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Biomedical subjects

E Hazum

Publications and source records attributed to E Hazum.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Identification and characterization of melanotropin binding proteins from M2R melanoma cells by covalent photoaffinity labeling.

In this study, two melanotropin binding proteins from M2R melanoma cells have been identified based on the photochemical cross-linking of [125I]iodinated porcine beta-MSH ([ 125I]iodo-beta-MSH) to melanoma cell membranes, using N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-azidobenzoate. Autoradiography of photoaffinity-labeled M2R membrane protein, after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed the specific labeling of two separate bands with an apparent molecular mass of 43 and 46 kilodaltons, respectively. Photoaffinity labeling of both bands was of near-equal intensity and could be inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, by the addition of unlabeled beta-MSH before photolysis. In addition, agents known to inhibit the binding of beta-MSH to its cellular receptor, such as EGTA, GTP, guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate, and a synthetic analog of the calmodulin-binding domain of myosin light chain kinase-M5, were all found to specifically inhibit the labeling of these two protein bands by the azido derivative of [125I]iodo-beta-MSH. In contrast, addition of a nonrelated peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, had no effect upon the labeling of these melanotropin-binding proteins. On the basis of these results we suggest that the two proteins may function as the binding domain(s) of the cellular receptor for melanotropins, or may represent entire receptor moieties themselves.

Affinity Labels↗

Internalization and recycling of receptor-bound gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in pituitary gonadotropes.

The fate of cell surface gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors on pituitary cells was studied utilizing lysosomotropic agents and monensin. Labeling of pituitary cells with a photoreactive GnRH derivative, [azidobenzoyl-D-Lys6]GnRH, revealed a specific band of Mr = 60,000. When photoaffinity-labeled cells were exposed to trypsin immediately after completion of the binding, the radioactivity incorporated into the Mr = 60,000 band decreased, with a concomitant appearance of a proteolytic fragment (Mr = 45,000). This fragment reflects cell surface receptors. Following GnRH binding, the hormone-receptor complexes underwent internalization, partial degradation, and recycling. The process of hormone-receptor complex degradation was substantially prevented by lysosomotropic agents, such as chloroquine and methylamine, or the proton ionophore, monensin. Chloroquine and monensin, however, did not affect receptor recycling, since the tryptic fragment of Mr = 45,000 was evident after treatment with these agents. This suggests that recycling of GnRH receptors in gonadotropes occurs whether or not the internal environment is acidic. Based on these findings, we propose a model describing the intracellular pathway of GnRH receptors.

Affinity Labels↗

Effect of phorbol ester on stimulus-secretion coupling mechanisms in gonadotropin releasing hormone-stimulated pituitary gonadotrophs.

The feedback regulatory control mechanism exerted by activated Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein C kinase upon gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) binding, stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover and gonadotropin secretion was investigated in cultured pituitary cells. Addition of the tumor promoter phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), at concentrations which activate pituitary protein C kinase, to cultured pituitary cells resulted in up-regulation of GnRH receptors (155% at 4 h). The stimulatory effect of GnRH on [3H]inositol phosphates (Ins-P) production in myo-[2-3H]inositol prelabeled pituitary cells was not inhibited by prior treatment of the cells with TPA (10(-9)-10(-7) M). Higher concentrations of TPA (10(-6)-10(-5) M) inhibited the effect of GnRH on [3H]Ins-P production. Increasing concentrations of TPA or the permeable analog of diacylglycerol 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) release from cultured pituitary cells with ED50 values of 5 x 10(-9) M and 10 micrograms/ml, respectively. No consistent inhibition or additivity of LH release was observed when increasing doses of TPA or OAG were added with a submaximal dose of GnRH. These results suggest that protein C kinase might mediate the known homologous up-regulation of GnRH receptors during the reproductive cycle. Protein C kinase is positively involved in mediating the process of gonadotropin secretion. Unlike many other systems, activation of protein C kinase in pituitary gonadotrophs is not involved in negative feed-back regulation of stimulus-secretion-coupling mechanisms in GnRH-stimulated gonadotrophs.

Animals↗

Binding properties of solubilized gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor: role of carboxylic groups.

The interaction of 125I-buserelin, a superactive agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), with solubilized GnRH receptor was studied. The highest specific binding of 125I-buserelin to solubilized GnRH receptor is evident at 4 degrees C, and equilibrium is reached after 2 h of incubation. The soluble receptor retained 100% of the original binding activity when kept at 4 or 22 degrees C for 60 min. Mono- and divalent cations inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, the binding of 125I-buserelin to solubilized GnRH receptor. Monovalent cations require higher concentrations than divalent cations to inhibit the binding. Since the order of potency within the divalent cations was identical with that of their association constants to dicarboxylic compounds, it is suggested that there are at least two carboxylic groups of the receptor that participate in the binding of the hormone. The carboxyl groups of sialic acid residues are not absolutely required for GnRH binding since the binding of 125I-buserelin to solubilized GnRH receptor was only slightly affected by pretreatment with neuraminidase and wheat germ agglutinin. The finding that polylysines stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) release from pituitary cell cultures with the same efficacy as GnRH suggests that simple charge interactions can induce LH release. According to these results, we propose that the driving force for the formation of the hormone-receptor complex is an ionic interaction between the positively charged amino acid arginine in position 8 and the carboxyl groups in the binding site.

Animals↗

Production and characterization of antibodies to gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor.

Antibodies to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor of bovine pituitary membranes have been raised in rabbits by immunization with affinity-purified receptor preparations. These antibodies did not compete with 125I-labeled GnRH analog (Buserelin) for binding to the receptors but did precipitate rat and bovine solubilized receptors labeled with 125I-Buserelin. Binding of the antibodies to the receptors was also demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of 125I-labeled purified receptors and photoaffinity-labeled receptors. The antibodies did not have a GnRH-like activity but rather inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, GnRH-stimulated luteinizing hormone release from cultured rat pituitary cells. In addition, the antibodies did not inhibit luteinizing hormone release stimulated by high K+ concentration. This suggests that the antibodies recognize domains of the receptor other than the binding site of the hormone and thereby inhibit the biological response. These GnRH receptor antibodies provide a useful tool for studying GnRH receptor structure, function, localization, and biosynthesis.

Animals↗

Wheat germ agglutinin behaves as a GnRH antagonist but induces gonadotrope desensitization.

Preincubation of cultured rat pituitary cells with 10 micrograms/ml of either wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) or concanavalin A inhibited LH release stimulated with GnRH (0.5 nM) by 55% and 40%, respectively. WGA-inhibition of LH release stimulated by GnRH was dose-dependent, reaching a plateau of 75% inhibition at 50 micrograms/ml. Concomitantly, WGA induced a dose-dependent inhibition of 125I-Buserelin specific binding to pituitary cells, with a maximal inhibition of 45%. The inhibition of 125I-Buserelin binding by WGA is due to GnRH receptor internalization and not to persistent occupancy of the receptors. In addition to the effect of WGA on receptor internalization, WGA also induced partial desensitization of pituitary cells but was ineffective in modulating GnRH-induced desensitization. These findings indicate that WGA has all the characteristics of a GnRH antagonist, nevertheless, it does induce desensitization of cultured rat pituitary cells to further stimulation with GnRH.

Animals↗

Solubilization and purification of rat pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors were solubilized from rat pituitary membrane preparations in an active form by using the zwitterionic detergent CHAPS (3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid). The solubilized receptor exhibits high affinity, saturability, and specificity. The soluble supernatant retained 100% of the original binding activity when stored at 4 or -20 degrees C in the presence of 10% glycerol. The receptors were resolved into two components on the basis of chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin-agarose. Homogeneous receptor preparation was obtained by two cycles of affinity chromatography on immobilized avidin column coupled to [biotinyl-D-Lys6]GnRH. The overall recovery of the purified receptor was 4-10% of the initial activity in the CHAPS extract, and the calculated purification -fold was approximately 10,000 to 15,000. Analysis of iodinated purified GnRH receptors by autoradiography indicated the presence of two bands, Mr = 59,000 and 57,000. This was confirmed by photoaffinity labeling of the partially purified receptors and suggests that both components can specifically bind the hormone.

Animals↗

Copper induces luteinizing hormone release and desensitization of pituitary gonadotropes.

Copper stimulated LH release from cultured rat pituitary cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner. After 4 h of incubation with 10 mu M Cu2+, LH release was stimulated by 3-fold. The release of LH stimulated by Cu2+ was Ca2+ dependent, thus excluding the possibility that the releasing activity of this divalent cation was due to a toxic effect on pituitary cells. The stimulatory action of Cu2+ is substantially mediated via the GnRH-receptors since Cu2+ inhibited 125I-Buserelin binding and since GnRH-antagonist blocked most of the Cu2+-stimulated LH release (80%). Both GnRH (1 microM) and Cu2+ (10 microM) induced desensitization of pituitary cells to a subsequent stimulation of either GnRH (0.5 nM) or Cu2+ (10 microM). However, in contrast to GnRH, Cu2+ did not induce down regulation of GnRH receptors. These findings suggest that the Cu2+ effects are mainly mediated through the GnRH receptors.

Animals↗

Cytochemical evidence for different routes of gonadotropin-releasing hormone processing by large gonadotropes and granulosa cells.

The route and rate of internalization of GnRH were compared in studies of dispersed ovarian granulosa cells and large pituitary gonadotropes from fractions enriched by centrifugal elutriation. GnRH receptors were localized with the use of a biotinylated [D-Lys6]GnRH analog, followed by avidin gold or avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex stains. Both target cell types bound the [biotinyl-D-Lys6]GnRH (Bio-GnRH) in 1 min, and there were multiple patches of label on microvilli and coated or uncoated pits by 3 min. Quantification of the avidin-gold stains showed a significant increase in the number of labeled sites per cell profile at 3 min, followed by a decrease 15 min after exposure. No staining was seen in cells treated with medium only or with Bio-GnRH competing with a 100-fold excess of unlabeled [D-Lys6]GnRH. Internalization of the Bio-GnRH occurred during the first 3 min in both target cell types. However, the initial sites of processing appeared to be different. In granulosa cells, label was in vesicles and receptosomes (endosomes) and a few small multivesicular bodies. No stain was seen in the Golgi region for at least 15 min, at which time the stain was of low intensity. At later times (15-30 min), most of the label appeared in large multivesicular bodies. In contrast, gonadotropes exhibited labeling in Golgi complex cisternae, condensing vesicles, and immature granules as early as 3 min after exposure. Label was also seen on a subpopulation of granules in the cytoplasm and in a few multivesicular bodies. These comparative studies of two different target cells suggest that whereas the rates of internalization of GnRH are similar, the initial sites of processing may be different. Granulosa cells may degrade or separate the ligand from its receptor in multivesicular bodies. Large pituitary gonadotropes appear to use the Golgi complex route, and the processing may be associated with the formation of granules. The staining pattern correlates with early immunocytochemical studies that showed staining for GnRH on gonadotrope granules. We hypothesize that the granules may be sites for degradation of the ligand, separation of the ligand from its receptor, recycling of the receptor to the plasma membrane, or all three.

Animals↗

Gonadotropin releasing hormone activation is mediated by dimerization of occupied receptors.

A dinitrophenyl (DNP)-derivative of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist was prepared by chemical modification of the epsilon amino group in position 6 of [D-pGlu1,D-Phe2,D-Trp3,D-Lys6]GnRH with 1-fluoro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene. The DNP-antagonist D-pGlu-D-Phe-D-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Lys(N epsilon-DNP)-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2, retained high affinity binding to the GnRH receptor of pituitary membrane preparations and exhibited antagonistic activity when assayed in cultured pituitary cells. Both antibodies against DNP and their Fab fragments were able to bind the DNP-antagonist. However, only the addition of bivalent antibodies (and not the Fab fragments) converted the DNP-antagonist to an agonist. These results suggest that divalency is a critical factor in GnRH action.

2,4-Dinitrophenol↗

Mapping of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor binding site.

On the basis of the spatial conformation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), we have predicted that aromatic amino acids and at least one carboxyl group are involved in the recognition site of the receptor. Therefore, various specific reagents were examined for their ability to interfere with the binding of GnRH to its receptor. Pretreatment of pituitary membrane preparations with sodium periodate decreased the specific binding in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 0.5 mM) due to a decrease in receptor affinity. This indicated the presence of a sugar moiety in the binding site. Tryptophan is another constituent that participates in the GnRH binding site, as pretreatment of pituitary membranes with 2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide inhibited the binding (IC50 = 0.22 mM) by decreasing receptor affinity. In addition, the native hormone conferred on the binding site a protective effect against inactivation by 2-methoxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide. Pretreatment of membranes with p-diazobenzenesulfonic acid also inhibited the binding of 125I-Buserelin (IC50 = 0.1 mM), indicating the presence of tyrosine within or near the binding site. Pretreatment of pituitary membrane preparations with dithiothreitol also inhibited the binding due to a decrease in the binding affinity, which was accompanied by an increase in receptor number. These data suggest that there are disulfide bonds within or near the binding region. Treatment with 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide and glycine ethyl ester also prevented binding in a dose-dependent manner and implies that free carboxylic groups are involved in the binding site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Intracellular pathways of receptor-bound GnRH agonist in pituitary gonadotropes.

Localization of GnRH receptors in rat pituitary gonadotropes was studied by use of 125I-[azidobenzoyl-D-Lys6]GnRH which, upon photolysis, is covalently bound to the receptor molecule. Using high resolution autoradiography, it was found that, after a 90-min incubation of the analog with pituitary cells at 4 degrees C, 93% of the silver grains were associated with the plasma membrane of the gonadotropes. After 45-min incubation of the cells at 37 degrees C, clustering and internalization of the receptor-bound GnRH analog were evident. Silver grains were associated with coated pits, intracellular vesicles, Golgi complexes, lysosome-like structures and secretory granules. The data indicate that receptor-bound GnRH agonist is internalized, at least in part, via coated pits and is subsequently routed to lysosomes where degradation of the hormone-receptor complex may occur. The presence of a considerable amount of silver grains associated with secretory granules may suggest that some of the internalized receptor molecules can escape degradation and be recycled to the cell membrane.

Animals↗

Tunicamycin and neuraminidase effects on luteinizing hormone (LH)-releasing hormone binding and LH release from rat pituitary cells in culture.

We have studied the effects of tunicamycin (TM) and neuraminidase on the binding of 125I-labeled Buserelin, a GnRH agonist, and on GnRH-stimulated LH release in cultured rat pituitary cells. Treatment with TM, an antibiotic which inhibits protein glycosylation, abolished the development of elongated cell processes without any effect on cell viability. Concomitantly, TM caused a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of specific binding of Buserelin and of GnRH-stimulated LH release. The inhibition of binding was due to a decrease in the number of GnRH receptors without any significant effect on binding affinity. Protein synthesis was not affected under these experimental conditions, suggesting that the aglycosylated GnRH receptors are probably intracellularly accumulated and are not expressed on the cell surface. Treatment with neuraminidase inhibited only 50% of GnRH agonist binding and did not affect GnRH-stimulated LH release. These results indicate that the oligosaccharide portion is essential for the functional properties of the GnRH receptor.

Animals↗

Photoaffinity labeling of gonadotropin releasing hormone receptors in control and desensitized pituitary cells.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), preincubated with cultured rat pituitary cells, induced down regulation of GnRH receptors in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The specific binding was inhibited by 50% after 30 min and maximal inhibition (70%) was obtained after 75 min preincubation with 1 microM GnRH. Preincubation of the cells for 2 h with 10 nM GnRH inhibited the specific binding by 20%, reaching a plateau of 70% inhibition with 0.1 microM GnRH. Concomitantly, exposure of the cells to GnRH caused a time- and dose-dependent desensitization of LH release. The responsiveness of the desensitized cells was not parallel to the binding capacity and was inhibited to a greater extent (93%). Photoactivation of GnRH receptors with iodinated [azidobenzoyl-D-Lys6]GnRH in control and desensitized cells resulted in the identification of a single specific band with the same apparent molecular weight of 60K daltons. These results indicate that structural alterations of GnRH receptors are not associated with GnRH-induced desensitization. Therefore, desensitization may involve conformational changes in the receptor or more likely a post-receptor mechanism.

Affinity Labels↗

Photoaffinity labeling of human chorionic gonadotropin-binding sites in rat ovarian plasma membranes.

A photoaffinity derivative of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-4-azidobenzoate (hCG-HSAB) ) was used to identify components of the lutropin (LH)/hCG receptor in plasma membranes prepared from pregnant mare serum-pretreated rat ovaries. In intact plasma membranes, the Kd for hCG (1 X 10(-10) M) was the same with both 125I-hCG and 125I-hCG-HSAB, and the binding capacity for the photoaffinity label (1 pmol/mg of membrane protein) was the same as for native hCG. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions of 125I-hCG-HSAB cross-linked to plasma membranes revealed newly formed complexes of Mr = 106,000, 85,000, and 80,000 (representing membrane protein components of Mr = 86,000, 65,000, and 60,000, respectively). However, only the Mr = 106,000 complex displayed an affinity for hCG (Kd of 1 X 10(-10) M) consistent with the physiological LH/hCG receptor. The other binding sites were nonsaturable. Half-maximal saturation by 125I-hCG-HSAB of the Mr = 106,000 complex (1-2 X 10(-9) M) was similar to the Kd of the specific binding of 125I-hCG-HSAB to intact plasma membranes (8 X 10(-10) M). The present data suggest that among the different components of the LH/hCG receptor, only one component (of Mr = 86,000) possesses the affinity and binding capacity characteristics of the LH/hCG receptor as determined using radiolabeled, underivatized hCG.

Affinity Labels↗

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of tuftsin by macrophage cells.

A fluorescent analog of the phagocytosis stimulating peptide tuftsin was prepared by coupling tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate to a C-terminal elongated derivative of tuftsin. This analog, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Gly-Lys(N epsilon-tetramethyl rhodamine)-OH, was used to visualize tuftsin receptors on mice macrophage cells by fluorescent image intensification. Fluorescent labelling was carried out at 37 degrees C, using a concentration of 200 nM and 2 microM of the fluorescent tuftsin derivative. The formation of peptide-receptor clusters and their subsequent internalization, as discerned by image intensification, were rapid processes, 5 min and 5-30 min, respectively. Preincubation of macrophages with tuftsin for various time intervals, followed by quantification of the tuftsin receptor using radiolabelled tuftsin, suggest that tuftsin receptors are initially increased in amount (5-7 min) and subsequently reduced (after 10-15 min) as judged by sites available for tritiated tuftsin. The binding studies are rather complementary to the fluorescence observations and support the assumption that the tuftsin receptor on the membrane of the mice macrophage cell is rapidly mobilized.

Animals↗

Characterization of GnRH receptors in bovine pituitary membranes.

Bovine pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors were characterized and identified utilizing a superactive GnRH analog, Buserelin [( D-Ser(t-Bu)6, des-Gly10-ethylamide]-GnRH), and a photoreactive GnRH analog, [azidobenzoyl-D- Lys6 ]-GnRH. Both analogs bind with high affinity to a single class of receptors, with apparent IC50 values of 0.5 nM and 1 nM, respectively. The binding of 125I-labeled Buserelin to pituitary membranes was inhibited, in a dose-responsive manner, by both trypsin and chymotrypsin, with the former being less effective. Neuraminidase at a concentration up to 100 micrograms/ml did not affect the binding. Lectins, such as concanavalin A and wheat-germ agglutinin, at a concentration range of 20-200 micrograms/ml had no effect on the binding, whereas soybean agglutinin at high concentrations (150 and 200 micrograms/ml) slightly inhibited the specific binding. Photoaffinity labeling of the bovine pituitary GnRH receptors resulted in the identification of two specific bands with apparent molecular weights of 60 K and 30 K daltons. The latter probably represents very low affinity binding sites. Both specific bands were sensitive to trypsin and chymotrypsin treatment but were not affected by neuraminidase treatment. These results suggest a slight difference between rat and bovine pituitary GnRH receptors.

Animals↗