bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional regulatory elements in the upstream and intron of the fibroin gene bind three specific factors POU-M1, Bm Fkh and FMBP-1
Authors: TAKIYA Shigeharu , KOKUBO Hiroki , SUZUKI Yoshiaki
Published: August 2015

The transcriptional modulator in the fibroin gene intron is composed of multiple octamer-like AT-rich elements, to which several specific DNA-binding proteins named fibroin-modulator-binding proteins (FMBPs) bind. Three major FMBPs in the silk gland were characterized. Two of them (FMBP-2 and -3) were identified as a Fork head homologue (Bm Fkh) and a POU-domain protein (POU-M1) respectively. These factors were expressed in the silk gland with distinct temporal- and spatial-specificities during late larval development as well as during embryogenesis, and did not correlate directly with fibroin gene expression. The other (FMBP-1) appeared to correlate with the expression of the fibroin gene for temporal- and spatial-specificity. These FMBPs also bind to the elements in the upstream modulator. Transcriptional enhancement by both modulators was inhibited by binding competition for these factors with oligonucleotides. These results suggest that expression of the fibroin gene is controlled by co-ordination of these factors with distinct specificities during silk-gland development.
One-electron oxidation pathway of peroxynitrite decomposition in human blood plasma: evidence for the formation of protein tryptophan-centred radicals
Authors: PIETRAFORTE Donatella , MINETTI Maurizio
Published: August 2015

Exposure of human blood plasma to peroxynitrite in the presence of 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzenesulphonic acid (DBNBS) resulted in the trapping of a strongly immobilized nitroxide radical adduct. The adduct was due to protein-centred radicals derived not only from serum albumin but also from other major plasma proteins (fibrinogen, IgG, α1-antitrypsin and transferrin). Urate significantly protected plasma from the peroxynitrite-induced DBNBSŐplasma protein adduct, whereas ascorbate and glutathione were protective at concentrations exceeding those usually found in plasma. Alkylation of plasma ŐSH groups did not affect the intensity of DBNBSŐplasma protein adduct, whereas bicarbonate increased its formation, thus showing a pro-oxidant effect. The DBNBSŐplasma protein adduct provided little structural information, but subsequent non-specific-protease treatment resulted in the detection of an isotropic three-line spectrum, indicating the trapping of radicals centred on a tertiary carbon. The nitrogen hyperfine coupling constant of this adduct and its superhyperfine structure were similar to those of DBNBSŐtryptophan peptides with the α-amino group of tryptophan linked in the amide bond, consistent with a radical adduct formed at C-3 of the indole ring of tryptophan-containing peptides. DBNBS was unable to trap radicals derived from peroxynitrite-treated tyrosine or tyrosine-containing peptides. Methionine treated with peroxynitrite resulted in the trapping of at least two DBNBSŐmethionine adducts with hyperfine structures different from that of protease-treated DBNBSŐplasma proteins. These results demonstrate that peroxynitrite induced in blood plasma the formation of protein radicals centred on tryptophan residues and underline the relevance of the one-electron oxidation pathway of peroxynitrite decomposition in biological fluids.
Regulatory mechanisms that modulate signalling by G-protein-coupled receptors
Authors: BÖHM Stephan K. , GRADY Eileen F. , BUNNETT Nigel W.
Published: August 2015

The large and functionally diverse group of G-protein-coupled receptors includes receptors for many different signalling molecules, including peptide and non-peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, chemokines, prostanoids and proteinases. Their principal function is to transmit information about the extracellular environment to the interior of the cell by interacting with the heterotrimeric G-proteins, and they thereby participate in many aspects of regulation. Cellular responses to agonists of these receptors are usually rapidly attenuated. Mechanisms of signal attenuation include removal of agonists from the extracellular fluid, receptor desensitization, endocytosis and down-regulation. Agonists are removed by dilution, uptake by transporters and enzymic degradation. Receptor desensitization is mediated by receptor phosphorylation by G-protein receptor kinases and second-messenger kinases, interaction of phosphorylated receptors with arrestins and receptor uncoupling from G-proteins. Agonist-induced receptor endocytosis also contributes to desensitization by depleting the cell surface of high-affinity receptors, and recycling of internalized receptors contributes to resensitization of cellular responses. Receptor down-regulation is a form of desensitization that occurs during continuous, long-term exposure of cells to receptor agonists. Down-regulation, which may occur during the development of drug tolerance, is characterized by depletion of the cellular receptor content, and is probably mediated by alterations in the rates of receptor degradation and synthesis. These regulatory mechanisms are important, as they govern the ability of cells to respond to agonists. A greater understanding of the mechanisms that modulate signalling may lead to the development of new therapies and may help to explain the mechanism of drug tolerance.
Dominant negative mutant of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit GluR3: implications for the role of a cysteine residue for its channel activity and pharmacological properties
Authors: WATASE Kei , SEKIGUCHI Masayuki , MATSUI Taka-Aki , TAGAWA Yuko , WADA Keiji
Published: August 2015

We reported that a 33-amino-acid deletion (from tyrosine-715 to glycine-747) in a putative extracellular loop of GluR3 produced a mutant that exhibited dominant negative effects upon the functional expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors [Sekiguchi et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 14559–14565]. In this study, we searched for a key residue in the dominant negative effects to explore the mechanism and examined the role of the residue in the function of the AMPA receptor. We prepared 20 GluR3 mutants with amino acid substitutions within the 33-amino-acid-region, and dominant negative effects were tested electrophysiologically in Xenopus oocytes co-expressing the mutant and normal subunits. Among the mutants, only a GluR3 mutant in which an original cysteine (Cys)-722 was replaced by alanine exhibited a dominant negative effect comparable with that of the original mutant in which the entire 33-amino-acid segment is deleted. The co-expression of the Cys-722 mutant did not inhibit the translation of normal subunits in oocytes. The Cys-722 mutant formed a functional homomeric receptor with significantly higher affinity for glutamate or kainate than a homomeric GluR3 receptor. The Cys-722 mutation greatly enhanced the sensitivity of GluR3 for aniracetam, which alters kinetic properties of AMPA receptors. The kainate-induced currents in oocytes expressing the Cys-722 mutant alone showed strong inward rectification. These results suggest that the Cys-722 in GluR3 is important for dominant negative effects and plays a crucial role in the determination of pharmacological properties in AMPA receptor function.
Activation of phospholipase D by growth factors and oncogenes in murine fibroblasts follow alternative but cross-talking pathways
Authors: PESO Luis del , LUCAS Luisa , ESTEVE Pilar , LACAL Juan Carlos
Published: August 2015

Phospholipase D (PLD) is activated by a variety of stimuli, including mitogenic stimulation by growth factors and oncogene transformation. Activation of PLD by growth factors requires protein kinase C (PKC) since depletion of the enzyme by down-regulation or direct inhibition by specific drugs completely abrogates this effect. Transformation by the rasand srconcogenes is also associated with an increase in basal PLD activity. However, this effect is not dependent on PKC, suggesting that growth factors and oncogenes may activate PLD by two independent mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that activation of PLD by phorbol esters is greatly enhanced in ras-transformed cells, suggesting synergistic activation of PLD by ras oncogenes and PKC. Also, ras-transformed cells showed a dramatic attenuation of the PLD activation induced by growth factors, although receptor function was still detectable. This attenuation paralleled the specific uncoupling of the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) pathway, indicating that activation of PLD by growth factors may be mediated by PI-PLC and PKC activation. Attenuation of PLD activation by platelet-derived growth factor was also observed in several oncogene-transformed cells, as well as the uncoupling of the PI-PLC pathway. Neither the co-operation with PKC activation nor the attenuation of the PLD response to growth factors in ras-transformed cells was a general consequence of cell transformation, since cells transformed by other oncogenes showed a normal response to either treatment. These results support the existence of at least two alternative signalling routes for the activation of PLD, one mediated by the PI-PLC/diacylglycerol/PKC pathway and a second one mediated by several oncogenes, independent of the PKC pathway, which synergizes with the PI-PLC/PKC-dependent pathway.
Chemistry of collagen cross-linking: biochemical changes in collagen during the partial mineralization of turkey leg tendon
Authors: KNOTT Lynda , TARLTON John F. , BAILEY Allen J.
Published: August 2015

With age, the proximal sections of turkey leg tendons become calcified, and this phenomenon has led to their use as a model for collagen mineralization. Mineralizing turkey leg tendon was used in this study to characterize further the composition and cross-linking of collagen in calcified tissues. The cross-link profiles of mineralizing collagen are significantly different from those of other collagenous matrices with characteristically low amounts of hydroxylysyl-pyridinoline and the presence of lysyl-pyridinoline and pyrrolic cross-links. However, the presence of the immature cross-link precursors previously reported in calcifying tissues was not supported in the present study, and was found to be due to the decalcification procedure using EDTA. Analysis of tendons from young birds demonstrated differences in the cross-link profile which indicated a higher level of hydroxylation of specific triple-helical lysines involved in cross-linking of the proximal tendon. This may be related to later calcification, suggesting that this part of the tendon is predestined to be calcified. The minimal changes in lysyl hydroxylation in both regions of the tendon with age were in contrast with the large changes in the cross-link profile, indicating differential hydroxylation of the helical and telopeptide lysine residues. Changes with age in the collagen matrix, its turnover and thermal properties in both the proximal and distal sections of the tendon clearly demonstrate that a new and modified matrix is formed throughout the tendon, and that a different type of matrix is formed at each site.
Structural analysis of natriuretic peptide receptor-C by truncation and site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: ITAKURA Makoto , SUZUKI Hiroyuki , HIROSE Shigehisa
Published: August 2015

Natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C) has a unique structure consisting of pre-existing covalent homodimers, but it is not known whether each subunit has ligand-binding activity or whether the dimeric structure is necessary for binding activity. To answer this question, a number of C-terminally truncated mutants were designed, subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3 and expressed by transient transfection in COS-1 cells. Truncation at position 461, which eliminates the residue Cys469 that is involved in disulphide-linked dimerization, produced a soluble and monomeric form of NPR-C, as determined by gel filtration on Superose 12. Binding assays of the gel-filtration fractions clearly demonstrated that even monomeric NPR-C contains a high-affinity binding site for natriuretic peptides. Site-directed mutagenesis of the invariant residues (Asp407-Arg408 and Asp411-Phe412) in a region highly conserved among various species established that these invariant residues are essential for ligand-binding activity.
Degradation of decorin by matrix metalloproteinases: identification of the cleavage sites, kinetic analyses and transforming growth factor-β1 release
Authors: IMAI Kazushi , HIRAMATSU Ari , FUKUSHIMA Daikichi , PIERSCHBACHER Michael D. , OKADA Yasunori
Published: August 2015

Decorin (DCN) is a ubiquitous proteoglycan comprised of a core protein attached to a single dermatan/chondroitin sulphate glycosaminoglycan chain. It may play a role in regulation of collagen fibrillogenesis and function as a reservoir of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) in the extracellular milieu. We have examined the susceptibility of DCN to five different matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs): MMP-1 (tissue collagenase), MMP-2 (gelatinase A), MMP-3 (stromelysin 1), MMP-7 (matrilysin) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B). MMP-2 and MMP-3 digest DCN into seven major fragments in a similar pattern. The N-terminal sequence of the two fragments generated by MMP-2 and MMP-3 is Leu211-Lys-Gly-Leu-Asn, but that of the others is Asp1-Glu-Ala-Ser-Gly. MMP-7 cleaves DCN into three major fragments which have the N-termini Asp1-Glu-Ala-Ser-Gly, Glu2-Ala-Ser-Gly-Ile and Leu244-His-Leu-Asp-Asn. Activities of MMP-1 and MMP-9 against DCN are negligible. The values of Km for the MMPs capable of degrading DCN are very similar (10–12 μM), but the kcat/Km value for MMP-7 (30.5 μM-1·h-1) is 4.5-fold higher than those for MMP-2 and MMP-3. Incubation of a DCN–TGF-β1 complex with MMP-2, -3 or -7 results in release of TGF-β1 from the complex. These data indicate proteolytic degradation of DCN by MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-7, and suggest the possibility that, under pathophysiological conditions, the digestion by the MMPs may induce tissue reactions mediated by TGF-β1 released from DCN in the connective tissues.
An enhancer with cell-type dependent activity is located between the myeloid and epithelial aminopeptidase N (CD 13) promoters
Authors: OLSEN Jørgen , KOKHOLM Klaus , TROELSEN Jesper T. , LAUSTSEN Liselotte
Published: August 2015

The 5´ flanking region of the gene encoding the small intestinal brush-border peptidase aminopeptidase N (APN) was screened for the presence of enhancer regions. A 300 bp region with enhancer activity was identified 2.7 kb upstream of the transcriptional start site which is used in epithelial cells. The enhancer stimulated transcription from a heterologous promoter (the simian virus 40 early promoter) in a position- and orientation-independent manner. The activity of the enhancer is cell-type dependent and it is active in liver (HepG2), intestinal (Caco-2) and myeloid (K562) cells. As the epithelial APN promoter is active in the first two cell-types and the myeloid APN promoter in the last, the results may suggest that the enhancer, through a cooperation with either of the promoters, is important for the tissue-specific expression of APN. A detailed analysis of the enhancer led to the identification of four functionally important regions that are protected against DNase I digestion by Caco-2 nuclear extract. Sequence analysis suggests that two of the regions may interact with members of the Ets transcription factor family (Ets is a transformation-specific protein first discovered in the E26 avian erythroblastosis virus), one region with a CCAAT enhancer-binding protein and one region with Sp1, a transcriptional activator first described as a factor binding to the simian virus 40 early promoter.
Signal transduction through epidermal growth factor receptor is altered in HeLa monolayer cells during mitosis
Authors: KLEIN Susanne , KASZKIN Marietta , BARTH Holger , KINZEL Volker
Published: August 2015

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced signalling was studied separately in the mitosis and G2-phases of HeLa monolayer cells presynchronized (1) by amethopterin inhibition and thymidine release or (2) by nocodazole. For comparison, cells were treated with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In contrast with the observed responses effected by PMA, which seem to be independent of cell cycle and synchronization conditions, those induced by EGF are greatly influenced by both criteria. Synchronization with nocodazole abolished the EGF-induced stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in G2 as well as in mitotic cells although tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF receptor and phospholipase Cγ1 could be shown to occur, especially in G2 cells. Synchronization with amethopterin/thymidine showed that, in contrast with G2 cells, mitotic cells were not able to react to EGF with an increase in phosphoinositide hydrolysis although a certain degree of EGF receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ1 could still be shown to occur in mitosis. The results seem to indicate that the EGF pathway leading to a stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis is attenuated at different levels and requires a cytoskeletal condition that is not present either after treatment (24 h) with nocodazole or during normal mitosis of a monolayer cell.
Cloning, sequencing and characterization of the 5′-flanking region of the human collagenase-3 gene
Authors: TARDIF Ginette , PELLETIER Jean-Pierre , DUPUIS Martine , HAMBOR John E. , MARTEL-PELLETIER Johanne
Published: August 2015

Collagenase-3 (matrix metalloprotease-13) is a recently discovered human collagenase produced in normal articular cartilage chondrocytes and thought to be involved in the pathological process of osteoarthritis. We have sequenced and characterized 1.6 kb of the human collagenase-3 gene 5´-flanking region. The transcription start site was located 22 bp upstream from the ATG start codon. Sequence analysis of the 5´-flanking region revealed the presence of the consensus recognition sites for the TATA and CCAAT DNA-binding proteins, activator protein-1 and E26 transformation specific/polyoma virus enhancer, as well as three core motifs of hormone response elements. Transient transfection assays demonstrated that a small fragment of 133 bp, containing the activator protein-1 and E26 transformation specific/polyoma virus enhancer sites promoted transcription in normal and osteoarthritic human chondrocytes with significantly higher activity than the original 1.6 kb fragment. Nucleotide sequence comparison of the promoter region of human collagenase-3 revealed a stronger similarity to the mouse collagenase-1 promoter than to the human collagenase-1 promoter.
Inhibition of rabbit muscle aldolase by phosphorylated aromatic compounds
Authors: BLONSKI Casimir , MOISSAC Danielle DE , PÉRIÉ Jacques , SYGUSCH Jurgen
Published: August 2015

The interactions of the phosphorylated derivatives of hydroquinone (HQN-P2), resorcinol (RSN-P2), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (HBA-P) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHBA-P; phosphate group at position 4) with fructose bisphosphate aldolase were analysed by enzyme kinetics, UV/visible difference spectroscopy and site-directed mutagenesis. Enzyme activity was competitively inhibited in the presence of HQN-P2, RSN-P2 and HBA-P, whereas DHBA-P exhibited slow-binding inhibition. Inhibition by DHBA-P involved active-site Schiff-base formation and required a phenol group ortho to the aldehyde moiety. Rates of enzyme inactivation and of Schiff-base formation by DHBA-P were identical, and corresponded to 3.2-3.5 DHBA-P molecules covalently bound per aldolase tetramer at maximal inactivation. Site-directed mutagenesis of the active-site lysine residues at positions 107, 146 and 229 was found to be consistent with Schiff-base formation between DHBA-P and Lys-146, and this was promoted by Lys-229. Mutation of Glu-187, located vicinally between Lys-146 and Lys-229 in the active site, perturbed the rate of Schiff-base formation, suggesting a functional role for Glu-187 in Schiff-base formation and stabilization. The decreased cleavage activity of the active-site mutants towards fructose 1,6-bisphosphate is consistent with a proton-transfer mechanism involving Lys-229, Glu-187 and Lys-146.
Down-regulation of β3-adrenergic receptor expression in rat adipose tissue during the fasted/fed transition: evidence for a role of insulin
Authors: HADRI Khadija El , CHARON Christine , PAIRAULT Jacques , MOUZON Sylvie HAUGUEL-DE , QUIGNARD-BOULANGÉ Annie , FÈVE Bruno
Published: August 2015

The β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) exerts a central role in the transduction of catecholamine effects in white and brown adipose tissue (WAT and BAT). A recent report has documented that insulin strongly down-regulates β3-AR expression and catecholamine responsiveness in 3T3-F442A adipocytes [Fève, El Hadri, Quignard-Boulangé and Pairault (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91, 5677–5681]. In the present report we show that the rise in plasma insulin levels elicited by the fasted/fed transition is associated with a reduction in β3-AR mRNA levels and β-adrenergic responsiveness in WAT and BAT. β3-AR transcripts are also decreased in adipose tissue from animals subjected for 6 h to euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamps. Moreover, insulin acts directly on cultured rat white and brown adipocytes to decrease β3-AR gene expression and adenylate cyclase activity in response to β3-AR-selective agonists. These results suggest that there is a close relationship between food intake, plasma insulin levels and β3-AR expression.
Activation of cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase by nitroprusside limits cAMP accumulation in human platelets: effects on platelet aggregation
Authors: DICKINSON Natalie T. , JANG Elliott K. , HASLAM Richard J.
Published: August 2015

cGMP enhances cAMP accumulation in platelets via cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase (PDE3) [Maurice and Haslam (1990) Mol. Pharmacol. 37, 671–681]. However, cGMP might also limit cAMP accumulation by activating cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase (PDE2). We therefore evaluated the role of PDE2 in human platelets by using erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA) to inhibit this enzyme selectively. IC50 values for the inhibition of platelet PDE2 by EHNA, with 10 μM cAMP as substrate in the absence and in the presence of 1 μM cGMP, were 15 and 3 μM respectively. Changes in platelet cyclic [3H]nucleotides were measured after prelabelling with [3H]adenine and [3H]guanine. Nitroprusside (NP) caused concentration-dependent increases in [3H]cGMP and a biphasic increase in [3H]cAMP, which was maximal at 10 μM (49±6%) and smaller at 100 μM (32±6%) (means±S.E.). In the presence of EHNA (20 μM), which had no effects alone, NP caused much larger increases in platelet [3H]cAMP (125±14% at 100 μM). EHNA also enhanced [3H]cGMP accumulation at high NP concentrations. In accord with these results, EHNA markedly potentiated the inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation by NP. The roles of cAMP and cGMP in this effect were investigated by using 2´,5´-dideoxyadenosine to inhibit adenylate cyclase. This compound decreased the accumulation of [3H]cAMP but not that of [3H]cGMP, and diminished the inhibition of platelet aggregation by NP with EHNA. We conclude that much of the effect of NP with EHNA is mediated by cAMP. Lixazinone (1 μM), a selective inhibitor of PDE3, increased platelet [3H]cAMP by 177±15%. This increase in [3H]cAMP was markedly inhibited by NP; EHNA blocked this effect of NP. Parallel studies showed that NP suppressed the inhibition of platelet aggregation by lixazinone. EHNA enhanced the large increases in [3H]cAMP seen with 20 nM prostacyclin (PGI2), but had no effect with 1 nM PGI2. NP and 1 nM PGI2 acted synergistically to increase [3H]cAMP, an effect attributable to the inhibition of PDE3 by cGMP; EHNA greatly potentiated this synergism. In contrast, NP decreased the [3H]cAMP accumulation seen with 20 nM PGI2, an effect that was blocked by EHNA. The results show that, provided that cGMP is present, PDE2 plays a major role in the hydrolysis of low cAMP concentrations and restricts any increases in cAMP concentration and decreases in platelet aggregation caused by the inhibition of PDE3. At high cAMP, PDE2 plays the major role in cAMP breakdown, whether cGMP is present or not.
Identification and distribution of proteins in isolated endosomal fractions of rat liver: involvement in endocytosis, recycling and transcytosis
Authors: POL Albert , ORTEGA David , ENRICH Carlos
Published: August 2015

1. The polypeptides of the three endosomal fractions isolated from livers of oestradiol-treated rats were analysed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Silver-stained gels revealed that although the three endosomal fractions shared a generally similar pattern of approx. 120 components, qualitative and quantitative differences between the three endocytic fractions could be demonstrated.

2. The ‘early’ endosomes [compartment of uncoupling of receptors and ligands (CURL)] comprised the most complex fraction and contained most of the polypeptides found in the ‘late’ endosomes [multivesicular bodies (MVBs)] and the receptor recycling compartment (RRC). When CURL was analysed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis after partition with Triton X-114, it showed the largest number of integral membrane polypeptides.

3. Some of the major receptors (polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, transferrin receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor, asialoglycoprotein receptor, β1-integrin, mannose 6-phosphate receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor and AGp110) and internalized ligands (IgA, IgG, albumin, haptoglobin, transferrin and α2-macroglobulin) were further studied by Western blotting.

4. The distribution of the identified receptors and ligands among the three endosomal fractions was in agreement with their expected functionalities.

5. The polypeptide composition of the bile was also examined and compared with ligands and proteins identified in the different endocytic fractions.

6. Finally, an electron microscopy study confirms the distinctive physical and ultrastructural features of the three isolated endosomal fractions.
Stimulation of mucin exocytosis from human epithelial cells by nitric oxide: evidence for a cGMP-dependent and a cGMP-independent pathway
Authors: BRANKA Jean-Eric , VALLETTE Geneviève , JARRY Anne , LABOISSE Christian L.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this work was to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) on the macromolecular exocytotic function of human epithelial cells. We tested the effects of two NO-generating drugs, i.e. 1-hexanamine 6-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrosohydrazine)-N-methyl (MAHMA NONOate) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on mucin exocytosis from the human colonic epithelial HT29-Cl.16E cell line. Our results show that MAHMA NONOate and SNP elicited a rapid mucin exocytotic response through a cGMP-dependent and a cGMP-independent pathway respectively. Indeed, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ), a newly available specific inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, inhibited both cGMP accumulation and subsequent mucin exocytosis evoked by MAHMA NONOate. By contrast, SNP did not alter intracellular cGMP levels, and SNP-mediated mucin exocytosis was not inhibited by ODQ. As expected from two NO donors acting through distinct pathways, the combined action of MAHMA NONOate and SNP led to an additive effect on mucin exocytosis. SNP was likely to act through S-nitrosylation of a cellular target, because cysteine, a reductive thiol that provides decoy targets for SNP through the formation of nitrosocysteine, abolished the early stimulatory effect of SNP on mucin exocytosis. Finally, the fact that in the presence of cysteine SNP was able to trigger a late, ODQ-inhibitable, mucin exocytotic response demonstrates the ability of NO to shift its intracellular signalling pathway depending on the changes of the redox state of the milieu.
The ATP synthase γ subunit provides the primary site of activation of the chloroplast enzyme: experiments with a chloroplast-like Synechocystis 6803 mutant
Authors: KRENN Bea E. , STROTMANN Heinrich , WALRAVEN Hendrika S. VAN , SCHOLTS Marijke J. C. , KRAAYENHOF Ruud
Published: August 2015

The activation characteristics of the F1Fo-ATP synthase (where F1 and Fo are the hydrophilic and membrane-bound parts respectively of the enzyme) from Synechocystis 6803 wild-type and a Synechocystis 6803 mutant with a chloroplast-like insertion in the γ subunit have been studied. Activation of the ATP synthase in wild-type and mutant membrane vesicles was performed by acid–base transition-induced generation of a proton motive force (ΔH+). Since the mutant containing the regulatory segment of the chloroplast γ subunit showed thiol-modulation (typical of the chloroplast enzyme), this segment is indeed involved in the regulation of enzyme activation. It is shown that the ATP synthase from Synechocystis 6803 wild type corresponds functionally to the reduced form of the chloroplast ATP synthase, in view of the low ΔH+ required for activation of the enzyme and the high stability of the active state. Both the cyanobacterial wild-type and mutant ATP synthases can be activated by methanol, which apparently does not require the presence of the γ subunit regulatory segment.
Assignment of a single disulphide bridge in human α2-antiplasmin: implications for the structural and functional properties
Authors: CHRISTENSEN Søren , VALNICKOVA Zuzana , THØGERSEN Ida B. , OLSEN Eva H. N. , ENGHILD Jan J.
Published: August 2015

Human α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) is a serpin involved in the regulation of blood coagulation. Most serpins, unlike smaller serine proteinase inhibitors, do not contain disulphide bridges. α2AP is an exception from this generalization and has previously been shown to contain four Cys residues organized into two disulphide bridges [Lijnen, Holmes, van Hoef, Wiman, Rodriguez and Collen (1987) Eur. J. Biochem. 166, 565–574]. However, we found that α2AP incorporates iodo[14C]acetic acid, suggesting that the protein contains reactive thiol groups. This observation prompted a re-examination of the state of the thiol groups, which revealed (i) a disulphide bridge between Cys43 and Cys116, (ii) that Cys76 is bound to a cysteinyl-glycine dipeptide, and (iii) and Cys125 exists as either a free thiol or in a mixed disulphide with another Cys residue. The disulphide identified between Cys43 and Cys116 appears to be conserved in orthologous proteins since the homologous Cys residues form disulphide bonds in bovine and possibly mouse α2AP. The conservation of this disulphide bridge suggests that it is important for functional aspects of α2AP. However, the structural and functional analysis described in this study does not support this conclusion.
Biochemistry and pathology of radical-mediated protein oxidation
Authors: DEAN Roger T. , FU Shanlin , STOCKER Roland , DAVIES Michael J.
Published: August 2015

Radical-mediated damage to proteins may be initiated by electron leakage, metal-ion-dependent reactions and autoxidation of lipids and sugars. The consequent protein oxidation is O2-dependent, and involves several propagating radicals, notably alkoxyl radicals. Its products include several categories of reactive species, and a range of stable products whose chemistry is currently being elucidated. Among the reactive products, protein hydroperoxides can generate further radical fluxes on reaction with transition-metal ions; protein-bound reductants (notably dopa) can reduce transition-metal ions and thereby facilitate their reaction with hydroperoxides; and aldehydes may participate in Schiff-base formation and other reactions. Cells can detoxify some of the reactive species, e.g. by reducing protein hydroperoxides to unreactive hydroxides. Oxidized proteins are often functionally inactive and their unfolding is associated with enhanced susceptibility to proteinases. Thus cells can generally remove oxidized proteins by proteolysis. However, certain oxidized proteins are poorly handled by cells, and together with possible alterations in the rate of production of oxidized proteins, this may contribute to the observed accumulation and damaging actions of oxidized proteins during aging and in pathologies such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Protein oxidation may also sometimes play controlling roles in cellular remodelling and cell growth. Proteins are also key targets in defensive cytolysis and in inflammatory self-damage. The possibility of selective protection against protein oxidation (antioxidation) is raised.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms can regulate cell-specific expression of the human Pi-class glutathione S-transferase gene
Authors: MOFFAT Graeme J. , McLAREN Aileen W. , WOLF C. Roland
Published: August 2015

Previous studies from this laboratory have identified transcriptional mechanisms that are utilized to increase expression of the human glutathione S-transferase gene GSTP1 in a multidrug-resistant derivative (VCREMS) of the human mammary carcinoma cell line MCF7 [Moffat, McLaren and Wolf (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 16397–16402]. The data presented here provide strong evidence that post-transcriptional mechanisms can also play an important role in determining cell-specific expression of the GSTP1 gene. GSTP1 mRNA levels were shown to be elevated 3.1-fold in the human bladder carcinoma cell line EJ compared with VCREMS cells. Despite this observation, transient transfection assays revealed a decreased rate of GSTP1 promoter activity in EJ cells. Indeed, GSTP1 transcriptional repressor activity, mediated by a region located between nucleotides -105 and -86 (as we have previously described in MCF7 cells), was observed in EJ cells. However, in contrast with our results in MCF7 cells, the EJ repressor activity did not displace the essential nuclear complex bound to the C1 promoter element (-73 to -54) in vitro. In addition, competition experiments indicated that an AP-1-like protein is an integral component of the C1-bound complex in EJ cells. Interestingly, experiments utilizing actinomycin D to inhibit transcription demonstrated significantly greater stability of GSTP1 mRNA in EJ cells than in VCREMS cells. These findings suggest that cell-specific differences in the rates of GSTP1 mRNA decay provide the predominant mechanism responsible for elevated expression of the GSTP1 gene in EJ cells.
Two distinct uptake mechanisms for ascorbate and dehydroascorbate in human lymphoblasts and their interaction with glucose
Authors: NGKEEKWONG Fook C. , NG Leong L.
Published: August 2015

In diabetes, a major cause of mortality is from cardiovascular causes, and low levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C have been associated with such complications. Leucocyte ascorbic acid status can reflect total body stores but the mechanisms that mediate the uptake of ascorbic acid (AA) or dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) in human lymphoid cells are undefined. We have investigated the uptake of AA and DHA with mass assays in human lymphoblasts by using HPLC, with precautions to prevent the oxidation of AA and to take into account the instability of DHA in buffers. Human lymphoblasts exhibit distinct uptake mechanisms for both AA and DHA, with Vmax values of 1.35±0.14 and 29.0±5.8 nmol/h per 106 cells and Km values of 23.5±6 and 104±84 μM respectively. The AA uptake was Na+-dependent and inhibitable with ouabain, whereas DHA uptake was independent of Na+ and ouabain-insensitive. Both uptake mechanisms were inhibited by phloretin or cytochalasin B. AA uptake was decreased significantly (by 13±2%) only at extracellular glucose concentrations of 20 mM (P < 0.05). In contrast, glucose competitively inhibited DHA uptake with a Ki of 2.2 mM so that DHA uptake was decreased by glucose even in the physiological range. Phorbol esters stimulated AA but not DHA uptake; this was abolished in the presence of extracellular reductant, indicating that AA was converted to DHA before uptake occurred. Prolonged increased glucose levels (20 mM) led to a decrease in the Vmax of DHA uptake. At concentrations of plasma AA or DHA, the AA uptake mechanism might be nearly half-saturated but the DHA mechanism has enormous spare capacity. This allows for cellular uptake and regeneration of AA from DHA derived from oxidative stress. In diabetes, high glucose levels might impair DHA uptake acutely by competitive inhibition or by down-regulation of uptake with chronic glucose exposure, leading to an impaired ability to store and recycle oxidized AA.
NF-κB-dependent expression of nitric oxide synthase is required for membrane fusion of chick embryonic myoblasts
Authors: LEE Kun Ho , KIM Dae Gun , SHIN Nah Young , SONG Woo Keun , KWON Hyockman , CHUNG Chin Ha , KANG Man-Sik
Published: August 2015

The activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has recently been shown to increase transiently but dramatically in chick embryonic myoblasts that are competent for fusion and that NO acts as a messenger for the cell fusion. Here we show that the rise in NOS activity is tightly correlated with an increase in NOS protein level, and its synthesis is under transcriptional control. In addition, a partial cDNA sequence of NOS obtained by reverse transcription PCR on total RNA from chick myoblasts was found to be identical with that of the inducible type of NOS (iNOS) from chick macrophage. Thus chick myoblast NOS must belong to the family of iNOS. Consistently, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a potent inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), prevented the expression of myoblast NOS. Furthermore the antioxidant also strongly inhibited cell fusion, and its inhibitory effect was reversed by treatment with sodium nitroprusside, an NO-generating agent. In addition, nuclear extracts obtained from myoblasts that were competent for fusion, but not those from proliferating cells or from fully differentiated myotubes, were capable of binding to the consensus NF-κB site in the promoter region of the gene encoding iNOS. These results suggest that NF-κB-dependent expression of NOS is an important step in membrane fusion of chick embryonic myoblasts.
Expression of the surface antigen 4F2hc affects system-L-like neutral-amino-acid-transport activity in mammalian cells
Authors: BRÖER Stefan , BRÖER Angelika , HAMPRECHT Bernd
Published: August 2015

Mammalian cells possess a variety of amino acid-transport systems with overlapping substrate specificity. System L is one of the major amino acid-transport systems of non-epithelial cells. By expression cloning we have recently demonstrated that the surface antigen 4F2hc (CD98) is a necessary component for expression of system-L-like amino acid-transport activity in C6-BU-1 rat glioma cells [Bröer, Bröer and Hamprecht (1995) Biochem. J. 312, 863–870]. 4F2hc mRNA was detected in CHO cells, COS cells, activated lymphocytes isolated from mouse spleen and primary cultures of astrocytes. In all these cell types, Na+-independent isoleucine transport was mediated by system L. No contribution of system y+L to isoleucine or arginine transport was detected in C6-BU-1 cells. In lymphocytes, both system-L-like amino acid-transport activity and 4F2hc mRNA levels increased after treatment with phorbol ester plus ionomycin. Antisense oligonucleotides caused modest inhibition of Na+-independent isoleucine transport in C6-BU-1 cells and primary cultures of astroglial cells, whereas arginine transport was unaffected. Overexpression of 4F2hc cDNA in CHO cells resulted in an increase in Na+-independent isoleucine transport.
Phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, releases intracellular Ca2+, potentiates Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated Ca2+ release and directly activates ion channels in mouse pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: MOGAMI Hideo , Chris LLOYD MILLS , GALLACHER David V.
Published: August 2015

It is recognized in many cellular systems that the receptor/G-protein activation of phospholipase C and Ins(1,4,5)P3 production is the transduction pathway regulating the release of Ca2+ from internal stores. Ca2+ signals can now be monitored at the level of single cells but the biochemical detection of Ins(1,4,5)P3 cannot match this resolution. It is often difficult or impossible to directly attribute responses evoked in single cells by putative phospholipase C-coupled agonists to changes in Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels. U73122 is an aminosteroid that is reported to act as a specific inhibitor of phospholipase C and it has become an important tool in establishing the link between phospholipase C activation and cellular Ca2+ signalling. In the present study we use both patch-clamp electrophysiology and the imaging of fluorescent Ca2+ indicators to investigate the effect of U73122 in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. The study reveals that U73122 has effects other than the inhibition of phospholipase C. U73122 can directly activate ion channels. It can itself promote the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in permeabilized cells and in intact cells it triggers a release of Ca2+ that is initiated specifically at the secretory pole of these morphologically and functionally polarized cells. We also present evidence that U73122 can potentiate the response to Ins(1,4,5)P3; this is seen both in permeabilized cells and in patch-clamp protocols in which cells are internally dialysed with submaximal concentrations of Ins(1,4,5)P3. The effects of U73122 are therefore multiple and not specific for the inhibition of phospholipase C. Importantly, all the effects described influence Ca2+ signalling yet in many experimental protocols some of these effects can go unnoticed and might in error be attributed simply to the inhibition of Ins(1,4,5)P3 production.
Genetic information ‘created’ by archaebacterial DNA polymerase
Authors: OGATA Norio , MIURA Takanori
Published: August 2015

DNA polymerase catalyses replication of cellular DNA. The reaction requires a primer–template complex, and a new DNA chain grows from the 3′ end of the primer along the template; no genetic information is created in this reaction. We demonstrate that DNA polymerase from Thermococcus litoralis, a hyperthermophilic marine Archaea, can synthesize up to 50000 bp of linear double-stranded DNA in the complete absence of a primer–template complex, indicating that genetic information is ‘created.’ The possibility of DNA contamination in the reaction mixture, which may serve as a primer and/or template, was vigorously excluded; for example, pretreatment of DNA polymerase with DNase I or extensive chromatographic purification of the substrate, deoxyribonucleoside 5′-triphosphates, did not abolish the primer–template-independent DNA synthesis. The DNA synthesized was (CTAGATAT)n, (TAGATATCTATC)n or a related sequence. Similar repetitive sequences are found in centromeric satellite DNA of many organisms. The significance of this ab initioDNA synthesis is that genetic information can flow from protein to DNA.
Selective binding of N-acetylglucosamine to the chicken hepatic lectin
Authors: BURROWS Louise , IOBST Susanne T. , DRICKAMER Kurt
Published: August 2015

Among Ca2+-dependent (C-type) animal lectins, the chicken hepatic lectin (CHL) is unique in displaying almost complete selectivity for N-acetylglucosamine over other monosaccharide ligands. The crystal structures of the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) from serum mannose-binding protein (MBP) and of a complex between the CRD from liver MBP and the methyl glycoside of N-acetylglucosamine were used to model the binding site in CHL. Substitution of portions of CHL into the MBP framework did not substantially increase selectivity. A bacterial expression system for the CRD of CHL was developed so that specific residues predicted to be near the 2-acetamido substituent of N-acetylglucosamine could be altered by site-directed mutagenesis. The results indicate that the ligand is bound to CHL in the same orientation as it binds to liver MBP. A tyrosine and a valine residue that probably contact the the N-acetyl group have been identified. These results, together with studies of ligand-binding selectivity, suggest that these residues form part of a binding pocket for the N-acetyl group, which confers selective binding of N-acetylglucosamine.
Structure, organization and expression of the mouse ornithine decarboxylase antizyme gene
Authors: KANKARE Katja , UUSI-OUKARI Mikko , JÄNNE Olli A.
Published: August 2015

Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme is a protein that participates in the regulation of cellular polyamine levels. In this study we have isolated and sequenced the mouse gene encoding antizyme protein. Transfection of various cell lines with a 5.5 kb genomic fragment containing the antizyme locus resulted in the production of a 29 kDa antizyme protein, confirming that this locus contained a functional gene. Comparison of the mouse gene with the corresponding rat gene [Miyazaki, Matsufuji and Hayashi, (1992) Gene 113, 191–197] revealed an identical exon/intron organization and high level of nucleotide sequence conservation that was 89% for the entire transcription unit. Protein-coding regions of the two genes exhibited 97% nucleotide sequence identity and there were only four amino acid differences between the 227-residue antizyme protein sequences of the mouse and rat. The promoter of the antizyme gene was functional in mouse (N2A and NIH/3T3) and hamster (CHO) cell lines. The presence of 0.1 mM spermidine in culture medium increased the amount of immunoreactive antizyme protein in cells transfected with the antizyme gene or antizyme cDNA, possibly owing to facilitated frameshifting in the translation of antizyme mRNA. Recombinant antizyme protein was also produced in Escherichia coli and used to raise specific polyclonal antibodies in rabbits and to devise immunological methods for the measurement of antizyme concentration.
A surface-plasmon-resonance analysis of polylysine interactions with a peptide substrate of protein kinase CK2 and with the enzyme
Authors: BENÍTEZ María J. , MIER Gerardo , BRIONES Fernando , MORENO Francisco J. , JIMÉNEZ Juan S.
Published: August 2015

The mechanism of protein kinase CK2 (CK2) activity stimulation by polylysine has been studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The kinetics of the polylysine interaction with a peptide substrate of the enzyme, and with the enzyme itself, have been investigated. A peptide containing a threonine (T) residue surrounded by a cluster of negatively charged acidic [arginine (R) and glutamic acid (E)] residues, RRREEETEEE, and specifically phosphorylated by CK2, was selected. Polylysine interacts with both the enzyme and the peptide substrate. The rate constant, the stoichiometry of the polylysine–peptide substrate interaction and the kinetic parameters of the stimulated enzyme were used to calculate the polylysine-dependent stimulation of CK2. The results are in agreement with experimentally determined polylysine-dependent stimulation. The polylysine–enzyme interaction is too slow to account for enzyme stimulation. The behaviour of polylysine is not reproduced by the polyamine spermine. The results are consistent with a substrate-mediated mechanism of CK2 stimulation by polylysine, and they suggest that the CK2 stimulation by polyamines occurs by a different mechanism.