading. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assay and antibody supershift analysis revealed that ascorbate modulates AP-1 DNA-binding activity and that Fra-1 is in AP-1 complexes in treated cells. Furthermore, transient-transfection studies, using an AP-1 reporter construct, showed that ascorbate was able to inhibit both basal and UV-B-induced AP-1-dependent transcription. Ascorbate also modulates UV-B-induced AP-1 activity by preventing the phosphorylation and activation of the upstream c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), thus inhibiting phosphorylation of the endogenous c-Jun protein. These data suggest that ascorbate mediates cellular responses aimed at counteracting UV-mediated cell damage and cell death by interfering at multiple levels with the activity of the JNK/AP-1 pathway and modulating the expression of AP-1-regulated genes.
Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase by 6-nitrocatecholamines, putative reaction products of nitric oxide with catecholamines under oxidative stress conditions
Authors: PALUMBO Anna , ASTARITA Giuseppe , d'ISCHIA Marco
Published: August 2015

6-Nitrodopamine and 6-nitronoradrenaline (6-nitronorepinephrine), putative products of the nitric oxide (NO)-dependent nitration of dopamine and noradrenaline, are reported to be reversible, competitive inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with Ki values of 45 and 52μM respectively. The nitrocatecholamines inhibited H2O2 production in the absence of l-arginine and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) (the IC50 values for 6-nitrodopamine and 6-nitronoradrenaline were 85 and 55μM respectively) but without affecting cytochrome c reduction. The apparent Ki values for nitrocatecholamine inhibition of enzyme activation by BH4 were 18μM for 6-nitrodopamine and 40μM for 6-nitronoradrenaline. Both nitrocatecholamines antagonized the dimerization of nNOS induced by BH4 and by l-arginine, the effect being reversed by BH4 (more than 10μM) and l-arginine (e.g. 100μM). Overall, these results suggest that nitrocatecholamines interfere with nNOS activity by binding to the enzyme in the proximity of the substrate and BH4-binding sites near the haem group.
Single-cell imaging of graded Ins(1,4,5)P3 production following G-protein-coupled-receptor activation
Authors: NASH Mark S. , YOUNG Kenneth W. , WILLARS Gary B. , CHALLISS R. A. John , NAHORSKI Stefan R.
Published: August 2015

The pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase Cδ1 (PHPLCδ) binds Ins(1,4,5)P3 and PtdIns(4,5)P2 specifically, and can be used to detect changes in Ins(1,4,5)P3 in single cells. A fusion construct of PHPLCδ and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP–PHPLCδ) associates with the plasma membrane due to its association with PtdIns(4,5)P2. However, PHPLCδ has greater affinity for Ins(1,4,5)P3 than PtdIns(4,5)P2, and translocates to the cytosol as Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels rise. Prolonged activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor 1α expressed in Chinese-hamster ovary cells or endogenous M3 muscarinic receptors in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells gave an initial transient peak in translocation, followed by a sustained plateau phase. This closely followed changes in cell population Ins(1,4,5)P3 mass, but not PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels, which decreased monophasically, as determined by radioreceptor assay. Translocation thus provides a real-time method to follow increases in Ins(1,4,5)P3. Graded changes in Ins(1,4,5)P3 in Chinese-hamster ovary-lac-mGlu1α cells could be detected with increasing glutamate concentrations, and dual loading with fura 2 and EGFP–PHPLCδ showed that changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration closely paralleled Ins(1,4,5)P3 production. Moreover, Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization within single cells is graded in nature and dependent on both agonist concentration and receptor density.