Subcellular localization and release of human neutrophil gelatinase, confirming the existence of separate gelatinase-containing granules. An e.l.i.s.a. was developed using specific polyclonal rabbit antibodies against human neutrophil gelatinase. This assay, in contrast to the functional assay, is independent of activation of gelatinase, and is specific for the detection of gelatinase in both its reduced and unreduced forms. Using this assay, we were able to demonstrate a difference between the subcellular localization of gelatinase on the one hand, and the subcellular localization of vitamin B-12-binding protein, lactoferrin and cytochrome b558 on the other hand. The latter three co-localized in fractions of slightly higher density than gelatinase on a two-layer Percoll density gradient. Furthermore, the release of gelatinase exceeded the release of vitamin B-12-binding protein as well as lactoferrin by a factor of 3-6 following stimulation with formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, leukotriene B4 and other soluble stimuli. Thus, although gelatinase has previously been found to co-localize with lactoferrin on immuno-electron microscopy, we confirm the existence of gelatinase-rich and lactoferrin- and vitamin B-12-binding-protein-poor granules, that are lighter and mobilized more easily than specific granules. These gelatinase-containing granules are not the store of cytochrome b558.


Potent inhibition of endopeptidase 24.16 and endopeptidase 24.15 by the phosphonamide peptide N-(phenylethylphosphonyl)-Gly-L-Pro-L-aminohexanoic acid. A phosphonamide peptide, N-(phenylethylphosphonyl)-Gly-L-Pro-L-aminohexanoic acid, previously shown to block Clostridium histolyticum collagenases, was examined as a putative inhibitor of endopeptidase 24.16 and endopeptidase 24.15. Hydrolysis of two endopeptidase 24.16 substrates, i.e. 3-carboxy-7-methoxycoumarin (Mcc)-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-D-Lys-dinitrophenyl (Dnp) and neurotensin, were completely and dose-dependently inhibited by the phosphonamide inhibitor with KI values of 0.3 and 0.9 nM respectively. In addition, the phosphonamide peptide inhibited the hydrolysis of benzoyl (Bz)-Gly-Ala-Ala-Phe-(pAB) p-aminobenzoate and neurotensin by endopeptidase 24.15 with about a 10-fold lower potency (KI values of 5 and 7.5 nM respectively). The selectivity of this inhibitor towards several exo- and endo-peptidases belonging to the zinc-containing metallopeptidase family established that a 1 microM concentration of this inhibitor was unable to affect leucine aminopeptidase, carboxypeptidase A, angiotensin-converting enzyme and endopeptidase 24.11. The present paper therefore reports on the first hydrophilic highly potent endopeptidase 24.16 inhibitor and describes the most potent inhibitory agent directed towards endopeptidase 24.15 developed to date. These tools should allow one to assess the contribution of endopeptidase 24.16 and endopeptidase 24.15 to the physiological inactivation of neurotensin as well as other neuropeptides.


19F n.m.r. studies of conformational changes accompanying cyclic AMP binding to 3-fluorophenylalanine-containing cyclic AMP receptor protein from Escherichia coli. A fluorine-containing analogue of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) from Escherichia coli was prepared by biosynthetic incorporation of 3-fluorophenylalanine (3-F-Phe). 19F n.m.r. studies on this protein have provided direct evidence for cAMP-induced conformational changes not only within the cAMP-binding domain but also within the hinge region connecting the cAMP-binding domain to the DNA-binding headpiece. At 313 K, the 19F n.m.r. spectrum of [3-F-Phe]CRP showed five signals corresponding to the five phenylalanine residues as expected for a symmetrical dimer. Proteolysis of [3-F-Phe]CRP with subtilisin produced a fragment (the alpha-fragment) containing the cAMP-binding domain. The alpha-fragment contains all the phenylalanines except for Phe-136, a residue located in the hinge region. By comparing the 19F spectra of [3-F-Phe]CRP and its alpha-fragment, the signal for Phe-136 was assigned. The chemical shifts of the corresponding signals in the two spectra are similar, indicating that the alpha-fragment retains the structure it has in the intact protein. The largest cAMP-induced shift was observed for the signal from Phe-136 providing direct evidence for a conformational change in the hinge region. However, whereas binding of a single cAMP molecule to a CRP dimer is known to be sufficient to activate the DNA binding, the n.m.r. data indicate that the hinge region does not have the same conformation in both subunits when only one cAMP molecule is bound.


Protein phosphatase 2A is a specific protamine-kinase-inactivating phosphatase. Purified preparations of a protamine protein kinase from bovine kidney cytosol [Damuni, Amick & Sneed (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 6412-6416] were inactivated after incubation with near-homogeneous preparations of protein phosphatase 2A1 and protein phosphatase 2A2. These protein phosphatase 2A-mediated inactivations of the protamine kinase were unaffected by highly purified preparations of inhibitor 2, but were prevented when the incubations were performed in the presence of 100 nM microcystin-LR, 100 nM okadaic acid or 0.2 mM-ATP. By contrast, highly purified preparations of protein phosphatase 2B, protein phosphatase 2C, the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1, and two forms of a protein tyrosine phosphatase, designated PTPase 1B and T-cell PTPase, had little effect, if any, on protamine kinase activity. Purified preparations of the protamine kinase did not react with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies, as determined by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation analysis. The results indicate that protein phosphatase 2A is a specific protamine-kinase-inactivating phosphatase.


Characterization of mutant forms of the quinoprotein methanol dehydrogenase lacking an essential calcium ion. Methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) from Methylobacterium extorquens, Methylophilus methylotrophus, Paracoccus denitrificans and Hyphomicrobium X all contained a single atom of Ca2+ per alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer. The role of Ca2+ was investigated using the MDH from Methylobacterium extorquens. This was shown to be similar to the MDH from Hyphomicrobium X in having 2 mol of prosthetic group (pyrroloquinoline quinine; PQQ) per mol of tetramer, the PQQ being predominantly in the semiquinone form. MDH isolated from the methanol oxidation mutants MoxA-, K- and L- contained no Ca2+. They were identical with the enzyme isolated from wild-type bacteria with respect to molecular size, subunit configuration, pI, N-terminal amino acid sequence and stability under denaturing conditions (low pH, high urea and high guanidinium chloride) and in the nature and content of the prosthetic group (2 mol of PQQ per mol of MDH). They differed in their lack of Ca2+, the oxidation state of the extracted PQQ (fully oxidized), absence of the semiquinone form of PQQ in the enzyme, reactivity with the suicide inhibitor cyclopropanol and absorption spectrum, which indicated that PQQ is bound differently from that in normal MDH. Incubation of MDH from the mutants in calcium salts led to irreversible time-dependent reconstitution of full activity concomitant with restoration of a spectrum corresponding to that of fully reduced normal MDH. It is concluded that Ca2+ in MDH is directly or indirectly involved in binding PQQ in the active site. The MoxA, K and L proteins may be involved in maintaining a high Ca2+ concentration in the periplasm. It is more likely, however, that they fill a 'chaperone' function, stabilizing a configuration of MDH which permits incorporation of low concentrations of Ca2+ into the protein.


Purification and properties of a phosphatase in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaves that hydrolyses 2'-carboxy-D-arabinitol 1-phosphate. An enzyme that releases P(i) from 2-carboxy-D-arabinitol 1-phosphate, a naturally occurring tightly binding inhibitor of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (EC 4.1.1.39), was purified from leaves of French bean seedlings. It was a monomeric protein of M(r) about 56,000. Catalytic activity was stimulated by increased concentrations of inorganic salts to a maximum at an ionic strength above 0.2. NADPH and D-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate increased the activity of the enzyme in both the presence and absence of 0.2 M-KCl. The pure enzyme did not require dithiothreitol for activity. The pH optimum was 7, the Km for 2-carboxy-D-arabinitol 1-phosphate was 0.43 mM and the specific activity 6.8 mumol/min per mg of protein. The enzyme had little or no activity against phosphate ester intermediates of photosynthetic metabolism and glycolysis but hydrolysed the 1,5-bisphosphates of 2'-carboxy-D-ribitol and 2'-carboxy-D-arabinitol more rapidly than 2'-carboxy-D-arabinitol 1-phosphate.


Primary structure and receptor-binding properties of a neurokinin A-related peptide from frog gut. A tachykinin peptide was isolated from an extract of the intestine of the European green frog, Rana ridibunda, and its primary structure was established as: His-Lys-Leu-Asp-Ser-Phe-Ile-Gly-Leu-Met.CONH2. This sequence was confirmed by chemical synthesis and shows two amino acid substitutions (leucine for threonine at position 3 and isoleucine for valine at position 7) compared with neurokinin A. Binding parameters for synthetic [Leu3,Ile7]neurokinin A and mammalian tachykinins were compared using receptor-selective radioligands and crude membranes from tissues enriched in the NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors. [Leu3,Ile7]Neurokinin A was approx. 3-fold less potent than substance P in inhibiting the binding of 125I-labelled [Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P (labelled with Bolton-Hunter reagent) to rat submandibular gland (NK1 receptor), 8-fold less potent than neurokinin A in inhibiting the binding of [2-[125I]iodohistidine1]neurokinin A to rat stomach fundus (NK2 receptor) and 6-fold less potent than neurokinin B in inhibiting the binding of 125I-Bolton-Hunter-labelled scyliorhinin II to rat brain (NK3 receptor). Thus the frog neurokinin A-related peptide shows moderate affinity but lack of selectivity for all three tachykinin-binding sites in rat tissues. This non-selectivity is similar to that displayed by the molluscan tachykinin, eledoisin, which also contains an isoleucine residue in the corresponding position in the molecule.


Characterization and purification of human retinoic acid receptor-gamma 1 overexpressed in the baculovirus-insect cell system. The full-length cDNA for the human retinoic acid receptor-gamma 1 (RAR-gamma 1) has been expressed to high levels in Spodoptera frugiferda (Sf9) cells using the baculovirus expression system. Western blot analysis revealed that RAR-gamma 1 expression increased between 32 and 60 h post-infection. The recombinant receptor was expressed primarily as a nuclear protein and displayed a molecular mass of 50 kDa as determined by SDS/PAGE and gel-filtration chromatography, consistent with its cDNA-deduced size. Based on ligand binding, 2 x 10(6) RAR-gamma 1 molecules were expressed per Sf9 cell, a level approx. 2000 times greater than in mammalian cells. The receptor was partially purified 300-fold by sequential anion-exchange, gel-filtration and DNA affinity chromatographies. The overexpressed receptor specifically bound all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) and the synthetic retinoid CD367 with high affinity (Kd 0.15 nM and 0.23 nM respectively). The RA metabolites 4-hydroxy-RA and 4-oxo-RA were poor competitors for [3H]CD367 binding to recombinant RAR-gamma 1 (K(i) > 1 microM), indicating that 4-oxidation of RA greatly reduces its affinity for RAR-gamma 1. Gel-retardation analysis demonstrated that RAR-gamma 1 specifically bound the RA response element of the mouse RAR-beta gene. RAR-gamma 1 species expressed from recombinant baculovirus (in Sf9 cells) and vaccinia virus (in HeLa cells) exhibited similar affinities for RA and CD367 and had comparable DNA-binding properties in gel-retardation experiments. Moreover, a similar requirement for additional DNA-binding stimulatory factor(s) was observed in both cases. These results provide a basis for the use of baculovirus-expressed RAR-gamma 1 in further functional and structural studies.


Characterization and isolation of a high-density-lipoprotein-binding protein from bovine corpus luteum plasma membrane. The ovary uses the cholesterol from high-density lipoproteins (HDL) as a substrate source for steroid hormone production. It is not clear, however, how ovarian cells acquire the lipoprotein cholesterol. This study describes the characterization and isolation of a high-affinity-binding protein for apolipoprotein E-free HDL from the plasma-membrane fraction of bovine corpora lutea. Plasma membranes were prepared by differential centrifugation with 5-6-fold enrichment of 5'-nucleotidase activity. The binding of 125I-HDL to the plasma membranes was time-dependent, and there appeared to be a single high-affinity site with a Kd of 6.7 micrograms of HDL/ml of assay buffer. The binding was not affected by high concentrations of low-density lipoproteins or the Ca2+ chelator EDTA, nor by changes in pH in the range 6.5-9.0. The binding was affected by the salt concentration in the buffer, with a dose-dependent increase that reached a maximum at 150-250 mM-NaCl. Binding was increased in the presence of high concentrations of KCl and KBr, and most significantly increased by high concentrations of bivalent metal ions. Ligand-blot analysis under reducing conditions revealed that the binding protein was a single polypeptide of about 108 kDa that was associated with the plasma-membrane fraction. This HDL-binding protein was purified to homogeneity by solubilization with Triton X-100, poly(ethylene glycol) precipitation, DEAE-Sephadex chromatography, and preparative SDS/PAGE. The purified binding protein is a single polypeptide of 108 kDa that retains high affinity and specificity for HDL as assayed by ligand blotting.


Opposite and independent actions of cyclic AMP and transforming growth factor beta in the regulation of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor expression. We have investigated the mechanisms by which type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) is regulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in CCL64 mink lung epithelial cells, BSC-1 monkey kidney epithelial cells, mouse embryo fibroblast (AKR-2B 84A) cells and normal rat kidney fibroblasts (NRK). TGF-beta increases PAI-1 expression in all four cell lines, and EGF acts synergistically with TGF-beta to increase PAI-1 expression in CCL64 cells but not in the other three cell lines. Here we show that PAI-1 expression can be regulated independently through two different signal transduction pathways. One pathway involves protein kinase C and is stimulated by the tumour promoter phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Whereas preincubation with PMA completely eliminated PMA-induced PAI-1 synthesis and secretion in both CCL64 and BSC-1 cells, this treatment had no effect on TGF-beta- and EGF-induced PAI-1 levels. Therefore we conclude that protein kinase C does not mediate the effects of either EGF or TGF-beta on PAI-1 expression. The expression of PAI-1 was decreased by agents increasing intracellular cyclic AMP: (cAMP) cholera toxin, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP lowered both the basal level and the TGF-beta- and PMA-induced levels of PAI-1 expression. These effects of cAMP-elevating agents and of TGF-beta on PAI-1 protein synthesis were also reflected in changes in TGF-beta-induced PAI-1 gene transcription, as measured by nuclear run-on. These results show that PAI-1 gene expression is sensitive to high levels of intracellular cAMP and that this effect occurs at the transcriptional level. Although increased intracellular cAMP concentrations decrease the absolute level of PAI-1 expression, the ability of TGF-beta and EGF to induce PAI-1 gene expression is unchanged. These results are discussed in relation to the observation that sensitivity to cAMP is a common feature of TGF-beta-regulated genes.


Decreased content of arachidonoyl species of phosphatidylinositol phosphates in pancreas of rats fed on an ethanol-containing diet. Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-diphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] were isolated from the pancreas of rats fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet for 24 days and from the corresponding pair-fed controls. The isolation involved chromatography on a lipophilic anion exchanger in the phosphate form. The species composition was determined by fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry. The compositions of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2 were similar to that of PtdIns, with the stearoyl/arachidonoyl species constituting about 32% of the total, compared with 38% in PtdIns. PtdIns(4,5)P2 contained a larger fraction of fully saturated species than PtdIns. The PtdIns species having an arachidonoyl group were about half as abundant in the ethanol-treated as in the control rats. The differences between ethanol-fed and control rats were qualitatively similar for PtdIns, PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2, but were less marked for PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2. The results indicate that the species compositions of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2 reflect that of PtdIns, and that the changes of PtdIns4P and PtdIns(4,5)P2 in ethanol-treated rats are secondary to changes in PtdIns.


Hepatic effects of endothelin. Receptor characterization and endothelin-induced signal transduction in hepatocytes. Endothelin, a potent vasoactive peptide originally isolated from the vascular endothelial cells, exerts glycogenolytic and vasoconstrictive actions in the perfused rat liver. In this paper we demonstrate high-affinity binding sites for endothelin-1 (ET-1) on rat hepatocytes. Upon incubation at 37 degrees C, association of ET-1 with hepatocytes occurred in a time-dependent manner, was maximal between 3 and 6 h, and subsequently declined; at this temperature ET-1 was rapidly internalized with the internalized ligand exceeding the surface-bound ligand at all time points. The rate of association of 125I-ET-1 with hepatocytes was much slower when the binding assay was performed at 4 degrees C; sequestration of ET-1 in hepatocytes was also substantially reduced at this temperature. ET-1 was extremely potent in stimulating phosphoinositide metabolism in hepatocytes, with significant activation of this signal transduction process occurring at ET-1 concentrations as low as 0.1 pM, with an EC50 of 1 pM. The effect of ET-1 was coupled via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. Cholera toxin did not affect ET-1-mediated phosphoinositide metabolism and neither toxin influenced the association of 125I-ET-1 with hepatocytes. PAGE of hepatocyte membranes following exposure of the cells to 125I-ET-1 and cross-linking revealed labelling of three major proteins with apparent molecular masses of 32, 49 and 72 kDa. 125I-ET-1 labelling of each of these proteins was inhibited by unlabelled ET-1, whereas unlabelled ET-3 inhibited the labelling of only the 32 and 49 kDa proteins. 125I-ET-3 labelled the 49 kDa protein and this labelling was inhibited by both unlabelled ET-1 and ET-3. Each of these receptors appears to be functional, since both ET-1 and ET-3 stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism in hepatocytes. Down-regulation of ET-1 association and desensitization of ET-1-induced phosphoinositide metabolism occurred upon incubation of hepatocytes with the homologous ligand. Following down-regulation, the ET-1 receptor was restored to the surface of the hepatocyte by prolonged incubation, although the ET-1-stimulated phosphoinositide response remained inhibited even after complete recovery of the ET-1 association capability. These results demonstrate the presence of multiple high-affinity receptors for ET-1 on hepatocytes and the direct action of this peptide on hepatic parenchymal cells via the phosphoinositide signal transduction pathway.


Investigation of the electron-transfer properties of cytochrome c oxidase covalently cross-linked to Fe- or Zn-containing cytochrome c. Complexes of cytochrome c oxidase and cytochrome c (Fe- or Zn-containing) have been prepared by 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodi-imide (EDC) cross-linking. The site to which the cytochrome c covalently binds has been identified as being the same, or close to, the site occupied by cytochrome c in the electrostatic complex which may be formed between the proteins. Stopped-flow experiments, monitored either at a single wavelength or through a rapid wavelength-scan facility, showed that covalently bound Fe-containing cytochrome c cannot donate electrons to cytochrome a. Free Fe-containing cytochrome c was, however, able to transfer electrons to cytochrome a in covalent complexes containing either Fe- or Zn-containing cytochrome c. Turnover experiments showed that the complexed enzyme remains catalytically competent but with decreased (40-80%) activity. The steady-state levels of reduction of both free cytochrome c and cytochrome a in the covalent complex were higher than found in the control (uncomplexed) enzyme. These results are discussed with reference to the structure of the covalent complex and lead us to conclude that cytochrome a may accept electrons directly from free cytochrome c and that cross-linking impairs the redox properties of the CuA site.


Retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation does not require activation of p34CDC2 protein kinase. Of the many intracellular events that occur after mitogenic stimulation of cells, the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (RB) in early G1-phase appears to play a pivotal role in controlling cell-cycle progression. RB phosphorylation results in release from a proliferative block imposed by hypophosphorylated RB. Several investigators have presented evidence, using models produced in vitro, that the serine kinase p34CDC2 phosphorylates RB and is responsible for regulating RB phosphorylation. Using human T-cells as a model, we show that lectin treatment of resting T-cells results in detectable RB phosphorylation by 24 h after treatment. Further, using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, no detectable p34CDC2 could be seen until 48 h after lectin stimulation. Analysis of the relative histone H1 activity of p34CDC2, purified by immunoprecipitation, revealed that RB phosphorylation does not parallel increases in p34CDC2 activity as T-cells progress into S-phase, supporting the contention that p34CDC2 activation as a histone H1 kinase is not a critical regulator of RB phosphorylation. Further treatment of activated T-cells, arrested in G1-phase, with interleukin 2 results in a 95% increase in RB phosphorylation within 4 h with no detectable increase in the histone H1 kinase activity of p34CDC2. Together, these data suggest that p34CDC2 activation is not required for early cell-cycle phosphorylation of RB.


Control of Hep G2-cell triacylglycerol and apolipoprotein B synthesis and secretion by polyunsaturated non-esterified fatty acids and insulin. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and insulin are important factors in the control of lipoprotein secretion, but the mechanism of action is unclear. The present study was undertaken to determine whether insulin and NEFAs modulated hepatic secretion of triacylglycerol and apolipoprotein B (apo-B) by regulation of hepatic intracellular apo-B content. The experiments were performed with the human hepatoblastoma cell line Hep G2, for periods of up to 72 h in the presence and absence of NEFAs and insulin. Higher concentrations of eicosapentanoate (EPA) sustained for 72 h decreased cellular protein content (at 250 microM) or caused cell death (at 750 microM), and this effect was not observed with the other NEFAs studied, whereas 75 microM-EPA did not affect cell viability. Compared with the absence of NEFA, 75 microM-EPA did not alter the intracellular triacylglycerol content, but decreased the intracellular content of apo-B by 47% (P < 0.01) and decreased secreted triacylglycerol and secreted apo-B by 13% (P < 0.05) and 21% (P < 0.01) respectively, after 72 h. However 250 microM-oleate increased the intracellular triacylglycerol by 36% (P < 0.01), intracellular apo-B by 22% (P < 0.05) and secreted triacylglycerol and apo-B by 20-30% (P < 0.05-0.01). Insulin decreased secreted triacylglycerol and apo-B in the presence of each NEFA studied by 20-30%. There was no correlation between the changes in intracellular triacylglycerol and the rate of secretion. However, when the secreted triacylglycerol or apo-B was plotted against intracellular apo-B content a significant correlation was observed (r = 0.89, P < 0.001 for both analyses). Apo-B mRNA levels did not change after 72 h incubation with oleate or EPA. These results demonstrate that EPA can be toxic to hepatocytes and that NEFAs and insulin control secretion of triacylglycerol and apo-B by regulation of the intracellular apo-B concentration, thus controlling assembly of apo-B with triacylglycerol to form lipoproteins.


Mechanisms of activation of Na+/H+ exchange in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. Because of the importance of pH homeostasis in bone and the current uncertainty about the mechanisms by which intracellular pH (pHi) is regulated in this tissue, we have investigated the roles of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and protein kinase C on the activation of Na+/H+ exchange in human osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells. [Ca2+]i and pHi were measured using Fura-2 and 2'7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) respectively. The basal pHi in HCO3(-)-free buffer was 7.36 +/- 0.04 units (mean +/- S.D.). Addition of ionomycin in Ca(2+)-containing buffer did not cause a rise in basal pHi; however, addition of the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) did cause a slowly developing rise in resting pHi of 0.14 +/- 0.02 unit over 4-5 min. Nigericin, a K+/H+ ionophore, caused an abrupt fall in pHi to 6.70 +/- 0.07 units. In nigericin-pretreated cells, PMA caused a rapid rise in pHi without changing the [Ca2+]i. In acidified cells, ionomycin increased [Ca2+]i and pHi in a parallel concentration-dependent (30-500 nM) manner. This action of ionomycin occurred in both the presence and the nominal absence of extracellular Ca2+. Ionomycin-induced alkalinization depended on extracellular Na+ and was inhibited in cells incubated with hexamethylene amiloride. When the incremental increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ionomycin was blocked by preincubation with bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-NNN'N'-tetra-acetic acid (BAPTA)/AM, the effect on pHi was inhibited. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, blocked the action of PMA on pHi, but it had no effect on the ionomycin-induced increase in pHi. The action of ionomycin was not due to osmotic shock. We conclude that SaOS-2 cells have a protein kinase C-activatable Na+/H+ antiporter that is also stimulated, in acidified cells, in a concentration-dependent fashion by transients in [Ca2+]i which act via a non-protein kinase C pathway.


Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate binding sites in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. Properties, comparisons and potential physiological significance. 1. Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 binding sites were studied in cerebellar and hepatic microsomes from rat, and in bovine adrenal-cortical microsomes. 2. At pH 7.0, all three tissues showed specific binding, with Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 being the most potent competing ligand of those tested [which included Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 and InsP6] and Scatchard analysis suggested two sites; a site with high affinity and high specificity [Kd (1-6) x 10(-9) M] and a site with low affinity and low specificity [Kd (2-6) x 10(-7) M]. 3. At pH 5.5, cerebellar and bovine adrenal microsomes showed similar binding properties: two affinities with a similar specificity for Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 as at pH 7.0. 4. However, when assayed in a low-ionic strength acetate-based buffer at pH 5.0, cerebellar microsomes retain specific Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 binding sites, whereas bovine adrenal and hepatic microsomal binding sites lose much of their specificity, as InsP6 and Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 are equally as potent as Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. 5. Pi (25 mM), which is frequently included in Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 binding assays, had a small inhibitory effect on binding of cerebellar and adrenal microsomes at pH 5.5, but a large effect at pH 7.0, so that a considerable decrease occurs in the amount of specific binding at pH 5.5 compared with that at pH 7.0, if Pi is omitted from the binding assay. 6. Cerebellar and adrenal microsomes were used in a ligand-displacement mass assay (conducted under near-physiological conditions, at pH 7.0) on extracts of cerebral-cortex slices stimulated with agonists, and both preparations faithfully detected the increases in Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 that occurred, implying that Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 is the principal ligand on these binding sites in intact cells. 7. Apparent contradictions in the literature with regard to Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 binding sites in neuronal and peripheral tissues can be largely accounted for by the data, and the properties of the binding sites detected at physiological pH are consistent with the possibility that they are putative receptors for the proposed second-messenger role for Ins(1,3,4,5)P4.


Toxic dark effects of protoporphyrin on the cytochrome P-450 system in rat liver microsomes. In erythropoietic protoporphyria, accumulation of protoporphyrin has been found in various tissues and liver cirrhosis occurs frequently in this disease, probably due to toxic dark effects of protoporphyrin. We have studied the effect of porphyrins on various enzymic functions in rat liver microsomes. Incubation of microsomes with protoporphyrin resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of the oxidation of 7-ethoxycoumarin and aminopyrine by the cytochrome P-450 system. Kinetic analysis showed a decrease in Vmax., whereas the Km was not affected (non-competitive inhibition). Furthermore, reduction of cytochrome c by the NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and by the NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase was inhibited. However, the activity of the reductases was only affected when the microsomes were pre-incubated with protoporphyrin, and it was found that the inhibition was dependent on the duration of the pre-incubation. Kinetic analysis again revealed non-competitive inhibition. When these experiments were repeated with uroporphyrin, no inhibition could be observed. With Stern-Volmer plots it was demonstrated that this was most likely caused by the localization of the porphyrins: protoporphyrin is localized in the membrane, whereas uroporphyrin remains in solution. From these results it is concluded that accumulation of protoporphyrin in the liver may markedly affect the cytochrome P-450 system and thus its detoxification function.


Regulation of platelet-activating-factor receptors and the desensitization response in polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) desensitizes as well as stimulates its various target cells, We find that human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) exposed to PAF became maximally unresponsive to a second PAF challenge within 15-90 s in assays of Ca2+ mobilization and degranulation. The cells regained full PAF-sensitivity over the ensuing 20-40 min. These effects correlated with changes in PAF receptor availability. PMN treated with PAF, washed in regular buffer and assayed for PAF binding exhibited falls (maximal in 15 s), followed by rises (reaching control levels by 60 min), in the number of high-affinity PAF receptors. However, tracking studies showed that [3H]PAF accumulated on the cell surface for approximately 2 min before being internalized. Regular-buffer washes did not remove this superficial PAF, whereas a washing regimen using excess albumin to adsorb PAF removed 99% of the surface compound. PMN washed by the latter regimen after PAF exposure lost PAF receptors relatively slowly (maximal at approximately 5 min), but the ultimate extent of this loss and the rate at which receptor expression normalized were similar to those of cells washed in regular buffer. Neither cycloheximide nor actinomycin D influenced the course of the receptor changes, but two protein kinase C (PKC) blockers, staurosporine and 1-(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)piperazine, inhibited the receptor-receptor-depleting actions of PAF. Indeed, a phorbol diester activator of PKC also caused PMN to decrease high-affinity PAF receptor numbers, and the two PKC blockers antagonized this action at concentrations that inhibited PAF-induced PAF receptor losses. We conclude that: (a) PAF induces PMN to down-regulate and then to re-express PAF receptors independently of protein synthesis; (b) these changes are likely to underlie the later stages and reversal of desensitization; (c) the onset (t < or = 2 min) of desensitization, however, precedes receptor down-regulation and must be due to receptor uncoupling from transductional elements; and (d) down-regulation of receptors for PAF appears to be mediated by PKC and/or elements inhibited by PKC blockers.


Simultaneous presence of two distinct endoplasmic-reticulum-type calcium-pump isoforms in human cells. Characterization by radio-immunoblotting and inhibition by 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone. Phosphorylation, immunoblotting, limited proteolysis and drug-sensitivity analysis were used to characterize the sarcoendoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+ ATPases in a variety of human cell types. In platelets, several megakaryoblastoid and lymphoblastoid cell lines two distinct autophosphorylated forms of these ATPases with molecular mass of 100 and 97 kDa could be observed, whereas in several other cell types the 97 kDa form was absent. On immunoblots the 97 kDa species was specifically recognized by an inhibitory monoclonal antibody raised against the Ca2+ pump of platelet internal membranes, yielded on trypsinolysis a major fragment of 80 kDa, exhibited a distinct electrophoretic migration pattern as compared with the skeletal-, cardiac- and smooth-muscle Ca2+ pumps, and its autophosphorylation was strongly inhibited by the Ca(2+)-mobilizing agent 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBHQ). The 100 kDa species reacted with an antibody specific for the cardiac- and smooth-muscle Ca2+ pumps, yielded on trypsinolysis fragments of 55 and 35 kDa, and its autophosphorylation was much less sensitive to tBHQ inhibition. These findings indicate the simultaneous presence of two different endoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+ pumps in a variety of human cell types, and may explain the previously observed differences in the Ca(2+)-handling characteristics of different intracellular Ca2+ pools and cell types.


Identification of multifunctional ATP-citrate lyase kinase as the alpha-isoform of glycogen synthase kinase-3. Multifunctional ATP-citrate lyase kinase (ACLK) exhibits several properties that are similar to glycogen-synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). The molecular cloning of two distinct mammalian GSK-3 cDNAs and a Drosophila melanogaster (fruitfly) homologue, zeste-white3sgg, has established the existence of a GSK-3 subfamily. A multifunctional protein kinase first identified as an ACLK has recently been shown to exhibit several similarities to the alpha- and beta-forms of GSK-3. Here we have used immunological and biochemical analyses to directly compare these enzymes. Thus purified preparations of ACLK isolated from brain and liver preferentially cross-react with anti-GSK-3 alpha antisera and phosphorylate previously defined substrates of GSK-3 at identical sites. Conversely, both alpha- and beta-forms of GSK-3 phosphorylated ATP-citrate lyase at the same site(s) targeted by ACLK. These, and other similarities, demonstrate ACLK to be identical with, or highly related to, GSK-3 alpha, the implications of which are discussed.


The plant hormone auxin: insight in sight. Physiological experiments conducted over the last 60 years indicate that the plant hormone auxin regulates a diverse set of developmental processes via changes in cell division, cell elongation and cell differentiation. Recent studies using transgenic plants with altered auxin levels support these conclusions and promise to provide more detailed information on the role of auxin during plant development. Although it is possible that all auxin responses are mediated by the same primary biochemical events, the studies described in this review are more consistent with multiple modes of auxin action. The development of molecular and genetic approaches to the study of hormone action should resolve this issue. The accelerated rate of progress in this field suggests that real insight into the mechanism of auxin action may be forthcoming.


Streamer F mutants and chemotaxis of Dictyostelium. Streamer F mutants have been found to be useful tools for studying the pathway of signal transduction leading to chemotactic cell movement. The primary defect in these mutants is in the structural gene for the cyclic GMP specific phosphodiesterase. This defect allows a larger and prolonged peak of cyclic GMP to be formed in response to the chemotactic stimulus, cyclic AMP. This characteristic aberrant pattern of cyclic GMP accumulation in the streamer F mutants has been correlated with similar patterns of changes in the influx of calcium from the medium, myosin II association with the cytoskeleton, myosin phosphorylation and a decrease in speed of movement of the amoebae. From these studies a sequence of events can be deduced that leads from cell surface cyclic AMP stimulation to cell polarization prior to movement of the amoebae in response to the chemotactic stimulus.


Identification of the binding site of 55kDa tumor necrosis factor receptor by synthetic peptides. We have synthesized a series of peptides, which cover almost the whole range of the N-terminal extracellular domain of human 55kDa TNF receptor (55kDa TNF-R). The peptides were examined for the binding activity to TNF by solid phase binding assay and for the inhibition of TNF cytotoxicity to mouse L-M cells. The peptide 159-178 exhibited remarkably higher binding activity to TNF than other peptides did. The specificity of the TNF binding to the peptides was confirmed by their inability to bind other cytokines. The peptide 159-178 also inhibited TNF cytotoxicity. These results indicate that the specific binding site of 55kDa TNF-R to TNF might reside within the peptide segment of amino acid numbers 159 to 178 in the N-terminal extracellular domain.


Detection of topoisomerase I gene point mutation in CPT-11 resistant lung cancer cell line. CPT-11, a recently developed topoisomerase I (Topo I) inhibitor, attracts the attention not only of basic researchers but also of clinicians because of its high antitumor activity. The CPT-11 resistant human lung cancer cell line, PC-7/CPT, showed 10-fold resistance compared to parental cell line, PC-7. The total activity of Topo I in the resistant cell line was one fourth that of the parental sensitive cell line. The Topo I from the resistant cells was also 5-fold more resistant to the inhibitory effect of CPT-11 than that of the parental cells. We speculated that the alteration of the Topo I gene may be responsible for the change in topoisomerase activity of the CPT-11 resistant cell line. Therefore, we analyzed the mutation of Topo I gene using the method of single strand conformation polymorphism of polymerase chain reaction and the reverse transcriptase. We divided Topo I cDNA into ten fragments which overlapped each other and covered whole coding sequences of the Topo I cDNA. We observed mobility shift of two fragments in the PC-7/CPT, suggesting the presence of some mutations in these fragments. We performed the direct-sequencing of these portions by the dideoxy chain termination method and observed an altered sequence having a G to A base change in PC-7/CPT. This base substitution results in replacement of the conserved threonine at 729 position with alanine. These results suggest that the point mutation of Topo I gene is related to the decreases of Topo I activity and the sensitivity to Topo I inhibitor in PC-7/CPT cells.


Structure-activity studies of the thrombin receptor activating peptide. Cleavage of the human platelet thrombin receptor by thrombin exposes a new N-terminal which acts as a putative tethered ligand. A synthetic peptide--"SFLL" (SFLLRNPNDKYEPF), corresponding to the new N-terminal region, activates and induces platelet aggregation and serotonin secretion. We have found that the pentapeptide--SFLLR is the minimal peptide length which retains full activity in inducing [14C]serotonin secretion. Structure-activity relationship studies were performed on this pentameric peptide. Systematic replacement of all amino acids with L-Ala indicated the importance of F-2, L-3 and R-5 for activity. Further studies demonstrated that the positive charge at the N-terminus, but not at the C-terminus of the pentapeptide, is crucial for activity.


Genomic organization of the human retinoic acid receptor beta 2. Recently three isoforms of the mouse retinoic acid receptor (mRAR beta 1, mRAR beta 2, mRAR beta 3) have been described, generated from the same gene (Zelent et al., 1991). The isoforms differ in their 5'-untranslated (5'-UTR) and A region, but have identical B to F regions. The N-terminal variability of mRAR beta 1/beta 3 is encoded in the first two exons (E1 and E2), while exon E3 includes N-terminal sequences of the mRAR beta 2 isoform. We have determined the structure of the human RAR beta 2 gene, using a genomic library from K562 cells. The open reading frame is split into eight exons: E3 contains sequences for the N-terminal A region and E4 to E10 encode the common part of the receptor, including the DNA-binding domain and ligand-binding domain. Corresponding to other nuclear receptors, both 'zinc-fingers' of the DNA-binding domain are encoded separately in two exons and the ligand-binding domain is assembled from five exons.


Glycinergic ligands modulate the rate of phosphorylation of the glycine receptor by protein kinase C. The alpha subunit of the glycine receptor purified from rat spinal cord is rapidly and specifically phosphorylated by protein kinase C (Ruiz-Gómez et al., (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 559-566). We report here that the rate of phosphorylation of the glycine receptor by this kinase is higher in the presence of agonists (glycine, beta-alanine) than in the presence of antagonists (strychnine, RU-5135). These results suggest that activated glycine receptors would be a preferential target for functional regulation through phosphorylation mechanisms.


EPR stopped-flow studies of the reaction of the tyrosyl radical of protein R2 from ribonucleotide reductase with hydroxyurea. The reaction of the functional tyrosyl radical in protein R2 of ribonucleotide reductase from E. coli and mouse with the enzyme inhibitor hydroxyurea has been studied by EPR stopped-flow techniques at room temperature. The rate of disappearance of the tyrosyl radical in E. coli protein R2 is k2 = 0.43 M-1 s-1 at 25 degrees C. The reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics up to 450 mM hydroxyurea indicating that no saturation by hydroxyurea takes place even at this high concentration. Transient nitroxide-like radicals from hydroxyurea have been detected for the first time in the reaction of hydroxyurea with protein R2 from E. coli and mouse, indicating that 1-electron transfer from hydroxyurea to the tyrosyl radical is the dominating mechanism in the inhibitor reaction. The hydroxyurea radicals appear in low steady-state concentrations during 2-3 half-decay times of the tyrosyl radical and disappear thereafter.


Glucocorticoids increase Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive channels linked to activation of protein kinase C in vascular smooth muscle cells. To clarify whether protein kinase is associated with glucocorticoid-induced Ca2+ influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, we investigated the effects of protein kinase inhibitors on dexamethasone-induced 45Ca2+ uptake and dihydropyridine binding in A7r5 cells. Protein kinase C inhibitors (staurosporine and UCN-01) abolished the dexamethasone-induced 45Ca2+ uptake and [methyl-3H]PN 200-110 binding. In contrast, KT5720 and KT5823, which are more specific inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and cGMP-dependent protein kinase, respectively, did not affect the effects of dexamethasone. Treatment with 100 nM dexamethasone for 48 hours increased protein kinase C activity in A7r5 cells. These results suggest that glucocorticoids increase Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive channels, linked to activation of protein kinase C in vascular smooth muscle cells.


Glutathione inhibits replication and expression of viral proteins in cultured cells infected with Sendai virus. Addition of reduced glutathione inhibited the production of Sendai virus in African green monkey kidney (AGMK) cells. This result could be accounted for by a direct action of GSH on viral replication. The inhibitory action was associated to an increase of the GSH intracellular level, while the host cell metabolism was unaffected. The antiviral effect was related to decrease and inactivation of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) virus glycoprotein.


Na+/H(+)-antiporter activity is essential for the induction, but not the maintenance of osteoclastic bone resorption and cytoplasmic spreading. We have examined the kinetics of the effects of inhibitors of the Na+/H(+)-antiporter (dimethylamiloride) and the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (bafilomycin A1) on bone resorption by disaggregated rat osteoclasts in the bone slice assay. Bafilomycin A1 (100 nM) inhibited resorption by approximately 95%, 75%, 80% and 60% respectively, when added at t = 0, 1, 3 or 6 hr after osteoclast adherence to bone slices, during a 24 hr culture period. The incomplete inhibition by bafilomycin A1 when added after the start of incubation was presumably accounted for by resorption that had occurred prior to addition of the compound. Dimethylamiloride (100 microM) inhibited bone resorption by 80% and 65% when added at t = 0 or 1 hr after osteoclast adherence, but was without effect when added at t = 3 or 6 hr. In addition, dimethylamiloride but not bafilomycin A1 strongly inhibited osteoclast cytoplasmic spreading. The results indicate that Na+/H(+)-antiporter activity is essential for controlling intracellular pH during early activation events stimulated by the adherence of osteoclasts to mineralized bone surfaces, which lead to cytoskeletal activation, cell spreading and bone resorption.


Expression of bovine adrenodoxin in E. coli and site-directed mutagenesis of /2 Fe-2S/ cluster ligands. Expression systems for adrenodoxin into the periplasm and the cytoplasm of E. coli have been developed as a prerequisite for site-directed mutagenesis studies. In both systems the /2Fe-2S/ cluster of the protein was correctly assembled, the cytoplasmic one gives, however, a tenfold higher expression level. To determine which of the five cysteines at positions 46, 52, 55, 92, and 95 coordinate the /2Fe-2S/ center, they have been individually mutated into serines. From these mutants, only C95S forms a functionally active holoprotein. Thus, residues 46, 52, 55, and 92 are the cysteines that coordinate the /2Fe-2S/ cluster in adrenodoxin.


The activity of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and abundance of its mRNA are regulated in rat myometrium during pregnancy. The Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity and expression of mRNAs encoding alpha and beta subunits of the enzyme were examined in rat myometrium at different stages of pregnancy. The enzyme activity appeared to increase during the pregnancy and reached the highest value at the 17th day. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from the same myometrial samples shows the expressions of alpha 1, alpha 3 and beta mRNAs. A2 mRNA was not detectable. By the progression of pregnancy until the 17th day the expression of all the three kinds of mRNA increased. The change in the abundance of mRNA-beta was much more higher (12-fold) than that of mRNA-alpha 1 and -alpha 3 (4 and 2.5-fold, respectively). Furthermore, the expression of mRNA-beta sharply decreased after the 17th day, while the level of alpha subunits mRNAs barely changed. We conclude that transcriptional regulation of the Na+/K(+)-ATPase subunits could be different during this physiological process.


Metabolism of 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid in the red alga Lithothamnion corallioides: mechanism of formation of a conjugated tetraene fatty acid. Incubation of [1-14C]6(Z),9(Z),12(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid with an enzyme preparation from the red alga Lithothamnion corallioides Crouan led to the formation of two new compounds, i.e. the conjugated tetraene 6(Z),8(E),10(E),12(Z)-octadecatetraenoic acid and the bis-allylic hydroxy acid 11(R)-hydroxy-6(Z),9(Z),12(Z)-octadecatrienoic acid. These two compounds were formed by independent pathways and were not interconvertible by the enzyme preparation. Experiments with stereospecifically deuteriated 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acids demonstrated that formation of 6,8,10,12-octadecatetraenoic acid was accompanied by loss of the pro-S and pro-R hydrogens from C-8 and C-11, respectively, whereas formation of 11-hydroxy-6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid proceeded with loss of the pro-S hydrogen from C-11. Biosynthesis of 6,8,10,12-octadecatetraenoic acid was dioxygen-dependent and was accompanied by production of hydrogen peroxide. A number of artificial electron acceptors supported formation of 6,8,10,12-octadecatetraenoic acid under anaerobic conditions. The existence in Lithothamnion corallioides of a fatty acid oxidase that catalyzes the oxidation of certain poly-unsaturated fatty acids into conjugated tetraene fatty acids is postulated.


Immunological identification of a Cl- channel protein in electric organs of Narke japonica. A Cl- channel in electric organs of Narke japonica was reconfirmed, using a polyclonal antibody, to be a 180k protein composed of two identical 90k units. The specific antibody against the 180k protein from electric organs reduced, when added in the cis side solution, the open probability of the Cl- channel in a planar bilayer membrane without affecting the single channel conductance, ion selectivity nor voltage dependency. Furthermore, the antibody added in the trans side also affected the channel to increase the open probability. The eluate of the immuno-affinity chromatography was found to contain only the 180k protein. These results indicate that 180k protein to be an integral membrane protein and to form the Cl- channel.


Inhibition of protein kinase C function by injection of intracellular receptors for the enzyme. We tested the hypothesis that the translocation and function of protein kinase C (PKC) requires the binding of PKC to its intracellular receptors (RACKs), using insulin-induced maturation of Xenopus oocytes. We show that after exposure of oocytes to insulin, PKC translocated from the cytosol to the particulate fraction. PKC is also required for insulin-induced oocyte maturation: microinjection of a PKC inhibitory peptide delayed maturation. To determine whether translocation of PKC was a result of the binding of PKC to the RACKs in the particulate fraction, we microinjected purified rat brain RACKs into oocytes before insulin exposure. Microinjection of RACKs, but not inactive phosphorylated RACKS, inhibited PKC translocation and delayed oocyte maturation. These results suggest an in vivo role for RACKs in a function mediated by PKC.


Phosphoinositide and calcium signalling responses in smooth muscle cells: comparison between lipoproteins, Ang II, and PDGF. The effects of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL3) on second messenger systems were investigated in cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and compared with those of angiotensin II (Ang II) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). Phosphoinositide metabolism was studied in myo-[2-3H]-inositol prelabelled VSMC using high performance liquid anion-exchange chromatography. The spectra of inositol phosphate isomers increased after stimulation with either Ang II, LDL, HDL3 or PDGF-BB were qualitatively identical. Major increases occurred in 4-IP1, 1,4-IP2, 1,3,4-IP3 and 1,3,4,5-IP4. These are metabolic conversion products of 1,4,5-IP3 for which only a minor increase was found. Thus lipoproteins, like Ang II and PDGF-BB, activate polyphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were studied in fura-2 loaded VSMC. In monolayer cultures LDL and HDL3 increased [Ca2+]i with kinetics comparable to those for Ang II. Relative to the effects of these agonists, the PDGF-BB-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was slower in onset and the decay from peak [Ca2+]i levels more gradual. Fluorescence recordings from single cells exposed to LDL and HDL3 revealed a prolonged series of transient oscillations of [Ca2+]i, a phenomenon typical for calcium-mobilizing hormones. Additionally, as found for Ang II, preincubation of VSMC with either phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate, forskolin or 8-bromo-cyclic GMP inhibited LDL- and HDL-induced accumulation of [3H]-inositol monophosphate. We propose that LDL and HDL3 stimulate signal transduction in VSMC via mechanisms analogous to those of Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones.


Inducible expression of a toxic poliovirus membrane protein in Escherichia coli: comparative studies using different expression systems based on T7 promoters. The poliovirus 3AB gene has been cloned and overproduced in T7 expression vectors using different approaches to allow reduction of basal levels of expression. Expression of the poliovirus 3AB gene is highly toxic for E. coli cells, due to drastic changes induced in membrane permeability of the bacteria that lead to cell lysis when the T7 lysozyme is present. The best production of 3AB was achieved with the T7/lac system in cells lacking T7 lysozyme, where this toxic protein was synthesized to high levels and during several hours in the absence of cell lysis. These results show the efficient synthesis of a highly damaging membrane protein and open the possibility to apply heterologous gene expression in E. coli to other lytic proteins.


Dietary regulation of fasting-induced mitochondrial protein degradation in adult rat brown adipose tissue. Mitochondrial protein, cytochrome-c-oxidase and mitochondrial ATPase activities, which can participate in brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, were measured in the present study in order to evaluate mitochondrial activity, oxidative capacity and ATP synthesis in dietary obese rats compared to control rats. Cafeteria-diet induced increase of cytochrome-c-oxidase and ATPase activities of 54% and 37% respectively, but mitochondrial protein content remained unchanged. Fasting induced active mitochondrial protein degradation (about 50%) only in control rats, but in both cafeteria fed and post-cafeteria obese rats fasting-induced loss of mitochondrial protein was impaired. It was concluded that cafeteria diet is able to induce specifically both the oxidative capacity and the ATP synthesis in adult rat brown adipose tissue without affecting the mitochondrial protein. Furthermore, during fasting the obese (or overweight) status 'per se' regulates the overall mitochondrial protein degradation which was impaired or inactivated in overweight dietary rats compared with controls.


How extracellular potassium affects intracellular sodium pool in human erythrocytes. In order to evaluate the regulation of intracellular sodium and potassium balance, we investigated the Na+/K(+)-ATPase independent 22Na+ uptake and concentrations of Na+ in erythrocytes from eleven normal subjects. The experiments were performed with the purified erythrocyte suspensions in different assay buffers containing (i) 5 mEq/L KCl and varying amounts of NaCl (5 to 100 mEq/L); and (ii) a range of KCl (5 to 100 mEq/L) and a constant amount of NaCl (5 mEq/L). These erythrocyte suspensions were incubated at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes to assess ouabain insensitive 22Na+ uptake. Erythrocytes (2.0 x 10(9)/mL) showed an uptake of 2.03 to 0.88%, and 2.00 to 1.15% of the total 22Na+ present in the media under these experimental conditions, respectively. The 22Na+ uptake by erythrocytes was decreased by a gradual increase of either NaCl or KCl in the assay buffers. Erythrocytes in the experimental condition (i) showed an increase in intracellular sodium [Na+]i from 8.29 to 10.06 mEq/L. However in the condition (ii), KCl up to 20 mEq/L extracellularly caused a limited inhibition of [Na+]i accumulation (8.29 to 8.23 mEq/L), however, when KCl was raised extracellularly greater than 20 mEq/L it enhanced [Na+]i slowly (8.23 to 9.19 mEq/L). When NaCl 20, 50 and 100 mEq/L were replaced by an equivalent amount of KCl in the assay buffers, this extracellular K+ prevented 7, 6 and 10% [Na+]i accumulation, respectively. We also found that bicarbonate induced ouabain resistance 22Na+ influx was both inhibited and stimulated depending upon the amount of KCl in the assay media.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


The major calmodulin-binding protein in rabbit parietal cells is Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Parietal cell secretion can be stimulated by both histaminergic and cholinergic agonists. We have recently found that inhibition of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) activity can abolish cholinergic but not histaminergic stimulation of parietal cell secretion (Am. J. Physiol. 262:G118-122). We have investigated the presence of calmodulin-binding proteins and CaMK II in isolated rabbit parietal cells. Calmodulin-binding proteins with apparent molecular masses of 50, 60, 85, 100, and 240 kDa were observed. The major calmodulin-binding species was a 50 kDa band which was enriched in 50,000 g. microsomal membranes. The 50 kDa calmodulin binding comigrated with immunoreactivity for CaMK II. Partial purification of the microsomal CaMK II demonstrated a 250 kDa oligomer. The results demonstrate that CaMK II is the major calmodulin-binding protein in parietal cells and is associated primarily with light microsomal membranes.


Topoisomerase activity in mitochondrial lysates of a higher plant (Chenopodium album L.). We describe an in vitro system for detection of topoisomerase activity from lysed mitochondria. Mitochondria were isolated from a suspension of cultured Chenopodium album cells. We observed a high activity in relaxation of negatively supercoiled DNA (pBR322). Addition of ATP had no effect on the activity. Topoisomers obtained from negatively supercoiled DNA were identical with topoisomers produced by the topoisomerase I of E. coli. The mitochondrial activity was dependent on the presence of Mg2+ ions and could be inhibited by novobiocin and N-ethylmaleimide. Nalidixic acid and berenil had no influence on the mitochondrial topoisomerase activity. These features characterize the enzyme as a type I topoisomerase.


Dynamic structure of transfer RNA in solution monitored by reaction with hydroxyl radicals. The dynamic structure of initiator and elongator tRNAs was analyzed using a very sensitive reaction with hydroxyl radicals. The main target for this reagent is the ribose moieties not buried (accessible) in the tertiary structure of the RNA molecule. At variable time, temperature and magnesium concentrations, some nucleoside residues of lupin initiator tRNA or yeast tRNA(Phe) become accessible or not depending on the actual tRNA conformation. The nucleotides in the thymidine stem of yeast tRNA(Phe) and amino acid stem in both tRNAs do not change their reactivity and conformation. Also the reactivities of the nucleosides of the anticodons are not changing. Our data clearly suggest that hydroxyl radicals can be very useful for the analysis of the tertiary structure of tRNA.


Relationship between cardiolipin content and cytochrome c oxidase activity of cytochrome aa3 in Paracoccus denitrificans. Using cultivation at different oxygen tensions, the molar ratio of cardiolipin to haem a in cells of Paracoccus denitrificans was varied systematically from 30 to 300. The molecular activity of cytochrome aa3 (with N, N, N', N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine as substrate) remained unchanged in this interval, this ruling out any regulatory effect of physiological cardiolipin levels on the terminal oxidase. Titration of anaerobically grown cells with cyanide indicated the presence of cytochrome aa3 which accounted for about 1/4 of the total electron flow from TMPD to oxygen.


Effect of aluminium (Al) on the brain cells of the rat. The data on binding of Al to different brain cells, namely astrocytes, neuronal cells and synaptosomes, indicated that Al interacts more with astrocytes than with neuronal cells and synaptosomes. This was confirmed by broadening of the linewidth at half height (v 1/2 Hz) of the Al peak, and also by the extent of inhibition of membrane-bound Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity.


Suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by a new specific inhibitor of leukotriene biosynthesis. The actions of the specific inhibitor of leukotriene synthesis, 3-[1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-t-butyl-thio-5-isopropylindol-2-yl]-2,2- dimethylpropanoic acid (L-663, 536, CAS 118414-82-7) were investigated in groups of guinea pigs that had been given both low and high doses of the encephalitogenic stimulant to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). After daily intraperitoneal application over a period of 2 to 3 weeks the substance L-663, 536 (5 mg/kg) largely suppressed the clinical symptoms of EAE in some of the animals. The difference in the clinical symptoms between those animals that had been treated with L-663, 536 and those that had not was observed primarily in the experiment with a high encephalitogenic dose. The onset of progressive paralysis of the hind limbs that was observed in approximately 80% of the control animals only occurred in 40% of the guinea pigs that were treated with L-663, 536. No paresis at all was observed in about 25% of the treated animals. In both laboratory animals studies the CNS inflammatory infiltrates were significantly less extensive in the treated animals than in the respective control groups. The release of leukotrienes B4 and C4 by circulating neutrophil granulocytes in guinea pigs under treatment with L-663, 536 was also significantly reduced--in contrast to the untreated control animals. On the basis of the present results, it may be assumed that the L-663, 536-induced suppression of EAE in guinea pigs is attributable to the inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis.


Acute hemodynamic effects of the active metabolite of imidapril, (4S)-3-((2S)-2-[N-((1S)-1-carboxy-3-phenyl-propyl)amino]propionyl)-1- methyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and enalaprilat in anesthetized dogs. The hemodynamic effects of imidapril, a novel nonsulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, were examined in anesthetized dogs by the intravenous injection of its active metabolite 6366A ((4S)-3-((2S)-2-[N-((1S)-1-carboxy-3- phenylpropyl)amino]propionyl)-1-methyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, CAS 89371-44-8) and were compared to those of enalaprilat. 6366A (1-100 micrograms/kg) reduced the blood pressure and total peripheral resistance in a dose-dependent manner, while causing no marked changes in heart rate, LV dp/dtmax, and pulmonary arterial pressure. The cardiac output and stroke volume were slightly increased. Blood flow in the common carotid artery, the vertebral artery, and the femoral artery was reduced or tended to decrease, while the superior mesenteric arterial blood flow was increased. These effects were similar to those of enalaprilat. 6366A did not inhibit the pressor response of angiotensin II, but markedly inhibited that of angiotensin I, and the effects of 6366A on regional blood flow were opposite to those of angiotensin II. Thus, 6366A appears to produce its hemodynamic effects by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, as does enalaprilat. 6366A also tended to decrease myocardial oxygen consumption. These results suggested that the hemodynamic effects of imidapril on the heart and on regional blood flow are similar to those of enalapril.


Differential susceptibility to carcinogen-induced amplification of SV40 and dhfr sequences in SV40-transformed human keratinocytes. Gene amplification contributes to carcinogenesis by enhancing proto-oncogene activity and causing chromosomal instability. The ease of detecting amplified tumor-virus sequences has encouraged use of this system as a surrogate for studying the molecular events involved in endogenous gene amplification. We report here a new system for studying carcinogen-induced amplification of both endogenous and viral sequences in the SV40-transformed human keratinocyte line AG06. Treatment with carcinogens induced a transient dose-dependent amplification of the integrated SV40 sequences. The amplified sequences appeared in the extrachromosomal fraction. Treatment of these cells with carcinogens prior to methotrexate (MTX) selection increased the frequency of MTX-resistant colonies, 67% of which exhibited dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) amplification. The abilities of five carcinogens with different DNA-damaging activities (the DNA-damaging agents N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, mitomycin C (MMC), ultraviolet light C, and X-rays and the non-DNA-damaging agent arsenite) to induce SV40 and dhfr amplification at concentrations that result in 50% clonal survival were compared. All four DNA-damaging carcinogens (as well as growth arrest) were able to elicit some SV40 amplification, but responses varied markedly, from 1.8-fold for X-rays to sevenfold to eightfold for MMC. There was no correlation between the ability to elicit the two amplification responses. Arsenite, which did not induce SV40 amplification, was the best inducer of MTX resistance. These results point to different controls involved in the induction of viral and dhfr amplification. The signal for amplification of viral genes may be triggered by DNA damage and growth arrest, whereas amplification of dhfr, and perhaps other endogenous sequences, seems to be triggered by other signals as well.


[Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on dry matter accumulation and nutrient contents of jobi]. The symptoms and influence of N, P and K deficiency on the dry matter accumulation and nutrient contents of Jobi were studied with sandy culture. The results have provided scientific basis for rational application of fertilizer.


A quantitative comparison of taste reactivity behaviors to sucrose before and after lithium chloride pairings: a unidimensional account of palatability. Alterations in the motivation to ingest sucrose can be quantified by measuring the number and type of oral motor and somatic responses (i.e., taste reactivity [TR]) that are elicited by sucrose. In 2 experiments, rats had intraorally infused sucrose paired with LiCl injections for several trials, or they were injected with LiCl and had sucrose infused every 5 min during the 30-min postinjection period (data from Spector, Breslin, & Grill, 1988). In both experiments, ingestive TR responses decreased, whereas aversive TR responses increased over trials. Individual response components that comprise the ingestive and aversive categories followed the same trends of increase or decrease but changed at different rates as a function of number of trials or exposures. Overall, the array of response components could be projected onto a single unidimensional scale of palatability to capture the motivational states that ranged from acceptance to rejection.


1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-h]quinolines. III. Preparation and antimicrobial evaluation of 4-ethyl-4,7-dihydro-1(2)-R-1(2)H triazolo[4,5-h]quinolin-7-one-6-carboxylic acids as anti-infectives of the urinary tract. Some 4-ethyl-1(2)-R-1(2)H-4,7-dihydro-triazolo[4,5-h]-quinolin-7-one-6- carboxylic acids were prepared as novel analogues of oxolinic acid, in order to discover the influence of the annelation position of the triazole ring on the antimicrobial activity that, in some isomers triazolo[4,5-f]quinoline carboxylic acids, is selective against Escherichia coli. Some interesting side reactions in the cyclization of 1(2)-R-1(2)H-benzotriazol-4-yl-aminomethylenemalonate are also described. The biological results indicate that this type of annelation is not profitable for antimicrobial activity.


Pharmacokinetics of endogenous substances. The paper deals with the most relevant aspects related to the pharmacokinetics of the endogenous substances. Homeostatic equilibrium maintaining basal concentration of these substances, renal clearance and its role in preserving such equilibrium, the most appropriate pharmacokinetic analysis, the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships and the lack of specific regulatory aspects are the main items focused on.


[Multiple sclerosis: IL-2, IFN-tau and PGE2 secretion in mononuclear cell cultures stimulated with PHA and the effect of these cytokines on oligodendroglial cells]. The production of interferon-tau (IFN-tau), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and the repercussion which these cytokines have on the growth and activity of the 2', 3' and cyclonucleotide-3'-phosphohydrolase (CNP) of cultures of rat oligodendrocytes were analyzed. The study was carried out in a group of patients (20 with active disease, 23 in remission) with defined multiple sclerosis (MS), a group of subjects with other central nervous system diseases (OCNSD) and a group of 20 healthy (HS). Increases in PGE2 were found in PBMC cultures of patients with MS (p < 0.0005, ANOVA test) and the production of PGE2 in patients with active MS correlated positively (R2 = 0.743, p = 0.02) with CNP activity in the oligodendroglial cultures. These results suggest that PGE2 may influence in the re-myelinization process.


Diversity of human p53 mutants revealed by complex formation to SV40 T antigen. The products of the two major suppressor genes p53 and Rb interact with the oncogene products of the DNA tumour viruses. These viral-host protein interactions mimic and interfere with the normal interactions of p53 and Rb with host proteins. The Rb gene product is frequently mutated in human cancers such that it no longer binds to viral or host proteins. In contrast we find that this is not the case with p53 as some, but not all, mutant p53 proteins still bind to the SV40 T antigen. In particular the hot spot mutation found in most Chinese and African cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) retains T binding activity. The simple subdivision of different p53 mutations revealed by this analysis may have diagnostic and prognostic consequences.


Tumour cell proliferation is abolished by inhibitors of Na+/H+ and HCO3-/Cl- exchange. Cell membrane-associated ion transporters, Na+/H+ exchanger and Na(+)-dependent HCO3-/Cl- antiport, were shown to be important in the regulation of acidic intracellular pH in different cell types. This study investigated the role of the ion exchangers and their inhibitors in the serum-induced proliferation of two murine tumour cell lines, P815 and L929. The presence of Na+/H+ exchanger [inhibited by amiloride and 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA)] and Na(+)-dependent HCO3-/Cl- antiport [inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulphonic acid (DIDS)] was shown on the tumour cell line tested. EIPA suppressed tumour cell proliferation more strongly than amiloride, and its effect was further increased after intracellular acidification by nigericin. DIDS slightly inhibited proliferation of L929 cell line and did not influence proliferation of P815 cells. However, in nigericin acidified cells DIDS had a dose dependent antiproliferative effect. Furthermore, DIDS significantly increased antiproliferative effects of amiloride and EIPA, suggesting the activity of Na(+)-dependent HCO3-/Cl- antiport in tumour cell proliferation. These results demonstrate the importance of Na(+)-dependent HCO3-/Cl- exchange in addition to Na+/H+ antiport, in tumour cell proliferation and indicate the possibility that ion exchange inhibitors could act as antitumour reagents.


A randomised, double-blind comparison of granisetron with high-dose metoclopramide, dexamethasone and diphenhydramine for cisplatin-induced emesis. An NCI Canada Clinical Trials Group Phase III Trial. 151 patients (149 evaluable) receiving their first course of chemotherapy containing cisplatin in a dose of at least 50 mg/m2 were randomised to receive either a single dose of intravenous granisetron 80 micrograms/kg or intravenous metoclopramide 2 mg/kg every 2 h for five doses plus a single dose of dexamethasone 10 mg and diphenhydramine. After 24 h, there was no significant difference between groups with respect to nausea or vomiting: in the granisetron group 46% of patients had no emesis, versus 44% of the standard group. Granisetron is an antiemetic agent with efficacy similar to that of high-dose metoclopramide plus dexamethasone.


The budgetary impact of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in the management of chemotherapy-induced emesis. The study examined the budgetary implications of using 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonists (5-HT3RA), granisetron or ondansetron, in the management of chemotherapy-induced emesis (CIE). A treatment model was constructed to represent a baseline of efficacy and costs for treating a cohort of patients with conventional antiemetics. Groups of patients who would be expected to receive the most benefit from 5-HT3RA were then identified and the effect upon costs of using these compounds in a consecutively larger proportion of selected patients was calculated. On the basis of illustrative costs from The Cookridge Hospital in the UK, it was concluded that the new antiemetics can be used in acute emesis with substantial clinical benefit for an increase of 3-10% to total treatment costs. However, for delayed emesis these compounds have not yet shown a clinical advantage, and the increase in total costs of 12-34% is not justified.


Predicting septic complications of chemotherapy: an analysis of 382 patients treated for small cell lung cancer without dose reduction after major sepsis. The incidence and risk of septic complications in 382 patients treated for small cell lung cancer with combination chemotherapy at a single centre have been analysed. Full protocol doses were employed throughout with no dose reduction after episodes of severe or life-threatening sepsis (SLTS). 50 (13%) patients experienced 66 episodes of SLTS associated with 1978 cycles of chemotherapy (3.2% cycles affected). 20 (5.2%) patients died due to sepsis (SD) of whom only 4 had experienced SLTS with a previous cycle of treatment. The others died as a result of their first septic episode. A model comprising four variables, age (< or = 50 or > 50 years), Karnofsky performance status (KP < or = 50 or > 50), treatment (two- or three-drug regimen) and previous sepsis (SLTS or no SLTS with previous cycles) was found to satisfactorily describe the incidence of SLTS and SD in the study population and once validated in another patient groups this model should allow identification of high-risk individuals before treatment starts. If so, we propose that high-risk patients (age > 50 years, KP < or = 50, treatment with three-drug regimen) receive 50% of protocol doses in the first cycle of treatment with escalation to 75% and eventually 100% doses in subsequent cycles if sepsis does not supervene. Those with one or two risk factors present run a relatively low risk of SLTS or SD and we consider that full-dose chemotherapy should be used throughout in these individuals.


Transforming growth factor beta 1 partially suppresses the transformed phenotype of ras-transformed hepatocytes. The effect of transforming growth factor beta type 1 (TGF-beta 1) on DNA synthesis, anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and gene expression in ras-transformed simian virus 40 (SV40)-immortalized hepatocyte cell lines was measured. An SV40-immortalized cell line (CWSV1), a control neo-transfected and selected cell line (N1), and neo+ras-transfected and selected cell lines (NR3 and NR4) were used for this study. CWSV1 and N1 cells do not grow in soft agarose and are not tumorigenic. The ras-transformed hepatocytes NR3 and NR4 grow in soft agar and are tumorigenic. TGF-beta 1 treatment did not inhibit DNA synthesis or anchorage-dependent growth in the SV40-immortalized hepatocyte cell line CWSV1 or in the ras-transformed hepatocytes. TGF-beta 1 treatment inhibited anchorage-independent growth, increased actin cytoskeleton organization, and altered the morphology of ras-transformed hepatocytes; that is, with regard to all three of these properties, TGF-beta 1-treated ras-transformed hepatocytes more closely resembled the immortalized parent cell line. c-Ha-ras and c-myc RNA levels were not altered in TGF-beta 1-treated NR4 cells. TGF-beta 1 treatment did alter expression of some genes in NR4 cells. The level of expression of alpha 1 integrin RNA was higher in CWSV1 cells than in NR4 cells and increased in NR4 cells when they were treated with TGF-beta 1. Similarly, the levels and profiles of integrins on the cell surface of CWSV1 cells compared to NR4 cells, as determined by cell surface protein iodination, differed and in TGF-beta 1-treated NR4 cells more closely resembled the surface integrin profile for CWSV1 cells.


The induction of Egr-1 expression by v-Fps is via a protein kinase C-independent intracellular signal that is sequentially dependent upon HaRas and Raf-1. Activating the protein-tyrosine kinase activity of v-Fps leads to the rapid transcriptional activation of the Egr-1 gene, which encodes a mitogen-responsive transcription factor. Activation of Egr-1 by v-Fps was insensitive to protein kinase C depletion, suggesting that a protein kinase C-independent signal activated by v-Fps leads to the induction of Egr-1. Expression of v-Fps in transient expression assays induced Egr-1 promoter activation. v-HaRas and v-Raf also activated the Egr-1 promoter. To characterize HaRas and Raf-1 involvement in v-Fps-induced Egr-1 expression, we used recently characterized dominant negative mutants of HaRas and Raf-1. v-Fps-induced Egr-1 promoter activation was inhibited by the dominant negative mutants of both HaRas and Raf-1. v-HaRas-induced Egr-1 promoter activation was blocked by the negative Raf-1 mutant; however, v-Raf-1-induced Egr-1 promoter activation was unaffected by the inhibitory HaRas mutant. These data suggest that v-Fps activates a protein kinase C-independent intracellular signaling pathway that is dependent on both HaRas and Raf-1, where Raf-1 functions downstream of HaRas.


Antisense inhibition of gene expression: a tool for studying the role of NMYC in the growth and differentiation of neuroectoderm-derived cells. To understand the role of individual genes in regulating biological processes, one must be able to interfere specifically with either their expression or function. While monoclonal antibodies have proven very useful in studying cell surface proteins, the specific inhibition of intracellular proteins in viable cells is a much more difficult problem. The goal of antisense technology is to develop small oligonucleotides, plasmids, or retroviral vectors that can be introduced easily into viable cells in order to inhibit gene products specifically. In this report, we will describe our use of antisense DNA and RNA to study the role of the NMYC proto-oncogene in neuroectodermal cell growth and differentiation.


Expansion of major histocompatibility complex-restricted antimelanoma cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte clones with identical T-cell receptor from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were isolated from a subcutaneous metastasis of melanoma and cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte (CTL) lines were obtained by sensitizing in vitro four separate aliquots of TILs with autologous tumor cells and recombinant interleukin-2. All CTL lines were predominantly WT31+, CD3+, and CD8+ and displayed a preferential cytotoxic activity against the autologous tumor. T-cell receptor (TCR) composition was analyzed by using the polymerase chain reaction with 5' variable region (V alpha or V beta)-specific primers and 3' constant (C alpha or C beta) primers. The entire repertoire of the V alpha and V beta gene families tested was present in fresh TILs and in the CTL lines, although, in the latter, consistent quantitative variations in transcripts of several V alpha and V beta occurred. CTL clones that exhibited CD3-dependent and major histocompatibility complex-restricted killing of the autologous melanoma were isolated from the four TIL cultures. TCR analysis indicated that, independently from the culture of origin, only two combinations of V alpha and V beta gene families were present in the majority of these CTL clones. These V alpha and V beta gene families were not found in a panel of CTL clones that did not lyse the autologous tumor. This study indicates that recognition of melanoma antigens can strongly select for certain types of TCR-bearing T-lymphocytes.


Gastrointestinal implications in the rat of wheat bran, oat bran and pea fibre. The gastrointestinal (GI) effects of three different dietary fibre (DF) sources: wheat bran (WB), oat bran (OB) and pea fibre (PF), were compared with a low-fibre diet in a 4-week trial with rats (initial bodyweight 210 g). The DF sources varied widely in chemical composition, solubility and water-holding properties, and particle size. The DF sources were mixed into diets to comprise the same amount of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP; 135 g/kg dry matter (DM)). Compared with the control diet, all fibre-containing diets reduced apparent digestibility of DM, energy, and protein significantly but to different extents. The ranking order of faecal DM bulking followed that of NSP recovery in the faeces: WB > OB > PF > control. The elongating effect of the diets on the GI tract was most pronounced in the rats fed on the OB diet. The mean transit time (MTT) of the OB diet was similar to that of the control diet (approximately 37 h), which was significantly slower than the MTT of the WB and PF diets (approximately 23 h). The study confirms that no simple cause and effect relationship exists between chemical composition, physical properties, and physiological effects of dietary fibre and their effects along the GI tract.


DNA junctions, antijunctions, and mesojunctions. Antijunctions and mesojunctions are new classes of multistranded DNA complexes. They represent a generalization of DNA branched junction complexes, such as the Holliday recombination intermediate. Each strand of a conventional branched junction participates in two different double helices, and this is also true for mesojunctions and antijunctions. The helix axes of conventional branched junction complexes may be drawn to converge at a point, but this convergence occurs for lines drawn perpendicular to the helix axes of antijunctions. Mesojunctions are complexes that mix these features of junctions and antijunctions. Antijunction complexes require an even number of strands. We have synthesized the mesojunction containing three strands, the two mesojunctions containing four strands, and the antijunction containing four strands; we compare them with branched junctions containing three and four strands, derived by permutations of the same sequences. Each double helix is designed to contain 1.5 turns of DNA. A tendency to oligomerize makes it difficult to capture antijunctions and mesojunctions in stable discrete complexes, in contrast to conventional branched junctions. For both three-strand and four-strand complexes, Tm is highest for conventional branched junctions. Ferguson analysis indicates similarities in the occluded surface area of junctions, antijunctions, and one four-strand mesojunction, but the other four-strand mesojunction has a much lower apparent surface area. Hydroxyl radical cleavage patterns suggest that the four-strand antijunction and the low-surface-area four-strand mesojunction form stacking domains, analogous to the behavior of conventional branched junctions. These new structures are related to replicational and recombinational intermediates and to single-stranded nucleic acid knots.


Kinetic characterization of the polymerase and exonuclease activities of the gene 43 protein of bacteriophage T4. The DNA polymerase from the bacteriophage T4 is part of a multienzyme complex required for the synthesis of DNA. As a first step in understanding the contributions of individual proteins to the dynamic properties of the complex, e.g., turnover, processivity, and fidelity of replication, the minimal kinetic schemes for the polymerase and exonuclease activities of the gene 43 protein have been determined by pre-steady-state kinetic methods and fit by computer simulation. A DNA primer/template (13/20-mer) was used as substrate; duplexes that contained more single-strand DNA resulted in nonproductive binding of the polymerase. The reaction sequence features an ordered addition of 13/20-mer followed by dATP to the T4 enzyme (dissociation constants of 70 nM and 20 microM) followed by rapid conversion (400 s-1) of the T4.13/20-mer.dATP complex to the T4.14/20-mer.PPi product species. A slow step (2 s-1) following PPi release limits a single turnover, although this step is bypassed in multiple incorporations (13/20-mer-->17/20-mer) which occur at rates > 400 s-1. Competition between correct versus incorrect nucleotides relative to the template strand indicates that the dissociation constants for the incorrect nucleotides are at millimolar values, thus providing evidence that the T4 polymerase, like the T7 but unlike the Klenow fragment polymerases, discriminates by factors > 10(3) against misincorporation in the nucleotide binding step. The exonuclease activity of the T4 enzyme requires an activation step, i.e., T4.DNA-->T4.(DNA)*, whose rate constants reflect whether the 3'-terminus of the primer is matched or mismatched; for matched 13/20-mer the constant is 1 s-1, and for mismatched 13T/20-mer, 5 s-1. Evidence is presented from crossover experiments that this step may represent a melting of the terminus of the duplex, which is followed by rapid exonucleolytic cleavage (100s-1). In the presence of the correct dNTP, primer extension is the rate-limiting step rather than a step involving travel of the duplex between separated exonuclease and polymerase sites. Since the rate constant for 13/20-mer or 13T/20-mer dissociation from the enzyme is 6 or 8 s-1 and competes with that for activation, the exonucleolytic editing by the enzyme alone in a single pass is somewhat inefficient (5 s-1/(8 s-1+5 s-1)), ca. 40%. Consequently, a major role for the accessory proteins may be to slow the rate of enzyme.substrate dissociation, thereby increasing overall fidelity and processivity.


Photoinhibition of hydroxylamine-extracted photosystem II membranes: studies of the mechanism. The effects of photosystem II (PSII) exogenous electron donors and acceptors on the kinetics of weak light photoinhibition of NH2OH/EDTA-extracted spinach PSII membranes were examined. Under aerobic conditions, Mn2+ (approximately 1 Mn/reaction center; Km approximately 400 nM) inhibited photoinactivation and approximately 1 Mn/reaction center plus 100 microM NH2NH2 gave almost complete protection. In the absence of electron donors, strict anaerobiosis greatly inhibited photoinactivation even in the presence of an electron acceptor. Under aerobic conditions, the addition of electron acceptors (FeCN, DCIP), oxyradical scavengers, or superoxide dismutase strongly suppressed rates of photodamages. Increase in the concentrations of superoxide above those produced by illuminated NH2OH/EDTA-photosystem II membranes increased the rates of damage in the light but gave no damage in the dark. Scavengers of hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen did not suppress the rates of aerobic photoinhibition. These findings, along with others, lead us to conclude that photodamage of the secondary donors of the PSII reaction center occurs by two mechanisms: (1) a rapid superoxide and tyrosine YZ+ dependent process and (2) a slower process in which P680+/Chl+ catalyze the damages.


1H NMR observation of redox potential in liver. 1H NMR spectral editing techniques can select the distinct signals of lactate, pyruvate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate and provide a unique way to monitor the biochemical processes in vivo. These metabolite levels reflect the near-equilibrium dehydrogenase activity and therefore the cellular redox state. The quantitative comparison between the 1H NMR and biochemical assay data is in excellent agreement. Lactate/pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratios, obtained from normalized 1H NMR spectra, respond directly to changes in the cytosolic and mitochondrial redox states. Because NMR is noninvasive, our results set the groundwork for implementing these techniques to observe tissue redox states in vivo.


Molecular dynamics simulations of the resting and hydrogen peroxide-bound states of cytochrome c peroxidase. The current hypothesis for the formation of the catalytically active compound I of peroxidases from the resting state and peroxide involves formation of a reversible "inner-sphere" complex in which the peroxide is bound to the heme iron. It is this precursor that is postulated to then form compound I. However, this crucial putative transient intermediate has not yet been definitively detected or characterized by experimental methods. We report here the use of energy minimization and molecular dynamics simulation together with the known X-ray structure of cytochrome c peroxidase to investigate the nature of this complex and comparisons of it with the resting state in which a water is bound as a ligand. Among the properties monitored in these simulations are the mode of binding of the peroxide to the heme iron, its interactions with neighboring amino acid residues, and the extent to which the binding of the peroxide perturbs both the local environment around the heme unit and more distant regions. The results of this study indicate that solvated, full protein dynamics is required to obtain reliable results for the known resting-state complex and hence for the uncharacterized peroxide complex. In this complex, the peroxide binds to the heme iron in a dynamically averaged end-on fashion, rather than a bridged structure, with approximately equal probability of each oxygen serving as the ligand to the iron. Binding of the peroxide as a ligand disrupts the H-bonded network of waters in the distal binding pocket which are present in the resting state, but there is no dramatic perturbation of the nearby amino acid residues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Pseudomonas mevalonii 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase: characterization of the isolated recombinant protein and investigation of the enzyme's cation requirements. Pseudomonas mevalonii 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase has been expressed in an active form in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Enzyme activity in crude extracts is 30-fold higher than reported for a homologous expression system. After Q-Sepharose fast-flow anion-exchange chromatography, the enzyme, which represents the first homogeneous preparation of a prokaryotic form of the protein, exhibits a specific activity of 70 units/mg. The purified enzyme is stable when stored in 20% glycerol at -80 degrees C. The recombinant bacterial enzyme cross reacts with antiserum produced against avian liver lyase, indicating some sequence homology between the two proteins. The enzyme exhibits a Km = 20 microM for (S)-HMG-CoA. Divalent cations (Mg2+ and Mn2+) markedly stimulate the enzyme activity under assay conditions; activity is only modestly increased by exogenous mercaptans. The activator constant, K(a), for Mg2+ (6.9 mM) is 3 orders of magnitude greater than that for Mn2+ (2.0 microM). While EDTA does not affect activity, o-phenanthroline treatment markedly inhibits the enzyme. In contrast, m-phenanthroline is ineffective, suggesting that the ortho isomer's effect is attributable to chelation of a tightly bound metal ion. Atomic absorption and EPR analyses of isolated enzyme indicate the presence of tightly bound copper. In enzyme expressed using standard LB broth, copper is detected at stoichiometries of only 0.07-0.10. When the growth medium is supplemented with 1 mM CuSO4, stoichiometry of copper binding increases to over 0.7 per enzyme subunit. Copper-enriched lyase displays enhanced thermal stability in comparison with enzyme that is low in metal content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


The inhibitory monoclonal antibody M7-PB-E9 stabilizes E2 conformational states of Na+,K(+)-ATPase. Monoclonal antibody M7-PB-E9 binds the sheep kidney Na+,K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit with high affinity (Kd = 3 nM) and inhibits enzyme turnover in competition with ATP, and, like ATP, in the presence of Mg2+, it stimulates the rate of ouabain binding [Ball, W. J. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 2275-2281]. In this study, covalent attachment of fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate (FITC) at (or near) the enzyme's ATP binding site did not alter the antibody's affinity for alpha nor did bound antibody alter the anisotropy of (r = 0.36) or the solvent accessibility of iodide to bound FITC. Further, in its E1Na+ conformation (4 mM NaCl), the enzyme's affinity for the ATP congener eosin was unaltered by the bound antibody (Kd = 9 nM). In contrast, partial E2 conformations induced by KCl lowered eosin affinities (0.2 mM KCl, Kd = 28 nM; 0.4 mM, Kd = 86 nM), and M7-PB-E9 reduced these affinities further (Kd = 66 and 130 nM, respectively). By monitoring the fluorescence changes of the FITC-labeled enzyme, the antibody was found to assist several ligand-induced conformational transitions from E1 (E1Na+ or E1Tris) to E2 (E2K+, E2-P(i)Mg2+, or E2Mg2+.ouabain) states, and inhibit the E2K(+)-->E1Na+ transition. Antibody binding alone, however, did not appear to significantly alter enzyme conformation. The antibody therefore is not directed against the ATP site but binds to a region of alpha distinct from any ligand binding site and which plays an important role in the E1<-->E2 transitions.


C3a receptor on dibutyryl-cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human neutrophils: the human C3a receptor characterized by functional responses and 125I-C3a binding. The anaphylatoxic peptide C3a is part of a basic immunological defense mechanism, the complement system. Research on the human C3a receptor and signal transduction is hampered by the lack of a suitable human cell or cell line. We screened tumor cell lines and human blood cells for a C3a-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and analyzed this reaction in a fura-2/AM fluorescence assay for cells in suspension. U937 cells, when differentiated with dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP), and purified human neutrophils reacted in a dose-dependent fashion to C3a and a C3a analogue synthetic peptide. We found complete homologous desensitization of this response and no heterologous desensitization to human C5a. Pertussis toxin totally blocked the increase in [Ca2+]i, indicating the possible involvement of a G-protein. Single-cell analysis by digital imaging fluorescence microscopy indicated that neutrophilic granulocytes responded to C3a. In binding studies with Bt2cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human granulocytes, the 125I-C3a binding was displaced by C3a, yielding one class of C3a binding sites with dissociation constants (Kd) in the low nanomolar range. We identified myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) as the second messenger possibly causing the [Ca2+]i increase and the release of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase as one secretory cell response. By functional and binding studies we demonstrated the expression of the C3a receptor on Bt2-cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human neutrophils and characterized parts of the C3a signal pathway. Our data support a physiological concept in which C3a might be more important than presently thought.


Three-dimensional solution structure of a curaremimetic toxin from Naja nigricollis venom: a proton NMR and molecular modeling study. The solution conformation of toxin alpha from Naja nigricollis (61 amino acids and four disulfides), a snake toxin which specifically blocks the activity of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AcChoR), has been determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular modeling. The solution structures were calculated using 409 distance and 73 dihedral angle restraints. The average atomic rms deviation between the eight refined structures and the mean structure is approximately 0.5 A for the backbone atoms. The overall folding of toxin alpha consists of three major loops which are stabilized by three disulfide bridges and one short C terminal loop stabilized by a fourth disulfide bridge. All the disulfides are grouped in the same region of the molecule, forming a highly constrained structure from which the loops protrude. As predicted, this structure appears to be very similar to the 1.4-A resolution crystal structure of another snake neurotoxin, namely, erabutoxin b from Laticauda semifasciata. The atomic rms deviation for the backbone atoms between the solution and crystal structures is approximately 1.7 A. The minor differences which are observed between the two structures are partly related to the deletion of one residue from the chain of toxin alpha. It is notable that, although the two toxins differ from each other by 16 amino acid substitutions, their side chains have an essentially similar spatial organization. However, most of the side chains which constitute the presumed AcChoR binding site for the curaremimetic toxins are poorly resolved in toxin alpha.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)