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Biomedical subjects

I F Charo

Publications and source records attributed to I F Charo.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Differential regulation of G-protein-mediated signaling by chemokine receptors.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a member of a family of chemotactic cytokines that induce directed migration of leukocytes via activation of seven-transmembrane domain receptors. To identify G-proteins that couple to the two forms of the MCP-1 receptor, as well as to related chemokine receptors, we have performed cotransfection experiments in mammalian cells. In COS-7 cells, the type A and type B MCP-1 receptors coupled to Galphai, Galphaq, and Galpha16, whereas the macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha/RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell-expressed and secreted) receptor (C-CR1) coupled to Galphai and Galphaq but failed to couple to Galpha16. In HEK-293 cells, however, the MCP-1 receptors and C-CR1 coupled to Galphaq but failed to couple to Galpha16. In contrast, the interleukin-8 and C5a receptors did not couple to Galphaq in either COS-7 or HEK-293 cells but did couple to Galpha16. Exchange of intracellular loops between the MCP-1 and interleukin-8 receptors to create chimeric receptors revealed that the third loop of the MCP-1 receptor accounted for virtually all of the coupling to Galphaq. We conclude that the MCP-1 and related chemokine receptors couple to multiple G-proteins, that coupling is cell type-specific, and that the third intracellular loop of the C-C type receptors mediates Galphaq coupling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The amino-terminal extracellular domain of the MCP-1 receptor, but not the RANTES/MIP-1alpha receptor, confers chemokine selectivity. Evidence for a two-step mechanism for MCP-1 receptor activation.

The chemoattractant cytokines, MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein) and MIP-1alpha (macrophage inflammatory protein), are recognized by highly homologous but distinct receptors. To identify receptor domains involved in determining ligand specificity, we created a series of chimeric MCP-1 and RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted)/MIP-1alpha receptors that progressively interchanged the amino terminus and each of the three extracellular loops. Radiolabeled MCP-1 bound with high affinity to the wild-type MCP-1 receptor, but not to the RANTES/MIP-1alpha receptor (C-C CKR-1). Chimeras that retained the amino-terminal extension of the MCP-1 receptor bound MCP-1 with high affinity. In contrast, chimeric MCP-1 receptors, in which the wild-type amino terminus was replaced with the corresponding portion of the RANTES/MIP-1alpha receptor, bound MCP-1 with low affinity. These data indicate that the amino terminus of the MCP-1 receptor is necessary for high affinity binding of the ligand. Very different results were obtained using the RANTES/MIP-1alpha receptor. Radiolabeled MIP-1alpha bound with high affinity to chimeras that expressed the extracellular loops of the RANTES/MIP-1alpha receptor. In contrast to the MCP-1 receptor, substitution of the wild-type amino-terminal extension had little or no effect on MIP-1alpha binding. For the MCP-1, but not the RANTES/MIP-1alpha receptor, the presence of the wild-type amino terminus also significantly lowered the ligand concentration required for maximal signaling. We conclude that the amino-terminal extension of the MCP-1 receptor, but not the RANTES/MIP-1alpha receptor, is critically involved in ligand binding and signal transduction. These data reveal significant functional differences between the two C-C chemokine receptors and suggest a two-step mechanism for activation of the MCP-1 receptor.

Cell Line↗

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a novel human CC chemokine receptor (CCR5) for RANTES, MIP-1beta, and MIP-1alpha.

Chemokines affect leukocyte chemotactic and activation activities through specific G protein-coupled receptors. In an effort to map the closely linked CC chemokine receptor genes, we identified a novel chemokine receptor encoded 18 kilobase pairs downstream of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) receptor (CCR2) gene on human chromosome 3p21. The deduced amino acid sequence of this novel receptor, designated CCR5, is most similar to CCR2B, sharing 71% identical residues. Transfected cells expressing the receptor bind RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed), MIP-1beta, and MIP-1alpha with high affinity and generate inositol phosphates in response to these chemokines. This same combination of chemokines has recently been shown to potently inhibit human immunodeficiency virus replication in human peripheral blood leukocytes (Cocchi, F., DeVico, A. L., Garzino-Demo, A., Arya, S. K., Gallo, R. C., and Lusso, P.(1995) Science 270, 1811-1815). CCR5 is expressed in lymphoid organs such as thymus and spleen, as well as in peripheral blood leukocytes, including macrophages and T cells, and is the first example of a human chemokine receptor that signals in response to MIP-1beta.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and functional expression of murine JE (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) and murine macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha receptors: evidence for two closely linked C-C chemokine receptors on chromosome 9.

We have isolated cDNA clones that encode two closely related, murine C-C chemokine receptors. Both receptors are members of the G-protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane domain family of receptors and are most closely related to the human monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 receptor. Expression of each of the receptors was detected in murine monocyte/macrophage cell lines, but not in nonhematopoietic lines. Expression of these receptors in Xenopus oocytes revealed that one receptor signaled in response to low nanomolar concentrations of murine JE, whereas the second receptor was activated by murine macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1alpha and the human chemokines MIP-1beta and RANTES. Binding studies revealed high affinity binding of radiolabeled mJE to the mJE receptor and murine MIP-1alpha to the second receptor. Chromosomal localization indicated that the two receptor genes were clustered within 80 kilobases of each other on mouse chromosome 9. Creation of receptor chimeras suggested that the amino terminus was critically involved in mediating signal transduction and ligand specificity of the mJE receptor, but not the mMIP-1alpha receptor. The identification and cloning of two functional murine chemokine receptors provides important new tools for investigating the roles of these potent cytokines in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-3, but not monocyte chemoattractant protein-2, is a functional ligand of the human monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 receptor.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-2 and -3 are recently identified members of the Cys-Cys chemokine family and are highly homologous to MCP-1. MCP-1, MCP-2, and MCP-3 are potent chemoattractants for monocytes, basophils, and T lymphocytes. In this study, we have examined potential interactions of MCP-2 and MCP-3 with the recently cloned MCP-1 receptor. MCP-3, but not MCP-2, induced a robust and dose-dependent mobilization of intracellular calcium in HEK-293 cells that had been stably transfected with the MCP-1 receptor. The kinetics of these calcium transients were similar to those elicited by MCP-1. MCP-1 and MCP-3 induced potent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (concentrations giving 50% inhibition = 48 pM and 67 pM, respectively). MCP-3 bound to HEK-293 cells stably expressing the MCP-1 receptor, but with approximately 35-fold lower affinity than MCP-1. MCP-1 desensitized transfected HEK-293 cells expressing the MCP-1 receptor to activation by MCP-3 in the calcium mobilization assay, but MCP-3 did not effectively desensitize these cells to MCP-1. We conclude that MCP-3, but not MCP-2, is a functional ligand for the MCP-1 receptor.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Signal transduction and ligand specificity of the human monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 receptor in transfected embryonic kidney cells.

We have examined the ligand specificity and signal transduction pathways of a recently cloned receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). In human 293 cells stably transfected with the MCP-1 receptor, MCP-1 bound specifically with high affinity (Kd = 260 pM) and induced a rapid mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores. The closely related chemokines MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, RANTES, interleukin 8 (IL-8), and Gro-alpha were inactive at concentrations as high as 300 nM. Activation of the MCP-1 receptor potently inhibited adenylyl cyclase with an IC50 = 90 pM. Activation of the MIP-1 alpha/RANTES receptor also mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity but with a different pharmacological profile: MIP-1 alpha (110 pM, IC50), RANTES (140 pM), MIP-1 beta (10 nM), and MCP-1 (820 nM). Mobilization of intracellular calcium and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase were blocked by pertussis toxin, suggesting that the MCP-1 receptor coupled to G alpha i. These results demonstrate that the MCP-1 receptor binds and signals in response to picomolar concentrations of MCP-1 in a highly specific manner. Signaling was manifested as mobilization of intracellular calcium and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and was mediated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein(s).

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Molecular cloning and functional expression of two monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 receptors reveals alternative splicing of the carboxyl-terminal tails.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) is a member of the chemokine family of cytokines that mediate leukocyte chemotaxis. The potent and specific activation of monocytes by MCP-1 may mediate the monocytic infiltration of tissues in atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. We have isolated cDNAs that encode two MCP-1-specific receptors with alternatively spliced carboxyl tails. Expression of the receptors in Xenopus oocytes conferred robust mobilization of intracellular calcium in response to nanomolar concentrations of MCP-1 but not to related chemokines. The MCP-1 receptors are most closely related to the receptor for the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha and RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted). The identification of the MCP-1 receptor and cloning of two distinct isoforms provide powerful tools for understanding the specificity and signaling mechanisms of this important chemokine.

Alternative Splicing↗

Characterization of the integrin specificities of disintegrins isolated from American pit viper venoms.

A new series of homologous disintegrins was isolated from the venoms of new world pit viper genus Bothrops, Crotalus, and Lachesis. The relative activities of each disintegrin in blocking adhesive protein binding activities of GPIIb-IIIa, alpha v beta 3, and alpha 5 beta 1 were determined and correlated with their primary amino acid sequences. Four disintegrins contained the RGDW sequence and were found to be approximately twice as effective in blocking the binding of fibrinogen to GPIIb-IIIa than inhibiting the binding of vitronectin to alpha v beta 3 in solid-phase ligand binding assays (IC50 = 7.3 and 17.2 nM, respectively). A second group of seven disintegrins contained the RGDNP sequence and were found to be more potent inhibitors of vitronectin binding to alpha v beta 3 than fibrinogen binding to GPIIb-IIIa (IC50 = 4.3 and 19 nM, respectively). The RGDNP containing disintegrins were also greater than 10-fold more potent than RGDW containing disintegrins in blocking the adhesion of cells mediated by alpha 5 beta 1. These data illustrate that amino acid sequences immediately adjacent to the RGD site of disintegrins can create an extended RGD locus which coupled with conformational display of the RGD sequence may be involved in determining integrin selectivity and affinity. This information has been used in separate studies to design conformationally constrained integrin antagonists with high affinity for platelet GPIIb-IIIa.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Design of potent and specific integrin antagonists. Peptide antagonists with high specificity for glycoprotein IIb-IIIa.

Members of the snake venon-derived, "disintegrin" peptide family containing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) amino acid sequence are among the most potent inhibitors of the binding of adhesive proteins to platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa. However, GPIIb-IIIa antagonists containing the RGD sequence are not integrin specific and inhibit the adhesive functions of many other RGD-dependent integrins. The single disintegrin peptide, barbourin, containing a conservative amino acid substitution of Lys (K) for Arg (R) in the RGD sequence, is however, highly specific for GPIIb-IIIa. Using this information we have tested the hypothesis that both structural and conformational elements of barbourin are important for its high affinity and selectivity for platelet GPIIb-IIIa by synthesizing a series of conformationally constrained, disulfide-bridged peptides containing the KGD amino acid sequence. Incorporation of the KGD sequence into a cyclic peptide template, followed by systematic optimization of the cyclic ring size, optimization of secondary hydrophobic binding site interactions, and the derivatization of the lysyl side chain functionality of the KGD sequence has resulted in peptide analogs which display inhibitory potency and GPIIb-IIIa selectivity comparable to that of barbourin. This study demonstrates that the specificity and potency of the disintegrin family of antagonists, in particular barbourin, can be mimicked by small, conformationally restrained peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

"Mirror image" antagonists of thrombin-induced platelet activation based on thrombin receptor structure.

Platelet activation by thrombin plays a critical role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Based on structure-activity studies of a cloned platelet thrombin receptor, we designed two "mirror image" antagonists of thrombin and thrombin receptor function. First, "uncleavable" peptides mimicking the receptor domain postulated to interact with thrombin were found to be potent thrombin inhibitors. Second, proteolytically inactive mutant thrombins designed to bind but not cleave the thrombin receptor were found to be specific antagonists of receptor activation by thrombin. The effectiveness of these designed antagonists in blocking thrombin-induced platelet activation suggests a model for thrombin-receptor interaction and possible strategies for the development of novel antithrombotic agents.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Thrombin receptor expression in normal and atherosclerotic human arteries.

Thrombin is a multifunctional serine protease generated at sites of vascular injury. A host of thrombin actions on vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages has been defined in cell culture systems, but the in vivo significance of these activities is unknown. We have defined the expression of the recently identified receptor for thrombin in human arteries by both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In normal-appearing arteries, thrombin receptor was expressed almost exclusively in the endothelial layer. By contrast, in human atheroma, the receptor was widely expressed, both in regions rich in macrophages and in regions rich in vascular smooth muscle cells and mesenchymal-appearing intimal cells of unknown origin. Thrombin receptor was expressed by human vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in culture and by macrophages obtained by bronchioalveolar lavage, thus demonstrating that all three cell types are indeed capable of expressing the thrombin receptor. These results establish thrombin receptor activation as a candidate for contributing to sclerotic and inflammatory processes in the human vasculature, such as those that occur in atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Arteries↗

Barbourin. A GPIIb-IIIa-specific integrin antagonist from the venom of Sistrurus m. barbouri.

Sixty-two snake venoms were screened to identify those which specifically inhibit the adhesive protein binding function of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa complex, the receptor-mediating platelet aggregation. Although 52 of these venoms inhibited GPIIb-IIIa, only one of these, from the southeastern pigmy rattlesnake, Sistrurus m. barbouri, was specific for GPIIb-IIIa versus other integrins. The peptide responsible for this activity, termed barbourin, was sequenced and found to be highly homologous to other peptides of the viper venom GPIIb-IIIa antagonist family but was the first member which did not contain the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) amino acid sequence, believed to be required for inhibition of receptor function. Instead, barbourin contains the sequence, Lys-Gly-Asp (KGD). The conservative Lys for Arg substitution appears to be the sole structural feature which imparts integrin specificity to barbourin, since venom peptide analogs with Lys substitutions were also specific for GPIIb-IIIa. Thus, barbourin represents a new structural model useful for designing potent and GPIIb-IIIa-specific compounds that may have therapeutic value as platelet aggregation inhibitors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Inhibition of fibrinogen binding to GP IIb-IIIa by a GP IIIa peptide.

The glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex (GP IIb-IIIa) mediates platelet aggregation and is a member of the cytoadhesin family of receptors that bind adhesive proteins such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factor. Despite the wide range of cell-substrate interactions mediated by these receptors, ligand binding domains have not yet been identified on any of the integrins. The present study was designed to determine potential fibrinogen binding domain(s) on the GP IIb-IIIa complex. Synthetic peptides derived from residues 1-288 of the amino-terminal portion of GP IIIa were tested for their abilities to block the binding of fibrinogen to purified GP IIb-IIIa in a solid-phase microtiter assay. Two overlapping peptides encompassing residues 204-229 of GP IIIa were identified which blocked fibrinogen binding in this assay. Polyclonal antibodies to these peptides blocked fibrinogen binding to purified GP IIb-IIIa as well as platelet aggregation. The overlapping residues of these two peptides GP IIIa (211-222), SVSRNRDAPEGG-NH2, blocked the binding of fibronectin, von Willebrand factor, and vitronectin to purified GP IIb-IIIa. Finally, direct binding of GP IIIa (204-229) to fibrinogen and fibronectin was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We conclude from these studies that the amino acid sequence 211-222 of GP IIIa is critically involved in adhesive protein binding, and may represent an important portion of the GP IIb-IIIa ligand binding domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The vitronectin receptor alpha v beta 3 binds fibronectin and acts in concert with alpha 5 beta 1 in promoting cellular attachment and spreading on fibronectin.

The vitronectin receptor (alpha v beta 3) is a member of the integrin superfamily of adhesive protein receptors that mediate a wide spectrum of adhesive cellular interactions, including attachment to vitronectin, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and thrombospondin. We have studied the binding of fibronectin to the purified vitronectin receptor, and the role of this receptor in the attachment of cells to fibronectin. A solid-phase microtiter assay was developed to investigate the binding properties of the vitronectin receptor. Purified alpha v beta 3 bound fibronectin with high affinity in a saturable, divalent cation-dependent manner. Binding was inhibited by soluble vitronectin, by RGD-containing peptides, and by LM609, a monoclonal antibody against the vitronectin receptor known to inhibit the binding of adhesive proteins to alpha v beta 3. Immunoinhibition experiments showed that M21 human melanoma cells, which express the fibronectin receptor, alpha 5 beta 1, as well as alpha v beta 3, used both of these integrins to attach and spread on fibronectin. In support of this finding, M21-L cells, a variant cell line that specifically lacks alpha v beta 3 but expresses alpha v beta 1, attached and spread poorly on fibronectin. In addition, alpha v beta 3 from surface-labeled M21 cells was retained, and selectively eluted by RGDS from a fibronectin affinity column. These results indicate that alpha v beta 3 acts in concert with alpha 5 beta 1 in promoting fibronectin recognition by these cells. We conclude that fibronectin binds to the alpha v beta 3 vitronectin receptor specifically and with high affinity, and that this interaction is biologically relevant in supporting cell adhesion to matrix proteins.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Synthesis and expression of the fibroblast fibronectin receptor in human monocytes.

Human monocytes adhere to fibronectin, but the receptor (or receptors) mediating this interaction has not been clearly identified. To examine the nature of this receptor, human monocytes were obtained by counter-current elutriation and were found to adhere to immobilized fibronectin but not to vitronectin or von Willebrand factor. Antibodies and peptides were used to determine whether monocyte adherence to immobilized fibronectin was mediated by a receptor similar to that which mediates the adherence of fibroblasts to fibronectin. Antibodies against both the alpha and beta subunits of the fibroblast fibronectin receptor (VLA-5) inhibited monocyte adherence to fibronectin. These antibodies immunoprecipitated two surface proteins from monocytes that migrated at 140 and 120 kD under nonreducing conditions. Surface proteins with identical apparent molecular weights were immunoprecipitated from surface-labeled MG-63 cells, a fibroblast-like cell line. A synthetic peptide containing the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) sequence also inhibited monocyte adherence to fibronectin. cDNA hybridization experiments revealed the presence of mRNA for both the alpha and beta subunits of the fibroblast fibronectin receptor in human monocytes. We conclude that circulating monocytes express a fibronectin receptor that is structurally and functionally very similar, if not identical, to the fibronectin receptor in adherent fibroblasts, and that this receptor mediates monocyte adherence to immobilized fibronectin.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa-like proteins mediate endothelial cell attachment to adhesive proteins and the extracellular matrix.

The adherence of human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells to adhesive matrix proteins was examined to determine if cell attachment and spreading were mediated by the glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa complex on endothelial cells. The HUVE cells adhered well to glass slides that had been coated with fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, or von Willebrand factor but failed to adhere to albumin-coated or to uncoated slides. The HUVE cell attachment and spreading on vitronectin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor were greatly inhibited by a GP IIb-IIIa monoclonal antibody (7E3). In contrast, HUVE cell attachment to fibronectin was not inhibited by 7E3 but was inhibited by a fibronectin-receptor antibody (alpha GP140), which had no effect on cell attachment to the other adhesive proteins. The 7E3 antibody, but not alpha GP140, disrupted HUVE cell monolayers by detaching cells from their naturally occurring extracellular matrix. These data indicate that platelet GP IIb-IIIa-like proteins mediate the adherence of HUVE cells to specific adhesive proteins and to the extracellular matrix.

Cell Adhesion↗