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Biomedical subjects

A Bhushan

Publications and source records attributed to A Bhushan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Correlation of altered tyrosine phosphorylation with methotrexate resistance in a cisplatin-resistant subline of L1210 cells.

Collateral resistance to cisplatin and methotrexate has been reported in several cell lines. A murine leukemia cell line (L1210/DDP) selected for cisplatin resistance also has been shown to be highly resistant to methotrexate. Of the mechanisms proposed for methotrexate resistance, only changes in methotrexate transport into the cells were found in an earlier report. Methotrexate enters mammalian cells via an active transport system. In the present study, we demonstrated that the transport into the cell may be impaired in the resistant cells due to altered tyrosine phosphorylation of a membrane protein with a molecular mass of 66 kDa. This alteration was manifested by altered tyrosine phosphorylation of the 66 kDa protein and may be an underlying modification that renders the cells resistant to methotrexate. These results suggest involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation in folate transport and methotrexate resistant in L1210/DDP cells.

Affinity Labels↗

Investigations on the mechanisms of methotrexate resistance in a cisplatin-resistant L1210 murine leukemia cell subline.

We report a murine leukemia cell variant (L1210/DDP), selected for cisplatin (DDP) resistance, to be cross-resistant to methotrexate (MTX). Cross-resistance of L1210 cells to DDP and MTX has been observed by others, and has also been recorded in P388 murine leukemia and SSC-25 human squamous carcinoma cells. We demonstrated that MTX resistance is not due to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene amplification, increased DHFR enzyme activity or decreased MTX binding to the target enzyme. Of the mechanisms commonly proposed for MTX resistance, only differences in transport were observed when comparing sensitive (L1210/0) and resistant (L1210/DDP) cells. Our results suggest that MTX resistance in L1210/DDP cells is due to altered methotrexate uptake.

Animals↗

Isolation of human cDNAs that restore methotrexate sensitivity and reduced folate carrier activity in methotrexate transport-defective Chinese hamster ovary cells.

This report describes the isolation, nucleotide sequencing, and functional expression of human cDNAs that restore reduced folate carrier activity in transport-defective cells. Based on homology to a partial murine cDNA probe, two functional cDNAs were isolated from a lambda gt11 library prepared from methotrexate transport upregulated K562 cells (K562.4CF). A 2.8-kilobase (kb) clone, KS43, contained a 1776-base pair open reading frame. The 2.5-kb clone, KS32, contained an internal deletion (626 base pairs) resulting a shortened open reading frame and 3'-untranslated region. KS43 and KS32 encoded proteins with multiple hydrophobic domains, one consensus N-glycosylation site, and predicted molecular masses of 65 and 58 kDa, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of KS43 is 79% and 80% homologous to the mouse and hamster sequences, respectively (Dixon, K. H., Lanpher, B. C., Chiu, J., Kelley, K., and Cowan, K. H. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 17-20; Williams, F. M. R., Murray R. C., Underhill, T. M., and Flintoff, W. F. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 5810-5816). Northern blots identified one primary transcript at 3.1 kb in parental K562, K562.4CF, and transport-impaired K500E cells; transcript levels varied by 7-fold. The expression of both KS43 and KS32 in methotrexate transport-defective Chinese hamster ovary cells restored methotrexate sensitivity and transport. Certain transport characteristics of the transfected cells resembled both the wild type human (K562) and hamster "classical" reduced folate carriers, suggesting the expression of a hybrid system. For instance, based on Ki values, up to a 4-fold increased affinity for 1843U89 over wild type hamster cells (typical of human cells), and a 19-fold increased affinity for methotrexate over K562 cells (typical of hamster cells) was observed. Further, a photoaffinity probe with high specificity for the reduced folate carrier labeled 94-kDa proteins in K562 cells and the transfectant containing the full-length KS43, and a 85-kDa protein in the transfectant containing the 3'-truncated KS32. No specifically labeled proteins were detected in wild type or mock-transfected hamster cells. Collectively, our results suggest that the KS43/KS32 cDNAs encode the human reduced folate carrier; however, additional modulatory/regulatory factors may be required to manifest the full spectrum of transport substrate activities typical of this system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: cortical motor maps in acute spinal cord injury.

This investigation examined the motor pathways of four, C5-6 spinal cord injured (SCI) patients within 6-17 days of injury. Mapping of the motor cortex was achieved by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied to the scalp. Motor evoked potentials were recorded from target muscle groups (Biceps brachii and Abductor pollicis brevis m.). Evidence of an expanded cortical map of the preserved contralateral biceps muscle was demonstrated in these patients as early as 6 days. These findings suggested that early motor re-organization may occur following acute cervical spinal cord injury in man.

Adult↗

The transforming growth factor beta type II receptor can replace the activin type II receptor in inducing mesoderm.

The type II receptors for the polypeptide growth factors transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and activin belong to a new family of predicted serine/threonine protein kinases. In Xenopus embryos, the biological effects of activin and TGF-beta 1 are strikingly different; activin induces a full range of mesodermal cell types in the animal cap assay, while TGF-beta 1 has no effects, presumably because of the lack of functional TGF-beta receptors. In order to assess the biological activities of exogenously added TGF-beta 1, RNA encoding the TGF-beta type II receptor was introduced into Xenopus embryos. In animal caps from these embryos, TGF-beta 1 and activin show similar potencies for induction of mesoderm-specific mRNAs, and both elicit the same types of mesodermal tissues. In addition, the response of animal caps to TGF-beta 1, as well as to activin, is blocked by a dominant inhibitory ras mutant, p21(Asn-17)Ha-ras. These results indicate that the activin and TGF-beta type II receptors can couple to similar signalling pathways and that the biological specificities of these growth factors lie in their different ligand-binding domains and in different competences of the responding cells.

Activin Receptors↗

Correlation of phospholipid structure with functional effects on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. A modulatory role for phosphatidic acid.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to characterize specific interactions between negatively charged lipids, such as phosphatidic acid, and the purified nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica. The specific interaction of phosphatidic acid with acetylcholine receptor is demonstrated by the receptor-induced perturbation of the lipid ionization state, which is monitored using Fourier transform infrared bands arising from the phosphate head group. The acetylcholine receptor shifts the pKa of phosphatidic acid molecules adjacent to the receptor to a lower value by almost 2 pH units from 8.5 to 6.6. Decreased pH also leads to changes in ion channel function and to changes in the secondary structure of the acetylcholine receptor in membranes containing ionizable phospholipids. Phospholipase D restores functional activity of acetylcholine receptor reconstituted in an unfavorable environment containing phosphatidylcholine by generating phosphatidic acid. Lipids such as phosphatidic acid may serve as allosteric effectors for membrane protein function and the lipid-protein interface could be a site for activity-dependent changes that lead to modulation of synaptic efficacy.

Animals↗

Expression of c-fos in human and murine multidrug-resistant cells.

In both mouse sarcoma 180 and human KB cells selected for the multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotype, there is an elevation in the steady state mRNA level of c-fos. There is no detectable gene amplification for c-fos, nor is there any significant change in the rate of mRNA transcription or degradation, suggesting that other factors are responsible for the increased expression level in resistance. Cells selected for resistance to methotrexate, a drug not in the MDR group, do not have an increase in c-fos mRNA expression. When drug-sensitive cells are exposed for 30 min to an ED50 concentration of vinblastine, Adriamycin, colchicine, or VP-16, but not to methotrexate or cisplatin, there is a 3-6-fold induction in the level of c-fos message. Because the former drugs are members of the MDR class and the latter are not, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that induction of c-fos by low levels of cytotoxic drugs may be an early event in the acquisition of the MDR phenotype. If this were the case, then c-fos would be expected to act in concert with c-jun to control transcription by binding to a specific DNA regulatory site. Consistent with this explanation is the existence of an AP-1 sequence in the promotor region for the P-glycoprotein gene (mdr1), as well as the fact that c-jun is also overexpressed in MDR cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared analysis of lipid-protein interactions involving the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Lipid-protein interactions were studied using Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptor (AChR) as a model system by reconstituting purified AChR into dielaidoylphosphatidylcholine (DEPC, 18:1 trans-9,10) membranes. The structural and thermodynamic behavior of lipids in the vicinity of the protein were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of AChR on the thermodynamic parameters associated with lipid phase transitions were to reduce the enthalpy change, lower the transition temperature and reduce the cooperative behavior of the lipid molecules. A stoichiometry of approx. 95 lipids per AChR molecule was found by simulating the decrease in enthalpy in terms of a simple model in which a fixed number of lipid molecules are prevented from undergoing a cooperative phase transition. In parallel, the vibrational spectra of pure DEPC and AChR reconstituted in DEPC membranes at various lipid to protein ratios were examined. Profiles of the 3000-2800 cm-1 C-H stretching region and 1350-950 cm-1 characteristic of the headgroup region of the lipid exhibit little sensitivity to protein/lipid ratio reflecting weak interaction of AChR with DEPC. The lipid carbonyl on the other hand appear to be increasingly hydrogen bonded in the presence of AChR. The results provide new information about the size and physical state of the motionally restricted lipid environment that surrounds the acetylcholine receptor. The results are discussed in the context of lipid-mediated alterations in acetylcholine receptor function.

Animals↗

Adrenoleukodystrophy: impaired oxidation of fatty acids due to peroxisomal lignoceroyl-CoA ligase deficiency.

Very long chain fatty acids (lignoceric acid) are oxidized in peroxisomes and pathognomonic amounts of these fatty acids accumulate in X-adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) due to a defect in their oxidation. However, in cellular homogenates from X-ALD cells, lignoceric acid is oxidized at a rate of 38% of control cells. Therefore, to identify the source of this residual activity we raised antibody to palmitoyl-CoA ligase and examined its effect on the activation and oxidation of palmitic and lignoceric acids in isolated peroxisomes from control and X-ALD fibroblasts. The normalization of peroxisomal lignoceric acid oxidation in the presence of exogenously added acyl-CoA ligases and along with the complete inhibition of activation and oxidation of palmitic and lignoceric acids in peroxisomes from X-ALD by antibody to palmitoyl-CoA ligase provides direct evidence that lignoceroyl-CoA ligase is deficient in X-ALD and demonstrates that the residual activity for the oxidation of lignoceric acid was derived from the activation of lignoceric acid by peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA ligase. This antibody inhibited the activation and oxidation of palmitic acid but had little effect on these activities for lignoceric acid in peroxisomes from control cells. Furthermore, these data provide evidence that peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA ligases are two different enzymes.

Adrenoleukodystrophy↗

Acyl-CoA ligases from rat brain microsomes: an immunochemical study.

Acyl-CoA ligase activities, solubilized from rat brain microsomes, were fractionated into three different peaks by hydroxyapatite chromatography. Based on physical and chemical properties, we suggested that peak A (pamitoyl-CoA ligase) and peak C (lignoceroyl-CoA ligase) were two different enzymes (A. Bhushan, R. P. Singh, and I. Singh (1986) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 246, 374-380). We raised antibodies against purified liver microsomal palmitoyl-CoA ligase (EC 6.2.1.3) and examined the effect of this antibody on acyl-CoA ligase activities for palmitic, arachidonic and lignoceric acids in microsomal enzyme extract and different acyl-CoA ligase peaks from the hydroxyapatite column. In an enzyme activity assay system in microsomal extract, the antisera inhibited the palmitoyl-CoA ligase activity but had very little effect on the acyl-CoA ligase activities for arachidonic and lignoceric acids. This antisera inhibited the acyl-CoA ligase activities for these three fatty acids in peak A and had no effect on these activities in peak B or peak C. Western blot analysis demonstrated that antibody to liver microsomal palmitoyl-CoA ligase cross-reacted with only peak A (palmitoyl-CoA ligase), but not with peak B or peak C. This immunochemical study demonstrates that palmitoyl-CoA ligase does not share immunological determinants with acyl-CoA ligases in peaks B or C, thus demonstrating that palmitoyl-CoA ligase (peak A) is different from the arachidonoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activities in peaks B or C.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of palmitoyl-CoA ligase from rat brain microsomes.

We have previously shown the existence of two separate enzymes for the synthesis of palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA in rat brain microsomal membranes (1). Palmitoyl-CoA ligase activity was solubilized from brain microsomal membranes with 0.3% Triton X-100 and purified 93-fold by a combination of protein purification techniques. The Km values for the substrates palmitic acid, CoASH and ATP were 11.7 microM, 5.88 microM and 3.77 mM respectively. During activation of palmitic acid ATP is hydrolyzed to AMP and pyrophosphate, as evidenced by the inhibition of this activation by 5 mM concentrations of AMP, pyrophosphate or AMP and pyrophosphate to 70%, 60% and 85% respectively. The divalent metal ion Mg2+ was required for activity; its replacement with Mn2+ resulted in a 35% decrease in activity. Palmitoyl-CoA ligase activity was inhibited by the addition of oleic or stearic acids whereas addition of lignoceric acid or behenic acid had no effect. This supports our previous observation that palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA are synthesized by two different enzymes in rat brain microsomal membranes.

Animals↗

A Raman spectroscopic study of hen egg yolk phosvitin: structures in solution and in the solid state.

Laser Raman spectroscopy has been employed to study the structure of the hen egg yolk protein phosvitin in H2O and D2O solutions at neutral and acidic pH (pD) and in the solid state. The Raman data indicate an unusual conformation for phosvitin in neutral aqueous solution, which is deficient in both alpha-helix and conventional beta-sheet conformations. This unusual pH 7 structure is, however, largely converted to a beta-sheet conformation in strongly acidic media (pH less than 2). beta-Sheet is also the predominant secondary structure for phosvitin in the solid state, obtained by lyophilization of the protein from aqueous solution at neutral pH. The imidazolium rings of histidyl residues remain significantly protonated near neutrality, which suggests substantial elevation of the pK for imidazolium ring ionizations of phosvitin in aqueous solution. This may result from extensive ion-pair interactions involving positively charged histidines and negatively charged phosphoserines, which are prevalent in the phosvitin sequence. The present results suggest that antiparallel beta-sheets may not be the secondary structure most characteristic of native phosvitin (physiological pH), even though beta-sheet is the predominant conformation for phosvitin in acidic solutions (pH 1.5) and in the lyophilized solid. Phosvitin appears to be the first protein for which the major component to the Raman amide I band is centered near 1685 cm-1, which is 10-40 cm-1 higher than proteins heretofore examined in aqueous solution by Raman spectroscopy.

Animals↗

Characterization of rat brain microsomal acyl-coenzyme A ligases: different enzymes for the synthesis of palmitoyl-coenzyme A and lignoceroyl-coenzyme A.

Palmitic acid solubilized with Triton WR-1339 was converted to palmitoyl-CoA by microsomal membranes but lignoceric acid solubilized with Triton WR-1339 was not an effective substrate even though the detergent dispersed the same amount of these fatty acids and was also not inhibitory to the enzyme [I. Singh, R. P. Singh, A. Bhushan, and A. K. Singh (1985) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 236, 418-426]. This observation suggested that palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA may be synthesized by two different enzymes. We have solubilized the acyl-CoA ligase activities for palmitic and lignoceric acid of rat brain microsomal membranes with Triton X-100 and resolved them into three separate peaks (fractions) by hydroxylapatite chromatography. Fraction A (palmitoyl-CoA ligase) had high specific activity for palmitic acid and Fraction C (lignoceroyl-CoA ligase) for lignoceric acid. Specific activity of palmitoyl-CoA ligase for palmitic acid was six times higher than in Fraction C and specific activity of lignoceroyl-CoA ligase for lignoceric acid was four times higher than in Fraction A. At higher concentrations of Triton X-100 (0.5%), lignoceroyl-CoA ligase loses activity whereas palmitoyl-CoA ligase does not. Lignoceroyl-CoA ligase lost 60% of activity at 0.6% Triton X-100. Palmitoyl-CoA ligase (T1/2 of 4.5 min) is more stable at 40 degrees C than lignoceroyl-CoA ligase (T1/2 of 1.5 min). The pH optimum of palmitoyl-CoA ligase was 7.7 and that of lignoceroyl-CoA ligase was 8.4. Similar to our results with intact membranes, palmitic acid solubilized with Triton WR-1339 was converted to palmitoyl-CoA by palmitoyl-CoA ligase whereas lignoceric acid when solubilized with Triton WR-1339 was not able to act as substrate for lignoceroyl-CoA ligase. Since solubilized enzyme activities for synthesis of palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA from microsomal membranes can be resolved into different fractions by column chromatography and demonstrate different properties, we suggest that in microsomal membranes palmitoyl-CoA and lignoceroyl-CoA are synthesized by two different enzymes.

Acyl Coenzyme A↗

Lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity in rat brain microsomal fraction: topographical localization and effect of detergents and alpha-cyclodextrin.

Lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity has been detected in microsomal fractions prepared from rat brain. The synthesis of lignoceroyl-CoA from [1-14C]lignoceric acid and CoASH by this enzyme had an absolute dependence on ATP and Mg2+; ATP could not be replaced by GTP [I. Singh, M. S. Kang, and L. Phillips (1982) Fed. Proc. 41, 1192]. The product has been characterized as lignoceroyl-CoA by the following criteria: Rf on thin-layer chromatography; incorporation of [1-14C]lignoceric acid and [3H]CoASH into the product; acid hydrolysis and identification of the radiolabel in lignoceric acid; and methanolysis and identification of the radiolabel in methyl lignocerate by thin-layer chromatography. The optimal concentrations for CoASH, ATP, and Mg2+ were about 100 microM, 10 mM, and 5 mM, respectively. Lignoceric acid, solubilized by alpha-cyclodextrin, Triton X-100, and deoxycholate, was utilized by the lignoceroyl-CoA ligase, but lignoceric acid solubilized by Triton WR-1339 was not. Topographical localization of lignoceroyl-CoA ligase in the plane of rat brain microsomal membranes was determined by the use of Triton X-100, trypsin, and mercury-Dextran, and was compared with the marker enzymes, ethanol acyltransferase and thiamine pyrophosphatase, which are known to be localized on the luminal (inner) surface of the microsomal vesicles. Mercury-Dextran (100 microM) and trypsin (trypsin:microsomes, 1:56 w/w) treatment of the microsomes inhibited the lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity by 70 and 90% without disrupting the microsomal vesicles. Disruption of the vesicles with Triton X-100 increased the activity of both ethanol acyltransferase and thiamine pyrophosphatase by 400% but there was no increase in lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity. These results suggest that lignoceroyl-CoA ligase is localized on the cytoplasmic surface of the microsomal vesicles.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗