A novel glucuronyltransferase in nervous system presumably associated with the biosynthesis of HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope on glycoproteins. Recently, embryonic chicken brain extract was shown to contain a glucuronyltransferase, which transfers glucuronic acid from UDP-glucuronic acid to glycolipid acceptors (neolactotetraosyl ceramide). The enzyme was also suggested to transfer glucuronic acid to glycoprotein acceptors (asialoorosomucoid) (Das, K. K., Basu, M., Basu, S., Chou, D. K. H., and Jungalwala, F. B. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 5238-5243). In this study, the glucuronyltransferase activity in rat brain extract was separated into two groups by UDP-glucuronic acid-Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. The enzyme recovered predominantly in the effluent fraction (GlcAT-L) catalyzed the transfer of glucuronic acid to glycolipid acceptors but not to glycoprotein acceptors, whereas the enzyme recovered in the eluate fraction (GlcAT-P) transferred glucuronic acid most predominantly to glycoprotein acceptors and very little to glycolipid acceptors. GlcAT-P was able to transfer glucuronic acid to oligosaccharide chains on asialoorosomucoid. The enzyme recognized a terminal lactosamine structure, Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc, on glycoproteins. It was localized in the nervous system and was hardly detectable in other tissues, including the thymus, spleen, lung, kidney, and liver. Although GlcAT-L and GlcAT-P shared some properties in common such as tissue distributions and developmental changes, they exhibited marked differences in their phospholipid dependence and in their pH profiles, apart from their respective acceptor preference to glycolipids and glycoproteins. The acceptor specificity and tissue distribution suggest that a novel glucuronyltransferase, GlcAT-P, is involved in the biosynthesis of the sulfoglucuronylgalactose structure in the HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope that is expressed on glycoproteins.


Expression of a cDNA for a neuronal calcium channel alpha 1 subunit enhances secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells. A synthetic oligonucleotide was used to isolate mouse brain cDNA clones coding for a brain isoform of the alpha 1 subunit of the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel. Twenty-six independent cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced. All the cDNA clones reported here showed high homology to the rat brain class C cDNA sequence (Snutch, T. P., Tomlinson, W. J., Leonard, J. P., and Gilbert, M. M. (1991) Neuron 7, 45-57). Comparison of the individual mouse brain class C (mbC) cDNA sequences indicated the presence of four regions within the alpha 1 subunit coding sequence where alternative splicing can take place in mouse brain and raise the possibility that combinatorial arrangement of these splice variants could give rise to a heterogenous class of mbC transcripts. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that mbC mRNA sequences could be detected in highest abundance in mouse heart, at lower levels in mouse brain and spinal cord, and not at all in liver or skeletal muscle. An expression vector for one isoform of the mbC alpha 1 subunit cDNA was constructed using the human cytomegalovirus promoter to direct expression, and this expression vector was used in a novel transfection assay of primary cultures of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Transfection of the mbC alpha 1 subunit expression vector increased the secretion of human growth hormone derived from a cotransfected human growth hormone expression vector after stimulation with elevated K+ or the dihydropyridine agonist, Bay K8644. These experiments suggest that this isoform of the mbC alpha 1 subunit is functional in the transfected chromaffin cells and that the number of Ca2+ channels is a limiting component in the secretion from chromaffin cells in culture.


Identification of residues in GTPase-activating protein Src homology 2 domains that control binding to tyrosine phosphorylated growth factor receptors and p62. Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) contains two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains which are implicated in binding to tyrosine-phosphorylated sites in specific activated growth factor receptors and to a cytoplasmic tyrosine-phosphorylated protein, p62. We have used site-directed mutagenesis of the two GAP SH2 domains (SH2-N and SH2-C) to identify residues involved in receptor and p62 binding. A bacterial fusion protein containing the precise SH2-N domain, as defined by sequence homology, associated with both the activated beta platelet-derived growth factor receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor, and p62 in vitro. However, short deletions at either the N or C termini of the SH2-N domain abolished binding, suggesting that the entire SH2 sequence is required for formation of an active domain. Conservative substitutions of 2 highly conserved basic residues in the SH2-N domain, an arginine and a histidine, resulted in complete loss of receptor and p62 binding, whereas other basic residues, and residues at variable SH2 sites, were more tolerant of substitution. The conserved arginine and histidine therefore appear critical for association with phosphotyrosine-containing proteins, possibly through an interaction with phosphotyrosine. The GAP SH2-C domain, unlike SH2-N, does not bind efficiently to activated receptors or p62 in vitro. The SH2-C domain lacks 3 residues which are otherwise well conserved, and contribute to high affinity SH2-N binding. Replacement of 1 of these residues, a cysteine, with the consensus glycine, conferred SH2-C binding activity toward tyrosine-phosphorylated p62 and epidermal growth factor receptor. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations in the GAP SH2 domains can therefore be used to identify residues that are critical for receptor and p62 binding.


Purification, cloning, and molecular characterization of a high molecular weight hemorrhagic metalloprotease, jararhagin, from Bothrops jararaca venom. Insights into the disintegrin gene family. A large hemorrhagin, jararhagin, has been cloned from a Bothrops jararaca venom gland cDNA expression library. The cDNA sequence predicts a 421-amino acid residue molecule with strong amino acid sequence homology and similar domain structure to HR1B, a high molecular weight hemorrhagic metalloprotease isolated from Trimeresurus flavoviridis (Habu) venom. Like HR1B, jararhagin contains enzyme, disintegrin, and cysteine-rich carboxyl-terminal regions. In the disintegrin region, the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence is replaced by Glu-Cys-Asp, as found in non-Arg-Gly-Asp disintegrin regions of HR1B and a guinea pig sperm fusion protein PH-30 beta. The cDNA sequence of jararhagin predicts a precursor protein (proprotein) with striking similarity to cryptic regions in precursors of the disintegrin peptides trigramin and rhodostomin. Comparison of jararhagin with disintegrin precursors highlights the modular arrangement of proprotein, metalloprotease, and disintegrin domains in the metalloprotease/disintegrin family and provides an insight into their biosynthesis and evolution.


Skeletal muscle and brain isoforms of a beta-subunit of human voltage-dependent calcium channels are encoded by a single gene. Clones of the beta 1-subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) from human skeletal muscle and hippocampus cDNA libraries, and from human genomic libraries, were isolated using a human skeletal muscle beta 1 cDNA probe generated by polymerase chain reaction. The skeletal muscle beta 1 cDNA (beta 1M) encodes a protein of 523 amino acids that is 97% identical to the rabbit skeletal muscle beta-subunit. Two different cDNAs, beta 1B1 and beta 1B2, were obtained from the human hippocampus library. The beta 1B1 transcript encodes a protein of 478 amino acids that is identical to the skeletal muscle beta-subunit (beta 1M), except for an internal region of 52 amino acids. The beta 1B2 transcript encodes a protein of 596 amino acids. The beta 1B2 polypeptide is identical to the beta 1B1 polypeptide at amino acids 1-444; however, it has a unique 152 amino acid carboxyl terminus. Like beta 1B1, it differs from beta 1M at the internal 52 amino acids. Analysis of the beta 1 gene structure demonstrates that these three cDNAs represent transcripts encoded by a single beta 1 gene. Transcripts from the beta 1 gene were detected in RNA from skeletal muscle, heart, spleen, and brain, but not in RNA from liver, stomach, or kidney.


Uptake, intracellular transport, and degradation of polyethylene glycol-modified asialofetuin in hepatocytes. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is attached to proteins in order to increase their half-life in the circulation and reduce their immunogenicity in vivo. For many applications involving "targeting" molecules, it is important to know how PEG modification of the molecule affects its interaction with a receptor and the subsequent internalization, intracellular transport, and lysosomal degradation. As a model system, we used asialofetuin, which binds to the galactose receptor of hepatocytes, because removal of sialic acid exposes galactose residues. We modified asialofetuin by attaching various amounts of PEG of molecular weight 1900 or 5000. The preparations were labeled with 125I so that endocytosis and degradation could be followed in suspended hepatocytes. Depending on the number of PEG molecules attached, receptor-mediated uptake was affected to varying degrees. If two-thirds of the exposed amino groups of the asialofetuin molecule were modified, the rate of uptake decreased to less than one-fourth of controls; degradation of endocytosed molecules was 12% of controls. The reduction in endocytic uptake was due to a reduced rate of formation of the receptor-ligand complex. Subcellular frationation in density gradients showed that PEG-modified asialofetuin is transported intracellularly and degraded in the same manner as the native protein, but the rate of proteolysis is reduced. This observation explains the paradoxical result of experiments with injection of modified asialofetuin into rats in vivo: even though the clearance of one preparation of PEG-asialofetuin was much slower than that of the native protein, accumulation of radioactivity in the liver from the modified protein was twice as high. The hepatocytes accounted for 85% of the hepatic accumulation of either PEG-modified or native asialofetuin in vivo.


Early loss of the tyrosyl radical in ribonucleotide reductase of adenocarcinoma cells producing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide (NO) has been previously shown to inhibit crude preparations of ribonucleotide reductase, a key enzyme in DNA synthesis, and to destroy the essential tyrosyl free radical in pure recombinant R2 subunit of the enzyme. In R2-overexpressing TA3 cells, a decrease in the tyrosyl radical was observed by whole-cell EPR spectroscopy, as soon as 4 h after NO synthase induction by immunological stimuli. Complete loss of the tyrosyl EPR signal occurred after 7 h in cells cultured at a high density. Disappearance of the tyrosyl radical was prevented by N omega-nitro-L-arginine, a specific inhibitor of NO synthesis, and by oxyhemoglobin, which reacts rapidly with NO. It was reproduced by S-nitrosoglutathione, a NO-releasing molecule. Stable end products of NO synthase metabolism did not affect the radical. Immunoblot analysis of the R2 subunit indicated that expression of the protein was not influenced by NO synthase activity. These results establish that NO, or a labile product of NO synthase, induces the disappearance of the R2-centered tyrosyl radical. Since the radical is necessary for ribonucleotide reductase activity, its destruction by NO would contribute markedly to the antiproliferative action exerted by macrophage-type NO synthase.


Heparin-binding properties of vitronectin are linked to complex formation as illustrated by in vitro polymerization and binding to the terminal complement complex. Vitronectin (VN, complement S-protein) is a multifunctional protein which participates in cell adhesion, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and protection against complement lysis. VN is incorporated into several complexes, such as the terminal complement complex and thrombin-antithrombin III, and is bound to plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. The present study showed that purified VN spontaneously forms polymers of approximately 1000 kDa with a Stokes radius of 10 nm. The polymers are to a varying extent stabilized by disulfide bonds, but are quite stable even after reduction and alkylation, indicating the importance of noncovalent bonds. Plasma VN circulates mainly as a 65/75-kDa monomer containing a cryptic heparin-binding site which is exposed upon a conformational change induced by different stimuli, such as coagulation, heating, adsorption to surfaces, or exposure to acids, urea, or other denaturating agents. In the present study, VN was demonstrated to expose its heparin-binding site and its conformationally dependent 8E6 epitope when incorporated into the terminal complement complex. We suggest that exposure of the heparin-binding site and a putative hydrophobic binding site of VN are linked events dependent upon the same conformational change. In vivo, complex formation probably induces the heparin-binding site. Such a link might also explain why purified heparin-binding VN spontaneously forms polymers. The heparin-binding site may be involved in the elimination of multimolecular complexes containing VN.


Incorporation of type I collagen molecules that contain a mutant alpha 2(I) chain (Gly580-->Asp) into bone matrix in a lethal case of osteogenesis imperfecta. To understand more directly the tissue defect in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), bone matrix was analyzed from an infant with lethal OI (type II) of defined mutation (collagen alpha 2(I)Gly580-->Asp). Pepsin-solubilized alpha 1(I) and alpha 2(I) chains and derived CNBr-peptides migrated more slowly on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis compared with normal human controls. The peptide alpha 2(I)CB3,5, predicted to contain the mutation site, ran as a retarded doublet band and was purified by high performance liquid chromatography and digested with V8 protease. Two peptides with amino-terminal sequences beginning at residue 576 of the alpha 2(I) chain were isolated. One had the normal sequence. The other differed in that aspartic acid replaced glycine at residue 580 as predicted from cDNA analysis, and in having an unhydroxylated proline at residue 579. From yields on microsequencing and the relative intensities of the two forms of alpha 2(I)CB3,5 on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the ratio of mutant to normal alpha 2(I) chains in the infant's bone matrix was 0.7/1. Although the effects of an efficient incorporation of mutant chains on the properties of the bone matrix are unknown, it may be that in this OI case the tissue abnormalities result more from the presence of mutant protein than from an underexpression of matrix.


Laminin B1 expression is required for laminin deposition into the extracellular matrix of PC12 cells. The extracellular matrix of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells was shown by indirect immunofluorescence to consist of a network of fibronectin. The matrix did not contain laminin. The cells synthesized messenger RNA for fibronectin, laminin B2, and s-laminin but not for entactin or the B1 and A chains of laminin. Laminin B2 but not laminin B1 was detectable in the culture medium and in cell lysates. A full-length cDNA clone for the B1 chain of laminin was constructed in the plasmid p-444, which contains the neomycin-resistance marker and human beta-actin promoter. PC12 cells were transfected with this recombinant plasmid, and stable neomycin-resistant clones were isolated and characterized. Clones that synthesized laminin B1 messenger RNA were found to deposit a laminin-containing matrix. In many of these clones the deposition of the fibronectin matrix was greatly diminished. The laminin matrix was predominantly localized in the intercellular spaces forming a honeycomb pattern. The morphology of the laminin-synthesizing transfected cells was markedly different from the parental cells. The cells grew in tight clusters that were resistant to dissociating agents. It is concluded that the B1 chain of laminin contains information that is required for the formation of a stable laminin-containing extracellular matrix network either by interaction with cell surface receptors or other extracellular matrix components. Furthermore, expression of the laminin B1 gene may be a central regulatory point in determining extracellular matrix composition during embryogenesis.


Protein synthesis at the blood-brain barrier. The major protein secreted by amphibian choroid plexus is a lipocalin. Among the proteins secreted by choroid plexus of vertebrates, one protein is much more abundant than all others. In mammals, birds, and reptiles this protein is transthyretin, a tetramer of identical 15-kDa subunits. In this study choroid plexus from frogs, tadpoles, and toads incubated in vitro were found to synthesize and secrete one predominant protein. However, this consisted of one single 20-kDa polypeptide chain. It was expressed throughout amphibian metamorphosis. Part of its amino acid sequence was determined and used for construction of oligonucleotides for polymerase chain reaction. The amplified DNA was used to screen a toad choroid plexus cDNA library. Full-length cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced. The derived amino acid sequence for the encoded protein was 183 amino acids long, including a 20-amino acid presegment. The calculated molecular weight of the mature protein was 18,500. Sequence comparison with other proteins showed that the protein belonged to the lipocalin superfamily. Its expression was highest in choroid plexus, much lower in other brain areas, and absent from liver. Since no transthyretin was detected in proteins secreted from amphibian choroid plexus, abundant synthesis and secretion of transthyretin in choroid plexus must have evolved only after the stage of the amphibians.


Structure and chromosomal localization of the human gene for a brain form of prostaglandin D2 synthase. We have cloned and characterized the human gene for the 21-kDa brain form of prostaglandin D2 synthase. The gene was isolated from a human genomic lambda library and spans 3600 base pairs. It consists of seven exons and six introns. Southern blot analysis indicates that there is a single copy of the gene in the haploid genome. The transcriptional start site was mapped to a G residue 74 base pairs 5' of the ATG initiation codon. A TATA box-like element (ATAAATA) is situated 21 base pairs upstream of the mRNA start site. The gene was mapped to chromosome 9 bands q34.2-q34.3. The gene bears close resemblance to the genes for murine major urinary protein and ovine beta-lactoglobulin.


Isolation and sequence of the cDNAs encoding the subunits of the isozyme form of wheat protein synthesis initiation factor 4F. The nucleotide sequences of the cDNAs for the two subunits, p82 and p28, of the isozyme form of wheat germ eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF-(iso)4F) were determined. The cDNA for the p82 subunit encodes a polypeptide of 86,514 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of p82 contains possible motifs for ATP binding, metal binding, and phosphorylation. The cDNA sequence for the small subunit, p28, which is a m7G cap-binding protein, encodes a polypeptide of 23,524 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of p28 is similar (approximately 38%) to cap-binding proteins from yeast and mammals. The p28 of wheat eIF-(iso)4F does not contain a serine or threonine in the vicinity of the serine (Ser53) of mammalian cap-binding protein which is phosphorylated and shown to affect activity in mammalian cells.


Characterization of a Ca2+ binding and regulatory site in the Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) of rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. A region in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor between amino acids 4014 and 4765 was expressed as a trpE fusion protein. Overlay studies revealed that this region bound Ca2+ and ruthenium red, an indicator of Ca(2+)-binding sites. Ca2+ binding was mapped to subregion 13b between amino acids 4246 and 4377, encompassing a predicted high affinity Ca(2+)-binding site, and to subregion 13c between amino acids 4364 and 4529, encompassing two predicted high affinity Ca(2+)-binding sites. Ca2+ binding was then mapped to three shorter sequences, 22(13b1), 36(13c1), and 35(13c2), amino acids long, each encompassing one of the three predicted Ca(2+)-binding sites. Site-directed polyclonal antibodies were raised against these three short sequences and purified on antigen affinity columns. The antibody against sequence 13c2, lying between residues 4478 and 4512, specifically recognized both denatured and native forms of the ryanodine receptor, suggesting that at least part of the 35 amino acid sequence containing the Ca(2+)-binding site is surface-exposed. The affinity purified antibody increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of ryanodine receptor channels incorporated into planar lipid bilayers, resulting in increased open probability and opening time without altering channel conductance. The antibody-activated channel was still modulated by Ca2+, Mg2+, ATP, ryanodine, and ruthenium red. These observations suggest that sequence 13c2 may be involved in Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release.


Structural organization of the human insulin receptor ectodomain. To provide an experimental system amenable to a detailed biochemical and structural investigation of the extracellular (ligand binding) domain of the insulin receptor, we developed a mammalian heterologous cell expression system from which tens of milligrams of the soluble secreted ectodomain (the IR921 protein) can be routinely purified using methods that do not require harsh elution conditions. The purified IR921 protein has a Stokes radius of 6.8 nm and a sedimentation coefficient of 9.8 S, from which we calculate a hydro-dynamic mass of 281 kDa. Electron microscopic images, using both rotary shadowing and negative staining techniques, demonstrate a characteristic substructure for the IR921 protein consisting of two elongated arms, with a globular domain at each end, connected to each other at a point somewhat off-center to form a Y structure. Analysis using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy illustrate that insulin binding results in conformational changes in the ectodomain. Furthermore, fluorescence anisotropy decay data reveal segmental mobility within the IR921 protein that is successively frozen as a result of insulin binding, in contrast to results obtained in a previous study of the epidermal growth factor receptor ectodomain. This result suggests a divergence in hormone-induced signaling mechanisms used by the insulin and epidermal growth factor receptors.


Growth hormone (GH) induction of tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in cells transfected with rat GH receptor cDNA. The mechanism of growth hormone (GH) action was studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with GH receptor cDNA. Cytosolic extracts from GH- or phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoyl 4 beta-phorbol 13-acetate)-treated cells, transfected with full-length GH receptor cDNA, had an enhanced ability to phosphorylate myelin basic protein. Myelin basic protein, a substrate for mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, was maximally phosphorylated using extracts from cells treated with 50 nM bovine GH for 10 min. In addition, GH treatment resulted in an increased cell proliferation by 30-60%. GH and 12-O-tetradecanoyl 4 beta-phorbol 13-acetate cause tyrosine phosphorylation of two proteins with M(r) of 40,000 and 42,000 that are also recognized by MAP kinase antibodies. These proteins were identified as MAP kinases by analyzing phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates on Western blots using MAP kinase antibodies. In addition, GH induces mitogenicity, as well as MAP kinase activation, in CHO cells expressing a receptor in which 184 amino acids had been deleted in the carboxyl-terminal part of the intracellular domain. No GH effects were seen in untransfected cells, in CHO cells expressing a truncated GH receptor containing only 5 of 349 amino acids in the intracellular domain, or in cells expressing the soluble GH-binding protein. In conclusion, our data show that GH treatment of CHO cells, reconstituted with GH receptors, initiates a phosphorylation cascade which includes MAP kinase.


Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1C is rapidly phosphorylated in tyrosine in macrophages in response to colony stimulating factor-1. An approximately 64-kDa cytoplasmic protein is rapidly phosphorylated in tyrosine in the response of macrophages to colony stimulating factor-1. To identify this protein, BAC1.2F5 macrophages were incubated with or without colony stimulating factor-1, the phosphotyrosine-containing portion of their cytosolic fractions subjected to size exclusion chromatography, and the 45-70-kDa fraction further fractionated by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Tryptic peptides of pooled RP-HPLC fractions from stimulated cells (containing the approximately 64-kDa protein and an approximately 54-kDa protein) and from unstimulated cells (containing the approximately 54-kDa protein alone), were sequenced directly. All seven readable sequences of 8 sequenceable peptides present uniquely in the stimulated fraction were present in the sequence of the src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1C (PTP-1C). The identity of the approximately 64-kDa protein was confirmed by Western blotting with an antibody raised to a PTP-1C peptide. The rapid, growth factor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PTP-1C suggests that it may be involved in very early events in growth factor signal transduction.


Stretch-induced parathyroid hormone-related peptide gene expression in the rat uterus. We previously observed a peak in parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) mRNA expression in preterm rat myometrium and found that this peak was dependent on intrauterine occupancy. We explored the possibility that mechanotransduction might control PTHrP gene expression in the uterus. This was done by developing an intrauterine balloon system that allowed us to reproduce experimentally the mechanical effects of the fetal pup in utero. An increase in PTHrP mRNA in the unoccupied horn of a unilaterally pregnant rat could be elicited as rapidly as 1 h after balloon inflation and was maintained for up to 72 h. The same response was seen in uterine horns from virgin animals and could be reproduced by three different methods of imposing a physical stretch. Balloon-induced stretch also increased mRNA expression in a muscle bath system in vitro. Mechanotransduction appears to be largely, if not entirely, responsible for the preterm peak in PTHrP mRNA expression.


Retinoblastoma protein dephosphorylation induced by D-erythro-sphingosine. The retinoblastoma gene product (Rb), a nuclear phosphoprotein, functions as a tumor suppressor that is inactivated in retinoblastoma and other malignancies. The hypophosphorylated forms of Rb are observed in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, whereas the hyperphosphorylated forms predominate in S and G2/M phases, suggesting that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of Rb may regulate progression through the growth cycle. However, little is known about the intracellular signals that regulate phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of Rb. We show that D-erythro-sphingosine potently induces early dephosphorylation of Rb. Initial dephosphorylation was observed as early as 1 h after treatment of hematopoietic cells with sphingosine, whereas complete shift to the dephosphorylated form was seen 4 h after treatment. These effects occurred at concentrations of sphingosine as low as 100-500 nM, with maximal effects observed at 1-2.5 microM. These effects were specific to sphingosine, inasmuch as other lipids, amphiphiles, and long chain amino bases, as well as structural analogs of sphingosine, failed to induce dephosphorylation of Rb. Also, activation of second messenger systems including protein kinase C, cAMP-dependent kinases, and calcium ionophores, as well as inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatases, failed to induce dephosphorylation of Rb. Induction of Rb dephosphorylation by sphingosine preceded inhibition of growth and a specific arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. These studies, for the first time, identify an intracellular activator of Rb.


Transport of organic substrates via a volume-activated channel. We have investigated the volume-activated transport of organic solutes in flounder erythrocytes. Osmotic swelling of cells suspended in a Na(+)-free medium led to increased membrane transport of taurine, glucose, and uridine. For each compound there was a significant lag period (1-2 min at 10 degrees C) between cell swelling and activation of the flux. The volume-activated fluxes of each of the substrates increased in parallel with increasing cell volume, and those of taurine and uridine increased linearly with concentration (up to 19 mM). The volume-activated fluxes of each of the three compounds showed similar sensitivities to a number of anion-selective channel blockers (5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid > 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid approximately MK-196 > niflumic acid > furosemide); the IC50 for the inhibition of the volume-activated fluxes by NPPB was around 12 microM. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the volume-activated transport of organic osmolytes is via a pathway with the characteristics of a volume-activated "chloride channel." This raises the question of whether the transport of organic substrates might represent a physiological role for such channels in other cell types.


Cooperative interactions among subunits of a voltage-dependent potassium channel. Evidence from expression of concatenated cDNAs. Four copies of the coding sequence for a voltage-dependent potassium channel (RBK1, rat Kv1.1) were ligated contiguously and transcribed in vitro. The resulting RNA encodes four covalently linked subunit domains ([4]RBK1). Injection of this RNA into Xenopus oocytes resulted in the expression of voltage-dependent potassium currents. A single amino acid substitution, Tyr-->Val, located within the outer mouth of the pore, introduced into the equivalent position of any of the four domains, reduced affinity for external tetraethylammonium by approximately the same amount. In constructs containing 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 Tyr residues the free energy of binding tetraethylammonium was linearly related to the number of Tyr residues. A different amino acid substitution, Leu-->Ile, located in the S4 region, was made in the equivalent position of one, two, three, or four domains. The depolarization required for channel activation increased approximately linearly with the number of Ile residues, whereas models of independent gating of each domain predict marked nonlinearity. Expression of this concatenated channel provides direct evidence that voltage-dependent potassium channels have four subunits positioned symmetrically around a central permeation pathway and that these subunits interact cooperatively during channel activation.


Regulation of phosphoinositide kinases in T cells. Evidence that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is not a substrate for T cell antigen receptor-regulated tyrosine kinases. A phosphoinositide kinase that can phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) is present in 4G10 monoclonal antibody (mAb) phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates isolated from T cells activated via the T cell antigen receptor (TCR).CD3 complex. This PtdIns kinase is not the PtdIns 3-kinase that associates with activated protein tyrosine kinases in fibroblasts, since Western blotting and immunoprecipitation experiments with antibodies specific for the p85 alpha subunit of the PtdIns 3-kinase indicate that this polypeptide is not immunoprecipitated by the 4G10 mAb from TCR.CD3-activated Jurkat cells. Moreover, immunoprecipitated PtdIns 3-kinase isolated from T cells with p85 antibodies is inhibited when PtdIns is presented in Nonidet P-40, whereas the PtdIns kinase activity present in 4G10 mAb phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates is enhanced in the presence of Nonidet P-40. In vitro kinase assays of PtdIns 3-kinase immunoprecipitated with p85 antibodies from T cells indicate that it associates with a serine kinase that can phosphorylate a p85 polypeptide. However, no protein tyrosine kinase activity capable of tyrosine phosphorylating p85 in vitro associates with p85 alpha immunoprecipitates in quiescent or TCR.CD3-activated T cells. These data suggest that the TCR.CD3 complex does not regulate PtdIns 3-kinase activity by a mechanism that involves protein tyrosine kinases.


Angiotensin II regulates tenascin gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. Angiotensin II, a vasoactive peptide, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of vascular wall abnormalities. Since aberrant extracellular matrix deposition contributes to the pathogenesis of vessel wall disease, we examined the potential involvement of angiotensin II in the regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis by vascular smooth muscle cells. Immunoprecipitation of newly synthesized matrix proteins showed that, under serum-free conditions, cultured vascular smooth muscle cells constitutively produced high levels of fibronectin, small amounts of laminin, and a barely detectable amount of tenascin. Angiotensin II treatment increased synthesis of a 230-kDa tenascin glycoprotein by 9-fold and fibronectin synthesis by only 30-40% during a 24-h treatment period, without stimulating laminin production or a general increase in the synthesis of secreted proteins. Concomitant treatment with saralasin, a competitive inhibitor of angiotensin II, prevented the stimulation observed with angiotensin II. The stimulation of immunoprecipitable tenascin was preceded by an increase in tenascin mRNA. Levels of tenascin transcripts (8.4 and 7.0 kilobase) were significantly increased within 2 h after angiotensin II treatment, reached a maximum (10- to 12-fold) by 4 h, and remained elevated after 18 h. The induction was completely blocked by actinomycin D. Serum also induced tenascin mRNA, but with a different time course. Serum induction of tenascin mRNA was also evident at 2 h, maximal at 4 h, but declined to control levels at 8 h. These results indicate that angiotensin II exerts a rapid and selective stimulation of tenascin biosynthesis, at least in part at a transcriptional level. This suggests that angiotensin II may alter the composition of the extracellular matrix of the vessel wall by stimulating synthesis of the antiadhesive protein tenascin.


Human Mn-superoxide dismutase in pulmonary epithelial cells of transgenic mice confers protection from oxygen injury. To test directly whether mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) protects the lung epithelium from oxygen-induced injury, transgenic mice were produced in which the expression of human Mn-SOD mRNA was directly by transcriptional elements from the human pulmonary surfactant protein C gene. Human Mn-SOD mRNA was expressed in a lung-specific manner, and increased Mn-SOD protein was detected within mitochondria of alveolar Type II and nonciliated bronchiolar cells of the distal respiratory epithelium of the transgenic mice. The activity of Mn-SOD, but not catalase, CuZn-SOD, or glutathione peroxidase, was increased in lungs of transgenic mice. Transgenic mice were highly protected from lung injury during exposure to 95% oxygen, surviving significantly longer than nontransgenic littermates. Pulmonary pathology demonstrated decreased hemorrhage, hyaline membrane formation, and alveolar and interstitial edema in transgenic animals. The finding that increased Mn-SOD in distal respiratory epithelial cells confers protection from oxygen injury provides a basis for novel therapies to protect lung from injury during oxygen therapy of acute and chronic lung diseases.


Identification of nuclear encoded precursor tRNAs within the mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei. RNAs that function in mitochondria are typically encoded by the mitochondrial DNA. However, the mitochondrial tRNAs of Trypanosoma brucei are encoded by the nuclear DNA and therefore must be imported into the mitochondrion. It is becoming evident that RNA import into mitochondria is phylogenetically widespread and is essential for cellular processes, but virtually nothing is known about the mechanism of RNA import. We have identified and characterized mitochondrial precursor tRNAs in T. brucei. The identification of mitochondrially located precursor tRNAs clearly indicates that mitochondrial tRNAs are imported as precursors. The mitochondrial precursor tRNAs hybridize to cloned nuclear tRNA genes, label with [alpha-32P]CTP using yeast tRNA nucleotidyltransferase and in isolated mitochondria via an endogenous nucleotidyltransferase-like activity, and are processed to mature tRNAs by Escherichia coli and yeast mitochondrial RNase P. We show that T. brucei mitochondrial extract contains an RNase P activity capable of processing a prokaryotic tRNA precursor as well as the T. brucei tRNA precursors. Precursors for tRNA(Asn) and tRNA(Leu) were detected on Northern blots of mitochondrial RNA, and the 5' ends of these RNAs were characterized by primer extension analysis. The structure of the precursor tRNAs and the significance of nuclear encoded precursor tRNAs within the mitochondrion are discussed.


Characterization of a 97-kDa phosphotyrosylprotein regulated by multiple cytokines. We have examined the signal transduction pathways of a number of cytokines that interact with receptors that are members of the hematopoietin receptor superfamily. A 97-kDa protein was phosphorylated on tyrosine in response to stimulation of appropriate target cells with interleukin (IL)-2, IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF), granulocyte-CSF, or erythropoietin. These data suggest that a 97-kDa phosphotyrosylprotein represents a point of convergence for signal transduction by a number of growth factor receptors that do not have homology with any known protein tyrosine kinase. To address the possibility that p97 may represent a tyrosine kinase involved in multiple signal transduction pathways, we tested the capacity of this protein to bind a tyrosine kinase substrate or ATP. Indeed, a 97-kDa phosphotyrosylprotein purified from IL-2-stimulated lymphoid cells as well as granulocyte-macrophage-CSF-stimulated myeloid cells bound to a polymer of glutamic acid and tyrosine which is a tyrosine kinase substrate. Further, a 97-kDa phosphotyrosylprotein present in both lineages also bound 8-azido-ATP. These data indicate that a 97-kDa phosphotyrosylprotein with properties consistent with those of a protein tyrosine kinase is involved in the signal transduction pathways of certain members of the newly identified hematopoietin receptor superfamily and may represent an early point of convergence in the stimulus-response coupling of multiple cytokine receptors.


Promoter region of the human alpha 2A adrenergic receptor gene. In order to locate the promoter region of the human alpha 2A adrenergic receptor gene we used RNase protection analysis and antisense RNA probes to map the cap site of the alpha 2 transcripts. Prior sequence analysis has shown two potential TATA box motifs in the human alpha 2A adrenergic receptor gene, TATATAT and TATAAAA, located 427 and 1037 base pairs (bp), respectively, upstream of the protein coding region. RNase protection experiments and primer extension show that transcription starts downstream of the distal TATAAAA, indicating that the 5'-untranslated region is approximately 1 kilobase in length. We have used the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene and transient transfection into HT29, a human adenocarcinoma cell line that expresses the alpha 2A receptor, to show that as little as 150 bp upstream of the cap site can direct transcription. Sequence analysis shows that although this region contains the TATA box motif it lacks a CCAAT box motif. DNase I footprint analysis of a fragment from -17 to -193 (where +1 is the transcription initiation site), using nuclear extracts from HT29, showed hypersensitive sites (-68/-69) and two protected regions: -70 to -87, which includes a 10-bp palindrome, and -92 to -105, which includes a GC box, a common motif for Sp1 nuclear factor binding. Gel mobility shift assays indicate that Sp1 or a related factor may bind to this GC box. Deletion of the GC box and the palindrome from chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs abolishes transcription. We propose that these cis sequences may function in lieu of a CCAAT box to regulate transcription of the human alpha 2A adrenergic receptor gene.


Selective tissue distribution of G protein gamma subunits, including a new form of the gamma subunits identified by cDNA cloning. The GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) that transduce signals from receptors to effectors are composed of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits. Whereas the role of alpha subunits in directly regulating effector activity is widely accepted, it has recently been demonstrated that beta gamma subunits may also directly regulate effector activity. This has made clear the importance of identifying and characterizing beta and gamma subunits. We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding a new gamma subunit, referred to here as the gamma 7 subunit, using probes based on peptide sequences of a gamma subunit previously purified from bovine brain. The clone contains a 1.47-kilobase cDNA insert, which includes an open reading frame of 204 base pairs that predicts a 68-amino acid polypeptide with a calculated M(r) of 7553. The predicted protein shares amino acid identities with the other known gamma subunits, ranging from 38 to 68%. Also characteristic of gamma subunits is a carboxyl-terminal CAAX motif. The expression of the gamma 7 subunit as well as the gamma 2, gamma 3, and gamma 5 subunits was examined in several bovine tissues at both the mRNA and protein levels. Whereas the gamma 2 and gamma 3 subunits were selectively expressed in brain, the gamma 5 and gamma 7 subunits were expressed in a variety of tissues. Thus, the gamma 5 and gamma 7 subunits are the first G protein gamma subunits known that could participate in the regulation of widely distributed signal transduction pathways.


Cleavage of membrane-anchored growth factors involves distinct protease activities regulated through common mechanisms. The membrane-anchored forms of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and stem cell growth factors (Kit ligands) KL-1 and KL-2 are converted to soluble growth factor forms by a regulated proteolytic cleavage process. Each of these proteins is cleaved at a distinct site, however their cleavage is activated via a common set of intracellular signaling mechanisms. By using a panel of protease inhibitors, we show here that at least two cell-associated serine protease activities with distinct specificities participate in membrane growth factor cleavage. Two serine protease inhibitors of broad specificity, diisopropylfluorophosphate and 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin, prevent the cleavage of proTGF-alpha and KL-1 but not that of KL-2. Of the agents tested, N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone and various haloenol lactone derivatives are the most potent inhibitors of cleavage of all three membrane growth factors. It is concluded that cleavage of membrane-anchored growth factors involves a proteolytic system with multiple serine protease activities regulated through common mechanisms.


Interferon alpha induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of its receptor. The mechanisms of generation of second messengers after binding of interferon alpha (IFN alpha) to its receptor remain unknown. We have studied the phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the IFN alpha receptor, which is recognized by the monoclonal antibody IFNa receptor 3. Immunoblotting experiments showed that IFN alpha induced rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of the alpha subunit in the IFN alpha-sensitive H-929, U-266, and Daudi cell lines. Immunoprecipitation experiments performed with 32P-labeled cells showed that the alpha subunit is phosphorylated before IFN alpha treatment and that the level of phosphorylation increases after IFN alpha stimulation. Phosphoamino acid analysis confirmed the IFN alpha-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and demonstrated that the base-line phosphorylation corresponded to serine phosphorylation that increased 50% upon IFN alpha treatment. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the alpha subunit was time- and dose-dependent, further demonstrating the specificity of the process. Phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the receptor occurred rapidly after IFN alpha binding, both at 37 and 4 degrees C. Exposure of the cells to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein blocked the IFN alpha-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of this subunit of the IFN alpha receptor. In contrast H7, a specific protein kinase C inhibitor, and acute and chronic exposure to phorbol esters had no effect on tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that protein kinase C does not regulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the IFN alpha receptor. No IFN alpha-induced tyrosine phosphorylation was observed in the IFN alpha-resistant U-937 cell line that expresses a variant IFN alpha receptor. Altogether these data suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of the alpha subunit may play a role in the signal transduction pathway of IFN alpha.


Tissue-specific expression in mammalian brain, heart, and muscle of S1, a member of the elongation factor-1 alpha gene family. Elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1 alpha) is an ubiquitous protein that functions in peptide elongation during mRNA translation. We previously reported the isolation of a rat S1 protein that is antigenically related to statin, a nonproliferation-specific protein; this S1 gene shares a high degree of homology to EF-1 alpha. We constructed specific riboprobes to the two genes, based on the difference in the 3' noncoding regions of both S1 and EF-1 alpha mRNAs. Northern analysis and RNase protection assays have revealed that S1 mRNA is present only in brain, heart, and muscle, while EF-1 alpha mRNA has been detected in all tissues surveyed so far. The same tissue specificity has been observed in mouse, suggesting that S1 expression is conserved between these two mammalian species. S1 transcript was detected in late brain embryogenesis (day 20), but in lower amounts than in 3-month-old adult brain. We show that the relative levels of both S1 and EF-1 alpha transcripts and their respective tissue abundances remain unchanged during the aging process. The function of S1 is not yet known; but these results suggest that it may be involved in specific control mechanisms for protein synthesis in tissues where cells (i.e. neurons and myocytes) are permanently locked in a state of nonproliferation.


Prolactin receptor triggering. Evidence for rapid tyrosine kinase activation. The mechanism of action of prolactin (PRL) has remained obscure despite the unveiling of the primary structure of PRL receptors. The present study demonstrates rapid PRL receptor-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of at least three cellular proteins, designated p120, p97, and p40, in a rat T-lymphoma (Nb2-11C) as revealed by antiphosphotyrosine immunoblotting. One of the phosphotyrosyl proteins, p120, co-purified with activated PRL receptor complexes obtained using either anti-ligand or anti-receptor antibodies. Furthermore, in vitro incubation of affinity-purified PRL receptor complexes from PRL-stimulated cells with ATP in the presence of a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, resulted in a 10-15-fold increase in the phosphotyrosine content of p120, as revealed by antiphosphotyrosine immunoblotting. Parallel experiments utilizing [gamma-32P]ATP confirmed a rapid and time-dependent incorporation of phosphate into p120 in the same affinity-purified PRL receptor complexes. These data provide strong evidence for the involvement of a tyrosine kinase in PRL signal transduction and suggest the presence of a tyrosine kinase within the activated PRL receptor complex.


Haemodynamic effects of the calcium facilitator Bay K-8644 in rats following vascular calcium overload. 1. The haemodynamic effects of the Ca2+ facilitator Bay K-8644 (Bay) were studied in a model of calcinosis induced by acute treatment with vitamin D3 and nicotine administration over 4 days with 13 days of recovery. 2. Calcium content of the left ventricular myocardium increased 8-9 fold, while aortic Ca2+ levels increased up to 12-fold in treated animals. There were minimal changes in the ECG and no change in the level of plasma alpha-hydroxy-butyrate-dehydrogenase, a cardiac specific enzyme which increases during ischaemia. Significant increases in pulse pressure (PP) were seen in anaesthetized and conscious calcinotic rats, with no increase in cardiac output index (DABF) or systemic vascular resistance. However, aortic rigidity (AORI) was significantly elevated in the calcinotic group under anaesthesia. 3. In both control and calcinotic rats, pressor responses to i.v. Bay were exclusively mediated by an increase in aortic blood flow (DABF) as lower body vascular resistance (TLBVR) did not change. The increase in DABF at low doses (0.1-1 microgram kg-1) of Bay probably resulted from an increase in venous return induced by the agonist, as Bay had little effect on cardiac contractility over this dose range (as estimated by left ventricular dp/dtmax) and did not cause tachycardia. At higher doses (10-1000 micrograms kg-1), Bay significantly increased LV dp/dt. Bay caused dose-related increases in AORI in pithed calcinotic rats, but a decrease in AORI in control animals. 4. The calcinosis model, which incorporates a recovery period to obviate the acute effects of nicotine and/or vitamin D3 treatment, results in long-term tissue calcium accumulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Effect of ruthenium red on the bronchoconstriction induced by capsaicin and by selective tachykinin receptor agonists in anaesthetized guinea-pig. 1. The effect of systemic administration of ruthenium red on bronchospasm induced by acetylcholine, capsaicin or selective tachykinin receptor agonists ([Sar9]SP sulfone or [beta Ala8]-neurokinin A (NKA)-(4-10) for NK-1 and NK-2 receptors, respectively) was studied in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. 2. The bronchospasm induced by capsaicin was reduced by ruthenium red, which did not affect the response induced by acetylcholine. Atropine, which totally blocked the response to acetylcholine, also partially blocked the bronchospasm induced by capsaicin. 3. The inhibitory action of atropine and ruthenium red on the bronchospasm produced by capsaicin was additive, independently from the order of administration of the two antagonists. 4. Ruthenium red induced an increase in [Sar9]SP sulfone-bronchospasm and a marked enhancement of the bronchomotor response to [beta Ala8]NKA-(4-10). This latter was antagonized by the prior administration of the selective NK-2 receptor antagonist MEN 10,376. 5. Pretreatment with guanethidine or propranolol increased the airway constriction induced by [beta Ala8]NKA-(4-10). Furthermore, pretreatment with guanethidine prevented the enhancement induced by ruthenium red, showing that activation of NK-2 receptors influences the sympathetic bronchodilator drive to the airways. 6. It is concluded that ruthenium red antagonizes selectively the in vivo excitatory effect of capsaicin in guinea-pig airways. Furthermore, the additivity of the blocking action of ruthenium red and atropine indicates that two distinct mechanisms take place in bronchospastic response to i.v. capsaicin in this species.


Contrasting effect of substance P on renal function and dopamine excretion in hydropaenic and volume expanded dogs. 1. Substance P (SP) and dopaminergic nerves have been described in the kidney. In the brain, SP increases dopamine production. In the kidney, SP increases sodium excretion. 2. Intrarenal dopamine acts as an endogenous natriuretic hormone. It is possible that dopamine could mediate the natriuretic effect of SP. 3. We therefore studied the effect of the intrarenal arterial infusion of SP (0.1, 1.0, 10 ng kg body wt-1 min-1) on mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine flow rate (V), absolute (UNaV) and fractional (FENa) sodium excretion as well as dopamine and noradrenaline excretion in dogs. Since dopamine is not natriuretic in hydropaenic states, studies were performed during hydropaenic and saline loaded states. 4. During hydropaenia, SP increased RBF, GFR, and V in a dose-related fashion but did not alter UNaV or FENa. Urinary noradrenaline was not affected but urinary dopamine decreased with increasing doses of SP. MAP was not affected. 5. During saline loading, SP increased RBF, GFR, V, UNaV, and FENa in a dose-related fashion. Both urinary noradrenaline and urinary dopamine increased. The fractional excretion of sodium correlated with dopamine but not noradrenaline excretion. MAP was not affected. 6. The renal haemodynamic and functional effects of SP may be mediated by SP-associated increases in urinary dopamine.


Osteoclasts express high levels of pp60c-src in association with intracellular membranes. Deletion of the c-src gene in transgenic mice by homologous recombination leads to osteopetrosis, a skeletal defect characterized by markedly deficient bone resorption (Soriano, P., C. Montgomery, R. Geske, and A. Bradley. 1991. Cell. 64:693-702), demonstrating a critical functional role of pp60c-src in osteoclast activity. Since decreased bone resorption could result from a defect either within the osteoclast or within other cells present in its environment, indirectly affecting osteoclast functions, we determined which cell(s) in bone expressed high levels of pp60c-src Measuring pp60c-src protein and kinase activities in osteoclasts and immunolocalizing pp60c-src in bone, we find that expression of pp60c-src is nearly as high in osteoclasts as in brain and platelets. In contrast, other bone cells contain only very low levels of the protein. In addition, expression of the c-src gene product increases when bone marrow cells are induced to express an osteoclast-like phenotype by 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3, further suggesting that high expression of pp60c-src is part of the osteoclast phenotype. Three other src-like kinases, c-fyn, c-yes, and c-lyn, are also expressed in osteoclasts at ratios to pp60c-src similar to what is found in platelets. These src-related proteins do not, however, compensate for the absence of pp60c-src in the src- mice, thereby suggesting that pp60c-src may have a specific function in osteoclasts. Although further work is necessary to elucidate what the critical role of pp60c-src in osteoclasts is, our observation that the protein is associated mostly with the membranes of intracellular organelles suggests the possibility that this role might be at least in part related to the targeting or fusion of membrane vesicles.


A new family of yeast nuclear pore complex proteins. We have identified a novel family of yeast nuclear pore complex proteins. Three individual members of this family, NUP49, NUP100, and NUP116, have been isolated and then characterized by a combination of molecular genetics and immunolocalization. Employing immunoelectron and immunofluorescence microscopy on yeast cells, we found that the binding of a polyspecific monoclonal antibody recognizing this family was predominantly at the nuclear pore complexes. Furthermore, the tagging of NUP49 with a unique epitope enabled the immunolocalization of this protein to the nuclear pore complex by both fluorescence and electron microscopy. DNA sequence analysis has shown that the amino-terminal regions of NUP49, NUP100, and NUP116 share repeated "GLFG" motifs separated from each other by glutamine, asparagine, serine and threonine rich spacers. All three proteins lack a repetitive domain found in the two precisely described yeast nuclear pore complex proteins. Only NUP49 is essential for cell viability. NUP116-deficient cells grow very slowly and are temperature sensitive, whereas the lack of NUP100 has no detectable phenotype. NUP100 and NUP116 are homologous over their entire lengths. Interestingly, NUP100 and NUP116 are both flanked by a histidine tRNA gene and a transposon element suggesting that they may have arisen by gene duplication. We propose that subfamilies of pore complex proteins can be defined by their characteristic combinations of different modular domains.


Proteins containing an uncleaved signal for glycophosphatidylinositol membrane anchor attachment are retained in a post-ER compartment. Glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane proteins are initially synthesized with a cleavable COOH-terminal extension that signals anchor attachment. Overexpression in COS cells of hGH-DAF fusion proteins containing the GPI signal of decay accelerating factor (DAF) fused to the COOH-terminus of human growth hormone (hGH), produces both GPI-anchored hGH-DAF and uncleaved precursors that retain the GPI signal. Using hGH-DAF fusion proteins containing a mutated, noncleavable GPI signal, we show that uncleaved polypeptides are retained inside the cell and accumulate in a brefeldin A-sensitive, Golgi-like juxtanuclear structure. Retention requires the presence of either a functional or a noncleavable GPI signal; hGH-DAF fusion proteins containing only the COOH-terminal hydrophobic domain (a component of the GPI signal) are secreted. Immunofluorescence analysis shows colocalization of the retained, uncleaved fusion proteins with both a Golgi marker and with p53, a marker of the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment. Since N-linked glycosylation is postulated to facilitate the transport of proteins to the cell surface, we engineered a glycosylation site into hGH-DAF. Glycosylation failed to completely override the transport block, but allowed some uncleaved hGH-DAF to pass through the secretory pathway and acquire endoglycosidase H resistance. The retained molecules remained endoglycosidase H sensitive. We suggest that the uncleaved fusion protein is retained in a sorting compartment between the ER and the medial Golgi complex. We speculate that a mechanism exists to retain proteins containing an uncleaved GPI signal as part of a system for quality control.


Tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and pp125FAK accompanies cell adhesion to extracellular matrix: a role in cytoskeletal assembly. Cells in culture reveal high levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in their focal adhesions, the regions where cells adhere to the underlying substratum. We have examined the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in response to plating cells on extracellular matrix substrata. Rat embryo fibroblasts, mouse Balb/c 3T3, and NIH 3T3 cells plated on fibronectin-coated surfaces revealed elevated phosphotyrosine levels in a cluster of proteins between 115 and 130 kD. This increase in tyrosine phosphorylation was also seen when rat embryo fibroblasts were plated on laminin or vitronectin, but not on polylysine or on uncoated plastic. Integrin mediation of this effect was suggested by finding the same pattern of elevated tyrosine phosphorylation in cells plated on the cell-binding fragment of fibronectin and in cells plated on a synthetic polymer containing multiple RGD sequences. We have identified one of the proteins of the 115-130-kD cluster as pp125FAK, a tyrosine kinase recently localized in focal adhesions (Schaller, M. D., C. A. Borgman, B. S. Cobb, R. R. Vines, A. B. Reynolds, and J. T. Parsons. 1992. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 89:5192). A second protein that becomes tyrosine phosphorylated in response to extracellular matrix adhesion is identified as paxillin, a 70-kD protein previously localized to focal adhesions. Treatment of cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A diminished the adhesion-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of these proteins and inhibited the formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers. These results suggest a role for integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in the organization of the cytoskeleton as cells adhere to the extracellular matrix.


Integrin-dependent phosphorylation and activation of the protein tyrosine kinase pp125FAK in platelets. We have investigated mechanisms involved in integrin-mediated signal transduction in platelets by examining integrin-dependent phosphorylation and activation of a newly identified protein tyrosine kinase, pp125FAK (FAK, focal adhesion kinase). This kinase was previously shown to be localized in focal adhesions in fibroblasts, and to be phosphorylated on tyrosine in normal and Src-transformed fibroblasts. We show that thrombin and collagen activation of platelets causes an induction of tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK and that pp125FAK molecules isolated from activated platelets display enhanced levels of phosphorylation in immune-complex kinase assays. pp125FAK was not phosphorylated on tyrosine after thrombin or collagen treatment of Glanzmann's thrombasthenic platelets deficient in the fibrinogen receptor GPIIb-IIIa, or of platelets pretreated with an inhibitory monoclonal antibody to GP IIb-IIIa. Fibrinogen binding to GP IIb-IIIa was not sufficient to induce pp125FAK phosphorylation because pp125FAK was not phosphorylated on tyrosine in thrombin-treated platelets that were not allowed to aggregate. These results indicate that tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK is dependent on platelet aggregation mediated by fibrinogen binding to the integrin receptor GP IIb-IIIa. The induction of tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK was inhibited in thrombin- and collagen-treated platelets preincubated with cytochalasin D, which prevents actin polymerization following activation. Under all of these conditions, there was a strong correlation between the induction of tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK in vivo and stimulation of the phosphorylation of pp125FAK in vitro in immune-complex kinase assays. This study provides the first genetic evidence that tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK is dependent on integrin-mediated events, and demonstrates that there is a strong correlation between tyrosine phosphorylation of pp125FAK in platelets, and the activation of pp125FAK-associated phosphorylating activity in vitro.


A point mutation of integrin beta 1 subunit blocks binding of alpha 5 beta 1 to fibronectin and invasin but not recruitment to adhesion plaques. A point mutation in a highly conserved region of the beta 1 subunit, Asp130 to Ala (D130A) substitution, abrogates the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-dependent binding of alpha 5 beta 1 to fibronectin (FN) without disrupting gross structure or heterodimer assembly. The D130A mutation also interferes with binding to invasin, a ligand that lacks RGD sequence. In spite of the lack of detectable FN binding by alpha 5 beta 1(D130A), it was recruited to adhesion plaques formed on FN by endogenous hamster receptors. Thus, intact ligand binding function is not required for recruitment of alpha 5 beta 1 to adhesion plaques. Overexpression of beta 1(D130A) partially interfered with endogenous alpha 5 beta 1 function, thus defining a dominant negative beta 1 integrin mutation.


Thrombin-induced expression of endothelial P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1: a mechanism for stabilizing neutrophil adhesion. Thrombin-induced expression of endothelial adhesivity toward neutrophils (PMN) was studied using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were challenged with human alpha-thrombin for varying durations up to 120 min, after which the cells were fixed with 1% paraformaldehyde and 51Cr-labeled human PMN were added to determine PMN adhesion. Endothelial adhesivity increased within 15 min after alpha-thrombin exposure, and the response persisted up to 120 min. Expression of endothelial adhesion proteins, P-selectin (GMP-140, PADGEM, CD62), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) on the endothelial surface was quantitated by increase in the specific binding of anti-P-selectin mAb G1 and anti-ICAM-1 mAb RR1/1 labeled with 125I. P-selectin expression was maximal at 5-15 min alpha-thrombin exposure and decayed to basal levels within 90 min. In contrast, ICAM-1 activity increased at 30 min and remained elevated for 120 min after alpha-thrombin challenge. The initial endothelial adhesivity was dependent on P-selectin expression since PMN adhesion occurring within the first 30 min after alpha-thrombin challenge was inhibited by mAb G1. The later prolonged PMN adhesion was ICAM-1 dependent since this response was inhibited by mAb RR1/1 and to the same degree by the anti-CD18 mAb IB4. Anti-ELAM-1 mAb BB11 had no effect on adhesion of PMN to the alpha-thrombin-challenged cells. The initial P-selectin expression and PMN adhesion responses were reproduced by the 14-amino peptide (SFLLRNPNDKYEPF) (thrombin-receptor activity peptide; TRP-14) which comprised the NH2 terminus created by thrombin's proteolytic action on its receptors. However, TRP-14-induced PMN adhesion was transient, and TRP-14 did not cause ICAM-1 expression. The ICAM-1-dependent PMN adhesion mediated by alpha-thrombin was protein synthesis independent since ICAM-1 expression and PMN adhesion were not inhibited by cycloheximide pretreatment of HUVEC. Moreover, Northern blot analysis indicated absence of ICAM-1 mRNA signal up to 180 min after alpha-thrombin challenge. In conclusion, thrombin-induced endothelial adhesivity involves early- and late-phase responses. The initial reversible PMN adhesion is mediated by rapid P-selectin expression via TRP-14 generation. Thrombin-induced PMN adhesion is stabilized by a protein synthesis-independent upregulation of the constitutive ICAM-1 activity which enables the interaction of ICAM-1 with the CD18 beta 2 integrin on PMN.


Endothelial cells interact with the core protein of basement membrane perlecan through beta 1 and beta 3 integrins: an adhesion modulated by glycosaminoglycan. Aortic endothelial cells adhere to the core protein of murine perlecan, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan present in endothelial basement membrane. We found that cell adhesion was partially inhibited by beta 1 integrin-specific mAb and almost completely blocked by a mixture of beta 1 and alpha v beta 3 antibodies. Furthermore, adhesion was partially inhibited by a synthetic peptide containing the perlecan domain III sequence LPASFRGDKVTSY (c-RGD) as well as by GRGDSP, but not by GRGESP. Both antibodies contributed to the inhibition of cell adhesion to immobilized c-RGD whereas only beta 1-specific antibody blocked residual cell adhesion to proteoglycan core in the presence of maximally inhibiting concentrations of soluble RGD peptide. A fraction of endothelial surface-labeled detergent lysate bound to a core affinity column and 147-, 116-, and 85-kD proteins were eluted with NaCl and EDTA. Polyclonal anti-beta 1 and anti-beta 3 integrin antibodies immunoprecipitated 116/147 and 85/147 kD surface-labeled complexes, respectively. Cell adhesion to perlecan was low compared to perlecan core, and cell adhesion to core, but not to immobilized c-RGD, was selectively inhibited by soluble heparin and heparan sulfates. This inhibition by heparin was also observed with laminin and fibronectin and, in the case of perlecan, was found to be independent of heparin binding to substrate. These data support the hypothesis that endothelial cells interact with the core protein of perlecan through beta 1 and beta 3 integrins, that this binding is partially RGD-independent, and that this interaction is selectively sensitive to a cell-mediated effect of heparin/heparan sulfates which may act as regulatory ligands.


Developmental changes in heparan sulfate expression: in situ detection with mAbs. Two mAbs that are specific for heparan sulfate-related epitopes have been raised and used to analyze the cellular and tissular distribution of this glycosaminoglycan during development. mAb 10E4 reacts with an epitope that occurs in native heparan sulfate chains and that is destroyed by N-desulfation of the glycosaminoglycan. The antibody does not react with hyaluronate, chondroitin sulfate, or DNA, and reacts only poorly with heparin. The reactivity of proteoglycan extracts or tissue sections with the 10E4 antibody is completely abolished by heparitinase, but is only partially affected by heparinase. mAb 3G10, in contrast, reacts only with heparitinase-treated heparan sulfate chains, proteoglycans, or tissue sections. The 3G10 epitope is destroyed by treatment with mercuric acetate, which indicates that the desaturated uronate generated by the lyase is essential for the reactivity of the antibody. The 3G10 epitope is not generated by treating heparan sulfate proteoglycans with heparinase or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans with chondroitin sulfate lyases, which indicates that the 3G10 antibody recognizes desaturated uronates that occur in specific structural contexts. The antibody 10E4 and, after heparitinase treatment, the antibody 3G10 decorate the surfaces of many cell types and the extracellular matrix in proximity of the cells, in particular, the basement membranes. The analysis of embryonic and adult tissues reveals important temporal and regional differences in the abundance of the 10E4 and 3G10 epitopes at these sites. Moreover, the staining pattern of the two antibodies is not always superimposable, which is indicative of regional differences in the exposure or structure of the tissular heparan sulfates. As a whole the results suggest that heparan sulfate abounds at sites of active morphogenesis and that the expression of this glycosaminoglycan is developmentally regulated.


Monoclonal antibody that recognizes the carbohydrate portion of cell adhesion molecule L1 influences calcium current in cultured neurons. A monoclonal antibody (mAb), 2E12, against the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 recognized the 200 kDa component of L1. The epitope of L1 reacting with mAb 2E12 was localized in its carbohydrate chain, judging from the results of experiments on glycopeptidase F treatment. The physiological effect of adding mAbL1 (2E12) to cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons was studied using patch-clamp techniques. The binding of mAbL1 (2E12) to the neurons expressing L1 molecule induced an inward current inhibited by calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine and Lanthanum. It was also found that the mAbL1 (2E12) leads to a rise in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured neurons. This rise seems to be due to an influx of extracellular Ca2+, since treatment with EGTA abolished those phenomena. L-type calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine and cadmium, as well as inward current, blocked the effect of mAbL1 (2E12). These results suggest that the carbohydrate chain of L1 glycoprotein is directly involved in the induction of calcium current, and that the L1 molecule may play a prominent role in regulation of the Ca2+ channel.


Heat-induced transcription from RNA polymerases II and III and HSF binding activity are co-ordinately regulated by the products of the heat shock genes. Heat shock leads to co-ordinate increases in transcription of a family of heat shock genes, including the mouse hsp70.1 and B2 genes. Activation of the heat shock transcription factor (HSF) by heat shock stimulates transcription of the murine hsp70.1 gene (by RNA polymerase II). B2 genes are short, repetitive sequences whose transcription (by RNA polymerase III) are also increased after heat shock. We have studied whether heat-induced transcription is auto-regulated by the products of the heat shock genes. The results indicate: (1) after an initial heat shock, transcription of the heat shock genes by RNA polymerases II and III becomes desensitized to further heat shock, and the heat-induced DNA binding activity of the HSF is lost, (2) if accumulation of heat shock gene products is inhibited, the desensitizing effect of a prior heat shock is removed, and (3) transcription of the hsp70.1 and B2 genes apparently involves different mechanisms, with hsp70.1 employing the HSF and the B2 gene using a separate, heat-activated transcriptional mechanism. However, the level of transcription from the hsp70.1 and B2 genes and the stability of their respective RNAs are co-ordinately regulated by the level of heat shock protein in the cell. The data indicate that auto-regulation of the level of mouse heat shock gene products is mediated by RNA polymerase II transcripts but that the regulatory mechanism can control transcription from RNA polymerase III genes as well.


Repetitive 5-azacytidine treatments of Fao cells induce a stable and strong expression of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. The role of DNA methylation in the expression of the rat gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) gene was assessed in the Fao cell line using a hypomethylating agent, 5-azacytidine. Ten repetitive treatments of the cells, with 8 microM 5-azacytidine for 24 h, led to 13- and 80-fold increases, respectively, in GGT activity and in GGT mRNA level. The DNA methylation patterns generated by the isoschizomeric restriction enzymes Hpa II and Msp I indicated that the GGT gene, highly methylated in Fao cells, became strongly demethylated after 5-azacytidine treatments. Thus, DNA demethylation increases the expression of the GGT gene. 5-Azacytidine treatments also increased, but to a lesser extent, mRNAs level for actin, albumin, mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, aldolase B mRNAs (12- to 16-fold) as well as for tubulin, gluthathione transferase, and tyrosine aminotransferase mRNAs (2- to 5-fold). The GGT gene expression was further studied in B4 cells, cloned from the demethylated Fao cell population. This clone B4 exhibited a stable and strong GGT activity and a highly demethylated GGT gene. Among the three GGT mRNA I, II, or III, transcribed from three different promoters of the single rat GGT gene, only mRNA III was detected in Fao cells and was increased in clone B4, indicating that the demethylation acts on the promoter for mRNA III. The analysis of the differentiation state of B4 cells, as compared to Fao cells, showed a loss of the regulation of GGT and aspartate aminotransferase genes by dexamethasone, as well as a loss of the gluconeogenic pathway. Interestingly, B4 cells have retained many other specific functions of hepatic differentiation and have acquired alpha-fetoprotein expression; thus this clone exhibits the characteristics of a hepatic fetal phenotype.


Regulation of C-myc and C-Ha-ras oncogene expression by cell shape. The influence of cell shape on the expression of proto-oncogenes was examined in normal and malignant human cells that varied in their sensitivities to contact-inhibition of proliferation. Cells were constrained into varying degrees of roundness by plating onto culture surfaces coated with different concentrations of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly[HEMA]) and assayed for proliferation capacity and levels of c-myc, c-ras, c-fos, and c-fes mRNAs. Proliferation of contact-inhibited normal CUA-1 fibroblasts and the variant HT-IFNr cells was highly coupled to cell shape. As these cells became more rounded, a critical degree of roundness was reached at which proliferation ceased. In contrast, proliferation of non-contact-inhibited malignant HT-1080 cells was independent of cell shape. Northern analysis revealed that expression of c-myc and c-ras was highly sensitive to cell shape in the normal CUA-1 cells but not in the malignant HT-1080 or variant HT-IFNr cells. Levels of c-myc and c-ras mRNAs declined to nearly undetectable levels in CUA-1 cells at degrees of roundness that correlated with loss of proliferative ability. Expression of c-fos and c-fes oncogenes were independent of cell shape in all cells tested. Quantification of transcription rates by the nuclear run-off assay showed that shape modulation of c-myc and c-ras oncogene expression occurred at the transcriptional level. These data suggest that changes in cell shape can modulate expression of certain oncogenes and that these changes correlate with the cell's ability to proliferate. Moreover, inability to regulate c-myc and c-ras oncogene expression is associated with loss of shape-dependent growth controls and contact inhibition but that loss of this regulation alone is not sufficient to release cells from contact-inhibited controls.


A novel nuclear protein which binds to G gamma and A gamma globin promoters and modulates hemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells. Nuclear extract of human erythroleukemic cell line K562 contains a 70 kDa protein which is gradually reduced when cells are induced to express globin genes by 25 microM hemin. When globin synthesis was inhibited by cycloheximide (100 micrograms/ml) or Actinomycin D (1 microgram/ml), the disappearance of this protein was prevented. The 70 kDa nuclear protein exhibited strong binding to G gamma and A gamma globin promoters but not to beta-globin promoter. This suggests that this 70 kDa nuclear protein may be involved in the regulation of fetal globin gene expression.


Cytokine triggered molecular pathways that control cell cycle arrest. Recent progress has been made concerning the understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate the growth suppressive effects of inhibitory cytokines. Interferons, interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-beta were investigated in these studies. Cell lines that display growth sensitivity to all three cytokines and growth resistant derivates provided a suitable genetic background to determine whether common or unique post-receptor elements mediate the effects of each cytokine. Three nuclear genes, c-myc, RB, and cyclin A were found to be common key downstream targets along the cytokine induced growth suppressive pathways. Genetic and pharmacological manipulations proved that these molecular responses fall into few complementary pathways that function in parallel to achieve the cytokine mediated G0/G1 arrest. New strategies, such as knock out anti-sense gene cloning were developed and they currently provide powerful tools for the isolation of genes along the signaling pathways of growth arrest.


Monoclonal antibodies identify a possible regulatory domain of MyoD1. A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to murine MyoD1 was generated. One set of mAbs is shown to react with epitope(s) in the cysteine/histidine-rich (C/H) region while another set is shown to react with epitope(s) in the C-terminal portion of MyoD1. One of the mAbs reactive with a C-terminal epitope sensitively detected MyoD1 in whole cell extracts by Western blotting. Time course studies of total protein accumulation during C2C12 myoblast differentiation revealed only subtle changes in the phosphorylation and quantity of MyoD1 protein present in C2C12 cells from induction to 120 hr after induction. These results suggest that modulation of MyoD1 protein or total phosphorylation levels is not tightly associated with the transition of undifferentiated myoblasts to differentiated myocytes. Monoclonal antibodies to the C-terminal epitope produced supershifted bands in gel retardation assays, indicating that these mAbs had no effect on DNA binding. Although the C/H region of MyoD1 does not participate in DNA binding, mAbs reactive with the C/H region neutralized this activity in gel retardation assays. These data suggest that the conserved C/H domain may serve to modulate MyoD1 DNA-binding activity by interacting with another regulator.


Total inhibition of involucrin synthesis by a novel two-step antisense procedure. Further examination of the relationship between differentiation and malignancy in hybrid cells. A novel procedure involving the sequential use of two different antisense constructs has been used to inhibit the synthesis of involucrin in a hybrid cell line formed by the fusion of a human cervical carcinoma cell with a normal human keratinocyte (ESH100P6). In this cell line, and other similar hybrids, malignancy, as measured by progressive growth in vivo, is suppressed; and it has been shown that the keratinocyte imposes its own programme of terminal differentiation on the non-malignant hybrid cell. In particular, involucrin, a precursor of one of the major components of the cornified envelope of mature keratinocytes, continues to be produced. When, however, malignant segregants arise in the hybrid cell population, the terminal differentiation programme of the keratinocyte is not expressed and involucrin ceases to be made. It seemed possible that if the synthesis of involucrin, a critical marker of keratinocyte terminal differentiation, could be completely inhibited, this differentiation programme might be disrupted, and the malignant phenotype might then reappear in the non-malignant hybrids. This question was investigated further in the present paper. Total, and specific, inhibition of involucrin synthesis was indeed achieved by a sequential two-step antisense procedure, which might provide a systematic general method for the complete inactivation of other selected target genes.


Anti-fibronectin antibodies that modify heparin binding and cell adhesion: evidence for a new cell binding site in the heparin binding region. A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to bovine fibronectin (FN) is described which modulates either heparin binding or cell adhesion to FN, or both. A combination of competitive exclusion and binding to proteolytic fragments identified epitopes in the Hep II, Hep III/I and CBF (cell binding fragment) regions of FN. mAb A17, which bound to the CBF region, strongly inhibited the cell adhesion of BHK-21 fibroblasts, primary corneal fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and NM4 mammary adenocarcinoma cells, to FN at mAb concentrations as low as 1 microgram/ml. This mAb was not so effective at inhibiting the adhesion of B16 mouse melanoma cells. Adhesion of B16 cells to FN was more sensitive to inhibition by mAbs binding to Hep II (A2, A9, A32, A35). Of these, A32 and A35 significantly increased the binding of 35S-heparin to FN, whereas A2 and A9 did not affect it. mAbs A2, A9 and A32 showed good binding to HBF, the 40 kDa proteolytic fragment of human FN which contains both Hep II and IIICS (type III connecting segment). These mAbs inhibited B16 cell adhesion to the HBF (heparin binding fragment) by 30-50%, the greatest inhibition being shown by mAb A32. Two synthetic peptides from the HBF, CS1 (peptide 1) from the IIICS region and peptide I from the Hep II region, also inhibited B16 cell adhesion to HBF by approximately 70 and 30%, respectively. These results suggest that maximal cell adhesion to the HBF involves both CS1 and Hep II. The inhibitory effects of the two peptides were linearly additive in combination, whereas the inhibitory mAbs A2, A9 and A32 showed synergistic additive effects with each of the peptides. This points to the existence of an additional important cell binding site in Hep II, other than peptide I. Recent independent evidence for an additional cell binding site in Hep II supports this view. Melanoma cellular receptor(s) for the Hep II region may be cell surface proteoglycans but do not appear to bind to areas of Hep II with high affinity for soluble heparin, as the latter was not an inhibitor of B16 cell adhesion to the HBF. The increased effectiveness of A32 in inhibiting cell adhesion, compared to A2 and A9, may be due to conformational effects which increase the binding of soluble heparin, but reduce affinity for the cellular receptor. These results are discussed in context with other reports in the literature.


A complex consisting of pp60c-src/pp60c-srcN and a 38 kDa protein is highly enriched in growth cones from differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Nerve growth cones of primary neurons are highly enriched in the proto-oncogene product pp60c-src. In order to investigate this molecule further in growing neuronal cells, growth cone and cell body fractions were prepared from human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells differentiated neuronally in vitro under the influence of phorbol ester. The fractions were characterized ultrastructurally and by biochemical criteria. The neuronal (pp60c-srcN) and the fibroblastic (pp60c-src) forms of pp60src are slightly enriched and activated in the growth cones relative to the perikarya. Immunoprecipitates of pp60src from differentiated SH-SY5Y growth cones contain at least four phosphoproteins in addition to pp60src. One of these, pp38, migrates as a 100-140 kDa complex with pp60src under non-reducing conditions of gel electrophoresis. The pp38/pp60src complex is not easily detected in non-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells or perikarya of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, but it is highly enriched in the growth cone preparation. These data suggest that growth-cone pp60src exists in a disulfide-linked oligomeric complex. The complex appears to be assembled only in the cell periphery and may be dependent upon neuronal differentiation.


Distribution of desmosomal proteins in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells and epithelial cell derivatives. In diverse epithelia, cytoskeletal keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) associated with the cytoplasmic face of intercellular junctional desmosomes. The processes underlying desmosome formation and keratin IF interactions remain unclear. We have examined F9 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell differentiation as a model for embryonic development of epithelial surface desmosomes. As determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and biochemical protein techniques, F9 EC cells, which lack surface desmosomes and keratin IFs, express the desmosomal proteins desmoplakins I and II (DP I/II), desmoglein I (DG I) and plakoglobin (PK). DP I/II are present at low level and are relatively soluble in buffer containing Triton X-100. Immunofluorescence localizes DP I/II to the juxtanuclear, centrosomal region. Species of DG I and PK are detected in both the Triton X-100-soluble and -insoluble protein fractions. DG I appears dispersed throughout the cell while PK resides at cell-cell boundaries. In epithelial cell cultures induced by retinoic acid (RA) treatment, each of the desmosomal proteins is organized into punctate desmosome-like structures with the appearance of simple epithelial K8/K18 IFs. The steady-state levels of DP I/II and PK increase with a partitioning of the majority of the desmosomal components into the insoluble fraction. In epithelial cells which lack distinct surface desmosomes, an intracellular association of keratin bundles with DP I/II is observed, suggesting that keratin filaments may facilitate the translocation of these desmosomal components to the cell surface. Parietal endoderm-like cells, derived by treatment with RA and dibutyryl cAMP, are analogous to F9 EC cells in that the cells express desmosomal components and do not display surface desmosomes. Moreover, K8 and K18 do not form distinct filaments, and the protein and RNA levels of K8 are low relative to epithelial cells induced by RA alone. The F9 system appears to be a relevant model for studies of desmosome assembly and the potential interactions of desmosomal proteins and keratin IFs in embryonic epithelial cell types.


gamma-Aminobutyric acid, catecholamine and indoleamine determinations from the same brain region by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. A new procedure for the measurement of gamma-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid from the same brain region was developed. In general, two separate high-performance liquid chromatographic runs were performed, one for the gamma-aminobutyric acid determination and one for the determination of the monoamines. The electrochemical detection of gamma-aminobutyric acid was determined by a new procedure that utilized a small aliquot of the brain sample prepared for monoamine measurement. This assay was linear and parallel between 6 and 200 ng per 20-microliters injection with 5-aminovaleric acid utilized as an internal standard. Inter-assay variability averaged 5% throughout the assay with gamma-aminobutyric acid values in the gerbil hypothalamus of 344 micrograms/g. The catecholamine assay has been characterized previously and utilizes 3,4-dihydroxybenzylamine as an internal standard with less than 5% variability. Norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in the gerbil hypothalamus averaged 2922, 729, 797 and 272 ng/g, respectively. This new protocol allows a wide range of neurochemicals to be determined and evaluated from the same brain region.


Erythrocyte partitioning in dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous phase systems. Events in phase and cell separation. Early events in the partitioning process which involve characteristic kinetics of cell- and phase-specific interactions and phase separation have been described previously. This paper reports on red cell-phase droplet interactions pertaining at the time of usual phase sampling (i.e., the time at which a clear bulk interface is first apparent) and beyond in cell partitioning and countercurrent distribution experiments. In non-charge-sensitive phase systems close to the critical point, cells can be free or attached to phase droplets. Cells that are free are virtually completely in the top phase, whereas different cell populations that show essentially complete binding to droplets can nevertheless have different partition ratios and be separated, thus reflecting the effects of the difference in the cells' avidity for the phase droplets during the early, elapsed events in partitioning. At higher polymer concentrations (i.e., higher interfacial tensions), the cell populations, completely bound to phase droplets, partition completely to the interface, and consequently cannot be separated. When such systems are made charge-sensitive by the generation of a Donnan potential between the phases or made into affinity systems by the incorporation of PEG ligands (e.g., PEG-palmitate), there is a decrease in the avidity of the cells for phase droplets. The resulting increase in the ratio of free to droplet-bound red cells in the top phase at the time of sampling correlates with an increase in the partition ratio, P, observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


A simple and rapid method of preparing large fragments of dengue virus cDNA from replicative-form RNA using reverse transcriptase and PCR. A method is described for cloning large fragments (1.5 kb to 2 kb) of dengue virus cDNA from replicative-form viral RNA. Aedes albopictus cells (C6/36 clone) infected with dengue virus contain double-stranded, replicative-form RNA molecules which were used as a template for an initial reverse transcription using a primer containing sequence homologous to regions of the genome at or near the 3' end of the gene being studied. The product was then used as a template for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using the same 3' primer and a second which hybridized to a region at the 5' end of the sequence to be cloned. Both primers were engineered to contain specific restriction enzyme cutting sites which enabled the PCR product to be cut and cloned directly into plasmids for sequencing and expression studies. We have used this method to construct clones of the envelope glycoprotein gene (E) and the non-structural genes 1 and 2a (NS1/2a) and 3 (NS3) of dengue type 2, Tonga 1974 strain, and E and NS1/2a from dengue type 3, H-87 strain, either as discrete genes or as constructs with long and short leader sequences, with or without anchor sequences. The method could be applied to the cloning of any gene from any flavivirus, directly from infected cell extracts, without the necessity for tedious virus purification steps.


PCR amplification of a specific double-stranded RNA region of Fiji disease virus from diseased sugarcane. A 450-bp region from one species of the segmented dsRNA genome of Fiji disease virus (FDV) was amplified from total nucleic acid extracts of diseased plants by reverse transcription with MMLV, followed by amplification with Taq DNA polymerase (RT-PCR). Other FDV-specific regions (c 150 bp and c 270 bp) were also amplified from the dsRNA template. FDV cDNA was only synthesised when the viral dsRNA template was boiled and quenched with FDV-specific or random hexamer primers. The reverse transcriptase/DNA polymerase enzyme rTth appeared to yield only the 150 bp fragment from the dsRNA template under the conditions used. The level of sensitivity of RT-PCR for purified FDV dsRNA was 100 ag, approximately 10(4)-fold more sensitive than detection with biotinylated DNA probe.


Detection of tobacco rattle virus by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. An assay involving reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction specifically detected tobacco rattle virus RNA in extracts of infected plants. It detected a wide range of serological variants and typical non-particle producing NM-type isolates. The sensitivity of the method was sufficient to detect TRV RNA in 10 ng total nucleic acid from an infected plant, or in a relatively crude nucleic acid preparation from 60 micrograms infected leaf tissue.


Endocrine effects and pharmacokinetic characteristics of a potent new gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (Ganirelix) with minimal histamine-releasing properties: studies in postmenopausal women. A potent and safe GnRH antagonist has been sought unsuccessfully for the last 2 decades. The recently developed GnRH antagonist RS-26306 or Ganirelix ([N-Ac-D-Nal(2)1,D-pClPhe2,D-Pal(3)3,D-hArg(Et2)6,L-++ +hArg(Et2)8,D-Ala10]GnRH ; Syntex Research, Palo Alto, CA), exhibited high antiovulatory potency and low histamine-releasing properties in preclinical studies. Therefore, we determined the extent to which single sc injections of three doses of RS-26306 (1, 3, and 6 mg) decreased serum concentrations of LH and FSH, the free alpha-subunit of LH/FSH/TSH, PRL, and testosterone in five healthy postmenopausal women. We also examined the pharmacokinetic characteristics of RS-26306 by quantifying serum levels of the drug by RIA. RS-26306 rapidly suppressed serum concentrations of LH, FSH, and free alpha-subunit. RS-26306 (6 mg) maximally decreased serum concentrations (mean +/- SEM) of LH, FSH, and free alpha-subunit by 70.1 +/- 3.6%, 42.3 +/- 2.5%, and 74.6 +/- 3.5%, respectively. RS-26306 also decreased serum testosterone, but not serum PRL, concentrations. RS-26306 concentrations reached peak serum levels at 1.2 +/- 0.3, 1.9 +/- 0.4, and 1.8 +/- 0.5 h, respectively, after 1-, 3-, and 6-mg sc injections. The mean serum half-life values based on the terminal portion of the disappearance curves were 22.8 +/- 2.5 and 26.9 +/- 1.0 h, respectively, after 3- and 6-mg s.c. doses. No systemic side-effects were noted after the administration of RS-26306. Our results demonstrate that the GnRH antagonist RS-26306 has favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics and is a potent suppressor of pituitary gonadotropin secretion in postmenopausal women. These attributes and the lack of systemic side-effects make RS-26306 a promising candidate for future clinical applications.


Steroid and peptide regulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins secreted by human endometrial stromal cells is dependent on stromal differentiation. Endometrial stromal cells undergo decidual transformation, in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and progesterone. Since insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) are believed to be involved in endometrial differentiation, and insulin regulates IGFBP production in a variety of cells, we have investigated the modulatory roles of EGF, progesterone, and insulin on IGFBP secretion by long term cultures of human endometrial stromal cells. Without insulin, the principal IGFBP secreted into conditioned medium, detected by Western ligand blotting, was a 28-kilodalton (kDa) IGFBP, identified by immunoprecipitation as IGFBP-1. This was observed only when the stromal cells were decidualized. With increasing insulin, IGFBP-1 decreased to undetectable levels. Concomitantly, IGFBP-2 increased, as did a 24-kDa IGFBP (believed to be IGFBP-4) and a 28-kDa IGFBP, shown to be a glycoprotein by endoglycosidase sensitivity (and believed to be glycosylated IGFBP-4). In the nondecidualized state, insulin increased the secretion of IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2, and the 24-kDa IGFBP, which were slightly inhibited by EGF and relatively unaffected by progesterone alone. In the absence of insulin, progesterone weakly stimulated IGFBP-1 secretion, which increased markedly when the cells were decidualized by combined treatment with EGF and progesterone. These data show that IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-1, and presumably IGFBP-4 and its glycosylated form are differentially regulated by peptide and steroid hormones in endometrial stromal cells and that their regulation is a function of stromal differentiation.