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B Rousset

Publications and source records attributed to B Rousset.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Characterization of the rat thyroid iodide transporter using anti-peptide antibodies. Relationship between its expression and activity.

Anti-peptide antibodies directed against the C-terminal portion (amino acids 603-618) of the rat thyroid iodide transporter (rTIT) have been produced to characterize the molecular forms of rTIT in the rat thyroid and in the functional rat thyroid cell line, FRTL-5. rTIT is located on the basolateral membrane of rat thyroid follicular cells and randomly distributed on the plasma membrane of FRTL-5 cells that do not exhibit cell polarity. The major rTIT component corresponds to an 80-90-kDa glycosylated protein. After treatment of cell membrane fractions with N-glycosidase F or incubation of FRTL-5 cells with tunicamycin, rTIT has an apparent molecular mass of about 55 kDa. FRTL-5 cells cultured in the presence of TSH exhibit a high rTIT content and a high iodide uptake activity (IUA). Upon either removal of TSH or addition of cycloheximide, IUA declines more rapidly than rTIT. The half-life of rTIT was about 4 days. Re-exposure of 7-day TSH-deprived FRTL-5 cells to TSH causes a rapid synthesis of the glycosylated rTIT but a delayed re-induction of IUA. Tunicamycin totally prevents the TSH-dependent re-expression and activity of rTIT. Our data bring basic information on the location, structure, and turnover of rTIT and suggest that its activity is subjected to diverse control mechanisms including regulatory proteins.

Amidohydrolases↗

The T3R alpha gene encoding a thyroid hormone receptor is essential for post-natal development and thyroid hormone production.

The diverse functions of thyroid hormones are thought to be mediated by two nuclear receptors, T3R alpha1 and T3R beta, encoded by the genes T3R alpha and T3R beta respectively. The T3R alpha gene also produces a non-ligand-binding protein T3R alpha2. The in vivo functions of these receptors are still unclear. We describe here the homozygous inactivation of the T3R alpha gene which abrogates the production of both T3R alpha1 and T3R alpha2 isoforms and that leads to death in mice within 5 weeks after birth. After 2 weeks of life, the homozygous mice become progressively hypothyroidic and exhibit a growth arrest. Small intestine and bones showed a strongly delayed maturation. In contrast to the negative regulatory function of the T3R beta gene on thyroid hormone production, our data show that the T3R alpha gene products are involved in up-regulation of thyroid hormone production at weaning time. Thus, thyroid hormone production might be balanced through a positive T3R alpha and a negative T3R beta pathway. The abnormal phenotypes observed on the homozygous mutant mice strongly suggest that the T3R alpha gene is essential for the transformation of a mother-dependent pup to an 'adult' mouse. These data define crucial in vivo functions for thyroid hormones through a T3R alpha pathway during post-natal development.

Acetylcholine↗

Calcium is transported into the lumen of pig thyroid follicles by fluid phase basolateral to apical transcytosis.

The lumen of thyroid follicles contains a high concentration of thyroglobulin, the thyroid prohormone and a high concentration of calcium (Ca2+). As thyroglobulin binds Ca2+, intraluminal Ca2+ is expected to be in free and protein-bound forms. In the present work, we have investigated the mechanism(s) by which Ca2+ could enter the lumen of thyroid follicles. 45Ca2+ uptake studies were carried out on reconstituted pig thyroid follicles (RTF) and pig thyroid cell monolayers (TCM) in primary culture, representing experimental systems with two compartments (cells + lumina) and one compartment, respectively. 45Ca2+ accumulation in RTF was rapid during the first hour of incubation and then slowly increased. Analysis of the uptake data with a "two compartments" model gave two kinetic constant values: k = 1.71 +/- 0.28 hr(-1) and k(-2) = 0.20 +/- 0.05 hr(-1) (n = 10). The slow uptake process accounted for 20-50% of the total RTF-associated Ca2+ after 24 hr. 45Ca2+ uptake by TCM was rapid and reached a stable level within 1-2 hr. Experimental data fitted with a "single compartment" model and gave a k(-1) value of 1.64 +/- 0.15 hr(-1) (n = 10) which was not statistically different from the k(-1) obtained for 45Ca2+ uptake by RTF. We then compared the kinetics of 45Ca2+ uptake by RTF with the kinetics of transport of fluid phase markers: [14C]-sucrose and Lucifer Yellow from the medium to the lumen of RTF. [14C]-sucrose and Lucifer Yellow uptakes by RTF appeared as slow processes compatible with the entry in a single compartment with k values of 0.32 +/- 0.06 hr(-1) (n = 3) and 0.23 +/- 0.015 hr(-1) (n = 3), respectively. These values were not significantly different from the k(-2) value obtained for 45Ca2+ uptake by RTF. These data suggest that thyroid follicles would possess two independent Ca2+ compartments: cells and lumen, and that the entry of Ca2+ into the lumen of follicles probably could take place by fluid phase basolateral to apical transcytosis.

Animals↗

Involvement of a membrane-bound form of glutamate dehydrogenase in the association of lysosomes to microtubules.

A 50-kDa membrane protein corresponding to a membrane-bound isoform of glutamate dehydrogenase was proposed as a molecular species that could mediate lysosome-microtubule interactions. This protein, isolated from purified lysosome membranes, is a peripheral membrane protein with an ATP-dependent microtubule binding activity. We have produced antibodies against the purified 50-kDa protein to investigate its role in the association of lysosomes to microtubules using a cell-free reconstitution assay and cell microinjection. Pretreatment of purified lysosomes with the antibodies inhibited the association of these vesicles to microtubules. The blocking effect of antibodies was demonstrated by a differential sedimentation method and negative staining electron microscopy, allowing us to quantify the amount of microtubules interacting with lysosomes and the proportion of lysosomes bound to microtubules, respectively. Affinity-purified antibodies microinjected into intact cells altered the distribution of lysosomes that appeared less clustered in the vicinity of nuclei. The antibody-induced lysosome dispersion was assessed by quantitative videomicroscope analyses. These data show that the 50-kDa membrane protein could act, through its microtubule binding activity, as a molecule of attachment of lysosomes to microtubules. This membrane-bound isoform of glutamate dehydrogenase could be involved in the microtubule-dependent perinuclear localization of lysosomes.

Animals↗

Analysis of the functional state of T3 nuclear receptors expressed in thyroid cells.

T3 nuclear receptors (TR) are present in thyroid cells. We have analyzed the ability of thyroid TR to function as transcriptional regulators. Studies were performed on pig thyrocytes in primary culture. Messenger RNA corresponding to TR alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta were detected in pig thyrocytes by RT-PCR and Northern blot; the alpha 2 mRNA was more abundant than the alpha 1 mRNA. Thyrocytes were transiently transfected with different plasmids containing the CAT (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase) gene placed under the control of different promoters (delta MTV, TK or delta SV40) and bearing a thyroid hormone response element, TREp or TRE DR + 4. It was found that TSH induced a concentration-dependent increase of the transfection efficiency, an effect reproduced by (Bu)2cAMP and Forskolin. Cells transfected with either delta MTV-, TK- or delta SV40-TREp-CAT expressed similar basal CAT activities. Addition of T3 produced a 3-fold increase of CAT activity expressed from each of these vectors. In contrast, CAT activity expressed from a vector containing the TRE DR + 4 was decreased by about 50% by T3. Thus, TREp and TRE DR + 4 gave distinct responses. These data demonstrate that TR physiologically expressed in thyroid cells can act as transcriptional regulators in a T3-dependent manner. This finding directly substantiates the concept of autocrine regulatory actions of thyroid hormones.

Animals↗

Cell adhesion receptors and gap junctions in normal and neoplastic transformed thyrocytes.

In the thyroid cell adhesion receptors and gap junctions establish a complex modular network defining the structural properties of cells, their interactions with neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix. Neoplastic alterations of this network can lead to an imbalance of cell to cell communication and allows transformed cells to escape from the tissue to generate metastases. The present manuscript summarizes general and thyroid-specific aspects of the molecular basis of cell-cell contacts, an expanding field of tumor biology.

Animals↗

Endocytosis of albumin and thyroglobulin at the basolateral membrane of thyrocytes organized in follicles.

Serum proteins such as albumin are present inside thyroid follicles in both normal and pathological situations. To analyze the mechanism of entry of these proteins, we investigated the ability of polarized thyrocytes to internalize soluble molecules at their basolateral pole. Experiments were conducted on in vitro reconstituted thyroid follicles using BSA and pig thyroglobulin (Tg) coupled to gold particles for electron microscopy, conjugated to fluorescein for conventional and confocal fluorescence microscopy, or radioiodinated for biochemical measurements. Incubations were carried out at 37 C. BSA and Tg coupled to gold particles were rapidly internalized from the culture medium and sequentially found in small vesicles and early endosomes and in late endosomes and lysosomes. Fluorescence microscope analyses revealed that the majority of cells forming reconstituted thyroid follicles are capable of internalizing BSA and Tg, but that Tg was more efficiently endocytosed than BSA. Using radioiodinated ligands, it was observed that the endocytosis of Tg was 10 times higher than that of BSA. The internalization of [125I]Tg was inhibited by increasing concentrations of unlabeled Tg. In contrast, endocytosis of 125I-labeled BSA was independent of the unlabeled BSA concentration. Experiments performed at 4 C indicated the presence of a basolateral membrane binding activity for [125I]Tg; the Tg concentration that reduced the binding of labeled Tg by 50% ranged from 4-6 microM. These data are evidence of a process of internalization of soluble molecules at the basolateral pole of thyrocytes, with BSA being internalized by fluid phase endocytosis and Tg by selective endocytosis. Our findings explain how serum albumin can enter thyroid follicles and disclose a new cellular handling and transport pathway of Tg. We propose that selective uptake of Tg operating on molecules secreted at the basolateral surface of thyrocytes could control the amount of Tg released in the circulation.

Animals↗

Cell-to-cell communication in the anterior pituitary: evidence for gap junction-mediated exchanges between endocrine cells and folliculostellate cells.

The ability of rat anterior pituitary cells to communicate through gap junctions (GJ) was studied using a fluorescent molecule, Lucifer Yellow (LY), which freely passes through GJ channels. The probe was introduced into the cell cytoplasm by using either the cut-end loading method on intact tissue, or cell microinjection on cultured cells. The identification of communicating cells was performed by immunofluorescence labeling of specific hormones in endocrine cells and of S100 protein in folliculostellate (FS) cells. Rat anterior pituitary cells in their physiological organization, i.e. in the intact tissue, exhibited a high level of coupling through GJ. LY-labeled cells were found up to 300-microns apart from its site of introduction. The communicating cells were primarily PRL cells, GH cells, and FS cells. Only a few LH, TSH, and ACTH cells were labeled with LY. Anterior pituitary cells, isolated from the rat tissue by mild protease treatment and cultured for 3 days, reestablished functional GJ as demonstrated by microinjection of LY into individual cells. By immunolabeling of specific hormones and/or S100 protein, we found a GJ coupling between FS cells, and between FS cells and endocrine cells, including PRL cells. The communication between FS cells was by far the most frequent. In conclusion, we demonstrate the presence of functional GJ between anterior pituitary cells of the same type and between anterior pituitary cells having distinct differentiated functions.

Animals↗

[Introduction to the structure and functions of junction communications or gap junctions].

Cell-to-cell communication through gap junctions (GJ) represents a direct route of exchange of informations between neighboring cells within tissues and organs. GJ are formed from the assembly of a large number of channels that differ from the other known channels because they connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. The GJ channel is built from two parts: the connexons. A connexon inserted into the plasma membrane of a cell interacts with another connexon belonging to an adjacent cell. Connexons are composed of proteins with four transmembrane domains that are named connexins (Cx). Six Cx form a connexon. Cx belong to a protein family with 13 known members at present. Each Cx is defined by its molecular mass in kDa (ex: Cx32, Cx43...). A given cell type expresses one or several Cx. The cell to cell transfer of molecules through GJ channels exhibit a size selectivity; only molecules with a molecular mass lower than 1000 Da such as ions and second messengers freely pass through GJ. Depending on the Cx they are made of, GJ seem to differ somewhat in their permeability properties. Cell-to-cell communication via GJ is a regulated process. GJ channels can be either open or closed. GJ mediated cell-to-cell communication or junctional coupling can be detected and quantified by visualization of the cell to cell transfer of a fluorescent probe (such as Lucifer Yellow...) previously introduced in a single cell by microinjection. The presence of GJ channels can also be identified by recording the passage of an electric current between contiguous cells. GJ are involved in numerous fundamental biological processes from the embryonic development to the homeostasis in adult tissues and organs. GJ coordinate cell activities and sometimes synchronize cell behaviour. This is the case for the propagation of the excitation wave in the cardiac muscle and smooth muscle. GJ mediate metabolic cooperation between cells; they represent a way of supply of nutrients for tissues that are weakly or not vascularized. GJ take part in the control of cell proliferation. The loss of GJ-mediated cell-to-cell communication is a common feature of transformed cells and the re-establishment of junctional coupling is associated with a decrease of tumoregenicity. Allowing the cell-to-cell transfer of second messengers, GJ participate (and sometimes control) the response of a cell population to signalling molecules. It is known for example that hormones influence the expression of Cx and thus the level of the junctional coupling and that communication via GJ has an effect on the type and extent of action of hormones.

Connexins↗

Gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication in bovine and human adrenal cells. A process whereby cells increase their responsiveness to physiological corticotropin concentrations.

We have studied the role of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication on the steroidogenic response of bovine (BAC) and human (HAC) adrenal fasciculo-reticularis cells in culture to corticotropin (ACTH). Indirect immunofluorescence analyses showed that intact human and bovine adreno-cortical tissue as well as HAC and BAC in culture expressed the gap junction protein connexin43 (also termed alpha 1 connexin). Both HAC and BAC were functionally coupled through gap junctions as demonstrated by microinjection of a low molecular mass fluorescent probe, Lucifer yellow. The cell-to-cell transfer of the probe was blocked by 18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), an inhibitor of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication. GA markedly decreased the steroidogenic response (cortisol production) of both HAC and BAC to low (10 pM) but not to high (5 nM) concentrations of ACTH. GA had no inhibitory effect on the steroidogenic response to 8 Br-cAMP (at either low or high concentrations) and did neither modify the binding of 125I-ACTH to its receptor nor the ACTH-induced cAMP production. BAC cultured at high or low cell densities (2.4 x 10(5) vs. 0.24 x 10(5) cells/cm2) exhibited distinct levels of intercellular communication and were differently responsive to sub-maximal ACTH concentrations. The ACTH ED50 values for cortisol production were 8.5 +/- 1.3 and 45 +/- 14 pM (P < 0.02) for BAC cultured at high and low density, respectively. In the presence of GA, there was a shift of the ACTH concentration-response curves in the two culture conditions. The ACTH ED50 of high density and low density cultured BAC increased 25- and 5-fold, respectively, and became similar (220 +/- 90 and 250 +/- 120 pM). These results demonstrate that gap junction-mediated communication between hormone-responsive and nonresponsive cells is one mechanism by which adrenal cells increase their responsiveness to low ACTH concentrations.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Multinucleated cells can continuously generate mononucleated cells in the absence of mitosis: a study of cells of the avian osteoclast lineage.

The multinucleated bone-resorbing osteoclast has a hematopoietic origin. We have demonstrated previously that osteoclasts are derived from the monocytic lineage by fusion of mononuclear macrophage precursors. Using an in vitro-osteoclast differentiation model derived from pure populations of chick macrophage cultures, osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) can be formed by fusion following an active proliferation phase. However, after reaching a peak with 70% of the culture being MNGCs, a new round of expansion of the mononuclear cells is observed. The following experiments suggest that these mononuclear cells were derived directly from the MNGCs by a budding process, selectively from the central zone of the apical surface. After microinjection of the membrane-impermeable probe, Lucifer Yellow, into single MNGCs, initially only diffuse fluorescence, limited to the whole MNGC injected, was observed. However, after 24-48 hours fluorescent mononuclear cells were observed adjacent but distinct from the injected MNGC. To confirm that these mononuclear cells were indeed derived from a parent MNGC, single MNGCs were cloned into single wells. Within a week, the MNGC was surrounded by mononuclear cells, which eventually populated the entire well. These mononuclear cells could then give rise to a second generation of MNGCs following a three-week period of culture. To determine whether this process required mitosis, MNGCs were cultured for three days in the presence of the mitotic inhibitor, Ara-C, prior to microinjection with Lucifer Yellow. Fluorescent mononuclear cells were still seen to arise from a single injected MNGC under these conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Gap junctions and cell polarity: connexin32 and connexin43 expressed in polarized thyroid epithelial cells assemble into separate gap junctions, which are located in distinct regions of the lateral plasma membrane domain.

Epithelial cells of the thyroid gland present an uncommon connexin expression pattern, they coexpress connexin32 and connexin43. In the present work, we have analyzed the membrane distribution of these two connexins to determine: (i) whether they co-assemble in the same gap junctions or form separate gap junctions; and (ii) whether their location is somehow related to the thyroid cell polarity. Immunofluorescence analyses of the localization of the two connexins in thyroid tissue sections revealed that connexin32 and connexin43 are located in different regions of the plasma membrane. We further analyzed the location of each of the two connexins with regard to that of the tight junction-associated protein, ZO1. Laser scanning confocal microscope observations of connexin32 or connexin43 and ZO1 double-immunolabelled thyroid cells, gave evidence for a separate localization of gap junctions made of each of these two connexins. Connexin32 gap junctions appeared as fluorescent spots scattered over the lateral membrane domain, while connexin43 gap junctions formed a meshed network superimposable with that of tight junctions in the subapical region of the cells. Western blot analyses of the distribution of connexins in thyroid plasma membrane subfractions obtained by ultracentrifugation on a sucrose gradient led to the identification of membrane sub-populations enriched in either connexin32 gap junctions or connexin43 gap junctions. Connexin32 gap junctions and connexin43 gap junctions were found to differ in their resistance to solubilization by N-lauroylsarcosine. Increasing concentrations of this detergent from 0.12% to 0.42% caused a progressive solubilization of connexin43 while connexin32 remained membrane-bound.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Nuclear proteins interacting with DNA and tubulin. Study of the interaction of the High Mobility Group protein 1 with tubulin.

Fractionation of a 0.2 M NaCl nuclear extract from rat liver cells by both tubulin and DNA affinity chromatography steps allowed us to find three polypeptides interacting in vitro with both DNA and tubulin. A 22 kDa polypeptide was identified as a proteolytic fragment of High Mobility Group proteins 1 or 2 (HMG 1 or 2). Purified rat liver HMG 1 immobilized on nitrocellulose was found to bind radioiodinated dimeric tubulin through its central B domain. The C domain of HMG 1 appeared to play a negative role in this association process. Soluble HMG 1 depleted of its C-terminal domain interacted with tubulin immobilized on an agarose gel and with microtubules formed from purified tubulin. In contrast, undigested HMG 1 did not interact with tubulin in these conditions. The modification of HMG 1 with amine by 1-ethyl-3-(dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide which caused the neutralization of the C domain carboxyl groups restored the ability of HMG 1 to interact with microtubules. These results show that: (a) HMG 1, through its central B domain, binds to both assembled and non-assembled tubulin in vitro and (b) the C-terminal domain of HMG 1 exerts a negative regulatory action on the interaction.

Animals↗

Inhibitory effects of the dopamine agonists quinagolide (CV 205-502) and bromocriptine on prolactin secretion and growth of SMtTW pituitary tumors in the rat.

The SMtTW tumor, a spontaneous PRL-secreting transplantable tumor, is the only available animal model sensitive to dopamine agonists. This model has been used to compare the long term in vivo effects of CV 205-502 (CV) and bromocriptine (BR) on PRL secretion and tumor growth. These two drugs were given for 2 months to female Wistar-Furth rats bearing either small or large tumors 4 and 6 months after the graft. Untreated grafted rats served as control. In all rats treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg.day BR or 0.3 mg/kg.day CV, a normalization of plasma PRL levels was observed whatever the pretreatment levels (plasma PRL or CV or BR-treated rats, < 15 ng/ml vs. 28253 ng/ml in control rats 8 months after graft). An inhibition of tumor growth was found for both small and large tumors, but the tumors never disappeared completely (mean tumor weights at autopsy, 440 and 660 mg in BR and CV groups vs. 5270 mg in control group 8 months after graft). Experiments performed with increasing doses of BR (0.15-5 mg/kg.day) or CV (0.03-0.6 mg/kg.day) indicated that CV is effective at doses 5-10 times lower than those of BR. A shrinkage under treatment and a regrowth after drug withdrawal were demonstrated for large tumors by in vivo ultrasonographic measurements of tumor size. Histological and ultrastructural effects were similar for the two drugs: decrease in hemorrhage, reduction of the cell size and secretory activity, increase in immunoreactive PRL cellular content, and inhibition of exocytosis. There was no difference in the PRL mRNA content of treated and untreated tumors, as assessed by in situ hybridization. In conclusion, CV and BR exhibit similar inhibitory effects on tumor growth and PRL secretion. These effects are rapidly and fully reversible after drug withdrawal. The present results give a complete account of the actions of the two dopamine agonists under conditions comparable to those used in the treatment of human prolactinomas.

Aminoquinolines↗

Differential control of connexin-32 and connexin-43 expression in thyroid epithelial cells: evidence for a direct relationship between connexin-32 expression and histiotypic morphogenesis.

Thyroid epithelial cells cultured either as a monolayer or in the form of follicles, rapidly reconstitute functional gap junctions (Gj). We previously reported that the thyroid Gj gating is regulated by TSH. We have now performed molecular analyses of Gj proteins 1) to detect the connexin(s) (Cx) that is expressed in thyroid epithelial cells, 2) to determine whether the expression of Cx is hormonally regulated, and 3) to analyze the relationship between Cx expression and histiotypic morphogenesis, i.e. folliculogenesis. Studies were carried out on thyrocytes freshly isolated from the gland and on corresponding thyrocytes after 1-7 days in culture as monolayers or in the form of reconstituted follicles. The Cx gene transcription products were analyzed by Northern blot using specific complementary DNA probes for Cx26, Cx32, and Cx43. Cx proteins were identified and estimated by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence using polyclonal antipeptide antibodies. Cx32 and Cx43 proteins and their corresponding messenger RNA (mRNA) were detected in thyrocytes freshly isolated from the gland. Thyrocytes contained a high amount of the 1.6-kilobase Cx32 mRNA and only traces of the 3-kilobase Cx43 transcript. No Cx26 transcripts could be detected. Thyrocytes cultured at a density of 0.2-0.5 x 10(6) cells/cm2 in the absence of TSH formed monolayers. Surprisingly, monolayer cells lost Cx32 protein within 24 h, and their Cx32 mRNA content decreased from high to barely detectable levels; Cx32 protein was no longer detected throughout the 1-week culture period. On the contrary, Cx43 mRNA and Cx43 protein rapidly increased in monolayer cells to reach very high levels within 2-4 days. Thyrocytes cultured at the same density, but in the presence of TSH also rapidly lost Cx32, but as soon as they reorganized into follicular structures, reexpressed Cx32 at a level (in terms of protein and mRNA) comparable to that found in cells freshly extracted from the gland. As observed for cell monolayers, reconstituted follicles overexpressed Cx43. The Cx43 protein and Cx43 mRNA contents of cultured thyrocytes were 20- to 50-fold higher than those found in isolated thyrocytes at the outset of culture. When thyrocytes were cultured with TSH, but at a low density (< 0.2 x 10(6) cells/cm2) to prevent follicle formation, a TSH-dependent increase in Cx43 was observed in monolayer cells. However, TSH did not cause any reexpression of Cx32.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

A membrane-bound form of glutamate dehydrogenase possesses an ATP-dependent high-affinity microtubule-binding activity.

We previously identified a 50 kDa membrane protein which bound to in vitro assembled microtubules [Mithieux and Rousset (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 4664-4668]. This protein exhibited the expected properties for mediating the ATP-dependent association of vesicles with microtubules [Mithieux, Audebet and Rousset (1988) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 969, 121-130]. The 50 kDa membrane protein (MP50), initially extracted in very low amount from isolated pig thyroid lysosomes/endosomes, has now been purified from membrane preparations of crude vesicle fractions from pig liver and brain. MP50 was isolated from detergent-solubilized membrane protein by affinity chromatography on immobilized ATP; 3-5 mg of MP50 was obtained from 100 g of liver tissue. Phase partitioning in Triton X-114 indicated that MP50 is a peripheral membrane protein. Radioiodinated liver MP50 bound to microtubules assembled in vitro. The binding was inhibited by ATP (Ki = 0.76 mM) and displaced by unlabelled liver or brain MP50. Equilibrium binding studies yielded KD values of 1.8 x 10(-7) M. By N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis, MP50 was identified as glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), by comparison of V8 protease peptide maps of MP50 with purified liver GDH. Liver MP50 exhibited a low GDH activity; 4-5 units/mg compared with 18 and 34 units/mg for purified bovine and rat liver GDH respectively. Bovine and rat liver GDH yielded six spots from pI 5.7 to 7.2 when analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis; in contrast, MP50 gave one main spot (corresponding to spot 2 of liver GDH) with a pI of approx. 6.5. Soluble liver GDH from commercial sources exhibited a very low or no microtubule-binding activity. In conclusion, we have found a membrane-bound form of GDH capable of specific and nucleotide-sensitive interaction with microtubules. Our data suggest that GDH isoproteins, the number of which has been undervalued up to now, could have cellular functions other than that of an enzyme.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Thyroglobulin molecules internalized by thyrocytes are sorted in early endosomes and partially recycled back to the follicular lumen.

Thyroglobulin (Tg) molecules stored in thyroid follicle lumens are heterogeneous in terms of iodine and hormone contents. It has been suggested that thyroid hormone is preferentially produced from the most highly iodinated Tg molecules and that thyrocytes are capable of selecting these molecules. The cellular localization as well as the molecular basis of such a selection process are not known. The present work was undertaken to determine whether there is selectivity at the step of endocytosis and, if not, to discover other possible mechanisms. Studies were conducted on reconstituted thyroid follicles (RTF) in culture. We compared the ability of thyrocytes to internalize Tg and an exogenous protein, BSA, which is neither iodinated nor glycosylated. To identify the protein, Tg and BSA were coupled to gold particles of different size and microinjected in a fixed ratio into the lumen of RTF. Neither of the two protein gold probes detected by transmission electron microscope bound at the cell surface, and both entered the cells at a similar rate and were concentrated in early endosomes. After 20 min, both Tg-G and BSA-G were segregated into distinct vacuolar structures. At 60 min, the intracellular content of BSA-G (mainly in prelysosomes and lysosomes) was 2- to 3-fold higher than that of Tg-G. At the same time, there was a marked reduction in the BSA-G/Tg-G ratio in the lumen. The differences between the Tg-G and BSA-G distribution patterns that were amplified in TSH-treated RTF are in keeping with a back-transfer of internalized Tg toward the lumen. The existence of a cell to lumen transport of previously endocytosed Tg was further documented using intralumenal [125I]Tg as a marker. RTF pulse labeled with tracer amounts of [125I]iodide were shortly incubated with TSH to induce [125I]Tg endocytosis, and the fate of internalized [125I] Tg was studied in a chase incubation period of up to 4 h. At 20 C, where the degradation of internalized Tg is blocked, we observed a time-dependent decrease in intracellular [125I]Tg and a corresponding increase in the lumenal [125I]Tg content. This cell to lumen [125I]Tg transfer was inhibited by primaquine. In conclusion, our data show that 1) the thyroid apical endocytic process does not exhibit selectivity for Tg; 2) the thyrocyte possesses a sorting machinery for endocytosed ligands; and 3) internalized Tg molecules can be recycled back to the follicular lumen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗