Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Nykjaer

Publications and source records attributed to A Nykjaer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Analysis of ligand binding to the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein. Evidence that lipoprotein lipase and the carboxyl-terminal domain of the receptor-associated protein bind to the same site.

The endocytic alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2MR/LRP) binds several classes of extracellular ligands at independent sites. In addition, alpha 2MR/LRP can bind multiple copies of the 39-40-kDa receptor-associated protein (RAP). Both amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal fragments of RAP exhibit affinity, and the fragments apparently bind to different sites on the receptor. RAP completely inhibits the binding of all presently known extracellular ligands, whereas several ligands such as alpha 2-macroglobulin and tissue-type plasminogen activator are poor inhibitors of RAP binding. Since RAP is largely an intracellular molecule that normally does not occupy alpha 2MR/LRP at the cell surface, we hypothesized that an established extracellular ligand might bind to those sites on the receptor capable of binding the RAP fragments. We found complete cross-competition between carboxyl-terminal RAP fragments and fragments of lipoprotein lipase containing the recently identified binding domain for alpha 2MR/LRP (Nykjaer, A., Nielsen, M., Lookene, A., Meyer, N., Røigaard, H., Etzerodt, M., Beisiegel, U., Olivecrona, G., and Gliemann, J. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 31747-31755). Moreover, the lipoprotein lipase fragment completely inhibited the binding of several alpha 2MR/LRP ligands in a pattern similar to that of carboxyl-terminal RAP fragments. On the other hand, the amino-terminal RAP fragment was a poor competitor of binding of the lipoprotein lipase fragment, whereas it competed effectively with pro-uPA for binding to the receptor. The results provide evidence that lipoprotein lipase binds to the site on alpha2MR/LRP also available for binding of the carboxyl-terminal domain of RAP and suggest that pro-uPA may bind to or overlap the site available for the amino-terminal domain of RAP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor mediates binding and cytotoxicity of plant ribosome-inactivating proteins.

It has been proposed that unconjugated type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIP) enter cells through passive mechanisms such as fluid-phase pinocytosis. However, some observations, such as the difference in sensitivity to type I RIP among different cell types, and the organ-specific toxicity of type I RIP, indicate a specific mechanism for the entry of these proteins into target cells. The alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (alpha 2MR) is responsible for the binding and endocytosis of several ligands, including alpha 2-macroglobulin/proteinase complexes, plasminogen-activator-inhibitor complexes, apoE-enriched beta-very low density lipoproteins, and lipoprotein lipase. Here we demonstrate that saporin, a potent type I RIP, binds specifically to purified alpha 2MR and the binding is prevented by some alpha 2MR ligands. Moreover, the occupancy of specific ligand-binding sites on cell surface alpha 2MR decreases the cytotoxicity of saporin. The A chain of ricin, a type II RIP, also interacts with alpha 2MR. This, and the fact that saporin and ricin A chain both interact also with alpha 2-macroglobulin, indicates a general mechanism of complex interactions between RIP and cellular membranes that is mediated by alpha 2-macroglobulin and the alpha 2MR system.

Cell Death↗
PubMed1995

Structure of heparin fragments with high affinity for lipoprotein lipase and inhibition of lipoprotein lipase binding to alpha 2-macroglobulin-receptor/low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-related protein by heparin fragments.

Heparin-derived deca- and octa-saccharides were subjected to affinity chromatography on lipoprotein lipase-Sepharose and the fractions eluted at high salt concentration were analysed by strong-anion-exchange chromatography. Two high-affinity decasaccharides were isolated and the structure determined by one- and two-dimensional 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The affinities of 3H-labelled low-molecular-mass heparin and size-fractionated deca-, octa-, and hexa-saccharides for lipoprotein lipase immobilized on microtitre plates were determined from saturation curves. From competition experiments the affinities of unlabelled heparins and pure deca- and hexa-saccharide fragments were determined. The binding was size- and charge-dependent, but structural dependency was also indicated. Thus substitution of a 2-O-sulphated L-iduronic acid with D-glucuronic acid was less important than the sulphation pattern of the D-glucosamine residue for affinity for lipoprotein lipase. Heparin inhibits binding of lipoprotein lipase to alpha 2-macroglobulin-receptor/low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related protein. The effects of size, charge and structure for this inhibition were studied. The ability of the heparin fragments to inhibit binding correlated with their affinity for lipoprotein lipase. This indicates that the inhibition of the binding of lipoprotein lipase to alpha 2-macroglobulin-receptor/low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related protein by heparin is exclusively mediated by binding of heparin to lipoprotein lipase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

alpha-2 Macroglobulin receptor/Ldl receptor-related protein(Lrp)-dependent internalization of the urokinase receptor.

The GPI-anchored urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) does not internalize free urokinase (uPA). On the contrary, uPAR-bound complexes of uPA with its serpin inhibitors PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1) or PN-1 (protease nexin-1) are readily internalized in several cell types. Here we address the question whether uPAR is internalized as well upon binding of uPA-serpin complexes. Both LB6 clone 19 cells, a mouse cell line transfected with the human uPAR cDNA, and the human U937 monocytic cell line, express in addition to uPAR also the endocytic alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP/alpha 2-MR) which is required to internalize uPAR-bound uPA-PAI-1 and uPA-PN-1 complexes. Downregulation of cell surface uPAR molecules in U937 cells was detected by cytofluorimetric analysis after uPA-PAI-1 and uPA-PN-1 incubation for 30 min at 37 degrees C; this effect was blocked by preincubation with the ligand of LRP/alpha 2-MR, RAP (LRP/alpha 2-MR-associated protein), known to block the binding of the uPA complexes to LRP/alpha 2-. MR. Downregulation correlated in time with the intracellular appearance of uPAR as assessed by confocal microscopy and immuno-electron microscopy. After 30 min incubation with uPA-PAI-1 or uPA-PN-1 (but not with free uPA), confocal microscopy showed that uPAR staining in permeabilized LB6 clone 19 cells moved from a mostly surface associated to a largely perinuclear position. This effect was inhibited by the LRP/alpha 2-MR RAP. Perinuclear uPAR did not represent newly synthesized nor a preexisting intracellular pool of uPAR, since this fluorescence pattern was not modified by treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, and since in LB6 clone 19 cells all of uPAR was expressed on the cell surface. Immuno-electron microscopy confirmed the plasma membrane to intracellular translocation of uPAR, and its dependence on LRP/alpha 2-MR in LB6 clone 19 cells only after binding to the uPA-PAI-1 complex. After 30 min incubation at 37 degrees C with uPA-PAI-1, 93% of the specific immunogold particles were present in cytoplasmic vacuoles vs 17.6% in the case of DFP-uPA. We conclude therefore that in the process of uPA-serpin internalization, uPAR itself is internalized, and that internalization requires the LRP/alpha 2-MR.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A carboxyl-terminal fragment of lipoprotein lipase binds to the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and inhibits lipase-mediated uptake of lipoprotein in cells.

It has previously been shown that lipoprotein lipase can mediate uptake of remnant lipoprotein particles via binding to the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP). Binding of lipoprotein lipase, and of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins associated with the lipase, to LRP depends on an intact carboxyl-terminal folding domain of the lipase (Nykjaer, A., Bengtsson-Olivecrona, G., Lookene, A., Moestrup, S. K., Petersen, C. M., Weber, W., Beisiegel, W., and Gliemann, J. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 15048-15055). Here we show that the site for binding to the receptor is within residues 380-425 of the bovine and residues 378-423 of the human lipoprotein lipase. We demonstrate that a carboxyl-terminal fragment of human lipoprotein lipase (residues 378-448), expressed as fusion protein in Escherichia coli, binds to purified and cellular LRP but not to lipoproteins. Binding of the fragment to purified LRP was blocked by heparin. In addition, the fragment inhibited the binding of lipase and the lipase-mediated binding of lipoproteins to the purified receptor. The fragment exhibited reduced binding to proteoglycan-deficient cells. Moreover, the fragment inhibited the uptake of lipoproteins in cells mediated by the lipase via binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans and LRP. We conclude that the fragment contains the site for binding to LRP and a candidate site for interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycans, whereas binding to lipoproteins is inefficient. The fragment can therefore inhibit the lipase-mediated lipoprotein uptake, a process that may promote the development of atherosclerosis when occurring in cells of the arterial wall.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Regions involved in binding of urokinase-type-1 inhibitor complex and pro-urokinase to the endocytic alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein. Evidence that the urokinase receptor protects pro-urokinase against binding to the endocytic receptor.

The alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2MR/LRP) binds several ligands, including complex between the two chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and the single chain zymogen pro-urokinase (pro-uPA). We have used truncated variants of uPA and PAI-1 as well as Fab fragments of monoclonal antibodies with known epitopes to identify regions in the uPA.PAI-1 complex and in pro-uPA involved in binding to alpha 2MR/LRP.uPA.PAI-1 complex bound with high affinity (EC50 about 0.4 nM) via contacts in the PAI-1 moiety as well as the uPA serine proteinase domain and the uPAA chain. Pro-uPA bound with lower affinity (EC50 about 10 nM), and efficient binding to alpha 2MR/LRP was dependent on contact with both the A chain and the serine proteinase domain. We analyzed the effect of complex formation with the urokinase receptor since this is the primary target for binding of uPA.PAI-1 and pro-uPA at the cell surface, and since it has been demonstrated that urokinase receptor-bound uPA.PAI-1 complex is internalized following interaction with alpha 2 MR/LRP (Nykjaer, A., Petersen, C. M., Møller, B., Jensen, P.H., Moestrup, S.K., Holtet, T.L., Etzerodt M., Thøgersen, H.C., Munch, M., Andreasen, P.A., and Gliemann, J. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 14543-14546). Soluble recombinant urokinase receptor blocked the binding of pro-uPA to alpha 2MR/LRP but caused only a slight reduction in the affinity for binding of uPA.PAI-1. Moreover, pro-uPA bound to the urokinase receptor at the cell surface was not internalized and degraded unless activated to uPA and complexed with PAI-1. We conclude that pro-uPA is protected against degradation via alpha 2MR/LRP when bound to uPAR due to shielding of a binding contact in the A chain, whereas the affinity of uPAR-bound uPA.PAI-1 complex for binding to alpha 2MR/LRP remains sufficient to allow rapid internalization and degradation.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1994

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of plasminogen activators and activator/inhibitor complexes.

Recent findings have elucidated the mechanism for clearance from the extracellular space of the two types of plasminogen activators, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and their type-1 inhibitor (PAI-1). Activator/PAI-1 complexes and uncomplexed t-PA bind to the multi-ligand receptors alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2MR) and epithelial glycoprotein 330 (gp330). These receptors mediate endocytosis and degradation of u-PA/PAI-1 complex bound to the glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol-anchored urokinase receptor (u-PAR) on cell surfaces, and participate, in cooperation with other receptors, in hepatic clearance of activator/PAI-1 complexes and uncomplexed t-PA from blood plasma. The alpha 2MR- and gp330-mediated endocytosis of a ligand (u-PA/PAI-1 complex) initially bound to another receptor (u-PAR) is a novel kind of interaction between membrane receptors. Binding to alpha 2MR and gp330 is a novel kind of molecular recognition of serine proteinases and serpins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Urokinase receptor. An activation antigen in human T lymphocytes.

The ability of activated T lymphocytes to extravasate and reach inflammatory and malignant foci in the tissues is a basic function of cellular immunity. Recent evidence strongly suggests that the urokinase receptor (uPAR) holds a central position in the development of human two-chain urokinase-mediated pericellular proteolysis and matrix degradation, an important element in cell migration. In this report we establish uPAR as a pan T cell activation Ag. As determined by FACS analysis, CD3+ lymphocytes from healthy donors exhibited no significant uPAR expression. In contrast, patients (e.g., HIV-positive donors) showed distinct uPAR expression, confined to HLA-DR+ cells, in up to 80% of all T cells. In vitro activation by PMA caused a rapid up-regulation of membrane uPAR in all healthy donor T cells and was accompanied by enhanced receptor synthesis and elevated uPAR mRNA levels. A similar induction resulted from activation via the TCR/CD3 complex using mitogens (PHA, and Con A), anti-CD3 antibodies, and alloantigen. Receptor expression at single cell level was also modulated by a number of cytokines. IL-2, IL-4 and IL-7 increased uPAR presentation on 20 to 50% of the T cell population, and combined stimulation of bulk cultures demonstrated an additive effect of IL-2 and IL-7, whereas the response to each of the two was inhibited by IL-4. In addition, TGF-beta 1 substantially reduced the uPAR expression in T cell cultures responding to PHA, IL-2, and IL-7. Irrespective of the activating reagent, the T cells appeared to produce the same molecular uPAR species, but the affinity of uPAR expressed in PMA blasts was decreased, presumably because of a differential location at the cell surface. All activated cultures showed co-expression of uPAR and CD25. The finding that the urokinase receptor is an activation Ag may suggest that cell-associated plasminogen activation is involved in extravasation and migration of activated T cells.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Epithelial glycoprotein-330 mediates endocytosis of plasminogen activator-plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 complexes.

Epithelial glycoprotein 330 (gp330) is structurally similar to the multifunctional alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2MR/LRP), gp330 and alpha 2MR/LRP bind Ca2+ with high affinity, and both receptors bind and mediate endocytosis of alpha 2MR-associated protein (RAP). In the present report, we describe that affinity-purified gp330 from rabbit renal cortex binds plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) complexed with urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). alpha 2M-methylamine, which binds with high affinity to alpha 2MR/LRP, did not bind to gp330. The apparent Kd for binding of uPA.PAI-1 complexes was about 0.8 nM at 4 degrees C. The binding was calcium-dependent and inhibited by recombinant RAP (rRAP) and tissue type plasminogen activator-PAI-1 complexes. Thin sections of rabbit renal proximal tubules bound 125I-labeled uPA.PAI-1 and rRAP in the apical part of proximal tubules corresponding to the localization of gp330. The binding of 125I-uPA.PAI-1 complexes in tubules was abolished by excess unlabeled rRAP, and a rRAP-inhibitable endocytosis and degradation of labeled uPA.PAI-1 complexes was demonstrated by perfusion of isolated rabbit proximal tubules. The results establish an endocytotic function of gp330 and suggest that gp330 is an important component of the fibrinolytic system in gp330-containing epithelial as found in, for example, kidney and lung.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

The alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein binds lipoprotein lipase and beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein associated with the lipase.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) causes a marked increase in the cellular binding of beta-migrating very low density lipoprotein (beta-VLDL) to a large receptor compatible with the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor (alpha 2MR)/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) (Beisiegel, U., Weber, W., and Bengtsson-Olivecrona, G. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 88, 8342-8346). Here we demonstrate that LPL binds to the alpha-chain of purified alpha 2MR/LRP immobilized on microtiter plates. The binding, apparently to multiple sites, was blocked by heparin and inhibited by the alpha 2MR-associated protein (alpha 2MRAP) and by EDTA. Immobilized LPL bound alpha 2MR/LRP in solution as well as beta-VLDL prepared from cholesterol-fed rabbits. Both binding reactions were dependent on an intact carboxyl-terminal folding domain of LPL, but were independent of its dimeric structure and intact catalytical function. Dimeric LPL could mediate binding of beta-VLDL to immobilized alpha 2MR/LRP and to cells, e.g. monocytes. In contrast, LPL monomers were not able to mediate binding to immobilized alpha 2MR/LRP, presumably because of cross-inhibition due to close relation between the binding regions for the lipoprotein and for the receptor in the carboxyl-terminal domain of the LPL monomer. Heparin, but not alpha 2MRAP, inhibited cellular binding of 125I-LPL or 125I-beta-VLDL supplemented with LPL. However, alpha 2MRAP inhibited degradation of the two ligands by about 90% and 40-50%, respectively. The results show that LPL is a ligand for alpha 2MR/LRP and, because of its affinity for lipoprotein particles, dimeric LPL can mediate or strengthen binding of beta-VLDL to this receptor. It is proposed that LPL binds primarily to cell surface heparan sulfate in monocytes and is presented for endocytosis and degradation by alpha 2MR/LRP. Moreover, beta-VLDL may be further supplemented with LPL at the cell surface and achieve affinity for alpha 2MR/LRP.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Alpha 2-macroglobulin-proteinase complexes, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1-plasminogen activator complexes, and receptor-associated protein bind to a region of the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor containing a cluster of eight complement-type repeats.

A region containing sites for ligand binding was localized in the 4525-amino acid residue alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2MR/LRP) by ligand- and immunoblotting of proteinase and CNBr digests of the purified human placental protein. 125I-Labeled rat alpha 1-macroglobulin light chain, urokinase-plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 complex, and alpha 2MR-associated protein all bound to a 75-kDa CNBr-generated fragment (68 kDa after deglycosylation). In addition to the three ligands, the fragment bound a novel monoclonal antibody reacting in the region defined by amino acid residues 1165-1246 as determined by binding to recombinant fragments of alpha 2MR/LRP. The positions of methionine residues in alpha 2MR/LRP suggested that the ligand-binding CNBr fragment contained three disulfide-linked peptides comprising the residues 776-1399. This origin was confirmed by partial amino acid sequencing of the electroblotted fragment and polypeptides generated by reduction of the fragment. The identified region represents 13.6% of the molecular mass (nonglycosylated) of alpha 2MR/LRP and contains one of three large clusters of complement-type repeats.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Purified alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/LDL receptor-related protein binds urokinase.plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 complex. Evidence that the alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor mediates cellular degradation of urokinase receptor-bound complexes.

Complexes between 125I-labeled urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) bound to purified alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) receptor (alpha 2MR)/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). No binding was observed when using uPA. The magnitude of uPA.PAI-1 binding was comparable with that of the alpha 2MR-associated protein (alpha 2MRAP). Binding of uPA.PAI-1 was blocked by natural and recombinant alpha 2MRAP, and about 80% inhibited by complexes between tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and PAI-1, and by a monoclonal anti-PAI-1 antibody. In human monocytes, uPA.PAI-1, like uPA and its amino-terminal fragment, bound to the urokinase receptor (uPAR). Degradation of uPAR-bound 125I-uPA.PAI-1 was 3-4-fold enhanced as compared with uncomplexed uPAR-bound uPA. The inhibitor-enhanced uPA degradation was blocked by r alpha 2MRAP and inhibited by polyclonal anti-alpha 2MR/LRP antibodies. This is taken as evidence for mediation of internalization and degradation of uPAR-bound uPA.PAI-1 by alpha 2MR/LRP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Identification and characterization of urokinase receptors in natural killer cells and T-cell-derived lymphokine activated killer cells.

Fluorescence-activated cell scanning analysis of human blood cells revealed novel urokinase receptors in large granular lymphocytes and a small subset of T-cells (CD3+). Culturing of T-cells with interleukin-2 to generate CD3+ lymphokine-activated killer cells caused a large increase in urokinase binding, suggesting that the urokinase receptor is an activation antigen. The receptor in lymphocytes was similar to that in monocytes with regard to size, affinity and ligand specificity, but did not mediate degradation of urokinase-inhibitor complexes. It is suggested that lymphocyte-bound pro-urokinase is activated, e.g. by the human T-cell-specific serine proteinase, HuTSP-1, and thereby starts a cascade of plasminogen activation important for extravasation of the cells.

Flow Cytometry↗
PubMed1990

Urokinase receptors in human monocytes.

Receptors for the 54 kDa plasminogen activator urokinase were characterized in freshly isolated and 5-14 day cultured human monocytes. The half saturation constant was about 55 pM in freshly isolated monocytes at 4 degrees C and 140 pM at 37 degrees C. Diisopropylfluorophosphate-inactivated urokinase was bound with the same affinity as catalytically active urokinase. Binding per cell of 2-5 pM urokinase increased progressively during cell culture with a concomitant decrease in the apparent affinity. By 14 days, binding had increased 5-7-fold and the half-saturation constant had increased to 500 pM at 4 degrees C, indicating a large increase in the binding capacity. Affinity cross-linking of labelled urokinase to receptors showed a 110 kDa complex in both freshly isolated and cultured monocytes. When cells with labelled urokinase (prebound at 4 degrees C) were incubated at 37 degrees C, about 80% of the urokinase dissociated as the intact molecule, whereas about 20% was degraded to iodide and iodotyrosine. Electron microscopic autoradiography of cultured monocytes incubated at 4 degrees C showed a marked heterogeneity between cells with regard to bound urokinase. Autoradiographic grains were mainly seen over the plasma membrane in areas rich in microvilli and invaginations. Transfer of the cells to 37 degrees C caused no major alteration in the distribution of grains. Thus, freshly prepared monocytes have urokinase receptors (approx. 55 kDa) of high affinity. Development to macrophage-like cells in culture causes a decrease in affinity and a large increase in capacity. The receptors are confined mainly to certain areas of the plasma membrane. Internalization and degradation of the ligand occurs only to a minor extent.

Cross-Linking Reagents↗